Operation story: GT-1

Before operation

Summary

Dewville, a remote mountainous village that had become turbulent due to legends of buried treasure, ushers in the arrival of a dashing member of the Victorian Mounted Police: Grani. After rescuing Carol, who was being tortured by bounty hunters, Grani makes a pledge to aid Dewville through their plight.

<Background black>

??? : ...

??? : (...It burns...)
(...It hurts...)

Bounty Hunter : So, the wench still won't speak up?

??? : (So thirsty... My throat feels like it's on fire...)
(...How long have I been here...?)

Bounty Hunter : Hah, what a trooper... She's been dangling here for more than a day, but still won't crack.

Violent Bounty Hunter : Oi, don't kill her off just yet. She still hasn't told us where the treasure is!

<Background 1>

Carol : ...I'm not... telling you anything...

Bounty Hunter : Have it your way then. Don't give her any water until she decides to cooperate!

<Background black>

Carol : (Am I... going to die?)

[A footstep is heard. ]

??? : ...
So, even in Kazimierz...
...the ruffians run amok everywhere.

[The bounty hunter noticed the footsteps and saw a female Kuranta carrying a pike. ]

Bounty Hunter : Hmm? Huh? Who the hell are you? You got a death wish?

Violent Bounty Hunter : Oi, kiddo, hurry and scram before...

[The female Kuranta attacks the bounty hunters. ]

Violent Bounty Hunter : Gaaah! That... that hurt...!
That outfit of his... He's not from these parts.

Bounty Hunter : Who the hell cares where he's from! The moron sure doesn't value his life if he wants to fight us all by himself!

??? : So, I'm guessing the diplomatic approach isn't going to work?

[The female Kuranta fights the bounty hunters... ]

Violent Bounty Hunter : Unngh!

[...and defeats them. ]

Bounty Hunter : Guhh...

<Background fades out and in>

??? : Good. They won't be bothering us for a while. Let's leave while we still can.

Carol : Who... are you...?

??? : Don't be afraid, nobody's going to hurt you anymore. I'll get you out of here.

Carol : ...
I'm sorry... My head is... still spinning...

??? : You look pretty pale. Don't worry, let me carry you then.
Hold on tight.

Carol : Mm...

<Background black>

「Clear \ Visibility: 14 km
Nearby Village 」

<Background 2>

Bounty Hunter : Have any of you seen a kid with a spear?

Villager : I was inside the whole time. I didn't see what was going on outside.

Bounty Hunter : You're gonna be real damn sorry if I find out you've been hiding them!

[The bounty hunters leave the villager alone. ]

Villager : ...

<Background black>

Villager : They've left, Miss Grani. It's safe for you two to come out now.

<Background 2>

[The female Kuranta, revealed to be Grani, and Carol comes out of hiding nearby. ]

Grani : Hup~!
Looks like I owe you another one, Mister!

Villager : Are you okay, Carol? I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Carol : Thank you, Luke. I'm doing much better now.

Grani : I wouldn't have been able to rescue you without everyone's help.

Villager : Don't worry, Carol!
We've been helping out this young knight here! She promised that she'd save our village!

Carol : Huh? She?

Grani : Ah, that's right. I'm a girl.

Carol : Huh?

Grani : Aww, come on! I might not look it, but I'm a proper maiden on the inside!

Carol : Ah, um, sorry...
...

Carol : It's hard to tell from your outfit, but...
Excuse me, are you... the knight from Kazimierz... who was recently anointed?
After you save our village... Will you make us pay tribute?

Grani : No, no. I'm not actually a knight, nor am I even from Kazimierz.
Even though Victoria does have knights, I was actually just a member of the Mounted Police!
Unlike the knights, our only job is to maintain public security. We don't ask for any payment in our line of duty, so of course we wouldn't tax you!

Carol : Victoria?

Grani : It's the land that lies beyond Kazimierz. My ancestors were actually all Kurantas who moved there from Kazimierz.
I came after receiving your village's request for aid. I also wanted to see what my parents' homeland was like, but... I didn't expect the situation to be so dire.

Carol : ... Sending those pleas for help... felt like leaving messages in the bottle.
We're used to most non-governmental organizations ignoring us because we're in such a remote location.

Grani : I wonder, why didn't the Kazimierz government send out any assistance?

Carol : Hmph... Why would those high-and-mighty knights even bother coming all the way out here?
Even without their help, we've lived here peacefully for many years. The hustle and bustle of the city simply has no appeal for us.

Carol : For generations, the people of Dewville have lived by these mountains.
We might not be wealthy, but we do have a self-sufficient way of life.
And though we've sometimes had to evacuate to escape from Catastrophes, this is still our home.

Carol : That's why... we can't give up this land...

<Background 2>

Grani : But now, the bounty hunters have brought destruction in their wake...

Carol : ... All because of those "Knights' Treasures".

Carol : Over the last few years, the villages around here have become the bounty hunters' stomping grounds.
I heard that a region in the northern part of Kazimierz has been in turmoil, and that has attracted hordes of bounty hunters looking to strike it rich. Apparently, the only way to get up north runs right by our village.

Carol : In the past, plenty of bounty hunters used to pass through, but they never caused any problems.
But about a month ago, some bounty hunters dug up a knight's sarcophagus from these mountains. They even found a small chest of gold coins...

<Background 2>

Grani : Gold coins with the Kazimierz crest on them, like these?

Grani : Those bounty hunters tried to pick a fight with me as soon as I arrived. I relieved them of these coins as compensation for their rudeness.

Carol : Mhm... these are the same coins. Our troubles began when a certain saying began to circulate among the bounty hunters.
"The ancient Knight of Kazimierz were all buried with their riches near the lands they once called home. Their souls protect these unmarked graves for all of eternity."

Carol : "Only those who fear not sacrifice and possess the true, dauntless bloodline of Kazimierz may open the path."
Rumors such as these keep spreading, and more and more bounty hunters have been drawn here.

Carol : At first, all they used to do was discuss where to look for the next big find. But for some reason, they soon started spreading the idea that the villagers knew where the treasures were buried...

Grani : —Shh! Everyone, quiet!

[More bounty hunters appear. ]

Bounty Hunter : What do you mean, you couldn't find them? Double back and search harder this time.

Grani : It's not safe to stay here. We can't let any more innocents get dragged into this.
Anyway, let's get out of here first.

Villager : Stay safe out there, Miss Knight... I mean, Officer! Please take care of our Chief!

Grani : Don't worry, Mister. I'll be sure to protect—
Huh? Chief?

Carol : ... I've only been on the job for about half a year, but that'd be me... I might not look it, but I'm a proper Chief on the inside~

After operation

Summary

Carol and Grani discusses information about the treasure in detail while hiding from their pursuers in the attic, but Carol didn't disclose the entire story. Suddenly, someone flies by the window?!

<Background black>

Grani : It's so dark in this corridor... And there's barely any space!

Carol : S-sorry... It's still just a tiny attic after all, but at least it's easy to hidden here!
The bounty hunters destroyed the mills, the warehouses, and even the electrical room. They probably won't bother looking in this tiny place.

The bounty hunters destroyed the mills, the warehouses, and even the electrical room. They probably won't bother looking in this tiny place.

Grani : Hope you're right... Ugh, looks like the two of us can just barely squeeze into this crevice? !
Carol, don't you think your face is a bit too close to mine?

Carol : Sorry... Um, Officer?

Grani : Don't worry about the "officer" stuff, just call me Grani.

<Background 3>

Carol : Um, Grani, you said earlier that you found our village's request for aid...

Grani : Yes, and in that request, you mentioned that you actually do have information regarding some treasure?

Carol : The location of the treasure as well as the key required to open it are secretly passed from chieftain to chieftain, from one generation to the next.
I can't tell you anything more specific though... Sorry, I'm not trying to hide anything from you.

Grani : Don't worry. We can talk about it after I've fully earned your trust.

Carol : Those bounty hunters have been threatening us ever since they found out about this.
They destroyed our farmland, stole our winter rations, and have been harassing the villagers... If I didn't offer myself up, the village would've been done for.
As long as they knew that I held the key to the treasure, they wouldn't hurt the villagers anymore.

Grani : But you had to suffer like that...

Carol : ...Mm, I'm aware that it was just a short-term solution.
I'm glad you made it.

Grani : Aw, Miss Carol...

Carol : We may have asked you to help us find the treasure in our message, but what we really wanted was to get rid of those pesky bounty hunters and restore peace to our village.
For us, mentioning that treasure was the only solution we had.
Gold coins or whatever... those will be spent one day. But this land is the only home we have, and we plan to stay here forever.

Grani : Using the treasure to hire someone else to throw out the bounty hunters is another option.
If there's enough funds in there, you could even hire a small army of mercenaries!

Carol : Mhm.

Grani : Now that we have a plan, we need to find some way of slipping past these hooligans and leaving the village.
You can see outside from this window– Ngh... it seems a bit high.
Miss Carol, can you try looking outside the window and seeing if the bounty hunters are still looking for us?

Carol : I... I can't reach it either. The window's too high up...

Grani : I'll hold you up then...

<Background fades out and in>

Grani : Hup! Can you see better now?

Carol : Okay, I can see—
Eek? !

Grani : Miss Carol! Stop wriggling around so much!

Carol : B-but... What was that...
Just now, someone flew right by the window...?

Operation story: GT-2

Before operation

Summary

A mysterious operator from Rhodes Island, in search of "her", crosses swords with the bounty hunters. Grani decides to leave the attic, but unexpectedly runs into some bounty hunters who are also in hiding.

<Background 1>

Bounty Hunter : Stop her!

Violent Bounty Hunter : Stop that monster? Look at how many people she's already taken out!

Bounty Hunter : Why not? You're always going on about how strong you are!

Violent Bounty Hunter : I-I can't do it! She's a walking Catastrophe, can't you see?

??? : ...
(Ægirian) All that standeth before me shall perish.
(Ægirian) All that beareth arms against me shall return to dust.
(Ægirian) All that craveth death, step forth.

<Background 1>

"Captain" : What the hell are you mumbling about?

[The Ægirian-speaking bounty huntress attacks the bounty hunters... ]

Bounty Hunter : Huh? Captain? Where'd the captain go?

Violent Bounty Hunter : The captain fell into the river...!

Bounty Hunter : She... she sent him flying with just a single blow...

??? : Ah, I forgot they can't understand me... Oh well.
Tell me, where is she?

Bounty Hunter : She? Who are you talking about? Don't ask me, I don't know anything!

[...and single-handedly defeats them all. ]

Bounty Hunter : Gyaaah!!!

Violent Bounty Hunter : You... you'll regret this!
Hey! Don't just start running! Pull the captain out of the river first!

<Background 2>

Grani : That person...

Carol : Do you know her?

Grani : She might be my coworker...
But, wasn't I the one who was appointed to this job? It took me forever to pry this job from Meteorite too...
Hrmmm... Maybe she's here on another mission?

Carol : Well, seems like the bounty hunters are retreating?

Grani : It's now or never. This is our chance to get out of the village.
If there are other operators coming to the village, we might even have the upper hand.
Carol, the staircase is really dark. You should hold on to me.

Carol : Um, will you stop to talk to her?

Grani : Hmm, if possible, then I might—

<Background 1>

??? : Yeeowwwwch–!

Grani : Wooooahh!

Bounty Hunter : My nose... my nose...! How'd this door spring open on its own...

Grani : Huh? Why is someone crouching here...

Carol : Grani! What's going on—

Violent Bounty Hunter : Everyone, shut up! Shhhh!

Grani : ...Shush?

Bounty Hunter : Yeah, you peasants couldn't possibly understand. Did you not see that walking Catastrophe?!
No bounty hunter would be stupid enough to face her head-on! The only people foolish enough to swagger up to her are those who haven't seen her level entire cities!

Grani : Wow, did she really! You mean she can do that all by herself—

Violent Bounty Hunter : Quiet, don't let her hear us!

Grani : You know, I was hoping she'd notice me—

Violent Bounty Hunter : I said be quiet!

Grani : Fine, fine...
Somehow these stories about her that are going around are even more outrageous than the ones we hear at Rhodes Island...

[The Ægirian-speaking bounty huntress, whom Grani knew of, walks away... ]

Bounty Hunter : D-did that monster leave?

[...and leaves the bounty hunters alone. ]

Violent Bounty Hunter : I.. I think so...!

Bounty Hunter : Phew, she's finally gone... Nearly gave me a heart attack...

Grani : Y-yeah.

Violent Bounty Hunter : I thought just our team would be enough to handle this job, but how'd we get ourselves into this mess... How do we even deal with something like that—
—Wait a sec!

Grani : Oops.

Violent Bounty Hunter : Ahh! You're that kid with the spear! Fancy running into you here!
And the Chief's with you too! You delivered her right to us!

Carol : Grani, don't tell me you...

Grani : No no, they just seemed to be so well-behaved, I let my guard down!

Bounty Hunter : Cut the chatter, and hand the chief over to us! Otherwise, you're gonna be talking to the business end of this blade real soon!

[Grani parries the bounty hunters' attack with her pike. ]

Grani : You mean with that little knife?

Bounty Hunter : ......Wh-when did that kid pull that spear out?!

Violent Bounty Hunter : Send the signal and call the others!
Also, go release the rest of those bugs that we used to destroy their crops. We'll show them what happens when they try to resist us!

After operation

Summary

Grani and Carol are attacked by Originium slugs, but then are suddenly rescued by a bounty hunter. Going by "Big Bob", the bounty hunter unexpectedly offers to cooperate with Grani.

<Background 1>

Grani : Damn, these bounty hunters sure are persistent!

Carol : Eek! Bugs!!
Gross!

Grani : Yuck, they're all sticky...

Bounty Hunter : Hurry up and surround them! Don't let them escape this time!
Don't worry if you can't beat that kid. Just keep him occupied until you can capture that village girl!

Grani : Carol! Stay close to me!

[A stray crossbow bolt narrowly misses Carol. ]

Carol : Ahh...!

<Background black>

??? (Big Bob) : Cover your ears, you two!

<Background 1>

Bounty Hunter : Huh? Who are you? Where'd you come from, fatty?

[The hulking, armored man threw a flashbang at the bounty hunters, stunning them. ]

Bounty Hunter : Gyaaaaahhh–!

??? (Big Bob) : Hmph. Fatty? I'm just big-boned.

<Background fades out and in>

Grani : That sounded like... explosives?!

??? (Big Bob) : Just a flashbang. Loud, but not going to kill anyone! Pretty good for scaring away bugs and other critters though!
Let's get out of here while they're still reeling! We need to find some place safe first!

Grani : Carol! Don't lead us into some tiny attic this time!

Carol : Um, over here then!

<Background black>

「Clear \ Visibility: 14 km
Forest outside the village 」

<Background 3>

Carol : These woods are quite remote. Very few people should know their way around here except me and my childhood friends...

Grani : Hold on, Carol, don't let your guard down yet.

??? (Big Bob) : Tch.

[The hulking, armored man puts his weapons on the ground. ]

??? (Big Bob) : My saw, ammo, and explosives...
I've put all my weapons down. Now, can we talk about that treasure?
I'm also a bounty hunter, but I'm not greedy like those guys back there. Those idiots were basically errand boys anyway; they wouldn't have been able to find the treasure regardless.
Instead of taking the risk of trying to force the information out of this young chief here, it'd be much more efficient to just work with you.

Grani : Thanks for helping us out back there, but we can't discuss the treasure just yet.

??? (Big Bob) : You're not a bounty hunter, are you? I can tell from a glance.
I, on the other hand, know all the tricks of the trade.

Grani : So, I assume you know about the situation with the bounty hunters in Dewville?

??? (Big Bob) : Of course. The Torrent Troupe, the Florence Fiends, the Lublin League, the Valk Vanguards...
All the bounty hunters have been scouring this area for the last few days. To be honest, it's only a matter of time until someone finds the treasure.
But no matter who finds it, all the different factions are gonna end up spilling blood fighting over it.
At that point, not only will Dewville get nothing in return, but it might even get wiped off the face of the map. I'm sure you two understand that.

Grani : ...
So, what can you offer us?

??? (Big Bob) : I'm experienced in wilderness survival, hunting, cracking codes, dismantling traps, and more. Of course, I can hold my own in a fight.
You two are probably lacking in all of these things.

Grani : For starters, how should we address you?

Big Bob : Call me Big Bob.

Grani : Uh, give me a second here. I need to talk to the Chief first.

<Background fades out and in>

Grani : Big Bob won't be able to hear us from over here.

Carol : I... can't trust a bounty hunter...
He could be baiting us into a trap, or working with other bounty hunters. We can't let any of these things happen...

Grani : Carol, have you seen this Big Bob before?

Carol : No... I clearly remember the faces of every single bounty hunter who set foot in our village, especially those that caused us harm.

Grani : It'll definitely be risky to work with him.
However, things are only going to more complicated over time.
We might have to work with him if we want to find this treasure as soon as possible.

Carol : What about that coworker of yours, Grani? Could she help?

Grani : Can't say for sure. She's not that easy to get along with. Besides, she's a bounty hunter herself.
If possible, I'd like to have the situation under control before I say anything to her.

Carol : Let me think about it.
I can't just straight up tell him where the treasure is. Maybe I can just give him some hints, like dangling a carrot in front of him.
Do you think that would work?

Grani : Hmm, that's probably the best option.
I'll keep an eye on him. If I sense anything wrong, I'll get you out of the forest right away.
Carol, I'm going to keep you safe.

<Background fades out and in>

Big Bob : So? At least tell me what the plan is.

Grani : We need a route that takes us to Mt. Terrat in the shortest time possible.

Big Bob : If you want to reach Mt. Terrat, we're going to have the cross the northern part of the forest.
Unfortunately, that part of the forest is hotly contest territory for the bounty hunters.
I bet there plenty of them out there already waiting to ambush us. However, I'll take you along a safe path.

Grani : Big Bob, we have to lay down some conditions before we agree to work with you.

Big Bob : Of course. Isn't that what we were going to talk about next anyway?
Just tell me how we're going to split the treasure.

<Background 1>

"Captain" : I'm not thirsty! I don't need your water!

Bounty Hunter : Fine, fine. Anyway, Captain, are we still gonna keep looking for those two kids?

"Captain" : What kind of question is that? Did you forget why we're even out here in the first place?
We're a long way from the nearest city, and we barely have any signal here. Even though we probably can't count on backup, the other guys are in the same situation. This is the best chance we're gonna get!

Bounty Hunter : But that monster headed in the same direction too. We...

"Captain" : What are you scared of? She might know how to fight, but don't forget that we know the terrain better than she does. Just wait 'til she discovers all the traps we laid for her!
Treasures exist for us to take! Monsters exist for us to hunt!
I will have it all!

Operation story: GT-3

Before operation

Summary

With Big Bob's assistance, the group is able to move forward smoothly. An encounter with the mysterious operator, Skadi, devolves into an all-out brawl when she unexpectedly draws her blade against her fellow operator.

<Background black>

Bounty Hunter : Ngh...
You... you took out all my buddies?
...S-stay away from me! I'm begging you!
I, I'll give you all my coins! My weapons! Anything you want...

??? : Where's the girl?

Bounty Hunter : What are you talking about...?
Don't come any closer...!
You monster—!

[... ]

「Clear \ Visibility: 14 km
Forest at the foot of Mt. Terrat 」

<Background 1>

Big Bob : This rock...
Stay close to me, you two. Watch your step, and stay inside my footprints. Don't go around touching things either.
I'm afraid this forest is even more dangerous than we suspected.

Grani : Is something carved on that rock?

Big Bob : These are marks left behind by bounty hunters. We need to take heed of these, or we may well end up stepping in a trap.

Grani : So, how are we going to avoid the traps?

Big Bob : Just watch me.
An animal trap on a rope... how old-fashioned.

<Background fade in and out>

Big Bob : Here's a rolling log trap, hidden by the foliage. Would've tripped it if we rushed forward.
Miss Carol, watch your step.

Carol : Uh, huh?

Big Bob : If you take another step in that direction, there's probably a spiked pitfall waiting for you.

Carol : Oh...!

Grani : You sure are the real deal. You're pretty good at this.

Big Bob : Of course. After all, I used to...
...
It's not realistic to go around all the traps. Looks like we'll have to disarm some of them after all.
The most perilous path for them will soon become the safest path for us.
Let's go.

<Background fade in and out>

Big Bob : Wait.
Something's not right here.

Grani : Is it a trap?

Big Bob : No...
A symbol drawn with blood...
"...Monster?"
What's the meaning of this? In all my years, I've never seen a symbol like this.

Grani : ...Oh...
Is this what I think it is...

Bounty Hunter : Monster... Monster!
D-don't come this way!

[The Ægirian-speaking bounty huntress from before appears. ]

??? : ...

Grani : ...

??? : ...

Grani : It was you!
Skadi, you're Skadi, right?

Skadi : ...So, the chief of Dewville was with you?

Grani : Huh? You know Carol...?

Skadi : Hand her over to me. Now.

Big Bob : Grani, something's not right about her eyes.

Grani : I can't just do that. Let's talk this over peacefully—
H-huh?

[The Ægirian-speaking bounty huntress, now known as Skadi, attacks Grani. ]

Grani : Oww!

Skadi : That was just a warning.

Grani : No! Miss Carol, Big Bob...

Big Bob : Wh-why would she attack you?
You know each other right, so why—

Grani : No time to explain! Run for it!

<Background fade in and out>

[Grani, Carol, and Big Bob runs away from Skadi... ]

Grani : *gasp* *gasp*... Is she still after us?

Carol : G-Grani... I, I can't run for any longer...

Big Bob : That woman... is she really a monster? She's not even short of breath!

[...but she managed to catch up with the trio... ]

Skadi : Why must I waste my time on you?

[...and attacks them. ]

Grani : She's really gonna kill me! Whoa, what is she doing to Miss Carol?

Carol : Her eyes, they're so red... G-Grani!

Grani : No, no, no! This can't be happening!
Stop!

Big Bob : Ambush!

"Captain" : Now! Fiiire!

[The ambushing bounty hunters fire several crossbow shots at the trio... ]

Skadi : Hmm?

"Captain" : That's her right there, the walking Catastrophe! Hurry, shoot her down!

[...including Skadi, but Grani stands to protect her. ]

Grani : Stop it!

"Captain" : What do you think you're doing, kid?

Grani : I don't know why she's after us, but she's still my coworker!

[Skadi retaliates against the bounty hunters. ]

"Captain" : G-get out of my way, you rascal—!

Skadi : ...

Grani : Hurry up and run!

Big Bob : —There's an opening to the east! Hurry!

Bounty Hunter : No way we're letting you escape! Die, monster!!

Skadi : (Ægirian) Scatter and fall!

After operation

Summary

In the battle that ensues, Big Bob is injured, the Originium crystals on his leg revealing the fact that he is an Infected. Grani shows no concern towards this and bandages his wound.

<Background 1>

[Grani and Big Bob managed to defeat most of the bounty hunters pursuing them and Carol. ]

Grani : We're in the clear!
You okay, Big Bob—
Huh? That wound on your leg...

Bounty Hunter : There are some stragglers over there! They're probably from the Valk Vanguards!

Big Bob : I can handle this on my own! Go after the ones who are fleeing!

Grani : Sure.

Bounty Hunter : Hmm?
This kid...
Hey, hey, why are you giving me that look?
G-get away from me or I'll put a hole through you!
Huh?

[Grani dealt with the rest of the bounty hunters by herself. ]

Big Bob : You took care of them all?

Grani : That's right.

Big Bob : Impressive. This kid's got talent.

Grani : Stay there and don't move. I'll patch you up.

Big Bob : It's fine, I can take care of myself.

Grani : No means no.

Big Bob : You saw it, right?

Grani : Mhm.

Big Bob : You saw the crystalization on my body, right? Are you trying to get yourself infected?!

Grani : Our mission at Rhodes Island is to help all the Infected.

Big Bob : Rhodes Island...

Carol : Rhodes Island? Aren't you from Victoria...?

Grani : Former Victoria Mounted Police. Now, I'm a Rhodes Island operator!

Big Bob : Stay back, lass. I'm an Infected.

Carol : I...

Grani : Miss Carol, this might get a bit messy. You should step back a bit.

<Background fades out and in>

Grani : All right, I stopped the bleeding.

Big Bob : You do this a lot, huh? For the Infected?
You're not afraid of me...

Grani : A lot of my coworkers are already Infected, but I can't tell who is and who isn't.

Big Bob : Huh?

Grani : Well, it's sometimes hard to tell until it's time to hit the showers, right?

Big Bob : ...Hmph.
Thanks, shorty. You're naive, but you're a good person.

[... ]

Big Bob : ...

Operation story: GT-4

Before operation

Summary

After reaching safety, Big Bob and Grani get into a debate over the issue of Skadi and Rhodes Island. Before they can reach a resoulution[sic], they are interrupted by the sudden appearance of Reunion.

<Background 1>

「Clear \ Visibility: 14 km
Mt. Terrat tunnel 」

Big Bob : We'll be safe after we enter this tunnel. At the other end of this tunnel is Mt. Mortica, which won't have very many bounty hunters.
As for that Skadi... I used to scoff at those rumors that described her as a living avalanche. Turns out, I learned the truth today.
I was expecting her to be a bit stronger than your average shmuck, but those rumors turned out to not be exaggerated after all.
No wonder why the guys at the bar always looked at me like I'm crazy when I laughed at them for being terrified of her.
Now it's my turn to be terrified, hah.

Grani : It's true! I heard those same rumors going around in Rhodes Island too.
I've also never been sent on a mission with her before. I knew that she was really powerful, but I never expected this to happen...
I didn't even know that she was a bounty hunter before.

Big Bob : She's one of the most infamous bounty hunters out there.
Now that she's also after the treasure, we're going to have our work cut out for us.
I have no idea if the two of us will be able to beat her to it.

Carol : If that's the case, does that mean my village...

Big Bob : Don't worry. I think she'll drive the rest of the bounty hunters away.
Though... she might destroy a few villages in the process.

Carol : Ugh...

Grani : I don't think she's here for the treasure. I can't let something like that happen.

Big Bob : So, your Rhodes Island or whatever, will hire just about anyone?

Grani : No Rhodes Island operator would ever harm others recklessly for their own selfish gain.

Big Bob : Hmph. Well, you seem nice enough, and even did me a favor. However, the fact that your Rhodes Island is enabling Skadi, an entity who knows only destruction, makes me question whether your organization truly seeks to help the Infected.
Furthermore, as someone stricken with Oripathy, I've never seen Rhodes Island do anything to help those like me. We're still abused wherever we go.

Grani : Big Bob...

Big Bob : What, got nothing to say to that? Honestly, I have no idea why you have so much faith in an organization like that.
As far as I can tell, their claim of wanting to help the Infected is just lip service. In the end, all they see is money.
Hmph, what's the deal with Rhodes Island anyway? In this world, there's nothing that speaks louder than the coins in my hand!

Grani : Sorry...

Big Bob : What are you apologizing for? You're still a kid, and you still can't tell between ideals and reality, nor do you know your worth. But all of this is perfectly normal.

Grani : No, that's not what I meant. I know that I'm still lacking.
It's just that... whether as a police officer, or as an operator, I've met a lot of Infected.
...I wasn't able to save them all, because I was lacking.
Rhodes Island is the same.

Big Bob : In other words, they're useless? Hah!
That's right. When the Infected were slaving away underground, locked away in remote places, or being killed for no reason, where was Rhodes Island?

Grani : Even when we try our hardest, we sometimes still come up short. That's true for both me and for Rhodes Island.
Despite that, I'll never give up on any innocent Infected who I see.
Rhodes Island is the same.

Big Bob : Tch.

Grani : Sorry, Big Bob...

Big Bob : ...I told you, you're just a kid. What good does it do to hammer you with my grievances?
But that Skadi, your coworker, would not hesitate to point her weapon at you, or abduct Carol to seize the treasure.
Can you say with confidence that someone like that would share your ideals and work with you to help the Infected?
I don't know what Skadi plans on doing, so I can't answer that.

Grani : However, I trust that if Rhodes Island took her in, then she must have her reasons.

Big Bob : You can forget my rambling then. I overstepped my bounds.

Grani : It's okay.
Anyway, our priority right now is to help Miss Carol find the treasure.

Big Bob : I'm just dead weight now, with this injured leg. Heh, I never thought I'd be the one burdening two little girls.

Grani : Big Bob, we'll only consider you a burden on one condition...
...and that's if you don't plan on sharing the treasure with us.

Big Bob : Oh? Hahaha!

Carol : Mister Bob, I wasn't disgusted by your condition. It's just that... I was a bit scared.
I'm from the sticks, and I haven't seen many Infected people. But even I can tell... that you've endured a lot of hardship.
I apologize if I was rude to you before.

Big Bob : Don't worry about it. Heh, as long as we find the treasure and you get me my share, I'll be a happy camper.

Carol : Mhm... The treasure is important to our village, but we only need enough to resolve our problems. Mister Bob, you'll be able to get your fair share.
That's why Grani and I need help, and will aid you as well.
Right, Grani?

Grani : Of course. In any case, we need to get moving soon.

Big Bob : Our next destination should be Mt. Mortica. That mountain was named after some knight who died long ago.
If my intuition is correct, then that should be where the treasure is located, right?

Carol : However, there are a lot of caves up ahead. It'd take an average person weeks to search them all.

Big Bob : Of course. That's why we can't do this without you. There's no way we're going to hand you to that red-eyed woman.

Carol : Please lead the way then.

Big Bob : Sounds like a plan.
Wait a moment.
There's some movement near the tunnel's exit...

<Background fades out and in>

??? : Aaaagh—

"Captain" : Someone... help... save me...
It's... the Infected...

[Two Reunion fighters are seen dealing with the bounty hunters' captain. ]

Reunion Member A : ...What'd you do to him?

Reunion Member B : I didn't even do anything. He just tripped over himself...
Huh.

Reunion Member A : ...

<Background fades out and in>

Grani : They're... from Reunion?

Big Bob : You guys...

Grani : Big Bob, what are you doing?
These guys aren't your ordinary...

Big Bob : Say no more. We're going to have to fight!

Reunion Member : ...
Quick, capture them before they get away!

After operation

Summary

Facing Reunion's onslaught, Big Bob volunteers to hold the line to give Grani and Carol a glimmer of hope. With the treasure right ahead, the battles are only going to grow more intense.

<Background 1>

Big Bob : Ngh...

Reunion Member : This one's limping! Take him out first!

[The Reunion fighters attack Big Bob... ]

Big Bob : Grani! At this rate, we're all gonna be dead meat!

[...but Grani fends them off. ]

Grani : Even if that's the case...!

Big Bob : Quick! Take Carol and go!
I'll only end up slowing you down with this bad leg!
I'll find a way to meet up with you later! Hurry!

[The Reunion fighters attack. ]

Grani : ...
It's a promise then! Make sure to come get your share of the treasure!

Big Bob : ...Heh.
Just go!

[Grani and Carol runs away... ]

Reunion Member : They ran away!

[...as Big Bob revs his chainsaw to hold off the Reunion fighters. ]

Big Bob : All right, who wants to play?

<Background 2>

Grani : ...The sounds of fighting are quieting down.
But we can't afford to rest yet, Carol. Sorry...

Carol : I'm fine... But, Mister Bob... what about him...?!

Grani : He might need some time.

Carol : Need some time...? Are you saying...
Oww!

Grani : Carol! Are you okay?

Carol : Sorry, I just tripped over this root...

Grani : Here, take my hand.

Carol : ...Thank you.

Grani : Can you walk?

Carol : ...I'm fine, it's just a bruise. As you said, it's best that we keep moving...
Once we cross this forest, we'll reach the foot of Mt. Mortica. We need to find the second cave halfway up the mountain.

Grani : We can only get in through the cave entrance?

Carol : Yeah. Once inside, we'll still have to follow some paths in the darkness, but I know the way. The treasure is hidden in the deepest part of the cave.

Grani : Mhm. Well, in that case...

[An explosion is heard. ]

Carol : Woah?! Was that an explosion going off in the distance...? Th-that can't be good...

Grani : Listen closely, there's the sound of screaming as well.
Someone's fighting. It's not over yet.
...Carol, are you scared?

Carol : I'm...
...Yes, I am.
But in order to protect my village and return peace to these lands... I have to do this.

Grani : I see...
You're really brave.

Carol : Huh?

Grani : Don't worry about it. Anyway, let's keep moving.

Operation story: GT-5

Before operation

Summary

In order to allow Carol to reach the treasure safely, Grani stays behind to secure the cave's entrance, one enemy at a time. Meanwhile, a three-way brawl between Reunion, the bounty hunters, and Skadi breaks loose.

<Background 1>

Grani : So, this really is the only entrance to the cave, huh?

Carol : Mhm. It's like a maze inside the cave, but the village elders have brought me here several times before, including when I succeeded the previous chief...
...Um, I might just be imagining things, but don't you think the shouts from inside the forest are getting louder...?

Grani : Things are only going to get worse if we run into any more delays.
Carol, you know your way around inside the cave, right? I'd like you to go inside and retrieve the treasure right now.

Carol : Huh? What about you...

Grani : I'll stay at the entrance.

Carol : No way!

Grani : Huh? Carol...

Carol : You're going to face the bounty hunters alone? That's too dangerous! You'll be...

Grani : If I can't help you secure that treasure, I'd be letting down the entire village, and you as well.

Carol : ...But, I don't want to lose you.
This... isn't the time or place for you to be playing hero...!

Grani : What's wrong with playing the hero?
"Even with their hearts impaled by the enemy's blades, the King's knights still held on to their spears."
I refuse to run away.

Carol : Grani...

Grani : Besides, Carol, this isn't just my battle.
It's also your battle. Perhaps you will run into dangers along the way, but as long as we can restore peace to this land...
We must face our duties head-on.
I trust that you'll find the treasure.

Carol : But... if I'm alone...
The treasure...

Grani : Trust me.
No matter what, I'll protect you. Back when I rescued you, I promised that nobody would ever hurt you again.
Not even a single strand of hair on your head.

Carol : Even though you're just a kid...

Grani : I'm no such thing... I'm just vertically challenged!

Carol : Haha!
...Mm, I'll do as you said, Grani.

<Background fades out and in>

Bounty Hunter : Those damn whitemasks... Why do they always show up at the worst times?!

Reunion Member : Worthless scum, all of you.
You don't even have the right to challenge us for the treasure.

Bounty Hunter : Haaah? What are you talking about? This has long been our turn, so you'd better get lost, or else!

[A fight breaks out between the Reunion fighter and the bounty hunter. ]

Grani : (From this angle, I can see the fighting... It seems that the bounty hunters have gotten into a brawl with Reunion.)
(No matter who approaches this cave, I'll make sure I...)

Bounty Hunter : Let's make a run for the cave while those imbeciles duke it out!
Wait, what's that kid doing there?!

Grani : You shall not pass.

[Grani keeps the bounty hunter from entering the cave. ]

Bounty Hunter : Gwaah...!

<Background fades out and in>

[Skadi appears... ]

Bounty Hunter : You, it's you—

[...and strikes the bounty hunter down. ]

Skadi : Out of my way, all of you.
I'm not in the mood to play around.

After operation

Summary

Facing down the indomitable Skadi and swarms of bounty hunters, Grani has no choice but to retreat into the cave and meet Carol. However, waiting for her within the cave's depths is a familiar comrade...

<Background 1>

[Grani struggles against the bounty hunters... ]

Grani : Gah...!

Bounty Hunter : You... You meddling brat!
Your head's practically split open, just do what's good for you and get out of our way!

Grani : Heh, this is nothing. I've been through worse in my daily training!

[...but she managed to gain the upper hand. ]

Bounty Hunter : Guh—

Grani : How many of them are left...?
Forget it, I lost track. As long as they don't make it inside...

<Background fades out and in>

[A loud slash can be heard, followed by the ground trembling... ]

Grani : E-Earthquake?

[...and a rockslide nearby. ]

Grani : Huh? Is that an avalanche over there? Why though?

<Background fades out and in>

[Skadi emerges from a hole on the cave. ]

Skadi : ...

<Background fades out and in>

Grani : You've gotta be kidding... She can even smash through a stone wall that thick?

<Background fades out and in>

Bounty Hunter : A new entrance opened up over there! Hurry, let's go in there!

[The bounty hunters entered the cave from the hole where Skadi emerges. ]

Grani : Damn it, those guys are definitely going to swarm in through that new passageway Skadi just created!
I have to find Carol—

Skadi : Stop right there.

Grani : Skadi...
...
Unbelievable... Not even a mountain can stand in her way. Those rumors really were true.

Skadi : Where's the girl?

Grani : I'm not telling you.

Skadi : I'm not the only one after that... thing.
You ought to cooperate before I'm forced to do things the hard way.

Grani : I can't just hand Carol over to you if you don't tell me what's going on!

Skadi : So... you intend to impede a mission from Rhodes Island?

Grani : What mission? You didn't even tell me anything about that!
Unless you...

[Skadi swings her greatsword at Grani. ]

Grani : Hey, don't just start swinging at your comrades!

Skadi : I'm not your comrade.
This is your last chance. Take me to see that girl.

Grani : No chance in hell. My mission is to keep her safe.

Skadi : ...

[Skadi strikes Grani down. ]

Grani : Aaaaghh...
Damn... All she did was tap her sword against my lance, but it feels like my arm is about to snap...

Skadi : Do you think you can really protect her with abilities of this caliber?

Grani : Whether or not I can... has nothing to do with whether or not I will!

Skadi : ...

Grani : Huh? Wait a second!
Watch out!

[The bounty hunters ambushed Grani and Skadi, but they survived. ]

Bounty Hunter : Tch, that ought to have done the trick!

Violent Bounty Hunter : Yeah, we... no, we didn't get her?! She's still unscathed!

Skadi : ...You again?

Bounty Hunter : Gah...!

Violent Bounty Hunter : The l-living Catastrophe! You're the one who hurt the captain! We can't let you leave alive—

Grani : Now's my chance!

Bounty Hunter : Don't you even think about it!

Grani : You guys really should worry about holding her back first!

[Grani jumps high over the bounty hunters... ]

Bounty Hunter : ...Huh?
What just happened? ! That kid just vaulted over our heads?

Grani : See you later, Skadi!

Skadi : You...

Grani : Sorry! When you're ready to explain to me what's going on, maybe then we can talk about Carol!

Skadi : Stop, get back here!

Grani : Sorry again!

[...and heads into the cave, leaving Skadi alone with the bounty hunters. ]

Violent Bounty Hunter : How could you just let her go like that?!

Bounty Hunter : She's too fast for us to catch!

Skadi : ...

Violent Bounty Hunter : Whatever, let's just deal with this one first.
With how much bigger you are, I bet you can't leap over us.

Skadi : ...You're all dead.

<Background 2>

[Grani traverses the cave's labyrinthine chambers. ]

Grani : It really is like a maze in here with all these winding paths. Carol was right.
Hmm? What's a bounty hunter doing here—

Bounty Hunter : Ugh... save me...
...

Grani : Poor guy...
He looks like he got pummeled a few times...
B-but Skadi is still outside the cave, right?
What's this opening? It looks like the wall was blasted open...
That must mean—
You already figured it out.

[Reunion fighters appear with someone familiar alongside them. ]

??? : ...
I'm a pretty good actor, right?

Grani : So it was your doing...

Operation story: GT-6

Before operation

Summary

Skadi, Big Bob, and Grani face off, each insisting that they have something they're fighting for. But Carol's surprised yell of having discovered the treasure breaks the deadlock, and another battle is about to begin.

<Background 1>

Big Bob : A few years ago, we became the Infected.
We were forced to live among the shadows. Overnight, peace became a luxury for us.
Originally, we thought that the Reunion Movement would be able to change our lives, but...
Still, nobody would sell us bread or provide us shelter. Nothing had changed at all.
My brothers and I left, and we drifted from place to place until we heard about the treasure. That is what brought me here.
This time, if we're able to get our hands on the treasure...
We'd be able to travel to Columbia, far, far away. There, the Infected can form communities and even own land.
That is why... Grani, for my brothers, I need this treasure.
It's not far... I can feel it. You did well, but it's a shame...

Reunion Member : Hey, lady! You...!

Skadi : Out of my way.

[Skadi strikes the Reunion member down... ]

Reunion Member : Woah!!

Big Bob : ...

[...and approaches Big Bob and Grani. ]

Skadi : I don't care who you are, or what you plan on doing.
But you shall disappear from my sight.

Big Bob : If there's really no other way, Skadi... then I'll fight you to the very end.

Skadi : So these are the types of people you've chosen to ally yourself with?

Grani : What will happen to Dewville after you take the treasure?

Big Bob : No matter what happens, they will still survive. The same cannot be said for us.
Even though I haven't known you for long, I can tell what kind of person you are.
You aren't prejudiced against the Infected, unlike that monster standing next to you.

Grani : (Skadi probably isn't prejudiced either... She just wants you out of her way, Infected or not...)

Big Bob : Grani, tell me where Carol is!
You know how much this treasure means to us!

Grani : Sorry, Big Bob, but that's not a part of my mission.
My only mission is to help Carol find the treasure, and restore peace to her village.

Skadi : I don't care about any of that. Just hand Carol over to me.

Big Bob : What do you need that girl for anyway, you monster?
Do you plan to skin her alive? Drink her blood?
You already heard the kid. She won't hand the chief over to you no matter what!
However, I just want the treasure. I won't lay a finger on the girl!

<Background 1>

Skadi : I've had enough of this... Grani, tell me where Carol is.

Grani : All Carol wants is to protect her village. She doesn't even care about the treasure itself.

Big Bob : In that case, let me have the treasure then!

Skadi : There is little difference between Reunion and the bounty hunters.

Big Bob : I'm nothing like you greed-driven lot!
I used to be a good-for-nothing just like you, but I've seen the world for what it is.
Right now, things like status or wealth aren't worth shit.
All we want is to survive, and the treasure is going to make that happen!

Skadi : I'll say it one more time. Hand Carol over to me.

Grani : I won't hand over Carol, or the treasure.
This is my mission.

Big Bob : Grani! You still have a choice! I don't want to fight you when it doesn't do either of us any good!
Just let me have the treasure, and everyone walks away happy!

Grani : We already agreed that we'd give you a share of the treasure, Big Bob!

Big Bob : But think about my brothers! At least let me see how much treasure there is first!

Skadi : If we have to resort to violence, both of you know that you're no match for me.

Grani : I might not be confident in my abilities, but if I have to fight both of you, then so be it!

Big Bob : At least the two of us can talk things through, Grani!

Grani : No.

Big Bob : Then, let's team up and take her down first!

Skadi : Are you done talking?

Grani : If we start fighting here, then there really will be no turning back!

Big Bob : We...

??? : Grani!
Look, I found the it! I found the treasure!

Carol : It was really hard to drag it all the way out here...
Mister Bob!
I'm glad that you're okay—

Grani : Stay back!

Carol : Huh? !

Skadi : ...Tsk!

[Big Bob threw a grenade towards Carol, which detonates shortly after... ]

Big Bob : *huff*...*huff*...
There was... never any turning back for us!

Grani : Huh? Carol!

[...but Skadi shields her from the blast. ]

Grani : Skadi!

Skadi : Why did you use a non-damaging explosive?

Big Bob : I owe these girls a favor.
But next time, I'll be using the real ones.

Grani : Skadi...
You don't care about the treasure. Nor do you want to hurt Miss Carol.

Skadi : ...

Grani : That's why you shielded her instead of grabbing the treasure and making a run for it.

Skadi : I'm not after the treasure. What I want is the answer that Carol holds.

Grani : Why didn't you say so in the first place?!
What's the point of playing the villain anyway? Wouldn't kill you to be a bit more frank.

Skadi : I don't want... for others to get caught up in my mission.
But the mission objective this time... is very important to me.

Grani : Of course, I can imagine. Even though we have different missions, we're working towards the same thing, right?
We should be helping each other out instead!

Skadi : Tch.

Grani : I guess we're going to have to fight over the treasure after all.
Skadi, make sure not to hurt him too badly!

Big Bob : Gra...ni...!

Grani : I'm really sorry, Big Bob, but this might hurt a little!

After operation

Summary

Grani chooses to sacrifice her blood to open the treasure, and drags Skadi into helping the village solve the problem of intruding bounty hunters. After receiving his share of the treasure, Big Bob was able to make it to the faraway land of Columbia.

<Background 1>

Big Bob : Hah... As I thought...

Reunion Member : Bob! Y-you're bleeding!
We can't let you bleed for nothing! I can still—

Big Bob : No, that's enough.

Reunion Member : Bob...

Big Bob : How much blood have we shed over the years?

Skadi : Do you intend to continue?

Big Bob : Hmph. We fight for our survival, so why would we throw away our lives?
I admit defeat. I'm not strong enough.

Grani : ...

Carol : Sorry, Mister Bob... But without this treasure, our village is doomed.

Skadi : Step away from that chest. Give me the key.

Carol : H-huh?

Skadi : The moment you unlock that chest, you will die.

Carol : But I...
This is something that we've safeguarded for generations. My father once said that taking care of this key was one of our most important duties—

Skadi : —After you use that key, it will cut open your hand and drink your blood. If it comes in contact with someone not of the Kuranta bloodline, it will break.
Hand the key over to me!

Carol : I can't... This key holds the future of everyone in the village.

Grani : Ugh...
Is that true, Skadi?

Skadi : The person who hid the Knight's Treasure took drastic measures in order to protect their secrets. Only—

Carol : —Only those who possess the true, dauntless bloodline of Kazimierz may open the path.

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 2>

Carol : "Only those who fear not sacrifice and possess the true, dauntless bloodline of Kazimierz may open the path."

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 1>

Carol : Although I knew I would have to make some sort of sacrifice to open the chest, I didn't expect it to be like this.

Grani : ...

Carol : But I've already made up my mind for the sake of everyone in the village. I must open this chest!
Grani, if something happens to me, please sell the treasure and distribute the money among the villagers!
I'm sorry, father...

Grani : Wait!

Carol : Huh?

Grani : Carol, can I see that key real quick?

Carol : Um... sure.

Grani : This key isn't that big, is it?

Skadi : Even though it's not too big, the average person won't be able to survive losing this much blood.

Grani : In other words, this monstrous key only sucks out a fixed amount of blood?
Carol,
I'll open the chest.

Skadi : What?!

Carol : Huh? But if you do that, Grani, you'll...

Grani : It's okay.
Sorry, Carol.

<Background black>

Grani : Hey Skadi, make sure to catch me if I pass out, all right?

Carol : Stop, Grani! Don't!

Grani : Hnnf!!!

Carol : Grani!

「A few days later
Clear \ Visibility: 12 km
Outside the bounty hunter camp 」

<Background 3>

[The bounty hunters' captain appears... ]

"Captain" : You bunch... How dare you show your faces here!
Assemble! Everyone, get over here!

[...and summons the rest of the bounty hunters to his side. ]

Skadi : What a pain. Why do I have to deal with these bounty hunters?

Grani : Well, we helped you find the key you wanted, so it's your turn to help me with my mission.
As a matter of fact, if you were here earlier, we wouldn't have even needed to hire other people to help the villagers.

Skadi : Tsk. Not my problem.
There are quite a few of them. Considering you just recovered from... that... Are you sure you can handle them?

Grani : Isn't that why you're here?

Skadi : Let's just get this over with. I'd like to get back to Rhodes Island.

Grani : All right, let's do this then!
Carol is waiting for us too!

<Background 4>

Big Bob : Sorry, I wasn't able to help you after all...

Carol : It's fine. The villagers would probably be shocked to see Infected around here...
So, let's just keep this between us.

Big Bob : Anyway, thanks again.
I'm grateful for the decision you and Grani made...

Grani : Don't mention it!

Skadi : If we're all done here, then I'm going home.

Grani : Hey, wait up!
Sorry, Carol! Let's head back to the village first. There are plenty of things we still need to do...

Carol : Okay!

Grani : Also, Big Bob, make sure to take care of yourself! If you ever need treatment, remember to swing by Rhodes Island!

Big Bob : Wait, kid!
Here, this coin is for you!

Grani : Oh!
I'll be sure to cherish this!

<Background black>

「Months later... 」

「(Letter from Big Bob)
Good day.
Bob here.
I'm writing this letter to you from a manor in the outskirts of Columbia.
We've all been doing well. Even though some problems never go away as the Infected, just being able to live with the sun shining upon our faces is more joy than we could ever have imagined.
Thanks to the kindness of Grani and a little girl named Carol, who decided to leave us with the remainder of the treasure after repairing their village, I was able to settle down peacefully with my brothers.
We already have everything we need to be self sufficient, and we're even planning to try growing hops.
This was all made possible by that Dewville treasure.
That, of course, is an entirely different story. Real interesting. But, I won't go into the details here.
I've also slightly changed my views about some things.
And I know that you've long held your own opinions about this too. Just know that Reunion is not the only place that the Infected can go.
I know you'll be able to make the decision that is right for you.
I miss you a lot. I hope that I will see you in Columbia one day.
Bob
To, Mudrock. 」

??? : ...
I'm glad to hear that.

Operation story: GT-EX-1

After operation

Summary

Specter awakens from a song of ancient mythos. Before her stands Skadi, who is ready to set off.

<Background black>

「...We should stuff him into a sack...
...and hang him on the mast at dawn...
...We should slit his throat...
...and offer him to the ocean as a tribute to the raging hurricane... 」

<Background 1>

Specter : Ugh!
...that same dream again.

??? : ...

Specter : Who is it?
...Oh, it's just you. Hm, I can't even seem to remember your name.

??? : That doesn't matter. Just treat me like any normal Rhodes Island operator.
You look like you're in pain.

Specter : It's just another nightmare.
Dark fragments swirling in my consciousness, hidden beneath the shadows of that broken church...
When I approach them, they turn into shackles and drag me down into the deep sea.

??? : ...
But soon, there will be a way to escape your torment.

Specter : Heh, is that so? That'd be great. But why should I trust you?
Heh.
Your aura... I'm quite familiar with it.
No, it's your smell. It's an intense, pungent smell... the smell of blood... "their" smell. The smell of the deep sea.
It's a familiar and abhorrent smell.

??? : Is that so?

Specter : Can you tell me your name?

Skadi : Skadi.

Specter : Interesting. So, why did you decide to show up here?
You're not supposed to be here without permission from Kal'tsit, unless you're not afraid of me ripping you to pieces.

Skadi : I am afraid. Just like everyone else. However, I'm used to fear.
It's time to go. By the time I come back, things may have already moved forward. However, you can forget all about me, just like before.

Specter : Where are you going?

Skadi : To where the secret is buried.

<Background black>

Skadi : A place far, far away from you.

Operation story: GT-EX-3

After operation

Summary

Nearl, a Kazimierz-born knight who was worried about Grani, writes a letter about the Knight's Treasure of Kazimierz.

「Dear Grani,
We've already discussed the Kazimierz knights extensively.
However, there are still some details I haven't clarified with you. This concerns your mission and the Knight's Treasures as well.
There may be a cluster of knight tombs by the destination you're being deployed to.
Even now, the Kazimierz knights maintain a certain tradition.
When a knight passes away, a large amount of their property is often buried with them. Of course, their followers have to build a tomb for them according to their instructions first.
The riches buried in these tombs are usually known as "Knight's Treasures." The information regarding these treasures have been exchanged and passed around between networks of bounty hunters and messengers.
The reason why these treasures are so attractive to scoundrels and thieves is because they often contain more than just expensive goods and coins. It is said that some tombs house secret weapons and equipment designed by the knights themselves.
The treasure could also be some secret that the knight spent their entire life guarding, or something that involves even higher stakes.
These items can be sold to specialty merchants, or even to the black market, for astronomical sums.
Needless to say, there are even political entities, such as Columbia, that take a keen interest in buying these relics, or hiring someone to excavate them.
That's another reason why bounty hunter activity will be high in your operation area.
These underground tombs are often affected by Catastrophes and other natural disasters, sealed away or lost forever in the depths of the earth.
However, there may also be unearthed tombs waiting to be discovered.
You may come across one of these tombs during your mission. According to the Kazimierz Index, a cluster of expedition knight tombs overlaps with where you're being deployed.
If these records are correct, these tombs are likely to contain more than just currency... but also some dangerous artifacts.
Even if these knights wanted to gift these items to someone they knew, the recipients likely would have no idea of the power these artifacts hold.
In the same vein, the last time a Kazimierz nomadic city passed through the area was some twenty years ago.
That is not good news, of course. The greater the benefits, the greater the risk as well.
The scoundrels trying to get their hands on a portion of these treasures are usually a lot greedier and also better at sniffing out these treasures than ordinary civilians.
This area is too remote for authorities to care about. While there will be less risk of interference, it also means that this area will be totally lawless.
If possible, please help me find out what these Knight's Treasures really are.
And do be careful.
From Nearl 」

<Background black>

Nearl : ...Isn't this a bit too long-winded?
Forget it, I probably shouldn't give that kid too much pressure. I know she'll be able to handle this job just fine, yes.
How did I end up writing about such serious things again? I should start over and use a lighter tone.
What should I write...?
Oh no, there's something I have to warn Grani about...
It's something she absolutely needs to know...!

Operation story: GT-HX-1

After operation

Summary

Grani, who is getting ready to depart from Dewville, receives Nearl's ;
However, the incident has already been resolved, and it is now time to head home.

<Background 1>

Carol : Grani, are you leaving? What about Miss Skadi?

Grani : Yeah, it's about time I head back to Rhodes Island for my next assignment. I'll find time to come see you. As for Skadi, she's a bit of a loner, so she left by herself.
With Skadi's infamy well known around here, the bounty hunters should steer clear of this place from now on.

Carol : Hehe, that's true. It might take a while for us to rebuild, but... this is the beginning of our new lives.
Well, take care. Come visit us during the next harvest season. We'll treat you to something special.

Grani : Hehe, sounds good to me!

Carol : Oh right, a messenger just brought this letter. It's addressed to Dewville, but it says here that it's for you.

Grani : Oh, it's an envelope from Rhodes Island. They must have found me through the liaison office's directory. This place is off the grid, so that probably made it harder for everyone.
Let's see here...

「(To Grani: Skadi has set off for Dewville without our permission. She's not there on a mission. Be careful.)
(Good luck, Nearl) 」

Grani : Come on, tell me something I don't know...

Carol : Hey, what are you doing, Grani?

Grani : Making a paper airplane.
Rhodes Island stationery is some high quality stuff. Planes like these fly a long way.

Operation story: GT-HX-3

After operation

Summary

Skadi tries to exchange the "Treasure Key" for information about Specter from Kal'tsit.
However, Kal'tsit was obviously displeased with the results of Skadi's unauthorized actions.

<Background 1>

Skadi : Stop right there, Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : You're back.
So, did you think things through, or...?

Skadi : You wanted this, right? Take it.

Kal'tsit : You acted unilaterally, without permission.
I do not interfere in the private affairs of our operators, nor do I ask them what they did in their free time – as long as they do not tarnish Rhodes Island's reputation.
I hope that whatever you did does not cost you your position in Rhodes Island, Skadi.

Skadi : I'm not here for your snide remarks. I'm well aware of the rules. You needed something from me, and I need something from you.

Kal'tsit : What do you want from me then?

Skadi : Information.

Kal'tsit : Do you consider the information I have to be worth as little as this key?

Skadi : I can crush this stone in my palm in a heartbeat. I'm sure you don't want that.

Kal'tsit : What I do know is that you went to Dewville in Kazimierz under pretenses of being on a mission, and even got into a conflict with a fellow operator.
She kept quiet about what happened both there and at Rhodes Island for your sake. But in fact, I never assigned any such mission to you.
Hmm? The core has already been filled with blood. This is not your blood. You wouldn't dare shed your own blood onto this soil.

Skadi : It's Grani's blood.

Kal'tsit : You've already done something like this...

Skadi : I'll repay her. You don't need to remind me.
I know this is what you need. A key, a core, a memory block... whatever it might be. I just have to obtain it.
"Skull," "Flamelung," "Yellow Smog"... I took them all out.
Otherwise, they surely would have taken this item. You wouldn't be able to barter with them, because you can't give them what they want.
You need this "stone," and I need the information you have.

<Background 1>

Kal'tsit : What a farce. I don't need any of these... components... to form the full picture.
You're bound to Rhodes Island by contract, and you're bound to me likewise.

Skadi : You give me what I need, and I give you what you need.

Kal'tsit : I rarely see you this aggressive. Where's your usual laziness and snark?
You want to know where Spectre's Originium nerve agent came from.

Skadi : ...How'd you find out?

<Background fades out>

Kal'tsit : (Ægirian) "Abyssal Hunters are bound by blood."
There's nothing I don't know.

Skadi : ...Give me the info.

<Background fades in>

Kal'tsit : Very well. As long as you follow my every order, I might even decide to help you. The condition is, as long as you follow my every order.

Skadi : I only follow those who are trustworthy.

Kal'tsit : I never go back on my word.

Operation story: SV-1 (Under Tides)

Before operation

Summary

Late at night, Skadi realizes Specter has disappeared from her treatment ward, and it is none other than Specter's old leader, Gladiia, who has taken her. Before departing, Gladiia tells Skadi that they will be heading for a small town in Iberia.

「Silent. Strange. Unfathomable. Outsider.
So they naturally come to say.
Shadowy. Cold-blooded. Leaves for dead. A born monster.
So all will say behind my back.
Yes.
One needs only lose one's home, and one is nothing at all.
Reason says that I, coming here, should have been able to begin a new life.
Except the past cannot be rid. These things follow your shadow and climb your shins, dragging you into the abyss of the swamp.
Not one of us can break free of the past.
If there comes a day, and your home has found you... 」

<Background 1>

「2:33 A.M. \ Overcast
Rhodes Island Landship, Hallway 」

Rhodes Island Operator : Alright! Once this report's handed in, your field mission will be formally closed out.

Skadi : Mm.

Rhodes Island Operator : Wait, is it still... blank? Ahem, hm-hm...
The only thing on this entire sheet is the word "complete!"

Skadi : Hmm?
The mission definitely is complete.

Rhodes Island Operator : I-I mean, that's not wrong...
...but it wouldn't hurt if you wrote a little more, right?!

Skadi : Hm?

Rhodes Island Operator : (What do I do... just how difficult is she?)
(I never really talked to her before. I heard we were linking up with her, and the group leader even warned me... but this is still going to be tricky to handle.)
(Deep breath)
Alright, okay. I understand.
If the Doctor has any questions regarding the particulars of your mission, we'll seek confirmation from you again then.

Skadi : ...The Doctor?

Rhodes Island Operator : Yes, Dr. Kal'tsit presumed you wouldn't want to hand a report in to her... and she also mentioned Amiya's too soft on you, and it can't go on like this... and so on.
So then we filed this mission away on the Doctor's end.

Skadi : That woman. Hmph.

Rhodes Island Operator : Do you want to report directly, then? Looks like the Doctor's out right now, so you can relax for a few days until the Doctor's back.
This report of yours, right now, could seriously use some more fleshing out!

Skadi : ......
Such a pain.

Rhodes Island Operator : Fine, then. Mission code F1071, confirming submission. Follow-up specifics–

Skadi : Wait.

Rhodes Island Operator : Huh?

Skadi : Give the files back to me. I've decided, it's okay if I add a few more details.

Rhodes Island Operator : Oh! Of course it's okay! I'll leave it to you, then.
(This might go smoother than I anticipated...)
That's all from me then. Do head back and get some proper... um?

[Skadi suddenly puts a different face. ]

Skadi : ......

Rhodes Island Operator : Your expression just completely changed. Has something happened?

Skadi : In likelihood.

Rhodes Island Operator : Huh? In here? Aboard the ship? An intruder?! I've heard about your acute senses. Could it be...
No, that's not right. The alarms should have sounded if there was danger aboard, right?

Skadi : ...Singing.

Rhodes Island Operator : Singing? What singing? Er, it's silent all around. I can't hear any...

Skadi : How? Why is there singing here?

Rhodes Island Operator : I suppose there is a sort of droning sound, but that's not a song, is it? There's all kinds of machinery operating aboard Rhodes Island. Is it their vibrations, just maybe? Are you still not fully used to it?

Skadi : No. The scent.
The scent of the seawater.

[Skadi senses something ahead... ]

Rhodes Island Operator : ...Skadi? You're scaring me a little. What are you tal...

[...and somehow shows anxiousness. ]

Rhodes Island Operator : Huh? Hey! Skadi!

<Background black>

「Skadi runs too hurriedly, too rapidly. She runs for the stairwell, fearing that those few seconds of apprehension riding the elevator will allow that scent to slip away. 」

A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪

「She can hear the song. Aboard this ship, a vast majority cannot.
This language, this melody, has roused her memories. She is not one for nostalgia, but she knows it all too well.
But... this shouldn't be. This is a song that should not arise here. 」

With homeland left a mile behind, they must lament and pray♪

「The singing shivers all throughout the ship's pipelines.
The scent of seawater, breaking unbreakingly, seeps out from the cabin walls.
Skadi remembers this scent just the same. With the damp closed in on her, her skin continuously contracts, becomes taut. Nervous, yet she is stirred too.
Could she have awoken? She cannot help but hasten her step. 」

Skadi : Specter!

<Background 2>

She pulls open the door to the treatment ward.
The bed is empty.

Skadi : ......

Perhaps she wanted to take a stroll outside after becoming lucid.

Skadi : Wait... what is this?

She picks it up, and rubs it in her fingers.

Skadi : ...It looks like hers.

Specter's gold chain had been carelessly thrown to the ground. Or perhaps, deliberately.
Did she despise this item? Then she surely isn't pleased with her current identity.
The affairs of the Church–at least the Church of the sea–are all nefarious ones.
But... something's not right.
Outsider.
Without knowing why, Skadi has abruptly recalled that word.
She realizes that the scent is not Specter's at all.
Compared to the Specter of past, this scent now is too strong, and too callous. Skadi doubts it was simply a surprise that went all too hard to her head.

Skadi : You're here. Who are you? Come out.

An Abyssal Hunter. But not Specter. Of all things, there were still other Abyssal Hunters who survived!
But why here?
...Where has Specter gone?

Skadi : ......
No matter who, or what, you are. Come out.

[Skadi rushes off to find the intruder and Specter. ]

<Background black>

She needs to give chase. Something's not right. She senses the other one truly is nearby.

<Background 1>

Skadi rushes out the door, and a silhouette flashes by the farthest recess of the corridor.
No... it's two. The singing still remains. The other one still incants.
Specter. That Abyssal Hunter has taken Specter.

??? : So laggard.
If you were any slower, we would've been on our way.

Skadi : Hunter! Who are you?

In one leap, Skadi pivots the corner, involuntarily feeling for any weapon on her she can use.

Skadi : –What are you up to?

In that instant, before all else, she meets the other by the eyes.

Skadi : Wait, you're...

Someone that she has never expected.

??? : Skadi.
You seem quite well.

Skadi : Could... you be the Second Company's–Specter's leader...?
You're... Gladiia...?!

Gladiia : It has been some time, Skadi. You are still able to recollect the Ægir's song, which deeply gratifies me.

Skadi cannot pick out even a single trace of "gratitude" in her expression. This woman, from the first she knew her, has never once shown any change on her face.
The tall woman carries Specter. The one Abyssal Hunter that Skadi understands to have survived the past several years, Specter, now lies on Gladiia's shoulder, dreaming another uncharacteristically tranquil dream.
The instant Specter's leader let slip a word, the singing vanished.
Skadi is dazed for a spell. From the port window rushes arid winds that only dry land could blow, brushing past Skadi's cheeks, almost dry themselves. She thinks to herself–this hunter is still alive, Gladiia is alive. Skadi has finally found another of her own.
No. It is Gladiia who found them. Yet...

Skadi : I thought you were dead. You staked your lives to let us pass. I thought you were all dead.

Gladiia : Life is a precious thing. I am very happy to see that you, too, are alive.

Skadi : Given Specter was still alive, I'd always been wondering whether or not any more of the Second could have made it...
How did you find this place? Specter... she's still better off staying in the ward.

Gladiia : ......

「One of the fiercest hunters in all of Skadi's mind chooses, at this juncture, to say nothing.
In Skadi's heart, doubt burgeons. 」

Skadi : She's changed a lot. She may not necessarily recognize you now. Her body is still feeble.

Gladiia : Feeble? A hunter could not be feeble.

Skadi : How long have you been on dry land?
Disease of the land, of a special kind, has hollowed her body out. The people aboard this ship can stabilize her condition.
In all these years, she's never come back to sanity. The current Specter is another person entirely. I don't know what it was that made her like this.

「Gladiia does not speak, and the breeze blows through, her hair drifting in its wakes, covering her eye.
Skadi has realized where the problem lies. 」

Skadi : Gladiia. Yes, you're Gladiia. There is no mistake. But what do you intend to do?
Where are you planning to take her?

Gladiia : I believed that upon dry land, the hunters were free. Have I misunderstood something?

Skadi : No, Gladiia... she's still asleep. You never asked her... whether or not she wants to go.

Skadi : You want to take her away from here.

Gladiia : You seem to show a great deal of interest in these new colleagues of yours. Do they not treat you too in kind? It would be but a passing motion for you to pinch their spines to dust, yet how is it you do not instill dread in them?

Skadi : For these people of dry land to treat us with enmity is normal, but not for the ones aboard this ship. The ones I have met would not.

Gladiia : I still cannot fathom why you drop your guard.

Skadi : No... I don't want to get them mixed up in this matter. The problem doesn't lie with me, nor them.

「The problem lies in you.
Skadi takes a step toward. 」

Skadi : What is your intent in doing this? You had best explain.

Gladiia : Hunter Skadi.
–On dry land, I will not constrain you with my rank of Consul.

Skadi : Hm...

Gladiia : Yet neither do I have any obligation to explain myself to you.
I simply believe that I should have you know. It was I who took her, a member of my own company. This suffices.

Skadi : ......
Why?

Gladiia : You need not know the reason yet this evening.

Skadi : But Specter!

Gladiia : –(Two Iberian words)–

<Background black>

Before the name fully reaches Skadi's ears, Gladiia has already slipped from the ship's window into the moonlight outside, Specter's limp body disappearing with her.
Skadi does not reach out. She does not even move.
She knows well that if Gladiia wants to leave, she has no hope of ever catching her; yet, if Gladiia only wanted to escape, then she would not have left any information behind.
She was seeking help, or she was hoodwinking herself. Skadi half-believes it, half doesn't, yet has no other alternative. At the least, she did not order Skadi to do anything, or not to do anything.
"Sal Viento."
That is what Gladiia said.
Skadi cannot help but go.

Skadi : Sal Viento.
This is far too unmoving a reunion.

<Background 3>

[Days later, Skadi is walking through the barren wildlands. ]

Skadi : What are you doing here?

Bounty Hunter A : Hey, isn't that Skadi?

Bounty Hunter B : She looks familiar. A little like the picture.

Bounty Hunter A : Ah! Haha, that didn't take any effort at all...
It's Skadi for sure. We hid in the right spot.

Skadi : Hm?

Bounty Hunter B : Hey, see, she responded... and look at her face. That really is Skadi!

Bounty Hunter A : Still remember the "Captain," Skadi? We've got his money, and now we're gonna avenge him with your life!

Bounty Hunter B : You crackbrained idiot... you crackbrained idiot! I said this was a rotten idea!
Didn't we say using his money to run some cons would be enough?! Avenge my ass, bounty my ass! What chance in hell?!
Remember the rumors! If that's really her, you think there's a single cent in this for us? It'll cost our lives!
We'd better scram before it's too late! Grab your dumb scrap and run!

Bounty Hunter A : Pah.
You go crawling back to your shitheap bed cuddling burdenbeast piss and yelling mamá. You lose your nerve the moment a single long-haired girl says something to you. You want ME to go home empty-handed? No goddamn way!

Bounty Hunter C : You're right! Even if she really is Skadi, even if, what the hell can she do? She's all alone right now, isn't she?
We've got one, two... yeah, a bunch of guys!

Bounty Hunter B : But all those powerhouse bounty hunters are rotting in the ground, aren't they? She was alone then too!
And think about it, every time you say you have so many guys, does anything good ever come of it?

Bounty Hunter A : And who saw that? If you ask me, those guys? Maybe they just got drunk off their asses one night and all went into the same pretty little Kuranta's room.
Then she got her crossbows out her pants, went free-for-all, blew their brains to mush.
That's what rumors are! If all those wandering singers or whoever went around singing and playing without puffing their stories up a little, you think they'd make enough money to eat?
Splitting fifty mountains with a single sword, yeah, right... and I can punch a hole straight through Londinium with one fist!
Listen to me, brothers! If you wanna eat, come with me!
Skadi, Schmadi, we can put her down right here, and nobody can pinch our gold after! Add the bounty the others put on her head, we'll be set for the rest of our lives plus retirement!

Skadi : I'll give you a choice. Run now, and you can live. I have no time to waste with you people.

Bounty Hunter C : Charge! Kill her dead!

[The bounty hunters surround Skadi, looking for payback to their utter defeat in her hands months ago. ]

Skadi : ......
(Ægirian) It's the rotted seagrass that clings most to one's leg.
I never thought it would be the annoyance of worthless bounty hunters that remained ever unchanging.

After operation

Summary

Skadi receives guidance from her contact, disguises herself as a wandering singer, and prepares to infiltrate Sal Viento. But her eyes are not alone on Sal Viento, as Iberia's Inquisitors are watching too.

<Background 3>

[Skadi finishes off the rest of the bounty hunters ganging up on her as an old Liberi approaches her. ]

??? : Skadi.
You've fallen, Skadi. The old you could've made chunks out of them with just a touch.

Skadi : Mister José, I am not that bloody.

Old José : Hard to say. You've changed, then. You even gave them a chance to escape.

Skadi : Possibly.

Old José : What wind blew you back here again? Why were they waiting to spring you–something to do with me?

Skadi : I don't know.

Old José : I hear you're not in our line of work anymore. Joined some... pharma company? What are you shirking good, decent work for to tromp around these rundown outskirts again?

Skadi : You're well-informed, Mister José. This time I need you to help me out.

The old man licks his rolling paper, and pulls out some second-rate tobacco from his pouch.

Old José : Several years have come and gone. Here I thought you'd folded, seeing as you went through plenty of Kazimierz bounty hunters. This far out from Kazimierz, and I could still hear word of what you'd been up to.
Always thought you only knew how to make big ruckuses.
But you've been quiet as this now.
You came roadrollering in all the way from Minos country like a tow truck, just to find me? Go on, then, tell me what you want.

Skadi : I need to get to Sal Viento.

Old José : Sal... Viento?

Skadi : Don't tell me. Even you've never heard of the place?

Old José : No, I've heard. Out of all us information peddlers, only I must've heard. The question's you–what makes you want to go there?
There's nothing there anymore. Few decades ago... close to nothing left after.
So close to such a vast patch of ocean, and you think anything'd be left? No better than bare frames left, letting the wind and all through.
Many bounty hunters wanting to get up to those abandoned cities, just like beastlings pouncing on a rotting burdenbeast corpse.
All of them thinking there's still meat they can pick off. They don't know whatever they swallow there might as well be a batch of poison.
Iberia. All of them think this unspeaking Iberia's just like Kazimierz and Gaul, treasure all over the map.
Hah, there's nothing there at all. When a place has nothing at all, it's likelier than all it could have anything.

Skadi : So do you tell those bounty hunters anything?

Old José : If they ask me to sell info, I'll sell it. As far as ones like me go, whether those folks come back or don't, it's all business.
Fact is, they don't come back at all. Not one ever comes back.
Two weeks ago, a team came to me. Lackeys of the "Daggerhorn."
He had equipment leagues better than all these runts lying around. Very experienced too. Brought more than ten with him. Still haven't seen them again yet.
Very many wonder about where they went. They could've been caught by the Penal Battalion, or it could've been the Iberian Defensa's doing, but I've heard tell of a different possibility.
Over there be... monsters.

Skadi : Oh.

Old José : Or it was the Inquisition that got 'em. I don't know what's a more wretched end.

Skadi : Monsters or people, my sword draws little distinction. There are only those who block my way, and those who don't.

Old José : Alright, alright. You can't be going to Sal Viento for a holiday, that much's for sure.

Skadi : I need to find someone.

Old José : What poor bastard has your wrath this time?

Skadi : This time's different. It's my... It's someone I knew from before.

Old José : Before you even knew me?

Skadi : Much before.

Old José : Here I thought they'd all left. Or died. At least, that's what you told me back in those days.

Skadi : That's why I'm searching. There's a few things I need to figure out.

Old José : You've been searching for quite some years, yeah?
That whole ruckus from last time couldn't have been for any knights' treasure's sakes.

Skadi : You told me before. People ought to move forward.

Old José : –
Did you bring a treasure map with you?

Skadi : What?

Old José : There're many, some of them even old hands. They travel the barrens, traveling and traveling, and forget where they wanted to go, or what they were even looking for.
They just keep on traveling. They don't know starvation, they don't know exhaustion.
Until the barrenlands do them in.

Skadi : They were too weak.

Old José : Weak? No matter how much stronger, a hunter could still never conquer the boundless barrenlands. So many hunters die for no sure reason out on the road, and don't even know what they're searching for come their deaths–that's not an ending that suits you.

Skadi : Why are you telling me all this?
As if I've never told you before? They wouldn't rival even the tiniest Ægir machine.

Old José : You're strong. So did you save my son's life?

Skadi : I'm sorry.

Old José : Don't say sorry! I'm not trying to flog you here. I'm trying to get you thinking. It's you who hasn't forgiven yourself, not me.
I only regret that I didn't break his legs, stop him following an old papá in his old tracks. Nothing to do with you.
You say you came from the sea. I've never heard of any other sea than the one in Iberia. You're someone I don't know.
So what about you? Is there no one you don't know?
Because that's the kind that killed my son. Someone you don't even know.

Skadi : That's the sort of thing I'm afraid of.

Old José : Never mind it. At least the people you talk about wouldn't spend day and night plotting to kill me. What are you thinking of doing in Sal Viento?

Skadi : I have a friend who's been taken there.

Old José : Strange, that.
Take this. Map.

Skadi : Alright. What do I need to give you?

Old José : Give me?

Skadi : You sell intel. One thing for another. You've given me information, I'll give you what you need.

Old José : (Flicks cigarette ash)
Let me think... That year you brought my young Juan's body back, you handed him to me. Head and arms all still attached to him. So, now we're even.

Skadi : Mister José, my greatest thanks.
I'll be going, then. Take care.

[As Skadi is about to leave for Sal Viento... ]

Old José : Stop! Are you in such a hurry to get yourself killed?!

Skadi : Hm?

Old José : Hey. Tell me–has anyone ever said anything like that to you before?

Skadi : No.

Old José : Then you need somebody to tell you well.
You're strolling straight into an Iberian city dressed in all your bounty hunter clothes?

Skadi : Yes.

Old José : You really haven't changed, Skadi. Here I am parching my mouth, and I might as well be the wind for all the good telling you anything does.
The Iberian Defensa'd have you ten times over for looking like that!
And how much time are you ready to waste on them? How much longer can the person you're looking for wait? Iberians aren't like these lousy bounty hunters. They're not that easy to break clean of.

Skadi : You want to suggest something to me.

Old José : I can lend you a few things. Take this harp.

Skadi : Harp?

Old José : Can you play? I remember you played before.

Skadi : I can.

Old José : Good, all the better. Would be fine if you couldn't, long as you pulled off the act.
Change into these too.

Skadi : What clothes are these? They're very strange.

Old José : Whether you're used to them isn't the point. Iberians are.

Skadi : ......

Old José : From now on, you're the wandering singer Skadi.
Go where you want now, singer. Follow the map, go by the waterways, and you'll get there soon enough. This you can do, Ægir.

Skadi : Farewell, Mister José.

Old José : Skadi!
Don't you die out there. You have to die with someone, someone you know.

Skadi : ......
Right.

<Background 4>

[Outside Sal Viento, a bounty hunter flees from strange creatures pursuing him. ]

Bounty Hunter : Help–Help me!

[The bounty hunter kills some of the creatures, but more remains. ]

Bounty Hunter : What are these things... they–they're tangling me, they won't let go! Chopping them apart doesn't even work. Is the entire coast all monsters like this?
Hey–get away, get the hell away!
I wouldn't have come if I goddamn knew! Ja pierdolę,[note 1] "Yellow Smog," bastard, if only you weren't so useless to get hoodwinked back then, would I still be stuck picking up garbage out here?!
Skurwysyny,[note 2] if I'm not dead by the end of this I'll wish I was! Goddamned Iberia! Country of the actual goddamned!

[Unknown attackers kill most of the creatures. ]

Bounty Hunter : What–What the hell was that? Turning them all to paste in one shot?
Huff... huff. Whatever it was, at least it lets me live another day–

[A sword is thrown close to the bounty hunter... ]

Bounty Hunter : Ugh–

[...as the thrower, a high-ranking Iberian Inquisitor, approaches him. ]

??? : You. You're not leaving.

Bounty Hunter : And–And who are you? Where the hell does Iberia get all these freaks from?

??? : Second time. Iberia forbids the spreading of rumors. The next you move to speak, be much more careful.

Bounty Hunter : What? Look at that getup, that weapon–
Holy shit. You, you're... that's it, I'm done for, I'm...

[An explosion is heard as a young female Inquisitor came to the high-ranking Inquisitor's side. ]

??? : Commander. The coast is clean now.
This place is void of all living–er, excepting this outsider who can't stand still and stinks to high Heaven.

??? : What did you see?

Bounty Hunter : I... I...
Please, I haven't done anything! I swear it, I, I was only lost, I was too careless to end up here, I didn't mean to...
Look, I have gold coins, and plenty of other stuff too, damnit, I've lost so much... Take this money, this equipment, all of it, I just beg you to let me go!

[The female Inquisitor slaps the bounty hunter. ]

??? : Gather your scraps. When the Commander asks you a question, it's not to hear you blather, outsider.

Bounty Hunter : Question? What question? I swear, honor, I wouldn't dare ask questions... I've got no questions, I guarantee...
I beg you, honor, I don't want... Don't take me... I'd be better off if I just died!

??? : Casting yourself into the sea in front of me? Do you still think it's not too late?

Bounty Hunter : That sword... my hand... too close... wargh...

??? : Now, have you regained some sense? You outsiders are as good as insects in the weeds, hearts avaricious and blackened, yet always so quick to fall to pieces.

Bounty Hunter : Ugh, ah... I'm not running anywhere, honor, I'll tell you anything.

??? : Good. I do not like repeating my questions. This will therefore be the final time.
What did you see on the coast?

Bounty Hunter : I, I... *cough* *cough*... I saw monsters.

??? : How many of you came?

Bounty Hunter : Originally twelve... uh, counting the guide, we're thirteen total.

??? : Commander. He's not lying. I've found the corpses myself along the coast.

Bounty Hunter : *Sob*...

??? : Hey. What use will crying be for you now? If it weren't for you all intruding, they wouldn't have sought you out. When you violate the law, you should anticipate the costs.
That said, twelve have died... They've been proliferating in number, all along the way here.

??? : They can't have gone too far from their nest.

??? : This serves to show your judgment was sound. The closer one approaches, the more numerous they are. There is surely something amiss going on in that town!

??? : You may depart.

??? : And this fellow? He has seen much he shouldn't have.

Bounty Hunter : Spare... Spare me! I've told you everything I can! Sir, Commander, your honor... ohh, mama...

??? : What... did you see?

Bounty Hunter : I... I...

[The high-ranking Inquisitor executes the bounty hunter to prevent any information leaks. ]

<Background black>

[A bishop previously seen in For a Better Self is talking with a vaguely humanoid being capable of speaking coherently. ]

Bishop : We made an agreement.

??? : I do not know what sense lies in such conduct.

Bishop : You agreed to it.

??? : Agreed? Pledged–(Bones and flesh chafe against each other.)–promised? To prior be granted an act, and afterwards to accomplish one different?
No.
To such requests of yours, I will respond. No agreement, nor promise.

Bishop : A response... but of course.
Honorable herald–
That you will to respond is already my honor.

Notes

"God damn it" in Polish

"Son of a b***h" in Polish

Operation story: SV-2 (Under Tides)

Before operation

Summary

A strange group inhabits this city of ruin. They treat Skadi, a rare outsider, both coldly and warily. A clash ensues.

「3:23 P.M. \ Overcast
Iberia, Sal Viento 」

A city, life long lost, lies half-buried under dust and whiff of sea breeze.

Skadi : This is the place on the map.
I can't say it smells any good.

<Background 1>

[Skadi approaches an inhabitant of the nomadic city... ]

Skadi : Hello.

Male Inhabitant : ......

[...and approaches another inhabitant. ]

Skadi : May I ask–

Another Male Inhabitant : (He hangs his head low, and does not speak.)

Nobody responds. Nobody so much as turns a head. Their eyes are open, yet all of them are motionless.
Their only trait unlike a statue is that they breathe. Long and slow, they breathe.

Skadi : ......
Monsters?

They are all human in appearance. Aside from being far too slender, and clothed in near-rags, they are indistinguishable from the Iberians met along the way, a far cry from the monsters Old José described.

Skadi : They're all humans.
(She utters Iberian.)
Is this not how they speak anymore?
(Iberian again, the accent somewhat changed.)
......

Still no one replies.
Skadi subconsciously grips her case's handle.
Outside, she has her ways of making those who will not talk, talk. But it requires that the target comprehend her speech.

Skadi : Moreover, I'm a singer right now.
A singer doesn't do that. Mister José said so.

??? : Ninety-nine...

A small shadow flits across the street.

Skadi : Someone's talking.

With a fast step, she chases after.

??? : Ninety-nine.

[Skadi catches up to the mumbling child. ]

Skadi : A... child? He's mumbling a number.
I can't have misheard.
You–
My necklace just...
You will not escape!

The child slips free of her grasp. With a flick of his head, he scampers down an even deeper alleyway.

[Skadi gives chase to the child. ]

Young Inhabitant : Ninety-nine, ninety-nine...

<Background 2>

[Skadi corners the child in a seemingly dilapidated bar. ]

Skadi : You can't run.

Young Inhabitant : *Whimper*...

Skadi : Why take what's mine? Why bring me here?
Hm?

Skadi tramples directly onto a trap laid on the ground.

Skadi : A hole, a few ropes. The ambushes outside were at least much more adequate than this.
Come out, all of you.
I needed to find you, anyway. Quickly, if you don't mind.

In the shadows, some few "sculptures" come to life, slowly easing towards Skadi.

Male Inhabitant A : She's very peculiar.

Male Inhabitant B : Quite, Sheetmetal. Such a person, I've never before seen.

Male Inhabitant A : Nor I.

Skadi : So you know how to speak after all.

Male Inhabitant A : Who are you?

Skadi : A wandering singer.

Male Inhabitant A : I know not what a wandering singer is.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, do not speak to her.

Male Inhabitant A : Your face, unfamiliar. Your attire, strange. You are not one from here. What is your business?

Skadi : I want to ask a question.

Male Inhabitant A : Your clothes, very new.

Skadi : Have you seen my fellow person?

Male Inhabitant A : You have much strength. You are able to eat your fill.

Skadi : She came here before I did.

Male Inhabitant A : Your case, very heavy.

Skadi : An instrument is not a light thing.

Male Inhabitant A : The thing in your grasp, very uncanny.

Skadi : I assume your harps should come more or less the same.
(Plucks strings)

Male Inhabitant A : Ears, pained. It is a weapon.

Skadi : It is able to not be.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, this person, uncanny. Do not heed her. To speak, very tiring.

Male Inhabitant A : Bench. Let go of him.

Skadi : Bench... Do you mean this child?
I didn't intend anything for him. He took something of mine. Things like that are significant.

Male Inhabitant A : You came to rob something.

Skadi : ......
I'm only taking back what's mine. And looking for someone who can understand me when I talk.

Young Inhabitant : *Whimper*...

Male Inhabitant A : Our child, you may not touch.
Our things, you may not rob.

Skadi : Hm?

Male Inhabitant A : Our rules, may not be broken.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, you have gotten nearer. What are you doing?

Male Inhabitant A : She is going to harm our child, steal what is ours, break our rules.

Male Inhabitant B : Is she not our sister? If she is, she too has a share.

Male Inhabitant A : She is surely not.

Skadi : You don't understand me.
I'll go and ask someone else.

Male Inhabitant A : You may not leave.

Male Inhabitant B : One moment, Sheetmetal...
Ouch!
There–There is a hole here.

Male Inhabitant A : Woodframe's hole. You forgot.

Skadi : Oh, it comes in handy after all.

Male Inhabitant A : Those from outside, to our place, you should not have come!

After operation

Summary

Skadi effortlessly sorts out the inhabitants hostile to her, and meets a girl named Anita who's willing to communicate. Anita gives her directions, and assists her in searching for Specter. At the same time, another set of eyes has been watching Skadi all along.

<Background 2>

Skadi watches as the locals fall unconscious, and she picks up the suitcase she'd laid for a second on the floor.

[A young Liberi shows up. ]

??? : ...Gr–Greetings.

Skadi : Hm? There's another one.

Female Inhabitant : Don't–Don't hit me... I'm not very much like them. I know you're good.

Skadi : You can understand what I mean.

Female Inhabitant : You only came here following Bench.

Young Inhabitant : *Whimper*... Woodframe, Woodframe...

Skadi : He ran, I followed.

Female Inhabitant : You bear no ill will towards us.

Skadi : All I ask is he gives what's mine back.

Female Inhabitant : Huh?
B–Bench... what did you take?

Young Inhabitant : All shiny... all shiny... hard... it hurts... *whimper*...

Female Inhabitant : That's not for you to eat! Pull it out of your mouth, quick!
I'm sorry, Bench tends to just grab at things he's never seen before. He doesn't understand these are things he shouldn't grab.

Skadi : (Receives necklace)

Female Inhabitant : Ugh, it's covered in spit... It's gotten your hand dirty.

Skadi : It's fine, as long as I have it back.

Female Inhabitant : We don't often see unfamiliar faces here. Did you come from the outside?

Skadi : I came from a city elsewhere in Iberia.

Female Inhabitant : It's very rare I see people from other places.
Your clothes... are very strange too. I've never seen material like this before. Does everyone from the outside dress that way?

Skadi : Only wandering singers would.

Female Inhabitant : Wandering... singers? I overheard you talking to Sheetmetal, but I don't know what that is.

Skadi : Like me, they travel everywhere, occasionally stopping over, playing the harp, singing a song.

Female Inhabitant : What about the case? What's inside it?

Skadi : A saxophone.

Female Inhabitant : What's a saxophone?

Skadi : An instrument.

Female Inhabitant : Are you really a wandering singer?

Skadi : Mm.

Female Inhabitant : (Quiet mutter)
So what did you come to do, then? Was it sing?

Skadi : I came to find someone.

Female Inhabitant : Who? Also a wandering singer?

Skadi : Yes. She is a fellow of mine. We are colleagues.

Female Inhabitant : Did she come to Sal Viento too?

Skadi : Correct. Have you seen her?

Female Inhabitant : You haven't told me what she looks like yet... oh, well! I said it just before, but you're the first time I've ever seen anyone like you.

Skadi : I'll go and ask others. Can you guide me?

Female Inhabitant : Guide? That trap... was my making. I thought you would've known.

Skadi : I don't care.

Female Inhabitant : You don't fault me? I thought you would at least have... reproached me some.

Skadi : Let's go. I'm in a hurry.

Female Inhabitant : Alright...

Skadi : ......

Female Inhabitant : Agh!
Why–Why did you suddenly stop...? I knocked against your case. Ow...

Skadi : I forgot to say. What's in my case is useless to you.
Apart from this, anything you might want, I can give you once you help me find her.

Female Inhabitant : Er, I was only curious... Was I that apparent?

Skadi : As plain to see as the trap you made.

Female Inhabitant : Wow... singer, you not only have a pair of nimble hands, but a pair of formidable eyes too.

<Background 1>

Inhabitant : Ninety-eight...

Inhabitant : Ninety-nine...

Skadi : ......
How do I ask questions here?

Female Inhabitant : Huh? How do you usually ask them on the outside?

Skadi : (With a thump, she sets down the case she was carrying.)
With this.

Female Inhabitant : Um? The saxo... saxophone? You use instruments to ask questions?

Skadi : Yes.
Slam slam, boom, kapow.

Female Inhabitant : The sounds this instrument makes are quite bizarre.

Skadi : It's very effective. They all usually open up straight away.
If they still don't talk, I can change angle, and go for another round.

Female Inhabitant : Then I have a feeling that won't get you anywhere here.

Skadi : Possibly.
(Strokes case)
In that case, the two just now. They already got talking.

Female Inhabitant : Sheetmetal? They shouldn't even know of musical instruments. The people here usually keep themselves to themselves, and don't pay attention to anyone.
And they, er, talk very infrequently. Even if they knew, they wouldn't understand how to reply.

Skadi : You've paid attention to me.

Female Inhabitant : Probably because I'm a little odd. I'm not too like everyone else.

Skadi : You talk a lot better than they do too.

Female Inhabitant : Do I really? I'm so happy. It's all what Grandma Petra taught me.
Oh, if you want to find someone else to ask, I can bring you to Grandma Petra. She's the oldest one of us all here, and knows about the most too.

Skadi : Alright.

Female Inhabitant : Come, singer, let us walk through here.

Skadi : Here?

Inhabitant : Ninety-nine, ninety-nine...

Inhabitant : Ninety-nine.

Female Inhabitant : Do you mean them? You can ignore them, they're just standing around. They make it a bit of a squeeze, but it'll be alright even if you bump into them. They won't react, really. Will you, Tableleg?

Inhabitant : ......

Skadi : ......

[Skadi jumps over the completely oblivious inhabitant. ]

Female Inhabitant : Wha? She jumped–clear over their heads? H–How did she manage that? She didn't so much as touch anyone beneath her.
Do all people from the outside walk about like this? How magical!

<Background fades out and in>

[Skadi and the girl reach a house. ]

Female Inhabitant : Made it!

[The girl runs inside to an old woman's side. ]

Female Inhabitant : Grandma Petra! Graaaandmaaaa Petraaaa!

Old Inhabitant : Don't shout! Are you trying to shake my ears apart?

Female Inhabitant : Hee-hee, grandma, you're so very lively today! You're still–er, are you basking in the sun?

Old Inhabitant : The sun... keh, where do you see the sun? I've been waiting all these years and I still haven't seen the sun. Anita, what are you getting up to? You're always scrambling about, doing this and that.
Around here, could anything important even happen?

Female Inhabitant : Grandma Petra, I'm fine as I am. Someone else wanted to find you.
–Huh, where'd she go?

Skadi stares fixed at the alley's other end.
There's no one to be seen there. At least, it seems so.

Skadi : ......

[The girl, now known as Anita, approaches Skadi. ]

Female Inhabitant : How did you get over here all of a sudden?

Skadi : Someone's watching.

Female Inhabitant : That so? Where? I can't see anyone around.

Skadi : They're hiding very well. Not well enough, is all.

Female Inhabitant : Why are you so grim? Aren't you a wandering singer? Shouldn't you be very used to people staring if you perform?

Skadi : ...You're right.

Female Inhabitant : Then let's make our way over! Grandma Petra's in alright spirits. You might really be able to ask something or other.

[The old woman, now known as Petra, walks round a circle through a pillar. ]

At a street corner, an old lady rounds a pillar, turning circle after circle.
Her body trembles and shakes, yet her gait is no hobble.

Old Inhabitant : Red sky at night, set aglow by my fiery clothes... beloved one, o, take me to fly o'er the deep blue ocean...

[Anita goes to Petra. ]

Female Inhabitant : Grandma Petra, what are you doing now?

Old Inhabitant : Anita, oh, curse you, Anita! Did you not see I was dancing?
When a young girl is dancing, nobody can disturb her. Are you going to dance along with me, Anita?

Female Inhabitant : I... I don't know how.
Spin a little slower. Watch you don't make yourself dizzy again.

Old Inhabitant : Nonsense! How would I go dizzy? I could round it ten and some times, and the whole city would clap for me!
I... *cough* *cough* *cough*...

Female Inhabitant : Take a little break. Look, we have a wandering singer here. She has a question to ask you.

Old Inhabitant : A wandering singer? I've never seen any wandering singer in my good long years.
This sunlight... this sunlight's carried on far too long. Why hasn't night come yet? Once the sun's turned in, there'll be people playing away in the bar... Will you be playing in there too?
We dance in the square, yes, right here we do... oh, I could spin more times than you could count. I have a red skirt, girlie, and I must say, it's much more beautiful than the one you're wearing.
So many youngsters want to dance with me. I like Manuel the most out of all of them. He was the most handsome when he was young.

Female Inhabitant : Yes, Grandma Petra, you've told me this. You've told me plenty of times now.

Old Inhabitant : Besides, who's looking for me?
Is it you? Your red dress is so pretty.
Red... no, I don't want... I don't want one red.
The seawater! The seawater is alive!

Female Inhabitant : Oh, no, here it goes again...

Old Inhabitant : ...suddenly came washing up. Everyone dead! All so fine... so many fine people. The survivors had nothing either to eat.
Manuel... Manuel told me he'd take me with him. Then he went back on that. He said all those people who left had never come back. All of them had died on the outside.

Female Inhabitant : You've told me this before as well.

Old Inhabitant : And then he said he'd protect me. He promised me–he said he'd protect me! But he only wanted to make a fool of me–
He wanted to swindle me out of all the food I'd kept–*cough* *cough*, I pretended to agree, and I took the silver vase my mother left behind–*cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*–
Red... I like red... no, I don't want...

Female Inhabitant : Grandma Petra, Grandma Petra! Just leave it, okay? You always get out of breath once you start going on about this.
The one I brought to see you today wanted to ask about something else.

Old Inhabitant : Ask? Who's asking?

Female Inhabitant : Her. A wandering singer from the outside.
Tell her who you're looking for, quickly! While Grandma Petra still has the strength to answer.

[Skadi goes to Petra's side. ]

Skadi : Hello–

Old Inhabitant : Who're you?

Skadi : A wandering singer. I'm searching for someone just like me, come from the outside as well.

Old Inhabitant : An out–An outsider! You're pulling my leg!
No outsider would ever come around these parts, they stopped caring about us long ago...
You came to steal something, didn't you? You're going to steal my food, my clothes, you're going to sup on my flesh, drink my blood–
Monster! You're a monster!

Skadi : (Frowns)

Female Inhabitant : Grandma, there isn't a monster. She's just a wandering singer.

Old Inhabitant : Red hem... red... I've found one, here... the singing has arisen... Manuel is waiting for me, I must go, I should go...
Beloved one, o, set aglow by my fiery clothes... fiery clothes...

Female Inhabitant : *Sigh*.
I'm sorry, Grandma Petra's particularly worked up today. Maybe I shouldn't have brought you to see her.
I'll take her back inside, singer. Give me a moment.

<Background fades out and in>

[Anita returns after taking Petra back inside her home. ]

Female Inhabitant : Singer, are you still looking for the one watching you?

Across the opposite corner, a dark shadow stows away in an even deeper cloud's gloom.

Skadi : I'm fine.
Lurking trouble is like a beastling too scared to bare its fangs. No need to care.

Female Inhabitant : Grandma Petra was...

Skadi : She knows of playing instruments, and knows to dance. The way she spoke was akin to an outsider.

Female Inhabitant : Really? No wonder. She speaks of so much, I can't make heads or tails of it.

Skadi : She called me a monster.

Female Inhabitant : She didn't mean to. Grandma often sees things that aren't real. It's like she's dreaming all the time.

Skadi : Who isn't.

Female Inhabitant : She's taken ill. She can't answer your question now.

Skadi : A shame.

Female Inhabitant : Don't be worried.
There are other brothers of mine where I live. I can take you to ask them in a while. I'm just not sure if they'll be willing to open up. Sometimes it really is so hard to speak with them.

Skadi : Brothers?

Female Inhabitant : Yes, brothers. You're an Iberian too. Don't you call them so?
My mother had no other children–but–I have very many brothers and sisters. In this town, we are all brothers and sisters. That's what the laws say.

Skadi : ......
And you believe in those.

Female Inhabitant : What else would we do? When I was very young, Grandma Petra even told me that in those dark days past, we had made mistakes.
In those times, each one of us only looked after ourselves, hiding in each home, never speaking. Sometimes a can would be dug out, and we would, um, fight over it.
Then things gradually got better. Now we'll live together, and occasionally talk. Everyone's started to, erm–learn to share.
–"We want to survive, so we must love one another even more. For love is the inseparable bond between us. We may not steal, we may not fight."
"Make oneself sturdy, but our whole self sturdier still. Only this way will bring a better life."

Skadi : This sounds familiar.

Female Inhabitant : Really? The priest says everyone from the outside believes this too.
I forgot to say, the priest taught us this!
He'll tell us so much every time... most of it is lost on me. Apart from those few words just now, all I remember is we need to treat each other as brothers, and be a little kinder to each other. I suppose it is nice advice, isn't it?

Skadi : Priest?

Female Inhabitant : Yes. Just like you, he came from the outside too. Though that was very many years ago.
It was ever since he came that things improved. He's a brother among us.

Skadi : Is he alone?

Female Inhabitant : Most of the time he's alone. Oh, I heard from Sheetmetal's friends there was one more too, later on.

Skadi : Who?

Female Inhabitant : I've never seen her. She doesn't seem to show herself. Occasionally when the priest is speaking to us, she'll be standing behind him. I only ever see that one glimpse of her from far away.

Skadi : Alright.

Female Inhabitant : Why are you... in such a hurry suddenly? Do you need to go somewhere?

Skadi : I'm going to the chapel.

Female Inhabitant : Do you know how to get there?

Skadi : Your chapel isn't that hard to recognize.

Female Inhabitant : The way there's not so easy. You need to follow the coast from here. Come, let me show you.

<Background black>

The girl leads Skadi along a lengthy stretch of path.

<Background 3>

The two gradually near the shore, the chapel roof always somehow in their sight, yet still far away as ever.

[Skadi suddenly stops. ]

Female Inhabitant : Why did you stop?

Skadi : ......
So they followed.

Female Inhabitant : What do you mean? You've lost me again.

Skadi : That clingy beastling.

Female Inhabitant : That's strange. You keep saying beastling–that should be an animal, right? We've got no animals living here–they disappeared long ago!

Skadi : It's fine. Let's keep going.

Female Inhabitant : Very well, friend from the outside. You're in charge.

[Skadi and Anita reaches the chapel. ]

Female Inhabitant : What did you see? It's right there.
But we don't usually go to the chapel at this time.

Skadi : I have ways in.

Female Inhabitant : You can enter, we all can. The chapel's entrance is forever open to the devout–the priest said so. But... you wanted to seek someone out, didn't you?
He isn't usually in the chapel at this time.

Skadi : What times is he in?

Female Inhabitant : Every so often, he'll appear before us of his own accord, and make friendly conversation with every one of us.
If you have any issues, those are also times you can go find him. No matter what it is that bothers you, he'll never reject you.
On such days, until the sun rises the next morning, he'll be in the chapel waiting.
That's right, he can also help you in your search! I'm sure the priest would know much more than any of us!

Skadi : How long is "every so often?"

Female Inhabitant : Um, I haven't seen him in the recent while. I'm not like them–I don't really count the days. But it should be the next two days? All our food is about to run bare.

Skadi : Alright.

Female Inhabitant : Strange. Whenever you say alright, I always feel like it isn't a sincere reply.
No, that's wrong of me. The priest said, we shouldn't doubt others. Ugh, they all say I'm so fond of thinking of all these questions, and it won't help me lead a good life in any way.

Skadi : Were those also his words?

Female Inhabitant : Haha, he'd never tell me this. I'd slip off before he knew it.
It's Sheetmetal and his lot, they all hate me making a racket. And it's not like I'm always itching to say so much. The people here are all too quiet.
Whenever they won't talk, I get so bored, and the only thing I can do is talk to myself for hours on end.
It used to be that only Grandma Petra would talk with me. And now you too, thank goodness. Oh, no. Do you think I'm annoying as well?

Skadi : ......
Where I come from, there are many who love speaking more than you do.

Female Inhabitant : It sounds like a wonderful place!

Skadi : ...It's okay enough.

Female Inhabitant : Where you come from, do the people dance? Just like Grandma Petra was mentioning, dancing in the square?

Skadi : Occasionally.

Female Inhabitant : Then why haven't I seen you dancing? I've noticed your harp.
Grandma Petra's told me. Don't you all dance around while you sing?

Skadi : My dance... none of you may see.

Female Inhabitant : Why?

Skadi : The time, the place, and those before me are all not right.

Female Inhabitant : You're so strange, practically stranger than me. Just where is your home? Are all the people where you're from as strange as you?

Skadi : (Plucks strings)
Where I'm from, there is no home.
And I do not know where my home is. My home is long gone.

Female Inhabitant : Well, that's okay. My home was long gone as well, years ago in a gale, when the building collapsed. My mamá was inside when it happened, and she's gone too.

Skadi : ......

Female Inhabitant : But that's okay. Everyone's in the same boat. If your house is gone, find another empty one and move in. Plenty of buildings fit the bill here.
That's right, if you're not happy dancing, then can you sing for me?
I've never heard anyone else sing before.

Skadi : Maybe.

Female Inhabitant : Wonderful!
Oh, visiting so many places has gotten me hungry.
You're hungry too, aren't you? If you're hungry, you can't sing, right?
Let's go find something to eat.

Skadi : Um...

Female Inhabitant : Am I running too fast? I forgot you wouldn't know the way.
Right, I'm Anita! You can just shout my name from now on, and that way you won't be left behind. Call for me, and I'll stop and wait for you.

Operation story: SV-3 (Under Tides)

Before operation

Summary

Skadi goes to the shore looking for food, but finds that in this part of the sea, there is nothing but monsters.

<Background black>

Bishop : Look at you, even now irresolute, an ocean fish lost in its course.

Gladiia : (She glances at him.)

Bishop : You wish to know where I have brought you. You very much mind. You have not the qualification to take part in our congregation, yet your eyes tell me, you wish to know just what we will do to her.
Did you recover the kindred love between you? Could your heart be torn apart by what happened to your old relation? Do you feel it is unjust? Are you thus angered?

Gladiia : You are attempting to find what you cannot see.

Bishop : But of course. That is the expected response.
You believe I wish to harm her. You are wrong. I wish to help her.
Only by elucidating where her–where all your pain lies at its source, can I better assist you in excising the problem point, is that not so?
As with you. You voluntarily became one of us, wishing to melt into the ocean true. Once you have completed this mission, your sordid nature will achieve purification. This is the ocean's charity to you.
And in the end, charity alike will be extended to all your old relations. So long as they alike can relinquish their narrow views of a past enmity.
To reunite you, that is the first step. To fathom you, that is the second step. And come the end, you will fathom us too.

Gladiia : ......
If you are able to reduce the nonsense by a measure, we may cooperate so much more harmoniously.

Bishop : I can also speak of things that will make you happy. Your old relation–the lucid one, she is already here.

Gladiia : Skadi?
She is not here.

Bishop : Naturally, she is not. Without my invitation, none may enter this place.

Gladiia : She's entered the city. You know that.

Bishop : You have expressed surprise. That is very interesting. There is no sound in this city that I do not hear.
And He admires all I do, has granted me the power, given my life further reach. My perception, my wit, all are no longer bound by the flesh you see before you.
I am approaching perfection. I will accept your grudges.

Gladiia : Hmph.

Bishop : As for your old relation, now–her arrival was sooner than anticipated.
"Abyssal Hunters are bound by blood."
She has no inkling of what awaits her. All you had to do was take the other away, and she has given chase here, not having once rested.
Truly a camaraderie to make one gasp. Does she know the state of you nowadays? What will she do when she confronts a traitor? Will she trust in your blood binding, old comrades rekindled, or will a blade pierce true through your body?
I have great expectations.

Gladiia : (She turns to leave.)

Bishop : You needn't hurry to find her. You've done very well. You have brought this one back to where she should remain, and led another into the city.
He will be very pleased.

Gladiia : He?

Bishop : You need not know.
We simply wait now. We wait until the time comes, and naturally, you may find your old relation then, and pass on to her our invitation.

Gladiia : She is not sure to come.

Bishop : She will come. She will come seeking me herself.

<Background 1>

[Anita rushes to welcome Skadi who had just returned. ]

Anita : You're back again!
We live in the best building in the whole north area. Look, this door still closes. A door that shuts closed is one of your best friends on a rainy day.

[Skadi goes to Anita. ]

Skadi : People are nearby. Two of them.

Anita : They're, well, they're usually here.

Male Inhabitant : One-hundred-and-thirty, one-hundred-and-thirty-one, one-hundred-and-thirty-two...

Anita : Hi, Brick, are you doing good today?

Male Inhabitant : ......
One, two, three...

Anita : I'm sorry!
Poor guy, now he has to start over again. He's always sitting here, counting all the bricks in the street. Don't tell him I said, but each day's count isn't much like the last.
And also, that one's Stonecolumn. He likes making his way all around the street pillars. When it's all dark and rainy he doesn't come out. He's a little old, and his legs start hurting when he gets wet.
You can just ignore them, and they'll ignore you too, just like they ignore me.
Come in, singer. Let me give you an official introduction. In here is my home.

<Background 2>

[Anita takes Skadi inside her house, with the ones inside looking at her coldly. ]

Male Inhabitant A : ......

Male Inhabitant B : ......

Anita : Hi, Sheetmetal. Hi, Drywall. You're awake!

Skadi : (Strokes case)

Male Inhabitant B : Ouch...

Male Inhabitant A : Hey, Woodframe. You brought this outside person into the house again.

Anita : She's not bad.

Male Inhabitant A : She's from the outside.

Anita : Bench has taken a decent liking to her, haven't you, Bench?

Young Inhabitant : Wgh... aogh...

Anita : Don't–Don't bite! You're going to chew the singer's skirt apart!

Skadi : *cough*.
...Not that it'll come apart.

Anita : It's all slobbery again. That's not very pretty.

Young Inhabitant : Aogh, au-auwgh...

Anita : This rascal really has taken a shining to you, singer.

Skadi : ......

Anita : You see? Bench wants her to stay too.

Male Inhabitant A : You are scheming something. Do not think, I do not know.

Anita : Er...

Male Inhabitant A : This will not, end well.

Anita : I'm not, okay, I don't have any plans at all.
What is the phrase...? Suit yourself.
The rules, may not be broken.
Whether by you, or by her.
I will be watching.
We shall go.

[The others left Anita's house. ]

Anita : Phew... they finally left.
Singer, don't be afraid. This is just the kind of person Sheetmetal is. He may seem very frightful, but he won't really do anything to us.

Skadi : Oh?

Anita : Okay, I know you're not afraid. Since you're so much more powerful than them.
I just wanted to say, if he really tried something–*snort*–I wouldn't be scared of him either.

Skadi : Oh.

Anita : *Sigh*.

Skadi : You're sighing.

Anita : This barrel's empty. So is the tray.
Let me just think... maybe there's still some food under the bed.

Skadi : Is this the bed?

Anita : It is. Does it seem very odd? Were the beds in your home not metal?

Skadi : I don't mind too much.

Anita : You can find wooden beds in some houses, too. Wood's surprisingly useful. Wood can burn, and make houses brighter and warmer at once. There are some times if you fall ill here when the winters won't be kind to you.
Eh-heh–look, this is my treasure box. I filled it a touch full when I woke up this morning.
Help me for a moment here, get this dry seagrass out of my sight. No, don't throw it on the floor. Even if we can't eat it, we can still pad out the bed with it.

Skadi : You have a lot.

Anita : That's right. I hide everything useful inside here.
Take a look at this, they're clothes I'm sewing right now. I sharpened up a shell into a needle recently, and it's so much better to use than all those years-old ones.
I'm fairly short of material. Still need to go searching properly through the city south. Maybe there'll be some buried so deep that nobody's taken it yet.
It'll be getting cold soon, so I need to hurry up.

Young Inhabitant : ......

Anita : No, don't you dare, Bench, you can't touch these clothes! These are for Grandma Petra. Her cough just keeps getting worse.

Young Inhabitant : ......

Anita : Not this either! You let go!

Young Inhabitant : Woodframe.

Anita : I've told you how many times? It's not Woodframe, it's Pictureframe!
Also, you can't even eat this! There's no point in you even having it!

Skadi : Woodframe... Pictureframe?

Anita : You heard them calling me that?

Skadi : I only know you as Anita.

Anita : I picked Anita for myself... I heard it in one of Grandma Petra's stories. She was a girl just like you, she could really sing. It sounds much nicer than Woodframe, doesn't it?
Most of us here have no names. Whatever came to mind first is what we use. Brick's always counting bricks, Sheetmetal has a sheetmetal fence running all around his house.
They call me Woodframe. Because underneath this pictureframe is where Grandma Petra found me.

Skadi : You mentioned your own mother before.

Anita : She didn't give me up to anyone else. Brave, she was. When I was born, there were no children here. Children couldn't survive.
Those years, nobody dared go against Grandma Petra... she gave me a share of food. Don't let her poor health now fool you, she's this city's most fearsome person by far.

Skadi : Oh?

Anita : Even Sheetmetal fears her.

Skadi : Oh.

Anita : Things are much better now. That priest taught us how to survive. Just look at Bench, and those children over there. I believe in this place of ours becoming a lively one someday.

Young Inhabitant : Aaah... ah...

Anita : So long as you don't keep taking what's mine. You're a good kid still, aren't you, Bench?
It doesn't matter if anything else gets taken away. Every night when I go to sleep, I hide this box away. They wouldn't know how to find it.
Ugh, we don't really go "yours" or "mine" here. I understand hiding things is bad. Singer, you won't go telling anyone else, will you? You're not interested in my things to boot.

Skadi : Do you trust in me?

Anita : You're a guest. Grandma Petra taught me that we should properly receive guests.
There it is, I knew it was there. Look, there's still one fin left.

Skadi : This odor...

Anita : It's half a month old. Still quite fresh as fish go.
Pull it apart, and this half... is for Bench. Here, Bench, food for you here!

Young Inhabitant : Ah... aaah... (He swallows it.)

Anita : Alright, and this half is for you. Leave the bones when you're done eating. I can boil some soup with them after.

Skadi : I can go to find food too.

Anita : But the day still hasn't come! If you went out now, you probably couldn't find anything to eat.

Skadi : Can't say until you try.

[Skadi heads outside. ]

Anita : Huh?
She talks, and suddenly she's gone. Seriously, how odd she is!

<Background 1>

The wandering singer in the red dress, carrying her tremendous case on her back, strolls casually through the street.
Still no one heeds her. In a street still and ashen, naught moves but a flutter of red.

Skadi : Still following.

Skadi suddenly picks up in speed.
The indistinct shadow sweeps through the way, in the manner of a wave driven on by a gale.
It is as if she is about to charge headlong into the ocean–and then comes to a sudden halt.
The singer in the red dress clutches her harp to her chest, using one hand to clamber a nomadic city's wreckage, her vision sweeping past the chapel towering on the high cliff, resting on the pitch-black sea surface.
A sea positively calm.
From a crag hanging over ten meters high, she leaps down.

<Background 3>

[The ones following Skadi turn out to be one of the inhabitants inside Anita's house earlier... ]

Male Inhabitant A : The shore. She has gone to the shore.

[...who are then joined by another inhabitant. ]

Male Inhabitant B : Yes, Sheetmetal, your thinking is correct. She wants to enter the sea. She intends to set into it.

Male Inhabitant A : The time, is not yet come.
The priest spoke so. The tide must flood and ebb one-hundred times, before we are permitted, to enter the sea.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, we cannot come here. The shore, does not permit us to.

Male Inhabitant A : That is meaningless. We will, block her.

Male Inhabitant B : Block her? As if we could defeat her?

Male Inhabitant A : The priest spoke, we must wait one hundred times, before we may go. It is only, the ninety-ninth time now.

Male Inhabitant B : She will obtain nothing at all. The shore today, has nothing at all.

Male Inhabitant A : So what is she looking for?

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, it is bitterly cold here, I am hungry, we cannot come here, and you should not ask.

Male Inhabitant A : Is there anything in the sea?

Male Inhabitant B : I do not know.

Male Inhabitant A : Even if you knew, what then?

Male Inhabitant B : I do not know. Sheetmetal, what you say, I do not know any of. I do not understand.

Male Inhabitant A : Where is the furthest we have traveled, in the past?

Male Inhabitant B : The westernmost of the west. A long time ago. In those days, we were, no taller than this. We could still, collect food in the town.

Male Inhabitant A : Borderline. We do not often, say this word. We have seen, this city's, edge.

Male Inhabitant B : That was you, Sheetmetal, not we.
At that time, I was dizzy with hunger.
You said, you wanted to go further still. You wanted, to push your luck.

Male Inhabitant A : It was to try my luck.
Hmph. You never could, make any sense. The priest gave you such years of teaching. You never could learn.

Male Inhabitant B : Heh-heh, Sheetmetal, you make. Sense of me.

Male Inhabitant A : You said so, at that time too.
You have always trusted me. You let me take the can you kept. I traveled another day.

Male Inhabitant B : And then you came back.

Male Inhabitant A : Yes, I came back.

Male Inhabitant B : You ate nothing, for several days after. I thought, you wanted to starve yourself to death.

Male Inhabitant A : I thought of it. But what meaning, would starving myself have?
After all, we will all perish come not too long.

Male Inhabitant B : You are giving me a shock. You said this back then too. I do not know what you are talking about.

Male Inhabitant A : Afterward... the priest came. It was only when he came, that I felt a change. We all changed.

Male Inhabitant B : The priest, has a good life. He says we can have one. What he says is true.

Male Inhabitant A : It is true. Because... it is the truth. He let us see it.
Because of the priest, I survived. We all survived. That is, very good.
That line, no one can cross.

Male Inhabitant B : Is that line, the seawater line?

Male Inhabitant A : All lines. Just like the traps Woodframe makes. They stop, even outsiders.
We cannot exit either. That is for the best.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal... your leg, is going to meet the water!

Male Inhabitant A : Water... yes. I shall not cross.
Even if I crossed over... crossed over, there may well be nothing there at all.

Male Inhabitant B : Phew... Sheetmetal, you finally stopped walking. You scared me just now.
Do not be like that, asking so many questions. You are like Woodframe, when you always ask. She was always strange. The priest said too that something is wrong about her, did he not?

Male Inhabitant A : Questioning... cannot help us.
Only answers have any meaning.

Male Inhabitant B : You impress me so, Sheetmetal. You are the only one who remembers, the priest's words as strongly.

Male Inhabitant A : ......
Look, she has not stopped walking along the shore.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, where are you going? Are you going to follow too? No, that is not right, we may not, and cannot follow her!
Even I know, we cannot defeat her. We have no way to drive her out.

Male Inhabitant A : She cannot return now.

Male Inhabitant B : That... That is a very good thing for us.
I want the big case she has. There is surely much to eat inside.

Male Inhabitant A : The case is not here. She took it.
There is only this... this, she placed it on the rocks. I do not know what this is.

Male Inhabitant B : She is always holding it. It should be something good, no?
May I... May I try a bite, Sheetmetal? I am so very hungry.

Male Inhabitant A : (Plink-plunk)

Male Inhabitant B : What–What is this? I have never heard a sound like this before.

Male Inhabitant A : (Plink-plunk, plink-plunk)

Male Inhabitant B : Stop it quickly, Sheetmetal, this sound is making my stomach and teeth shake without end. If you are fond of holding it then hold it. I am going back after all.

Male Inhabitant A : No meaning. This also has no meaning.
This useless thing. It should be left on the ground. To rot.

[Skadi suddenly shows up before the inhabitants. ]

Skadi : The whole way, I thought it was somebody else following me.

Male Inhabitant B : You–You returned! How were you able? Nobody who goes to, the shore at this time, will return.

Male Inhabitant A : You want to enter the sea.

Skadi : I'm just taking a walk around the area.

Male Inhabitant A : Is there anything in the sea?

Skadi : There's nothing at all.

Male Inhabitant A : That cannot be.

Male Inhabitant B : You have turned stranger and stranger, Sheetmetal. You are still asking these questions I do not understand. Did we not come here to block her?
Now she is heading back. We may go back.

Male Inhabitant A : You saw it. You know.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, you are shaking. Have you become ill?

Male Inhabitant A : ......

[After knowing there's something wrong with the second inhabitant, the first approaches Skadi. ]

Skadi : Don't come near.

Male Inhabitant A : And what if I do? Will you beat us so we are lying on the floor, like before?

Skadi : ......

Male Inhabitant A : There is something in the sea, correct?

Skadi : Don't move.

[Skadi hits the second inhabitant with her case. ]

Male Inhabitant B : Aaaaagh–

Male Inhabitant A : Drywall!
This stone... her movements, are truly fast.

Male Inhabitant B : Was that a sound from my mouth? Sheetmetal, I made a sound. My heart is beating wild. Have I become ill too?

Male Inhabitant A : I believe, your head will explode with a bang. Just like a shell smashed open, there will be something shining bright white inside.

Male Inhabitant B : Will I die then?

Male Inhabitant A : We will know the next time we try. What has fallen apart now is something else. I have never seen a thing like this before.
Why can it... still move?!

Skadi : Run. Head back to the city. Quickly.
–Remember to leave my harp here.

After operation

Summary

Skadi witnesses the local inhabitants' unusual ceremony for seeking food from the ocean. An indignant young Inquisitor breaks it up, and maintains firmly that Skadi is a wicked Ægir, engaging her in a fight.

<Background 4>

[Skadi returns to Anita's house after the sun goes down. ]

Anita : Ah, you're back! I was just about to go find you.
How come you've got sand stuck to you... did you go to the shore?

Skadi : Yes.

Anita : I told you not to go! But you just don't listen.
Hurry, come inside with me, it's warm.

Skadi : No need.

Anita : Fine. This is for you! I found something to eat. I gave those clothes I half-sewed to Uncle Fireplace, and took some things from his. He's got quite a lot of food left, so he shouldn't mind it.
It'll be forever before winter comes. If I just work at it a little more, I'm sure I'll find materials to use.

Skadi : This shellmeat...

[Skadi, suspecting something, grabs Anita as she asks her. ]

Skadi : Just what is it you're eating?

Anita : Ow! It hurts when you grab me like that... you're much too strong!

Skadi : What is it you're eating...?

Anita : We–We pick them off the coast!

Skadi : There is no food in the sea here. Nothing to harvest whatsoever. This part of the ocean is silent.

Anita : I told you, if you went to the shore today, of course there'd be nothing to eat.
The time has to come...

Skadi : What time?

[An inhabitant walks outside while murmuring... ]

Inhabitant : One-hundred...
One-hundred!

[...before going away. ]

Anita : Oh, no! I hadn't even paid attention to the count. We're already at a hundred, then.

As if receiving some sort of signal, each "busied" person scattered all across the street assembles together.
From all their mouths the same number comes, as they surround a pot, one after another remove something identical thing from it, and then silently leave.

Skadi : That pot.

Anita : Weren't you asking me where all the food came from?
On every hundredth flood and ebb of the tide, the grownups all get together like this, and each one takes a shell out from it.
The shells in the pot are mostly white ones, and only one is red.
Once the sun's gone down, the one who's taken the red one will go to the shore.
And on morning the next day, there'll be food all over the shore.

Skadi : And the one who went?

Anita : Went to go live in the sea. Just as the laws say.

Skadi : You believe in this too?

Anita : Well, where else do you think they go?

[An inhabitant walks by while overjoyed. ]

Male Inhabitant A : One-hundred. It has finally come.
Here, Woodframe, why that face? This is a good day!
Very soon, out of us, another lucky one will be chosen. They will leave before us, to live a better life.
Come tomorrow, we will even have, fresh food aplenty. We will all survive. No matter whether gone to the sea, or left on the shore.

Anita : I...

Male Inhabitant A : You do not need to worry. You are already old enough. Very soon you will join this too, and have this greatest, opportunity.
For now, you may go on as before. Give your blessings to that sibling.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal, I, I...

Male Inhabitant A : You have fallen over. Truly hopeless. What happened at the shore, earlier, weakened your leg.

Male Inhabitant B : I do not understand why. I, I am so hungry... I have no strength. I am ill... I am going to die.
That is right, what about the shell? The one I just drew...

Male Inhabitant A : You dropped it on the ground.

Male Inhabitant B : Is it... Is it a red one?
Can, I go to live in the sea?
In the sea, I will not hunger. Is that not right, Sheetmetal? I will live, a good life.
You will... erk, bless me too, as the priest told, will you not?

Male Inhabitant A : ......
You have mistaken it.
Take it, for this is your shell. Look carefully at, what color it is. Do not let the saltwater muddle your eyes.

Male Inhabitant B : A white one? Why would it be white... did I see wrong? I could not have. My eyes, are very fine.

Skadi : (Plucks strings)

Male Inhabitant A : You are here too.
So this, is how you use that thing.

Male Inhabitant B : *cough*, Sheetmetal, the shell in your hand... your hand, is clutched so tight. It is bleeding, is it not? I can see, reddest red...

Skadi : If it's blessings you want, I have none for you.

Male Inhabitant A : You understand nothing.
This is what is truly meaningful. I know, at least, where I should go. I will very soon learn.

[Suddenly the festivities are interrupted when the young female Inquisitor from before shows up and break the pots. ]

??? : What are you all doing?!

Anita : That outfit... it's an Inquisitor!
What is an Inquisitor doing here all of a sudden? They come so rarely.
It was so many years ago when an Inquisitor last came... I was still very young then, and we were all living miserably.
We couldn't find any more food in the city, and so many of us were ill. Everything was a mess, and everyday people passed away.
The Inquisitors took a few people away. Those people never came back.
Since then, the days have gotten a little better. We still starve, or die of illness, but at least we won't, um, we won't...
I mean... that's an Inquisitor.

Skadi : Oh.

Anita : Shh, singer, don't anger her. She doesn't seem very happy at all.

Inquisitor : I've seen what's happening here, and I've even heard it. You're plotting to send someone into the sea... Do you not know what it is you're trying to do?!

Inhabitant : ......

Inquisitor : Speak! Why won't you speak? I don't like it, I don't like anything about this place. Disease, famine... I thought I'd have seen it here, with how hard it is to escape from.
According to prior reports, none of you should even be alive at this point, after all these years!
Yet reality begs to differ. You all seem to me in better shape than I'd imagined, yet blighted all too fiercely.
Do you all understand what your actions will eventually cause?
Look at me, answer me! Don't you know who I am?

Inhabitant : You are an Inquisitor.

Inquisitor : Thus, you are required to answer me, citizen!

Inhabitant : This is the ocean's choice. The one who is chosen is the one who accepts it.

Inquisitor : This isn't right! What in the world is the ocean's choice? As if the ocean had some kind of will of its own... a truly unsound suggestion!
The way I see it, you are conducting a collective murder! How could anyone entering the sea survive? On... on what basis do you sentence the innocent?

Inhabitant : Entering the sea, is not death.

Inquisitor : How do you know?

Inhabitant : Do you know?

Inquisitor : I... That's irrelevant. I only know that their departure will in all likelihood be more terrible than death itself.
And right now, I witness that you are coercing one amongst you.

Inhabitant : We are not making them do it. This is their own choice.
If they want to go to the shore, we should not obstruct them. The laws do not say they cannot do this.

Inquisitor : Unbridled nonsense! This is not in any way proper!

Inhabitant : Then, what is proper? You are an Inquisitor. You may indicate to us.

Inquisitor : At the very least, I know more about wrong than you all seem to.
What you're carrying out is impermissible conduct. Whether you see it or not, I still smell an odor of wickedness–
(Draws sword)

Inhabitant : ......

Inquisitor : It seems you have no fear of my sword. Perhaps, though, you truly don't consider this a homicide.
You fear not even death. You're all becoming monsters before my very eyes.
Or yet... I suppose there's someone who wants you turned into monsters.
It may be your insanity was tugged astray by some actor. I will unearth this sin's source, I swear!

[While quietly watching the Inquisitor threatening the inhabitants... ]

Skadi : I'm out of here.

Anita : Hm?

Skadi : She's the one who can't hold it in. It's nothing to do with me.

Anita : Who... Who's she? Do you mean... the Inquisitor?

Skadi : Let's at least let her try.

<Background fades out and in>

Anita : You've looked in an awful lot of houses this whole way.

Skadi : You don't need to follow me.

Anita : Can you really find who you're looking for, turning through one building after another like this?

Skadi : I'll keep looking, then.

Anita : Traveling the city north to south, west to east, would take a whole day or two.

Skadi : If you didn't follow me, I could move faster.

Anita : Does the one who wanted you here know you're looking for her? Didn't she mention any specific place?

Skadi : ......

Anita : Ugh, it'll be dark in just a bit, so let's rest up. Singer, have you readied anywhere to stay tonight?

Skadi : Anywhere will do.

Anita : You can head back with me. I've mentioned the buildings in the north are a little better for wear. Plenty of us all live together.
Look, there was still a little fin oil left over from last time. Uncle Fireplace was up early to light the lamps, and now the room's nice and bright.

Skadi : I'll be fine.

<Background black>

Skadi randomly kicks open a roadside door. The door belongs to a half-collapsed building.

<Background 5>

[Skadi and Anita enters the ruined building. ]

Skadi : I'll stay in here.

Anita : This one? This one hasn't had anyone in it for forever.

Skadi : I don't care about that.

Anita : Never mind a bed, you'd barely find a single even nook in there. If you can't lie down, how are you going to sleep?

Skadi : Standing, sitting. It makes no difference.

Anita : Incredible...
You're so strange. I didn't know what wandering singers were like, but the feeling you give me isn't like them.
I thought people who love singing would all love laughing, joking. Not like you, you barely talk.
And would people who love dancing not mind sitting somewhere dust-caked like you are, getting your skirt all dirty?

Skadi : You should go home.

Anita : Are you annoyed with me now?

Skadi : This is no good place. As you said.

Anita : But I want to keep you company.

Skadi : I don't need company.

Anita : Ugh, I realized. You've stared outside the whole time you've been here. Where are you looking at? The shore, the chapel?
Are you going to head out again at night? Say, climb the hill, and take a look inside the chapel?

Skadi : That is none of your business.

Anita : True, it isn't. I'm just curious.

Skadi : Take it.

Anita : Your harp? What are you giving me this for?

Skadi : You've been eyeing it the whole time. If you want it, just take it.

Anita : What a pretty harp.
(Plink-plunk)
Such a nice sound. But I have no clue what to do with it. I can only watch you use it.

Skadi : Then what do you want?

Anita : Do you feel as though I'm only following you because I want what's yours?
I just want to follow you, really.

Skadi : ......

Anita : I know the only thing on your mind is finding someone, finding that fellow one of yours.

Skadi : I need to verify a few things.

Anita : You've been searching for her for many years now, haven't you?

Skadi : Hm?

Anita : That's the feeling you give me. The moment I mention finding her, the look in your eyes is different. They're the eyes of someone who's been on so very many journeys. There's times when the look in Grandma Petra's eyes is the same.
So wonderful. I think, in the end, you can free yourself from her.

Skadi : What?

Anita : Burdens like this are too heavy.

Skadi : I don't understand what you mean.

Anita : No matter how long you persist for, come twenty or thirty years' time, whether it's you or her, you'll only want to be freed.
And no one can persist for that long of a time, besides.

Skadi : What are you saying here?

Anita : I'm saying, you might just be the kind who's fated exceptionally well. You don't have to search for her anymore.

Skadi : ......

Anita : Here, only those without any burden can live for very long. If their minds are fixated on one thing for so long, they go mad.
Don't take me just for someone young. I've seen a lot of people go mad.

Skadi : You don't understand.

Anita : I don't understand what happened between you in the past. But things of the past, good or bad, can crush people once too much amasses.
Just like I'm unsure if Grandma Petra's illness has gotten worse, every time she brings up the name Manuel.
You're still young. You don't need to live such a hard life.

Skadi : Things aren't as simple as that.

Anita : Simple or not, you can try talking about it all the same.
I'll be right here. I want to hear.

Skadi : They're...
Even if I don't pay them mind, they won't just leave.
The more I don't pay them mind, the more they'll come find you, drown you...

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 6>

[Sometime in the past, while Skadi and José were working together, they were resting with the latter offering the former a drink. ]

Old José : Here, you drink some too.

Skadi : (She tilts her head and gulps.)

Old José : Stop–not too much in one go, leave a drop for me. I need some too to help with sleepless nights.
Goddamn. You piece of work, you.
My ass, you're the disaster. You got Juan killed... This damnable papá couldn't even give you an earful in time before you came back looking half-dead. What the hell can I even say to you?
I can't. A tomar por culo.[note 1] I can't deal with it.

Skadi : ...I'm sorry.
The enemy's aim was me. No one who nears me... has a happy end.

Old José : Look at what you're saying. Cursing me, aren't you?

Skadi : You should keep your distance from me too.

Old José : That I can do. Don't have to ask me twice.

Skadi : ......

Old José : All right, sichtír,[note 2] that doesn't mean I believe you're some ill omen. This line of work's bloodthirsty, and that little idiot didn't listen to his papá, died, and died in some goddamn mystery asshole's hands. If even you couldn't do anything, did I ever have a chance?
That's not a hatred I can avenge. I've got nothing I can do to you either.
Once we're done with this bit of drink, we'll be off again, going wherever we go.

Skadi : Alright.

Old José : You bastard! Were you always like this? Can't even find a single kind word, not so much as a profanity, huh?!

Skadi : I've never been too good at the language here. I'm still not.

Old José : Nah. You're just not willing to admit you've made a friend.
Dammit. If we're to part, you might as well spare a couple more words. Where are you heading next?

Skadi : I don't know.

Old José : Same as ever, then. Drifting here and there, taking on missions with no point, fighting wave after wave of enemies who couldn't even take you if you were using one finger. Like living in an unending dream, isn't that?

Skadi : ......

「Skadi tilts back and swigs. But the alcohol seems without a shred of effect on her. 」

Skadi : ......
Then where can I go, in your opinion?
You're all bounty hunters in order to make money, to live.
But I long since had nothing left.
It's savage, orderless. There's not even an automatic toilet. I don't want to be here, and this place doesn't need me. Why should I be here?
Weak, ignorant. Both plainly insatiable yet scared of dying. The things don't even understand me, yet when they come looking for me, they're not even willing to get out of the way.
I can't figure it out.

[Skadi crushed the bottle she was holding in anger. ]

Old José : Hold it, did you just crush a few bottles?

Skadi : ......
Beheading prey. Disposing of enemies. I'm born to do this.
They all die, and I live on. What do I live on for? Why do these disasters always come calling, but never kill me... always the ones by my side?
Juan was a good person.

Old José : I don't need you to tell me, you damned Ægir hag!

Skadi : Then why? Why is it always them who die?
I await, I search, I make sure all those shadows pursuing me will be slain, but I can't even find them, I can't even catch sight of them.
So what am I meant to do? What can I even do, except keep far away from everyone?
Who can even... tell me at this point?

Old José : Fine, fine. You win. Tah-hathek.[note 3]
This whole bottle's yours. Down it, give crying your eyes out a go, like me. Then get some proper sleep.

Skadi : It doesn't do much. I've already tried.

Old José : Go dream actual dreams, hunter. For you, dreams might just be the more real thing. You never know, maybe you'll find some clues in there–you know, like a, uh, treasure map that only belongs to you?
Find it. And then you can be on your way all the better. Cover your head and move forward. It beats being stuck circling in place.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 5>

Skadi : A treasure map.

Anita : Singer? Are you okay?
You seemed very pained for a moment... I didn't know you could make that sort of face.

Skadi : It's fine.

Anita : And then you started pinching this thing. If you didn't treasure it so, I would've believed it was some awful artifact that angered you so much you wanted to pulverize it.
You don't... look angry at all.

Skadi : This is hers.

Anita : Her? The fellow person you're looking for? Fine, I can see you just won't give up.

Skadi : ...She's not a burden.
She's the... one who helped me. She revealed the course of a craft to me.
If I keep following its direction and sailing on, maybe I'll be able to find answers.

Anita : Singer, what are you looking for?

Skadi : I still don't know. It may be who I am. It may be what I should do.
When... When you're searching for things in the ruins, do you know what you're possibly going to find?

Anita : Wow. Put like that, I actually don't know.

Skadi : I think, once I've found it I'll know.

[Suddenly someone knocks the door hard. ]

Inquisitor : Let me in!

Anita : Shoot.
Singer, don't you cross words with her. Open the door.

Skadi : Why?

Anita : ......
You're not an Iberian.

Skadi : Say what you will.

Anita : That's an Inquisitor. Hmm...

Inquisitor : I know you're in there! Don't get cocky about your disguise, I saw you the moment you entered the city!
Open the door, citizen. You don't know what kind of person you're sheltering...

Anita : Sheltering? No, I, I didn't mean to hide her...

Inquisitor : I'll give you a count of three. If you don't open up, don't blame me for being discourteous.
One, two–

[The Inquisitor breaks through the door, which fills the room with dust. ]

Inquisitor : Three! *cough*, *cough* *cough*, so much dust! How long has this place been uninhabited...
Aha, Ægir, I've found you!

The Inquisitor's blade is keen and swift, the air itself practically sundered in two.
The one meant for the blade's downswing turns her waist, sliding to the side in one unfathomable motion.
She keeps close with the blade's point, and it follows her unerringly, yet it cannot split even one of her hairs.

Anita : Wh–What fast moves–
Singer... did you dodge?! That posture... I can't imagine it myself.
Stood on the chair... the backrest? People can stand on that? How is she stood so steadily?!

Inquisitor : A fluke and no more!
I must see for sure, how long can your good luck last you?

[The Inquisitor strike Skadi, but she dodged it. ]

Anita : She dodged again! In a single swish–she went from this end of the house to that... She's even lighter than seagrass flung in a gale, even faster!

[Skadi looks at the Inquisitor. ]

Skadi : That stick of yours is useless against me.

Inquisitor : St... Stick?!
This is an affront...
You will pay for your false words!

[Angered, the Inquisitor unleashes a flurry of strikes at Skadi that cuts open anything in the path, but Skadi evaded them regardless. ]

Anita : Whoaaa–so strong too! The chair split apart, the cupboard, and now there's even a crack through the floor!
I–I can't bear to watch... oh, the singer...
Wait, she's alright? She evaded all of that? Such nimbleness!
No... it doesn't seem like she's dodging. Her steps aren't forced in any way. It actually has a peculiar feel of rhythm to it...
So–So beautiful.

Sweat drips from the young Inquisitor's flushed face. Her blade hand is still steady, but her breaths are coming faster.
The narrow room is cut to utter pieces. To Skadi, this is no different to her slow ambles across the open barrens.

Inquisitor : How long do you plan to hide, Ægir?
Like the rest of your kind, you steal into our country, stowing away in the shadows–
Heyah!

[The Inquisitor slashes across a nearby wall... ]

Anita : Did that slant away? The slash cut against the wall...?
Has the Inquisitor... tired out?

Inquisitor : Heh! At no moment does my sword ever slant–

[...which collapses right after, seemingly trapping Skadi. ]

Anita : The–The wall collapsed!
How fortunate, we're on the other side...
But the singer... has no way out now. The Inquisitor did that intentionally.

Inquisitor : Nowhere left to hide.
Take this blow, for it is your crimes put on trial!

Skadi : Damn it.

Inquisitor : Gh... how?
How can my blade be so casually blocked?
Though I have not used all my strength... person of Ægir, just what are you?

Skadi : A wandering singer.

Inquisitor : Drivel! I've been following you ever since you entered Sal Viento.
Who are you fooling? What wandering singer... has such skills?!

Skadi : Seems Mister José wasted his effort.

Inquisitor : And who is this José?
And your acts at the shore! I saw it all!

The Inquisitor flurries her blade, hacking and slashing, thrusting, each blow coming quicker, more exact than the last.
She no longer simply charges the Ægir in her gaze, but relentlessly switches angles, blitzing slices through the surrounding space. If the enemy shows no openings, her swordhand will force the openings from them.
However, Skadi is open, head to toe. She has no intent of defending at all.
Every supple strike melts, one by one, into a traceless muffle.

Inquisitor : Confess! Why have you stolen into our land?

Skadi : You care too much.

Anita : S–So strong!
She's not just unafraid of the Inquisitor, she's taunting her?
It might not be a taunt. The singer just speaks this way. I've gotten used to it after half the day. But... *cough*, now the Inquisitor is even angrier.

Inquisitor : I am an... Inquisitor!
All things that occur in Iberia are my business.
All errors proscribed under the law... we find, we even out.
There's something not right about the sea here. Their numbers have grown. This city is on the eve of... no, perhaps it has already become a lair of evils.
Speak, Ægir. All these abnormalities, they are all your doing, correct?
It was you who brought about disaster, had those things assemble here–

Skadi : Yes.

Inquisitor : You inculcated heretical thought into the citizens here, drove them to enter the sea. Look at them, they've all now become as grotesque as you!

Skadi : Hm?

Inquisitor : You undoubtedly saw it. You clearly brought something about in the ocean here. Yet see the look in your eyes–
You simply–do not care!

Skadi : Mm...

Inquisitor : How can such indifference claim resemblance to a normal human? And you dare to say this wasn't your doing?!
I will not let you escape, Ægiii–iiir! Do you consider the calamity you've brought to this country a trifle? Your lot are scheming something, of this I am absolutely certain!

Skadi : Huh?

Anita : What's the Inquisitor talking about?
The singer's only been here for half a day... and what disaster? Who's grotesque?
Don't we... voluntarily enter the sea?
What other Ægir are there?
I don't understand.

[Skadi narrowly dodged an attack by the Inquisitor. ]

Skadi : You can't overcome me.

Inquisitor : How can we know without trying further?

Skadi : This is a pure waste of time.

Inquisitor : Tch. You're correct. What have I been wasting all this talk on you for?
I should have long since–apprehended you first.

All of a sudden, the Inquisitor sheathes her blade. From her side she draws a handcannon, grips it in both hands, and aims at Skadi.

<Background 5>

Anita : Huh?!

Skadi : Get down. Don't come out.

[Skadi pushes Anita outside right as the Inquisitor fires her handcannon. ]

<Background 4>

[As the dust settles, the Inquisitor rushes out to make sure that Skadi is dealt with... ]

Inquisitor : Heh, do you know my might now, Ægir?

[...but she survived without serious injuries, though her clothes are damaged in the process. ]

Skadi : (She brushes off her hem.)
An extra bullet hole. Can't return this to Mister José in original condition now.

Inquisitor : You... You! You're without a scratch?! How could you be? My aim was true!

Skadi : Are you finished?
Your weapon. You don't use it lightly.
Otherwise, you wouldn't be talking to me now. You ought to aim a second time.

Inquisitor : I...

Skadi : I don't understand what you're talking about, nor do I care.
I don't want to...

A beam of light pierces the dead of night, shone directly on Skadi's face.
At the far end of the road, from where the light came, appears a single figure carrying a lamp.
Skadi's face shows no expression, her impatience just now gone with it.
But in the instant she sees that not-so-bright light, the Inquisitor's face shines.

Notes

A Spanish euphemism that literally means "To take (something) in the a**," but typically used as a colloquial idiom which means "F**k off" or "Screw this."

σιχτίρ; "F**k" in Greek

طه حاثك; an Arabic curse word that means "May all your luck go away"

Operation story: SV-4 (Under Tides)

Before operation

Summary

Breaking away from the young Inquisitor, Skadi runs into another, more senior Inquisitor, and after the two engage in a melee, Skadi flees, bloodied. Before long, the monsters from the sea have found her.

<Background 1>

[The high-ranking Inquisitor from before reveals himself before Skadi. ]

Skadi : ......

Inquisitor : High Inquisitor!

High Inquisitor : Stand down. You're no adversary for her.

Inquisitor : But I...

High Inquisitor : Stand down.

Inquisitor : By your order!

Ten meters separate Skadi from the person before her, as they stare face to face.

Skadi : You. You're very strong.

High Inquisitor : You should not have set foot in this city.

Skadi : I'm already here.

High Inquisitor : Violate the rules, and you must pay the price.

Skadi : I can't care about that much.

High Inquisitor : You will remain here.

Skadi : I don't want to fight with you.

Inquisitor : Hmph. Wicked Ægir, you're surely frightened! Now that the High Inquisitor is here, you absolutely cannot run.

Skadi : But, if this is necessary–
(Ægirian) I will take you down.

Begin. Quicken. Clash.

Inquisitor : Such speed! So much faster than her prior hand-to-hand bout with me!
With speed like that, I could hardly even hope to touch her hemline... Just how much more was she still hiding?!

Before she collides with the High Inquisitor, Skadi steps back.
As if a fish tossed in the air by the ocean waves, she leaps high, and lands on a dilapidated roof.
The High Inquisitor follows in mirror fashion. Their figures crash together, pull apart, then crash again. The city can barely endure such a clash, torn apart as it is, and fragments of buildings are building up rapidly on the street.

Inquisitor : Her attack and evasion are becoming more and more rapid, as are my instructor's. I almost can't keep up now.
Was I really... still this lacking?!
No, this won't do. That's an Ægir. Of course I cannot lose to an Ægir.
Yet this Ægir seems, somehow, to be using that case of hers as a weapon... Just what is that made of?! Why is it so tough?!
But my instructor isn't using the handcannon. If he was... wouldn't we have her seized in a blink? It'd blow this entire street into slag.
s that... simply an Ægir, however? Her appearance is nothing at all like those monsters...
She's using... some form of Arts, is it? I can't quite tell. And our lamp... cannot inhibit her power whatsoever.
–This Ægir has too many secrets kept with her.

[A thunderous explosion is heard, likely from the High Inquisitor's handcannon which he fires at Skadi. ]

The shaking throughout the whole street gradually ceases. Amidst the shards and smoke, the senior Inquisitor appears again.

High Inquisitor : ......

Inquisitor : High Inquisitor! You're victorious. I knew no one could ever sway you by even a hair.
Er, where's that Ægir?

High Inquisitor : Fled.

Inquisitor : What? That... how?

High Inquisitor : She is injured, and cannot run far.

Inquisitor : I'll search for her–

High Inquisitor : You cannot overcome her.

Inquisitor : Ahem... But we absolutely cannot allow her sort to run free along the coast!
Direction suggests she may have made for the citizens' assembly area. She's likely mixed in with the crowd, and has accomplices among the citizens aiding her. I'll search the houses for her one by one.

High Inquisitor : If you believe this is right, then go.

Inquisitor : Understood–
......
High Inquisitor, was she the one who brought anomaly upon this city?

High Inquisitor : I had you go and see. What was it you saw?

Inquisitor : The behavior of the locals is highly abnormal. It's as if they live every day in an unwoken state. They act, yet not to complete anything. When they eat, it's not even to fill their stomachs.
They're entering the sea, and they don't even consider it suicide.

High Inquisitor : Did you put a stop to them?

Inquisitor : Yes. This is evidently wrong, after all.

High Inquisitor : What we are concerned with is the results. If you believe your corrections can have right results, then go do so.

Inquisitor : Right results...

High Inquisitor : If they cannot, then you must make some choices.
Inquisitor–with your own two eyes, your blade, you must stare down the greatest menaces to Iberia.

Inquisitor : Yes, sir!
The greatest menace to Iberia... is those monsters presently climbing ashore.
Could it be? These people who head into the ocean have some relation to these monsters?
Yes... they are surely related.
I remember you once taught that abnormality often takes more than a single form. Between all these terrible visions, there must be connections.

High Inquisitor : To address an issue–you must first see clearly where that issue lies.

Inquisitor : I–I know!
–It's those Ægirs hidden in the darkness, conspiring everything!
They're hidden ashore, concealed in the minor loopholes of our laws, rotting our cities' skin and flesh, destabilizing our fellows' wills, attempting to corrode our country's muscle and bone.
Before their plot prevails, before it drags this city into the abyss of despair–
We must–find them–and wipe them out!

<Background 2>

[Anita runs into an empty house where Skadi is hiding from the Inquisitors. ]

Anita : Singer... singer? Are you in here?

Skadi : ......

Anita : I've been searching for you forever. The Inquisitors won't know about this place. There are too many empty houses here, and come night, searching will be awfully hard.
I know... I'm sure you want to avoid us. That the farther you stay from where we live, the better.
Finding you here definitely wasn't easy... phew... it's so close to the coast.
Is this the sound of the waves? I never knew it was so loud. And... I can hear breathing now.
Singer, what are you doing in here? Your breathing's become quite different.

Skadi : You're all in danger.

Anita : What are you talking a... um, what's–are you hurt?

Skadi : I'm bleeding. Get away!

[The young Inquisitor enters the house, having tracked Skadi all the way here. ]

Inquisitor : Thinking of leaving? It won't be that easy.

Anita : The Inquisitor?! Did you follow me the whole way...? I–I didn't realize.

Inquisitor : I could hardly let a commoner notice me. *cough* Of course, even if I don't tail you, I'd still have methods of finding this place!

Skadi : You again.

Inquisitor : What's wrong? Scared now?
Earlier–Ahem–I concede, I was negligent for a moment, and narrowly let you escape.
But now, Ægir, I'll definitely have you caught!

Anita : B–But, she's already hurt–

Inquisitor : Hmm? Are you certain about getting in my way, so as to protect a dangerous Ægir, citizen? If so, you'll become a criminal, the same as her!

Anita : I–I...

Inquisitor : You and all the others are unalike. At the very least, your eyes show fear.
Until now, you have not yet done wrong. Out of the way! I don't want to have to sort you out with my blade.

Skadi : It's not the time–

Inquisitor : It's not what time? Are... Are you scorning me? You think I have absolutely no way to seize you?
Hmph. Certainly, I may not be the High Inquisitor. But I've already made my preparations.
I will deal with you, no matter the cost to me!

Sword still unsheathed, Skadi proceeds to grasp the Inquisitor's arm–pulling her behind Skadi's own self.

Inquisitor : What–What is the meaning of this?

Skadi : Don't make noise.

Inquisitor : Unhand me, you Ægir reprobate! You'd better not think I can't employ my sword with a hand pinned, and I still have the handcannon–

Skadi : Keep it down. They'll hear you.

Inquisitor : Ngh-ghhh... I can't move... my other hand either...

Anita : Um, can either of you hear something?
I heard... sticky things, rubbing along the floor... so, so many... and the sound was right outside.
What... is that? It's not the work of any of us. I've never heard it before...

Skadi : They're closing in.

<Background 3>

[The High Inquisitor witnessed strange creatures running around the streets. ]

High Inquisitor : Their numbers are growing.
What is causing it? The people of this place, or that woman and her companion?

[The High Inquisitor kills some of the creatures... ]

High Inquisitor : Ten of them–

[...and some more. ]

High Inquisitor : Twenty of them.
–Still growing, still advancing. Something is leading them to clamber ashore, and spill into the city.
And their course stems from–
The chapel.

[The High Inquisitor fights off the creatures. ]

<Background black>

Bishop : Hm? They are very excited.

Gladiia : Are you sure you should be petting these things so?

Bishop : Pay mind to the words you use. They are not "things" of any sort. They are already a part of this expanse of ocean. They have become the heirs born of the sea, and are much purer than you are.

Gladiia : ......

Bishop : Ah... the news on the tide has already arrived. Tonight will be yet another special one.
They have surely smelt the scent. When bloodkin join them, they become so spirited, so agitated, that they even wish to emerge from the sea, and give their welcome on land.
It is very normal. We all love our own brothers and sisters.

Gladiia : Do you truly treat them as your own brothers?

Bishop : Why not, I ask? At times of necessity, I am willing to address those of land, those who cannot help but still walk on two legs, as my brothers too.
If you did not hold the most dirtied, mixed blood within you, then one day, you may also possess this chance.

Gladiia : Oh? What a crying shame.

Bishop : (He touches the seawater.)
Fascinating. This evening... they seem to be especially vigorous. Perhaps because so many old friends have come as guests to their home.
Are you not curious? Wondering just what is happening upon the surface.

<Background 2>

Male Inhabitant C : ...Loud.

Male Inhabitant D : So loud. I cannot sleep.

Male Inhabitant C : Stuff your head in your quilt.

Male Inhabitant D : I cannot hear.

Male Inhabitant C : I cannot see.

Male Inhabitant B : ......
Ngh... So hungry...

Male Inhabitant C : So hungry.

Male Inhabitant D : So hungry.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal...

<Background fades out and in>

[Some of the creatures made their way into the house Skadi were in as she, Anita, and the young Inquisitor fight them off. ]

Anita : Ah!

Inquisitor : Uwargh-wah-hh–

Skadi : They're here.

Inquisitor : What–What are these horrendous things?! Black... flowers? Or fish? Why do they move? How disgusting, eugh...
It couldn't be... That's not right, this doesn't make sense!

[Some of the creatures try to enter from the windows. ]

Anita : They're knocking on the windows! Are they... do they want to enter?!

Inquisitor : W–We cannot let them!
Close the windows shut–

Anita : It's pointless. The windows here are all broken. Look at the top, it's full of cracks...

[The creatures managed to get through. ]

Inquisitor : –They're reaching in!

[The young Inquisitor strikes down one of the creatures. ]

Inquisitor : Uwargh, it's still moving! Is this tiny chunk writhing on the floor trying to force its way to us?!
Even supposing it's one of those things... nothing gives it the right to be so difficult!

Anita : So very many... there's still so many outside.

[The young Inquisitor fights the creatures, but they just keep coming. ]

Inquisitor : Why can I not cut them down?!
My lamp... no, the lamp would be of no use against them.
I only have enough ammunition for one more round.

Anita : I–Inquisitor?!

Inquisitor : Freeze! In a moment, I'll fire, and you two run for the interior. The ruins ought to be a little sturdier than these worn-out windows.

Anita : Your hand is trembling...

Inquisitor : Holy scriptures... lend me strength.
I–I do not fear them!
I'll head out right away, kill as many as I can, and I should be able to hold a wave back. You must run with haste...

Skadi : ......
You, take her and hide inside.

Inquisitor : What? What are you spouting?! Have you not seen? I can't cope with–this many! They're nigh coming in already. There's no difference between the inside and outside!

Skadi : Remember, as far from doors and windows as possible.

Inquisitor : You utterly don't listen to people when they tell you–

Skadi : I'll go out. Draw them away.

Inquisitor : What?!

Anita : Singer, you can't go outside either...
You're very strong, stronger than anyone I've seen before, but you're hurt! And these odd things–there's–there's so many of them!
Inquisitor, don't–don't leave either...
What if we all hide together? I–I know there's a cupboard in here, and the door still closes. It's in the back. If all three of us squeeze, we should hopefully...

Skadi : I have to go out. Only this way, will you survive.

Inquisitor : Hey! Ægir, even if you want to play the hero, this isn't your place to!

Skadi : Listen well. This is genuinely nothing to do with you.
Because–they're here looking for me.

[Skadi walks away, and... ]

「Skadi pushes open the door.
A long-lost scent following the sea breeze bores into the brain's tissue, creatures never of dry land pack densely into the streets.
They bubble up and down, spitting, contracting, imitating rot and growth in their actions, the shore of civilization falling to their sinister bodies. 」

Monster A : ......

Monster B : ......

Monster C : !!!

Skadi takes another step onward.

Operation story: SV-5 (Under Tides)

After operation

Summary

Skadi has shredded hundreds of these monsters on her own. On the verge of exhaustion, she meets the young Inquisitor once again. The Inquisitor wants to take her away, but the locals do not let her.

<Background 1>

[Skadi kills the last of the monsters infesting Sal Viento. ]

The streets have calmed.
The wandering singer closes the bulky box and carries it on her back again.
Skadi begins to step forward.
She takes one step and then another. The pile of limbs and coagulated fluids beneath her feet instantly rot and weather away.
On her third step, as the hems of her dress flutter in the sea breeze, the tiny particles of crystal scattered all across the ground disperse into the air as well.

<Background 2>

[Anita and the young Inquisitor watches Skadi from the house. ]

Inquisitor : D-Did you see that just now?

Anita : I saw all of it.

Inquisitor : How did she even do that?

Anita : She is a singer...
Inquisitor, this is nothing strange for her. That's something she's always been capable of.

Inquisitor : Singer... what? You're still calling her by that name?

Anita : How else should I call her? You're the Inquisitor. You tell me.

Inquisitor : ......
I need to go outside.

Anita : Hey, wait!

Inquisitor : What are you doing? So you think you can stop me too? I am an Inquisitor!

[Anita hits the young Inquisitor with the leg of the chair she cuts down previously. ]

Inquisitor : What is this... So slimy...

Anita : Phew... I-I got it! I landed a blow! That was close, Inquisitor.
Thank goodness you smashed this chair to pieces. It gave me a weapon when I needed one to smack this thing. It would've climbed on top of you otherwise!

Inquisitor : Y-You...! All of you are out of your minds!
How could you not be scared, seeing these things?

Anita : I was. Just a little. They're not as scary as you, though.

Inquisitor : You... How dare you compare me to these monsters?!
Fine, I won't argue with you. You haven't seen them before, and you have no idea what they are capable of. It's no wonder you are not scared.
Wait, the other inhabitants are coming outside. They... What are they doing?!
They're not scared at all either...
The problem...
I need to find where this problem lies...

The problem, as the Inquisitor sees it, is the most abnormal sight she sees unfolding before her eyes.
The Inquisitor looks at the girl standing before her. Then, she looks over at the lone Ægir standing outside.
Finally, she turns her gaze to the inhabitants now lining into the streets.

<Background 1>

Male Inhabitant C : ......

Male Inhabitant D : Sand.

Male Inhabitant C : Salt... So salty.

Male Inhabitant D : That thing just now. You can eat it. It's gone. A shame.

Male Inhabitant C : Too bad.

Male Inhabitant D : You can eat salt.

Male Inhabitant C : Yes, it's edible.

Male Inhabitant D : More. More... Mhmm, blurgh.

Male Inhabitant C : It's dirty.

Male Inhabitant D : Swallow it. More...

[Skadi tries to stop the inhabitants from eating the monsters' remains, but were interrupted by the young Inquisitor's arrival. ]

Inquisitor : Stop right there!

Skadi : ......

Inquisitor : I still have questions for you, and you will answer them–What do you mean, they're here for you?

Skadi : I'm bleeding.

Inquisitor : I can tell that much. You were wounded in your fight with the High Inquisitor, so you ran away. How's that got anything to do with these... monsters showing up?

Skadi : They can smell my blood.

Inquisitor : They're here to... kill you? I saw them all dashing toward you–

Skadi : Perhaps.

Inquisitor : Perhaps?

Skadi : They can't hurt me.

Inquisitor : Y-You! Do you know how annoying the way you talk is?

Skadi : It's the truth.

Inquisitor : They–I mean these monsters–They're gone.

Skadi : Yes.

Inquisitor : They're all gone without a trace, as if they never were. If I didn't see them clearly with my own eyes, I would've thought this all a dream.
These monsters... the Sea Terrors. I've come across them plenty of times before. They don't look that much like these ones, but they have that same disgusting stench.
But that was on the beach, and they never show up in such numbers. Do you mean to tell me they do not actually live in the sea?
They only show up when someone goes look for trouble at the shore, right? Just like what you were doing during the day.
And now they came this far away from the beach. They've nearly made it to the streets.

Skadi : They can make it far more places than you can imagine. They can spread by changing form, permeating every corner of the world.
Be it iron-forged cities, villages built atop the highlands, or barrenlands with nothing but sand. Wherever one can go, they can too.

Inquisitor : How is that possible?!

Skadi : The world is surrounded by ocean. Just because you cannot see the ocean does not mean that the land where you stand will forever remain untouched by its waters. The seas are alive and ever flowing, and so are the calamities they bring with them.

Inquisitor : I know there are places where the seas are dangerous, but I didn't know that the danger existed... in the lands outside Iberia too.

Skadi : Danger exists everywhere.
Still, these calamities are here because of me. If you come any closer, you will be affected too.

Inquisitor : You... Just who are you?!

Skadi : I already told you.

Inquisitor : Enough with the wandering singer thing! I saw it all.
You were fighting them, and you know exactly how to fight them too.
When you finished them off, your technique was so much better than when you were fighting the High Inquisitor and me.

Skadi : I don't have quite the same handle on fighting humans.

Inquisitor : A-Ahem... Let's dispense with the strange talk... I know you are a strange one, but still...
Were you... a hunter? I can kind of see that in your eyes.

Skadi : If you think I am, then sure.

Inquisitor : And you hunted these... Sea Terrors before?

Skadi : They need to be eliminated.

Inquisitor : Ugh... The way you talk just grates me so much, but–I don't even know why–coming from you, this doesn't sound like a lie at all.
Singer, hunter... It doesn't matter to me what you were.
Going by the circumstances, I suppose you saved not just my life, but everyone who lives on this street, maybe even the entire town.
You may be the enemy of my enemy, but that does not make you a friend.
No matter the case, I need to do my job. I have to take you away.

Skadi : ......
You were asking me what I am doing here.
I am here to seek an answer, and this answer only has to do with me... and the person I am looking for.

Inquisitor : You wouldn't tell me a thing earlier.

Skadi : You didn't give me a chance to tell you.

Inquisitor : ......
You may have given me an answer now, but that doesn't mean my judgment has changed.
You don't belong to this city. A person like you showing up is a mistake.
Not to mention... You told me yourself you brought this disaster with you.
–It's certainly not how I imagined it, though.
Nonetheless, Ægir. You are dangerous. You are a danger to this city. At the same time, this city is also a danger to you.

Skadi : Hm?

Inquisitor : Look at them. They are... eating scraps of the Sea Terrors' remains. They don't fear these monsters... No, they don't even know what monsters are.
They feed when they are hungry. As a monster does. And humans... humans know what fear is.
So... Are they still human?

Skadi : All I know is that they're trying their best to live.
From that perspective, there's nothing that sets humans and monsters apart.

Inquisitor : When they live like that... can you really say they are alive?
The High Inquisitor told me to see it for myself, and only now do I understand what he meant.
In this city, the biggest problem isn't whatever its citizens are doing. It's that they are still alive in this manner–This is the most abnormal thing of all.
Like you, they are dangerous, and this danger must be kept under control, just like how mistakes must be corrected.

Skadi : You haven't given up.

Inquisitor : Now I really can't let you go.

Skadi : I already told you. I still have something to take care of, and I am in a hurry.

Inquisitor : Looks like we will have to do this again, then.
Ægir, I know you are hurt, and you must be exhausted after fighting the Sea Terrors.
But I will not go easy on you.

[Before the young Inquisitor could attack Skadi, she was hit by some thrown object. ]

Inquisitor : What's this? A small shell?
It wasn't you, Ægir... You wouldn't throw this at me.
Perhaps one of the locals vomiting their guts out on the floor? No, it can't be them. They don't even know what it is they are stuffing into their mouths. They wouldn't move against me.
Is it... from the window over to the side?

[Someone throws another shell into the young Inquisitor again. ]

Inquisitor : ......
Who is it?!
Who threw this? Step forward!

[Anita reveals herself as the one who throw the shells. ]

Anita : Hahh...

Inquisitor : You? Did you throw this at me? Are you still trying to get in my way, to protect this Ægir?

Anita : Uh, yes! It's me!

[Petra shows up right after. ]

Old Inhabitant : Anita, stop it with your nonsense.

Anita : Grandma Petra?! Y-You should stay inside...

Old Inhabitant : I did it, Your Honor.

Inquisitor : Did you just call me "Your Honor?"

Old Inhabitant : I know who exactly you are. These ones know nothing.

Inquisitor : There's someone still sane here...?
Old woman, perhaps your eyes aren't as good as they used to be. Please step back. We are taking care of something dangerous here.

[Petra threw a shell at the young Inquisitor. ]

Old Inhabitant : Look, Your Honor. My eyes are as perfect as they can be. Even if the sky's pitch black, I will have no trouble hitting you as long as you forget to dodge.
Oh, tiny seashells, beautiful waves♪
One shell after another, one beating wave after another...

Inquisitor : You admitted it yourself. Now I must–

Anita : Inquisitor... Your Honor! Grandma Petra's sick... Please don't blame her?

Inquisitor : She's sick? No wonder. Yes, I can see that.

Old Inhabitant : Oh, Little Anita. Enough nonsense. How am I sick?

Anita : Grandma Petra, please stop. Please.

Old Inhabitant : Sick... sick!
What's sick is Sal Viento itself! Yes–This place, and all its people! And you, almighty Inquisitor... You are sick as well!

Inquisitor : You, take your senile grandmother home.
I have more important things to deal with.

Old Inhabitant : What important things? What's more important than being alive?

Inquisitor : As an Inquisitor, there are things that I have to safeguard even with my life. For example, all the things that the law says are correct... as well as our country itself.

Old Inhabitant : You will use your life... to safeguard whose life?

Inquisitor : I... Whatever... I shouldn't waste any more of my time with you. Your old age and your illness have done a number on your faculties, citizen. I can overlook your crazy behavior so long as you stand aside and let me take care of what's important.

Old Inhabitant : Your Honor, I'm afraid I don't understand this right or wrong, this country of yours.
I just want to ask you this. This thing you are trying to uphold. We were never part of it, isn't that right?

Inquisitor : What...?!

Old Inhabitant : You Inquisitors took our people away. You said they were disrupting order, that they assaulted someone while they were stealing food. They just wanted to live.

Inquisitor : That wasn't me... but if they committed a crime, then that's how it should be.

Old Inhabitant : And they've never been back.
You brought your bad guys away, but did that improve our lives?

Inquisitor : When you remove all the factors that bring chaos to society in time, there will naturally be order.

Old Inhabitant : Yet there is less and less food to go by... Those of us who got on in years either die of hunger or disease. Even some of our young couldn't endure.
You speak of order... but all you want is for us to die quietly, isn't it? That way, there will be no more noise, and you upper class folks can finally lie down on your fluffy beds for a quiet night of sleep.

Inquisitor : That's not it.
All of Iberia is suffering. Not just you.
Shouldn't a criminal who steals resources and harms the people be stopped? Suppose there are ten meals before us. They should feed ten Iberians.
If no one is there to tell them how much they should get, they will fight to no end. In the end, only one of the ten will remain.
The Inquisition draws the boundary of right and wrong amid this chaos and guides the masses to the right path. Otherwise the whole country would've long become a heap of sand.

Old Inhabitant : Everything you said... I don't get it, and it's nothing I can see.
We don't have a way out. When we truly wanted one, where were you?

Inquisitor : I... I want to help you. I am working hard to become a full-fledged Inquisitor. I took this path because I want to help the people, and I trust that this is the only way.

Old Inhabitant : Help us...?
I hoped, imagined, thirsted, even dreamt of someone coming to save us. I screamed through so many nights till my throat was hoarse.
You never came.
Will you Inquisitors only come when someone has done something wrong?
Look at these old bones. I never imagined I'd live this long. What a tragedy. Every day is filled with nothing but pain.
Look, I'm attacking you, Your Honor.
Take me away! Take me, and end me! Put me out of my misery!
Hurry, do it! I can't wait no longer–I've waited all these years! *Cough* *cough*...

Inquisitor : I...
I don't want to fight you. Your anger... is understandable. My sword should not...
Don't force my hand, citizen.

Old Inhabitant : *Cough* *Cough*...

Anita : Grandma!

Old Inhabitant : Oh... Anita... You came to the plaza too.
It's dark... Why is there no singing yet?
Singer, you said you are a singer. Why aren't you singing? Where is your harp? I want to dance. I need a tune.

Skadi : ......

Old Inhabitant : Look, Your Honor. You're more useless than a wandering singer. She sings for us. She's even brave enough... to stand in front of the rest of us.
I'm not scared of monsters, and I'm not scared of death. What I am scared of is this life. Am I crazy, Anita?

Anita : Grandma, it's okay. You're shaking. It's cold here. Why don't we go back? Lie down and get some rest. You'll feel better.

Old Inhabitant : Okay... Okay. Let's go. We'll go home. It isn't like I know where else to go anyway.

Inquisitor : You...!

Old Inhabitant : Did you change your mind? If you changed your mind, you can still take me away. That, or kill me. At the very least... I would get to die like a person.
Do it while I'm still alive, Your Honor. I don't have much time left.
Come, let's go... Singer, come with us. I want to hear you sing.

Inquisitor : ......
I will let you go... for now.
But I will be back!
And you, Ægir! I'm watching you, and I will get to the end of this! Don't think you can get out of this one!

[The young Inquisitor leaves in anger. ]

Anita : Phew... That was close.
Singer, are you okay? You look white as a sheet.

Skadi : I'm fine.

Anita : You don't need to act so tough anymore. The Inquisitor is gone.

Skadi : I'm not afraid of her.

Anita : I know. I can tell you aren't afraid. What would someone like you be afraid of?

Skadi : She's not a bad person.
And it would be a good thing for you if I leave this place.

Anita : A good thing? There's nothing good here.
Grandma might've said all that, but she doesn't really hate the Inquisitor. She hates something else. I know it.

Old Inhabitant : Now dance. Haha, I love your singing...

Anita : Stop spinning around, Grandma. You're tired. The singer will sing for you. Isn't that right?

Skadi : ......

Anita : Give me your hand, singer. Let me take a look at your wound.

Skadi : No...

Anita : I can't come near you because it's dangerous, right?
It's okay. I trust you. If anything happens, you will win.

Skadi : ......

Anita : Look, your wounds aren't so bad at all. No more bleeding.
Singer, you are amazing. You heal up so quickly.

Skadi : It could've been quicker.

Anita : But even so, you don't look well to me, and the house you picked was blown to pieces. I doubt even you can get a good sleep there now. Why don't you come home with me and Grandma Petra?

Old Inhabitant : That's right. Stay with us. Don't let them come look for any more trouble with you.

Skadi : No...

Anita : Okay, enough "No's," "No need's," and "I have other things to do." I am sick of them.

Skadi : I can still...
Ugh...

Anita : Look at you. Out of strength, no? You need someone to look after you, and you definitely need some sleep.
I also think the person you're looking for probably doesn't want to see you pushing yourself like this.

Skadi : ......

<Background fades out and in>

[The "chosen" inhabitant from earlier heads to the shore. ]

Male Inhabitant A : What was that... just now?
None of my business anymore...
I shouldn't ask questions. I have my answer now. I know the way. I know where to go.
I need to go straight... Straight ahead.
Tomorrow, everyone will have food to eat. I... No, we... All of us will get to live.
"We want to survive, so we must love one another even more."
"For love is the inseparable bond between us."
"I will become stronger."
"Our people will likewise become stronger."

The man limps forward toward the pitch-black seas until he comes upon an object blocking his way.

Male Inhabitant A : ......
This...
Her harp. It's here.
(Tries to play the harp like Skadi does)
(Chords)
Sounds horrible.
This is useless. I will leave it here to rot.

Operation story: SV-6 (Under Tides)

Before operation

Summary

In her nightmare, Skadi tries to escape. Meanwhile, Anita insists on staying by her side. On the other end of the coast, the Inquisitors witness the truth behind the local ritual.

??? : There is no end... The fog is everywhere...

A glowing mist rises from the bottomless abyss and engulfs her whole.
That instant, all her senses are cut off from the rest of the world.
Perhaps she can feel there is something right in front of her.
Before her is the entire ocean.
She puts her whole strength into striking the enormous yet almost shapeless object before her.
Everything she can feel immediately crumbles away.
An ice cold yet burning hot liquid swallows her. These are the ocean's currents, as well as its blood.
The very last dance has concluded. The seas have calmed, and she can no longer hear her people's singing.
She saved... No, she has no idea what it is that she actually saved.
Likewise, she does not have the faintest idea what it is she triumphed over.
She paddles her arms and kicks her feet as though her life depends on it, yet the waters of the ocean pay no heed to her willpower. Like solid blocks of iron, the water has become cold and stiff, squeezing her body from all directions.
She stops moving, leaving herself to the mercy of the sea.
As she sinks further and further into the ocean, a black shadow envelops her.
The countless voices begin to materialize around her. Some of them are crying and some... are murmuring.
The sea is talking to her.
Its cold, lightless form has been restored, as have her eyes. She cannot see the path upward. She is sinking downward further and further, just as she is rising upward more and more.
At a place deeper than even the sea's deepest abysses, she is lifted up by the warm waters, as though the waters themselves are the waiting arms of her family.
She opens her lips. The saltwater gushes into her throat and dissolves her completely before reconstructing her anew.
She has found her singing voice once more.

<Background 1>

Anita : Hm...♪

Skadi : Uhh...

Anita : Singer, you're awake! Good morning!

Skadi : Was someone just singing?

Anita : I-Is this a song? I don't know how to sing, but you were humming this while you were asleep.

Skadi : I...

Anita : Ow! Singer... You are grabbing too hard...

Skadi : You...

The girl's figure turns faint. Just like in the sea.
No, the one in the sea was someone else.
The dream is ripping her nerves to shreds.
The musical notes are dancing, twisting themselves into the cries of her family.

Skadi : Mother...

They are dying before her eyes, and there is nothing she can do to prevent it.

Skadi : Monsters...
Monsters.
Monsters!

They are screaming, as is everyone around her.
She must grab her weapon.

[Skadi subconsciously hits Anita with her case. ]

Anita : Ah!
*cough*... Singer, your box... It's really hurting my chest when you press it against me...

Her blade pierces through a monster in the midst of feeding on a person.
The monster turns around.
She sees a face she often sees in the mirror.

Skadi : I...

The box falls on the ground, bouncing slightly before it comes to a stop. The object stored therein tumbles inside the box a little but does not fall out.

Anita : A-Are you letting go? That really scared me...
Singer, I thought you were going to kill me.

Skadi : ......
If I were going to kill you, I could've done that easily.

Anita : But you don't want to kill me.

Skadi : You can tell?

Anita : I can tell.

Skadi : But I don't know.

[Skadi runs off. ]

Anita : Eh?
R-Running out again...? Singer, where are you going?!

<Background 2>

Inquisitor : Sir... The tides are rising again.
The colors of the sea... That patch of color has changed.
What is there in the water? I-Is it shells and finfish? Why would they suddenly show up in the water? And why are they growing closer and closer to the shore?

High Inquisitor : From far deeper places, they made their way here by following currents that normally would not exist.

Inquisitor : What?!
I thought... the reason they headed into the sea, claiming it would get them food, was some absurd, unfounded belief. I thought, in their despair, they were fooled into doing this...
But I never imagined... they are actually dealing with the sea? They are using their own men as fodder to feed the monsters of the sea, and the monsters then also feed them in return?
This mutualism is horrifying... and wretched...! No wonder there are so many Sea Terrors here!
But I thought I put an end to it yesterday...!

High Inquisitor : Not all corrections are fruitful. This is something you must understand.

Inquisitor : I...
Am I in the wrong, High Inquisitor? I just wanted to save them.

High Inquisitor : To right a wrong, you either bring what strayed from righteousness back onto the right path–

Inquisitor : But... What do the people here even see as right?
You can't grow any food in the lands and seas of Sal Viento anymore.
This was a foregone conclusion decades ago, and to fight it would be futile. The nomadic city, the society, and the people who live in it... They are all slowly marching towards their death.
They asked me... If... If there isn't a way out... How are they supposed to see right from wrong?

High Inquisitor : –Or perhaps make that which is wrong no more.

Inquisitor : Sir...! You don't mean...

High Inquisitor : You are doubting me.

Inquisitor : I... No, of course not. I just...
They may have turned out like this... but they were once Iberian citizens. I want to protect them, and I hope I can help these inhabitants... so that they can make our country a better place.

High Inquisitor : You should have doubts.

Inquisitor : Huh?

High Inquisitor : In making a judgment, rely on no one but yourself!

Inquisitor : Yes, sir...

High Inquisitor : Look out at the sea. What do you see?

Inquisitor : I see... a threat.

High Inquisitor : Don't regurgitate your memorized answers.

Inquisitor : Yes, sir!
The sea... is flowing. It's ever changing.

High Inquisitor : Remember everything that you see.
Change has happened, is happening, and will happen. If you can't see it clearly for yourself, you will find yourself lost.

[One of the monsters, now known as Sea Terrors, shows up below the High Inquisitor, who promptly kills it. ]

Inquisitor : Sir, what is that under your feet?!

High Inquisitor : What do you think?

Inquisitor : A Sea Terror... Did we miss one when they attacked last night?! No, doesn't seem like it... This one wandered off the beach... It looks like it's climbed a long way... It's not quite the same...
I... uh... I should know this...

High Inquisitor : This is an evil that must be eradicated.

Inquisitor : I get it... I can see it... It's the whole truth of this deal of theirs.
So this is what becomes of anyone who wanders into the sea... This is not just the monsters' nest. It's their breeding ground.
Uhh...
Doesn't that mean that all the people here will become monsters?!
......
(Grips scabbard)
High Inquisitor, I need to head back to the city.

[The young Inquisitor rushes back to Sal Viento. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Skadi sits on the shore.
Carried by the winds, the sea waves beat the shore ceaselessly, but never reaching her dress.

[Anita catches up with Skadi. ]

Anita : *pant*... *pant*... Phew... S-Singer, you're too fast...

Skadi : But not fast enough.

Anita : Huh?

Skadi : You managed to follow me again.

Anita : H-Haha... Singer, this is my home... I know this place much better than you.

Skadi : I should leave.

Anita : Leave? What do you mean?

Skadi : I mean leave this place.

Anita : Huh? Did you figure out where to go to find your friend?

Skadi : At the very least... I should keep my distance from you.

Anita : Huh? Why's that?

Skadi : The Inquisitor was right about one thing.

Anita : She talked about a lot of things...

Skadi : I am a danger to all of you.

Anita : Because of what happened last night? You saved us, Singer. We are very thankful of what you did for us.

Skadi : I saved you? Is that what you think?
If I'd missed even one of the Sea Terrors, it could've torn you to pieces as it marched on.
You would've been killed.
I brought it here. Therefore, I killed you.

Anita : No, that's not how it is...

Skadi : How is it not? This has happened before.
They died because of me. They despised me, they were scared of me, and they blamed me for it.

Anita : They... They were wrong!
You didn't mean to do that.

Skadi : I didn't mean to?
I don't know.

Anita : Uhh...

Skadi : After all that, I'm not sure... anymore.

She thinks back to her dream.
Ever since that final battle, she has had that dream countless of times.
The Abyssal Hunters never stay in one place. They always march forward.
Yet Skadi was trapped there.
She has no idea what is happening to her.

Skadi : I thought that if I killed it, I would find the answer.

Killing that gigantic monster.
Things would get better for everyone. No one would cry anymore, and no one would scream anymore.
She just had to kill it.
And she killed it...
Yet an even greater problem engulfed her.
The Abyssal Hunters never ask why. They simply do.
But Skadi wants to know why.
She has no idea what is happening to her.

Anita : Singer...? You don't look so good.
You are hurt, and you spent so much of your energy. You haven't completely recovered yet, have you?
You should come back with me and get some rest. You will feel much better once you get more sleep.

Skadi : ......
Why aren't you afraid of me?

Anita : Hm?

Skadi : Your grandmother called me a monster, while your friends all looked at me with animosity.
These kinds of gazes are everywhere... I got used to them long ago.
But what about you? When you look at me, what do you see?

Anita : You... You are a singer.

Skadi : A singer. That's what I told you, and you believed it. That Inquisitor, on the other hand, did not. If I tell you I'm a monster now, will you believe me?

Anita : I won't...

Skadi : ......
Why are you always following me?

Anita : Huh?

Skadi : Anything that I can give you, you are free to take, yet you don't want them.
You don't want to kill me either.

Anita : K-Kill you? No, Singer, why would I want to kill you?

Skadi : When I do something for you, you pay me something in return. It's always either that or the other way around.
Whenever you exchange something, there exists a promise. It's only when promises exist that there's trust.

Anita : Promise?

Skadi : You don't know what that is.

Anita : (Shakes head)

Skadi : Listen up. You helped me, so I will give you what you want. This is what a promise is.

Anita : I don't want anything...

Skadi : You are lying.
I can smell as much with my nose as my eyes can see.

Anita : Uhh...

Skadi : You told me this is your home, and that's how you know how to find me so quickly. That's a lie too.
If you don't tell me the truth, I can't trust you.

Anita : No, Singer, don't go!
It's not that I'm not telling the truth. I just... don't understand.
Singer, to all of us... To me, you are still a mystery. You came from the outside, and I've never met anyone like you...
You want to know how I guessed that you are here. It's not that I'm trying to lie. I'm just... embarrassed.
This is... the outskirts. It's as far as it gets from the city.
I know that you are hiding from us, and I thought this is where you would probably come too if you wanted to run away.

Skadi : "Too?"

Anita : I come here often myself. Of course, I don't tell Sheetmetal or anyone. They aren't happy when they find me running this far away.
Look at that chunk over there. It's tall. I climb on there sometimes. The stronger the wind gets, the farther I can see.

Skadi : You are curious about what's outside.

Anita : I don't know. I... I sometimes wonder about how it's like outside. It's pretty pointless, I know, and they kept telling me that too, so all I do is imagine it all by myself here.
This is the furthest I've gone whenever I go outside to scavenge. Outside... There's nothing useful outside.

Skadi : If you're curious about what's outside, you just have to walk a little further.

Anita : I used to go to the west side. Sheetmetal would warn me that there were monsters outside, and we would die if we ever stepped out.
Singer, you are from the outside. I am following you around because I have lots and lots of questions... I want to know if what Sheetmetal said is actually true.

Skadi : Perhaps.
If you head outside, you will die.

Anita : Phew... so it's true...

Skadi : You aren't disappointed.

Anita : Singer, if I have the chance, I think I want to see it for myself.
It doesn't matter if there are monsters there... I don't think I'm scared of them.

Skadi : Hm?

Anita : The Inquisitor said I'm not afraid of monsters because I don't know what they would do to me.
I think she's right about that.

Skadi : She made that up.

Anita : *cough*, *cough*...

Skadi : I'm not afraid of them either.

Anita : Haha... That's gotta be because you know the monsters can't do anything to you.
Not like me. Last night was the first time I got a good look of those monsters. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. My heart was racing like never before.
Then, when I woke up this morning, the weather felt so much better than I've ever experienced. I could feel the wind, and I could see the sea waves splashing ever closer.
This day has been different than all the other days I've lived, because I don't know what's going to happen.

Skadi : Sounds like you're excited.

Anita : Excited?

Skadi : Fear and excitement are pretty much the same. Both get your heart racing and your blood flowing.

Anita : Am I sick?

Skadi : You are not sick. To some people out there, this is what it means to be alive.

Anita : I didn't know it feels this good to be alive. Is it like this outside every day?

Skadi : It must feel better than here.

Anita : Can I really go outside...?
My box... Once my box is full.
I need to... get more food. I need to make sure Grandma Petra's all set.
I... Argh!

Excited, the girl loses her footing.
Just as she is about to fall into the sea, a hand reaches out and grabs her.

Skadi : The monsters will eat you if you're so careless.

Anita : Singer... you saved me again.

Skadi : And you could've saved me the trouble if you didn't come.

Anita : Haha... S-Sorry...

[Suddenly a Sea Terror shows up from below Anita and hold her legs in its grasp. ]

Anita : Huh? Huh?
My leg... Something's grabbing my leg.
It's slippery... and heavy!

Skadi : There they are again... Everywhere, too. What a pain.

Anita : Ugh... Singer, I-I'm losing my grip...

Skadi : Close your eyes.

Anita : Hm?

Skadi : And then let go.

Anita : Can I really...?

Skadi : You can either believe me or not. The choice is yours.

After operation

Summary

Impassioned by Anita's warm enthusiasm, Skadi walks into the crowd of locals and begins to sing for them. The music manages to tug at the still heartstrings of the inhabitants, though this moment of peace is broken when the high tide signal is sounded.

The girl closes her eyes and lets go as she is told.
The force gripping onto her leg quickly disappears. She can hear all sorts of tiny trinkets splashing into the water. Just before she herself touches the surface of the sea, a force pulls her upward and sends her back to dry land again.
–She lands face first.

<Background 2>

[Anita opened her eyes. ]

Anita : *cough* *cough* *cough*.

Skadi : It's not easy to control the strength and angle while I'm dealing with a person.

Anita : I-It's okay. I'm fine.

Skadi : (Smells herself)
My bleeding's stopped.
Why are they still so excited? Have there always been so many Sea Terrors here?

Anita : Are these the same monsters from last night?

Skadi : More or less.

Anita : I've never seen them before.

Skadi : You should stay away from this place for a couple of days. Now go back.

Anita : Singer.

Skadi : Stop tugging my skirt... You aren't a child.

Anita : I just want to say... I think I know what it is that I want now. I want to hear you sing.

Skadi : Oh...

Anita : And that's because... I don't know what songs are like. I heard you humming in your sleep, but I didn't understand it.

Skadi : Alright.

Anita : Singer, will you do it? Is this what it means to make a promise?

Skadi : More or less.
(Frowns)
My harp.

Anita : Huh? Oh yeah, singer, where did your harp go?

Skadi : I'll go look for it...

Anita : Okay. I'll help.
So does this mean you'll come back with me? G-Great!

Skadi : ......
Is this something to be so happy about?

<Background 3>

Male Inhabitant B : ......

[Anita greets the inhabitant. ]

Anita : Hey, Drywall, good morning!

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal...

Anita : Oh yeah, where did Sheetmetal go? You never go anywhere without each other.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal.

Anita : Are you looking out... to the sea?
Does this mean... It was Sheetmetal who got the red seashell last night?
*Sigh*...

Male Inhabitant B : Woodframe, my condition got worse.
My chest is bloating like it's about to blow.
I don't even want to eat. Leave me alone.

Anita : *Sigh*...

<Background 4>

[Skadi enters the local tavern. ]

Anita : Singer, welcome to our home sweet home again!

Old Inhabitant : Ugh... agh...

Skadi : Your grandmother...

Anita : Grandma Petra is still sleeping. She's been lying down ever since we got back last night.
She's probably tired, getting so worked up like that. I didn't expect her to run out and talk to the Inquisitor like that. She was different.

Skadi : You're right. That was very amazing. She fought off the Inquisitor.

Old Inhabitant : Hmn... ha...

Anita : She fought off.. the Inquisitor?! Singer, if the Inquisitor catches you saying that, she'll be really mad.

Skadi : I don't care if she does.
But if she wants another go...

Anita : She won't come to you looking for trouble again, right?

Skadi : It doesn't matter to me whose trouble she's looking for.
(Strokes case)

Anita : Oh, yeah, why don't we go look for your harp?

Skadi : Hold on.

Anita : Eh?

Skadi : You got stuff on your head.

Anita : Whoa! All this green, slimy stuff... W-What is this?

Skadi : That's seaweed.

Anita : Did it get on my head when I tripped?

Skadi : Probably.

Anita : Is this stuff... useful in any way? Looks kinda like seagrass. Can I use it as bedding once it's dried? Grandma Petra's back is hurting her, so this will come in handy.

Skadi : Give it to me.
Take some seashells and use them to grind up these seaweeds. Don't wash off the slime.
Add enough seawater to completely cover the seaweeds. Put it all in a jar and seal it up, then wait half a year.
You can drink it once the liquid's greenish color has faded. That's when it's fermented.

Anita : Singer...?

Skadi : What's wrong? Is there something you didn't understand?

Anita : No... I just don't think you've ever talked to me this much in one go.

Skadi : Yeah.
Don't throw away your seashells either. Wash them and lay them out to dry. You can use them to drink alcohol and such.

Anita : Alcohol? What's that?

Skadi : It's written right there. This place used to be a bar, a place for alcohol.

Anita : So this word means alcohol!

Skadi : Alcohol can supposedly bring happiness and help us forget all our worries.

Anita : Does it work?

Skadi : Not at all...
It does taste pretty good, though.

Anita : Did you drink this stuff often back home...? Back in Ægir?

Skadi : Not exactly.
I would drink something similar before dances.

Anita : It must have been very fun. Oh, I get it now! Alcohol doesn't bring happiness, but we drink alcohol when we're happy!
Does everyone outside, uh, drink alcohol? Is everyone out there always so happy?

Skadi : Not necessarily.

Anita : I get it. They definitely aren't as happy as I am now. Singer, thanks for teaching me how to make alcohol. I really wanna drink it with you right now.

Skadi : Your hand movement is wrong.
If you grind it like that, it's not going to grind up very well. Try a different angle. Use the sharpest point and follow the seaweed's pattern.
Control your rhythm and your breathing... Make your hand and your whole body one with the sea breeze that's brushing against your skin.
Like that–One stroke, and it's shredded.

Male Inhabitant B : ......

Skadi : You are staring at me. Do you still want another go? Now that there's only one of you, it'll be over very quickly.

Male Inhabitant B : No... I don't think I will.
This is yours.

Skadi : Hmm?
This is my harp.

Male Inhabitant B : Sheetmetal found it.
He saw you drop it outside last night.

Skadi : ......

Anita : Oh, that's great! Singer, now we don't need to go look for your harp!

Male Inhabitant B : He brought it back to our house... and... and he told me to give it to you.
That's all he said before he left...

Skadi : Thanks.

Male Inhabitant B : Huh? Oh...

Skadi : (Plucks strings)

Anita : Huh...? This melody... You were humming it while you were asleep last night.

Skadi : It's always in my head.

Anita : Is this a song that you and your partner used to sing?

Skadi : We have a lot of songs like this back home. We sing... as a way to talk to each other.
When I left, the singing was gone too. I'm all by myself, and this song is all that I have left.

Anita : No wonder this song sounds so sad.

Skadi : (Plucks strings)

Anita : Singer, remember our promise?! You got your harp back. Does that mean you can sing for us now?
We're all waiting. Right, Grandma Petra?

Old Inhabitant : Mmn... Uhh...

Anita : Grandma probably can't talk today. She would sing along with you if she could.

Old Inhabitant : Ah... Ahhh...

Anita : Singer, Grandma wants to hear your song.

Skadi : ......
Alright.

Clad in her red dress, the wandering singer sits in the middle of the group. She closes her eyes as her fingers stroke the strings of her harp.
The notes and the lyrics flow out from her naturally as she plunks away at her harp strings, permeating every corner of the rundown bar. The melody twists and expands in the air as though this is where it belongs.

「A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪
With homeland left a mile behind, his path lies ahead♪
From his forebears and children, he was torn♪
Into the seas his lover was swept away, floating in the deep, dead♪ 」

<Background black>

Gladiia : ......

Bishop : I noticed a change in your expression. Did you feel something, perhaps?

Gladiia : Nothing.

Bishop : Not a surprise. Your reflexes are still rather slow. Look at the water before you. The fluctuation of the level, the frequency of the waves, and the movement of its luster. All of these are information.
It'll be high tide soon. We should go.

「A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪
With homeland left a mile behind, they must lament and pray♪
There is no end to his path♪
The road ahead is shrouded in gray♪ 」

<Background 3>

[The young Inquisitor watches Skadi singing from outside the tavern. ]

Inquisitor : She's singing.
How could she sing in front of these people in this rundown house?
And... they are listening to her.
The ones who hang their heads are still looking straight at the floor. The ones who don't speak are still silent as ever. Her singing has no way to reach their cold, hard husks, but their eyes...
Do they understand it somehow?

<Background 4>

A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪
.....
The singer stops her fingers, but the harmony formed by her harp and voice together does not simply disappear because of that.
It yet remains with the wanderer herself, creating an open seam in the thick dust.
A few sprouts land in that crevice just as others begin to sprout from it.

Skadi : ......

Inhabitant : ......

<Background fades out and in>

Anita : Grandma Petra?

Skadi : What's wrong?

Anita : She... fell asleep.
She never sleeps so peacefully. Most of the time, she starts screaming the moment she closes her eyes, grasping at nothing.
I thought she'd want to dance when she heard you sing. I mean, she's always chirping about how she wants to dance.

Male Inhabitant B : ......

Anita : Drywall?

Male Inhabitant B : I'm going to die. There's seawater in my eyes... It's salty. Not tasty at all.

Anita : Whoa... Are you... crying?

Male Inhabitant B : Crying? What is that?

Skadi : It's a kind of emotion that flows out from the deepest depths of your body...

Male Inhabitant B : It is...? I don't think I understand.

Anita : Singer, I like your songs. You don't like to talk, but you have so much to tell when you are singing.
Could you sing it again? I want to hear you talk about lots more.

Skadi : ......
(Plucks strings)

The sea breeze envelops the singer's fingers and wafts into her nostrils. The smell here has changed.
It's now high tide.

Male Inhabitant C : Food...

Male Inhabitant D : We'll have food again...

Male Inhabitant C : To the beach.

Male Inhabitant D : Priest!

The masses rush outside.
The melody of her song has stopped.

Operation story: SV-7 (Under Tides)

Before operation

Summary

The inhabitants pile onto the beach to listen to the bishop's sermons. Skadi finally locates Gladiia, who asks her to ascertain what she truly wants. As she watches the inhabitants enjoying the food and the gradually nearing sea monsters, Skadi rediscovers her mission as an Abyssal Hunter.

<Background 1>

The beach is lined with food.
The wishes of the masses have been answered by the sea.

[The inhabitants approach the pile of mysterious food... ]

Male Inhabitant C : ......

[...and searches them. ]

Male Inhabitant D : Fins.

Male Inhabitant C : Shells...

Male Inhabitant D : Edible.

Male Inhabitant C : Yes, it's edible.

Male Inhabitant D : More... more... more...

Male Inhabitant C : I spilled some.

Male Inhabitant D : Pick it up. Swallow it. More...

Male Inhabitant C : Take them. Take them back.

Male Inhabitant D : Take them back. More and more.

Male Inhabitant C : Priest...

Male Inhabitant D : Priest.

They stop for a moment and look up at their brother.

[The bishop approaches the inhabitants alongside Gladiia. ]

Bishop : My brothers and sisters, enjoy your breakfast.
This is a reward for our good deeds. Because we prevailed against our hunger and illnesses, we become more faithful, more united, and more harmonious with one another.

Gladiia : ......
I'm surprised you don't ever get tired of putting on that show when you do it at practically every city you visit.

Bishop : Show? Hardly. It is a joy to share His greatness and benevolence with the unenlightened across the lands.

Gladiia : They don't understand a word you just said.

Bishop : All of us are one and the same to the vast ocean.

The bishop lovingly taps the arm of a man who is stuffing his mouth full with food.

Bishop : Come, dear brother. Share these fins with your suffering brethren. You must understand. This small piece will grant him satisfaction, which will in turn enrich your soul.

Male Inhabitant C : ......

Bishop : As for you, you must thank your brother. Thank him for giving you what could have been his.
When the two of you stand together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, you share your life with each other, and that makes you ever more powerful.

Male Inhabitant D : Thank you... Father... sir.

Bishop : Very good, dear child.

Gladiia : The promise isn't between you and it. It's between them and it with you as their intermediator.

Bishop : Promise? No, a promise is mutual. These suffering souls are far from able to satisfy the needs of the sea.
The sea grants them their desires, and I help them so that their voices are heard.
As you already count yourself a part of us, you must know the rules.

Gladiia : Please forgive my negligence. There are certainly more suitable turns of phrase. You are using their flesh and blood to lay down the path to what it is you want within the chapel.
Whichever the case, you don't need to show up here personally every time.

Bishop : How do you know what I want?

Gladiia : It's hard not to become addicted to the pleasure of superiority.

Bishop : Nonsense.
As the sea's most faithful creation, there is nary an ounce of falsehood to my position.
I stand here because I wish to save them from the bottom of my heart. Without me, they would long have become a pile of rotten meat strewn across these lands.
Disease and starvation. As long as we can fight against these tangible enemies, they are not our most difficult hardships. Our most difficult hardships come from the deepest parts of our souls.
When we find ourselves unable to fight these disasters, with destruction unavoidable, that is when we are faced with true hardship.
How many towns like this are still standing in Iberia?
This country's vast territory has long been unable to fulfill its people's needs. Nonetheless, they remain in their cramped flesh, either isolating themselves from one another or brawling.

Gladiia : Well, it's admirable that you care so much about Iberia.

Bishop : You are wrong again. It is the suffering of the people that I care about, not the borders arbitrarily drawn on these lands.
Isn't this in the nature of us all?
Bound by the limitations of our flesh and blood, it's difficult for us to break away from our obsession with ourselves by our own means, and so we choose to fight, not to understand.
If this goes on, even the strongest of individuals cannot escape defeat. Hardships engulf every corner. You have seen it yourself and wavered at the sight of that misery.

Gladiia : Is this necessary?

Bishop : Perhaps I'm not telling you enough.
The truth is always worth telling, whether the listener is as foolish as you or not.

Gladiia : ......

Bishop : Perhaps we should treat this conversation as nothing more than a way to pass the time, seeing as we are working together.

Gladiia : Well, your way with words is on another level. It's no wonder so many have found themselves enthralled by your words.

Bishop : You do not yet understand. I am most sincere. I ask nothing from them. I do not believe in the power of threats either. I simply wish to point them toward a new possibility.
Their bodies' weakness will forever limit their cognition. You think I am ensnaring their souls with words, but the truth is far from it.
I am helping their hearts to hear the most basic needs of their bodies. The teachings of sages can bring nothing but brief, blind faith. The strength of the body is what grants them the right to see more.
There are creatures in the sea. They have no eyes, their bodies are miniscule, and they have no means of mobility. They can only drift with the tides.
Is the ocean that they see so different than what we see? How do creatures with no eyes grasp the holiness and profoundness of the sea?
You and your colleagues never understood how and where your vile yet sturdy bodies came to be, nor can you see how the weak struggle.
Who, then, is the truly arrogant?
Is it me, despite the fact I am helping them, or is it those believers of false gods, who, as the perils grow ever greater, use their words to turn true despair into false hope, to deceive and to control the pitiable weak?
Or perhaps–It's you and your foolish cohorts, who remain ever unwilling to face the vast sea bottoms?
I am sharing with them what my eyes can see so that they may broaden their horizons and know they still have true hope. They may choose for themselves whether they will rot with the land or be reborn as one with the sea.
Not only can this possibility save them from starvation and disease, it is also the sea's generosity for the land that insists on consuming.
This is not a conquest. It's understanding. It's acceptance.
I am pointing them in a new direction and giving them a better life. In the end, they will walk toward the truth, just as I once did.
This is my life's work. Your false flesh has confined your soul and left you short-sighted. You cannot see true greatness. You shall be forgiven.

Gladiia : Hmph. Sounds like they are not the only ones obsessed.

[Skadi and Anita made it to the beach. ]

Anita : Phew, Singer, we almost missed out on this.
There's so much food... Everyone's hungry, and we finally have something to eat.
1, 2, 3... I'll bring these back and grind them up. I can make soup for Grandma Petra with them. We'll have this for dinner tonight. Sound good, Bench?

Young Inhabitant : Wgh... aogh...

Anita : No, don't eat them like that!
The shells are too hard. They'll break your teeth! We have to boil them until they're soft before we can eat them.
Singer, why don't you take some too?

Skadi : ......

Anita : S-Singer? What are you standing there for?

Skadi simply stares at the man named Drywall. He is on his knees, eating all that he can see on the beach.
His eyes are red. His tears have already dried up.
He is starving, and so is everyone here.
Skadi lets go of the girl.
The girl's eyes are sparkling. She cannot wait to join the crowd of feeding people.

Bishop : Slow down, brother. This is all yours. Look around you. All this will be yours in the end.
Now, open your heart, accept yourself, embrace others, learn to be trusting, and learn to sacrifice.
The fighting has long come to an end, and the hardships will cease. Let us stand together. Our souls, flesh, and belief will grow strong, just like this eternal ocean under our feet.

Gladiia : Please allow me to keep my distance.

Bishop : Oh?

Gladiia : I've been having certain... digestion issues. I'm afraid I might not be able to hold it. I'll throw up on your face.

[The bishop walks to an inhabitant. ]

Bishop : –Brother, you dropped your seashell. Let your brother hold onto it...
Interesting. You must be in a good mood today, given your choice of words.

Gladiia : Whatever you say.

Bishop : The message from the sea has you excited. You can wait for our celebration no longer.
Then go. Find her. Find your old friend, and share this joy with her.

[Skadi rushes through the crowd and sees Gladiia alongside the bishop. ]

Skadi : Found you...

Skadi quickly makes it through the crowd. Her eyes are fixated on a single person.
That person appears as though she is waiting for her as well.

Skadi : What are you doing?

Gladiia : Shh.
Come. Look at him.
Do you smell it?

Skadi : ......

Skadi takes out a seashell.
With the seashell in her hand, she dashes toward Gladiia.
Gladiia remains calm and unflinching. She seems to have expected this.
The seashell stabs her hand, leaving no marks at all.

Gladiia : Your stance isn't elegant enough. Let me show you.

Gladiia presses the seashell against Skadi's chest, pushing her up against the wall.

Gladiia : How many times have we danced together, Skadi? Twice, maybe thrice?
You are a good dance partner.

Skadi : Where is she?

Gladiia : You care about her.

Skadi : Should I not?

Gladiia : She is rather safe for the moment.

Skadi : Proof?

Gladiia : I didn't know you were in the market for something so pointless.
This is making me think your time on land has ruined your nose, Hunter.

Skadi : Your whole body reeks.

Gladiia : Trust me. I want to vomit far more than you do right now.

Skadi : ......
She's with you alright.

Gladiia : Looks like your nose hasn't gone completely bad.
Fortunately, it seems you haven't quite fallen to the level of those land-born cubs just yet. At the very least, you haven't come crying to me, asking me why I would take her away and what I am doing here.

Skadi : ......

Gladiia : Asking questions has never been a way of solving things. Not for us.

Skadi : "Us?"
I don't even know if you are still one of us.

Gladiia : Looks like you have a lot of questions on your mind.

Skadi : (Strokes case)

Gladiia : If you aren't sure, you might want to think twice about picking a fight.
Otherwise, you'd just be giving your enemy an opportunity.

Skadi : You are not my target.

Gladiia : Then what did you come all this way for?

Skadi : Don't you already know?

Gladiia : You've been looking for her, but will your doubts really go away when you finally find her?

Skadi : ......
Her memory's shot. She can't tell me much.

Gladiia : Take a look at yourself. You are barely better than being locked in a cage.
You may not be working for me anymore, but let me teach you one more thing.
Remember this. A hunter chases her prey because she must hunt it down. Chasing blindly will bring you only emotional comfort.
Are you so weak now that you are chasing after these phantom illusions, Skadi?

Skadi : ......

Gladiia : How long has it been since you danced? You've walked too much. Your skin is very dry. Have you forgotten the proper rhythm for your breathing?
Let me ask you again. What are you here for?

Skadi looks at the bishop.
The bishop stands only a short distance away. He looks at Skadi as well, his gaze piercing through the crowd.
Skadi tightens her grip on her box.
A courteous and gentle smile appears on the bishop's face. He points in a direction and gestures invitingly.

Gladiia : Not going to make your move?

Skadi : I thought you two were together?

Gladiia : I don't really care.
Doesn't seem like I can say that about you, though. You are the one who needs that weight off your shoulders, not me.

One by one, the inhabitants walk up to the bishop with food still in their arms. They greet the bishop as though he is truly their brother and friend.
–Just like a normal afternoon in your average Iberian town.
Skadi slowly lets go.

Skadi : Stop with the mysteries! Who is he?!

Gladiia : I could tell you, but would you believe me?

<Background fades out and in>

Skadi looks at the chapel on the top of the hill.
Beneath it, the bishop is waving goodbye to the inhabitants.

Inhabitant : Uh... Ughh...

Bishop : Slowly. Careful not to trip.
Did you hear that? The sound of the waves. Thump, thump, thump, just like our heartbeats.
The food you eat and the water you drink are all gifts from the sea. My brothers and sisters, do you feel the energy in you surging throughout your body and on to your heart?
Embrace the vastness before you! This is your hope for rebirth!

Skadi looks at the people onshore.
The crowd has started to disperse. The girl has picked a basket full of seafood. At last, she looks up from the ground and begins to search for someone on the empty shore.

Anita : Huh? Where's the singer?
I took my eyes off her for just a moment, and she disappeared again.
*Sigh*.
Oh well, she knows the way back. She's probably looking for her friend again.
Let's go, Bench. Let's bring the food back.

Young Inhabitant : Uhh...

Anita : Bench, I want to sing. Let's sing together.
Do you remember the song that the singer sang? It's okay if you don't. I mean, you don't know how to talk. How about I sing it for you?
With homeland left a mile behind♪

Young Inhabitant : Yea...

Anita : His path lies ahead♪

Young Inhabitant : Ahh...

Anita : Why are you stopping me? *Sigh*. You think it's terrible, don't you? I think so, too.
Of course I can't sing as well as the singer!
But if I keep at it, I will get better, right?
Hehe... His path lies ahead...

<Background fades out and in>

Gladiia : I need to go now. If I don't get going, he will be suspicious.

Skadi : Captain! What are you planning?
Is it a teammate you're looking for? Why didn't you say so?
Or is it an enemy you want? If you were my enemy, you would've killed me when I tried to kill you with the seashell just now.

Gladiia : ......

Gladiia shakes her head.

Gladiia : You need to understand what it is that you want first. A hesitant hunter can't spot traps and will only find herself the prey of others. Is that what you want?

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 2>

Anita : Singer, your eyes seem a little different.

Skadi : Hm?

Anita : When you looked at us before, it felt no different from when you looked at the monsters from the sea.

Skadi : ......

Anita : But now you are willing to teach me how to make seaweed alcohol, and you sing for us.

Skadi : Of course you are different from the monsters.
Monsters wouldn't keep pestering me to sing for them. Monsters can't even speak. Most of the time, they are dirty and dumb, and they know nothing other than to eat.

Anita : S-So... will those monsters from the sea eat us?

Skadi : If they are hungry, they will.

Anita : So they come ashore for the same reason we go out to the sea. They are looking for things to eat.

Skadi : Are you sympathizing with them?

Anita : Going hungry is tough.

Skadi : I don't think that's how the ones who get eaten see it.

Anita : Right... I don't want to be eaten by the monsters like this either.
I've never thought about it before, but now... Uh, I want to listen to your songs just a little longer. I want to teach Bench how to sing too, just like how Grandma taught me so many things.

Skadi : In that case, you need to live as long as your grandmother.

Anita : Yep! At the very least, I'm not worried about anything right now.
And that's because... Singer, you are still here. You will help us, and fight off these monsters, like, bam bam bam!

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 1>

Gladiia has left.
Skadi looks out at the sea.
Unlike the dead silence of the day before, its waters are filled with living creatures. They cling onto each other and pile on top of one another. The creature at the very top stretches out its limb. It camouflages itself as a part of the sea waves, while striking the shore's reefs with each beating wave.
Atop the hill, the chapel doors are wide open.
The people ashore have already gone home.
The monsters of the sea, eyeless as they may be, merely "stare" at the sight.

Skadi : My heartbeat... is getting faster.

It isn't just her heartbeat. She looks at her hands and sees something that only the eyes of a hunter can see. Unable to withstand the impact of her blood flow, her skin is trembling at a high speed.
The off-key singing reverberates in her eardrums, all while the odor of the sea irritates her nostrils.

Skadi : I see... Right.
I am still a hunter...

A hunter chases her prey, and a hunter hunts her prey, but Abyssal Hunters dance atop the fangs and claws of their fallen prey. A hunter who has lost her partner is naturally lonely and despondent.
She is a hunter herself, and not the kind after bounties. Running away any further would be meaningless. What she must do now is to turn around and join the hunt.
They are the ones who should be afraid.
It is only now that Skadi has finally forgiven herself.
She dashes toward the Sea Terror-filled tides.
There is a stench. A stench lingers in the air of the chapel.

After operation

Summary

Skadi makes up her mind and, invited by the bishop, she makes for the chapel. At the same time, the Inquisitors decide to blow up the chapel.

<Background 3>

Anita : That should take care of it, I think? We should have enough for me, Grandma, and Bench...
Oh, and the singer too. She will come back, right? We can't let her go hungry.
We still have... some. We can put the rest in the box.
Uh, Uncle Fireplace, you wanted some? O-Okay, I can give you some first.
Whoa, I think that's seaweed on your arm! Let me have it! I'll make the... uh... seaweed alcohol that the singer taught me to make!
Huh? Where did Bench go? I only took my eyes off for a moment.

Young Inhabitant : (Makes children noises)

A red-clad figure appears before him.

Young Inhabitant : Ah... Songs... Ahhh...

Skadi : Stop grabbing...
This is yours.

Young Inhabitant : Whaa...

Skadi : Stop chewing it... It's not something you can eat.

Young Inhabitant : Woodframe... Woodframe...

Skadi : Don't call her...
Yeah, give her my harp, will you?
Tell her... No, I guess you can't talk.
This isn't a goodbye.
I'll go ask a question. Then, I'll tell her myself.

Skadi looks at the chapel overlooking the town. She knows how to get to her destination.

<Background 1>

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor, are we planting explosives at the hill right now?

High Inquisitor : That is correct.

Inquisitor Irene : On another note, I saw someone entering the chapel.
She looks very much like that... outsider we met before.

High Inquisitor : ......

Inquisitor Irene : So, High Inquisitor, who is she?

High Inquisitor : An Ægir.

Inquisitor Irene : I heard she fought the Sea Terrors.
I'm surprised there are others who not only know about these monsters... but specialize in fighting them as well...
If we blow up the chapel... Will she be affected?

High Inquisitor : If we don't strike the evil at its root, even destroying this place won't accomplish anything.

Inquisitor Irene : Is that so? So we still have to find out who caused this phenomenon... And you don't know who it is yourself, High Inquisitor?

High Inquisitor : You may not ask anything that has nothing to do with the mission.

Inquisitor Irene : Understood...
Also, while I'm aware you don't mind, I have to say this nonetheless... The load-bearing structure of this block probably won't withstand the intensity of the explosion.
The southern half of the city may crumble any moment, and the inhabitants here still don't know anything about this.

High Inquisitor : Proceed.

Inquisitor Irene : Uh...
......
I want to evacuate the inhabitants.
I mean, to you, they may seem peculiar and problematic...
...and also things that need to be cleansed.

High Inquisitor : Inquisitor!

Inquisitor Irene : Uhh...!

High Inquisitor : Tell me! What is your responsibility?!

Inquisitor Irene : Yes!
"For Iberia's prosperity, for Iberia's defense, and for Iberia's orderliness and integrity, I shall raise my sword and my light!"

High Inquisitor : In that case, you must lay down your judgment for these men!

Inquisitor Irene : You want me to... lay down judgment? To sentence them to death?
High Inquisitor, when was the last time you listened to a song? Your records have all gone bad, haven't they? Your player has been gathering dust for a long time too.
I heard that song. I heard the song the Ægir was singing for these people.
That's the kind of song that Iberia should have had.
Before we kill them, I want to know the truth. Just like you were trying to find who is behind this.
Perhaps they will still mutate, but when that time comes, I will cleanse them myself, but I would like to evacuate them right now.
High Inquisitor, if I have your permission, I will evacuate everyone right away!

High Inquisitor : Is that your decision?

Inquisitor Irene : I don't know!

High Inquisitor : Irene, you are not just laying down decisions for those you see in front of you. Your decisions affect much more!
By sentencing the monsters to live, you also sentence the citizens to die!

Inquisitor Irene : I understand! I've already made decisions like this one countless of times!

High Inquisitor : Your judgment can mitigate disasters or portend ill omens! You may kill hundreds merely to save one!

Inquisitor Irene : I understand that, Sir!
What's at stake behind this deal, the clashes between morals and scriptures... I understand it all!

High Inquisitor : That isn't what I'm asking you.

Inquisitor Irene : ......

High Inquisitor : What I'm asking you, Irene, is if you can truly bear this responsibility.
If you bring them great pain, then you too must bear this pain as well, and it will be far graver than the sins you inflict on others combined.
Do you have the courage? Will your beliefs remain steadfast when your heart is tormented? If you fail, are you certain you can stay unflinching when you witness the outcome of your decision?

Inquisitor Irene : I can take it... and I won't waver.
That's what I've been doing all along ever since I joined the Inquisition. I can do it. If what I do proves to be wrong, then let me receive the proper punishment. This is something I must do.
High Inquisitor! I–

High Inquisitor : Very well.

Inquisitor Irene : Hm...?

High Inquisitor : This will do. Do your duty, Inquisitor.

Inquisitor Irene : –Yes, High Inquisitor! I will evacuate the local inhabitants right away!
Also... The explosives left in the cabinet should be enough to level the whole of Sal Viento.

High Inquisitor : That's right.

Inquisitor Irene : So...

High Inquisitor : If it comes to it, I will override your judgment.

Inquisitor Irene : Right...
I'll get going now.

Irene dashes off like the wind.
The High Inquisitor stands tall, unmoving, just like the reefs next to the sea.
It is only when the Inquisitors have doubts in their hearts that they have the chance to seek out the answer. However, for a young woman who has experienced little of the world's ugly side or its mirages...
She needs to be hammered and tempered. She needs to fail, to crumble.
She must first suffer. She must first abandon her unrealistic aspirations before she can truly be indomitable.
......
Wait.

High Inquisitor : Who is it?

[A familiar-looking woman shows up before the High Inquisitor. ]

??? : Hello, High Inquisitor.

<Background 4>

[Skadi enters the Sal Viento church with the bishop expecting him. ]

Bishop : Oh, look who's here?
Welcome, wandering singer.

SV-ST-1: Waking Nightmare

Summary

In the karst cave underneath the chapel, Gladiia makes her goal clear, but is ambushed by a Seaborn's devastating attack. The Seaborn informs Skadi of the greatest secret in the Abyssal Hunters' history. Their blood is woken.

<Background 1>

Bishop : Now quick, come in, come in. I knew that you would make it here.

Skadi : How?

Bishop : What can I say...?

Skadi : Hmph. No need.

Bishop : Do you carry that case everywhere you go, wandering singer?

Skadi : Yes.

Bishop : Then would you mind if I asked another question?

Skadi : Go ahead.

Bishop : What is inside this case?

Skadi : A saxophone.

Bishop : Ah, very well, a saxophone... a wind instrument. Quite good.
May I have the fortune to hear it? Music... this city has not heard music for a swathe of years.
Oh, no, beg pardon... I realize asudden that a wandering singer takes coin for her song.
This does stump me. You see, I fear I cannot proffer much tip to speak of.
Yet look at this old building. Humph, taking care of it is quite the challenging task, when currency stands for little here, none will collect it, and none will use it.
But I can spare energy to prepare you a luncheon. Wandering singer, what say you? Would you will to perform a little something or other?
It is in my power, at least, to invite you to eat your fill, though it may not be any gourmet delicacy...

Skadi : ......

Bishop : I see you are fallen silent... Ah, might I guess: you prefer dance, rather than song?
You see, you are wearing a dancer's dress... you are talented. It has been too long since last we had a friend with such brilliant luster as you.

Skadi : (...Sickening.)
If you want to listen to something, you can let me sing for now.
I came to ask a question. The person standing by you probably knows. I don't think you can escape the issue anymore.

Gladiia : ......

Bishop : Were my–people, here, and you, once familiar?

Gladiia : We naturally were.

Bishop : I was not asking you.

Gladiia turns her head away, and does not speak further.

Skadi : We aren't.

Bishop : Oh...?

Skadi : Because I have no idea now if this person is the one I originally knew.

Bishop : Oh, oh...
This, too, is normal. All people may change. Seawater beats against dry land, and can turn the coast into sand, given time.
So. Your arrival, was it not her who willed it?

Skadi : –Wasn't it you who wanted me to come?

Bishop : Were it merely my bidding, you would not show here, correct? I am only a stranger.
I simply ask; did she will you to come, or not?

Skadi : She didn't. I came on my own.

Bishop : Hmm, you are not lying. I can hear when lies are told... but you are honest.

Skadi : You keep asking, and I still haven't even said anything. How can you be this obnoxious?

Bishop : Be calm, be calm, singer. It was not my intention. A little prudence does us all good.

Skadi : Then my turn to ask.
This city's people all have great trust in you, but what happens on the seashore–
–is absolutely not normal.
Scrap-begging. Sea Terrors. The ocean.
Where are you from? You know something, don't you? What have you and her hidden from me?

Bishop : Ah, hah-hah. Yes, indeed, I know a good deal more than others.
Indeed, I know of one who wants to meet you.

Skadi : Meet me? Since I'm a wandering singer?

Bishop : The one who cares for music is me.
Though it may invite some disbelief, the one wanting to meet you is not me.
It is a friend of mine. I bid you here on his request.

Skadi : Who? He wants to meet me?

Bishop : Come with me. You shall know when you see him.
After all... you have a friend here too.

"You wish to meet her, do you not?"
The bishop's tone makes light of it, but Skadi remains calm.
The hunter secretly grips the case's handle tight. Only fruits of progress in material science and Rhodes Island earnestly investing vast funds are to thank right now, that she does not crush the handle of this specialized "saxophone case" apart.

Bishop : Please, in here.
As for you.

Gladiia : ......

Bishop : Come too. The time for your reward, too, is come.

Skadi glances at Gladiia briefly, and does not say much.
Skadi follows over to the figure of the bishop. Unsure as to why, she's felt the whole time that the bishop has a very odd gait. Like his legs are lame, or his joints are missing.
The three descend the stairs. Shockingly, below the chapel's graves lies a cave, the staircase winding downwards by its wall, circling and circling, as if walking into some colossus's esophagus. Without a ray of light, they feel through the path on pure sense, at risk of falling into the abyss at any time.

Bishop : Regretfully, I will not light a lamp, but this should pose you no trouble, should it?
I have heard wandering singers to be quite agile by and large. Neither city nor barrens are too friendly, and those going afar easily come to suffer. One must learn the basics of protecting themselves.
Wealth cannot buy music, yet music can serve as wealth. So long as a fine song is sung, one will not starve wherever they go...
I used to yearn greatly for that sort of life, likely because I am no good at what it demands... Once I set down roots somewhere, it is very hard for me to up and leave again.

<Background black>

The bishop seems to talk in soliloquy, because the two others utter not a word while descending.

<Background 2>

[The bishop, Skadi, and Gladiia arrived at the church's catacombs. ]

Bishop : We are here.

Skadi : Don't tell me we're...

Bishop : Correct. On the seafloor.

Led deep and deeper by the staircase, they finally set foot on flat ground. Even Skadi feels challenged to breathe in the sealed-off damp, until they emerge into a shaft of light, and the open scene before them reinvigorates the hunters.
The massive karst cave is filled with twisted equipment. From a hidden place above, daylight illuminates as it penetrates the ocean, permeates the cave, the faint blue making where it lies clear.

Skadi : That's–!

How could this be.

「Specter's body floats in a vat of water, as if dead, or perhaps sound asleep.
Untold thoughts flash through Skadi's head.
Why is she here? Did Gladiia do this? What if Specter is dead? How could Gladiia allow Specter to die?! Could she truly be– 」

Bishop : And that is your friend, isn't it?

<Background 2>

Bishop : You are called Skadi? I have not been the one following your affairs. They have handled you very well...
Especially the ones by your side. They have handled it all well, letting you uphold your mental state under such emotions.

Skadi : –

Skadi's eyes open wide.

Skadi : What?

Bishop : They have had no time to attend to you lately, but by the humble grace of your leader here, you have come, practically as a gift to me.

Skadi turns in anger to Gladiia, but finds no one behind her.
Gladiia is already pacing for the bishop, her step free of concern in its lightness. The speed she takes pride in, the speed rumored amongst the Abyssal Hunters... seems to be in this silent, single step.

Bishop : I am surprised you step forth first... and not that minstrel. What are you waiting for? Why did you not kill me before?

Gladiia : Would you be so stupid?

Bishop : You unhallowed things, and your eternal condition... Your fine sense of ego, expressed without meaning. Would you be just as unconcerned if this experiment, her life, vanished here?

Gladiia : Confirming your results gave you confidence. Your satisfaction grinned in your words, yet you wouldn't let me see where you took her. I imagine you cannot let her die yet.

Gladiia : Out of us few, I'm sure her life is the one you place most importance on.
I've destroyed your experiment grounds–

Bishop : To little surprise, it was your doing.

Gladiia : –Specter is highly valuable. Out of all the Originium infection tests you've conducted on the Abyssal Hunters, only this one specimen tells the tale.

Bishop : The original sin of terrestrial lowlife beasts can be effected upon those unholy bodies of yours. Is it not so very interesting?

The looks on Skadi and Gladiia's faces both change.

Bishop : Although... I must say, you have wrought too much damage on the site we three are in. Having committed so much refined, liquefied Originium, having applied Ægir technology... all of it, never to be seen again.
She is highly valuable indeed. My one mystery is how she fends against an Originium infection of such scope... Her spinal cord, diluted, would be enough to infect a small country.
Things have changed now. Thank you for placing her in my hands, unhallowed thing. I will lead the other two... I will discover all your final secrets.
I will prove my own success. My research. Our enemy's secrets. As well as weaknesses...

Gladiia : You will lead off by dying here.

Skadi covertly applies her strength. Her puzzlement and irritation towards Gladiia pale completely to her present anger at the bishop.
Given one chance, this originator of evil will be shattered, flesh pasted.
Just one chance.

Gladiia : My sparing your life testified: you are that person, one and the same. I've already executed those not worth sparing.
As it's proven how you, them, and this experiment are all implicated, you need not be alive any longer.

Skadi : The Church of the Deep... you're from the Church of the Deep.

Bishop : Did I permit you to address me so?

Skadi : You're far too good at hiding. Each one of you is unalike. You'll say anything and everything.
Was Specter also driven to derangement... by your indoctrination and torture?
Those people outside. You exploited them. Are they experiments to you too?
Have all the people cast into the sea... been sacrifices for your tests?

Bishop : Impudent.

The bishop's figure seems to enlarge some. He may truly be angered.

Bishop : The ocean's almsgiving is no manner of exploitation. It is salvation.
I could concern myself none with them, and they would die.
The ocean gives them food, gives those unwilling to live the freedom to live on in rebirth...

A cold shudder runs through Skadi. Sea Terrors. Sea Terrors. They become Sea Terrors.

Bishop : How could you unhallowed things hope to understand...

Gladiia : Enough, bishop. Have I ever shown care for your objective before? If you remember anything false, I invite you to forget it immediately. Your disgraceful conduct defies description. The only thing I mind is how much further your toxin might drift.
This is far enough.

Bishop : You believed bringing one more... would let you topple me with ease?
You and your kind alike are so self-confident–so stupid.

Gladiia : I know that some of you chose to become Sea Terrors already. I fear that won't serve as a trump card.
Even if you can become a Seaborn–

Skadi suddenly registers that the scent of a Seaborn has drawn near.
Moreover, it is not the bishop.

Skadi : Captain!

Skadi leaps forward, but the Seaborn is already too close to Gladiia, much too close.

「With her speed, Gladiia is able to dodge before the sound even crosses.
But before anything, it requires that Gladiia intend to dodge.
Gladiia had not even been aware... 」

Gladiia : Haugh, hgh-eugh... (Choking on her blood)

<Background 2>

??? : Gla-dia. His request was this. And so I did.
Rest.

Skadi, having witnessed the instant the monster impaled Gladiia, now watches as it extracts its limb and leaves Gladiia to crumple, ruined.
A trap. This was a trap. Skadi had long readied herself to confront a Seaborn... but why did Gladiia not notice it?
Did she allow herself to underestimate the enemy? Or did what happened to Specter destroy her calm?
Who is the hunter, and who is the hunted?
Moreover–how could–a Seaborn–

Seaborn : Ishar-mla.

(Why... why, why?)
Why did Gladiia choose to make a move here? She could've just said something to Skadi, and the two of them would've easily killed the bishop!
Can this bishop truly be not a monster? Was the scent she smelled the whole time this Seaborn, and not the bishop?
What is this thing in front of her? Is it a Sea Terror? The bishop's transformation? A Seaborn?
If it's one of her unendingly long-despised enemies, why can it talk?

Seaborn : Ishar-mla. I wanted to meet you.

Skadi does not speak. Her hand reaches for her case as she watches for the Seaborn's first move, its first possible movement.
Life and death are an instant apart. She wants the monster dead.

Seaborn : Countless years buoyant. Countless years roving. Countless lived and died.

Bishop : *Spit*...
Idiotic unhallowed. If the herald did not request you, all you unholy things would have been dead on the beach long ago.

Skadi : Bastard...

Bishop : Herald, put an end to this problem. Watching these people encroach on our ocean has always sickened me.

Seaborn : Are you that eager to attack them?

Bishop : How many of our own kind have these things killed, these mixed-breeds brought about by Ægir?

Seaborn : Could it be you are–not one.
Then I will finish asking this question first.
Ishar-mla, my sister.

Skadi : What...?

Bishop : ......

Seaborn : Sister, right now, you are not coherent of where you came from.

Skadi : I come from Ægir, monster... I am your natural enemy.

Seaborn : You are not coherent.
Then let me tell you the truth of things.
You are we.

Skadi : ......

What?
What?
No.
No.

Seaborn : What flows through you is our blood.

Skadi has wondered so many times. Skadi knew she had some connection to them, but she blamed every last part upon the scars the final battle left on her.
But she smells it. She knows it. She hears it. She recognizes it.

Skadi : Liar!

Bishop : Herald, you... what?

Seaborn : Ishar-mla. Your blood is our blood.
Your bodies were, and then our blood entered.
I have innumerous blood-kin. They meet you. They die.
They smell your scent. Just as you smell our scent.
They believe their fellow kin are trapped under your skins. They bite at your hide and flesh regardless of the danger, wishing to release their own kin from your vesicles.
They have not prepared themselves, and they have not at that point the organs to realize with.
You are not trapping kin within your bodies. You are our kin.
Ishar-mla. You are we.

It is as if the Seaborn's words carry some magical power. Skadi's cacophonous train of thought returns to the past, when she and the other hunters executed Sea Terrors together, and the thicker the stench of blood, the more excited they became, the fiercer their movements, their bodies responding.
To their same blood.

Seaborn : I will wake you. You will recall that sensation. Ægir bodies are frail, and things pass too quickly. I will help you seek it out.

Skadi : Stop. Stop!

Seaborn : But yet, you wish to know. I know you wish to know.

Skadi wishes to know.
Skadi wishes to know just what she is in the end. She wishes to know why she must suffer so much misfortune.

Skadi : You kill us Ægir... and now you intend on being related to me?!

Seaborn : My blood and your blood are identical.
You smell my scent, exactly as we smell your scent.
You find us, kill us...
When we do not understand, we kill you too.
We feed the ocean. Our bodies have provided for the ocean.
Ishar-mla, we possess the same home.

Skadi : You killed my family. It was you who killed my mother, my grandmother, my little sister.

[Skadi wishes to know. ]

Seaborn : No. We wouldn't.
We do not go to Ægir cities.

Skadi : So many cities, all destroyed by you!

Seaborn : Those cities are on our territory.

Skadi : Keh! Even in the hinterland cities of Ægir, you still hunt people!

Seaborn : No... No.
We would not do that. Those who die in the cities are unable to provide for the many.
The Ægir attack us, we attack the Ægir. There is no difference.
Those in your territory die, by those in your territory's doing.

Skadi : Lies!

Seaborn : Lies? I wish to know what lies means. "Liar," too, you said earlier. I wish to know.

Skadi is unable to move.
Skadi seems to have touched upon the Seaborn's thought.
The Seaborn's message flows directly from its scent into the waters of her mind.
She may do this. Of course... she...

Skadi : No, no...!

Seaborn : Ishar-mla, the barrier between you and we is too strong. You have no way to pass on your ideas to we.
For you to know what we think, that is enough.
My body has grown, is able to speak, is able to communicate with you.
Language is bloated, not easy to use. I can only talk this way, but this way you are able to tell me.
Ishar-mla, I came to meet you.

Skadi knows. From every part of the sum of all of it, Skadi knows–
The Seaborn would not lie.

Skadi : I and you... are not...

Seaborn : You often feel, the creatures around you, are unfamiliar to you.
When you travel, you are able to sense the direction of seawater, and know much of what happens in the unlit ocean.
At some times you sleep, you feel you are swimming with we many.

Skadi's blood is already boiling.
How could this be? How could this... be?
Skadi understands.
Skadi sympathizes.
Skadi and the other hunters whisper.
Skadi and the other hunters are all monsters.

Skadi : Why did you have to tell me this? Why did you have to say this?

She is a monster.
She murders her own kind.
She for her own kind murders her own kind.
She by her own kind murders her own kind.
The eyes of the people in the streets are filled with warmth. They don't know anything.
The eyes from the research institutes and in the tents are filled with ice.
When the hunters sleep, there are patrollers guarding. No. Those aren't guards. That night patrol doesn't serve the hunters.
The patrollers are waiting for the hunters to become monsters.
And, she sees... she has seen...
That sister of hers ate Ægir, chewing the bones, corners of her mouth torn, up until the Captain had her killed.
"Her nerves have been infected by Sea Terrors. It may be that some kind of Sea Terror has become a part of her body. We can't save her."
No, no.
That was because she no longer regarded Ægir as her kin. She returned to her home.

Skadi : ......

Seaborn : You have remembered.

Skadi is sunken in a black, still sea.
Her escape and defense were all meaningless.
Her past and future were all meaningless.
She is a sea monster.
Sea Terror. Seaborn.
Aside from her, anyone and everyone probably knew.
Sea monster.
And–she has already committed the gravest sin...
If she is a sea monster, if her brothers and sisters are here, then she...
She recalls that which did not resist.
She feels calls to mind its tentacles softly folding over its own skin.
I killed it.
I killed her.
I killed Him.
The bishop is in disarray, his questions now answered. His self-esteem and spite intermingle, yet he is unable to undo the truth that comes from the Seaborn's mouth.

Bishop : ...It cannot be...
Why did... we never before... why could we never before see it?! Why could we not find out?!

The wound that found its way through Gladiia's chest is still gurgling with fresh blood. But in spite of it, her heart has not yet stopped pulsing...

Seaborn : Ishar-mla. I have a question to ask, Ishar-mla. Lift your head up.

Mechanically, Skadi raises her face, and stares at the lifeform in front of her calling itself her own brother, her eyes vacant.

Skadi : I killed it.

Seaborn : You did not.

Skadi : I killed...

I killed their God.
I killed their genesezoic.
I killed our genesezoic.

Skadi : I killed Him...
He did nothing, and I... I still...
Even my... my little sister... was... an Ægir... an Ægir...

All killed by the Ægir.
My sister, my mother, my grandmother...
All my years of revenge were mistaken, from the very beginning.
I never knew. All of this, everyone, killed by the Ægir. The Church of the Deep. The Ægir.
The Seaborn does not lie.

Seaborn : Sin?

Skadi : My sin... I...

Seaborn : Ishar-mla, do not feel misgiving. We have no sin.
You only did what you were able to do, Ishar-mla. We kin act without sin.

Skadi : But I acted for Ægir... We killed so many...

The stench of blood gushes against the throat.
Is it a sense of guilt? Not at all.
Skadi is simply at a loss. She suddenly realizes. The force that supported her for all these years, the impetus that led her to assume such vast suffering... has disappeared.
All she has done, empty, void.
For all of Ægir? Skadi certainly isn't one to present so loftily. Finding a justification for herself is little else but consolation.
Ægir... How did Ægir even look upon the Abyssal Hunters?
Just what "am I"? What exactly have I lived? All of everything, and the reckless, death-defying me of back then–how are they even related?
"What–am I even doing?"
......
The Seaborn's unmatured words pull her back to reality, if such violent vertigo and profound anxiety can amount to "reality"...

Seaborn : You believe you are an Ægir, so you are right to kill.
You regard the others as your blood-kin, so you do so, we do not know, and when we attack you and you do so, you are right.

Skadi : –
Why?

Seaborn : –Ishar-mla.
Only Ægir, the scaleless, the finless, your language contains "sin."
To do to survive, is always right.

Skadi : So...

Seaborn : You have no wrong. So you can speak of anything you know. We have no want or will, only speak and do not speak.
I may ask questions. Speak.

In the end, this question has come.
Skadi does not want to speak. But in her flows Seaborn blood... flows the truth.
Could Ægir be ignorant of who it was that murdered all of her family?
If there truly are Seaborn that enter cities... could it really have been only her family who were hurt?

Seaborn : Ishar-mla. Under your attack, we lost our contact with it, our ever close contact. We can only sense its pulse, we cannot hear its voice.
The last time you swam together, the last time you attacked together, was then.

Yes. She knows it clearly herself. Yes.
In the end, only she alone was left.
They tore the monstrous many to shreds. Opened up the sky. Charged into the dark.
All the Abyssal Hunters came out at full force. All her colleagues' lives were bled off under the soles of her feet. All the battles were fought for that one instant.
The instant she staked life, and stabbed.
The sea monsters and the hunters' blood almost led the ocean to rot, death settling to a point where no life could ever be born anew.
She saw... she saw Him sink under.
Before that, she saw that colossal eyeball staring straight at her. She felt something had connected with her own consciousness. She sensed her skin so tart, her vision ear-splitting, and she smelt pain, and she so much as felt she had already gone mad.
But she was so lucid. To live is lucid.
Because He "began to speak."

Seaborn : And so...
When it once again sunk into sleep before you, did you–
Hear it as it spoke?

Skadi's blood is already near the point of burning away in her body.
Skadi knows the answer.
She knows. She planned to leave this secret lie until her death–
But yet–

Skadi : He–
He spoke–

The hardship we suffer is ever present.
Skadi is not in time to say these words.
The last fiber of resistance in Skadi's heart drives her to blink incessantly.
She sees one glimpse of Gladiia clambering up from her pool of blood.

Bishop : You?! Herald!

Seaborn : Ah. Only next time...

<Background black>

Gladiia knows she should've dodged the last. Gladiia did not act to dodge it.

[Gladiia strikes the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : (His bodily fluids audibly clog.)
Gla-dia...
(It comes in a voice just like a whimper.) ...You are so sturdy, Gla-dia.

Gladiia : Trash. (Ægirian) I won't give you a single scrap of courtesy.
(Ægirian) The hunted should behave... and scream wretched in their traps. You are the hunted here, trash.

The lance slides once again, in a single instant cutting a great wound open upon the Seaborn's body. Its fluids dribble out, corroding Gladiia's arm... but her wounds likewise heal rapidly, extremely so.

<Background 2>

Seaborn : Sister... your signal's transmission... so dense.

Gladiia : Emotion. Hatred. How could the hunted understand?
Love. Hate. Pain. Sorrow. Joy. Contentment. All are worthless in your eyes. You think these are dregs... that they are unnecessary, superfluous, don't you?

Seaborn : We have none of what you speak of.

Gladiia : Then you have even less hope of understanding, trash. We would rather the superfluous within us and want to live on that way. We are not you.

Seaborn : Gla-dia. Emotion. Truly such strong emotion.

Gladiia : You can't even hope to sing. Die now.

Bishop : Why–How could this be?
Why was her body able to recover from such grievous injury?!

<Background fades out>

With force, Gladiia pulls her lance from the Seaborn's body, leaps to Skadi's front, landing as though floating.
Gladiia has struggled free, or perhaps she knows that if she didn't, the Seaborn would have crushed her in the next second, no matter its intent.
Violently, she draws her lance horizontal. Though the Seaborn doesn't wish to, the bishop surely wants to kill Skadi. And she, Gladiia, an Abyssal Hunter Captain, has a duty to protect her own hunters.
Well, it doesn't matter that she's not part of her own company.
In the sea of her mind, a breadth of thoughts fly past like lightning, yet not one considers her own injured state.
Because it is entirely enough now. This body's current condition suffices for her to kill off anyone.
The Seaborn's body is jerking, convulsing, his regenerating flesh bracing his frame.
Blood constantly pours fresh from Gladiia's wound. Skadi's veins and arteries bulge from her head to toe–she cannot break free of the awareness, and the tremendous nervous signals that the Seaborn brought to her.
The ocean is serenely wide and vast, its sons and daughters delighting in both the roles of hunter and hunted.

Operation story: SV-8

Before operation

Summary

No matter how they seem, humans and Seaborn are wildly different.

<Background 1>

Bishop : Mixed-breeds... You mixed-breeds!
Herald! What's the meaning of this?! Why are they still alive? What of theirs is worth sparing?!
You must have realized they were nothing like you when first they slaughtered our bloodkin!
You are a holy being, and they are mere filth!

Gladiia : *Spit*...
Very flexible, eh?
We hacked away at your kind with cold weapons so as to not expose you to our technology. That way, you will never become something we can't deal with.
But I guess I overestimated. You don't seem very sensitive at all... Can't even adjust to this much?
Looks like you just can't adapt to blades forged by Ægir technology. Am I right?

Seaborn : –

Bishop : Herald, she is insulting you!

Gladiia : Bishop, oh, bishop... Can't you tell? Heh. Yes, I am confident I can kill you, and I could have done so right from the start.

Seaborn : (Low roar)
Ugh... (Cough)
Brother, why won't you accept them?
They are my sisters, and so they are your sisters too.
I can rouse you, rouse Ishar-mla, and, of course... Gla-dia too.
Just because your brothers swam for the shallow seas, you no longer recognize them as your brothers. You haven't looked back even once...
But our tribe cares.

Bishop : No... This is nonsense...

Gladiia : So you believe every single word in that good book you're holding? Let me remind you, Bishop, but you, too, are spreading heresy in full view of the Iberians.
It doesn't matter to me one bit what this thing tells me, but you are from the Church of the Deep. Perhaps you should be taking notes?

Bishop : Kill them... Kill them! Herald, do it! Their crimes are grave and unforgivable! They spout blasphemy against you and the sea!

Seaborn : If that is your wish... then I shall do it.

Bishop : It doesn't matter to you at all, does it? It doesn't matter if I ask this of you. You said so yourself! You will kill them!

Seaborn : Yes, It doesn't matter to me.

Bishop : Then kill the... wandering singer first. Kill the one in the red dress!

Gladiia : Trash. If I tell you to kill the person behind you, the bishop who's dressed like a strand of kelp, will you do it?

Seaborn : Yes.

Bishop : ...!!!

Seaborn : Because he is my kin, and so are you. He calls out to me, and so do you.

Gladiia : Ah, humans.
Ægir are vile and hideous, aren't they? Admit it, Bishop.
We are all foolish Ægir, and we like to apply what we think to lowlife beasts. You don't understand it at all.

Bishop : You mixed-blood!

Gladiia : Well, if all you want is to protect us–Why not refuse?

Seaborn : Refuse?
How do I... refuse?

Gladiia : Enough. Looks like you are indeed a lowlife. That's about as deep as you can swim.
But listen up, Trash. I won't ask you to kill the weakling behind you.
You are prey. Who would beg prey to do something?
You want to hurt her? You will listen to his suggestion and kill Skadi, my hunter? You don't need that answer anymore, do you?

Seaborn : I have other ways, even with her dead. As long as there's a way, it doesn't matter to me.
But you told me... to refuse...

Gladiia : Way too soon... *cough*...
(Coughs up blood)
*Spit*. Whatever. If you have your heart set on killing her–You must first go through me.

Seaborn : Now, Gla-dia.
Whether you get to live and whether your flesh will continue to function... This is for you to decide.

Gladiia : And let us decide that by hunting each other.

Seaborn : Each other... Each other. Yes. We will prey on each other. You will prey on me, and I will prey on you.

After operation

Summary

Gladiia kills the Seaborn. The Bishop charges at the Abyssal Hunters in anger.

<Background 1>

[After a while of fighting between Gladia and the Seaborn herald... ]

Gladiia : Hfff–

Gladiia has pierced through the Seaborn's body once again.
The Seaborn is about to die.
The Seaborn does not turn its "face" toward the bishop. The bystanders have no idea whether the Seaborn actually had eyes, but Skadi can feel the monster's gaze. At the very least, that is how she feels.
It is 'looking' at the bishop.
The shapeless tides are washing away at the bishop. His robes weigh down on his body, almost crushing him.
But the Seaborn is not addressing him.

Seaborn : Do you think you are more like me... or him?
Gla-dia. You are strong.

Gladiia merely looks at her prey with a cold stare.

Seaborn : Emotions. Our kinsmen will learn it. There is much that we are passing on, and we will try to pass them on to you as well.
Ishar-mla. Live. It's good to be alive. Our blood kin will find you again... and they will ask you.
We don't know how to ask questions, but we will learn.

Slowly, the Seaborn kneels down.
Its body will stand no longer. It merely curls like a rapidly withering flower.

Skadi : –It's dead.

Skadi breathes a sigh of relief.
No. She has yet to recover from learning the truth, but the prey's death has truly made her felt...
It was alive. And now it is not.

Bishop : You damned mixed-breeds.

The bishop raises his voice. His coarse voice reverberates in his throat, slithering through the debris left behind by the intense battle as though his vocal cords could not contain his mumbling.
Yet Gladiia does not so much as look his way.

Gladiia : Yes, step right up. It's your turn now.
This piece of trash is all by himself, and the Sea Terrors outside probably aren't from the same tribe. So they must be yours.

Bishop : I will tear you to shreds. Your blasphemy will be punished.
I will do it myself. I will take care of you mixed bloods right here, right now. Life is precious, but to keep you alive would be a waste of resources.
One of you is heavily injured, and the other cannot so much as move. I will scatter what's left of you across the land so that you will be eaten by the most lowly of land creatures.
I can easily kill you two–

Gladiia : Enough with the show. Unlike that piece of trash Seaborn, you at least used to be human, and now you are pretending to still be one. That just makes me want to puke.

Bishop : (Shrieks)
This is where you will die!

??? : Forgot about me, did you?

Skadi rolls her eyes as Gladiia grins.
The bishop starts for a second before he turns around.

Operation story: SV-9

Before operation

Summary

The Bishop transforms into something sinister in his fanatic craze while the hunters learn what it is like to hunt once more.

<Background 1>

Gladiia : Skadi, can you move?

Skadi : I don't know. It's tough... to keep that kind of feeling under control. It's hard not to think about it.
I can't move my fingers. It feels like my nails will all swim away if I tried to.

Gladiia : Your neural cells are rapidly metabolizing. Remember, you are a hunter. They can't do anything to you.

Skadi : Is thinking about that going to help?

Gladiia : If you don't want to become a Seaborn, this will help wonders.

Skadi : Okay.
I think... I can still pick up my weapon.

Bishop : A mixed blood without a weapon, another who's injured, and a third one that's infected. What can you even hope to accomplish?
Look at that expression of yours? Are you starting to think yourself noble now?

Skadi : Me?
Wait, strange... I'm afraid you misunderstood.
I might have felt sorry for the Seaborn, but if you think I feel the same about you, you have another thing coming. Once I kill you, it'll be all over.

Gladiia : –
Do you really think that's a saxophone in her case?
Little mermaid, how much longer will you sleep? Open your eyes. The things that happened in the past can't possibly have you trapped.

Bishop : She was a mere test subject as well!

Skadi : Shark, you've been awake for a while, haven't you?

The bishop turns around.
There, he finds Specter stroking the glass of the water tank. She looks at the bishop with a curious... and gentle gaze.

Bishop : What...? Even such a high-density Originium liquid...?

The bishop stumbles backwards a little but then remembers the two Abyssal Hunters are standing behind him, petrifying him.
Specter mouths a few words.
They seem to be some really ferocious words.

Gladiia : It's great to see you're the same as ever, Shark.

Skadi : Ugh, I've almost forgotten she always used to be like this.

Skadi kicks open the box. There is a blade inside. Yes, her greatsword had been inside the box the whole time... alongside a circular saw with a long handle.

Skadi : Ahh... My hand still feels rather numb.
I didn't spend all these years with Rhodes Island to come unprepared for something like this. Here.

Skadi bends back a little and vigorously throws the saw at the glass tank.
The bishop hurriedly dodges, but the circular saw sweeps up a gale that manages to tear open a wide hole in his long robe.
Right before the merciless weapon lands on the glass tank and shatters it to pieces, a pale white hand shatters the glass pane herself. Just as the water inside spills out from the tank, the hand grabs onto the saw without regard to the sharp shards of glass flying in the air.
Caught between her hand and the handle of the saw, the glass shards immediately shatter into fine, glittering dust that spills from the gaps between her fingers.
Needless to say, Specter's hand is completely unharmed.
The hunter has awakened. Specter has awakened.

Specter : Here I was thinking I could keep being the courteous lady I am for just a little longer.

Specter answers with an ill-boding grin.

Specter : I've spent such a long time as an adorable, well-behaved nun, I wasn't sure how I'd approach you two.

Gladiia : Enough. Come out already.

Skadi : It's been a very long time. I'm not sure if I'm more used to how you are now or back when you were all deranged and high-strung.

Before the bishop can come back to his senses, the predator in the water tank has already broken out of her fragile cage.
She begins to hack away at the one responsible for this string of events with her saw.
A scream echoes through the cave.

Specter : Wow, so tough.

Gladiia : Shark, come back! He's a Seaborn now!

A foul stench fills the air. It is then that Skadi realizes what has actually been the source of this strange phenomenon.

Skadi : Captain, Specter... Let's get out of here!

The three of them realize what is about to happen.

Bishop : You... mixed-bloods... I will destroy–

The bishop's body begins to expand rapidly.
As his body grows, he swings his long appendages around in sweeping motions, smashing the walls of the cave to a crumble in an instant.

Bishop : You... Urghh...
You push... your luck... too far...

The bishop's skull cracks open between his eyes.
His eyelids break off from his large eyeballs. The hunters' retreat is reflected in the glass objects that lie there.
Countless tentacles quickly bulge out from what had been its slender, frail body. They then swipe at these insects that it had once only ridiculed.
Seawater begins to fill the cave, just as the bishop's body continues to expand.
The bishop's wriggling destroys all of the equipment in its vicinity. Its body is no different than that of the Seaborn, yet the anger it exudes is undoubtedly human.

Bishop : (Noisy and hurried twitching sounds)

Specter : How did he grow this big all of a sudden? What did he do to stuff all this meat in his body?
Ha, look. His head split into two. Remember, the right side is mine.

Bishop : (Bizarre sounds)

Skadi : How come you people are always howling...?

Bishop : (Human speech-like sounds)

Gladiia : Act quick, or your prey will get away. Either that, or it will die at the hands of another hunter.

Bishop : You...
(Sudden skeleton rocking sounds) ...You...
(Bubble popping sounds) ...Mixed-bloods...!

Specter : Look at him, so soreheaded that he can't even form a full sentence.

Gladiia : He's not human anymore. Preys like this one are only valuable when the hunters hunt them. Let's go! Go up!

The giant monster, once human, chases after the three miniscule hunters.
Its body is continuing to expand. It longs to destroy everything and to tear all that refutes its beliefs to shreds.
They all dash towards the end of this path upwards.
Meanwhile, the water beneath begins to surge upwards as the monster's body continues to grow until the water has finally reached the top of the path, the chapel.
The waves roil in the hunters' surroundings, sending splashes flying toward their fingers and feet–

<Background black>

The seawater brushes their fingertips.
They have made it home.

<Background 2>

Inhabitant : ......
Er...

Male Inhabitant B : What's... going on?

Anita : The earth is shaking... Is it the hill next to the shore? Looks like something's falling. I can see it through the window here. Is that... the chapel?
Ahh–The house is shaking too. My box, the food... Grandma Petra!

Grandma Petra : *cough*, *cough* *cough* *cough*...

[Inquisitor Irene rushes into the bar. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Everyone, please head outside with me at once! It's dangerous to stay inside–

Inhabitant : ......
......

Inquisitor Irene : Eh, what am I doing, wasting my breath!
Alright, come–

Anita : Huh, Inquisitor... You lifted Grandma Petra up in one go?!

Inquisitor Irene : Stop standing around! I know you understand what I'm saying! Do you have any idea how old this house is? It's going to collapse after a few quakes!
I'm not sure what's happening at the chapel, but they went there... Things might even... Ugh! Whatever happens next, it's not going to be my problem!

Anita : Drywall, Brick, Stonecolumn, Uncle Fireplace! Take my hand! Drywall, bring a few more people with you...!
Follow the Inquisitor! Let's get out!

<Background 3>

[Everyone made out of the building safely. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Phew...
Finally... Looks like everyone made it.

Male Inhabitant C : The hill... The chapel.

Male Inhabitant D : Food...

Male Inhabitant C : Food...

Male Inhabitant D : Priest...

Inquisitor Irene : You're still worried about that wolf in sheep's clothing?!
It's like you don't know who put you in this situation... Ugh... Very well! You, stop where you are! Come back!

Grandma Petra : Mm... Ugh...

Anita : Grandma Petra... Did you open your eyes? I'm here, Grandma...

Inquisitor Irene : Hey, watch out!

[Inquisitor Irene stops a rock that is about to fall onto Anita and the inhabitants with her body. ]

Anita : R-Rocks! They're falling from the roof–
Uh, Inquisitor, did you block that for us?

Inquisitor Irene : You...

The elderly woman grips tightly onto the Inquisitor's sleeve.

Anita : Grandma Petra is looking at you, Inquisitor. She's thanking you.

Inquisitor Irene : Hold on tighter, then...

Anita : You're bleeding.

Inquisitor Irene : Tsk... It was that bash I took just now. It kinda hurts, too.
You helped me when the Sea Terror attacked me, too. We'll call ourselves even.
Why am I even doing this to begin with...? It's not like any of you are ever scared of anything. You don't even run away when your lives are in danger. Does that even count as being alive?
......
Her song... is still stuck in my head.

Anita : Inquisitor, the singer isn't here. Is that going to be a problem?

Inquisitor Irene : Problem...? Hmph, I guess what you think is a problem isn't that kind of problem.
You know what she's like... If she does actually have a problem, I'm sure the answer to your question wouldn't be too shabby.
If you want to know how that will turn out, you'll just have to wait. Perhaps she will... actually give you a decent answer.

<Background 1>

[As Skadi and co. ran away from the bishop, who had transformed into a Seaborn leviathan... ]

Skadi : We're almost there to the chapel!

Specter : It isn't stopping!

「The tentacles reach upwards, crushing all the falling rocks into dust. The gravels collide into the surrounding walls and cause them to fissure.
Specter's saw is rumbling, and the moment the tentacles draw near her, a smirk appears on her face. 」

Specter : I wonder how long it has been since I had to take on a prey like you? This is becoming delightful.

「Specter swings her saw in one horizontal stroke, striking it on the wall. A huge hole appears in the granite rockface.
She uses the momentum to flip herself up. At the same time, the saw traces a grayish path beneath her that intersects a tentacle.
A sharp slicing sound rings through the air, slicing the tentacle in two.
With her hair fluttering in the air, the "nun" grabs what had been a part of the stairs and pushes before continuing her dash toward the chapel.
She gazes at the cross section of the tentacle. A few tiny spores are bulging out of that translucent white area. 」

Specter : Do you hear that? Its cells are screaming just like us.

Skadi : It has emotions. It used to be an Ægir... No. No more, and it could hardly be called one before.

「Suddenly, the tip of its severed tentacle releases the spores, and several sharp-edged streams of liquid gush out toward the hunters.
Skadi flips her sword and presses the blade against her body as a shield.
The three liquid streams hit the blade, pushing Skadi back by several meters. The liquid splashes onto the rockface nearby, boring a few small holes before evaporating. 」

Skadi : The pressure's even higher than the waterjet on my workbench.

Specter : It's looking at us.

Skadi : Think of something. Is this thing going to keep growing without end?

「All of a sudden, the eyes on the head of the "bishop" let out a strange beam. 」

Skadi : Energy beam?!

「That moment, Gladiia's lance slashes the sight organs of the "bishop."
A hard membrane layer immediately covers the monster's eyes. The lance's tip leaves a long trail of scar on the membrane.
She then leaps upward as the monster howls in vexation below.
The hunters are almost there to the bottom of the building; the chapel's floor has already crumbled away during their fierce battle. There are only a few seconds left until they make it to the top.
However, Gladiia slows down. 」

Specter : Swordfish?

<Background 1>

Gladiia : We're almost done. Going by its size and weight, this should do the trick.
Get ready.

The monster's body lets out a strange sound. The noise of the mountain collapsing and its strange howl are mingled together as they reverberate throughout the chapel.
Yet its hunt has come to an abrupt end.

Bishop : How could this be...

The monster is confident.
Its power comes from the sea. Their assault is unstoppable. All they have to do is reach out to their consciousness, and the answer will reveal itself.
Its tentacles can almost reach the nun's leg. It will pull her down onto the ground, drag her back, and tear her apart–
Yet it cannot reach her.
It realizes its tentacles cannot extend any further. That difference of four centimeters between it and its prey feels as wide as the deep trenches of the sea.
As her saw revolves in the air, the nun quickly twists herself around, like seagrass in a turbulent current. She tilts her weapon downwards, ready to counter! It mustn't give her this opportunity... It mustn't give them any chances at all!
The bishop is starting to fret. That is, if his blood temperature allows for that.
It needs to evolve. It must evolve further! Its inner shell should still be able to expand further and break free from its flesh!
It should be able to fill its signum with blood before ejecting it in all directions like spikes... Its neural system should be able to release electric currents, and the tips of its tentacles should be able to harden and be used as weapons!
Its body should not be rooted to the bottom of the sea! It should be able to move. Yes, it should move, and it should then be able to slither and swim among the rubble, leap upward, pull their bodies into its coils and crush them!
Evolve! It must evolve... and evolve!
But, suddenly, it "remembers" the Seaborn, and it realizes, that Seaborn was unconcerned about its life.
The tribe will continue, their future is prolonged. Their descendants will evolve... Their descendants. Its descendants. Descendants.
Not itself.
The bishop's ability to reason is frozen dead in its already dissolved skull.
Evolution is something that concerns the entire group for generations to come. It has nothing to do with itself individually.
It will die.
Its only plausible outcome is to die here in despair.
No, do the Seaborn despair? Are its hopes being shattered only because it had been an Ægir?
It starts to struggle desperately with its external tentacles while its inner ones reach out to its consciousness.
It no longer understands anything. It cannot begin to understand. Just what was it that pushed it to surpass what had been its kinsmen, spurred its growth, and led it to its downfall?
This is as far as it can grow. The Sea Terrors are making their way here by following its pheromones, but they won't be here in time. They are not fast enough... It won't reach those rich nutrients in time.
The Seaborn are not God...
They are a different kind of organism, and so is it. This is as far as it gets. Its body will feed the sea.
Having finally come to this realization, the bishop screams in terror, but its lungs have already been transformed into a kind of filtration organ. All it can do is hopelessly let its cysts continue their beating.
An intense stream of gas gushes out of its mouth. It desperately curls its all-too-long body. The gas that streams out lets out a sharp shriek as it passes through the beast's layers of teeth, sending the entire chapel trembling.
But the monster is unable to escape.
It is prey.
And the hunters have already found their prey.

Specter : Now!
This is payback for everything you've done to me...! You could say I've really gone easy on you!

Gladiia : Don't let it get away.

Skadi : We've made a pretty big ruckus already...
We'll let you off the hook for the other Hunters, bishop.
But this one strike is for my family and my friends, of both the sea and lands, all of whom you murdered.
Die, bastard.

Like flowers blossoming in the sea, the hunters slam downwards straightaway with the stone cold weapons in their hands.
The bishop makes an attempt to retreat back to its cave. Prey animals tend to think their nests are the safest of all locations. This response was etched into their bodies tens of thousands of years ago.
As the enormous creature pulls away, the path begins to collapse as it twists and turns. The mountain crumbles away like cake, large chunks of rock falling down like crumbs.
The bishop flees. It is fast, so fast that it has exceeded the limitations of living organisms. Its body possesses all the qualities that predators and survivalists could only dream of.
As long as it makes it back to its nest and seals off the path, its enemies will have no way to follow it, and it will swallow them as they sleep.
All it needs to do is make it back to its nest.
But it is all too late.
In their swift fall downwards, the hunters look just like–
–Shooting stars.
A sight that those who live in the deep seas rarely have the opportunity to witness.
With his desires and plans clouding his head, the bishop has, of course, never looked up at the night sky to enjoy that spectacle.
But they are different.
When the Abyssal Hunters had to fight for their lives and escape from the melancholy and sacrifice, they swam upwards, and when they finally reached the surface, they could only solemnly gaze upon the star-filled night sky... The Hunters have all etched the destinies of these short-lived stars into their hearts.
Despite everything, the darkness can still be broken.

Skadi : Now die.

The three shooting stars illuminate the deep passageway.
The bishop is horrified. It has no lungs and no vocal tracts. This thundering sound is as close as it gets to a scream for its current body.

After operation

Summary

The Hunters finish off the monster that the bishop has become. They fight back the sea monsters on their way out, and when they reach the chapel doors, they find someone unexpected waiting for them.

<Background 1>

Among the debris and crumbled walls, the monster's bloated corpse fills much of the karst cave. Its bizarre body, which had until now emanated a strange sense of beauty, begins to stiffen as it dreads its impending doom.

Gladiia : It is leaking water everywhere. Let's finish it off. We need to go.

Bishop? : Why do you blind philistines get to live, while I must fail when I have dedicated my entire life to this noble goal...?
You are mere pets of Ægir! Blind and stagnant... You are nothing but a nuisance to science and to the future!
I am... so close to the truth! Why must I die here while you... you get to escape the punishment you deserve?!
I've come so far! My will and my flesh were on the verge of exceeding the limitations of man! Why?!
Why? Why?! Why!!

Gladiia : Shut up.

Bishop? : ......
Ægir... will fall. Nothing will be left of you... Nothing...

Gladiia : You fool. I'm Ægir. As long as I'm alive, Ægir is alive.

Bishop? : You... But...
Ironic... How ironic.
You are different. Huff... You are destined to be different...
You know it. Your destiny is all but set in stone.

Gladiia : Enough of your nonsense. Just die already. That's the only thing I ask of you, and I'm being plenty sincere about this.

Bishop? : Curse you... Curse you all... until the lands fall... You will flee the sea... only to find yourself dissolved in its waters like salt.
On the barren wastelands lined with your corpses, our ceaseless waves will engulf all of the world's land!

Gladiia seems to be trying to control herself. The last bit of her courtesy is merely a byproduct of the contempt she cannot contain.
The bishop whimpers as he reaches his limb out to Gladiia.
But before it could reach the hunter, the limb has stiffened, twitched, and curled into a ball.
The bishop is dead, and he will be forgotten completely.
Gladiia looks at Specter and Skadi.

Specter : He is gone, at long last. This has finally come to an end... I ended it by my own hands... yet this is nowhere nearly as satisfying as I imagined.
Compared to all they have done to me, this is far from enough, but that's one down, two to go for us.
Ugh, I'm getting a little dizzy. How did I come to this place? It feels almost like a dream.

Skadi : Shark?

Specter : I can't... stay awake for long after all...

Gladiia : We finally have their tentacles caught. If we grab it now and pluck its roots out there, we will definitely find a way to heal you.

Specter : That isn't a big problem. As it stands, they cannot control me, and I feel exceptionally well. The feeling of freedom... Who could have known I would get to experience it now? This has me so elated, it feels as though I'm flying high with excitement.
Though, Captain, I am afraid I heard everything you said.
Was the bishop saying we will become Seaborns too? Captain, will you become one of those more formidable kinds? They are quite strong.

Skadi : That won't happen.
You are way too different from them.

Gladiia : I hope my actions didn't put you two in harm's way.

Skadi : Answer a few questions for me.

Gladiia : Ask away.

Skadi : Is there Seaborn blood flowing in our veins?

Gladiia : Yes.

Skadi : You are here to figure out the cause of the problems in Specter's body, and you took that blow to figure out why the Seaborn was looking for me.

Gladiia : Yes, that's right.

Skadi : And you knew from the start the bishop wasn't the only Seaborn here?

Gladiia : Yes.

Skadi : Do you know what I did after that final battle that was borderline suicide?

Gladiia : I don't.

Skadi : Did we win?

Gladiia : I don't know. I lost contact with Ægir.

Skadi : Are we abandoned by Ægir...?

Yes? The Abyssal Hunters are like bait.
Yes? The Abyssal Hunters are like a glow at the bottom of the sea.
Yes? The Abyssal Hunters are strong, yet their strength is but a tiny fraction of Ægir's power.
Yes? The only thing special about the Abyssal Hunters is that they are indeed related to the sea monsters somehow.
Anger rages in Skadi's crimson pupils, but there is that tiny bit of hope...
How much of it is real, and how much of it is fake...?

Gladiia : We're not.

Skadi : Okay, let's go.

Specter : How snappy.

Skadi : No reason to dawdle around. I'm an Abyssal Hunter.
Is it somehow different for you girls in your squad?

Gladiia : All Abyssal Hunters are like that.

Skadi : This place is about to collapse. Besides...

As though lured here by the bishop's lifeless body, the Sea Terrors are boring into the cave through the fissures.
In huge numbers, no less.
Three hunters are walking on seacoast way♪

<Background 4>

Specter : There's too many of them.
Skadi, I need you to apply yourself here! You are the only one whose arms and legs aren't all scrapped up!

Skadi : What do you want me to do...? My hands are numb already. When was the last time you had to stick your hands into their mouths to tear them into two?

Gladiia : About three seconds ago.

Gladiia turns around and sticks her hand into the mouth of one of the monsters, piercing its entire body through its head. She quickly swings her arm, and, unable to withstand the force the hunter is exerting on its body, the monster is torn into two from the inside before being flung away.

Gladiia : Just now.

Skadi : No, as long as its body is still there... there will be no end to the Sea Terrors. It's summoning them. It's an anchor!

Specter : We'll need to destroy the body, then... Burying it won't quite be enough...

Gladiia : I'll do it.

Specter : When you have a huge hole in you?

Gladiia : You two–

A figure appears before the Hunters, surprising Skadi when she sees her face.

Kal'tsit : Get moving, Hunters!

Skadi : What are you doing there?!

Kal'tsit : We'll talk later! Mon3tr, do it!

Mon3tr crashes into the ceiling of the chapel. It tears the Sea Terrors apart with its sharp blades. A black sphere forms in its mouth before blasting away downwards.
It shakes the entire city and hill, sending what is left of the chapel crumbling down.
The bishop and its secrets have been destroyed forever, and no one will know any of it.

SV-ST-2: Lucky to Escape

Summary

Kal'tsit defends the three hunters before the Inquisitor, securing their exit from Sal Viento. Having arrived back at Rhodes Island, Gladiia learns of a change.

<Background 1>

High Inquisitor : Dr. Kal'tsit, I would like an explanation.

Skadi : I knew things weren't as simple as they seemed...

Kal'tsit : The Inquisition is simply keeping too many more secrets than the Iberian people deserve to know.

High Inquisitor : My lady, need I remind you that spreading rumors and hearsay is strictly forbidden in Iberia?

Kal'tsit : High Inquisitor, I'm only saying this because you already know those secrets.
The Church of the Deep has infiltrated Iberia and is taking root here in secret.
They took advantage of the relationship you once had with the sea. Abandoned Iberian cities have become the beachhead for the Church of the Deep's encroachment onto dry land.
They have their own interpretations of your scriptures, and they use them to bend your will. They also hide well. With so many irons in the fire, there was never any way for you to attend to all of it.
So... you should cry out for help. If you continue this pointless war of territory and faith, we will miss our one chance.

The Hunters and the Inquisitor find themselves in a peculiar face off with Kal'tsit. Skadi starts to think that perhaps Kal'tsit is actually on her side.

Kal'tsit : Your Honor, Iberians are different.
The skyline that you see every day is different from what everyone else who walks this world sees.
What do you call the place where you live every day and night? The coast.
Other peoples live on land, while Iberians live by the coast.
For the majority of the population, whether they live in the wilderness or the cities, their sightlines are the sky above and an endless swath of land and mountains ahead.
Anything above the clouds means nothing.
When they talk about "the world", they refer to these lands alone.
The land on which they live is the world to them, because they've decided there is nothing in this world beyond these lands.
Whether residing in sealed-off cities, out-of-the-way villages, or hostile wilderness, they believe in what they see, and nothing else.
Now look at them again. These Abyssal Hunters. These Ægir.
The ocean is vast in ways beyond the land.
Iberia is not like other countries.
Those who reside on land are obsessed with their ways and their authorities. They overlook the infinite possibilities, and the opportunities to explore the boundaries that they blindly choose to ignore.
Your world is far more complete. You understand both the land and the sea. Iberia has a much better knowledge of its place in the world than anyone else.
This has given you a huge lead over everyone in the past.

High Inquisitor : That is enough.
This is all water under the bridge. The radiance of the cities has faded, and Iberia is nothing but a pile of rubble today.

Kal'tsit : What a surprise. I thought you would dodge the subject.

High Inquisitor : You are here, and you are certainly not blind. Look out and see for yourself.
Cities like Sal Viento line the entire Iberian coastline.

「Iberia was once a prosperous nation, but how many of these ruins can be found here today?
Kal'tsit knows, and naturally the High Inquisitor knows too. However, with the High Inquisitor's steely composure, it is impossible to discern any kind of emotion from his expression whatsoever.
Furthermore, he is wearing a mask.
If they could cry, then the Iberians would definitely cry. If they could laugh, then the Iberians would definitely laugh out loud.
Yet here stands one such impassioned Iberian, who has since turned into the emotionless man before her.
Without expression and without emotion. Iberia's golden age has passed into a life of tranquility. 」

<Background 1>

High Inquisitor : There are too many.
We cannot support them, and many cities are unable to support themselves.
Ever since the Profound Silence Iberia is not what it once was.

Kal'tsit : Then you need the support of others all the more.

High Inquisitor : No one knows what happened to Iberia, and no one may know.

Kal'tsit : Because Iberia was once on the brink of total destruction?

High Inquisitor : Even now, Iberia cannot be destroyed.

Kal'tsit : You are still here, and so are the Iberian people.
I believe that even if not a single city remained...

Kal'tsit looks at the three Abyssal Hunters. Of them, Skadi is walking toward some inhabitants exiting the buildings. Seems like she has something to say to them.

Kal'tsit : Iberia's citizens won't give up so easily.
High Inquisitor, please allow me.
Pride and prejudice have destroyed the Ægir. This land must not repeat the mistakes of the deep sea folk.
If Iberia falls to the aftershock of this disaster, then there will no longer be anyone who knows the true face of the sea, and the horror of the threat it poses.
Just like a certain hunt in the tundra roughly a century ago. It is the territory of mankind that we are guarding, not the honor and reputation of a nation, against the sea monsters, and against anything else.
Besides, if Iberia keeps lingering on with its last breath...

Kal'tsit looks into the High Inquisitor's eyes. His expression remains unchanged. He does not appear to be in denial, nor is he approving of her view.
Nonetheless, Kal'tsit will finish.

Kal'tsit : In that case, Iberia will one day meet its fate.
As of now, you can still rebuild your homeland, rebuild Iberia.

High Inquisitor : I don't believe that.

Kal'tsit : My objective isn't to get you to see things my way.
This question has to be answered, and a decision has to be made. It doesn't necessarily need to be answered by you, nor does it have to be now.

High Inquisitor : –
We still must resolve the Sal Viento affair.

The High Inquisitor looks at the hunters.

High Inquisitor : One of them will have to stay.

Specter : I will.

Skadi : No.

Gladiia : You two need to go back.
Kal'tsit, we will do as we discussed. I won't be there to lead them, so you will have to take my place.

Skadi : You...?
What's this supposed to mean?

Kal'tsit : ...
High Inquisitor, perhaps I can take their place?
I can serve as a proxy for them in your interrogations. I can straighten out the details of the events that transpired here, and you will get the information that you need.
I can survive an Iberian prison.

High Inquisitor : –
If you insist.

Gladiia : Lady Kal'tsit?

Skadi : Doctor...?

High Inquisitor : You want me to expel them from our territory?

Kal'tsit : For now at the very least.
The three of you–
Go back to Rhodes Island. Misery will pick you up near the northeastern border. Don't take the waterways this time.

High Inquisitor : The Inquisition will determine the route they will take.

Kal'tsit : As long as the destination remains unchanged, you may route them however you want.

Gladiia : When will you come back? I can't wait for you too long.

High Inquisitor : That is not for her to decide.

Gladiia : Let's not jump to conclusions yet, little birdie of Iberia. A prison's walls are as paper to me.

Kal'tsit : Gladiia, no.

Gladiia : So you want me to watch him take you away?

Kal'tsit : That's right.
Don't worry about me, Gladiia.
Now go, hunters. Surely a heart-to-heart with Specter must be on the agenda. Now that she's awake, she can give you the answers you've always wanted. Her own answers.

Specter : And you have nothing to say to me? This is a rare opportunity for everyone, yourself included.

Kal'tsit : Hmm...
I'm afraid I don't have any suitable advice for a hunter like you.

Specter : Am I too hasty for your liking?

Kal'tsit : No, but you understand your own situation far better than I.
In any case, I don't know how much longer you can maintain your current state... Though I suppose that's the least of your worries.

Specter : How do you know?

Kal'tsit : Just a hunch. You are in a good mood, after all. I'm sure it matters to you very little whether you are awake or not, Specter. After all, the way things are now is not that bad for you.

Specter : You needn't tell me. Nothing has ever been completely optimal for us.
And if I contemplate the future? That would be such a drag. My standards are much lower than yours. As long as things are decently sorted, they're good enough for me.

Kal'tsit : I suppose so.

Specter : I am not one to preach the Church of the Deep's words, but that was me as well. There is no point in hating myself.
If anyone wants to know the difference, then let them listen to me talk. I will settle for giving them a hard time.

Kal'tsit : Is this how you used to be?

Specter : Perhaps, Dr. Kal'tsit.
Besides, I finally have some old friends here with me, not some landlubber that I wouldn't know how to talk to, even if I wanted to talk. You know, they haven't even seen seaweed before.

Kal'tsit : You could teach them.
You still have a lot of new friends at that place you can now go back to.
In the future, your colleagues will need you. I will need all of you as well.
We need you.
Besides–

Kal'tsit says something.
Specter laughs in return.

Specter : Well, don't come home too late!

Kal'tsit : This doctor is never late, Specter.

Gladiia : Let's go, hunters. We'll leave the rest to her. She can take it.

Skadi : ......
Wait, Captain. I still have something to tell her.
Lady Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : Deploying without any approval again, Skadi.
At least you knew well enough to talk to Engineering and get them to prepare that case for you. They contacted me straight away.
You're doing much better than before.

Skadi : I didn't expect you to actually come help me...

Kal'tsit : I told you, I'm a woman of my word, and that goes no matter what it is you are up to.
Now go home to Rhodes Island. Enjoy your vacation.

Kal'tsit glances at Skadi.
She doesn't say anything but starts smiling.

<Background black>

Kal'tsit : All of us have things that are simply beyond our abilities. Even Dr. {nickname} struggles from time to time.
Our technology is not yet able to cure your infection... And neither can you.
But, Specter, not being able to eradicate it doesn't mean you can't defeat it.
You can't exterminate shadows, but you can make them your friend.
Skadi...
There isn't much you can do about your dark fate... but you can learn to work alongside it.
Perhaps only you can wrestle tooth and nail with it till the end of times.

<Background 2>

[Before leaving Sal Viento, Skadi visits Anita's house. ]

Anita : Oh, it's you, singer! You are back!

Skadi : Yes.

Anita : Huh? Where's your sax... uh... saxophone?

Skadi : No idea...

Anita : Oh, don't worry. I'm sure you left it somewhere around here. I'll help you look for it.
Also, about your harp. You dropped it yesterday. I've been holding onto it for you.

Skadi : It's yours now.

Anita : I can have it... Just like we promised? Does that mean you've found your friend? That's great news, singer. I'm so happy for you!
But... you look really tired... You look more tired than you were last night. Are you hurt?

Skadi : I... It's okay. I'm just a little dizzy.

Anita : Well, okay. I didn't see you, and I was so worried you ran into some kind of trouble.
Something really amazing happened just now. Did you see that? There was an explosion, then another. Like, bang bang bang, boooom! The mountain over that way kept shaking, and then it suddenly came crashing down!
I thought our house would come crashing down too.

Skadi : Are you all okay?

Anita : We're fine. The only problem is that all our food is still inside. It's already rotten. Erm, we'll probably go hungry for a while again.
It's all thanks to the Inquisitor. She was the one who told us to leave the house and to stay away from the coast and the chapel up on the hill.

Skadi : She helped you.

Anita : Yeah, she's such a nice person. She protected us the whole time.

[Inquisitor Irene walks toward Skadi and Anita. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Ahem.

Skadi : Got a sore throat?

Inquisitor Irene : *cough* *cough*– Y-You wretch! No matter, I will let you off the hook just this once. Tsk, you're a lucky one, Ægir. The High Inquisitor didn't take you away.

Skadi : You've been waiting for me.

Inquisitor Irene : I knew you'd be back... I have something to tell you.

Skadi : Still haven't given up?

Inquisitor Irene : What...? Why are you in a fighting stance? I haven't even drawn my weapon!
W-What I'm trying to say is... I'm sorry I was so harsh with you before.

Skadi : Hm?

Inquisitor Irene : I'm not the kind of person... who doesn't apologize when she's done wrong. I may be an Inquisitor, but when an Inquisitor makes a mistake, she needs to reflect on it all the more.
When you first stepped into the town, I saw you right away. I could tell you were an Ægir, costume or no. You are different.

Skadi : ......

Inquisitor Irene : At the time... I was angry, and my passions were inflamed. I thought I had finally found the answer. The evil outsiders, the culprit who brought this misfortune to us–
I thought that by dragging you out here and defeating you... I could right the wrongs and solve our problems. I thought it was that simple.
But I am no match for you, and what could defeating you change anyway?
The real threat that this city and all Iberia faces is not a single Ægir or two.

Skadi : You've grown...

Inquisitor Irene : Much thanks to you...
I can't think the way I used to think anymore. What happened here has left me bewildered to the point that I'm not sure how I'd judge anything again.
I am an inquisitor. It is my duty to eradicate the threats that Iberia faces in order to uphold its order.
–You are a threat, but are you our enemy?
Then we have the people here. Should I protect them, or should they be eliminated?
And what if I can't make sense of it? What, then, is my reason for taking up the sword? It will leave me directionless, stuck in the same spot, just like the people here.
Then–It was you and the locals who helped me see things clearly.
I can't save the inhabitants... It probably sounds strange, but once I realized this, I made the decision to protect them.
At the very least, at that very moment and right now, I know what is right and what is wrong.
As for you, you did the right thing. You protected this place... for the time being, at least. That is much more than I have ever done for these people.

Skadi : ......
You did the right thing too.

Inquisitor Irene : Huh?

Skadi : What I did was no different from what you did.

Inquisitor Irene : What do you mean, no different...? No matter, you are just as terrible at giving comfort as you are at disguises.

Skadi : You wanted comfort from me?

Inquisitor Irene : What do you...? No, no thank you.

Skadi : Good. I don't have any for you either.

Inquisitor Irene : ......
So, you found the answer you were looking for?

Skadi : I don't need it anymore.
I've asked too many questions. I found my answer, and once I calmed down, I realized those answers meant nothing really. Just like you, I know which way I am headed now.

Inquisitor Irene : Oh? Seems we're both ready.
It's about time I get going, and I know it's time for you to go as well. You have gone free, so you must've come to some kind of agreement with the High Inquisitor.
Well... Goodbye.
As long as we're still chasing the same goal, perhaps we will see each other again somewhere.

[Inquisitor Irene leaves. ]

Anita : Huh? Did the Inquisitor leave? What a shame. I want her to see what I'm making.

Skadi : What's this...?

Anita : It's the seaweed alcohol you taught me to make! Uh, is this looking okay? Are the pieces too big still?

Skadi : ......
They are way too small.

Anita : Huh? Let me try again. It's okay. We don't have any food left, but we still have plenty of seaweed. If we run out, I'll get some more from Uncle Fireplace.

Skadi : You will get better.

Anita : Once I'm finished... Uh... You'll be gone by the time I'm finished, right? You came here to tell me this, didn't you? You are leaving.

Skadi : Yes, I'm leaving.

Anita : (Subconsciously kneads the seaweed)
Right, you're a wandering singer. You wander, only stopping once in a while.
Will you ever come back? I... I want to listen to you play your harp and sing some more. Grandma Petra and Drywall, they do too.

Skadi : ......
Yes, I will.
My friends, too. We can come together.

Anita : That sounds great!
It's a promise, okay? Be sure to come back soon! I will be waiting for you here.

Inhabitant : Woodframe.

Anita : Uh, here! Singer, they need me for something. I gotta go.
Don't forget what you promised!

[Anita rushes off. ]

Skadi : ......
That can there...
The red shell.
......
Anita!

Just as she said she would, the girl stops in her tracks, turns around, and smiles at Skadi.

Anita : Yes?

Skadi : If next we meet on the outside, I'll still sing for you.

Anita : Okay! Looks like I gotta keep your harp in my box.
See you, singer!

Skadi : –
See you.

<Background 3>

Gladiia : Dammit.
Dammit!

「Gladiia caresses her face in the mirror. 」

Gladiia : Look at you. You still ended up an ugly bitch in the end.
You should've died in the deep sea. Is this what you wanted? You should've died with everyone else instead of going into hiding here. Constantly on edge, no matter what you do, even breathing, much less letting them hear your singing.
You have to shut yourself up in a landship's bathroom just to complain about your predicament, never again to ride the waves. All you can do is to wait until you fully transform into a beast.

Gladiia : Look, this is you.
It's too soon... Too soon.
The ship... I need to find that ship.

<Background fades out>

A Seaborn tried to get an answer from Skadi... The monsters tried to pry the truth from their murderers.
Which also means that the hunters still have a chance, perhaps their one and only chance–
"Their gods give no revelation."

「Before the waves engulf the world and those monstrous colossi summon their bloodkin, we must smother the sea with silence. Its brood will know nothing of this.
We will exterminate them at their source.
This is our only chance. This will bring about a calamity... but Ægir will get its moment of reprieve.
I can't hear Ægir. Heh, just like the monsters waiting in vain for their revelations.
Nonetheless, we have a responsibility. The Abyssal Hunters must be the first to uncover Iberia's secrets.
–The last dreadnought of the Iberian fleet. Indomitable, yet disappearing without a trace in the span of a night.
Gladiia stops gazing at herself in the mirror.
This is my duty. I must defend Ægir.
By capturing that golden ship and taking hold of that key, the doors to the vault will fling wide open, and the volcano shall be unleashed. 」

SN-ST-1: Old Well

Summary

Gran Faro, seaside town–a rare sight these days. Rhodes Islanders, Iberians, and even Alive Until Sunset all gather here. A storm is brewing.

<Background black>

「"Terra", "the land", "these lands", the nations "across the world".
These terms and the language around them flow in widespread use only because of how narrow they actually are.
Has there ever been some majestic language of the ancient past that could describe everything between heaven and earth? Where we put into words the "everything" we might encounter in our day-to-day lives?
A grandiose term encompassing the earth, the sky, and even the seas of which the landbound nations know so little? A single word to narrate millennia of life's progress?
」

Kal'tsit : I'm sure you know the answer yourself.

Prudent Elder : I know quite a bit myself, yet still I find myself asking, day after day. No man may truly escape the unknown, and the unknown will forever torment mankind.

Kal'tsit : ......
(Ancient Sarkaz language) "Alma." "World."[note 1]

Prudent Elder : Hm. And here I thought you would go with the Sargonian word "Alam".[note 2] The same idea, I think.
Yours was a Sarkaz language?

Kal'tsit : It was.

Prudent Elder : Strange. You're a Feline who calls herself a doctor, yet your first instinct is to use the devils' tongue.
Your identity is like the ever-changing clouds above the sea. Never content to remain the same.

Kal'tsit : Language will not change its essence for such trifles.

Prudent Elder : Language, hmm... Now look here, Kal'tsit. A well.

[Kal'tsit and the elder looked closer into the well. ]

Prudent Elder : Do you know how to draw water from it? Do you know how the Iberians used these blue cornerstones to build their houses?

Kal'tsit : If the Iberian nobility hadn't let their pride go to their heads, the ocean would surely have made the nation an impenetrable fortress.
The well is deep, and we're very close to the shore.

Prudent Elder : Look. It hasn't yet dried up. There is a false sun inside.

Kal'tsit : We should be on our way, sir.

「The elderly man does not answer her. He simply picks up a small rock in silence.
The rock could not be more commonplace, with no particular reason to fiddle with. Yet, as though absorbed in the sensation of the sea breeze on his skin, he continues to gaze at the bottom of the well.
Kal'tsit doesn't push the issue. She silently waits for the man in front of her to answer. She sees that the clouds are moving. The winds are strong. 」

Prudent Elder : There is no rush, Kal'tsit. There is no rush. We have ample time for rest... no matter the arrangements you've made.
If I dropped this rock into the well, how long would it take for us to hear the splash?

Kal'tsit : About five to six seconds.

Prudent Elder : Even the most simple Iberian knows how to make use of the sea. Knowledge that went into this deep coastal well.

Kal'tsit : And yet, a Victorian farmer or Columbian worker might not even know what the vast sea looks like.

Prudent Elder : Hmm... Kal'tsit, how many questions have I asked you on our journey so far?

「The old man holds his arm out, the rock still in his palm. Then he lets go, sending it tumbling downward.
Despite its rapid descent, the two of them lock their eyes onto it. Yet without adequate sunlight, they soon find themselves unable to follow its trek into the depths.
It has been two, perhaps three seconds. Nothing but silence shrouds the two of them. Even the wind has come to a halt.
How quiet, Kal'tsit thinks to herself. How quiet indeed.
*Plop*
The quiet sound echoes through the well's walls, as though reminding them that, in that brief moment lasting but a few seconds, all the lands are still. 」

Kal'tsit : One hundred twenty-three. Quite a bewitching number.

Prudent Elder : One hundred twenty-three questions, over one hundred twenty-three years. The Inquisition boasts not a single Inquisitor older than me.
Most have died in battle, a few of old age, and even fewer gave in to cowardice during their endless ordeal. It did not end very well for them.
I've experienced all there is of Iberia. I've seen its fleets setting sail, and heard the Victorian envoys quivering.
It was a rude awakening when the Profound Silence destroyed our nation. My countrymen are still drowning in their hatred for the disaster, and confused over the loss of their dream.

Kal'tsit : Liberi don't live long lives. Even the Liberi Elders, the oldest and healthiest of them, are unable to shoulder Iberia's present calamity.
Your age is a miracle. One forged by the Inquisition, and which also grants you an unprecedented sense of devotion.
In that era, when both glory and ideology began to crumble, you and the earliest Inquisition members were revered as "Saints."

Prudent Elder : "Saints." A title for those who once served as a guiding beacon for mankind. But just like firewood, it's become nothing but ashes.
I've watched the seasons cycle by a full hundred and twenty-three times, yet it seems only the cold winters have left their mark on me. I've seen so many truths with my own eyes, yet can never recall the sight of spring.
Kal'tsit...

Kal'tsit : Yes?

「The look in the old man's eyes changes.
Faith is a language, and prayers can pave roads. At this very moment, the nation of Iberia, or perhaps an existence beyond that, is caressing its chin, examining the wind speed. 」

Prudent Elder : So far, I've lived one hundred twenty-three years. I've asked you one hundred twenty-three questions, based on my personal experiences.
Nonetheless, you answered each and every one. You know everything that I know.
Man is making progress, and new secrets will forever emerge, yet our knowledge will never be able to overcome that wall we call "the known."
Regardless, the enemy we face belongs to the other side of that wall, in the dark forest that lies beyond.
And you, Kal'tsit. Do you belong to our side of the wall... or to the depths of that forest?

Kal'tsit : That is up to you.

Prudent Elder : Hoh... You might even know the number of leaves on its trees. What a terrifying woman.
Make no mistake, the saints of Iberia remain the pinnacle that humanity can reach. Yet you've exceeded that, marking you as inhuman.
Perhaps you've extended your life with special Arts, perhaps you've inherited some kind of ancient identity, or perhaps you possess a soul that had great ambitions.

Kal'tsit : ......

Prudent Elder : Even if our faith is only a lie built atop ideology, we nevertheless once held onto it firmly. What is truly saddening, though, is that when old age finally bests us all, we will have not yet managed to solve our problems.
While those of us who have bested old age–via Originium Arts or other means–will only come to fear endless suffering at the hands of our enemies.

Kal'tsit : When did Ægir become such an unknown terror to Iberia?

Prudent Elder : How could an unarmed child so easily accept the help of a stranger brandishing a weapon?

Kal'tsit : What if that child were about to drown?

Prudent Elder : Then we would still require proof. Is Ægir's current situation really as you say? Can the Seaborn and their source truly be defeated?
If you cannot back up these claims, then Iberia will not trust you. I will not trust you.
Before I die, you... you must all prove it to Iberia.
Otherwise, the seawater will quench the flame of civilization. Before the other nations can prepare, they will swarm past Iberia... and tear this "world" apart.
Perhaps this too–the refutation of Terran civilization–is itself a part of their survival-of-the-fittest mindset.

Kal'tsit : Or perhaps there is nothing inherently different between us and them.

<Background 1>

[Dan, the drummer of Alive Until Sunset, walks through the streets... ]

Dan : A seaside town, huh? Relaxed, but gloomy. Quiet, but bustling. A lively place, but with danger and mystery around every corner.
Just the place to get us in that creative groove!
What do you girls say?

[...followed by the guitarist Frost... ]

Frost : (Riffs lightheartedly)

[...the vocalist Aya... ]

Aya : The shore's got an unsettling vibe. I can already smell all that stuff I'd rather not.
I really don't think we should be visiting the waterfront so carelessly.

[...and the bassist Alty. ]

Alty : Does it matter, if we can find inspiration? C'mon, look how fired up about it Dan is.

Frost : (Riffs depressingly)

Dan : Time to find our muse!

Alty : Right... It's a good chance.

Aya : I can't believe we're actually looking to that messed up ocean for inspiration now.

Dan : Yeah, which is exactly why it's a fresh new vibe!

Alty : Took the words outta my mouth.

Frost : (Riffs in agreement)

Aya : Well, should we split up, then? I can take our luggage to the hotel on my own.

Dan : Alright! I'll be checking stuff out over there.

Alty : All by yourself?

Aya : I'm glad SOMEONE's worrying. Just don't forget we're playing with fire here.

Frost : So where's the hotel?

Dan : That reminds me, how did a small town like this get itself a hotel anyway? Do people even come here?

Aya : They need to make a living somehow.

Alty : Right. No living, no music.

Frost : (Riffs)

[Aya stops as the rest of the band walks along. ]

Aya : The sea...
We're back.

<Background 2>

Jordi : Excuse me... can I get past?

[Elysium gives way for Jordi the Aegir. ]

Elysium : Oh, sure, no problem.

Jordi : Have you been sitting in the chapel again, Mr... uhh...?

Elysium : Elysium.

Jordi : Sorry... We've even run into each other several times already.

Elysium : Don't worry about it. The name 'Elysium' isn't very common here.
Actually, someone as smoking hot as me has gotta be a rare sight in Iberia to begin with, right?

Jordi : Uhh...
I don't know about that... but someone as confident as you, maybe.

Elysium : Right...
It took spending some time here to realize that the place that I always called home doesn't really feel like home.

Jordi : Are you still waiting for someone here, Mr. Elysium? It's already been several days, hasn't it?

Elysium : Haha, not like I have a choice. That's just how things are in my line of work. Besides, I'd rather hang out in comfort here than that in primeval forest infested with bugs and Originium.

Jordi : You're from outside then?

Elysium : Oh, you can tell? Is it because of the vibe I give off?

Jordi : Actually... uh... I guess you could say that?

Elysium : What do you mean?

Jordi : Like... the way you dress?

Elysium : You know your stuff.

Jordi : Gran Faro doesn't see a lot of visitors... There's not a lot of folks here, so everyone in town knows everyone else.
Besides... What with how close to the sea we are, not a lot of Liberi are willing to talk to Ægir these days.
Especially after the Inquisition started showing up more often.

Elysium : Right...
I get you. I've been through similar stuff plenty of times.

Jordi : Does this happen in other Iberian cities, too? Like in those prosperous ones I hear about in the rumors?

Elysium : Not just in Iberia, kid. The way I see it, it's pretty much the same no matter where you go. Life's tough everywhere.
But I gotta say, some of the Ægirs I've met are a real handful. Just thinking about 'em gives me a headache. Wish I could beam all my common sense straight into their brains.
Which makes you pretty easy to get along with, by comparison.

Jordi : Uhh...

Elysium : Okay, now THAT's a face asking who'd ever want the common sense of a guy like me.

Jordi : N-No it's not!

Elysium : Sure, I look like an unemployed bum lazing about here 24-7, but I've actually come a loooong way and been through waaaaay too much.

Jordi : So... you're an explorer, then? What's life like for the Ægir in other places?

Elysium : Haha...
Not too bad.
Not too bad...

<Background 3>

??? : Mayor Thiago... You needn't come here every day.

Thiago : I've been hearing some bad rumors lately. I'm worried about you guys, Amaia.

Amaia : Bad rumors... You mean about the cultists?
But we're not just close to the sea, we're close to the Inquisition too, and the very heart of Iberia.
So how could there possibly be cultists here?

Thiago : Who knows? Happens all the time in coastal towns though. Hardly peculiar at all.
Also... I heard someone saw a monster on the shore.

Amaia : Did Old Pedri tell you that?
You know the kind of nonsense he goes on about when he hasn't had his drink.

Thiago : ......

Amaia : You're a kind man, Thiago. I'm sure you're just worried about Jordi, the boy who works at the chapel.

Thiago : I... I'm not a very sophisticated one though. Maybe you can put me at ease... help me sleep better at night.
These rumors are just rumors, right? The ghost ship, the cultists, the sea monsters?

Amaia : The Inquisition hasn't let us go out to sea in a long, long time.

Thiago : Right. Can't even remember how long... Eighty-four years? Eighty-five?

Amaia : Try fifty or sixty. The Profound Silence happened in 1038.
Have you really been trapped on land for so long, in your memories? You aren't even that old. Have you been a prisoner of this place since before you were born?

Thiago : If living in poverty counts as imprisonment, then yes, I've been a prisoner for a long, long time.
I haven't so much as looked at the sea since Marin died. I loathe it.

Amaia : But you're not worried about the gossip, are you? You're worried about the Inquisition. And even more so about the Penal Battalion coming here to take away all the Ægirs.

Thiago : ......

Amaia : *Sigh*, poor Thiago...
The Inquisition snuffed out the love of your life, an Ægir woman. Your anger and resentment is perfectly understandable, but be careful what you say. For everyone's sake.

Thiago : ...Maybe you're right.
Okay, I'll be careful. You always know more than the rest of us, anyway. So what've you been up to lately?

Amaia : The same old. Doing my job as a third-rate translator in this frighteningly laidback seaside town.
That said, it's been months since a Messenger stopped by. All my drafts have been piling up, and it's giving me a headache.

Thiago : *Sigh*... Translation! I've never even set foot outside this small town my whole life. Anything besides Iberian may as well be gibberish to me.

Amaia : Hm, it's getting late.

Thiago : Right, Jordi should be off work soon. I only hope that the Inquisition isn't gonna give the lad any trouble over that gossip, these next few days.
I'll see you later.

Amaia : Be safe, Mayor Thiago.

[Thiago leaves. ]

Amaia : ...Cultists. Hm.
......

「The young woman named Amaia ponders for a moment before turning her mind back to the papers, as always.
Ursine novels, Kazimierzian biographies, Leithanian poetry... even Sargonian folk tales.
All the lands of Terra lie before her as a thick pile of literature, each word waiting to be deciphered in a solemn, orderly manner.
The air is extraordinarily humid. She can't help but pinch the corner of the page. 」

Amaia : The sensation of the sea...
"The waves continue to accelerate, and the winds are frightened. The corals line the sky, painting it a neon shade."
"We will come to detest ourselves for not having wings."

<Background 2>

Elysium : Are you finished with your work?

Jordi : Ah, uh... yes.
As you can see, the chapel doesn't see a lot of visitors. I mostly just keep the place tidy.
Are you still waiting today?

Elysium : Yeah. They should've been here by last week, but my superior did warn me that they're a weird bunch. So I guess being late is normal enough.

Jordi : Still, it's hard to call that a good thing. But why would anyone choose to meet up in Gran Faro of all places?

Elysium : Strange, right? I thought so, too. That's why I volunteered for the job when Misery brought it up.
Not that I expected to waste a whole month here. That's a hell of a long time to be on standby.

Jordi : But... normally the Inquisition wouldn't have let outsiders like you in at all.

Elysium : Because of how close it is to their command center?
Or... because it's close to the sea?

Jordi : Maybe both.

Elysium : I see...

Jordi : So how did you make it here? I haven't traveled much, but even I can tell that Gran Faro is a backwater...

Elysium : If you really wanna know, I could use someone to chat with. I'm dying of boredom over here.

Jordi : Then if it's not too much trouble– Oh!
Sorry, I didn't realize it was so late. Uncle Thiago is waiting. I should head back to make dinner.

Elysium : Family?

Jordi : Uh... Something like that. He's the one who raised me.

Elysium : Look, you don't have to be such a doormat just because you're an Ægir. When someone's kind to you, try to be more positive.

Jordi : Uh, thanks... Mr. Elysium.

「Gran Faro. It means "the great lighthouse" in an ancient Iberian tongue.
Lighthouses once shone upon ships both large and small, and served as homes for all seamen to return to.
Many souls dwelled beneath the reefs, until the ships fell in love with the ocean, accepting its embrace and facing their own destruction. 」

Jordi : (Amaia? Where is she going... Hm?)
(Some sort of commotion up ahead? That's unusual. What's going on?)

[Close by, the AUS are in the square as well. ]

Alty : Where are you heading?

Dan : The chapel! Peeps here shouldn't be using their hands to pray, they should learn to drum instead!

Aya : This square is the center of the town. Everything's built around it.

Frost : A sculpture of a lighthouse.
A guiding landmark to the sea... and the town.

Dan : What a lame analogy!

Passing Townsperson : What a bunch of weirdos. Let's not get too close.

Spectating Townsperson : Didn't Old Pedri mention something like this before?

Passing Townsperson : Don't get involved, lest the Inquisition take you away.
Sheesh, why are there all these outsiders lately? The Inquisition just doesn't care anymore, huh?

Jordi : (I haven't seen any of them before... Look at the way they're dressed... Are they musicians?)
(Er, is she looking at me?)

<Background 4>

Aya : ......

Jordi : H-Hello?

Aya : In the past, I wouldn't have batted an eye at seeing an Ægir near the coast, but it sure is a rare sight these days.
Do you know what's going on here?

Jordi : W-What?

Aya : Oh, you wouldn't, huh? You aren't a child of the sea. You're land-born.
*Sigh*... Not that that's much of a surprise. Jeez.

Alty : Aya, over here!

Aya : Coming!
Oh, right... you... hmm...

Jordi : I-Is something the matter?

Aya : Do you know what that sculpture is of? And do all the locals know?

Jordi : Yes... It's a lighthouse. Apparently, they needed a lot of people to work on it way back when, and many of the workers' families ended up staying here.

Aya : Like yours?

Jordi : Uh... Yes. I still keep some relics from that era back home. Like, blueprints and pictures.

Aya : Yep... lighthouses. Iberian lighthouses. In a country on the land. That's kinda funny.
Anyway, the scent doesn't seem to be coming from you. Alright, then, you be extra careful.

[Aya walks away. ]

Jordi : I've never seen those people... Are those instruments?
Maybe they're the ones Mr. Elysium has been waiting for?

[Thiago walks toward Jordi. ]

Thiago : Jordi.

Jordi : Oh, Uncle Thiago. Sorry. I should've come back sooner–

Thiago : Don't you get involved with them. I didn't see ears OR tails, and no feathers either. They might be Ægirs.

Jordi : I–

Thiago : Jordi, my boy. You know I don't have anything against the Ægir, but remember what everyone's been saying lately.
Don't get too involved with these outsiders. If you see an Ægir near the sea and there's no one from the Inquisition or Penal Battalion around, then they gotta be trouble.
I don't think they're bad people, but the Inquisition might not see things the same way, so... I'm sorry. I just don't want to see them take you away. Be a good boy and listen.

Jordi : I get it. You don't have to apologize.
I get it...

<Background 5>

Kal'tsit : I didn't expect you to agree so quickly.

Saint Carmen : I know of the events in Sal Viento, with the three Abyssal Hunters. Irene always writes the most detailed reports, after all.
And above all, I know that if you meant Iberia harm, you had other, much simpler options.
The Abyssal Hunters... Suppose they are as strong and swift as the report suggests. The three of them are still controllable by the Inquisition.
We retain the authority to sentence them to death. The only reason they are still allowed to walk Iberian lands is thanks to my curiosity towards your so-called truth.

Kal'tsit : I can't help but wonder if Iberia's current predicament is a result of its pride, then.

Saint Carmen : The truth is that no one knows pride better than us. Pride is like the shadow always lurking behind every man.
The two inquisitors with whom you're acquainted have already received orders. Should the need arise, they will appear before us.
It seems we have a few unidentified Ægirs in Gran Faro as well. You never mentioned them.
Who are they?

Kal'tsit : They aren't Ægir.

Saint Carmen : ......
Iberia is rarely mentioned in the historical record, but that doesn’t mean our history is short. At the height of our prosperity, we crossed the entire continent, advancing troops to even Bolívar.
Both coin and knowledge flooded into our cities like streams pouring into a valley from a high cliff. Those glorious waterfalls roared so deafeningly loud that they could overcome even the waves of the sea.
(Sargonian) Those beings that arose... or rather, the "Feranmut."
Perhaps it is them that I should keep an eye on. They show no signs of hostility, yet they keep me on edge... Maybe they once belonged to the sea.
Kal'tsit, you are the doctor here. Could you do the Inquisition a favor?

Kal'tsit : ...Ask away.

Saint Carmen : The Inquisition's command center is very close to the coastline. We are prepared to face destruction at any moment.
But I need you, an outsider, to be our eyes, gazing forward.

Kal'tsit : Seeing as we're in the same boat, I have no reason to refuse.

Saint Carmen : Please, Doctor, spare me the mysteriousness your long life has earned you. Show us where the evil that lurks within us sleeps.

Kal'tsit : I'll take that as a compliment... and it would be my honor.

<Background 6>

[Gladiia and Skadi stops by in the wilderness. ]

Skadi : Gladiia.

Gladiia : Our brief time together has you addressing me differently. On that point alone, you are quite different from before.

Skadi : Captain, I have a question.

Gladiia : We've already shared all the information we have, in the time since we left that reeking coast.

Skadi : Not all of it.
We alone are more than enough. I don't understand why we must also bring–

Gladiia : Look at her now. This is how she once was.
I looked into all her treatment records at Rhodes Island... You've never seen her this quiet before either, have you?
Don't you want to help her?

Skadi : And this will help?

Gladiia : Perhaps.
She alone can defeat her illusions. She is her own key. She can break through the results of those filthy experiments. She's Laurentina, after all.
But until then, we need to prepare a warm bed for her.

[Specter, now wearing a different attire, reacted to Gladiia's words. ]

Specter? : ......

Skadi : It was only for a short while, but she woke up... Even so, I stared at her like that.

Gladiia : Don't be so sentimental. We aren't her. If she doesn't mind the way she is, we have no right to meddle in it.

Skadi : You trust Dr. Kal'tsit more than I thought you would.

Gladiia : Maybe. She willingly stayed in Iberia and created this opportunity for us. I was surprised. And I have to thank her.
I can only hope it all goes well for her.

<Background 2>

Elysium : Look at the time.
Guess it's not happening today either. And here I thought I'd get to see them sooner or later just by waiting in the most conspicuous building in town.
This really is such an uneventful place, though. If I'd known it'd be so boring here, I would've brought along a few more books from Rhodes Island–

[Someone entered the chapel, who turned out to be Alty. ]

Alty : –A Lateran chapel! And in such a great shape, even right next to the sea! Unbelievable! This place's style really has a different vibe, though.
I mean, as long as there are Laterans in chapels, we can jam whenever, but this place just feels so gloomy... Hm?

Elysium : Ahh–
–Alty?!

<Background 1>

Thiago : You'd best stay away from the sea, Jordi. The chapel is clean and safe. Just stay there.
Don't worry about anything else. Not a lot of the young ones came back this year. Most who left looked for ways to move to the big cities. And now we rely on the Inquisition's handouts to get by.
You should think about what I said and leave this place. The folks here are the families of the workmen who gathered here to maintain the lighthouse in the past, but times have changed. This place will be abandoned sooner or later.
Jordi?

Jordi : I'm listening, Uncle.
It's just... where can an Ægir go?

Thiago : Amaia told me that there are places outside, in other parts of Iberia, where they aren't so harsh on the Ægir.

Jordi : But I'll need to find a home for myself eventually. I need resources, connections. I... can't make a decision that easily.
I... I'm not ready yet.

Thiago : ...If you say so.
Right, Amaia gave me another book, one she translated herself. Not like I'd understand it anyway, though. Take it with you to kill time over in the chapel.

Jordi : Okay.

「Jordi walks down the street quietly.
Seeing the old man in front of him hunching over more and more, he can't help but think back to how he looked just last year.
As if to prove how time slowly overtakes us all, senility is always silent. From the moment you wake up to when you fall asleep, every second is like a gasp for air.
But Jordi never complained. He's used to this life, after all. 」

Jordi : Uncle...

Thiago : Hmm?

Jordi : I'm pretty happy with my life right now. I get to help out at the chapel. Sometimes I help take care of the children, and sometimes I help patch up the injured workmen.
I even got to know that Liberi who came from out of town the other day. He's so different from everyone else. He said his name is Elysium. You don't have to worry about me.
It's been a long time since the Inquisition came to town. We don't always have to be so nervous.

Thiago : That's not a chapel, lad. It's a sentry post. The Inquisition set it up to keep their eyes on us, back when we were still trying to repair the lighthouse.
But now that the coastline is peaceful and the work on the Eye of Iberia is shelved, of course the Inquisition doesn't give a toss about us anymore.
Still, to be fair, the Inquisition isn't completely useless. Only they can stop those...

Jordi : Those...?

Thiago : Nothing, lad. Just a few rumors going around among the workmen.

Jordi : Rumors, hm...

Thiago : Lad?

Jordi : ......

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 7>

Jordi : H-Here...?
What exactly is that...? Should I let Uncle Thiago know...?
–!

Sea Monster : –

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 1>

Thiago : Something bothering you, lad?

Jordi : No, it's nothing.
Uncle... Just what is there out at sea?

Notes

Aramaic for "world (עָלְמָא; ʿāləmā)." The word is also a Judeo-Christian term referring to "a young woman" in Hebrew (עַלְמָה; 'almā)

Arabic for "world (عَالَم; ʿālam)"

Operation story: SN-1

Before operation

Summary

Even in death, a Sea Terror still tries to observe the land. Everyone who witnesses it realizes that Gran Faro has fallen into a terrible crisis.

<Background 1>

[Elysium is having a chat with Alty. ]

Elysium : Miss Alty! Your "Refactored Possession" was positively spectacular!

Alty : Really? Color me surprised. I thought that silly little idea I came up with in the jungles of Sargon was a bit too avant-garde.
But turns out that doctor had someone like you under her wing? I thought you'd all be as stuffy as her.

Elysium : Haha... So, where are the others?

Alty : Dan's the excitable type, so she ran straight to the beach. Aya and Frost went back to the hotel. Pretty run-down place, but kind of interesting.

Elysium : Interesting? Really?

Alty : So did Kal'tsit tell you anything about us?

Elysium : I only caught a word or two. Seems like you folks have something important on your hands?
I was blown away when I heard that the world-famous AUS had personal ties with Dr. Kal'tsit...

Alty : To be honest, I could say the same.
But... Still, I'm glad to have fans even out here. Gives this trip some much-needed spice.

Elysium : Finally getting to meet you makes that whole excruciating month all worth it, though. Ah, if it's not too much trouble, could you please sign this poster too?

Alty : ...Why'd you even bother coming back to Iberia?

Elysium : That's... rather complicated. And something I sure didn't expect Alty from Alive Until Sunset, of all people, to be asking me.

Alty : You like the name of our band?

Elysium : Like? Nay, I absolutely adore it.

Alty : Appreciate it.
So where is she? I figured she'd be waiting here with that know-it-all look on her face, and then end up telling us nothing in a lot of words.

Elysium : Still waiting for Dr. Kal'tsit to contact me. She shouldn't have arrived much later than you all.

Alty : Hope she hurries up then... High tide is about to roll in.

<Background 2>

Male Townsperson : ...Outsiders. All outsiders. What happened all of a sudden? Did the Inquisition really loosen up its grip that much?

[A strange man in a robe walks in. ]

Strange Adherent : Yes, outsiders, all outsiders. They are very special. They carry the scent of the ocean.

Male Townsperson : Ægirs?

Strange Adherent : Possibly, possibly not. Our brothers and sisters are all afraid.
We must make haste. Scarcely has the Inquisition been so negligent... It's too suspicious. Even if the laxity of these waters is a trap, we must continue our relentless pursuit.
For the sake of our brothers and sisters, for the sake of restoring the Herald's connection to this land, we must first secure the Eye of Iberia... or destroy it!
I do not wish to indiscriminately slaughter the innocent. You were all my family, once.

Male Townsperson : ......

Strange Adherent : Go, and have more people join us. We now have the option of choosing a profoundly vast road, greater than what Iberia promised us. Greater than this entire land.

Male Townsperson : Those people... Are the outsiders why our brothers have become restless?

Strange Adherent : It's highly likely, but I can't say for sure. We are all weak and frail. Our brothers are weak and frail. We cannot act rashly, or the Inquisition will exterminate us.
We must be... careful. Or there will be too much blood spilled on this soil, and she does not like blood. Neither us nor our brothers and sisters need die in vain.

[The robed man noticed someone walking outside... ]

Strange Adherent : ...! Who's there?!

[...but he is promptly stabbed from behind and dies, as the assailant breaks in... ]

<Background 1>

Alty : I knew it. Cultists, of the Church of the Deep... I step out of Iberia for just a few years, and now their scent is everywhere.
Hmm... But I'm actually starting to look forward to seeing her for once. Is she still not here?

Elysium : Yeah. Dr. Kal'tsit mentioned that the Inquisition will probably keep a close eye on her, so...

Alty : That's weird. I'm sure she was there for the start of Iberia's Golden Age. She should at least be able to get an audience with their leaders. Why take such a lame approach?

Elysium : Haha, very funny. Iberia's ascent was centuries ago. Even she can't be more than–

Alty : Seems her long years of experience have taught her how best to navigate this world... Alas, I'm too young and beautiful to get that stuff.

Elysium : Haha, surely you jest, Miss Alty...—So... if something really were to happen to her, would you help her?

Alty : Um... If you're willing to plead on her behalf, maybe.—Is she really that important to your, uh... Rhodes Island, was it?

Elysium : ...To be perfectly honest, I really don't understand why she would put herself at risk like this, just to come to Iberia.—But, I fully believe that she willingly took on this responsibility. And if even Dr. Kal'tsit is prepared to risk herself for Iberia, then as an Iberian, I have even less of an excuse.

Alty : I see...—Then you'd better go take a look. Or keep waiting here. Who knows, someone might just barge in here hollering and screaming?

Elysium : Hey, what's that supposed to–

[A panicked man barges into the chapel. ]

Panicking Townsperson : Out on the plaza! I just saw one–a monster! There's a monster out there! Huh? Is anyone here?!

Elysium : Wait right here, Miss Alty! I'm going to see what's going on!

[Elysium runs outside. ]

Alty : ...What a terrible odor.
But, Dan was right. The petals in the sea of consciousness fall into a waterfall flowing in reverse. The melody of the scales, the ballad of the rootstalks... are all ready to come forth.
Maybe I'll find a few nuggets of inspiration on this trip after all.

<Background 3>

Crowd of Onlookers : What... is that...?
Old Pedri was right! My grandfather wrote about these in his diary! It's a Sea Monster!
I-Is it... Is it dead? It won't start moving, right?

Elysium : Sorry, excuse me, coming through–
–

「What little light remains filters through the clouds, partially cloven by the monolithic statue. The light's blood splashes across the ground, forming shadows.
A dying Sea Terror rests quietly in the monolith's shadow, like an old man leaning against a tree to find his final respite. 」

Dying Sea Terror : ......
.........

Elysium : Is it... already dead?

Panicking Townsperson : Old Pedri wasn't lying! It really is a monster! A monster from the sea appeared in Gran Faro!
I know what it's called! We've seen them before!

Elysium : (So this is a Sea Terror?)
(But the coastline is so calm... And how could the Inquisition miss something this blatant?)

「Its vacant, lifeless eyes seem to still be spinning, the land a vast, waterless ocean before them.
But just as Elysium mistakes it for clinging to life, its gaze once again seems to fixate on a deep, profound death, and its motions halt completely. 」

Elysium : (It's... staring at me? Or, at something else?)

Crowd of Onlookers : Who's going to deal with the corpse?
Just look it! How disgusting! Would it eat people if it were still alive?

Dying Sea Terror : ......

「The Sea Terror cannot speak, but its deformed husk shines brightly.
A large group of people gather around it. Afraid. Suspicious. But nevertheless drawn to it, as if it were lit fireworks.
Fireworks, indeed. Its death is just like fireworks. No gashes, no signs of wounds from a handcannon.
Death did not choose it. Rather, it chose death. 」

Elysium : ...No, now I'm just rambling to myself.
If this is one of those Sea Terrors from the report, then the Church of the Deep must already be closer than we thought.

Crowd of Onlookers : Miss Amaia! Hurry, come take a look at this thing–

[Amaia walks in. ]

Amaia : Now now, calm down...

Panicking Townsperson : Could this really be... from the sea?

Amaia : I can't hide the truth from you all. Indeed... this is a monster from the sea.

Panicking Townsperson : Th-Then, this has to be reported to the Inquisition right away! We need to call the Penal Battalion over to deal with these monsters– No, have the Inquisitors themselves come!
Otherwise, we're all doomed!

<Background 4>

[Jordi saw people running towards the chapel. ]

Jordi : It seems everyone is running towards the chapel?

[As the people runs... ]

Thiago : What's going on? Hey, someone tell me what happened!

Panicking Townsperson : Someone found the corpse of a monster out in the plaza!

Thiago : A monster...? The things Old Pedri was talking about?

Panicking Townsperson : That's right, everyone's clamoring to pick a Messenger to go fetch the Inquisition.
Do you know what it looks like? I heard it had fangs a meter long, and eight pairs of eyes– Hey, where are you going, Thiago?!

Thiago : Head back and wait for me, Jordi. Don't set foot outside, no matter what!

Jordi : But–
Okay, got it...

<Background 5>

Cautious Townsperson : We'd better not get mixed up in all this chaos. Who knows what kind of vile diseases these monsters might be carrying.

Jordi : A monster...

[Jordi remembered the strange creature he saw in the past. ]

Jordi : What in the world is going on?
Who's there?!

Strange Adherent : ......!

[The robed man runs away after being spotted by Jordi. ]

Jordi : Wait!

<Background 2>

Strange Adherent : Damn you, Ægir! Accursed Ægir! He actually went and slaughtered one of our kin!
Ugh, my wound...

[Jordi walks in. ]

Jordi : You're...

Strange Adherent : Jordi?

Jordi : You know me? Who are you?

Strange Adherent : I... You don't need to know, nor do you know me. But I know you, if only because you are an Ægir.

Jordi : Y-You're hurt!

Strange Adherent : Yes, and will you bandage me up? Aren't you the chapel's caregiver?

Jordi : I...
I can help you, but you have to tell me how this happened.

Strange Adherent : ...Very well.

Jordi : Take a seat.

[Jordi brought the robed man into a bed and laid him down before treating him. ]

Jordi : Just bear with it.

Strange Adherent : Nngh...

Jordi : Stop moving! Luckily, you don't have any broken bones or ruptured organs... Is this a laceration wound? There's even sawdust stuck beneath the skin. How did this happen?

Strange Adherent : An Ægir killed my kin. I was involved, but managed to escape.

Jordi : M-Murder?! In a small town like this? You'll have to bring this up with Uncle Thiago right away–

Strange Adherent : Hah... Haha. Mayor Thiago can't control the Ægir. How ironic. Only the Inquisition can punish him now.

Jordi : B-But, he killed someone in your family.

Strange Adherent : We are always being hunted. Out of ignorance, fear, anger... the latter lingering from that disaster. Thank you, I already feel much better.

Jordi : Wait, are you... Mr. Juan?

Strange Adherent : So you still remember my face, Jordi. Have you ever wanted... to gaze into the sea?

Jordi : Gaze... into the sea? Uncle Thiago has taken me to the coast before, but...

The sea was dark. The wind tugged at his hair, and the waves roared.
The meaning of a "hometown" varies from person to person. It might be the aroma of wheat, the angle of the shadow cast across an alley, or the sound of wheels rolling over mud and snow.
But at that moment, Jordi knew that his life in Gran Faro had already been paid for in advance, with his hometown.

Strange Adherent : The land has already forgotten the ocean's true form, but sooner or later we shall all return to the sea.
(Broken Ægirian) Thank you, Jordi. Thank you for your kindness. May infinite altruism fill the void of existence one day.
(Broken Ægirian) If you are still Ægir, Jordi, then leave us be. Turn back and return to your life. It is better that way.
(Broken Ægirian) Perhaps you too, like your parents before you, will go in search of that lighthouse.

Jordi : Wh-What did you say? I didn't catch that!

Strange Adherent : (Broken Ægirian) My kindred refugees have come for me. But do not worry. Gran Faro has always been a stepping stone. Our destination is the deep sea.

[The robed man dies... ]

Jordi : –!

[...as a Sea Terror enters, followed by another robed man. ]

Creeping Sea Terror : (Soft slithering sound)

Strange Adherent : Jordi, Jordi. Ægir.
We shall meet again.

After operation

Summary

Kal'tsit finally rendezvouses with Elysium, and meets the members of AUS. At the same time, the death of the Sea Terror has mobilized its deformed kin, causing the entire town to descend into terror.

<Background 3>

「The sea is black.
I was four or five at the time. Old Thiago, the mayor of Gran Faro, took an armed company of adults down to the coast.
I still remember what the weather was like back then. It was hazy and turbulent, and colder than most evenings despite still being afternoon. Its coldness was not a temperature, but rather a color. One that had lost its warmth.
I found out only later that that was the last time Gran Faro did maintenance work on the Eye of Iberia. Or rather, tried to.
The Penal Battalion quickly brought back news. There was dejection in the adults' faces, but I didn't fully understand what had happened. I simply stared at the junction between sea and sky in a daze.
The sea is black.
It perfectly suits this land devoid of hope. 」

Crowd of Onlookers : Mayor Thiago is here!

[Thiago walks toward the Sea Terror's remains. ]

Thiago : So what old Pedri said was true, Amaia.

Amaia : Even if I wished to deny it, I'd be quickly silenced by the reality in front of our eyes.

Thiago : But, what kind of person could slay a monster, then off-handedly toss it here?

Amaia : I hope you'll let me handle this.

Thiago : That...

Amaia : If we don't dispose of it properly, I'm afraid it could become a danger down the road. Besides, is this not a rare opportunity to study a Sea Terror?

Thiago : ...Very well. But I'll be coming with you.
None of us know exactly what this thing is just yet, and we certainly can't rule out the possibility that its blood might attract more of its kind.

Amaia : No objections here.

Thiago : With me, lads. Move aside, so I can wrap up this body–

[Thiago grabs the Sea Terror's remains and carries it with him. ]

Thiago : ...Well, it's not as heavy as it looks. So where to, Amaia?

Amaia : Follow me.

Thiago : Don't just stand there gaping. Hurry on home now, people.

Panicking Townsperson : Are we really not going to report this to the Inquisition? What do we do if more monsters show up?

Thiago : There's no need to get them involved.

Panicking Townsperson : But–

Thiago : I said, we don't need 'em!

Panicking Townsperson : Ugh...

Amaia : Thiago.

Thiago : ......
This town doesn't need the Penal Battalion interfering just yet. We'll handle things our own way.
If the Inquisition sent its people here and saw this thing, you'd never see another peaceful day in Gran Faro. Do you really not understand that?

Panicking Townsperson : But– Never mind, forget it.

Thiago : Let's go, Amaia.

[Thiago and Amaia leaves. ]

Panicking Townsperson : We're really just going to listen to him?

Nihilistic Townsperson : Old Thiago's hatred for the Inquisition goes back more than a day or two, but if something really were to happen without the Penal Battalion here, who's gonna fight the monsters? Us?
Plus, there've been more and more outsiders lately. It's like Thiago doesn't even see them. If they were to blend in with the outsiders...

Panicking Townsperson : I knew it, we really should send someone to the Inquisition! How are we supposed to explain all this if someone from the Penal Battalion does show up? I don't want to get branded a heretic!

[Elysium shows up. ]

Elysium : Miss Amaia... and what's with that author over there...?
Let's touch base with the other members of AUS first. I feel like we can't just ignore all this.

<Background 1>

Alty : Is the chapel normally this deserted? What happened to your God and your faith?

[Elysium returns to the chapel. ]

Elysium : Not every Iberian is a practicing Lateran. Miss Alty, the town has become quite dangerous, and I need to ensure your safety until Dr. Kal'tsit arrives.

Alty : Might as well put on a show here then. Some music would help calm everyone's nerves.

Elysium : Haha, that's not what I meant.

Alty : Then calm down. Let me take a stab at what I think happened.

Elysium : Uhh...

Alty : Hmm... I saw... some kind of sea creature. Right, you guys called it a Sea Terror. Whether the Iberians or Kal'tsit were first to call it that doesn't really matter to me.
A Sea Terror beneath a cruelly dry sky, its observant and analytical scales with nowhere to belong. It knows very well that this is not its home. It lives, back home.
I've got it! That Sea Terror was probably hung high up on that sculpture, and it was singing the latest wave of rock-'n'-roll. Right?

Elysium : ...It wasn't hung up there. Nor was it singing. But you got like eighty or ninety percent of it down.
You've surprised me again, Miss Alty. Was that your Arts?

Alty : Who's to say that death itself isn't just another kind of song? That's what it taught me. And it's a real travesty of nature that the beauty of it can't be appreciated across species.
What do you think?

[Someone opened the door and enters, who turned out to be Kal'tsit herself. ]

Kal'tsit : Fortunately, such an artform is not required by all organisms.

Elysium : D-Dr. Kal'tsit! How come I couldn't get a hold of you this whole time...?

Kal'tsit : Long story short, I'm under the surveillance of the Iberian Inquisition in exchange for their trust.
We don't have much time, but the task before us is grave. Operator Elysium, go keep an eye on the two who took the Sea Terror's body away. I need to speak with Alty alone.

Elysium : ...Understood.
Here's a communicator. You should already be familiar with my Originium Arts, so you can also, uh, pass it on to your colleagues.

Kal'tsit : Will do.

Elysium : I know you prefer to keep handovers quick and efficient, but let me say this: I'm so relieved that you're safe and sound.
If I discover anything, I'll report back right away. Heading out.

Kal'tsit : Mm. Appreciate it.

[Elysium leaves Kal'tsit and Alty together in the chapel. ]

Alty : Long time no see, Doctor.

Kal'tsit : Miss Alty.

Kal'tsit : Sorry for making you come all this way. I understand this involves putting yourselves at risk to some extent.

Alty : So why are you under surveillance? You couldn't just cut a deal with them?

Kal'tsit : Time is short, and Iberia's paranoia masquerading as piety prevents me from meeting with the Inquisition's upper echelons.

Alty : Hmm... Are you in a hurry?

Kal'tsit : The other countries still do not understand what we are dealing with. They are unable to comprehend how a vast, mighty land in its Golden Age disappeared into the Silence.
And I... may as well have witnessed it with my own eyes.

Alty : Fair enough.

Kal'tsit : Where are the others?

Alty : We rarely get to go on a tour, so let them enjoy some free time. What you want is right here.

Alty : I came to you for the same reason as last time.
That said, I have little love for the sea these days. Especially after hearing what you had to say about it.

Kal'tsit : Hopefully you've had enough time to make up your mind.

Alty : Before we get to that, Doctor... Doesn't it seem like you've been working on... let's call it your bedside manner?
Like, uh, an X-ray machine with a voice greeting?

Kal'tsit : ......

Alty : Whoops. Put my foot in my mouth again. You should already be used to that though, right?
But how quaint indeed. I didn't think anything could possibly change the way you dealt with people. Or should I say, your "personality."

Kal'tsit : There's always something.

Alty : Alright. Maybe I'd rather not pry into your personal affairs...

<Background 4>

Strange Adherent : ...He's here. He's still here, and it's not just him. There's more. The scent of the sea. Since when were there so many Ægir in this little town?

[A robed veiled man joins in. ]

Tight-Lipped Adherent : The Inquisition planned it.

Strange Adherent : Maybe. Maybe even now, at this very moment, there are still Inquisitors, their heads addled with their ignorant laws, intent on continuing their self-righteous deeds.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : When did you have the time to wrap yourself up after escaping from the enemy?

Strange Adherent : ...An Ægir helped me.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : A friend?

Strange Adherent : No, just... an Ægir who loves the sea.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : What do we do about our brother's body?

Strange Adherent : It's currently in the hands of Amaia and Thiago. We'll have to figure something out.
We ought to prepare a funeral for it.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : A funeral is a human ritual, not ours.

Strange Adherent : Amaia has said that we should live the way our hearts dictate. Pure in desire, pure in worship, just as those ignorant Inquisitors treat their own faith.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Would that not make us equally ignorant?

Strange Adherent : Ignorance is a part of our very nature we have yet to throw away. We have not yet become them.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Sophistry.

Strange Adherent : That, I can't deny. But do you wish to see the land-dwellers torment the corpse of our brother?

Tight-Lipped Adherent : ......

Strange Adherent : Long have we lived on land, with no Herald to guide us. All we can do is seek out our own way of embracing the ocean.
But before that... we should give our brother a proper burial. We ought to mourn any senseless death.

<Background 6>

Amaia : Who would be able to slay this creature with such ease? Thiago?

Thiago : What?

Amaia : I'd understand if it had been surrounded by four or five Penal Battalion soldiers, or if it took the Flames of Castigation from an Inquisitor's lantern.
But... this poor Sea Terror has but a single wound on its body.
While I've never personally seen the rumored High Inquisitors fight, I'd imagine that if anyone in all of Iberia could pull this off, it'd be them.

Thiago : Impossible! Nobody has seen an Inquisitor come to Gran Faro!

Amaia : But our little town, which rarely sees any outsiders, has been welcoming visitor after visitor as of late. Surely this can't all be due to the Inquisition's negligence, right?

Thiago : That...

Amaia : Perhaps the marching of the Penal Battalion cannot be hidden from our ears, but what of the Inquisitors? If they changed out of their uniforms and concealed their lanterns and swords, how would we ever know?

Thiago : ......
You mean to say that an Inquisitor might already be here? Hidden among the outsiders?

Amaia : I'm saying it's a possibility.

Thiago : ...I'm going on a little walk.

Amaia : Thiago!
I'm sure even you understand that most people would rather have the Inquisitors help them get rid of the Sea Terrors.

Thiago : I know. Of course I know. I wouldn't hate a beast for no reason. But I WILL hate those people. Those... Inquisitors.

[Thiago heads out. ]

Amaia : *Sigh*...

「Amaia gently caresses the Sea Terror's corpse. The fate left to it by death was not such a terrible one.
By human standards, it certainly appeared deformed and terrifying. But what about from other perspectives? How would the court of nature, of life itself, judge this perfect creature?
Alone in the empty pub, Amaia decides to stop pondering this question. Or at least, the pub appears empty. She and Thiago believe it is. 」

<Background fades out and in>

「But the shadows begin to writhe, and something steps out from within, its simple outline etched out beneath the dim light's glow.
It is a person. An Ægir. 」

Amaia : ...Was this your doing?

[A bizzarely dressed hunter reveals himself before Amaia. ]

Bizarre Hunter : (Ægirian) It has nothing to do with you.

Amaia : You don't look like you're from the Penal Battalion.

Bizarre Hunter : (Ægirian) You cannot deceive me.

Amaia : Wait, you're an Ægir? That makes you even less likely to be an Inquisitor.

Bizarre Hunter : (Ægirian) Silence is the most terrifying sound in the sea. We cannot tolerate it a second time. None of us can.

Amaia : I'm not sure what you're talking about, but I think you should leave–

Bizarre Hunter : (Ægirian) The Bishop of Sal Viento is dead.

Amaia : ......

Bizarre Hunter : (Ægirian) I am not as patient as you might believe.

Amaia : I...

Amaia : (Ægirian) I never thought I'd see a living Abyssal Hunter with my own eyes.

<Background 4>

Thiago : Inquisitors? ...No, impossible. How could an Inquisitor be here?

[Elysium walks toward Thiago. ]

Elysium : Mr. Thiago! Just now, I–

Thiago : ......

Elysium : Mr. Thiago?

Thiago : Get out of this place as soon as possible. You, and the rest of your lot.
You're a nice lad, I can see that. Jordi can too. But...
There's something sleeping beneath our little town, and there's nothing normal about any of this–No, Iberia's never been normal, not since then.

Elysium : ...I hear you. I'll leave as soon as I can.
But I think I saw something in front of the chapel just now–

Thiago : Tell me, lad. Are you from the Inquisition? Are you trying to get close to Jordi so you can take him away?

Elysium : Mr. Thiago?

Thiago : Go ahead and lie to me. I'll fight you to the death too, outsider.

Elysium : I'm not. You know as well as I do, if I were really after the Ægir, why would I wait so long?

Thiago : –
It's just a single Sea Terror. We're by the coast, and we've seen things like this before, decades ago.
There's nothing to get worked up over, outsider. It's none of your business.

Elysium : Mayor Thiago, I'm willing to help you iron out some of the issues in town.

Thiago : You? There's nothing for you to do.

Elysium : Even if it means Jordi's life will be in danger?

Thiago : ......

<Background 6>

Strange Adherent : Nobody's here? Why aren't Amaia and Thiago here...?
Strange Adherent

Tight-Lipped Adherent : It's his scent!

Strange Adherent : That damn Ægir, he took Amaia away?! How dare he–
–No, that's not quite right. Amaia doesn't know how to fight. He wouldn't do anything to her.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : At least our brother's remains are still here.

Deceased Sea Terror : ......

Tight-Lipped Adherent : What do we do now?

Strange Adherent : Take it away. This rotting shack is not suitable to be its coffin.
After that... We will find it a proper home. Look at it–death is nothing more than a gentle attendant. That is something that Ægir butcher could never understand.
Let's go.

<Background 1>

Alty : Hmm... So in other words, we're what? Insurance?

Kal'tsit : To my understanding, none of you have any desire to return to the ocean and fight those monsters.
You were born of this sea, and are very powerful. But even if you regain your original forms, you will never be able to rid yourselves of those creatures.

Alty : Oh? It's that dangerous?

Kal'tsit : More than you can imagine.

Alty : To be honest though, we've never cared too much about that. We just do what we want. Most people inhabiting this great land probably think the same thing, right?

Kal'tsit : If the Seaborn can understand language and music, then I'm sure you'll find an audience, even if disaster were to befall Terra.

Alty : In fact, they're more complete creatures than humans, and have greater resistance to all sorts of things. Give them a few hundred years and maybe they'll even adapt to Originium.

Kal'tsit : I'm aware.

Alty : Mm... So answer me this, Doctor.
Us, the Ægir, Sea Terrors, the Seaborn–and all our pitiable kin lurking in the depths of the ocean–
–How are any of us different in your eyes?

Kal'tsit : You were born much later. There are many things you do not yet understand.

Alty : When Frost awoke from a deep rock formation, her first thought was to get away from those aliens and monsters.
There's nobody to communicate with in the sea, and everyone on land eventually hides their original forms and disappears. Fortunately, music can open a crack in the loneliness.

Kal'tsit : If this situation is resolved, I'll have plenty of time to discuss the past.
I also hope that none of you actually... get involved with either Iberia's or the Ægir's plans.

Alty : Why not? I thought you were eager for us to lend a helping hand.

Kal'tsit : It's been too long since I've been in touch with the Ægir. The tides are crying out, and a lack of information hampers my predictions.
We do not yet know the true origins of this calamity, nor are we able to infer any possibilities.
Worst-case scenario, even you won't have any way to– *sigh*... It seems we have uninvited guests.

Alty : ...Huh?
They already have the nerve to show themselves openly in town?

「Someone's knocking at the door.
Without a word, Kal'tsit turns her eyes to the chapel's doors. The thick wooden slabs had endured an unfathomable amount of turmoil over the years, each mark upon them a chronicle of the past.
She knows there is something outside them, and what it is. What she cannot imagine, however, is that the Church of the Deep's followers would already dare to be so brazen.
Or perhaps... 」

[The two cultists from before opens the door, carrying the Sea Terror's remains with them. ]

Strange Adherent : ......

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Outsiders. A grotesque scent, belonging to those strange Ægir.

「The two cultists step into the chapel. This Lateran edifice, once wrapped in the cloth of faith, now drapes these two faceless figures.
In their arms, they hold their "brother," a Sea Terror–or perhaps just a being stripped of all other names, now nothing more than an expired lifeform. 」

Alty : Look what they're holding in their arms...

Kal'tsit : A Sea Terror. They don't intend to fight.

Strange Adherent : ......

「The cultist carrying his brother's body passes by Kal'tsit without turning his head, as if he does not even see the two standing in his path.
It is as if he has come all the way from the doors of the chapel to step into the depths of martyrdom. 」

Strange Adherent : (Broken Ægirian) My brother, o brother. Hear me out.
(Broken Ægirian) It is our incompetence that led to your untimely fate. It is our cowardice that prevented you from returning to the sea.
(Broken Ægirian) Forgive me, my brother. I can yet hear your voice.
(Broken Ægirian) The people of this world all believe death to be the terminus of all life, but we understand that once our individual forms are transcended, even death itself is powerless.

「He lays his brother's remains upon the ground and draws a deep breath. He falls to his knees, his eyes filled with sorrow. 」

Strange Adherent : (Broken Ægirian) Until we return to the ocean, I shall be your coffin. I will take you back to the deeps.
(Broken Ægirian) Come, my brother. May you slumber eternally. We shall become one.

「The oral ingestion of protein is an act of feeding, yet he did not intend to consume his brother.
He was simply forced to use a more primordial method of bringing the two together as one.
"Chimera." 」

[The cultist who had eaten the Sea Terror's remains experienced convulsions and spasms. ]

Strange Adherent : Urgh... Aaahh–

Alty : What is he doing?

Kal'tsit : –Assimilation. The simplest method of forcefully penetrating his own torso with the Sea Terror's body.

Alty : Should we stop him? It's pretty gross, and totally lacking in aesthetics.

Kal'tsit : Someone will. But not us.

[Another cultist enters the chapel. ]

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Juan! What are you doing!

Strange Adherent : Haah... I... It's still alive... I can feel it... What did you say?

Tight-Lipped Adherent : The Inquisition is here!

Strange Adherent : You... Urgh... Graaah...

[Saint Carmen walks into the chapel. ]

Saint Carmen : Repulsive.
Though this chapel may be deserted, it is still a sacred place to the Iberian Inquisition. And yet, you dare openly blaspheme our laws and creeds.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Someone from the Inquisition actually snuck in? But what happened to that Ægir?!
Juan!

Strange Adherent : You...! Curse you... Hrrgh... Damn Iberian!
Kill him!

[Suddenly St. Carmen dashes right at the cultist and slashes him with his sword... ]

Strange Adherent : Graaah!

[...killing him. ]

Saint Carmen : The Sea Terror of the grim lake crests and troughs as the mountains roiling in the twilight. Carrying the scent of rotting flesh, the traitor nearly usurps the throne of his new home, screeching gleefully.
To think that you'd target such a small, inconspicuous town after Sal Viento. Even now, the Inquisition underestimates the scope of the Church of the Deep's influence. Indeed, your taint is pervasive.

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Juan! The Inquisitor! You have to–!

Saint Carmen : You're even weaker than any Church of the Deep remnants I've seen. Why do you insist on staying in this unremarkable town?
Answer me.

SN-ST-2: Seaside Path

Summary

Thiago attempts to convince Jordi to leave, and tells him about the truth of Gran Faro. The dark sea leaves no way out.

<Background 1>

[Thiago runs toward Jordi. ]

Thiago : Jordi!

Jordi : Uncle Thiago? What's going on?

Thiago : Quick, pack up. We have to go.

Jordi : Wait, what? Where are we going?

Thiago : The Inquisition is coming.

Jordi : ...What?

Thiago : The cultists, the monsters from the sea...

Jordi : ......
Are we leaving this town for good?

Thiago : We?
......
No, no, just you. When the Inquisition finds out there are cultists here, the Ægir will be their first target.
I don't care what happens to the cultists, or even the rest of us... We've lived here too long. We don't know how to live anywhere else.
But you're different. You've always wanted to see the world outside. You're young and talented.

Jordi : But, I... this is all so sudden.

Thiago : It's an opportunity for change, lad. Your last chance. Be brave.
Even if you somehow survive the Inquisition's interrogation, all that's waiting for you here is a life spent in fear of the ocean and the Sea Terrors.
If you leave, though, your fate will finally be in your own hands. Not stuck in that little chapel.
That place is too small for you. You shouldn't just–

Jordi : But, I... It's so sudden.

Thiago : There's no time to hesitate, lad. You must be strong, like your parents and their parents before them.

Jordi : Did my parents really give their lives for Iberia?

Thiago : We don't have time for this. Come, we must pack.

[While Lumen packed up his belongings... ]

Thiago : It's been so long since we've had a traveling trader stop by... all your clothes are so old. You can buy new ones so easily out there. All the more reason to leave, don't you think?

Jordi : But why would the Inquisition be looking for Ægir? Couldn't cultists just as well be Liberi or Feline?

Thiago : Ægir come from the sea, same as the monsters and the disaster.

[Suddenly Thiago realizes something. ]

Thiago : Wait... have you seen them?

Jordi : No, I... I mean, Uncle, you knew? You knew they were here?

Thiago : Yes... we all knew there was something to the rumors.

Jordi : Juan was one of them. He went into an empty warehouse to hide from the streets. He was hurt, and... he had no hostility towards me.

Thiago : Right, because you're Ægir. I know they've gone mad, that they're not normal.

Jordi : But why? ...Are you sheltering them?

Thiago : None of that matters anymore. You'll be leaving soon.

Jordi : No, I don't want to.

Thiago : What?

Jordi : I... I was born here in Gran Faro. If I run away just to hide from the Inquisition, I... I don't know.

Thiago : You what? Do you have any idea what you're saying?
No Ægir has ever made it back in one piece after the Inquisition gets them! If you're LUCKY, you might return missing a few body parts, or maybe your sanity.
Most simply disappear though. Some say they've been imprisoned, others that they've been executed. No one comes back! No one!
The Inquisition will burn everything to the ground in their "mercy," before the monsters and cultists even get a chance. Nothing cleanses like fire!

Jordi : U-Uncle Thiago, calm down!

「The angry old man sees in Jordi the shadow of himself, arriving in this land all those years ago, hoping to construct a new garden out of the ruins.
Decades have passed, and those who were once young are no longer so. Yet what have they built in Gran Faro? What has become of Iberia?
Their efforts have done nothing to change the tidings of fate, and the home that they put so much of their passion into now stands on the precipice of collapse.
A vast helplessness engulfs Thiago, like the dark clouds over the sea. 」

Thiago : No one...
No one... no one has ever come back. Not Marin, not anyone else. Gran Faro is already burning. Be it the Inquisition or the monsters, there's no future for us here.

Jordi : Uncle Thiago...

Thiago : I'll never be able to face your parents if anything happens to you, Jordi.

Jordi : I... I know, I...
......
C-Can I go see the ocean?

<Background 2>

Tight-Lipped Adherent : Gaaaaaaaah!

[The Church of the Deep cultist succumbs to his injuries earlier. ]

Saint Carmen : Dream now, and may your sleep be full of nightmares.
Leave them to me, Kal'tsit. Soon enough, they will confess where their dark and dank schemes take root.

Kal'tsit : No doubt.

Alty : (Wow, the old man's with you, Doctor?)

Saint Carmen : You are... Alive Until Sunset. A rock band. I must admit I don't understand these new-fangled trends.

Alty : Have faith in the divinity of song then.

Saint Carmen : Iberia hasn't recorded a direct sighting of a Feranmut for centuries, much less an interaction. If your music represents your views on human society, then that would certainly pique my interest.

Alty : We haven't paid attention to that sort of thing since "Deep Color in the Sea." It's a topic that's all too familiar, you see.

Saint Carmen : Ha... I wonder, what music would you put to Iberia? The most surprising thing I've found at my age is how much still surprises me.
As we discussed, the Inquisition will prepare a means for you to travel to the Eye of Iberia as soon as possible, Kal'tsit.
You will eliminate any obstacles in your path.

Alty : ...That Sea Terror. The one that's embedded in the guy.
There's the scent of an Ægir on it. A different scent though, one more like us. The scent of the sea.

Kal'tsit : What?

<Background 3>

「Thiago's steps are small, but quick. He seems burdened by age, yet surprisingly energetic. 」

<Background 4>

「It was all Jordi could do to keep up with his pace. He said he wanted to see the ocean.
He did not know why he said that. Even now, he does not know whether it is he who wants to see it, or Thiago. 」

<Background 5>

「"I'm an Ægir," Jordi thinks. "The sea is my home."
"But how do I breathe down there? How did my ancestors live underwater?"
Questions pop into his head one after another, questions he had been curious about from a young age. But Thiago is Liberi, and cannot answer his questions. 」

<Background black>

The Ægir came from the ocean. Why would they drown in the ocean?

Jordi : The sea...
When was the last time I saw it?

Thiago : If the Penal Battalion were still here, they would've taken us in for questioning by now.

Jordi : S-Sorry for asking to do this.

Thiago : ...It's fine.
Look at the coastline. Barren and decrepit. Decades ago, we had big dreams of building an impregnable fortress here.
Today, there's a Penal Battalion outpost several clicks to the northeast, and another on the cliffs to the west.
Everything else? A lie... or perhaps a dream in the true sense. Reality is before our eyes, reminding us that the old Iberia will never return.

「Thiago whistles. Jordi rarely sees him do so.
A change seems to have come over the normally gloomy mayor, turning him into a young worker once again, passionate about building his home. 」

Thiago : Tsk, it's all in the past. We failed. Gran Faro is the final resting place of our failures.
You mentioned your parents, didn't you lad?

Jordi : I did..
I don't remember much of the ocean. Everyone talks about Ægir and the Islanders, but none of it feels real. I was born on land.

Thiago : Aye. Your parents, or more accurately your grandparents, came from a place called Ægir, a great country deep beneath the ocean.
That's where you were from, lad.

Jordi : Ægir.

Thiago : Years ago, the dream we had for Gran Faro wasn't the lifeless town you see today. It would have been a fortress, one that laughs at any siege.
We would have built defenses on the coast around it, protected our country from calamity, heralded her revival, and rebuilt our home. All with our own hands.
We really thought so.

Jordi : ......

「Jordi does not interrupt. Thiago grows increasingly excited, a light returning to his dull and cloudy eyes.
Every hair on his body stands on end. He changes his posture. The sea breeze brushes against his brow, and he even looks grander somehow. 」

Thiago : The last step of our grand design, spanning half a century, was to return to the Eye of Iberia and relight the lighthouse.

Jordi : The lighthouse?

Thiago : A relic of the Golden Age, spared from destruction by the Profound Silence.
Not even calamity could break us. We marched ever forward, our hearts filled with hope.
Marin wore that blue hat of hers. She said we'd become heroes, that our names would live on.
Your grandparents, your parents... two generations of Gran Faro gave everything they had for this blueprint. Their greatness should have been immortalized forever.

Jordi : But...

Thiago : But now there's nothing left.
You see that ship? There used to be many ships at the port. The Penal Battalion should have taken it, but they've forgotten all about it.
All that's left is some junk, a town out in the middle of nowhere, more troubles than I can count, people stuck in a dead end, and–

Jordi : And that ship.

Thiago : Yes. That ship.

Jordi : My parents, and the grandparents I've never met... were they proud of their duty?

Thiago : This isn't the first time you've asked that.
You asked it when you first learned to talk, and when you started working at the chapel. You asked it many times, pointing at the dust-covered notebooks and schematics at home.

Jordi : I... I remember.

Thiago : Yes, lad.
No matter how many times you ask, my answer is always "yes." No matter the outcome, they never lost hope after that great disaster, and gave their all to the cause.
Your parents even volunteered for our final attempt to reach the Eye.
Don't blame them for abandoning you. They were carrying what was left of all our dreams. So many years had come and gone. We HAD to succeed.

Jordi : ......

Thiago : The last we saw of them was when their fleet set sail from right here.
They were heroes. Marin said we would all become heroes, but now none of us are, except for the dead.

Jordi : I see...
So my father and mother...

Thiago : But you know what laid waste to it all? In the midst of despair, we managed to muster the hope to relight the lighthouse. And what came of it?
The Inquisition. They arrested the Ægir. They said there were Church of the Deep spies among us.
We were fighting for Iberia, but the Inquisition took everything from us–our pride, our dignity, our dreams... everything.
Do you understand now?
Leave this hopeless town, leave Iberia and go as far as you can. Go to another country, go to a better place.
There's nothing left here, in Gran Faro.

<Background 4>

Dan : The sea!

Aya : This is the wrong way. Are we just gonna leave our instruments in that damp room?

Dan : No, I can smell the waves. The sea is just ahead.

Aya : What do waves smell like?

Dan : Like cotton.

Aya : Using olfactory vocabulary to express visual elements...
But you're right. The sea's right up ahead.

[Gladiia walks by, followed by Skadi, and nocied Aya and Dan. ]

Gladiia : You...

Aya : An Ægir, and of a different breed from the ones who grew up on land. You must be that strange sort of Ægir.
What did they call you again? Oh right, Abyssal Hunters.

「Gladiia frowns. She rarely expresses her emotions in such complex ways.
It came from her instincts as an Abyssal Hunter, as a Consul, as an Ægir technician, as a soldier. 」

Skadi : You are... AUS.

Gladiia : You know them.

Skadi : Yes, by chance.

Aya : Why so mysterious? Well, whatever, I'm just glad our name is known even among the Ægir.
Alty once visited that ship, following your scent trail. But this is the first time we've met in person.
I'm Aya, main vocalist of AUS. Dan here is our drummer.

Dan : Greetings, guests from the sea.

Gladiia : You're of the sea too. A pleasure to meet you.
When I came to the land, I sought Kal'tsit to learn more about you–about your terrestrial kin.

Aya : Oh... if you're talking about the things on land, then I guess we're kin, technically. Not sure I can say the same about the ones in the sea.
What are you here for? The doctor?

Gladiia : Just an appointment.
We seek a way back to Ægir.

Aya : Back to Ægir, huh... The three of you, together?

Skadi : We are not so easily separated.

Aya : Aw, what a great friendship. What about the one in the back? Is she shy? Why doesn't she say anything?

Specter? : ......

Aya : Something doesn't seem right with her. Her brain is tormented. Is she sick?

Gladiia : You could say so.

Aya : Poor thing.

Dan : –Mm!

Aya : What is it, Dan?

Dan : I just felt something up my spine. Like an electric shock to my brain, then a strange–

[Specter looked upward and says... ]

Specter : –Voice.

「Unusually quiet, Specter gazes at the sky.
She closes her eyes. Waves brush against chaotic thoughts. This place is far from the coast, but something is touching her consciousness.
It is in the wind, among the clouds, through the land, from the sea. 」

Specter : A voice. I can hear it.

Gladiia : Hmm... I don't hear anything.

Specter : The music of the sea. The children of the sea are crying.
It is... a song.

Skadi : The scent of Sea Terrors. Lots of them. The town is under attack.

<Background 3>

[St. Carmen walks through the town square, with a townsperson noticing him. ]

Panicking Townsperson : H-Hey! How did you get in here?
A-Are you an Inquisitor?! The ones you're dragging are–

Saint Carmen : Go home.
These two are under suspicion of colluding with heretics. I am performing my duty as an Iberian Inquisitor.
Leave now, unless you want to be caught up in battle. Their blood will draw enemies.

Panicking Townsperson : A-An Inquisitor?! When did the Inquisition arrive? W-Were those outsiders your informants?
I, I'm not a cultist! I don't have anything to do with those guys!

Saint Carmen : Do you know these two?

Panicking Townsperson : Them? Juan...? It's Juan? I always thought he looked suspicious. He–

Saint Carmen : That's enough.
No need to torment yourself. Go home, and be sure your doors and windows are locked.

Panicking Townsperson : A-Alright...

[The townsperson runs away. ]

Saint Carmen : ......
You can come out now.

[Two Church of the Deep cultists reveal themselves. ]

Church of the Deep Cultist A : An Inquisitor... no, a High Inquisitor!

Church of the Deep Cultist B : What's the Inquisition doing here?

Church of the Deep Cultist A : Amaia and Thiago have gone missing. Do the Ægir have something to do with it?

Church of the Deep Cultist B : You killed Juan, you bastard!

Saint Carmen : Not quite, he yet lives. I intend to extract some answers from him.
You are different from the enemies I know. Your minds are your own, and you are working under clear directions.
But if you're truly sane and awake, then you should understand–
–That you stand no chance against me, nor any other brave soldier of the Inquisition.

Church of the Deep Cultist A : Tch...

Saint Carmen : Why give up your lives? What meaning is there in your futile sacrifice?
What have the accursed tides promised you? What are you scheming on this barren shore?
I have many questions, enemies of Iberia.
And I can only hope your god has answers.

Operation story: SN-2

After operation

Summary

The cultists scatter before the Abyssal Hunters. A mysterious Hunter by the name of Ulpianus kidnaps Amaia, while Elysium finds a clue in the files left by the cultists.

<Background 1>

Alty : You're not gonna help?

Kal'tsit : You aren't rising from your seat either.

Alty : I'm not needed.

Kal'tsit : Strictly speaking, I'm still a prisoner of Iberia. It is not my place to worry for a High Inquisitor.
Let's talk about the two of us.

Alty : We'll stay in this town on the coastline, for a while.
We know how to follow stage directions. If you and your Abyssal Hunters fail, we'll take the Iberians and pull back to an appropriate position.
Assuming the old man outside listens to us, anyway.

Kal'tsit : ...You're willing to help the people on the land.

Alty : Frost is young, I'm about the same age as Dan, and Aya maybe a little older.
There's little left for us to love, except... music.
Frailty of body and mind has driven humans to seek breakthroughs within their short lifespans.
And what do you know, they pulled it off.

Kal'tsit : ...Indeed.

Alty : But the sea's not a fan of heavy metal.
We don't have a choice. As far as survival is concerned, the land is the lesser evil.

Kal'tsit : It would not be difficult to get this country to listen. Reveal a few secrets, hint at old wounds, and promise that the same disaster will not strike again.

Alty : Can it really be that easy?

Kal'tsit : Even simpler, if promises can be considered lies.

<Background 2>

[A number of Sea Terrors appear in the streets. ]

Panicking Townsfolk : Monsters! Monsters!

Panicking Townsfolk : Where's the Inquisition?! Anyone?! Help!

[The Sea Terror approaches the townsfolk... ]

Sea Terror : Grr... grr...

Panicking Townsfolk : Eek!

[...but it is cut down by Gladiia. ]

Gladiia : As ever, Kal'tsit picks the worst meeting locations.
What's going on here?

Panicking Townsfolk : T-Thank you... A-Are you an Ægir too? From the outside?

Gladiia : ..."Too?"
Ah, you refer to AUS. Ægir, eh...

Panicking Townsfolk : A-Are you here to fight them? You took out those monsters in the blink of an eye...

Gladiia : Your attitude towards the Ægir seems different in this town.

Panicking Townsfolk : There used to be a lot of them around here, until about twenty years ago.
Did the Inquisition send you? Sh-Should we ask for their help?

Gladiia : None of my concern.
But unless you intend to get hurt, I recommended hiding until this is over.

Panicking Townsfolk : A-Alright.

[The townsfolk runs away as Skadi joins in. ]

Skadi : This place, they're everywhere.
Not as bad as Sal Viento, but it's still strange.

Gladiia : This town has not been consumed by rot. There are even those leading more or less normal lives here.

Skadi : The waves have not touched this place.

Gladiia : Then the flotsam has gone into hiding.
No surprise there. If our target is that ship, then Kal'tsit must have chosen this place for a reason.

Skadi : Should we split up?

Gladiia : I'll find Kal'tsit. You and Shark handle the Sea Terrors.

Skadi : Right.

Gladiia : They are weak, but don't get hurt. Weakness is often bait.
...Shark?

Specter : Hm?

Gladiia : ......
Take care of her, Skadi. I still have trouble getting used to how she is now.

Skadi : I know.

<Background 3>

[A female townsfolk is running away from the Sea Terrors. ]

Fleeing Townsfolk : Monsters?! Where did they come from?

Elysium : This way!

Fleeing Townsfolk : Oh, er, right!

[Elysium guides the townsfolk to safety. ]

Elysium : They're relatively few in number, but surprisingly coordinated. Is someone leading them?
And how could they have just popped up out of nowhere? Where are they hiding?
Is it... this way?

<Background fades out and in>

Elysium : (Getting closer... there's someone here!)

[Elysium saw two Church of the Deep cultists. ]

Mournful Adherent : One falls, another takes their place. We give our lives only to buy time.

Silent Cultist : ......

Mournful Adherent : No one here can stand against a High Inquisitor. All who resist are doomed.

Silent Cultist : In death lies hope. Do not squander it.

Mournful Adherent : Yes... we must hasten our departure. But it is a shame to abandon the closest outpost we have to the Eye of Iberia...
We need but one to reach the Eye... Who goes there?!

Elysium : (Crap!)

[Elysium runs away. ]

Mournful Adherent : Liberi! Don't let him get away!

Elysium : Tch.

<Background 4>

Amaia : Gran Faro will be no more. Is this really what you want?

Bizarre Hunter : ......

Amaia : Our interests are aligned. This shouldn't have to happen.
You're the only one who can stop the both the Inquisition and your own people.

Bizarre Hunter : I'll kill you, Amaia. Soon.

Amaia : My, my... I thought we were on a first-name basis, Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : Perhaps you intended to make your move once we'd arrived at the lighthouse? But you know full well that's not our destination.
We're going someplace further, and it's there that we'll make our choice.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : Aren't the Abyssal Hunters all of one mind? Why haven't you gone back to your squad?
What are you thinking?

Ulpianus : You never saw what I saw.

Amaia : Ah, yes... the oldest story in the book. They never saw what you saw, either.
Did you lose trust in each other?

Ulpianus : Ægir is united by the bonds of blood.
I chose to go into exile in order to achieve our common goal.

Amaia : Uh huh...

Ulpianus : Stay away from them, Amaia.
Even on dry land, Gladiia, Skadi and Laurentina can wipe this town from existence with little more than a shrug.

Amaia : Hmph.

「The hand that Amaia has placed on the book moves ever so slightly.
Unperturbed, she smiles back at the provocation. 」

Amaia : You're right. Thank you for your concern.

Ulpianus : I need that ship.
I must reach it before Gladiia. They cannot return to Ægir knowing nothing of what's going on.

<Background 3>

[Elysium loses the pursuing cultists. ]

Elysium : Finally shook them off!
How can they be hiding this many people? Is this town some kind of clown car?
There's nothing but barrens to the north.
So where are they coming from?

<Background 5>

[Gladiia arrives at the town square... ]

Gladiia : Hm.

[...with St. Carmen awaiting her. ]

Saint Carmen : A pleasure to meet you, ma'am.
You must be the Abyssal Hunter that Kal'tsit mentioned.

[Gladiia looks at the dead cultists in the square. ]

Gladiia : Is this your work?

Saint Carmen : Iberia is not always so messy. I beg your pardon.

「Gladiia is quiet for a moment.
In her long years on dry land, she has seen how weak and backwards the terrestrial states are, but also the strength of the Inquisitors at Sal Viento.
Kal'tsit's words echo in her mind as she thinks on how to live alongside those above water.
The silence lasts only a moment. 」

Gladiia : I am Gladiia, Technology Consul of Ægir, and the Abyssal Hunters' Chief Designer of Warfare.

「For the first time, she speaks to a land-dweller as a representative of Ægir.
Her counterpart nods, sheathes his rapier, and strides over the silent carcass of the Sea Terror. 」

Saint Carmen : Carmen, High Inquisitor of the Iberian Inquisition. I see the legends of Ægir hold true.

Gladiia : You're different from the others.

Saint Carmen : I have a few more years under my belt.

Gladiia : Where's Kal'tsit?

Saint Carmen : She's speaking to another guest from the ocean in the chapel.

「Gladiia turns to walk away when— 」

Saint Carmen : If you've come to speak to the doctor, I'm sure she's shared the same information with you.

Gladiia : ...Perhaps.

Saint Carmen : What do you think of her suggestion?

Gladiia : We can talk after I've confirmed she's unharmed.

Saint Carmen : We have no reason to harm someone who wishes to protect Iberia from the bottom of her heart.

Gladiia : So you say.
I've seen more foolishness in my brief time on land than I have for half a lifetime.

Saint Carmen : If it's been such a brief time, how can you be so sure?

Gladiia : The worst of times brings out the worst in people. Iberia's current reality is far from gilded.
Regardless, I'm not here to debate.
If she's in the chapel behind you, then—

Saint Carmen : You'll never reach the Eye of Iberia without the Inquisition's help.

Gladiia : ......

Saint Carmen : It was not destroyed in the Profound Silence. If the Stultifera remains afloat, then the Eye of Iberia is the only way to find it in the vastness of the ocean.

Gladiia : ......
What Iberia can offer, I can achieve on my own with only slightly more effort.

Saint Carmen : I suppose I have something to look forward to then, Gladiia.

<Background 6>

Vigilant Cultist : How many left?

Agitated Cultist : Four or five, maybe. Some have departed to seek sanctuary elsewhere.

Vigilant Cultist : Very well. Burn these documents. We don't have time for them.

Agitated Cultist : Gran Faro... I once called this place home.

Vigilant Cultist : You are still bound by such distractions?

Agitated Cultist : No... no more. Burn them all.

[The cultists burn down the incriminating files about the Church of the Deep. ]

Vigilant Cultist : The Inquisition must not find them.
We embrace this knowledge, and promote harmony through enlightenment. The Inquisition, in their ignorance and selfishness, calls it heresy.

Agitated Cultist : Let's go. We will find a way to reestablish contact.
We too will embrace the ocean, someday.

[The cultists leave as Elysium reveals himself. ]

Elysium : (Are they gone? Is this one of their hideouts? And here I thought it was just a struggling restaurant. It's only two blocks from the chapel, for crying out loud.)
(They're burning their papers? I have to put the fire out!)

[Elysium approaches the burning documents, but the fire is too strong. ]

Elysium : (The flames are too strong. I have to save what I can—)
Yowch, that's hot!

[Elysium put out the fires and sifts through what remained of the files. ]

Elysium : Whew... are these blueprints? Some sort of equipment...? The stamp of approval has been burned to ash.
Historical records of Iberia... theses on ocean currents...
What are they planning? Breo... gan? Royal shipwright?
And what's this? A drawing of that statue in the square?
—!

[Ulpianus appear and puts Elysium at axe-point. ]

Ulpianus : Put that down, Liberi. Let it burn as it should.

Elysium : You—

「Elysium has always been confident in his ability to talk his way out of a situation.
In this case, however, he does not get a chance to, barely avoiding the touch of cold steel. 」

[Ulpianus strikes at Elysium, but he dodged it as he breaks out. ]

<Background 3>

Elysium : Hey, don't you know it's rude to strike without warning?!

<Background fades out>

Ulpianus : ......

<Background fades in>

[Elysium tries to contact Kal'tsit... ]

Elysium : Dr. Kal'tsit! Their goal is—

[...but Ulpianus showed up right in front of him and cuts the communicator out of Elysium's hand. ]

SN-ST-3: Empty Street

Summary

The Hunters encounter AUS and realize that the town is under attack. Elysium is attacked by Ulpianus while protecting the town, and Specter runs into Amaia, believed to have been kidnapped.

<Background black>

High Inquisitor : Irene.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, maestro... I mean, sir!

High Inquisitor : You seem distracted.

Inquisitor Irene : I... I'm fine.

High Inquisitor : Gran Faro is a tiny town, so small that most maps don't even bother to list it.
But this is a request from Lord Carmen himself, and it involves Dr. Kal'tsit and those Ægir.

Inquisitor Irene : I know, sir. I–

High Inquisitor : If you still haven't found your answer, I will not give you permission to join the mission.

Inquisitor Irene : I'd already made up my mind when I first decided to follow in your footsteps and become an Inquisitor.

High Inquisitor : Yes, before you even knew the question. An answer is worthless if it cannot explain what you see and hear.
Don't die a worthless death, Irene. You know what we're fighting against. And you must find your own answer.

Inquisitor Irene : I–
...Yes, sir.

<Background 1>

Gladiia : Lady Kal'tsit.

「Gladiia's tone does not change, but her footsteps reflect her mood.
A blink of the eye, and she is by Kal'tsit's side. 」

Kal'tsit : Good work, Gladiia.

Gladiia : The Inquisition didn't do anything to you, did they?

Kal'tsit : The fact that Iberia has not yet sunk into the sea is proof that they still retain a shred of humility and vigilance.

Gladiia : You found a way, as promised.

Kal'tsit : Yes. However...
Even if Iberia is willing to let go of their fears, what about Ægir?
What about you?

Gladiia : If this temporary cooperation is necessary to help us return to the ocean... so be it.

[Alty joins in. ]

Alty : Finally, an Ægir with some sense, right? Like the waves themselves, like the rays and texture of the sea.
Hello there, special Ægir. I believe you've already met our other members?

Gladiia : Yes. You're also a member of AUS?

Alty : Alty, bassist. Nice to meet you.
How are things outside?

Gladiia : The cultists are out in force, but individually they're rather weak.
My Hunters can take care of everything.

Kal'tsit : The Inquisition will only work with us once we've taken care of the problems in Gran Faro.

Gladiia : Then there's no time to waste.

「Gladiia raises her lance.
At the same time, she senses that something is not right. 」

Gladiia : ......!

Gladiia : There, among the Sea Terrors... but how could it be...?

[Kal'tsit receives a call from Elysium... ]

Kal'tsit : Kal'tsit here.

Elysium : Dr. Kal'tsit! Their goal is–

[...but it abruptly goes static after a slashing sound. ]

Kal'tsit : ...Elysium?

Gladiia : What's the matter?

Kal'tsit : One of our operators is in trouble.

Gladiia : Something lurks here.

Kal'tsit : As we discussed, Alty, the members of AUS can stay ashore.
We'll handle this as quickly as possible.

Alty : Sure, we can wait.
And we'll be happy to provide some BGM for your campaign.

<Background 2>

[Skadi stands in the streets. ]

Skadi : ...Too weak.
They keep coming. Buying time?
Or spreading... something.
I must find the leader.

Sea Terror : –Gkh–!

[Skadi cuts down the Sea Terror. ]

Specter : ......

Skadi : Specter.

Specter : ...Hm?
Ah... Skadi. Long time no see.
Something the matter?

Skadi : ...Are you alright?

Specter : I'm fine, just a little tired.
Yes... We're fighting, right? The scent of the ocean... reminds me of home.
But, home? My home... huh...

Sea Terror : Gkh–!

[Skadi finishes off the Sea Terror. ]

Specter : The sea.
The scent of the sea grows stronger. Are we home, Skadi? Is this the way home?

Skadi : ...It will be, Specter. Laurentina. I promise.

Specter : Tell me then... what's that before my eyes?

Skadi : What?

「A figure strides down the street, humming a tune.
The streets are a mess in the aftermath of the panicking townsfolk, but it hardly bothers Frost as she plucks at the air and imagines music. 」

Skadi : Hmph!

[The Sea Terrors are somehow pacified by the one singing... ]

Sea Terror : (Slithering sounds)

[...as Skadi and Specter watches. ]

Skadi : The Sea Terrors keep away from her. No, they ignore her. Is she... playing an instrument?

Specter : Does it sound nice?

Skadi : I don't know.

Specter : Then ask.

Skadi : Wait!

[StopMusic(fadetime=2)]

<Background 3>

Elysium : *pant*... *pant*...
(Did I shake him?)

[Elysium tries to contact Kal'tsit again, but the communicator is damaged from Ulpianus' attack before... ]

Elysium : Dammit?!
Was it when we first met? No, he didn't even touch me.

[...who reveals himself. ]

Ulpianus : Those documents must be destroyed, Iberian.
Obey, and you may keep your limbs. Attached, if you prefer.

Elysium : (Shit, he's fast...)
Weren't your friends only burning them because there wasn't time to save them all?
With your skills, you could just as easily have taken them yourself. So why the need to burn them?

Ulpianus : "Friends?"

「The man growls from the bottom of his throat, a sound born of humiliation. 」

Ulpianus : We are not "friends."

Elysium : Then what?

Ulpianus : It doesn't concern you. Surrender the documents, and leave this place.
Whether you're with the Inquisition, or with another country...
......!

Elysium : (He stopped.)

Ulpianus : Yes... you've always been sharp.

「The mysterious Ægir gazes into the distance.
"Friends." 」

Ulpianus : (Ægirian) We may be bound by blood, but you must stay away from Ægir for now.

Elysium : –!

「Elysium evades the attack, but it's immediately clear why he managed to.
The sword's aura rips the charred papers to shreds, sending the splintered truth drifting into the wind. 」

Elysium : Crap–

Ulpianus : (Ægirian) They cannot return to Ægir just yet. Allowing everyone to act on their own will only accelerate the destruction.
(Ægirian) Even though Ægir has already chosen the path of self-annihilation.

<Background 4>

Saint Carmen : No more Sea Terrors approach.
Unsurprising numbers, for the coast. Now, where are you hiding?

Wounded Cultist : You... *cough* No! Not the lantern!

Saint Carmen : Answer me. What do you intend for Gran Faro?

Wounded Cultist : That lantern! Get it off me–

Saint Carmen : Answer me.

Wounded Cultist : Ugh...
It... It's...

Saint Carmen : What are you pointing at?

「Carmen looks back in the direction that the cultist is indicating.
A statue stands in the middle of the square. 」

Saint Carmen : Ah.
Gran Faro. The Great Lighthouse. Of course. You're seeking the lighthouse of Gran Faro.

Wounded Cultist : Stop... stop it... ugh...

Saint Carmen : The nobles once called those great monuments the Eye of Iberia. Dozens of them once stood on Iberia's coastline.
Even had the Witch King's Tower in Leithanien not been toppled, it would still have been dwarfed by these guardians of the sea.
They are the single greatest mark that human civilization has ever left on this land.

Wounded Cultist : The sea... *cough* the Eye of Iberia...
The miracle... destroyed the sacrilege... argh... take that lantern away!

Saint Carmen : The Profound Silence destroyed most of the lighthouses, and disabled the rest.
What are you plotting?

Wounded Cultist : ......

Saint Carmen : I see. So you knew...
You knew that one remained operational. That the goal of the Gran Faro project was to protect what was left of the Eye of Iberia.
That's why you've been lurking here, awaiting your chance.

Wounded Cultist : You...

Saint Carmen : I never expected there to be traitors in the very heart of the Inquisition. Where are they?

Wounded Cultist : Ha... hehehe...
While you're here... babbling away...
Look under your feet... and come face to face... with your pathetic... narrow-mindedness...

Saint Carmen : What?

[Carmen looked at a nearby dying Sea Terror... ]

Dying Sea Terror : ......

[...that starts to release luminescent substances from its body. ]

Dying Sea Terror : (Unsettling slithering sounds)

Saint Carmen : Hm.
The Sea Terrors are... glowing?
What is this luminescence?

Kal'tsit : Get away from it!

Saint Carmen : Ah–

Kal'tsit : Mon3tr!

[Kal'tsit summons Mon3tr to her side... ]

Mon3tr : (Impatient growling)

Kal'tsit : Meltdown.

[...and augments it with her powers. ]

Mon3tr : (Agitated roars)

<Background 2>

Specter : Hello.

Frost : (Peaceful riff)

Specter : There is a familiar scent on you... Do you know what it is?

Frost : (Spirited riff)

Specter : A pleasant melody, but not the one that I know.

Frost : Then, how does the one you know go?

Specter : ......

「When she prayed, the stars ceased to shimmer♪
When she wept, the night let out a smile♪
When she laments, the anguish sprawled upon her madness♪ 」

Frost : ...A song of Ægir. A sad song.
But I don't like it. It belongs in the past. It lacks passion, and wallows in futile sentimentality–the same as Ægir itself.

Specter : A shame.

Frost : You've come home, Ægir.

Specter : Home? Me?

Frost : Sing.
In song, you will rediscover yourself.

Specter : Song?
What memories will singing recall?

Frost : Just sing. You will encounter your past. You must eventually find and face your destiny, or it will find you.
That's how it has ever been, since I left the ocean.

[Frost leaves. ]

Specter : What a strange woman. But I don't mind singing.
Then sing.
La la la, la la la♪
When she prays, the stars ceased to shimmer♪

「......
... 」

[Amaia walks toward Specter. ]

Amaia : As always, there's such sorrow in your song.

Specter : Who are... you?

Amaia : I never imagined we'd meet again in such circumstances, Laurentina.

Operation story: SN-3

After operation

Summary

The townsfolk attempt to hand Jordi over to the Inquisition to save themselves. Thiago helps Jordi escape. Meanwhile, the appearance of the Nethersea Brand has put Carmen, Kal'tsit and the Hunters on alert.

<Background 1>

[Mon3tr attacks the dying Sea Terror with a blast that vaporizes it. ]

Saint Carmen : Exactly as the reports say. Such a curious creature.

Mon3tr : (Growls in warning)

Saint Carmen : Easy now, no need to get excited. Seems you understand human speech.

Gladiia : There are parasites living on these Sea Terrors, but I've never seen them on land before.

Saint Carmen : The Iberians call it the "Nethersea Brand."
An eerie glow has been occasionally seen off the coast of Iberia since the Profound Silence, the earliest known instance dating back to 17 years ago.
Our scientists believe it to be some sort of algal bloom.
So, have the Ægir also encountered these... unsettling things?

Gladiia : Seldom, but the Academy's garden has no shortage of luminescent ornamental plants.

Saint Carmen : So the Ægir do know what the word "ornamental" means.

Gladiia : Nethersea brand. An apt name. It is the sea leaving its mark on the land.
At its heart, its spread is no different from the Sea Terrors we saw at Sal Viento.

Saint Carmen : Do you mean to say this phenomenon is but another form of their evolution?

Gladiia : I see the biologists of Iberia are lacking in many ways.

Saint Carmen : We've encountered some complications, but this is far from the worst-case scenario.
The Inquisition has noted an alarming increase in the variety of Sea Terrors.
Most notably at Coastline 3, where after a mere four or five days our enemies were unrecognizable.

Kal'tsit : As I said, the ocean encroaches upon the land in its own way.
Now, there's an operator from Rhodes Island I must rescue.

Gladiia : I'll accompany you.

Kal'tsit : No, it'll be more expedient for you to work with the Hunters to eliminate the threat as quickly as possible.

[Kal'tsit leaves to rescue Elysium. ]

Gladiia : I'd assumed Iberia would treat her with more caution.

Saint Carmen : Indeed she should be, but for now we have a clearer enemy to deal with.
What will you do, consul of Ægir? Continue to bicker over your country's pride?

Gladiia : Ten minutes. I'll take care of everything and meet up with my Hunters.
Then, we can talk about how to reach that lighthouse.

Saint Carmen : I'll remain here then. Law has been absent from this chapel for far too long, but thankfully someone has been polishing it.
It will be the only light in this war. The Iberian Inquisition is here, even if it is I alone.

<Background 2>

Thiago : Hey, what's going on?

Indiscreet Townsfolk : Thiago! Where were you?
The Church of the Deep's cultists appeared out of nowhere! And the town's covered in monsters!
Oh... and...

Thiago : And what? Why did they attack the town?
Where's Amaia? Did the monsters harm you?

Indiscreet Townsfolk : They... they...
They didn't harm anyone... they're just fighting... an Inquisitor.

Thiago : –

Indiscreet Townsfolk : No one told the Inquisition! I swear!
They showed up not long after we found the carcass in the square. It might've been their work in the first place, now that I think of it.

Jordi : What's going on, Uncle? Oh, good afternoon there.
You look...

Thiago : Jordi, come with me.

Jordi : Uncle?

Thiago : Quiet.

Indiscreet Townsfolk : Th-Thiago, it wasn't us... we couldn't have contacted the Inquisition in such a short time, no matter how fast we were.

Thiago : I know. We need to protect Jordi and explain things.
Maybe someone went to them earlier. A week ago, a month ago, who knows? Rumors of cultists have been spreading for a while now.

Indiscreet Townsfolk : I-It wasn't me! Or my husband!

Jordi : Could it be Juan? Maybe the Inquisition found him?

Indiscreet Townsfolk : You...
You knew Juan was a member of the Church of the Deep? When did you find out?

Thiago : Jordi! Go!

Jordi : Uh... alright.

[Thiago and Jordi leaves in a rush. ]

Indiscreet Townsfolk : Thiago!
Oh... he's gone.

Alert Townsfolk : Never mind him. What about the town?

Indiscreet Townsfolk : I-I don't know. The Inquisitor and the outsiders are fighting the monsters. There's nothing we can do about it.

Alert Townsfolk : Tsk... the Inquisitor will be coming for us once he's done.

Indiscreet Townsfolk : Surely not... wait, what are you thinking?

Alert Townsfolk : The best-case scenario would be both sides taking each other out...

Indiscreet Townsfolk : What?! You can't possibly be serious!

Alert Townsfolk : Think about it. Have we really lost that many people to Sea Terrors? Compared to how much damage the Inquisition has done over the years.

Indiscreet Townsfolk : B-But...

Alert Townsfolk : When they come for you, can you prove that you're not a cultist?

Indiscreet Townsfolk : What are we supposed to do then?

Alert Townsfolk : If the Inquisitor can really kill that many Sea Terrors, the only way to avoid suspicion would be to hand over someone even more suspicious.
For example, an Ægir linked to the Church of the Deep.

<Background 3>

Sea Terror : Gkh...

[Several Sea Terrors show up before a Church of the Deep cultist. ]

Rear Guard Cultist : The others have pulled out. But Amaia is nowhere to be seen.
Both an Inquisitor, and the Abyssal Hunters. I've only heard them mentioned in passing by Amaia.
Here on land, though, they're not as troublesome as the Inquisitor.
Find Amaia. Take her, and delay the Abyssal Hunters.
Go. Our siblings have fallen. We are the last ones standing. The Inquisition must not be allowed to take any more of our comrades.

Sea Terror : (Shifts head in agreement)

<Background 4>

Thiago : Jordi, hurry!

Jordi : O-Okay...
(What's happened to the town... are those Sea Terrors too?)

Thiago : It's the Inquisition.

Jordi : ......!

Thiago : Maybe a High Inquisitor, seeing how he's come to uproot a Church hideout all by himself.
Sea Terrors and cultists have appeared in Gran Faro. There's no explaining this away.
Take this, lad, and the lamp your father left you. Keep them safe.

Jordi : I–

Thiago : You're not a child anymore, Jordi Fontanarossa. I've told you everything. This is your last chance to embrace a new life.
I... I always wanted to tell you the truth, convince you to leave, but I...

Jordi : I know, Uncle. You're like a father to me. Gran Faro is our home. If I leave here... I won't have anything left.

Thiago : It was going to happen, sooner or later. All the young folks want to leave; you're the exception.
I'll go with you. Sea Terrors are dangerous, but I know how to deal with them. This is our last chance to slip past the Inquisitors, though.

[Suddenly a sound can be heard from the door. ]

Thiago : What's that sound?

Jordi : ...The door?

Thiago : Uhh.... Huh?

[Thiago is shocked. ]

Thiago : You! Not even Sea Terrors eat people, but you people have no such qualms!
Say something! Pyotr! Manuel! I know it's you out there! Cowards!

Jordi : What's going on?

Thiago : They've blocked the door.

Jordi : What? But why?

Thiago : Because you're an Ægir.
They must've surrounded the place. We'll go up to the attic and leave through the roof.

<Background 2>

Specter : Do I... know you?

Amaia : Look at you, Laurentina... What happened to your nun's habit? You looked so good in it.
Ah, you found where you belonged, right? The Abyssal Hunters found you, and they want to bring you home?

Specter : Laurentina... my name is Laurentina.

Amaia : The name of the vast creation's master.

Specter : What is this "vast creation's master?"

Amaia : The ocean, or its avatar.
Something's not right with your state of mind... You shouldn't be so– Oh, were you awake? When you killed Quintus, for instance?

Specter : Quin...tus?

Amaia : You touched the sea, but did not immediately proceed to Ægir? I thought you people longed for home.
Or do you have somebody on land, gently guiding you?
Why did we have to reunite under such circumstances, Laurentina?

Specter : Your hands, are so cold.

Amaia : There was a time when there were no secrets between us.
Now, though...

Skadi : Specter!

Amaia : When you remember my name, come and find me. If you still remember this conversation, that is.
If your mind is your own then, I will tell you the whole truth.
Farewell, Laurentina.

[Amaia leaves as Skadi runs toward Specter. ]

Specter : Ah...
......

Skadi : Who was that?

Specter : I don't know... but she seems to know me?

Skadi : She has no scent. She's not Seaborn, at least not like Quintus.
We don't have time for her.
Clean up the Sea Terrors, and we'll regroup with the Captain.

<Background 3>

Blockading Townsfolk : Hey, there aren't any Sea Terrors around here, are there?

Helping Townsfolk : Only dead ones. It's so quiet here... Did the Inquisition take care of them all?

Blockading Townsfolk : All the better. Come, help me shut them inside. Somebody go fetch the Inquisitor!

Helping Townsfolk : A-Alright, it's blocked. But why are we doing this to Mayor Thiago when everything's such a mess right now?

Blockading Townsfolk : Because we're all off to the gallows when things STOP being a mess, unless we do something about it. Go check out the chapel and get someone from the Inquisition.

Helping Townsfolk : Me? But what if there are still monsters...?

[The townsfolk heard movement from the roofs. ]

Helping Townsfolk : Huh? Is there someone on the roof?

Blockading Townsfolk : Wha–?
It's Jordi and Thiago! Get them! Don't let them get away!

<Background 2>

[Thiago and Jordi runs through the streets. ]

Thiago : Run!

Jordi : I, I know!

Thiago : Get out of town, and don't let the Inquisitors or those bastards catch you!

Jordi : Alright!

Thiago : *pant* Keep running north... *pant*... There's a messenger station there that might still be in operation...

Jordi : Alright!

Thiago : I put some money in your bag... *pant*... get out of town, get out of the country!

Jordi : A-Alright!

Thiago : Jordi!

Jordi : I'm listening!

「Thiago's footsteps slow down.
He looks on as the young Ægir runs desperately down the street. 」

Thiago : Run! Don't look back! Keep running!
That's right... get out of here... never look back.

Pursuer's Voice : Don't let them out of town!

Thiago : You were right, lad.
This is our home, and no amount of waiting or complaining will change that.
(Ægirian) Farewell, my child!

[The townsfolk catches up with Thiago... ]

Pursuing Townsfolk : Thiago! Where's the Ægir!

[...who punches him on the face, knocking down the townsfolk. ]

Thiago : Coward!

Pursuing Townsfolk : W-What the hell are you doing? You'll doom us all! We'll all be branded heretics by the Inquisition, just like the old days!

Thiago : Are you more afraid of the Inquisition than the Sea Terrors? More afraid of your own people than monsters?

Pursuing Townsfolk : We already lost everything to the Inquisition once. Do you want that to happen again?

[The townsfolk attacks Thiago, who didn't even feel it. ]

Thiago : Pah... your fist is like rubber...

Pursuing Townsfolk : You–wait, what's that... they're still here?!

[Sea Terrors show up... ]

Sea Terror : (Ominous slithering sounds)

Pursuing Townsfolk : I, I've got to get back to the chapel. The Inquisitors will protect me–

[...yet Thiago punches the townsfolk. ]

Thiago : Take that, you coward!

Pursuing Townsfolk : Are, are you mad?! Don't you see the Sea Terrors?

Thiago : What about the Sea Terrors?!
Did Sea Terrors eat Gran Faro? No, it was you people... you're worse than the Profound Silence.
You've slaughtered compassion with selfishness, whitewashed your own cowardice, and blamed the disaster on the Ægir!

Pursuing Townsfolk : No, the monsters, they're getting closer–screw it, nutjob, I don't have time for this!

Thiago : Of course, you coward. When they took Marin, when they took the Ægir, you were right there under the banner of the Penal Battalion!
Murderer!

Pursuing Townsfolk : –

[The townsfolk punches Thiago... ]

Pursuing Townsfolk : Don't think the rest of us are gonna humor you just because you fell in love with an Ægir way back when!

Thiago : Come at me, coward! You'll get it from me!

[...who promptly punches back while the Sea Terror watches. ]

Sea Terror : (Sharp sound of breathing)

The two men become increasingly bloodied as they pummel each other, while Sea Terrors rush by, ignoring them entirely.
They look decidedly out of place.

<Background 5>

Jordi : *pant*... *pant*...
Thiago...? Uncle Thiago?
*pant*... *pant*...
Uncle–?
*pant* Why...?
I... I have to go back...

??? : (Ægirian) Stop right there, Ægir.

Jordi : Uh, y-yes!

[Ulpianus walks toward Jordi. ]

Ulpianus : The last Ægir of Gran Faro. The last descendant of Breogan.

Jordi : Breo... what?

Ulpianus : The Sea Terrors would kill you, and the Inquisition would imprison you. Come with me. I need you.

Jordi : A-Are you one of them? The ones commanding the monsters?

Ulpianus : No! I seek a lost legend, one that caught the attention of even the Academy.
Yet his most important legacy is neither a lighthouse nor a ship, but his descendant.
You might be the final clue I'm seeking.

Jordi : I... don't know what you're talking about.

Ulpianus : That man, Thiago, is not your father. Who were your parents? Your grandparents?

Jordi : My parents...
They... they went missing... in search of the Eye of Iberia.

Ulpianus : As cruel as it is, your misfortune is what gives you the chance to become the salvation of Ægir.
Come with me. I'd prefer not to use force against kin.

Jordi : I... This is all coming out of nowhere.

Ulpianus : Come with me.

Jordi : I...

[Suddenly a smoke grenade goes off, blinding Jordi and Ulpianus. ]

Ulpianus : Hmph.

Jordi : What?! What's going on?

Elysium : Quiet, bro. I'm saving your life
Let's go.

Ulpianus : A smoke bomb... I shouldn't have let you get away.
What's the point of running away with him? You know nothing, Liberi.

??? : You're right, Ægir. There are many mysteries here.

Ulpianus : ......

[The High Inquisitor from the Sal Viento affair walks toward Ulpianus. ]

High Inquisitor : Transgressor, you will answer my questions, or you will never leave this place.
I hope you're smart enough to recognize this fact.

<Background 6>

Elysium : Good, looks like we've shaken him off. It was the right choice to grab you when the Inquisitor drew near. They aren't fighting right now, are they?

Jordi : ......

Elysium : Hello?

Jordi : Oh, er, sorry... I need to go back to town.

Elysium : Wouldn't recommend it. Most of the Sea Terrors are gone, but something doesn't feel right. And I can't get in touch with Dr. Kal'tsit.
Plus... you were planning to leave, weren't you?

Jordi : I... no...
I heard that the Inquisitors came to town, and Uncle Thiago was worried I'd be taken away...

Elysium : The Inquisition, huh...
What did that guy want with you, anyway?

Jordi : ......

Elysium : Sorry, you don't have to talk if you don't want to.
I'll need a bit of time to decide whether to go back to town and find Dr. Kal'tsit, or get you out of here first.

Jordi : I'll go with you.

Elysium : You sure? Your uncle was so desperate to get you out.

Jordi : If the Inquisition is coming, I doubt I'll be able to escape.

Elysium : Is that duty worth giving up your life for?

Jordi : Huh? What do you–?

Elysium : So you're going back to Gran Faro just out of some vague sense of duty, without even a clear goal?
You've gotta be kidding me. If I were you, I'd leave this place, along with any townsfolk who don't want to get involved. And soon.
This isn't like running into a swarm of Originium Slugs while camping out in the woods. I hate to say it, but ordinary people can't do a thing here.

Jordi : I just feel like there has to be something left for me to do.
I grew up here, listening to those legends, gazing at the coastline, reading my parents' notes... I don't want my farewell to be like this.
This place is my home.

SN-ST-4: Seaside Street

Summary

In this town of special significance, the Inquisition and Abyssal Hunters must negotiate face-to-face and reach a conclusion. They search once again for the Eye of Iberia, with time at their heels.

<Background 1>

"I arrived in this new land from my maritime home. There is no end to ghastly shock here, not a break in the tragic weave."
"The clouds are far from as fine as told in legend, and both the land and sky are wrathbitten and hurting. Cities comparable to Ægir are all but prey to Catastrophe."
"Moreover, the people of this dry land are plagued by an inscrutable sickness. I had learnt of Oripathy, of Originium, from many an academy record. Seeing it firsthand, though, the truth of how it has become an integral part of the land, its roots deep and stubborn, is made witheringly apparent."
"Nevertheless, they still tenaciously live, pursue both technology and truth through their unique means, and seek to leave the mark of their continued existence."
"Though I am lambasted a traitor, I do not regret my decision to come ashore. The Seaborn swarm is expanding; within a decade, Ægir will find itself besieged with no quarter. But someday, I will complete my travels and return to Iberia."
"I will leave this memoir behind, for the Ægir to seek and decipher. I have no faith in the nobility; I am certain that those Ægir termed "Islanders" today will find Iberia withdrawing its respect for them soon enough, whatever the reasons may be."
"The Golden Dreadnought, the Eye of Culture, the Jurisprudence of Evolution, the Stele of Life. The Ocean and Land must form a united front to withstand the billowing waves."
"It was never my intent to serve as a pioneer. All I am is one step ahead of fate."

「–From a copy of the notes of Breogan, famed Iberian architect and chief shipwright, written in cryptic Ægirian. 」

Ulpianus : This is a matter between the Ægir.

High Inquisitor : So long as you stand on Iberian soil, the law is watching you. And so am I.

Ulpianus : Hmph...

High Inquisitor : What is the relation between you and those three Abyssal Hunters?

Ulpianus : You've harmed Skadi. Strange. Surely she intended to avoid combat.

High Inquisitor : ......

Ulpianus : Her blood is a special sort, more special than the rest of ours. I hope you've been diligent in cleaning your weapons.

High Inquisitor : I'm the one asking questions here.

Ulpianus : And I'm the one who decides whether to answer.

High Inquisitor : I gather the only Hunters granted freedom of movement by Lord Carmen were those who declared their interests during the Sal Viento conflict.

[Ulpianus strikes at the High Inquisitor, who parried it with his rapier. ]

Ulpianus : ...Mm. Seems it wasn't a coincidence you crossed swords with her then.

High Inquisitor : She was hardly weak.

Ulpianus : ...Weak?
What a naive appraisal. She's just unaccustomed to dry land. She lacks flexibility.

[The High Inquisitor countered the attack at Ulpian, ending in a deadlock until another Inquisitor holds him at swordpoint from behind... ]

??? : Don't move, Ægir.

[...who is revealed to be Irene from the Sal Viento affair, but has matured since. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Comply with the High Inquisitor's investigation. The Inquisition has already concluded negotiations with the Hunters. Your every move merely undermines the basis of our cooperation.

Ulpianus : ...Cooperation?

Inquisitor Irene : I advise you to rethink your actions.

Ulpianus : Inquisitor, how many soldiers like you does Iberia have?

High Inquisitor : That is none of your business.

Ulpianus : Enough to amass an army three thousand strong?

High Inquisitor : ......

Ulpianus : Then Iberia is still unqualified.

[Ulpianus dashes away. ]

High Inquisitor : You're going nowhere!

Sea Terror : (Sharp chafing sounds)

High Inquisitor : What? Where did they come from?

[The High Inquisitor cuts down the Sea Terrors. ]

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor! Are you alright?

High Inquisitor : I'm fine. That Ægir...

Inquisitor Irene : This was my fault, sir!

High Inquisitor : He could easily have used that chance to take an arm from me, yet he chose to flee.

[Sea Terror cries are heard from the distance. ]

High Inquisitor : It seems we can't afford to give chase just yet.

Inquisitor Irene : They're headed for the city! They're hiding in the soil!

High Inquisitor : No.
This entire swathe of earth has been polluted.

Inquisitor Irene : H-How can that be?

High Inquisitor : Take a good look at that gray land, and the sinister miasma filling it.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, sir!

High Inquisitor : Gran Faro is not being infiltrated by the Church of the Deep. It has already fallen to them.
Prepare to fight head-on. Ensure Lord Carmen is safe, ASAP.

<Background 2>

Saint Carmen : This fluorescent nethersea brand... It's akin to their own city.
It beggars belief. They're born from it, they proliferate and migrate through it...

Sea Terror : (Ominous slithering sounds)

Saint Carmen : Not all lives thirst for independence. It's no wonder these filthy things were able to hide in this town.
...But who brought them ashore?

<Background 3>

Alty : Welp, this is just perfect. And here we thought we could find a little inspiration on our beach trip. Talk about a total wash.

Frost : (Riffs in agreement)

Dan : The sea's caressing the land. I can tell. This is bad gone badder.

Aya : Kal'tsit once said the Ægir won, and that the Abyssal Hunters are the orphans of that battle. But with how things look now, I'm starting to doubt there was ever a win.
Oh, speaking of Kal'tsit, did she give us the thing?

Alty : Yep.

Aya : Way to beat around the bush. Why didn't she just give it straight to that Ægir? Gladiia. That would've been faster.

Frost : (Riffs in doubt)

Alty : She wanted to use the key to draw us into this. And from that view, she definitely succeeded.

Aya : Or maybe, she was originally planning to make us retrieve or help out with something. And then she changed her mind.

Alty : Huh? Hasn't she always been, like, three hundred steps ahead? What could possibly force her to change her mind?

Aya : ...I'm just saying it's possible. Sure, she knows a lot of things, but more than that, she's cautious. If not, how many times would she have died by now?
Uh, what are you dancing around for? Dan?

Dan : This chapel would work great for a concert!

<Background 4>

Gladiia : Skadi, Shark.

Skadi : We wiped out every enemy we could see.

Specter : ...Formless wisps of waves are spreading here, as the tide on sandy shores.
An inauspicious omen. We–We should not be here.

Gladiia : It seems cleaning up some trash wasn't enough to bring her back to her senses.

Skadi : What do we do?

Gladiia : Once this area is spotless, we borrow the Iberian's assistance in finding that ship.

Skadi : There are things we don't recognize on their bodies.

Gladiia : Perhaps a part of the Sea Terrors themselves.

Skadi : ...I've been wondering for a while now.
How can they still evolve so fast? How are they still so full of life?
Even though we've already...

Gladiia : That's precisely the question we intend to shed light on. It is also the reason I was willing to cooperate with Kal'tsit.

Skadi : Dr. Kal'tsit...

Gladiia : A fine woman, to be sure.
Rouse yourself, Hunter. End this before the sun sinks below. Sea Terrors who cannot hear the ocean's call are but inferior lifeforms.

Skadi : Understood.

Specter : You... Gladiia? You've come. I will listen, then.

Gladiia : ...Shark.
Do you find it unwieldy in your hands?

Specter : This? I often forget the weapon is in my grasp. As if I'm dancing with it.

Gladiia : That is your past, and it has almost caught up to you.
We'll be waiting.

<Background 2>

Sea Terror : (Shuddering gargles)

[St. Carmen finished off the Sea Terror... ]

Saint Carmen : You lead a punctual march, Dario. Have you arranged what I asked of you?

[...as Dario, the High Inquisitor from the Sal Viento affair, walk towards him. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Yes, Lord.
The Penal Battalion has readied a ship to leave for the Eye of Iberia. They've also evacuated the coast and surrounded this town by now.
Those misguided fools have nowhere to flee.

Saint Carmen : There's nothing to fear in those petty villains, but the new threat they've brought forth is an astonishing one.

High Inquisitor Dario : Our technology is able to treat this much pollution.

Saint Carmen : Which is only a temporary victory, Dario. And this is "Ægir technology," not ours.
If for every second of every minute, every droplet and every grain of the tides beating against our sandy shores spreads the Sea Terrors and their ecology, how are we to defend our homeland then?

High Inquisitor Dario : We will find an answer before that happens.

Saint Carmen : Yes, most assuredly.

High Inquisitor Dario : The Inquisition is also prepared to do battle with the Abyssal Hunters. We will throttle them to death on this remote shoreline.

Saint Carmen : A fitting cemetery. We can only hope they make the wise choice, and that Kal'tsit can accomplish what she's pledged to.

[Irene joins in. ]

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Saint Carmen : So this is your apprentice, then. I'm familiar with her from her work.

Inquisitor Irene : Y-Yes! Inquisitor Irene, reporting in, Lord Carmen!

Saint Carmen : They say that when Dario found you in the ruins, a thick tome of classics had lodged itself in the beams of the caving roof. A miraculous equilibrium that saved your life.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, sir!

Saint Carmen : Young one, you are here only because Dario has determined that you have the will to rush onto the frontline.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, sir!

Saint Carmen : There is an immaturity to you, but you are eager to prove yourself. Your body is filled with vigor and tenacity.
But your duties in Gran Faro will be no easier than in Sal Viento. From here on, you will only be plunging ever deeper into the heart of evil. Are you prepared?

Inquisitor Irene : For Iberia's orderliness and integrity, I shall raise my sword and my lantern.
To me, this motto is more than just a rallying cry.

High Inquisitor Dario : She will be prepared.

Saint Carmen : Mm... I trust your judgment, but fate does not often give its people time to prepare.
Dr. Kal'tsit and I have matters to attend to still. The mission of guiding the Abyssal Hunters back to the Eye of Iberia is now yours.

Inquisitor Irene : The Eye of Iberia... High Inquisitor, what exactly is our task?

High Inquisitor Dario : ...Establish a camp, safeguard the route, and ensure that our maintenance teams can safely reach the lighthouse.

Saint Carmen : The last piece of the Eye of Iberia is fifty nautical miles out from the nearest coast to Gran Faro.

High Inquisitor Dario : Assuming, of course, that it's still where the maps indicate.

Inquisitor Irene : Fifty nautical miles...

Saint Carmen : Once, our fleet could gaze far across the surface of the tranquil sea. But since the Profound Silence, the ocean has become like a boiling poison, melting all who touch it.
This is a daunting mission. But recapturing this final lighthouse is of tremendous importance to our people.

Inquisitor Irene : U-Understood, sir!

Saint Carmen : It is for this that we require the Ægirs' assistance.

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Saint Carmen : You are skeptical.

High Inquisitor Dario : She has been to see the Inquisition's underground cages.

Saint Carmen : So, you have witnessed the truth of the Inquisition's search, in spite of the fact it cannot obtain an answer.
Go, young Inquisitor. Time will not wait. But if necessary, I will have you put time itself on trial.

<Background 4>

Sea Terror : (Pronounced slithering sounds) –!

Elysium : Watch out!

[Elysium pushed Jordi out of the Sea Terror's way. ]

Elysium : You okay there?!

Jordi : I-I'm fine. Sorry, Mr. Elysium, I'm being a drag on us again...

Elysium : Uh, haha, don't you mind it.

Jordi : Those Sea Terrors...

Elysium : (Identical wounds, pounded into holes in twos and threes. This style has to be Skadi and the girls.)

Jordi : This town's been wrecked through and through.

Elysium : Haha... yeah...

[Elysium and Jordi tries to stand, but... ]

Elysium : Whoa–hold it! Jordi!

Jordi : Ngah!
Wh-What is this?

Elysium : –Fluorescent... creepers? Floating creatures? Or is it... uh, coral?

Jordi : This stuff is covering the whole street ahead... Hold on, something's coming out of the roofs–

Elysium : –! Move!

[A number of Sea Terrors showed up from the roofs. ]

Elysium : Wait, wait–

Elysium : –No way, they already have nests here?! I thought the Church of the Deep guys just sicced them on the town!
(And wait, could they seriously have just been born? This many?! How fast does it go?)
Jordi!

Jordi : Oh, I'm here, I'm here!

Elysium : Ditch! Take a 180 and run for it!

Jordi : But they're behind us too, Mr. Elysium!

[The Sea Terrors surround Elysium and Jordi. ]

Elysium : –Ugh, these monsters build nests faster than the freaking undertide gloompincers did–
Then it's do-or-die. Hey, Jordi, find something, anything. You gotta weaponize.

Jordi : W-Will an umbrella do?

Elysium : ...Yeah, sure looks like we're in for some rain. Hold onto that thing like you mean it!

Sea Terror : (Pronounced slithering sounds)

Elysium : –! Get ready!

[As Elysium and Lumen ready themselves, the Sea Terrors are suddenly vaporized one by one, which turned out to be done by Mon3tr... ]

Mon3tr : (Self-satisfied braying)

[...as Kal'tsit reveals herself. ]

Kal'tsit : –Burn it all. Together with the buildings.

Mon3tr : (Delighted hisses)

[Mon3tr cleared the Nethersea Brand in the vicinity with its powers. ]

Kal'tsit : It would seem Ægir technology isn't necessary to treat the nethersea brand.

[Elysium runs toward Kal'tsit... ]

Elysium : Dr. Kal'tsit!

Kal'tsit : Good, you're in one piece. What happened?

[...who noticed Jordi with him. ]

Kal'tsit : ...And who is this somewhat despondent-seeming Ægir?

<Background 2>

[Accompanied by Dario and Irene, St. Carmen praises the Abyssal Hunters trio... ]

Saint Carmen : Outstanding strength, Hunters.

[...as they gather in the square. ]

Gladiia : Spare us your remarks. Let us hasten to the topic at hand.

Saint Carmen : Kal'tsit has recently suffered quite the ordeal on your behalf.

Gladiia : The aid she has given us will be forever carved into my memory. While what you've done... I will likewise never forget.

Skadi : ......

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

Gladiia : But this present situation is by her arrangement. A small coastal town, a simple meeting.

Saint Carmen : Then in honor of her efforts, may we set aside our grievances and begin the discussion?
What you seek is Breogan's legacy. You want to find the Stultifera.

Inquisitor Irene : –!
(Stultifera Navis, the "Ship of Fools?" Wasn't that the flagship of the fleet wiped out in the Profound Silence? But how many years has it been?!)

Saint Carmen : What most piques my curiosity is how a foreigner can be so sure that it remains afloat.

Gladiia : Then, from the Iberian point of view, do you believe it to be sunk or not?

Saint Carmen : Hmm...
In all likelihood... it isn't.

Inquisitor Irene : –!

Saint Carmen : However, it has not once returned to port.

Gladiia : A ship, unsunk for over sixty years, yet never returning to dry land's harbor.
Can your people determine its position?

Saint Carmen : We could once. But not now.

Gladiia : In other words...

「Gladiia looks to the statue beside them.
She has no recollection of such buildings. Perhaps they had already died their silent deaths before she came ashore. 」

Saint Carmen : The "Eye of Iberia."
These wonders were once the cornerstone of a magnificent project, but most of the lighthouses that form the Eye perished in the Profound Silence. Only one remains.

Gladiia : It does not belong to you. It belongs to Ægir.

Saint Carmen : ...Breogan was indeed an Ægir, and he came from the ocean, but his devotion was selfless. He made ample contribution to Iberia's sea explorations.

Gladiia : After the disaster, you let your citizens pour their rage upon the Ægir–upon him. Indulging such folly paints you in an untrustworthy light.

Saint Carmen : Yet are the Ægir able to swear no implication in the Profound Silence?

Gladiia : ......

Saint Carmen : ......

[Kal'tsit joins in. ]

Kal'tsit : Walls will be the death of us all. If the two of you are so determined to continue this conversation, then both Iberia and Ægir are as good as destroyed.
Civilizations do not die, they are merely endlessly replaced. But the next time it happens, humanity will have no hand in it.

High Inquisitor Dario : Dr. Kal'tsit, please mind your tongue with Lord Carmen.

Saint Carmen : I do not mind; we've certainly known each other long enough. But is this your usual method, Kal'tsit?
Surgically extracting the key individuals from the gargantuan body of fate, sitting them down in front of you, and convincing them of the rightness of your idea?

Kal'tsit : My idea is simply to save you. Iberia is free to refuse, as is Ægir.

Gladiia : ......

Kal'tsit : If we count the untested young lady, then there are six at the table: three each for both the Inquisition and the Hunters.
The town square itself is an Iberian marvel constructed by an Ægir. It could not be more appropriate for such a conference.
At this very moment, the nethersea brand is still spreading. The Sea Terrors have built a nest in town, and their existence takes a vastly different form than before. A difference drastic enough to cause alarm.
If none present yet recognize the scale of this oceanic threat, then perhaps we really should adjourn. We can watch as the precious time bought by the sacrifice of the Abyssal Hunters is whiled away for nothing.

Skadi : Was our victory... meaningful?

Kal'tsit : Of course. Without it, then after the Profound Silence, Iberia would not even have a deathbed to struggle upon.
As for you, Lord Carmen, I hope you can put aside your prejudices against the Ægir. Use your–

Saint Carmen : –I'm so very old now, Kal'tsit. Let's get to the point, shall we?

Gladiia : ......

Saint Carmen : I've aged past the inclination to win every argument, as well as the strength to uphold glory through speeches.
There is no greater glory than survival, and no one sees the situation clearer than I. You may rescind your words. The Inquisition is willing to fully cooperate with the Abyssal Hunters in finding the lost dreadnought.

Specter : The golden... dreadnought.

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Gladiia : I have no objections.

High Inquisitor Dario : I would've thought contact between Ægir and Iberia would give you pause.

Gladiia : Contact? Ah... if you could breathe underwater, if you could visit our cities without the aid of equipment, then I would not mind showing you a true display of Ægir's technology.

Saint Carmen : We look forward to it, Madame Consul.
A Tercio of the Penal Battalion will immediately shore several dual-use warships at Gran Faro, establish a camp, and clean up the harbor in preparation.
Dario, Irene, go with the Abyssal Hunters. Prioritize securing a sea route to the Eye of Iberia. Pass your judgment on arrival.

High Inquisitor Dario : As you command.

Gladiia : Kal'tsit, should...
Should time be of the essence, I will prioritize reestablishing contact with Ægir.

Kal'tsit : A voyage to the deep sea is a treacherous affair to us all, but for you, it will simply be a trip back home.
You will find that ship, and you will find a way back to Ægir. I leave the details to your discretion.

Gladiia : Perhaps it will be far in the future when next we meet.

Kal'tsit : So long as you remember our words. We hope that once you've returned, you will be able to reevaluate all that Ægir has suffered.

Gladiia : ......

Saint Carmen : Then let us make haste. We will–

[Elysium and Jordi shows up. ]

Jordi : Ah–

Elysium : Sorry, Dr. Kal'tsit. Uh, ever since the part about the lighthouse, Jordi's been–

[Dario walks toward Jordi. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : The Ægir, perfect. I have much to ask you.

Kal'tsit : Wait.

High Inquisitor Dario : Who are you?

Jordi : I... I'm a resident of this town, my name is Jordi.

Inquisitor Irene : There shouldn't be any Ægir in Gran Faro! Our dossier says there are records of collusion between the Ægir and the Church of the Deep!

High Inquisitor Dario : Who are your parents?

Jordi : My... my parents were lighthouse technicians. They gave their lives for the Eye of Iberia.
My house is filled with dusty blueprints, I... I may have never actually seen the lighthouse, but...
I want to. The meaning of my homeland... the meaning of my parents' lifelong struggle... I, uh...

High Inquisitor Dario : You may not. The Inquisition must first interrogate you.

Gladiia : And why should I consider protecting a feeble civilian in a melee?

Kal'tsit : What if he were a descendant of Breogan?

Gladiia : What? But he looks nothing like the photographic records of Breogan.

Inquisitor Irene : Even if it's true, we should be demanding he turn over what's left of his family's legacy, and let the Inquisition take over the research.
High Inquisitor!

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

Saint Carmen : What is your name, Ægir?

Jordi : ...Jordi. Jordi Fontanarossa. My uncle told me that–

Saint Carmen : Then you should know what awaits you for voluntarily appearing before the Inquisition.

Jordi : I... I know.

Saint Carmen : Irene.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, sir!

Saint Carmen : Seize him.
...And take him with you.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes... Er, what?

Saint Carmen : That was what you wished for, was it not?

Kal'tsit : Thank you, Lord. Nevertheless, my greatest hope is to see true, enduring cooperation between Ægir and Iberia.

Saint Carmen : Even the longest journey starts with a single step.

Kal'tsit : Then we don't have a moment to lose. We will let the Eye of Iberia gaze upon the desolate sea once again.

SN-ST-5: Landing Point

Summary

Remaining in town, Carmen and Kal'tsit attempt to dispose of the wicked cultists before the Penal Battalion arrives, improvising a frontline position. The voyage for the lighthouse's waters is far from plain sailing, and the Hunters have no option but to confront the Sea Terror menace head on–as well as a mysterious guest.

<Background 1>

Thiago : Eugh... What is this–disgusting floor? What's happening?
Is it the Sea Terrors?

[Amaia walks toward Thiago. ]

Amaia : Thiago.

Thiago : ...Amaia.
What's going on? Didn't you say those Church of the Deep cultists wouldn't show up? They've made a complete mess of the place.

Amaia : Thiago, I came to say goodbye.

Thiago : What?

Amaia : It's about time for me to, and the opportunity is hard to come by now. That's all it is.

Thiago : I don't understand.

Amaia : Thiago.
The Inquisitors are here. A whole three of them.

Thiago : –!

Amaia : Jordi's in their hands.

[Thiago is shocked to hear Jordi (apparently) held captive by the Inquisition. ]

Thiago : Gah–!

Amaia : Don't, Thiago. Jordi came back by his own will. And what can you do against three Inquisitors?

Thiago : Does he know what it means to be found by the Inquisition?!

Amaia : You've told him so many times that I'd be shocked if he didn't.
But that's how people are. Reason might tell us to take every advantage and avoid the opposite, but people are so complicated, and you can't judge that so easily. I wouldn't call Jordi a fool for his choice.

Thiago : Now's not the time to argue over morality–!

Amaia : This is his nature we're talking about. Character, not morality, Mayor Thiago.
There's a certain beauty in human nature. Even time can't deny that.

Thiago : What are you getting at?

Amaia : Do you hate the Inquisition?

Thiago : I...

Amaia : The Sea Terrors have blanketed this town, but remember, Thiago, remember.
Remember that rainy night, when the Penal Battalion charged into town, breaking down doors. The unending screams drowned out the pitter-patter of the rain.

Thiago : No, stop...

Amaia : And now?
The sea's brand is spreading across town–have you heard any screams? Have you seen anyone being senselessly slaughtered, or hunted down?
You haven't.

Thiago : ......

Amaia : Right now, all that remains in Gran Faro–
–is stillness.

<Background 2>

[Jordi gazes at the ocean. ]

Jordi : I never knew... that the ocean was so vast.

「The sea breeze blows past.
Jordi cannot believe what's before his eyes. He had always thought the sea's horizon was the sky's end.
Not until witnessing this boundless expanse of waves for himself does Jordi–the Ægir–have a sudden question. 」

Jordi : Why has humanity never desired to explore this?

Inquisitor Irene : ...How could we ever determine our position out here? It's not as if the moons are signal beacons, or the stars could be read like a map.

Jordi : Um, why can't we read the stars like a map?

Inquisitor Irene : Ask a professional astronomer and find out.

Jordi : Then... if Ægir really is under the water, then how big is it? Bigger than Iberia?

Inquisitor Irene : There's a handful of genuine Ægir over there. How about you ask them?

[Jordi looked at the Abyssal Hunters trio, who stands quietly as the ship sails. ]

Jordi : They seem like they have their own worries, though. They're all so solemn.

<Background fades out and in>

Gladiia : Shark, what are you listening to?

Specter : ...The wind.
There's an offering of kin mingled with the sea breeze. It puts me... much at ease.

Skadi : She gets more like this the closer we are to the sea.

Skadi : Even though in Sal Viento, she was so...

Gladiia : ......

Skadi : Do you know why?

Gladiia : I could guess, but it would only disturb your judgment. We have a battle before us.
Did you ever attempt to return to the sea, after your narrow escape to shore?

Skadi : Of course. I failed.
There was no end to them. They surrounded me. I ran out of strength before I could even swim far.
I tried so, so many times.

Gladiia : But you're still alive.

Skadi : ......

Gladiia : We are all well aware of the changes in our bodies, Skadi. You included.
Shark may have suffered some injury, but none of my Hunters are so fragile.
And she's the same as us.

[Dario walks toward the Hunters. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : "Specter." Once a victim of the Church of the Deep. Originium, absent in the ocean, has affected her in a whole host of ways.
Why bring along such an uncertain element?

Gladiia : We are going home. It does not concern you.

High Inquisitor Dario : Home? But circumstances in Ægir can hardly be better than in Iberia.

Gladiia : Raise your lantern, Inquisitor. Let's prepare to greet our first enemies.

[A pack of Sea Terrors boarded the ship. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Oh. They've come.
One final question.
Are there really only three Abyssal Hunters?

Gladiia : If there were others, I would have long since found them.
...What compels you to ask?

Unexpected Sea Terrors : (Ominous slithering sounds)

[Gladiia and the High Inquisitor cuts down some of the Sea Terrors onboard. ]

Gladiia : Is this ship's course true?

High Inquisitor Dario : Undoubtedly.

Gladiia : ...Then the Sea Terrors are becoming more explicitly hostile as we approach the Eye of Iberia.
Perhaps it is already their nest. Fighting them aboard this ship would waste far too much time.
Skadi, Shark, defend this vessel. Keep an eye on the primitive signal navigation facilities while you're at it.
I will enter the sea.

Skadi : I'll go with you.

Gladiia : You are stronger in the sea, but so are they. And we cannot bleed down there; the risk is too high.

[Gladiia jumped into the waters to engage the Sea Terrors. ]

Jordi : Wh-What's wrong?! Are there monsters attacking again?

Inquisitor Irene : No, I can't see any! We don't know what's happening under the water, but–

[Booming sounds can be heard from the waters. ]

Inquisitor Irene : That muffled booming! What's going on down there? Is she fighting below?

Skadi : No.
She's just... moving. She's faster in the water.

Inquisitor Irene : ...How can anyone move faster through water than air?

Skadi : Habit, I guess. Or maybe it's a skill.

High Inquisitor Dario : The Sea Terrors are following her. She's opened up a passage.
Irene, take Breogan's descendant and continue to steer.
Pick up speed before the enemy surrounds us.

<Background 3>

Kal'tsit : They've left. The seas won't be peaceful.

Saint Carmen : If you worry for them, we'd best hurry and finish up our business.
Gran Faro is only an outpost to recapture the lighthouse. Retaking it is all that matters.

Kal'tsit : I'm surprised that Iberia can already exploit Ægir technology to resist the encroaching nethersea brand.

Saint Carmen : Regardless, the rate of its evolution is faster than any one scientist's genius. If we seek victory, we must use whatever we can.

Kal'tsit : Even an army, I see.

Saint Carmen : ...This is an plain, unremarkable town.
Perhaps there are more strategic locations waiting for the Inquisition to recapture them, one by one. More favorable battlefields, grander walls and fortifications.
But, sometimes, it's fine to start with what's at hand.
However many Iberians are willing to fight to the death against the waves, that is how many soldiers we can field.
Let us begin the cleanup.

<Background 2>

[Irene cuts down the Sea Terrors onboard the ship. ]

Sea Terror : (Unabated slithering sounds)

Inquisitor Irene : Hey... Are we still not there yet?!

Jordi : A-According to the nautical map, we should be able to at least see it by now...

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor! We have to head deeper in, or else–

[A Sea Terror lunges at Irene, but Dario slashes it down before it could touch her. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : No.
Look up.

Inquisitor Irene : What? It's nothing but black overhead, I can't see–

Jordi : No... that's not... that's not the sky...

<Background 2>

[Gladiia jumped into the ship from the waters. ]

Gladiia : They've made it their nest by now. Very close to the shore; no wonder their numbers are so great.

Skadi : We can just cut them all down. Like before.

Gladiia : ...Yes, like before.
Shark?

Specter : ......
So that is... their eye? Why does it feel so familiar?

Gladiia : Mm.
It has been caked in filth for too long, unable to open its lid.

High Inquisitor Dario : I'll clear a path. Jordi, come with us.

Jordi : Ah. O-Okay... I hope I can be of help...

High Inquisitor Dario : No. There's something only you can do.
If you can't, then we'll have to change strategies and prioritize ensuring that the Inquisition's technicians can make it here safely.
And in the battle to come, we'll have no time to care for the fate of a solipsistic Ægir.

Jordi : Got it!

Gladiia : You seem nervous.

High Inquisitor Dario : Ægir. You don't understand what finally reaching this island again signifies for us.

Gladiia : And what would that be?

Inquisitor Irene : ...Ever since the Penal Battalion discovered remnant signals from the lighthouse, we've made seventeen attempts to make landfall, eight of which succeeded in setting foot on this reef.
Hundreds of soldiers, and three Inquisitors. No one returned alive.
Don't tell me your superior Ægir ethics teach you to respect your heroes, but forsake their memory?

Gladiia : ......

Inquisitor Irene : The High Inquisitor and I... the Iberians will hold a memorial for those who died at sea.

Gladiia : I did not mean to pick at your morals. All I can say is that, in the face of the ocean, we are all alone and weak.
Do as you wish, but we are pressed for time.

<Background black>

「A foot falls on the reef.
A colossus hides in the jet-black winds. Only by tilting one's head back and gazing far up can one distinguish it from the murky sky. 」

「The Eye of Iberia.
A final pair of eyes, sealed shut. 」

Inquisitor Irene : So tall...
The scale of that statue in town has to be wrong...

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor.

High Inquisitor Dario : Mm.

Inquisitor Irene : This is what we once...

High Inquisitor Dario : It is... my first time seeing it as well.

「The two remain silent for a moment, dead in their tracks as they look over at this vast spectacle that's survived only in documents and records.
The enduring reality of Iberia goes far beyond what she was taught, Irene thinks. Despite the Abyssal Hunters' ample disdain for them, despite the balance of the nation well and truly crumbling.
Despite it all, this lighthouse is an emblem. Of past glory and wild ambition. Of dreams and the domination of the unknown. 」

High Inquisitor Dario : Whatever feelings may roil in your heart at this moment, engrave them all.
This building, these worn swords and lanterns, these reefs, this ocean.
Carve into your heart just what humanity has built in its struggle. Keep it with you forever, at all times.
If we do not venerate our sacrifices, our scales are meaningless.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, sir!

High Inquisitor Dario : Enter carefully.

Inquisitor Irene : Got it!

<Background 4>

[Specter touches the waters... ]

Specter : ......

[...as Skadi asks her, ]

Skadi : What are you doing?

Specter : Have we come home?

Skadi : No, not yet.
But if we find what Kal'tsit and the Captain are looking for here, maybe we can.
Just hold on... we're almost there.

[Gladiia observes her surroundings. ]

Gladiia : It's too quiet.

Skadi : But it still stinks.

Gladiia : Yes. The reef is coated in remnant nethersea brand. I can see traces of man-made objects too, rotted for the most part.

「Gladiia paces slowly. She looks up at the tower, standing against the tenebrous sky.
The Eye of Iberia is directed towards the heavens, as if upon this finite soil, life cranes its neck, wanting to see the future. 」

Gladiia : The nations of the land have done all they can to reproduce Breogan's remaining legacy. These so-called lighthouses are an emulation of Ægir technology through and through.

Specter : What can this lighthouse be awaiting, sat in this void and empty sea?
Does it watch the ocean, or the land, I wonder.

Skadi : Captain.

Gladiia : I know. Within is a Sea Terror nest. The lack of an immediate attack may merely be defensive, a guarding of the den.
It is about time they come.

[A large number of Sea Terrors showed up before the Hunters. ]

Sea Terror : (Ominous slithering sounds)

Skadi : There's not... too many.
The sea. The coast is already out of sight.

Gladiia : Sentimental?

Skadi : No... I just mean, we can't bleed here. It'll be extremely dangerous.

Gladiia : They can't pierce our skin. So long as you do not cease your dance, these numbers are insufficient to kill us.

[Gladiia and Skadi engages the Sea Terrors. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Jordi : (The lighthouse... It really is just like the statue in town.)
(Which means, those blueprints at home really were from my mother and father. For the Eye of Iberia...)
(My parents were once... in this very place.)

「Jordi looks back towards the shore.
Each and every day, his mind went back to his view of that overcast shore. A lifeless gray, a hopeless crowd.
But, ah, look at this lighthouse, he thinks.
Uncle Thiago was right. They were all heroes. They were all meant to be legends. 」

High Inquisitor Dario : ...The Abyssal Hunters should be regrouping not far from here. They will be joining this battle too.
Don't forget what you experienced in Sal Viento. Their blood is highly unusual, and Kal'tsit hardly told us everything.

Inquisitor Irene : U-Understood. So they can't be trusted.

High Inquisitor Dario : What did you see, beneath the Inquisition?

Inquisitor Irene : –Erk.
"Seaborn."

High Inquisitor Dario : You should still remember their twistedness, their vitality, their... serenity.
In Sal Viento, the Hunters did battle such a monster, and emerged victorious.

Inquisitor Irene : I... I know that.

High Inquisitor Dario : You've seen the truth, so now you must reassess your past, and Iberia.
Tear apart the old, swimming through your head! Make your own judgments.

Inquisitor Irene : Y-Yes, sir!

[A number of Sea Terrors showed up before the Inquisitors. ]

Sea Terror : –(Rough sounds of slithering over reef)–

High Inquisitor Dario : They're ready for us. Withdrawn to defend their nest, waiting for the chance to strike. Here to drive out the invaders.
Jordi. Report?

Jordi : R-Right! It's a miracle, really. These control panels outside are still responding, but I'm not sure what theory these things are based on...

[Jordi reads the notes he brought. ]

Jordi : I-I'm looking though! I have all those research notes from home with me in my bag!

High Inquisitor Dario : ...Be quick about it.

Jordi : I know! It's this one... No, that's not it... Eek, when did this one get wet?

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor! They're here!

<Background 2>

「The billows rage forth.
Their arrogance surges dozens of meter high, shattering one day after another, succumbing to the reef and the three moons.
One moon is bright. One moon is dark. These are the moons spoken of throughout time, hung in the sky.
The remaining moon comes from the intervals betwixt the waves, at the peaks of every crest.
The moonlight comes from the title he once believed in. 」

[A knight riding a hippocampus-like mount jumped out of the water. ]

??? : ......

Operation story: SN-4

After operation

Summary

Jordi searches for the entrance to the lighthouse under the protection of Irene. The Last Knight obstinately believes that this lighthouse is a disguise for the terrible waves.

<Background 1>

[Back to Rhodes Island in a morning, Maria woke up from her sleep. ]

Maria : *yawn*... Is it morning already?
The operators' equipment was a lot more seriously damaged than we anticipated... Still, the fact that they managed to save so many people from that Catastrophe is a testament to how amazing they are.
Mhm. I've got to chin up as well.

[Grani enters the room... ]

Grani : Hi Maria, I'm here to pick up an order from the Engineering Department.

[...prompting Maria to leave the bed. ]

Maria : Oh, Grani! Just a moment. Let's see... where did I put that? Sorry, I haven't tidied this place up for a few days, so it's a bit of a dump.

Grani : Ahaha... It sure looks more like a proper Kazimierzian workshop than the last time I stopped by. Huh? What's this?
A novel?

Maria : "The Last Knight"! What's that doing here? Did it get stuck underneath the blueprints when I was flipping through my boxes and drawers yesterday? I was wondering where it had gone.

Grani : "The Last Knight"?

Maria : It used to be my favorite book. My sister gave it to me as a gift when I was little.

Grani : A knight novel from Kazimierz, huh?
Mind lending it to me?

Maria : Sure thing!
Ugh, so that's where the book on Arts Unit theory ended up... Sorry Grani, this might take a while. I can bring it over to you later, if you like.

Grani : Don't worry, it's not urgent. Just means I get to stay on Rhodes Island a bit longer this time.
I'll just be over here reading, to pass the time.

Maria : I'm really, really sorry about this.

[Grani reads The Last Knight novel. ]

Grani : ......

「"The Last Knight."
The title is as pompous as it is cliché. There have probably been hundreds of books written about the last knight, the swiftest knight, or the strongest knight.
But seeing how the Radiant Knight gifted it to her own sister, surely there must be more to it than that?
With that thought, Grani opens it up, only to find a bookmark wedged inside.
Written in wobbly Kazimierzian letters is a line that may well have been copied from the book. 」

Grani : "If you deem the waves too raucous, then command the ocean to be still." Huh...?

<Background black>

「Legend has it that the Last Knight returned to Iberia. The enemies reflected in his eyes were not living creatures, but rather, he charged at the mountains, the cities, and the waves.
Legend has it that the Last Knight settled by the coast, sustaining himself on the wind and taking shelter in the mist, until at last he forgot how to remove his helmet.
Legend has it that the Last Knight finally disappeared after clashing against the great waves. His family discovered what he'd left behind along the shore and brought it back to the Land of Knights, burying it deep in the mountains. 」

<Background 2>

「Legend has it that his or her story was brought to light by a poet. Embellished, sung, given both meaning and symbolism. And in this form, they did finally return to the Land of Knights, as a highly controversial figure.
However... 」

[The oceanic knight from before, who is very likely to be The Last Knight himself, stands before the Eye of Iberia. ]

「...There are some who believe that the mad knight triumphed over the ocean, over time, over death itself. That his quest continues until the end of all things. 」

??? : ......
.........

Gladiia : What... are you?

??? : ......

「The knight does not answer. His deathly gaze is fixed on Gladiia.
However, she quickly realizes that he is not actually looking at her.
He stares only at the key in her hands. 」

??? : Guh... *cough* *cough*... Hiss...

「The knight opens his mouth as if to speak. But only a shriveled rasp comes forth, like the sound of muscle tearing.
He begins to take a step forward. 」

<Background 3>

Saint Carmen : Where did you get that key?

Kal'tsit : ......

Saint Carmen : Oh, I did not intend to... pry into Rhodes Island's internal affairs.
But that is Breogan's legacy, passed through the hands of the four Feranmuts to once again return to that Abyssal Hunter.

Kal'tsit : By pure coincidence, one of the Hunters found it in Kazimierz.

Saint Carmen : ...Kazimierz? What a distant land. I still remember journeying with my mentor to receive an envoy from the Land of Knights, and secretly overhearing a few Silverlance campaign knights describing their ideals.
I hear the country has changed considerably since then.

Kal'tsit : For better or worse, every political entity has undergone similar changes in our current era. But that has nothing to do with Iberia.

Saint Carmen : We are like ensnared beasts. Should we struggle, we suffer and bleed. Should we give up, our lives are forfeit.
Before we unmask those still-human traitors, I have a new question for you, Kal'tsit.
No doubt you've already realized this, but that child couldn't possibly be Breogan's descendant. The Inquisition would not have missed such a vital clue.
So why would you still condemn him to a meaningless death?

<Background 2>

Sea Terror : (Calls out to its kin with a slithering sound)

[More Sea Terrors show up. ]

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor!

High Inquisitor Dario : ...Their numbers are increasing. But, none of them showed up until we reached the lighthouse.

Jordi : S-Sir, I've found a way to open the main door!
But the Eye of Iberia's core facilities are at the top of the tower. And it's very, very tall! The lift mechanism isn't working either, so we can only get up there by foot!

Sea Terror : (Slithering sounds)

[Irene cuts down a Sea Terror. ]

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor, we need more time!

[Dario cuts down a Sea Terror, before... ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Take the Ægir with you.
There is no time to spare, Irene.

[Irene takes Jordi's hand... ]

Inquisitor Irene : Aye! Right away!

Jordi : Wait, hold on!

[...and runs to the top of the lighthouse with him. ]

Sea Terror : (Intense slithering sounds)

[Dario ignites his lantern... ]

Sea Terror : –!

[...before cutting down a Sea Terror. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Oh, are they here? No, the lantern's flames are flickering. Something has stepped into my Arts' domain.

Sea Terror : (Cowering slithering sounds)

[The Sea Terrors show signs of fear. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : (They're scared. Strange, these things have never shown signs of fear before.)
(Confusion then? But what could be the cause...?)

Sea Terror : (Confused slithering sounds)

[The Sea Terrors became increasingly frightened. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

「The High Inquisitor raises his lantern high, and the Sea Terror in turn retreats into the shadows of the reef.
When he looks around once more, he notices the reef is littered with corroded and broken weapons, soaked with the fresh blood of monsters.
Arms belonging to the Inquisition. As his mentor Carmen had said, it is not as if the Inquisition had never considered reclaiming the sole remaining lighthouse. 」

High Inquisitor Dario : Being unaffected by the Profound Silence, it's been quite well-preserved.
Even so, the Inquisition has never made a serious attempt to retrieve its own Eye following the Profound Silence.
This place used to be a spectacular overlook. A breathtaking, unobstructed view of the entire city.
It had been manned by Iberians, day in, day out.

Sea Terror : (Cautious slithering sounds)

High Inquisitor Dario : But you've taken it as a feeding ground, building a nest for your spawn without permission.
Hup...

「Emotions.
Long-lost emotions.
From soldier to Inquisitor, and finally to one who sees the truth. He has been tempered, lost and reforged anew countless times. And thus, Dario became one of the few High Inquisitors in Iberia.
Only a single word separates an Inquisitor from a High Inquisitor, but that single word is the difference between heaven and earth.
He used to regard himself as resolute as steel. Before Iberia's enemies, his lantern would flicker, his sabre would glimmer, and every line of the Scriptures would be put into practice.
But now, he feels a type of strong emotion welling up within him. One not solely a product of the law and justice that is preached.
After acknowledging its rationality, High Inquisitor Dario accepts the fact that he is truly experiencing grief and anger. His handcannon takes aim at the Sea Terror, yet his eyes are directed towards the sea. 」

[Dario fires his handcannon, turning the Sea Terrors caught in the line of fire into dust. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : When you die, mankind may thrive.
These words are not a part of our laws or scriptures, but rather yours. "Survival of the fittest."

<Background 4>

[Irene and Jordi made it to the Eye of Iberia's control room. ]

Jordi : Right here!
It's just as the records say! The lighthouse relies on the power source located at its base, and the core column is divided into several areas. The console on this floor controls–

Inquisitor Irene : ...Controls what?

Jordi : Uhh, signal recording.

Inquisitor Irene : We should be able to put that to use later. But for now, we need to prioritize powering the entire lighthouse. Let's continue.
Hopefully all goes well until reinforcements arrive.

[Suddenly Irene felt a bad premonition. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Ugh–!

Jordi : What's wrong, Doña[note 1] Irene?

Inquisitor Irene : ...It's nothing. Probably just my imagination. Maestro... the High Inquisitor is keeping guard outside. We'll be fine.

Jordi : A-Alright... After we restart the lighthouse's power system, we should be able to use the lift as well. That way the others will be able to catch up to us soon enough.
So let's hurry!

Inquisitor Irene : ......

<Background 2>

[The Last Knight attacks Skadi, who managed to dodge it. ]

The Last Knight : ......

Skadi : There's something odd about him. Some kind of... lingering scent.

Gladiia : But what is it?

Skadi : The scent of another land. Nothing you'd be interested in.

Gladiia : He is without a doubt a Seaborn. But not the same as Quintus.
How is it possible for so many land creatures to become Seaborn though? They shouldn't have frequent contact with the ocean.

The Last Knight : ......

[The Last Knight walks toward Gladiia and Skadi. ]

Gladiia : With no way to communicate, we can do nothing but let his body lose all function.

Skadi : He's about to attack!

「The knight suddenly seems to vanish in place. But for the senses of an Abyssal Hunter, catching him is hardly a challenge at all.
With his speed, he opts not to attack them, but instead leaps high into the air and bounds toward the lighthouse with a ferocious roar. 」

[The Last Knight strikes the Eye of Iberia, but his attack obviously bounces off its walls. ]

The Last Knight : Graaaaaagh!

<Background 4>

[The Last Knight's attack is felt in the control room. ]

Jordi : Woah... Wh-What was that?

Inquisitor Irene : Don't panic! Keep climbing!
Complete our mission: rekindle this lighthouse!

Jordi : R-Right!

Inquisitor Irene : (These vibrations... Are the walls coming under attack? How is that possible? We're already dozens of meters above ground. Do the Sea Terrors have some sort of cannon?)
(Or... maybe some massive creature? But other than the tremor just now, I haven't noticed anything else.)
(Maestro...!)

<Background 2>

The Last Knight : ......

「The knight lifts his head and looks up. The lighthouse did not budge an inch.
He shakes his twisted weapon disapprovingly. This long spear, once the creation of a master craftsman, is now inundated with the scent of the depths.
He does not see the one standing in his way. The knight bends his knees again, intending to try once more. 」

[Dario strikes at The Last Knight while he is distracted. ]

The Last Knight : –!

High Inquisitor Dario : What are you doing?

The Last Knight : ......

High Inquisitor Dario : You contemptuously provoke Iberia, trespass upon restricted areas, and damage a precious heritage site.
Just look at yourself. Do you have even a single shred of human-born dignity left in you?

The Last Knight : ......
...Dig...nity...?

High Inquisitor Dario : Seems your vocal chords still work at least.

The Last Knight : (Unintelligible sounds) ...The sea... doesn't need.
Crush... the waves. Trample the sun. End the pain.
Things should not, remain the same. The great tree, takes root in this land.

High Inquisitor Dario : Your stance. Your gray armor. And that spear.
You're from Kazimierz?

The Last Knight : I am... I am...

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

The Last Knight : Knight!

[The Last Knight lunges at Dario, but he dodged it and unleashes an Arts attack from his lantern in retaliation, though it is ineffective. ]

The Last Knight : ...Slithering steel... Ocean's waves...

High Inquisitor Dario : (Lifting the lantern won't do anything. There's no sign of any other ships coming.)
(The fluorescent nethersea brand ignored him. He may well be the source of the Sea Terrors' panic.)
(Then... is he actually a Seaborn disguised as a human?)

[The Last Knight takes a stance to leap towards the lighthouse again... ]

High Inquisitor Dario : You seek to destroy the Eye of Iberia? The Inquisition will not allow it.

[...but Dario uses another Arts attack from his lantern against The Last Knight to interrupt him. ]

The Last Knight : Aaaaaargh, the soil–!

High Inquisitor Dario : Now!

Specter : ...Good evening, Mister Knight.

The Last Knight : –?!

[Specter strikes The Last Knight, knocking him unconscious. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Where are the other two?

Specter : The others? They're... currently having a little chat with Mister Knight's friends.

[Gladiia and Skadi can be heard fighting off the Sea Terrors nearby. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : So a fight broke out not far away. Seems like it's a clash of civilizations then.

Specter : It has nothing to do with me, though, so I came over here.

High Inquisitor Dario : You... You're different from how you were back in Sal Viento.
And also from how you were when we met in Gran Faro. You're always changing.

Specter : The seawater is sobering. Even the slightest breath of air brought in by the ocean breeze.
Although... I do want to return to the sea's embrace, but Skadi stopped me.
My little Skadi. She's so scared... But of what?

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

[The Last Knight rises up and walks toward the lighthouse. ]

The Last Knight : ......

High Inquisitor Dario : With what's going on right now, I need Gladiia's explanation all the more.

Specter : (Ægirian) Mister Knight, good sir, return to your sweet slumber, deep in the abyss.
(Ægirian) We are not enemies.

「The knight ignores Laurentina, who murmurs as if singing.
As for the "enemy" who'd just dealt him a heavy blow, the knight only tilts his head slightly before quickly snapping his attention back to the towering lighthouse. 」

Specter : Alas, how tragic. Language can no longer reach your ears, just as those clouds cover your eyes.
Even in your madness, does your will still drive you forward like clockwork, compelling your body to advance?

The Last Knight : ......

Specter : Come then, storm.
Let us share this dance.

<Background 4>

Jordi : I've found it! The main control panel!

Inquisitor Irene : How's it looking?

Jordi : I, I'm not too sure. This is more complicated than what's on the diagrams, and, uh, I've never actually operated these things before.

[Jordi heard sounds of fighting from the outside. ]

Jordi : That sound again... What's going on outside?

Inquisitor Irene : Perhaps we're still underestimating the dangers we might encounter here. At this rate, holding out for the Penal Battalion's technicians might be...
No, even if reinforcements arrive, the sacrifices required to repair the lighthouse under these conditions are akin to setting up camp under the crosshairs of a high-speed warship.
Jordi, you're a civilian, and a part of Iberia. For now, I won't ask where you came from, or about what happened in Gran Faro's past.
We're in a race against time. Right now, this instant, try your best to get all the information out of the Eye of Iberia as you can. Maestro and I will protect this tower, and we–

Jordi : A-All right... I've managed to retrieve the logs. The panel is still responding, and the energy module underneath the tower is still functional.

Inquisitor Irene : ...You act fast. Commendable.
What's next? How long would it take to reboot the entire lighthouse?

Jordi : I, I'll see what I can do!
Um... Even though I know the people out there are fighting against those sea monsters, I still have to say this!
As long as the panel is still responding, it shouldn't be too hard to restart it. I've read about this in the notes my parents left behind... B-But, this would be my first time actually operating something like this, so it's still a bit of a gamble!
Either way, it all takes time! We should probably–

[A rumble shakes the control room. ]

Jordi : Eek–!

Inquisitor Irene : Guard this place, right?
Don't look down. Keep moving forward.

Notes

"Miss" in Spanish

Operation story: SN-5

Before operation

Summary

The Eye of Iberia is rekindled, and the conspiracy in Gran Faro seems to be drawing to a close. The ocean is always touching this land, pushing everything into the abyss.

<Background 1>

Aya : Can't wait any longer?

Frost : ......

Alty : If what Kal'tsit said was true, then none of us can really afford to wait around.
Even while we walk this land, we are still a part of the sea. Those corrupted descendants are... in the process of changing the "environment."
In time, none of us will be spared. All we're doing now is sitting around waiting for the end to come.

Aya : We're not the only ones sitting around though, and everyone's reasons are different.
Think about it more broadly. Who knows, maybe these lands aren't suited for our survival?

Frost : (Riffs in agreement)
Not harmonious enough.
There's something I wanna try.

Dan : Time to mix it up, all for the tunes!

Frost : (Riffs in agreement)

Alty : So what exactly do you have in mind?

Aya : Uh... Well, we're not exactly accomplishing much over here.
Just treat it as a little pre-concert workout. Don't swim too far out, Frost.

Frost : A workout. Huh. What about the rest of you?

Aya : I think I'll pass.

Alty : Too lazy.

Dan : I can feel the inspiration on its way. It's so close. Just a liiittle bit more.

Frost : ...Alright. (Riffs enthusiastically)
I'll be off then.

<Background 2>

[A Church of the Deep cultist runs through the streets. ]

Out-of-Breath Cultist : *pant*... *pant*...
No, what did that woman and the Inquisitor do? How could they so easily erase the gift of the sea?!
Ægir... It must've been the Ægir. What the Ægir left behind, those strange machines! They must be destroyed!

[A Sea Terror approaches the cultist. ]

Sea Terror : (Makes a slithering sound as it clings to the cultist's calves)

Out-of-Breath Cultist : That's right, my brother, the Penal Battalion has this place surrounded, and we've failed to break through... We've nowhere to run.
But... our exalted prophet has returned to the sea.
All that's left... is to pave the way for Her.

[The cultist did something that agitates the Sea Terror. ]

Sea Terror : (Impatient slithering sounds)

Out-of-Breath Cultist : If they seek to hold back the tide, then let them dash against the rocks. My life is but one brick in a lengthy road.

<Background 3>

[A townsperson is spooked... ]

Terrified Townsperson : Eek!

[...as Thiago walks toward him. ]

Thiago : Don't panic, it's just me. Why haven't you taken refuge yet?

Terrified Townsperson : M-Mayor Thiago... I was drunk and out as cold as a gloompincer, so I didn't hear anything.
By the time I woke up, everything had gone to shit, and these disgusting things were all over the place.
What happened here? Has the Inquisition sent anyone yet? What's going to happen to us?

Thiago : ...The great ocean is not guilty of any crime, but the Inquisition does not agree. They control the so-called law, and have condemned us as sinners.
Soon enough, the Sea Terrors will return to the ocean. But I cannot allow the Inquisitors to condemn Gran Faro to death just like that.

Terrified Townsperson : What are you talking about? Have you gone mad?

Thiago : Mad? I'm not the one who's mad! I simply need to know! What can we do before the Inquisition destroys this town and rounds us all up to stand trial?!
An Inquisitor has already arrived. I saw that clearly when hiding in a little alley. I've never seen one that old before, and they gave me the chills...

Terrified Townsperson : What are you gonna do then, Thiago? Go up to them and try to reason with them?

Thiago : We'll have to choose sides again, right?
When the Ægir were taken away, most people looked on, just like that. They had a chance to stand up for them, but nobody stepped forward.

Terrified Townsperson : Thiago, you–

Thiago : Now, we have another chance. Either watch the Inquisition put everyone in Gran Faro on trial, or–

Terrified Townsperson : Have you lost your marbles?! Inquisitor! Hey, Inquisitor! He can handle us all without raising a hand!

Thiago : Take me to them.

Terrified Townsperson : ...What are you talking about?

Thiago : Drop the act. How long do you think I've lived in this town?

Terrified Townsperson : ......
Alright, follow me. If your goal really is to take revenge on the Inquisitors...

Thiago : ......

[Thiago and the townsperson walk away as Elysium watches. ]

Elysium : Just what are you up to, Mayor Thiago?

<Background 4>

[A rumble is felt in the lighthouse. ]

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Jordi : Almost there.

Inquisitor Irene : This is already taking too long.

Jordi : S-Sorry.

Inquisitor Irene : It's not your fault. It's mine, for not having enough patience.
......

Jordi : Um... Doña[note 1] Inquisitor, if you're worried about the others, you can go help them. I think I can handle things up here.

Inquisitor Irene : The High Inquisitor gave me a order to protect you. As you've seen, those monsters are everywhere. I can't just leave you alone.

Jordi : But I don't want to be what's holding you back from joining the battle... I just–

Inquisitor Irene : As long as you can light up this tower, then the High Inquisitor will have made the correct decision. I simply defer to his judgment.

Jordi : ...I understand.

Inquisitor Irene : Did your knowledge of the Eye of Iberia come from your parents?

Jordi : Yes. Or more precisely, it's the sum of all of Gran Faro's past. They gathered all the best lighthouse engineers in all of Iberia, or at least that's what my uncle told me.

Inquisitor Irene : The territory used to be demarcated by the Inquisition, until it was abandoned after a string of incidents involving the Ægir and the Church of the Deep.

Jordi : ......

Inquisitor Irene : I'm not trying to reopen old wounds, but I've been thinking. Before I left, I read the dossier about the sentence handed down at the time. ...No, never mind.
Do you hate the Inquisition?

Jordi : Um... To be honest...
If there's anything that always hangs over the heads of the people back home, other than the ubiquitous dark clouds, it would be the word "Inquisition."
The town once glimmered, giving us the confidence to rebuild our homes. The workers and engineers gave everything they had to fight the disaster, but the Inquisition took everything before it even struck.

Inquisitor Irene : And do you still believe that today?

Jordi : It's the place I grew up in. Everything I've ever seen or heard has only reinforced that lesson.
And, um, I'm sorry, ma'am.

Inquisitor Irene : You are simply stating your lived experiences, citizen. It is your actions that will prove your loyalty to Iberia.
...Still, I'm astonished you had the guts to say all that in front of an Inquisitor.

Jordi : I never would've dared, not until I came here... But, then I saw the Eye. For the longest time, it's only appeared in my dreams, nothing more than a sculpture sitting in the plaza.
Everyone in Gran Faro who came before me has passed this all down. Our duty, what we must do...
It's all surging through me right now–

[Jordi noticed something in the lighthouse's base. ]

Jordi : –Um, ma'am, do you see something glimmering at the base of the lighthouse? Something blue, and sparkling like stars...

Inquisitor Irene : That's–
–The nethersea brand!

<Background 5>

Specter : Do you really think you can fight me, Mister Knight?

The Last Knight : ......

Specter : You only care about the lighthouse. Why? Why do you cling to it so?

The Last Knight : Monstrous waves... Swallowing the sky...
...Even the stalk of wheat... consumed by silence. All things great and small... returned to nothing.

[The Sea Terrors are seemingly confused. ]

Sea Terror : (Agitated slithering sounds)

High Inquisitor Dario : He can speak, but not command his kin. The Sea Terrors are in disarray.
Let us put an end to this.

[Dario casts an Arts attack from his lantern which disorients The Last Knight... ]

The Last Knight : (Rasping roar) –!

[...allowing Specter to land a blow on him, who does not react to it. ]

Specter : –What a surprise, Mister Knight. You're not moving like you were before.

The Last Knight : ......

High Inquisitor Dario : Those are human movements. A charging wind-up, unique to Kuranta knights. What exactly are you?

The Last Knight : ......

「The knight continues to ignore his two opponents. His attention is solely on the third.
Even with his attack, the towering lighthouse does not even shake. If even the Profound Silence failed to destroy the Eye, what chance does a lone knight have?
It bewilders him. It pushes him to try even harder. 」

The Last Knight : (Rasping murmur) Clouds, rolling hills, pillars of ash... arrayed across a hotbed of decay.
The tides... unending...

[The Sea Terrors recover from their confusion and looks at The Last Knight. ]

Sea Terror : (Violent slithering)

High Inquisitor Dario : You're injured, and the Sea Terrors are drawn to you.

Specter : So it appears. Got a little scratched up on accident–
Ngh...

[Specter experiences seizures. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Step aside. You're no longer fit to fight.

「Dario's eyes quickly dart across the Abyssal Hunter in front of him. Her movements had paused unnaturally a few times during the previous clash.
He's heard reports about her. She was involved in the Sal Viento experiments, but the woman who stands before him is completely different from the one who emerged from that fierce battle.
Who was she? And who is she now? 」

High Inquisitor Dario : They've hardly touched you, yet you seem barely able to stand.
Maybe an illness you contracted in Sal Viento?

[Specter recovers. ]

Specter : ...The scent of the sea is rather intoxicating, that's all.

The Last Knight : ...Knight ...Comrade. Why, why must you gag on the air, and endure the heat? You'll never taste... the fruits of civilization.
Urgh...!

「The ground is shaking.
Energy long-lost floods through the pipelines and into the broken body of the Eye of Iberia, prying open its eyelids. 」

Specter : It has awakened. The entire island whispers the groans of its first light. Slowly it shakes off its winter, as if waking from centuries of hibernation.

The Last Knight : ...The cycle of all existence...
Does not belong to the sea...

「The knight lifts his head, gazing up from the shadow beneath the great lighthouse.
He is perplexed. 」

The Last Knight : That... is not the monstrous waves.
Where... are they?

「Without drawing a single breath, as naturally as a shadow slants in the direction of the light, Specter brings down her weapon.
But the humanoid Seaborn in front of her avoids it, with logic-defying explosive force.
In midair, the knight looks far out into the distance.
He is listening, listening for the coming of new waves. And he will break them. 」

The Last Knight : ...Ishar... mla...

[Loud thunderous sounds are heard... ]

The Last Knight : (Rasping growl) –Roci–nante–!

<Background 6>

[...as The Last Knight's "steed", Rocinante, emerge from the waters and gallops to his side. ]

Rocinante : (Braying) –!!

[The Last Knight mounts Rocinante, and... ]

The Last Knight : (Unintelligible sounds) Chase!

<Background 5>

Specter : Turns out, Mister Knight is afraid of the light.

High Inquisitor Dario : Don't pursue him. He's not the only Seaborn like that out there. Our only duty is to defend this lighthouse.

Specter : He's only lost interest in the lighthouse.

High Inquisitor Dario : I don't care about the motivations of monsters.

Specter : Are you saying... I'm also a monster?

High Inquisitor Dario : You?
You are undergoing a transformation. I don't know whether this is something that happens with every Abyssal Hunter.
But if necessary, this reef will be the last bit of land you'll ever step on.

Specter : You would still call this land, when we're clearly surrounded by ocean?

High Inquisitor Dario : Disasters change coastlines, not national boundaries.
Every last centimeter of land swallowed by the Profound Silence is still subject to the laws of Iberia.

Specter : Laws, a virtuous word. Yet not all creatures recognize this virtue.

[Several Sea Terrors show up before Specter and Dario. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : ...Ready your blade.

<Background 4>

Jordi : J-Just a little bit more!

[A Sea Terror moves toward Jordi... ]

Sea Terror : (Slithering sounds)

[...but Irene cuts it down. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Hurry up then! If this drags out any longer, the lighthouse will be swallowed up by the nethersea brand!

Jordi : ...Ran into a little bit of a hitch!
One of the auxiliary structures might've been damaged, b-but that would take too much time to investigate!

[Irene cuts down more Sea Terrors. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Just booting up the core facility will suffice. We still have to retrieve the flagship's coordinates, ideally reestablishing a connection with the line running along the coast–

Jordi : I, I know, but– Those things might be even higher up!

Inquisitor Irene : Then keep going! Hurry!

Jordi : ...No.
I have to stay here... Turning on the lighthouse is as simple as pulling the most conspicuous lever, but I need to stay here and oversee the power system rebooting.
You should go, ma'am.

Inquisitor Irene : What? But if you're attacked by a Sea Terror that slipped through the net, we'll all–

Jordi : I know! But I, I don't want to come up one step short, not now!
Those monsters– They only lashed out against humans because we invaded their nest, right?
If that's the case, they won't keep destroying the facilities. If anything, getting into a fight will only make things more dangerous, so you should keep climbing instead!

Inquisitor Irene : ...A conspicuous lever, right?

Jordi : Yeah, it should be obvious. Flip that, and at least the main facilities, including the lighting equipment, will start up again. ...Assuming what the log said is correct.

Inquisitor Irene : Alright.
I'll be right back, Jordi.

[Irene climbs to the lighthouse's top. ]

<Background fades out>

Inquisitor Irene : The console... Well, this is it.
......

「Nothing on the outside is visible from within the tower.
Could the Stultifera really not have sunk? How are they supposed to find that great dreadnought?
Is it too late for the Penal Battalion to come to their aid? Are the cultists of Gran Faro hiding even more secrets? 」

[... ]

「Just by pulling down on lever in her hand, all of these questions would be answered.
Irene should have been conflicted. She had accepted too much, learned much of the sea, and seen it all with her own eyes.} 」

Inquisitor Irene : –Now's the time.
I hope you're ready, Irene.

[Irene pulls the lever, and... ]

「Dazzling light penetrates the ocean, piercing through everything.
The light will lead the way. The light can dispel the darkness. 」

<Background fades in>

Inquisitor Irene : It worked!
Hey, Jordi! Did you see that? We did it–

[A Sea Terror shows up before Irene... ]

Sea Terror : (Slithering sounds, rubbing against the wall)

Inquisitor Irene : Merda...[note 2]

[...but Irene swiftly cut it down. ]

<Background 7>

Saint Carmen : I didn't think you still had it in you to appreciate this sculpture.

Kal'tsit : The Eye of Iberia... The offspring of the marriage between Ægir and Iberian technology. On land, each nomadic city can only seamlessly communicate within its own walls. Between cities, however, is like crossing a moat.

Saint Carmen : No system of communication can resolve the interference caused by Originium-rich zones. The only solution is to set up base stations that are at constant risk of being destroyed by Catastrophes.
I hear some countries have already adopted the technology of mobile base stations that navigate on a fixed route between cities. Their engineers are no different from those who guard our lighthouses.
Even today, humans still stumble about across this great land, blindly grasping for clues. We must still grope our way across Terra in near total darkness.
But, what of the ocean?

Kal'tsit : There is no Originium in the ocean. The Ægir's communication technology vastly surpasses anything we have on land. The Eye of Iberia is not just a set of lighthouses.

Saint Carmen : It is, of course, Iberia's vision. Very few people know that it was left to us by Breogan, as a microphone to connect all of Iberia.

[A female townsperson walks toward St. Carmen. ]

Calm Townsperson : It's been a while, sir.

Saint Carmen : Your work was invaluable in allowing the Inquisition to respond so quickly to Dame Kal'tsit's proposal.
How about you? Have you enjoyed your time in Gran Faro?

Calm Townsperson : Compared to the other cities where our colleagues lay dormant, this place can hardly be considered dangerous.

Kal'tsit : ......

Saint Carmen : So, what have you found here?

Calm Townsperson : My sincere apologies, sir. I doubt I know much more than you and the Dame.
The order given to me by the High Inquisitor was to monitor Gran Faro for more potential enemies, those who would violate our laws and desecrate our country.
My conclusion being, no. Not for the time being.

Saint Carmen : When the Church's cultists appeared, you didn't notify your team in time.

Calm Townsperson : Correct, I determined those cultists to be impotent, and took advantage of the Penal Battalion's withdrawal as a prime opportunity to go after their true mastermind.

Saint Carmen : And did you find them? Are there more... false bishops, presiding over the sea's invasion of the land?

Calm Townsperson : Without concrete evidence, I can only speculate as to who their leader is.
But Mayor Thiago, a worker from the Iberian hinterlands, is nominally the mayor of this town.
Since the Eye of Iberia project was scrapped and the Inquisition made quick work of the traitors in Gran Faro, it's been no secret that he has been a pointed critic of the Inquisition.

Saint Carmen : Thiago... One of Gran Faro's laborers, sheltering the cultists. It would seem we have our next target, Dame Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : ......

Calm Townsperson : There's one other thing. Umm, Lord Carmen, the Penal Battalion seems to have come under attack.

Saint Carmen : What...?
They've invested a Tercio just to quash the evil writhing in Gran Faro, to the point that it's a rare luxury to see even a single badge. What could they up against?

Calm Townsperson : The nethersea brand has seeped through the ground to the surface, drawing a circle roughly fifty kilometers around Gran Faro.
And, it's a perfect circle, almost as if it was drawn with a compass...
It's not the town that's been surrounded, though. It's us.

After operation

Summary

The remaining Church of the Deep cultists reach an agreement with Thiago. Kal'tsit and Carmen are delayed, and there is no time to wait at the Eye of Iberia. The Hunters and Irene decide to go ahead and locate the great ship.

<Background black>

[Amaia and Ulpianus walk together. ]

Amaia : We're almost at our destination.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : What? You'd never would've reached the Stultifera in one piece without me. The children of the sea would've ripped you apart, crushed you, or bound your limbs as they dragged you off to their nests.

Ulpianus : You're not like Quintus.

Amaia : What might could you be talking about? My skin? This sack of flesh?
None of that matters.

Ulpianus : What are you trying to accomplish?

Amaia : And what are YOU trying to accomplish, Hunter? Your kind already loathe your enemies while simultaneously doubting the purity of your own blood. But still... you pretend to be calm.
What are you trying to get out of me?

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : Silence. A wise choice. Ægir are not a sociable lot, it is known. But it seems there are exceptions.
Or, are you just a bit of an unpopular grump?

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : I can answer your question. Quintus wouldn't, nor will other humans. But the Seaborn will. Like Heralds, we come to understand things. We are not limited by the way humans think.

<Background 8>

Ulpianus : I don't need your riddles.

Amaia : Hmm...
Before coming here, I was in the midst of translating a literary classic from Ursus. It was about race and nations. About history. I was putting it into Iberian and Victorian.
Take a look, Mister Hunter.

「Ulpianus's gaze follows the woman's hand, his eyes subconsciously drawn towards the ocean.
A pitch-black sea. Dense with dark clouds. Oppressive. And yet, a vague outline of the starry sky is visible. 」

Amaia : Even the Ægir rarely look out across the ocean from the water's surface. Different races, different countries. The land is fractured in every sense, and its conflicts are neverending.
But when you look over the boundless sea, do you see anything representing those divides?

<Background 4>

[Irene cuts down the Sea Terrors in her way. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Tch... These damn monsters!
Jordi! Are you alright?!

<Background fades out and in>

[A Sea Terror is approaching Jordi... ]

Sea Terror : (Slithering sounds, rubbing against the wall)

Jordi : G-Get away from me–!

[...but Dario cuts it down before it can get too close. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Seems like activating this facility has made these poor creatures realize that this place doesn't make a very good nest.

[character]

Jordi : High Inquisitor!

High Inquisitor Dario : Keep ascending, Ægir. Your hands are for wielding tools, not fire and steel.
The plan is unchanged. Go with Irene and find what the Inquisition and the Hunters are seeking.

Jordi : I, I know! Please be careful!

[Lumen heads outside. ]

<Background 5>

Skadi : Do you really think we can find that ship?

Gladiia : It can only pass through Iberia.

Skadi : I don't understand... If it is a place like Rhodes Island, why hasn't it tried to return in sixty years?

[Specter looks at Skadi, and... ]

Specter : We too are lost, unable to find a way back home. Is that not so?

[More Sea Terrors emerge from the waters. ]

Sea Terror : (Sounds of stirring, slapping the water)

Specter : The children are increasing in number.

Skadi : ...Are you alright?

Specter : Me? Why do you ask?

Skadi : You didn't speak a single word on the way to Iberia.

Specter : Have you always seen me as a chatterbox, Skadi?

Skadi : ......

「Skadi stares deeply into Specter's eyes.
When she'd finally found Laurentina on land, her eyes were clouded over.
Then she saw it in Sal Viento. A fragment of Laurentina as she was. But it was short-lived. After returning to Rhodes Island, she seemed to have fallen back into the abyss.
But now, Skadi begins to find herself unable to distinguish which corner of Specter's mind she is currently dealing with.
She has an ominous guess.
One that has always swirled through her mind. 」

Specter : What's the matter?

Skadi : ......

Gladiia : No need to overthink this, Skadi.
And the same goes for you, my sleepy little mermaid. We don't have much time. You will awaken.

Specter : Will I?

Gladiia : You will.
For the time being... Go with Shark and take out the small fry. Their numbers are endless, so remember to adjust your breathing and conserve energy.

Skadi : You should already know that I prefer it that way.

Specter : ...Must we be in such a hurry to perform again? The storm is not yet ready.

[The Sea Terrors approach the Abyssal Hunters trio. ]

Specter : Heh, but it seems our dance partner won't be kept waiting.

<Background 4>

[Irene cuts down more Sea Terrors in her path. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Tch, there's no end to them.

Jordi : Doña[note 1] Irene!

Inquisitor Irene : You're still alive! So that flash of light was from the High Inquisitor's lantern after all!

Jordi : Um, he wanted us to continue on... But what exactly should we do? Keep searching for the ship's location?

Inquisitor Irene : I was originally planning to wait for the technicians to arrive, but seeing how you got this big fella started all by yourself–

Sea Terror : Hiss... Hiss...

[Irene slashes the Sea Terror. ]

Inquisitor Irene : –Make every second count!

<Background 3>

[Thiago meets with a Church of the Deep cultist. ]

Bizarre Cultist : Thiago? So you're finally seeing clearly.

Thiago : Why haven't you fled? The Penal Battalion and that Inquisitor have been lying in ambush in town.

Bizarre Cultist : Then why haven't your proud townspeople returned?

Thiago : ......!

Bizarre Cultist : The Inquisitors have already taken away all the confused, directionless residents of Gran Faro, and you already know what's going to happen to them.
You know all too well.

Thiago : But I can't sit by and watch Gran Faro go up in smoke. I have to do whatever I can.

Bizarre Cultist : You? Fight the Inquisition? Fair enough, Thiago. But that will only hasten the town's demise. Iberia will never tolerate an act of treason.
While we welcome all into our fold, but the weak do not have that right. This "determination" of yours is but a sick joke your mind is playing on you. You understand nothing. Who do you think you're talking to?

Thiago : Who? If I'd cared enough to investigate, you would've been flushed out by the Penal Battalion long ago.
Tell me then, what can people like you offer Gran Faro?

Bizarre Cultist : In the end, this town is... a mere human settlement.
What we seek to offer up to this land is of a much higher calling than your meaningless baubles.

[A Sea Terror tries to communicate with the cultist... ]

Sea Terror : (A slithering sound emerges from cracks in the building)

[...who understands that... ]

Bizarre Cultist : You've been followed.

Sea Terror : Hiss...

[Elysium reveals himself. ]

Elysium : Hah, these Sea Terrors have pretty sharp senses.

Bizarre Cultist : An outsider? We will allow it. Your flesh and blood shall become nourishment for our wounded. We all give back to this land.

<Background 4>

Inquisitor Irene : Tch, the nethersea brand has already reached this far. The walls, the stairs, it's all over the place!
Are you still not done yet? They're getting closer!

Jordi : Almost there!
How does this make any sense? Even after all these years, the signal-receiving devices are still operable... But why? How?
Oh, the logs–
–Woah, there it is! Now let's take a look–

[More Sea Terrors show up... ]

Sea Terror : Hiss...

Inquisitor Irene : Ugh–

[...but Irene cuts them all down. ]

Inquisitor Irene : (Their numbers are exploding! They're moving through the nethersea brand, as if they've merged with the ground entirely!)
(At this rate, even Maestro and the Hunters won't be able to stay in this branded place for much longer...)

[A Sea Terror creeps toward Jordi... ]

Sea Terror : (Rough sounds of slithering across the floor)

Inquisitor Irene : Damn it– Underneath us! Jordi!

Jordi : Wh-What?!

[...but it was hacked apart by Gladiia before it could endanger him and Irene. ]

Gladiia : Continue.

Jordi : Ah, um... Okay...

Inquisitor Irene : Abyssal Hunters!

Gladiia : You're too weak. Swarms like this require swifter movements. Spare yourself the energy to breathe.
Like so.

[Gladiia gracefully eliminates some of the Sea Terrors. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Urgh...!

Gladiia : How much longer, Ægir?

Jordi : Th-There are no records in the logs of how to operate these information terminals, so I'll have to keep searching–
–There's some data here... I don't understand what it means, but it keeps popping up!

Inquisitor Irene : Keeps popping up? Even if that's from the Inquisition's last attempt, that should've been years ago!

Jordi : I, I'm not sure. I assumed the data loss was caused by a power outage, b-but–
If my hypothesis is right...
There's a ship that's been sending signals to this lighthouse for decades!

Inquisitor Irene : What...

Gladiia : How far away it is?

Jordi : I know, I'm looking... Ugh, where are the navigation records–
......

Inquisitor Irene : What is it?

Jordi : ...It's very close.
How can it be... so close?
Waaaah!

Inquisitor Irene : Wh-What happened?!

Gladiia : I'm afraid the underground portion of the tower has been swallowed up by the nethersea brand.

Inquisitor Irene : We need to make our decision, now!

Gladiia : Decision? What decision? If we have the means to locate the ship, then we will go.

Inquisitor Irene : No! We should eradicate the Sea Terrors to ensure that the Penal Battalion's reinforcements can arrive safely!

Gladiia : Impossible. You will merely wear yourselves out before the stronger prey can even join the hunt.
Or do you mean to say that Iberia has hundreds upon thousands of people willing to hold the line to their dying breath, like the High Inquisitor below us?

Inquisitor Irene : No, but–

Gladiia : Opportunity waits for no one.

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Gladiia : Have you confirmed the coordinates?

Jordi : Ah, um, I can determine an approximate range, but I don't know why it's spinning around, or if that means–

Gladiia : It is being kept afloat by aberrant ocean currents. See that square surrounded by Seaborn? That's what the ship looks like now.

Inquisitor Irene : But, that ship is the only vessel we have.

Gladiia : You can have it. We don't need it.

[Dario walks toward the others. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : No.
Go with them.

Inquisitor Irene : High Inquisitor?! What did you just say?

High Inquisitor Dario : The Eye of Iberia has already been activated. There should still be some working safeguards in place.
Lord Carmen will arrive to purge the evil remaining along these shores. We don't have time to waste on these endless hordes.

Inquisitor Irene : Th-Then, I'll stay with you, sir!

High Inquisitor Dario : No. You ought to accompany them.
You should go see the ocean.

Inquisitor Irene : I...

High Inquisitor Dario : What saved your life, what let the rescuers find you... wasn't me. It was the Scriptures you hold in your hand.
Make the right choice. Do not bring shame to Iberia.

Inquisitor Irene : Understood, High Inquisitor.
I will become Iberia's eyes, and return the Stultifera to our country's embrace.

High Inquisitor Dario : Then go.
I look forward to seeing the moment you pass down the correct verdict.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, High Inquisitor!

[Irene heads out. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : You should leave too. Go with them.

Jordi : Sir... I don't want to. I want to stay here.

High Inquisitor Dario : It's too dangerous.

Jordi : I don't know a single thing about that golden vessel. The best I could do is bask in its magnificence, but... I don't think that's where my duty lies.
I, um, this might be a strange thing to say, but I... I only felt my own worth when I was exploring this lighthouse, so–
Please, let me stay here.

<Background 5>

[Skadi eliminates another of the Sea Terrors. ]

Skadi : Exactly one hundred down. But nothing has changed.

Specter : They're like stars in the sky.

Skadi : Breaking the encirclement would be simple, but defending the lighthouse? How long would we be slashing away?

Specter : What a fine, colorful carpet they make as their carcasses dissolve.
A carpet of life... Ah, this must be the most beautiful carpet in the land.

Skadi : (True, the nethersea brand is spreading, which means...)

[Dario shows up and immolates the Sea Terrors with lantern. ]

High Inquisitor Dario : Your weapons cannot burn them, but mine can.

Gladiia : That's only a temporary solution. Cauterizing the tips of the seagrass won't stop it from growing.

High Inquisitor Dario : It's good enough. Grab your people and get out of here. Steer the ship out, or you won't be able to get your bearings.

Gladiia : You realize what that means.

High Inquisitor Dario : You don't need to tell me, Ægir.

Gladiia : Very well. Do your best to survive, High Inquisitor.
Shark, Skadi!

Skadi : That's the ship...

Gladiia : Yes.

Gladiia : After so long spent waiting on land, we are finally about to return to Ægir. We...

「Gladiia's words slow to a halt.
Her hand caresses her neck. On her well-concealed skin is a patch that is rough to the touch. 」

「The ship is right in front of her eyes. –No, don't be hasty, Gladiia. The ocean is still dangerous. Otherwise, it would not have trapped the three Hunters ashore.
But without a doubt, her heart is smoldering. 」

<Background 4>

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

Jordi : They've left.

High Inquisitor Dario : That's right. Which means we're stranded here until the Penal Battalion's reinforcements arrive.

Jordi : ......

High Inquisitor Dario : You've done well, Ægir, so you've earned the right to answer a question.

Jordi : Ah, o-okay! I swear to answer truthfully!

High Inquisitor Dario : Did you make your own decision to leave the shore, and come here with us?
You're just an ordinary person. Janitor or whatever, you are no warrior. Few can wander out to sea, let alone witness a battle against the Sea Terrors.
Yet... Look, your expression doesn't shake at all under the light of my lantern. What are you thinking? What do you want?

Jordi : ......
I can't even remember ever seeing my mother or father. Everyone always told me I'm an Ægir, and that we came here to repair the lighthouse. But it's all ruined.
I... Before all this, I didn't know a single thing. I was lost and confused. To be honest, when the Sea Terrors came, Thi– Someone told me to leave as soon as possible. But...
Truthfully, I didn't even know where I could go.
Because I'm an Ægir, all I can do is keep my head down as I trudge through life. And, um... just so you know, I'm actually a chapel nurse, not a janitor.
But that doesn't really count as work, does it? All the things Mr. Elysium talks about, the way he acts... Maybe that's what it really means to live life upon this land.
That's why... I felt like this was an opportunity.

High Inquisitor Dario : Are you not afraid of death?

Jordi : I don't think there's anyone who isn't, sir.

High Inquisitor Dario : I should be frank with you. The nethersea brand has already completely engulfed the coastline. We don't have much time left.

Jordi : Oh.

High Inquisitor Dario : Lord Carmen and Dr. Kal'tsit may have their methods, but I'm not so optimistic.
When the others left, we were basically condemned to death.

Jordi : Is... that why you insisted on me going with them?

High Inquisitor Dario : It's too late to regret it now. You chose to defy me, of your own free will. But even if you die here, your death would be by no means meaningless.

Jordi : ......

High Inquisitor Dario : You're not shaken.

Jordi : Haha... Just a little bit, maybe. But even if I went with them, wouldn't I still have nine-to-one odds of dying?
As long as I stay here in this lighthouse, I can at least feel like I've already–

High Inquisitor Dario : Don't be in such a hurry to give up.
The Eye of Iberia should have its own defenses. Go start them up.

[Dario walks away from Jordi. ]

Jordi : Ah, alright. But, where will you go?

High Inquisitor Dario : Now...
We are alone at sea, far from our homeland.
Again and again we arrive on this little reef, the weight of our lives and of our vessels so much heavier than the place itself.

<Background 5>

Sea Terror : ...Hiss...

[A large number of Sea Terrors swarmed the area. ]

Sea Terror : (Swarms of slithering sounds)

High Inquisitor Dario : Between the ocean and Iberia, there is no such thing as justice... or evil.
Only sword and lantern–
Only me.

[Dario takes a stand against the Sea Terrors with his lantern and handcannon. ]

Notes

↑ 1.0 1.1 "Miss" in Spanish

"Shit" in Portuguese

Operation story: SN-6

Before operation

Summary

The lonely journey finally reaches a turning point. As the golden ship appears in front of the Hunters, a mysterious enemy lying dormant in the ship also responds.

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 1>

Kal'tsit : Breogan... was the owner of that key.
During Iberia's Golden Age, he became a guest of honor to the aristocrats and nobility. He was once seen as the symbol of the budding harmony between the Ægir Islanders and Iberians.
Nobody knows what he was doing right before the disaster, or what he lacked the time to do. But he had already left behind a significant legacy. And for you, significant directions.
Regardless, he is part of the past. I have no doubt you will be the ones to make the choice, here in the present.
As for the key... The question of why Breogan's key was left in Kazimierz is one we do not need answered.
But it was found by the Hunter, Skadi. This was no coincidence, but rather an inevitability. You all have a natural sensitivity towards the sea.
...Indeed, I handed the key to that band. You will learn what they truly are. Perhaps the Ægir will need to enlist their help.
They are also searching for answers. Most of them are young, uncomfortable with the ocean's changes. After all, they cannot truly leave the place of their birth.
Yes... I hope we'll succeed. Humanity faces too many problems, and the layers upon layers of disasters can easily extinguish the light of our current civilization.
Gladiia, if you wish to act alone, I won't try to dissuade you. Skadi is just like you. Perhaps all the Hunters are.
But whatever you do, don't think you can solve all of this land's problems by yourself.
Hm? Ask away. I will answer any of your questions.
Ishar-mla...?
Where did you hear that name?

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 2>

[Irene looked at where the ship is heading. ]

Inquisitor Irene : We're almost there.
But the ocean is just too vast. Even slight inaccuracies in the coordinates can lead to huge errors.
...It is also much calmer than I imagined.

Skadi : More than calm. Since leaving the lighthouse, we've actually faced fewer and fewer attacks.
Not even the wind or waves are stirring.

Inquisitor Irene : What does it mean?

Gladiia : It means–

Specter : Are you nervous, my poor little bird?

Inquisitor Irene : Eek! Wh-When did you– Stand where I can see you!
Who are you calling nervous, anyway? It's just... very, very few people manage to make it this far out into the ocean, so I... I can't be sure that–

Specter : Nay, your eyes are drawn back to over your shoulder, not to the horizon. You fear loss, more than the unknown.

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Gladiia : Your superior gave you this chance so you could board the Stultifera and to reach out to the Ægir, not for you to wallow indecisively.

Inquisitor Irene : ...I know that.

Gladiia : Before the fight comes to us, you must– Hey. Do you smell that, Shark?

Specter : Of course. Keep this cozy little boat slightly to the right, and soon we'll be able to see the bigger boat.
It's long since become yet another nest though. Do we really intend to dive right in?

Skadi : Do you need to rest, Specter?

Specter : Me? Is there something wrong with me? Why would you ask that?

Skadi : Your hand is shaking.

Specter : Hm?

「Specter looks down at her hand. The one not wielding a weapon is indeed trembling slightly in the sea breeze.
Her consciousness gradually clears up and plunges deep into the abyss, untouchable. 」

Specter : I... Ah, is this anxiety? Or... excitement?
But why?

Gladiia : ......

「Gladiia reaches out and gently holds Specter's hand, with Skadi following suit. The three Abyssal Hunters share a moment of silence. 」

Gladiia : Welcome home, Hunters.

「Gladiia solemnly steps onto the ship's bow.
The sea breeze cleaves a path through the night, carrying upon it a familiar scent.
The quiet vessel sleeps soundly atop the ocean. It is a vassal of the sea breeze, the guest of an era.
Idealism was ubiquitous in that era, and it reflected the peoples' spirit of exploration–as well as their arrogance.
Skadi and Gladiia gaze wordlessly at the ship.
In an instant, they are inundated with a flood of thoughts. But in the end, they are invariably dragged back to the past–their youth, their home, the rhythmic swaying of the ship.
Only Specter continues to grip tightly onto the weapon in her hand, the sea breeze picking up slightly.
This breeze will carry the Hunters home. 」

<Background 3>

[Sea Terrors are sighted in the streets... ]

Sea Terror : (Slithers across a rocky surface)

Kal'tsit : Mon3tr, burn them.

[...and Mon3tr attacks them under Kal'tsit's command... ]

Mon3tr : (Screeches)

[...turning them into charred remains. ]

Kal'tsit : Lord Carmen, we can't afford to stay here much longer. The team of Hunters is in danger.

Saint Carmen : The Penal Battalion is being held back. It seems even I have underestimated the extent of the Church of the Deep's taint.
We should've cleared a temporary forward base at Gran Faro, to continue the pursuit.

Kal'tsit : We didn't have a choice.

Saint Carmen : If we have no way of securing the town, we'll be under attack from both sides.

Kal'tsit : An Iberian Tercio consists of at least ten companies, approximately three thousand people. The officers of the Penal Battalion are more than sufficient to lead them to victory.

Saint Carmen : You seem quite knowledgeable about this.

Kal'tsit : We've crossed paths more than once.

Saint Carmen : Are you suggesting we let the Penal Battalion handle Gran Faro, and head straight to the Eye of Iberia?
I wouldn't be opposed to that proposal, were we dealing with Victoria's fleet.

Kal'tsit : Otherwise, our losses will be even greater.

Saint Carmen : ......

[Frost walks toward Kal'tsit and St. Carmen. ]

Frost : (Riffs)

Kal'tsit : Miss Frost? Why are you–

Frost : A warm-up workout, she said.
We come from the sea. We are the sea.
However... (Riffs dejectedly)

Saint Carmen : ...If you're willing to help, that would be ideal. What can you offer?

Frost : I can make them listen. Listen to my song.

Saint Carmen : And your companions?

Frost : Apologies in advance, but Dan wants to borrow that chapel. The others are in there thinking up new songs.

Saint Carmen : Music? Your melodies are considerably different from what I used to hear in Leithanien. Are you sure they'll be interested in this sort of thing?

Frost : (Riffs tersely)
The meaning of life... is music.
I just want to clean up the venue before the show starts.

「Frost slowly pulls out her guitar.
Carmen cannot help but be surprised. He can tell that the organism in front of him is truly, genuinely thinking about "music." Her words contained no superfluous intentions.
It is by no means a metaphor. Use the word as such, and Frost's attention will quickly wander. She only thinks about music. Only this form of art, capable of stimulating her soul, can hold her attention. 」

Sea Terror : (Flinching slithering sounds)

Frost : (Riffs experimentally)

「The lurking Sea Terrors circle around her. Observing, examining, judging.
They dare not wantonly approach her. They smell a familiar scent. They realize that the guitarist in front of them is a hollow vessel. Her distant connection resonates through the depths bestowed to them as their birthright.
Even on land, they instantly feel as if they have become one with the sea. 」

Sea Terror : (Conflicted, confused slithering sounds)

Saint Carmen : How... miraculous.
These creatures are intimately connected with the land itself. In their eyes, are humans and Sea Terrors no different?

「Frost does not answer. She is intoxicated by the melody, consumed by the passion.
Kal'tsit knows that the question was rhetorical. 」

Saint Carmen : Kal'tsit, was this also part of your plans? For them to sit on the coast, while the Penal Battalion delves into the sea?

Kal'tsit : If you choose to believe so, then yes.

Saint Carmen : But the Penal Battalion didn't even have time to prepare even a single ship for us.

Kal'tsit : There's already one sitting along the shore.
It's been years since the Gran Faro project was scrapped.

Saint Carmen : ...First we must uproot the evil that still grips this land.
I remain an Inquisitor. I will not sit idly by and watch the corruption that's been infesting Iberia slip away, right before my eyes.

<Background 4>

[The Abyssal Hunters trio and Irene boards the Stultifera Navis. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Woah!

Specter : Are you alright?

Inquisitor Irene : L-Let go of me! Don't just go around picking people up!

Specter : But, my fragile little bird, how will you climb up this tall deck if I don't carry you?

Inquisitor Irene : Th-That's not what I meant– Tch, forget it...
......

Specter : What's the matter?

「Inquisitor Irene simply stares blankly at the scenery in front of her.
A dim sliver of light in front of the pitch-black sea. In front of the ship's mast, time seems to have stood still for the past sixty years. 」

Inquisitor Irene : So this... is the Stultifera. "Stultifera Navis." The Ship of Fools.
The flagship that housed both scholars and soldiers, the floating palace of a fallen dynasty. It's quite... different from how it's described in the books.
......

Gladiia : Let's go.

Inquisitor Irene : W-Wait!
What are you even searching for, on a ship this big?

Gladiia : Breogan was an Ægir.
This key must be hiding some sort of clue that the Ægir wanted to leave behind.

Inquisitor Irene : A key? What is it meant to open?

Gladiia : That's what I'm here to find out.

Inquisitor Irene : Even ignoring its size, the ship's also been lost at sea for sixty years. How do you plan to–

Gladiia : Perhaps you young Iberians haven't had much exposure to these transport vessels. Even with Breogan's help, this thing was so shoddily built.

Inquisitor Irene : Why you...!

Gladiia : Were the seas calm on our way here? I'm sure you know the answer.
Then my next question for you is this: "why didn't this ship sink?"

Inquisitor Irene : You don't mean–

「Footsteps. Heavy, viscous footsteps.
A shadow appears upon the deck, where no living beings should stir.
No, Irene immediately reprimands herself for having such a thought. Gladiia's question was also on her mind. Along the shore, in the waters. She's already seen so many of these. 」

[A bipedal Seaborn wearing elaborate accessories reveal itself before Irene and the Hunters. ]

??? : ......

「The moment she sees the enemy, the young, talented Inquisitor Irene's first instinct is to hold her breath.
By the time she remembers how to breathe, Gladiia has already stepped forward. 」

??? : (Screeching howl) –!

[Gladiia charges at the Seaborn, but it manages to dodge her consecutive attacks. ]

??? : ......

Gladiia : Interesting, you managed to dodge it.

??? : ......!

[Specter attacks the Seaborn while it is distracted, knocking it down. ]

Specter : Not for long.

[The Seaborn runs away... ]

Skadi : Don't even think about it!

[...and the Hunters try to stop it, but it evades the attacks as it enters the Stultifera Navis' cabin. ]

Skadi : What...?

Inquisitor Irene : It hid inside the cabin! Should we chase it?

[Gladiia looks at the direction the Seaborn escaped. ]

Gladiia : ...Yes, that is where it went.
But why would it hide inside? We're out in the middle of the ocean.

Skadi : What do we do?

Gladiia : ......
It's not alone. There's more than one Seaborn on this ship. And even more Sea Terrors.
We should split up.

Skadi : I'll go after it.

Gladiia : I'll head down.

Inquisitor Irene : D-Down? How? Do you people already know the layout of this ship?

Gladiia : We don't, but that's nothing a sharp blade can't solve.

Inquisitor Irene : Excuse me?! This is the most important legacy of the Iberian sages we're talking about here!

Specter : And where will you go, little bird?

Inquisitor Irene : I... I have an obligation to supervise you. So I'll go with you.
There are so many mysteries shrouding the Stultifera. If it's been preserved this well, why did it never try to return to Iberia in the last sixty years?
As an Inquisitor, I must uncover the truth.

Specter : Shall we hold hands then?

Inquisitor Irene : Wh-What's the meaning of this?!

Specter : You are a fruit of elegance and grace. But your hard work and natural talents are worthless before the enemies you'll face.
I fear we will lose you with but a momentary lapse of focus.

Inquisitor Irene : ...You look down on others too much, Ægir.

Gladiia : Keep her safe then.

Specter : Will do.

Gladiia : Shark.

Specter : Hm?

Gladiia : Did you remember something?

Specter : ...The sea breeze told me. It spoke of a sculpture. It is weeping, waiting for me.
Will I be able to find it on this ship?

Gladiia : Of course. But make it quick.
I'll be waiting for you.

[Inside her mind, Specter slashes a sculpture, bringing it down. ]

Skadi : What sculpture?

Specter : Well, let us say our greetings to the deceased while searching for its whereabouts, Skadi.

Skadi : ...I'm glad you still remember my name.

<Background 5>

[Irene and Skadi enters the Stulitifera Navis' gold-lined corridors. ]

Inquisitor Irene : This place... really is fit to be a palace.
But, how is it so pristine? There's not a speck of dust to be found. Look, even the floorboards are sparkling.

Skadi : Maybe someone wanted to keep it tidy.

Inquisitor Irene : Who though?

Skadi : Who knows.

Inquisitor Irene : ......
You said you were going to pursue that monster. How are you planning on doing that?

Skadi : Its scent doesn't lie.
Though this place is full of putrid smells. There must be more–

[Sea Terrors show up before Irene and Skadi... ]

Sea Terror : (Laborious slithering sounds)

Inquisitor Irene : Sea Terrors!

Skadi : As expected, they turned this place into a nest.

[...but Specter, seemingly had regained her sanity, rips them apart with her buzzsaw. ]

Specter : I'll handle this.

Sea Terror : (Slithers around in place)

Skadi : –Wait! Specter! The scent's coming from below!

[Suddenly the floor collapses, bringing Irene, Skadi, and Specter to the lower levels. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Ugh–

<Background black>

「Ishar-mla.
Ishar-mla. 」

<Background 6>

[Irene, Skadi, and Specter landed from the collapse in what appears to be the Stultifera Navis' ballroom. ]

Skadi : Urgh, that impact... Are you alright, Specter?

Specter : ......

Skadi : ...Specter? Laurentina!
What are you looking at? A mirror? Why is there a mirror?

[Specter walks toward the mirror, but... ]

Specter : ...The mirror's been broken.

Skadi : What's with this place? Why did the Iberians make a transport vessel into a palace?
It's nothing like Rhodes Island.

Specter : ......

Skadi : Is there anything special about the mirror?

Specter : I saw it.

「At first, there was a speck of light from the surface of the shattered mirror. But it quickly gave way to the dark shadow beneath it. Its eye.
The Seaborn had long been waiting here, sitting alone in its golden hall. 」

「A bipedal Seaborn, different from the one earlier, shows up before Skadi and Specter. 」

Seaborn : ...Ishar-mla, La-tina, Louu-tina, Laren-tina......?

Skadi : It's young... No, we can't judge their strength by size. Another Seaborn, without a doubt.
Sea Terrors too! They're gathering, Specter!

[A number of Sea Terrors showed up, but... ]

「Specter ignores her words as she stares blankly at the mirror. And at the Seaborn behind it. 」

Specter : ...You remember me?

「The Seaborn nods slightly. It looks at Specter and Skadi with confusion. Thinking.
Why are they different from how they were in "the past"? What happened to them? How can it help free them from their shackles of flesh and blood? 」

Specter : ......!

Skadi : Specter!

Specter : I...

Skadi : Don't think about it!

Specter : I'm not.

「Her tone had changed.
Skadi looks at Specter with astonishment. She had never been able to get a definite answer from either Gladiia or Kal'tsit regarding the moment of clarity Specter displayed in Sal Viento. 」

Skadi : Laurentina, you...

Specter : Laurentina. Yes, Laurentina.
Look, here on the scroll hanging from my weapon. Back when I wrote my name down and hung it here, I could still remember where I was born.
Ahhh... A lucid dream, huh? Really, it's been too long.

Skadi : Specter.

Specter : Mm. We can reminisce later.
Whether in Sal Viento or aboard this familiar-yet-unfamiliar vessel, I really hope that next time I'm awakened, it's by Ægir's resplendent domes instead of you ugly monsters.

Seaborn : ......

Specter : Hey, thanks for sitting back and letting me finish. Wait, you weren't seriously about to call us your kin were you? Gross.
Come on. Why don't you take a little nap too?
Sink into the quagmire of consciousness, and relinquish the gift of life.

Seaborn : –– (Screeches)

SN-ST-6: Lower Hall

Summary

In the middle of the battle with the mysterious Seaborn, the true master of the ship appears. The decades have not robbed him of his human mind, but he refuses to acknowledge reality, and views the past with anger.

<Background 1>

[As Irene heads through the corridors, she encounters more Sea Terrors. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Tch... the further in we go, the more Sea Terrors there are.
It's getting dangerous...
......
Maestro... how do I become like them...?

[The humanoid Seaborn from before drops itself in front of Irene. ]

??? : Gkh...

Inquisitor Irene : Seaborn?!
(It's the same one we saw on the deck. The Hunter's attacks didn't do any damage?!)

??? : ......

Inquisitor Irene : (How will it come at me? With its limbs? Its fangs?)
(My handcannon... I need to create distance–)

??? : ......

Inquisitor Irene : Wait.
Wait a second! What's that on your belt?!
Why would you... could you be...?!

??? : Graaaahhhh!!

[Suddenly the Seaborn charges at Irene, who barely managed to guard its attack. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Argh! *Cough*
(What strength! I barely managed to block it!)

??? : ...I...
......

Inquisitor Irene : Do you have something to say, monster?
I can't go down here... I won't!
I'm an Inquisitor of Iberia!

<Background 2>

High Inquisitor Dario : *Cough*...
It has taken too long to burn away the nethersea brand.
The situation's not looking good.

[A large number of Sea Terrors close in on Dario. ]

Sea Terror : (Numerous slithering sounds)

<Background 3>

Jordi : (I can see what's going on down there from here.)
How many hours have passed? How much longer can he hang on?
I... if I... no, don't think about it, Jordi. Focus!
The Inquisition... Hurry...

<Background 4>

[Specter fights the Seaborn, and both are evenly matched. ]

Specter : Is that all?

Seaborn : Grr...

Specter : Listen to your friends wail. The flower of Sal Viento at least had its beauty, but what about you?
As my first dance lesson after waking up, I must say you're underwhelming.

Seaborn : Gkh!

Skadi : It's getting away!

Specter : I'll go after it. You go find the little Iberian bird.

Skadi : How are you feeling?

Specter : Better than ever. My memories are tumbling down like a waterfall from the heavens. It'll take a while for the full picture to emerge, though.
And some of my more recent memories are rather embarrassing.

Skadi : I'll go. Your mind is still unstable.

Specter : Oh? Trying to steal my prey?

Skadi : It'll try to escape to the sea.

Specter : Of course it will. But it wasn't running just because it couldn't win.
What did it find?

Skadi : We don't have time–

[The sound of Irene firing her handcannon at the Seaborn interrupts the talk between Specter and Skadi... ]

??? : ......

[...as the Inquisitor runs toward the two. ]

Inquisitor Irene : *cough* I'll never get used to handcannons.
Hey, where are you–
Huh? The Abyssal Hunters?

Specter : Hello, Irene. I see you've brought us more prey.

Inquisitor Irene : Did you just call me Irene? Have you... have you regained your memories?

Specter : Not entirely, but I know I'm in a great mood right now.

Skadi : This is not the time.
That's the one from the deck. It's fast enough to dodge the captain's lunge.

Specter : I really must tip my hat to you, Irene. For chasing it all the way here without taking a scratch.

Inquisitor Irene : I can't take credit for it. It hardly even attacked. Look, it's still not, even now.

Specter : I see... I thought it wouldn't be able to resist if we chatted like this and showed it an opening.

??? : ......

Specter : Your friend just left, you know. It's not too late to go after them.
Or are you a pacifist too?

<Background 1>

[Gladiia walks through the corridors. ]

Gladiia : ......

Gladiia : (Kazimierz, a landlocked country where Skadi stayed for a time. A place of sprawling grasslands and forests, the Land of Knights.)
(Knights...)

[Gladiia remembers The Last Knight from back during the battle for the Eye of Iberia. ]

Gladiia : Is it a coincidence? Or did something draw him there?
This ship, Breogan. What did you intend to leave behind for your homeland? Where have you hidden the answer?
...Hmm.

[Gladiia noticed the remains of many Sea Terrors nearby. ]

Gladiia : (Sea Terror carcasses? And not only that...)
(The wounds are clean and precise. They show no signs of resistance. Scents mingle in the air. The air here is stale.)
(What else is there on this ship?)

<Background 4>

??? : –

Inquisitor Irene : Your belt and pocket watch are undoubtedly human in origin, and even in the Iberian style!
What are you?

??? : ......

Specter : It's stalling for time.

Skadi : This will get complicated if the other one gets back to the ocean.

??? : ......

Specter : Still not attacking? What a passive dance partner.
I'll take the lead, Skadi.

Skadi : Right.

[Specter and Skadi attacks the Seaborn together... ]

??? : –Guh!

[...that does not retaliate yet continues standing. ]

??? : Guh... grrrr... gah...

Specter : Come on, fight back already. I'm starting to feel like the bad guy.

Skadi : ...No!
It's not stalling for time!

Who defiles my Iberia? Heathens...

[A bell tolls. ]

Inquisitor Irene : The sound of bells?! What?

??? : (Sharp screech)

[The Seaborn heads to a throne at the ballroom, where... ]

「Bells echo through the empty hall.
The lights in the hall flash. The Seaborn lands in the direction of the throne while the three are distracted.
Yes, the throne.
There is a throne on this Iberian ship. A symbol of pride, power, arrogance, and deceit. 」

Specter : It's like...

「Specter trails off, knowing what she was about to say was far too absurd.
It wears a crown, and drapes itself in the same colors as the curtains. It kneels by the side of the throne, the two inextricably bonded with one another.
It resembles the queens and ministers of old, serving the golden sun of Iberia.
A silhouette emerges from behind the throne.
Irene raises her lantern over her head, trying to illuminate the shadowy figure. 」

<Background 4>

[A half-Seaborn, half-Forte, who is likely to be the captain of the Stultifera Navis (or what's left of him) judging from his appearance, walks toward the trio. ]

Seaborn? : Why do you set foot on my ship?
*cough* *cough* Pah.
Who would ignore a question from the great Alfonso? Why are you here?

Captain Alfonso : Why have you broken the silence, and come for MY Iberia, which had lain forgotten for decades?
I will start with you. Answer me, child of Old Iberia.

Inquisitor Irene : –

「Irene could not believe her eyes.
She'd seen the Seaborn's face before. She had devoted much time of her time during her Inquisitor training to the study of history, immersing herself in doctrines and creeds.
How dare this Seaborn claim to be Alfonso?
How dare it claim to be Iberia's greatest ship captain? 」

Inquisitor Irene : –You, you can't possibly be the captain of this ship, monster!
Alfonso was almost fifty years-old sixty years ago, but you look even younger than the great hero was back then!

「Irene knows she is shaken, but she cannot show weakness.
She reflexively raises her lantern, as her commanding officer would have. 」

Inquisitor Irene : Drop the mask, Seaborn!

Captain Alfonso : ......

??? : ......

「The light of her lantern flickers. The tiny speck in the Inquisitor's hand seems to fit the word "lost" better than the lights of this golden hall.
The Golden Age.
The "Seaborn" briefly lays its eyes on Irene before turning away dismissively, rubbing "Alfonso's" inhuman arm.
A short silence surrounds the hero. 」

Captain Alfonso : "Seaborn"? I don't like that name.
Tell me your name, child of Old Iberia.

Inquisitor Irene : I am Irene, Inquisitor of Iberia.
And "Old Iberia"? You dare defile the name of–

Captain Alfonso : And you dare talk to me like that?!

??? : (A screech interrupts the exchange)

Inquisitor Irene : Agh!

Captain Alfonso : Where were you when we burned Victoria's ships and sunk the Lion King's honor to the bottom of the lake?
Where were you when I paved the streets of Sal Viento with pure gold, brought back in my ships?
Where were you when the Tercios darkened Leithanien's dawn like a black cloud?

Inquisitor Irene : You–

Captain Alfonso : (Violent coughing) *cough* *cough* Pah.
I am Alfonso, Duke of Old Iberia, Admiral of the Armada, Captain of the Stultifera, and King of my own kingdom. You, a mere Inquisitor, dare question me?

??? : ...(Shakes head impatiently)

Captain Alfonso : So the church's fools have crossed the ocean to find me. What did you expect, a pat on the back?
Go back. No matter how you got here, the Stultifera Navis does not welcome you. Garcia, my chief mate... no need be so bothered by them.
They will repay the sea a thousand fold for the blood they made you spill.

Chief Mate : Ah... (Nods)

Inquisitor Irene : Mocking the Inquisition is a serious crime in Iberia.

Captain Alfonso : Did you not understand what I just said? Leave. There is not a single living soul on this ship, child of Old Iberia.

Inquisitor Irene : We've sacrificed so much to–!

Captain Alfonso : ......

Inquisitor Irene : –I'm not here to ask for your permission!

Captain Alfonso : Such impertinence. This is why I never liked the church.
A crime? Against a church too helpless to stand against even the feeble royal house?
......
If you're really from Old Iberia, then tell me. Who is the incumbent pope? Carmen?

Inquisitor Irene : ...You know Saint Carmen's name?

Captain Alfonso : Saint? A saint? Ha...
Haha... A saint... Hahaha.

Inquisitor Irene : What are you laughing at?!

Captain Alfonso : He didn't even have the mettle to become pope? Does he not feel ashamed when he sees himself in the mirror?
No wonder it took you sixty years to find this place. It seems disaster has made Iberia weak.
But no matter. Before the ship's doctor joined the corals, we discussed what might have become of Iberia. This is not unexpected.
The floor that you stand on, this immaculate golden hall–THIS is the motherland I know.
THIS is Iberia, not the backwater you speak of, half of which you refuse to see or understand.
How far has the once-great empire fallen? Is it really so pathetic that it took you sixty years to find me?

「Alfonso descends from the podium.
Irene takes a step back. Her lantern flickers. 」

Captain Alfonso : Now then, why are there two Ægir with you? There is no place for the Ægir in my Iberia.

Specter : We meant no offense, Captain. We were merely chasing some ugly monsters, and mistook your chief mate for one of them.

Skadi : ...How did you survive so long here?

Captain Alfonso : That's the question, ain't it, you Ægir fools? It's been so, so many years since I took up hunting, as a hobby. Either today or tomorrow should've been the day of reckoning.
But you chased away my quarry. Now we must once again rely on those–
–No. Wait... no!

Skadi : ...?

Captain Alfonso : You... you are not Ægir! You're more than Ægir! Both of you!
What's your name?

Skadi : ...Skadi.

Captain Alfonso : No, no. No no no, Ægir. Don't try to deceive me. We may have been trapped on this ship for decades, but we are no fools.
They call you Ishar-mla.

<Background 5>

[The bell that tolls can be heard. ]

Amaia : Did you hear the bells, Ulpianus?

Ulpianus : It's a miracle that anything works on this ship at all.

Amaia : Here, the bells signal the start of the hunt.

Ulpianus : But who's the hunter, and who's the prey?

Amaia : The children of the ocean don't care. If they consider Alfonso to be their kin–albeit weakened–they're willing to offer their own flesh and blood, all to ensure the survival of the strong.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : A Hunter approaches.

Ulpianus : Gladiia. She's too sharp. The skills I learned on land will only work for so long. She'll detect me soon.

Amaia : What will you do?

Ulpianus : What will YOU do?

Amaia : Answering a question with a question? I... I'm interested in your choice, Ulpianus.
I never expected to become interested in the Abyssal Hunters again, but Laurentina fascinates me. I see so much possibility in her.
And you, you've made your choice of your own accord, while retaining your sanity. Have you noticed? More and more, you're becoming like one of us.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : Can you reach the truth? Cast aside revelation, lay open the body of god, and learn the truth of the gods of the sea?
The answer you're seeking is tantalizing. Heh, look at me, showing curiosity. Perhaps there's something human in me yet.

Ulpianus : The revelation is imprinted upon the instincts of god's children. Our ways of thinking couldn't be more different.

Amaia : Oh my.
You sound even more like a Seaborn than I do.

SN-ST-7: Ballroom

Summary

On the Stultifera, the Hunters are unable to reach an agreement with Alfonso, just as it is impossible for the cultists and townspeople of Gran Faro to reconcile with the Inquisition. Conflicts deeply-rooted, with a dire need for resolution.

<Background 1>

Bizarre Cultist : Ah, you've returned.

[The woman from before, who turned out to be in cahoots with the Church of the Deep, enters the bar. ]

Calm Townsperson : ......

Bizarre Cultist : Thank you for your contribution. I know how painful it must be for someone like you to go against your faith.
But providence lies just ahead. This is by no means a false promise, but true redemption.
I thank you.

Calm Townsperson : Lord Carmen is far beyond our comprehension. There's no point trying to deceive him. He will discover the truth before long.
You should also thank Thiago. Our lie has condemned him to death at the hands of the Inquisition.

Bizarre Cultist : ...I have never seen the Herald of the Sea, but rumor has it, the Herald will not refuse the requests of its kin.
Because the choices of kin must surely benefit the entire kind, the thoughts of kin must also be shared by the entire kind. We ought to learn from this, as this is also a part of the Cycle.

Calm Townsperson : Then we'll let Thiago worry about himself.
But...

Bizarre Cultist : Ah, you still have doubts. They are unnecessary.

Calm Townsperson : Our prophet, Miss Amaia. Will she really be able to come back?

Bizarre Cultist : She has simply chosen to return to the sea one step ahead of us. She is to locate our path, our Herald, and the trails of the sleeping city.
If she returns, it is to help her kin. If she does not, it is because she is making preparations.
We needn't worry too much about her. Just know that she wishes to avoid the scrutiny of the Inquisition, regardless of where she might be.

Calm Townsperson : ...Then this person, this Iberian. Why did we abduct him?

Elysium : ......

Bizarre Cultist : His patroness seems to have made some kind of agreement with Carmen. He is an enemy.

Elysium : Haha... I really wish you'd choose another way of describing my relationship with the doctor.

Bizarre Cultist : You've been investigating us, have you not?
I've devoted quite a lot of time explaining our ideals to you, and we would prefer not to hurt you. Have you thought things through?

Elysium : I think I've heard everything I need to know about your hypocrisy.

Bizarre Cultist : ...Hypocrisy? Ah, you still speak of morality, the morality of the human realm.

Elysium : I couldn't care less what these Sea Terrors or Seaborn really are. All I see are a bunch of outlaws inventing a reason to vent their frustrations with Iberia and the Inquisition.
While I haven't lived here for a particularly long time, I AM an Iberian.
And I've been to a lot of places and seen a lot of different things. People like you who think they're special are actually a dime a dozen.
If the gods you talk about are real, and, uh, all that nonsense about being the pinnacle of evolution or the bleeding edge of life–
–Then surely those gods must look down on people like you, right?

Calm Townsperson : How dare you!

Bizarre Cultist : ...No, he's right. That is why the Herald no longer speaks to us. That is why only Amaia can hear the voice of the ocean, and only she can guide us.

Elysium : (So there really was something off about Amaia. Tch, I should've caught on sooner.)
(That said...)

[Thiago enters the bar. ]

Thiago : ......

Bizarre Cultist : How's it looking?

Thiago : Whatever those things of yours are, that nethersea brand, they aren't able to get into the center of town at all.
That black monster can do more than fly, it can even belch out terrifying jets of flame. The nethersea brand can't spread faster than it's being burned.
If this gets dragged out, then Gran Faro will fall into the Inquisition's hands as soon as the Sea Terrors holding back the Penal Battalion are exterminated.
Then we all die.

Bizarre Cultist : No, Thiago, no.
All these things you speak of... You do not grieve for the kin who willingly give themselves up to hold back our enemies.
In other words, you are not yet resolved to sacrifice yourself for our entire kind at a moment's notice.

Thiago : Don't talk to me like that. Our interests happen to line up this time. I'm just an old fogey with no interest in becoming an ocean-hugger.

Bizarre Cultist : ...What a lowborn, stubborn creature.

Thiago : Same to you, friend.
And you, lad, didn't I warn you not to meddle in other peoples' affairs?

Elysium : Thiago, you–

Bizarre Cultist : You know each other?

Thiago : ......

Elysium : Ugh...

Thiago : No. He's just an outsider who kept hanging around the chapel. As the mayor, I need to have at least some idea of every person in town.
You should've stayed out of it.

Elysium : ......

Thiago : Right then.
We should act soon, right? Or are we going to wait for the Inquisitor and his monster-wielding accomplice to burn my town to the ground?

Bizarre Cultist : We will not. You seem awfully attached to this city. Why?

Thiago : Gran Faro is the embodiment of our generation-spanning vision to rebuild our country, heretic. Ask any of the Iberians who've joined you, and you'll understand.

<Background 2>

Skadi : I am Skadi, not Ishar'mla.

Captain Alfonso : You pronounce it differently, but what does it mean?

Skadi : I...

「Skadi knows, but dares not answer.
Gladiia told her that she is alright, and she is willing to believe her.
But that is only an escape. She knows what the name means.
It means a thunderous roar within the abyss. Flesh and bone rubbing against the rock walls until only the Will remains, surging beyond the ocean.
It means that after that harrowing battle, something was left in her body. "Something." 」

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 3>

Seaborn : My blood and your blood are identical.
You smell my scent, exactly as we smell your scent.
You find us, kill us...
When we do not understand, we kill you too.
We feed the ocean. Our bodies have provided for the ocean.
Ishar-mla, we possess the same home.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 2>

Captain Alfonso : Inquisitor! How dare you join forces with them!

Inquisitor Irene : W-What?

Captain Alfonso : Get off my ship this instant! Otherwise you'll join them in my hunt, as the quarry!

Specter : Easy there, Mister Captain.
Now tell me, how did you... come to learn of this name?

Captain Alfonso : I'll tell you exactly how. We ate the flesh of these things and our bodies began to change. I personally executed three of the survivors, until only we remained.
Now it's my turn to ask you–their blood also flows in your veins. I can smell it. And you must be more special than the others.

Skadi : What are you–

Captain Alfonso : Look at my hand.

「Skadi looks down.
One of the captain's arms has taken on the form of a Seaborn, its newly-formed webbing clearly visible, and its tentacle-like extensions ever squirming.
He seems to be making an effort to restrain it. By the looks of it, whatever is inside that arm is also interfering with his body. 」

Captain Alfonso : It thirsts for my mind. It tells me to liberate you, to talk to you, to listen to your thoughts.
Get off my ship before I kill the lot of you. Only by killing you can I maintain my sanity as a human–begone!

Inquisitor Irene : –We've paid an immense price just to get here. If you truly still are that Iberian hero, then you should join us!

Captain Alfonso : ...Think carefully, little Inquisitor.
I've been in a bitter struggle for my life on this ship for longer than my homeland has been at war. What could you possibly understand?
A single year of confinement can break a person's will. Do you have any idea how many years we've spent here, flirting with the waves?

Inquisitor Irene : Um...

Captain Alfonso : Seven or eight years ago, I personally executed the last crew member and threw him into the sea. He died as a human. He was the last to.
We were Iberia's best sailors, warriors, and scientists, stalwart in our faith. The most common way to die aboard this ship... was suicide.
You can't imagine what I've been through. The left side of my body snatched away even my dreams. I no longer needed sleep. That itself was a form of torture.
And during this prolonged torture, I've had naught to do but hunt those monsters, large and small, and while away the remaining hours polishing my ship.
Leave me and my chief mate be, and return to where you came from.
I don't belong to you, or to the sea. I belong only to my Iberia. To the Stultifera Navis.

<Background 4>

「Gladiia stops walking.
While she contemplates why this place is so clean, she notices a change in the scent.
Seaborn. Of course there are Seaborn here.
But, what is the cause of this impure odor? And where did this vague premonition she is starting to feel come from?
She can only continue walking, following the path etched in the back of her mind, and attempt to reach the depths of the ship.
Suddenly, she comes to a stop. 」

Gladiia : ...Don't you think you're being a bit too obtuse, appearing on this primitive transport vessel that hasn't docked in over sixty years?
Bishop of the Deep.

[Amaia, who turned out to be one of the Church of the Deep's bishops like Quintus back in Sal Viento, reveals herself. ]

Amaia : You saw through me immediately. Do you suppose that means I chose the wrong place to appear?

Gladiia : You followed us here.

Amaia : Hardly. Strictly speaking, I was the one who arrived first.
The ocean communicates with me. It accepts me. It aids me. From the very beginning, coming to this ship was a trivial task.

Gladiia : ......

Amaia : That you've been able to suppress your urge to rush forward and slay me is already quite impressive.
Is it because you feel this ship is vital to your grand plans?

Gladiia : What are you after?

Amaia : ...You killed Quintus.

Gladiia : I should've known better. So even you test-tube watching bottomfeeders–pardon my language–will pursue vengeance?

Amaia : No, you misunderstand.
Quintus was a bit too eager to attain results, and that temperament of his not only led to his demise, but also demonstrated conclusively that he was born human.
Not that that's something to be ashamed of. Under our doctrine, we will never become what we seek to be by thought alone.
"Only changes to nerve and sinew can be considered real." Wouldn't you agree, Abyssal Hunter?

Gladiia : ......

Amaia : We don't need to be enemies. I have no plans to do anything to you.
One's end is decided at the moment of one's birth. Nothing can change this immutable fact.

Gladiia : You went through all the effort to follow us out to sea, just to spew this nonsense?

Amaia : Ah, about that...
That's not something you need to know.

[Amaia summons several Sea Terrors at Gladiia. ]

Gladiia : Those lowly creatures won't be able to hold me back.

「Amaia smiles sweetly but does not answer. A blue light emerges from under her feet, and it soon envelops the entire corridor.
The "nethersea brand." 」

Gladiia : ...The nethersea brand at Gran Faro. So those traps were your handiwork.

Amaia : Hardly. You're all so quick to blame your every misfortune on the Church of the Deep, but never stop to consider the truth behind these phenomena.
These children have always existed in Gran Faro. I simply... found them.

Gladiia : Hmph, cut the crap.

Amaia : We're out in the middle of the ocean. Our touch, invisible to the naked eye, is everywhere. This ship may not be of much use in your quest to return to Ægir.
But, must you really insist on returning? Have you never had the slightest inclination to... listen to what the Heralds have to say?

Gladiia : Seems you aren't too different from that stupid bishop after all. You've never even been in a real fight. Otherwise, you'd never say such an idiotic thing to a Hunter.

Amaia : No. But not all Hunters take such pride in their arrogance.

Gladiia : ......

Amaia : We will meet again, Gladiia. You've disappointed me, but that's fine. Perhaps it's for the better that you have something to break out of.

Gladiia : Meaning?

Amaia : But whether you come or go, or whether Ægir comes and goes, is not for me to decide.

Gladiia : You won't be leaving this conversation alive though?

Amaia : Oh really?

[A small Seaborn charges at Gladiia while screeching. ]

Seaborn : (Earsplitting screech) –!!

Gladiia : ......

Amaia : Quintus should've had a Herald by his side. You've fought with that Herald. You've spoken with that Herald.
While you stagnate in place, the ocean is ever in motion.
Ægir is far from smart enough to curb evolution itself.

[Amaia walks away. ]

Gladiia : Hold it!

Seaborn : Gla-dia...

Gladiia : Such weak, pitiful prey that cannot even speak. More like a beast.
Hurry up and die. I still have a score to settle with that bishop. I need answers from her.

<Background 2>

[The Seaborn's screech from before reaches the ballroom. ]

Captain Alfonso : –Did you hear that, Chief Mate? Our quarry brays. It calls out to us.

「The monster known as the chief mate nods slightly, and uses its claws to straighten the crown that's started to slip from its head. 」

Captain Alfonso : It brays, it calls out to us– You brought yet more rabble with you?!

Specter : It must be Swordfish...
She must've discovered something. There's something unusual about the smell here, the sea breeze is confusing us.

Captain Alfonso : Good thing these filthy Ægir haven't scared it away. We've already been romping around for months, and I'd hate to see my ship even more beat up.

Inquisitor Irene : By hunt... Do you mean you're hunting the Seaborn?

Captain Alfonso : Seaborn? ... (Laughs huskily) Sure am.
Hunting to live off the bounty of the land–hasn't humanity done so since the dawn of time?
But if you still haven't left by the clock's next chime, you WILL die.

[Alfonso and the "chief mate" runs off to the hunt. ]

Operation story: SN-7

After operation

Summary

The ragtag group defeats the newly-spawned Seaborn, but Amaia and Ulpianus have their own plans. The mysterious legacy of the legendary shipwright is within arm's reach, but Gladiia senses kin that have separated from the many.

「I see it.
I see Alfonso heading to the great hall every day. He's named it "Iberia."
He's moved the mirror from his bedroom to the hall, and spends day after day examining himself.
Ever since the head chef and young Jamie were executed, he and I are the only ones left. 」

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 1>

Chief Mate : ......

Captain Alfonso : There you are.
How long was I asleep? Feels like I barely got any rest before I found myself awake.

Chief Mate : Uhh... Not long... But...

Captain Alfonso : No need to force yourself. I know it hurts when you talk.
These lowly monsters leave plenty of blood behind, so let's use that to write instead.

「I nod. In the corner are buckets, filled with the blood of our quarry. 」

Captain Alfonso : Time passes too slowly. I barely slept at all, but my dreams felt even longer than all the decades behind us...
Is it time we gave up then? It's been a long, long while since young Jamie and the old chef left us. Should we follow them?

「We should give up.
My consciousness blurs more and more, like the feeling of being entangled right before waking from a dream.
It is not just my flesh that is changing, but everything about me. Everything that makes me a living being.
We should give up. We should end ourselves before we're devoured. The infinite, boundless ocean. The sea breeze. The waves. The whispers. 」

Captain Alfonso : ...Chief Mate, this is our ship. Our ideals.
Sooner or later, we'll lose even the strength to walk. But that won't happen to her. Not the Stultifera Navis.
That cigar-chomping engineer was right. Even if we all die, this ship will never sink.
Today... is just another twenty-four hours in one long, unending day.

Chief Mate : ... (Scrawls some words using the blood of Sea Terrors)

Captain Alfonso : Don't... give up?
Hah! Look at what you've become. I can't even see your sea-blue eyes anymore. Wouldn't you rather be set free?

Chief Mate : (Scrawls) I am your chief mate.

Captain Alfonso : ......

Chief Mate : For... your sake...

Captain Alfonso : Hush, easy now.
Thank you, Garcia. No matter what you turn into, the bond between us will never change.

Chief Mate : (Nods)

「But I know. He is looking at the mirror. Because even someone as strong as him... has finally succumbed to the monsters.
We have consumed their flesh and blood. At first, we started fires to cook them. Then, we were forced to devour them raw.
Even the most powerful Inquisitors were awed by Alfonso's strength. He was the object of so many young sailors' admiration. There was nothing he couldn't do.
But he has held on long enough. Soon, he too will become one of the monsters.
He is worried. He is furious. 」

<Background black>

「If he cannot even tolerate the slightest monster within him, how can he tolerate me? 」

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 2>

[Gladiia battles the juvenile Seaborn from before, who easily overpowers it. ]

Gladiia : Trash. You're worth even less than the weed that washed ashore in Sal Viento. That woman was merely creating a smokescreen.
The ocean boasts no changes to speak of.

Seaborn : ......Gla-dia......
...I want to see. Are you free?

Gladiia : ......

Seaborn : Friends are here. They are trapped. Need help. Should be returned to our kin's embrace.
Many friends have died here. But Parents. Will not let them die. I must save them.

Gladiia : Even if you can speak with that ugly mug of yours, that's no surprise to anyone.

Seaborn : Return to the great sea. No need to fight.
We go, together–

[Gladiia stabs the Seaborn. ]

Gladiia : I've already grown tired of your prattling. Time to end you.

Seaborn : ...Gla-dia, will you prey on me?
If you feed on me, will that make you stronger? More full of life?
Will it help the scales on your neck grow and spread, and return you to your proper form?

Gladiia : –!

Abyssal Hunters are bound by blood.
The Seaborn contorts its relatively slender form. It is–
–biting off parts of its own body.

Seaborn : I sever... this flesh. Consume it.
If you need more, I give you more. I will give you everything.

「Gladiia stares blankly at the fleshy mass on the ground.
She is shaken.
But not because of the Seaborn, or its behavior.
However, this moment of distraction convinces the Seaborn that Gladiia has accepted its proposal. 」

Seaborn : ...We will meet again soon.

「The Seaborn leaves, the Gladiia does not pursue it.
Because she smells the scents of Shark and Skadi. The Seaborn will not escape.
She turns around, and heads towards where another smell is coming from. 」

Gladiia : The smell of the sea... and of blood. The smell of Hunters. Aboard the ship? And I didn't notice it until I got this close?
Impossible!

<Background 1>

Inquisitor Irene : What... What do we do now?

Skadi : Never expected there'd be people alive here. I thought we'd get the ship back just by killing some Sea Terrors. The Captain made it sound so simple.

Specter : ......

Skadi : What are you looking at, Specter?

Specter : The mirror.
Did you know, Skadi? Even as we speak, when I look at myself in this mirror, I start to remember so many things that I'd forgotten.
A darkened dome. A hundred-meter tall sculpture. An aquamarine-colored opera hall. A waterfall pouring crystals of ice. What is this place, Skadi?

Skadi : ...Your home.]

Specter : My home... I remember now.
Writhing flesh climbing all over that statue. It collapses with a thunderous thud.
I remember these things, but... But I've never experienced them.

Skadi : Dunno. I only know it from hearing you talk about where you used to live, which fell into ruin long ago. Long before I met you.
Maybe you only saw the report later on.

Inquisitor Irene : Can we save the chatter for some other time?!
Were we planning to chase down those two Seaborn, or are we seizing control of the ship while they're not around and, uh, sailing it back?

Specter : If the survivors haven't managed it in sixty years, somehow I doubt we could figure it out ourselves.
Just be patient. The squad leader will figure something out... Ugh.

Skadi : Specter! What's wrong?

Specter : Just... a little dizzy.
I just remembered... what they did to me. I...
Wait.
I saw her just now in Gran Faro...?
She was willing to talk to me. She was full of hypocrisy, blowing hot and cold, but she...
She's here.

Inquisitor Irene : What... You mean more survivors?

Skadi : No, an enemy. One who can cross the sea and board this vessel, which is more than enough to identify them.
Let's split up. Where will you go?

Inquisitor Irene : I...
......
I am an Iberian Inquisitor. It is my duty to ensure that this ship returns to Iberia's hands.
I'll go after that– after Alfonso!

<Background 2>

Sea Terror : (Slithers away hastily)

[Garcia slashes the Sea Terror with their claws... ]

Chief Mate : Gahh–!

[...killing it. ]

Captain Alfonso : Oh, don't you worry, Garcia. We'll catch up soon enough.
When those ignorant Ægirs wounded it, it went up through Victoria, and past Bolívar. From there, it could only climb up onto the deck, then dive into the sea.
This ship is not at its beck and call.
...Leithanien. When we were young, we visited that country along with some other officers. Do you still remember?
The twisted faces of those Kurfürsten were enough to turn stomachs. But they understood how to respect Arts, which was a mind-boggling revelation...

Chief Mate : Hmm...?

Captain Alfonso : Today's been a good day. We saw quite a few living people. Hope they get out quickly though.
Go. Go to "Leithanien," Garcia. Go play the scores you used to love so much.
Breathe some life into the hunt, my love.

Chief Mate : (Nods)

<Background fades out and in>

Seaborn : –!

Chief Mate : Hrgh–!

[Garcia attacked the juvenile Seaborn, who dodged it. ]

Seaborn : You, are not scaleless. Do you need food?

[Garcia attacks the Seaborn again as several Sea Terrors show up. ]

Sea Terror : (Encircling slithering sounds)

Seaborn : Sufficient nutrition. But these waters, are still incomplete. The Cycle has not yet been built, and living things die in vain.
We must hurry–

[Capt. Alfonso shows up and attacks the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : –Why? Hunting, meaningless. There is something we must do, a duty to our kin.

Captain Alfonso : How many does that make now? Lost track after ten. When'd you monsters learn how to talk?
Ohh... No, I remember you, little one. When we ate your parents, you and your litter were nearby, watching.
Back then, you were the weakest of the lot. Pathetic runt.

「Alfonso laughs as he pokes at the Seaborn's wound, blood running along the tip of his blade and dripping onto the floor. 」

Seaborn : We are bound by blood. You hunt and eat us, you will become us. Just as our Parents hunted you, and then became hunted by you.

Captain Alfonso : If the right conditions can trigger your evolution, then how do we make you more palatable? Your flesh, that is.

Seaborn : To hunt is to survive. There is no good or evil in the hunt.

Captain Alfonso : That's too bad then.

<Background 3>

Gladiia : The scent trail... ends here.
He led me here. This smell...
......

「Gladiia does not search for the Hunter's whereabouts.
She begins to look around her.
Ever since she boarded this vessel, her surroundings have filled her with a sense of nostalgia–the materials, the decorations, the handiwork.
Breogan, a genius from the Academy of Sciences, was an Ægir. Without a doubt, this was his domain.
The mystery behind why this ship hadn't sunk in decades was itself the message Breogan wanted to leave to the Ægir. A brand new fusion of Originium and terrestrial technologies.
But what exactly is it? 」

「Gladiia grasps the key from her bosom.
She sizes up her surroundings. 」

Gladiia : Breogan... Where did you hide your secrets?

<Background 2>

Inquisitor Irene : (Why would this ship be built like a palace?! Most of it is decorative, and there are even sculptures.)
(No, that's not all. Both the sculptures and the patterned carpets have been cleaned. Even under these conditions?)

「(The sound of music wafts in from the distance) 」

Inquisitor Irene : ...Someone's playing the piano?
It's coming from over here!

[Irene runs toward where the piano noise comes from. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Inquisitor Irene : ......!

「Irene's footsteps slow down.
At the end of the corridor, through a crack in the door, she sees–
–A single Seaborn, slapping away at a dilapidated old piano. 」

Inquisitor Irene : (It's that Seaborn that was next to Alfonso! But what is it doing here?)

Chief Mate : (Cheerfully slaps at the piano)

Inquisitor Irene : Ugh, what a ruckus... It's just pounding away at the keyboard with no rhyme or reason.
(Alfonso isn't here... Did he go after the Seaborn? Why is his chief mate here alone then?)
(Well, I won't worry about it for now.)

The seashore, O, the seashore♪

Inquisitor Irene : –What?
(That melody just now, was that a coincidence? It certainly looks like it's only randomly smashing the keys.)
(No... It stopped?)

Chief Mate : ......
...The seashore... O, the seashore...
Farewell to heroes... and... great men...

Inquisitor Irene : –

Chief Mate : –! Hiss...!

「The Chief Mate turns its head in fear. Fear. Fear is what Irene sees in its behavior.
A massive, inexplicable physical reaction. One that's never been displayed in front of a Hunter before. 」

Inquisitor Irene : Just now, you weren't just randomly hitting keys...?
That... passage you played. An Iberian military song...? You... how?

Chief Mate : Urgh...!
......
.........
You...

Inquisitor Irene : Y-You're still conscious? Do you still have memories of being human? Do you know who you are?
But, no... You're already fully transformed. The Inquisition has dealt with cultists like that before. There's no reversing it.

Chief Mate : ......

Inquisitor Irene : Wh-What are you planning? What are you doing with your hand?!

Chief Mate : (Carefully places its hand atop Irene's head)

Inquisitor Irene : What... What is the meaning of this?

Chief Mate : ......

「Through the scraps of cloth reminiscent of a wedding veil, the Seaborn known as the chief mate watches Irene.
Its pupils are cloudy. It is suffering. It–
–is filled with both affection and nostalgia. 」

Inquisitor Irene : You... If you truly retain a shred of your humanity...
But how, after all these years...?

[An explosion shakes the corridor. ]

Chief Mate : –!
Cap... tain...

Inquisitor Irene : Wh-What's happening?!

[Garcia leaves. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Wait!

<Background fades out and in>

[Capt. Alfonso attacks the juvenile Seaborn, who dodged it. ]

Seaborn : Hunt, feed. But that is not what you are doing. Your goal is constantly changing. Shaking. Yes, shaking.

Captain Alfonso : Tch.
You should just keep playing your piano, Garcia. You don't need to be touching these–

Chief Mate : (Lightly shakes head)

Captain Alfonso : ...Hah.
Then sink your teeth into it. Its body is changing. Finish it now.

[Garcia charges at the Seaborn and struck it, followed by Capt. Alfonso. ]

Seaborn : You are... not hungry.
Why?

「Alfonso doesn't answer the Seaborn's question. He simply chops and hacks at it again and again, like meat on a cutting board.
The chief mate bites down on the Seaborn in a death grip. Its crown falls to the ground during the struggle, but it does not care to pick it up.
Alfonso cuts off the Seaborn's tentacles, which join the crown on the ground. The chief mate pauses for a moment.
Ah... Garcia, Garcia.
Look at your crown, and at that tentacle. Do you understand what you've become now? 」

Seaborn : ...Leave. We will meet again.

[Capt. Alfonso looks at Garcia. ]

Captain Alfonso : Garcia!

Chief Mate : –!

「The chief mate lifts its head, but the Seaborn has already vanished without a trace.
It quietly picks up its crown, and places it back on its head before returning to Alfonso's side. As if apologizing, it gently rubs his hand. 」

Captain Alfonso : ...Are you hurt, my good chief mate? Or were you distracted by our uninvited guests?

Chief Mate : ......

「The chief mate does not answer.
It dares not speak. It dares not say that when it was biting down into the enemy, it felt like it was "tearing into its own kin."
It dares not speak, and after once again realizing what it has become, it begins to feel guilt. 」

Captain Alfonso : ...If you still have room for emotions in your heart, then that is proof enough that you're still human. Remember young Jamie's last words? "I have no remorse, no regrets, and no fear."
Only when you truly feel nothing will you lose the right to call yourself human.
Don't worry. The next hunt will be quick, and as always, it WILL return.

Chief Mate : ...... (Nods)

Captain Alfonso : What's wrong?

Chief Mate : (Lightly shakes head)

<Background 4>

Amaia : Herald.

Seaborn : ...Kin. Scaleless?

Amaia : You are badly wounded. A newborn like you should not have been in a hurry to board this ship.

Seaborn : Kin are here. In need of help.

Amaia : Indeed, true enough. But you've been hurt. Though they are kin, they do not welcome you.
They have not yet accepted their identity. They are still lost and confused.

Seaborn : Accept? Identity?

Amaia : ...You do not need to understand. These waters are still incomplete. Perhaps you will have to further perfect yourself before you can lead our entire kind.

Seaborn : Need time. And nutrition.

Amaia : And I've come to give you both.
That blasphemous sea captain slaughtered Sea Terrors for food, but used every means available to hinder the transformation. He's usurped pieces of the Cycle, yet refuses to be a part of it.
The flesh and blood of those offspring rightfully belonged to you. Those nutrients were meant to be yours. This ship has delayed the birth of a brand new ecosystem.
Please do not abandon me, Herald. In due time, all of Terra will become one and the same with the Nest.

Seaborn : ......
I do not abandon. Kin.
I need time. But not much more.
I will be back. We will meet again.

[The Seaborn jumps into the water. ]

Amaia : I could have sworn you were going to rush over and kill us.
Should I be thanking you, Ulpianus?

[Ulpianus walks toward Amaia. ]

Ulpianus : I can kill something like whenever I want. It's even weaker than Quintus.

Amaia : How patient of you.

Ulpianus : Gladiia also tried to infiltrate the Church of the Deep in Sal Viento, hoping to get something out of them. Of course, she was a poor fit, given her personality.

Amaia : And here I was thinking that none of you were a good fit. Or are you saying you're special?
You're getting less and less tight-lipped of late.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : Heh. I suppose there's really no rhyme or reason for when you decide to keep quiet, Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : Don't use my given name so casually, Liberi. You don't understand the weight behind it.
We are enemies.

Amaia : Oh, we both know you've already abandoned that notion, deep in your heart. Of course, you might still hold some "enmity."
Like a lost and famished traveler who stumbles on a frozen, starving mangler-beast in the mountains.

Ulpianus : ......

Amaia : Did whatever Breogan left behind satisfy your imagination?

Ulpianus : Far from it.
The Seaborn have existed for even longer than the Ægir. For their history to be turned upside-down, there must be something behind it.
If you care about the word of God, then so be it. The Seaborn are not gods, nor are their forefathers.
I have seen how your gods die, their screams coursing through the currents, their flesh and blood smeared across abyssal ravines. As the clan hovered overhead, I plunged into the unknown depths of Ægir's territory.
I've seen it with my own eyes. Enough to shatter all the beliefs I'd held thus far. Afterwards, I will rebuild it. Ægir will be lifted up once more.

SN-ST-8: Command Hall

Summary

Hatred drives Thiago to take vengeance on the Inquisition. Hatred blinds Gladiia to the opportunity in front of her, and she parts ways with Ulpianus. However, beneath their hatred is a burning desire to protect one's home, and duty.

<Background 1>

[Gladiia walks through the corridors. ]

Gladiia : ......

Gladiia : It's here.
(He led me here, and then covered his scent. Seems he's learned a handful of tricks from his time on land.)
......

「Gladiia looks all around her.
She knows that someone once considered a friend is watching her closely.
But she does not hesitate, nor does she have the luxury to hesitate. She must retrieve the secrets of this ship as quickly as possible, and... return them to Ægir.
She wishes to return to her home. She wishes to offer it her aid, to avert calamity.
She looks at the key in her hands.
She swings open the door to the treasury. 」

<Background 2>

[As the Nethersea Brand creeping through Gran Faro is being burnt away... ]

Saint Carmen : Burning away all the nethersea brand is no small feat. I really ought to thank Kal'tsit and that jet-black creature of hers.

Bizarre Cultist : The nethersea brand was unable to devour this reef. How unfortunate.
Yet this is but one of myriad forms. You have not heard the prophecy, so you would not understand.

Saint Carmen : Prophecy? Do you think yourselves more than a band of refugees clinging to unknown lifeforms? What sort of future did you expect?

Bizarre Cultist : Our prophet is nothing like you. She never paints images of a false future, nor does she make promises she cannot fulfill.
She spoke thusly: that countless massive scales shall merge into one and fly into the vast expanse. That the ocean will be smeared with light, forever growing, never drying up.
That life and death will disappear and merge into a single entity. And at that time, even the false cosmos will be unable to eclipse the light of life.
We shall all live in that ecosystem. We are all part of its magnificent Cycle. Life is born, is given purpose, seeks worth, and disappears. Only for the cycle to begin anew.

Saint Carmen : Sounds a whole lot like the sort of elaborate hallucination that can be cooked up by Originium Arts.
Is pushing Iberia to its current precipice, and slaughtering millions of lives, also part of your magnificent Cycle?

Bizarre Cultist : What do you possibly know?! Our kind does not consider the death of an individual to be an "end." Even when a life ends, it remains part of the Cycle!

Saint Carmen : You are angry, you are restless, and above all you are only human, heretic.

Bizarre Cultist : ...You won't take me alive, Inquisitor. I know all about your heinous Originium Arts. We're all prepared to make the greater sacrifice.
Our prophet will remain as out of reach to you as time itself slipping through your fingertips.

[A large number of Sea Terrors show up. ]

Bizarre Cultist : High Inquisitor! Everyone in Gran Faro has long held a grudge against you people! The Penal Battalion cannot approach this place, and you are alone!
There's nowhere for you to run!

Saint Carmen : ...Run?
Did you think we came here to entertain your sophistry about good and evil?

<Background 3>

Elysium : *pant*... *pant*...

Torturer Cultist : He's not saying anything. This Iberian's a damn imbecile.
That black monster must have some kind of weakness. It's extremely durable, and can burn the nethersea brand with ease. What the hell is that thing?!
If you don't tell us, then by the time the Penal Battalion breaks free, we'll have already–

Elysium : –Lost?
Haha... You can't even handle Dr. Kal'tsit and the Inquisitor. Admit it, you've already lost.

Torturer Cultist : Shut up!
I'm gonna make you– Wait, what are you doing?!
Why's your staff moving around?! What did you do?

Elysium : Guess you spent so much time researching tentacle monsters that you forgot what Originium Arts are?
Seriously, get your head outta the clouds–

[The cultist punches Elysium. ]

Elysium : Guh–

Torturer Cultist : You self-righteous bastard–! You think we haven't made ample preparations? Do you have any idea how long we've waited to flush out all of you scum colluding with the Inquisition?

「Thiago walks in. 」

Thiago : Don't fall for his tricks. He's been hiding in this town for months now. Definitely a spy, and one well-versed in communications to boot.
There's a chance our position has already been compromised.

Torturer Cultist : Spies, spies! Of course the Inquisition's spies have been lurking among us since long ago!

Thiago : I knew about you people because you never tried to hide it, and Amaia and I are close. But the Inquisition is different. They already don't like us, and if they wanted to hide...
How would we ever know? After all, we've been nothing but laborers for generations.

Torturer Cultist : Throw him out then, and feed him to our kin. The nethersea brand's growth is slowing down, and we need more nutrients to stop the Penal Battalion.
We should also find an escape route.

Thiago : Alright. I'll lead the way. Nobody's more familiar with this town than me, and we've left behind plenty of secret passages and underground depots.

Elysium : You shouldn't be doing this, Thiago.

Thiago : How long have we known each other? And now you're gonna preach to me, you platitude-spewing zealot?
Stand up and walk. Time to become a part of the sea.

<Background 4>

[Gladiia looks at the reactor. ]

Gladiia : (I see.)
(A union of Originium and Ægir technology, a sturdier dome, the use of modules from nomadic cities on land, and the scalability of Originium Arts.)
(So this is how the genius of the Academy of Sciences viewed this land. And he managed to accomplish all this decades ago.)
(However...)

??? : However, it's still not enough.

Gladiia : ......

[Ulpianus menacingly reveals himself to Gladiia, and... ]

Ulpianus : Ægir would be able to accomplish all this even without making contact with land. The integration of certain technologies cannot make the difference between victory and defeat.

Gladiia : I knew it... It's you.
I wish it weren't, though, Ulpianus.
Stay back. Take another step and I'll run you through, my old comrade-in-arms.

Ulpianus : ......

Gladiia : Skadi once thought herself the last of the Abyssal Hunters. Even she had thought you dead. Yet here you are.

Ulpianus : How insightful of you, Consul Gladiia.

Gladiia : The circumstances don't seem to call for pomp and ceremony, Consul Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : ......

Gladiia : Feeling a bit nostalgic over titles long disused, are we?
We've known each other long enough. You should know very well what it means when a Hunter doesn't return.

Ulpianus : I've executed no fewer than you. And I can assure you that if any survivors have sunken into the abyss, I'd still hang them up to bake on the reefs before they ever got a chance to hear that song.

Gladiia : What about now? You reek of their scent. You've become one of them.

Ulpianus : Don't lie to yourself, Gladiia. You are strict with others, but even more so with yourself.
Has wandering the land sufficiently satisfied your desire to torment yourself?

Gladiia : Hunter, I WILL kill you if your answer doesn't satisfy me.

Ulpianus : Gladiia, most of this situation is largely out of your hands. I'm forced to approach the problem from a different angle.

Gladiia : What situation?

Ulpianus : ......
I... Like you, I have spent some time on land.
But what I saw was different. Did you come to understand the civilizations on land? No, you don't need to answer that, Gladiia the ever-arrogant.
For their civilizations to survive, they tapped into Originium. It brought them opportunity and hope, but it also unprecedented calamity. To this day, they still have not fully analyzed its principles.
I've witnessed many tragedies... They've given them the name "Catastrophes." They are foolish, ignorant, and weak, but the way they struggle and die is still harrowing.
And the Ægir... are no different.

Gladiia : You were never this sentimental in the past.

Ulpianus : No, sentiment has nothing to do with this.
What I'm saying is, Ægir provoked the ocean in order to survive, and the ocean devoured it in return. Then, ocean gave birth to us.
We are products of a grotesque struggle. If we are unable to resolve this problem at its root, then we are unable to resolve it at all.

Gladiia : ...What did you see, Ulpianus? What did you see to make you abandon the bonds of blood and the camaraderie we shared in battle?

Ulpianus : "Sanctuary." No doubt that is what those filthy cultists would've called it.

Gladiia : Your familiarity with them only reduces my trust in you.

Ulpianus : But the word is an apt description.
You know what Ægir once found in the depths of the ocean. Even if aren't a historian, a general education should've covered at least this.
Thousands of years ago, we reached the heart of the ocean. There, we found the point of origin. The cradle of civilization.

Gladiia : ......

Ulpianus : As far as I know, Gladiia...
He, and those Seaborn, in the deepest recesses of their nest...
I saw it. A "construct." No, not even the greatest science consuls of Ægir would have been able to make sense of what I saw.
I was unable to go deeper, as my injuries were too severe. My blood boiled, my ears rang, but still I felt–

Gladiia : ...What?

Ulpianus : –The plurality of Him.

Gladiia : ......
.........
Well... That doesn't even slightly explain why you abandoned the team. You should have brought this information back.

Ulpianus : When millions of cries returned to a single point, the unhatched Seaborn all murmured the same name from within their differently-shaped sacs.
...Ishar-mla.
Or rather, Skadi.

<Background 5>

[Capt. Alfonso and Garcia runs to the deck to catch the juvenile Seaborn, but they were too late. ]

Captain Alfonso : Did it escape into the sea?
No matter. It will return. And we'll continue to wait.
Ugh. Whoever decided that we were its "kin"? Pathetic.

Chief Mate : ......!

Captain Alfonso : Mm. I see it too. The waves breaking unnaturally, like a twister. Or a mirage of an ocean city. What a strange sight.
Pah. It sure was lively today. Haven't had this much commotion since young Jamie and the chef died.

[The Last Knight walks toward Capt. Alfonso and Garcia. ]

The Last Knight : ...Nnh.
Pomegranate... flower.

Captain Alfonso : ...Knight.
I wasn't expecting to see you back so soon. Did you come rushing to my ship because you missed the scent of your hometown? Have you gone completely mad yet?

The Last Knight : ......

「The knight simply stares at Alfonso in silence.
But almost immediately, his sight fixates once again upon the ocean. Alfonso follows his gaze, and through the years in which time itself has become nebulous, day and night have already lost all meaning. 」

Captain Alfonso : Are you still hunting the terrible waves?

The Last Knight : ......

Captain Alfonso : I sure hope the blood of these monsters hasn't made you immortal. You can look forward to drowning one day. What a joyous thing.

The Last Knight : ......

Captain Alfonso : Not a whole lot of wind today.

The Last Knight : ...Waves, are the ocean's, breath.
It still has not, stopped breathing.
It has not, died.
Just like, the monsters, on land. They devour, destroy.

Captain Alfonso : The monsters on land.

The Last Knight : Civilization!

<Background 1>

Specter : Skadi.

Skadi : Hm?

Specter : I just remembered something else. How... did we manage to survive?
How did YOU survive?

Skadi : I can't remember the details. We hacked and we slashed, again and again without pause, until finally He...

Specter : Uh, what I meant was, if they really wanted us dead back then, would we have been able to survive?

Skadi : ......

Specter : Let me put it another way. Ægir doesn't know we're alive either.

Skadi : They have no way of knowing.

Specter : Was it Swordfish who said she wanted to come to this ship?

Skadi : Yes. She said this ship could bring us home.

Specter : Mm, this does to be Ægir craftsmanship, though the shipwright, Breogan... The name doesn't ring a bell.

Skadi : ...You never did remember the scientists' names.

Specter : Do you?

Skadi : ...It's such a relief, even talking to you like this.
Are you back for good, Laurentina? You won't leave us again, will you?

Specter : Haha, do you have to be so cheesy about it? I've also been with you, things just got a bit blurry in the middle there. Plus, it's kinda fun playing the part of a well-behaved nun.
Oh, but the captain had this outfit specially made for me by our friends over at Rhodes Island. She already knew my measurements even!

Skadi : ...To be honest, you grew a bit taller.

Specter : Wait, how do YOU know that?

Skadi : I... I was only helping out. The Captain said she didn't trust the tastes of the landwalkers.

Specter : Tastes? Ahaha...
We both know that's the last thing she cares about. Though, at least I can appreciate how she always makes sure these details are in place.

Skadi : She said you like long dresses, and I did always have that impression. But... I rarely do these... tailoring activities.

Specter : Hm...
Ah, these symbols, they're Ægirian letters. We wrote them together.
They talk about you, about Gladiia, about me. About Ægir... our home.
Whose idea was this? Couldn't have been mine, right?

Skadi : We all came up with it together.

Specter : What about the style?

Skadi : ...Swordfish picked it.

Specter : How unlike her.

Skadi : We have to dedicate ourselves to battle.

Specter : Sure, sure, but no reason I can't doll myself up before the hunt, right?
Skadi, do you know what the first thought was, when I emerged from my stupor and remembered who I am?

Skadi : What?

Specter : It was to re-examine myself, to see how different I was from that clear, but distant, memory of myself on the other side of the shore.
Though I was dressed as a good little nun last time, I didn't particularly mind–
But now that my trusty companions have chosen my outfit for me, that makes me even happier. Can you understand how I feel?

Skadi : Mm... Definitely better than when you woke up in a jar in Sal Viento.

Specter : Haha, that's for sure.
So, that's why we're going to win over Mister Captain right now, yes?
Leave it to me.

<Background 4>

Gladiia : No, impossible...

Ulpianus : Ishar-mla.
When I sank into the trench along with the titan's corpse, enduring a pressure that no ordinary Ægir could bear, I saw something I'd never seen before.
Gladiia, you know why Ægir distances itself from the land. You know the many theorems as to why Originium and Catastrophes cannot invade us.
Most of them have been proven correct. The ocean is like a petri dish, nourishing and protecting the purity of Ægir.
But... what if the civilization we're so proud of is nothing more than mold growing on the back of some giant?

Gladiia : You were always exceptionally inquisitive, a quality that allowed you to make contributions in various fields, sowing the seeds for great breakthroughs. But to slander Ægir? You've changed so much I hardly recognize you.
Plus, you should know the boundaries of what is appropriate. Your speculation about Skadi... You levy the cruelest of accusations against your fellow Hunter.

Ulpianus : "Seaborn" is just a broad, catch-all name. As you know, their morphology is significantly more complex.
You've been concerned that Skadi might become an even higher form of them, have you not?

Gladiia : First and foremost, I'm concerned that you've chosen the wrong path.

Ulpianus : The 1st Company and the 4th Company perished along the way, one after the other, to create an opportunity for us to break through.
And you, the 2nd Company, stayed near the nest's entrance. It seems wrong to even describe it as a "nest." We'd entered a vast, singular entity, where we nothing more than tiny germs.

Gladiia : But germs are more than capable of killing a healthy person.

Ulpianus : And we were successful, or so we led ourselves to believe.
I simply fell into a deep sleep, along with His corpse. Blood, if that luminous substance can even be called that, had drenched my whole body and enveloped me.
But I simply slumbered with His corpse for a long, long time. I hid in the crevasses of His empty shell, leaning against the remnants of His flesh, until all sounds around me fell silent.
But what about Skadi? It was she who dealt the final blow.

Gladiia : ......

Ulpianus : That was not a normal "killing." Nor was it a "hunt." It was "feeding," a feeding of their kind.
Your conjecture is both correct and faulty. Did you assume that all Hunters will eventually lose control and become Seaborn? No, not Skadi.
You already understand. Those who've witnessed Him, those of us who sank into the trench and floated back up, all understand.

Gladiia : You mean to say that...

Ulpianus : If anything goes wrong, we must kill her.

Gladiia : She's YOUR Hunter.
You still haven't offered an explanation for your deliberate cover-up and betrayal. And you would have me trust your speculation like this?

Ulpianus : ......

Gladiia : I'm not keen on your habit of staying silent. Maybe I'll have to take away your mobility and drag you back to Ægir.
A pity that one of our consuls might finally fall in battle. Could harm morale.

Ulpianus : Let's see you try.
Gladiia. How can you still claim to represent Ægir when you are so distraught about your own transformation?
This is an opportunity. I don't expect your assistance, or even understanding, but some of us cannot afford to pass up this opportunity.
Only by uncovering the truth do we have a chance at survival.

Gladiia : And how is that related to what you're doing?

Ulpianus : You came for the ship. I came for Breogan.
I've already made a breakthrough. Breogan's evidence corroborates what I've seen. Truly an amazing man. To think he arrived at these same conclusions, in that era, under those conditions.
Those by your side– You already understand that only they are truly valuable. None of the land-dwellers will ever understand. And thus, he died in solitude.

Gladiia : I wouldn't say that nobody understands, but...

Ulpianus : "But." For someone as strong and resolute as yourself, how many times have you said "but"?
We are colleagues. Together, we were the architects of this war. We should trust in each other more.
A final word of advice–don't return to Ægir. It is too soon, too dangerous. Too many things we haven't straightened out. Going back now is wasted effort, and you do not know what has become of it.
Remain on land. Should something happen, of course–she IS my Hunter.
I will shoulder the responsibility.

「Gladiia wants to say something else.
But when she turns her head, a tremendous cracking sound spreads through every corner of the room. A violent shuddering follows, and the truth filling the table is scattered across the ground, seeming to sear her vision.
"Leviathan."
Before the chief designers of warfare proposed the Abyssal Hunter plan, before the Abyssal Hunters delved into their nest, Breogan chose a title that the foolish land-dwellers are obsessed with to this day.
He wanted to thoroughly elucidate the nature of calamities. He found the last piece of the puzzle on land. 」

[The Last Knight walks toward Gladiia and Ulpian. ]

The Last Knight : My... key... The smell of wheat... Homeland? My homeland supports me. My family supports me.
Until I, crush the ocean.

「The two Hunters look at the brooding knight.
Gladiia clenches the key in her hand. 」

Ulpianus : ...Then take a look at this monster. Take a good look. He appears human but is not human. Even the ocean's kin reject him.
Day in and day out, he searches for the terrible waves and seeks to quash them. An endless, futile pursuit.
Just like us.

SN-ST-9: Main Bridge

Summary

Thiago is the protector of his homeland, and he finally bares his fangs at the cultists who would destroy his home. The High Inquisitor fights to the bitter end, and the chaotic hunt aboard the Stultifera has only just begun.

<Background 1>

Thiago : Pick up the pace!

Elysium : Ugh...

Thiago : This... nethersea brand. What exactly is it?

Torturer Cultist : Though tiny and varying in form, these fluorescent lifeforms are also an extension of our kin.
The Prophet once said there's a part of the ocean where these glowing creatures fill the entire sea. They are the Whole, and they shape the cradle of life for our kin.
The "nethersea brand" is just fragments of His will from tens of thousands of nautical miles away, washed in like the tide. Even a tiny amount will inevitably consume the land.
It will turn the land into a new kind of ocean.

Thiago : ...Indeed.
So Iberia was the first sacrifice for your plans, and Gran Faro is the next.

Elysium : ......!

Torturer Cultist : Sacrifice? Surely you're using the wrong word?

Thiago : No.
The Inquisition will take away my town. And this "beautiful" nethersea brand will do the same.
Either way it's no longer our home. It'll lose its history, its golden years of explosive growth and vitality.

Torturer Cultist : Thiago, surely you don't mean–

Thiago : Jordi has been taken away as well. The ones who escaped have probably all been rounded up by the Penal Battalion by now.
You're all murderers.

[Mon3tr suddenly shows up. ]

Mon3tr : – (Screeches excitedly)

Elysium : Mon3tr?!

Torturer Cultist : Why would it show up here?! Impossible! It was just on the west side of town–!
You lied to us, Thiago!

Thiago : ......

Torturer Cultist : And you too?!

[The woman from before, who turned out to be a double agent of the Inquisition, shows up. ]

Calm Townsperson : Before becoming an Inquisition spy, I was just the daughter of an ordinary Gran Faro laborer.
Don't underestimate our hatred. All the humiliation we've endured was just to take you all down.

Thiago : Both you lot and the Inquisition are nothing more than enemies trampling over our home.
See for yourself what real destruction looks like. See for yourself what we saw back then.

Elysium : Thiago! Get down!

Thiago : Ugh!

[Elysium, Thiago, and the double agent runs away as Mon3tr attacks the cultist... ]

Mon3tr : (Screeches)

[...setting him on fire and incinerates the Nethersea Brands. ]

<Background 2>

Jordi : There's nothing left to tinker with. Everything else is out of power...
All that remains is to see how long this lighthouse can hold out.
(The nethersea brand has already reached this floor?)
I'll have to keep climbing higher.
High Inquisitor...

<Background 3>

High Inquisitor Dario : ......

「His arms have gone numb.
The shape of the reef has already changed dramatically. The High Inquisitor spares no effort when annihilating all enemies in his sight.
But his enemies are quite literally endless.
His sword is corroded, and he's expended his roll of explosives.
Only the flame in his lantern burns even brighter than before.
Not once does Dario look behind him, to the lighthouse he has defended from the beginning.
He looks beyond the sea's horizon. 」

High Inquisitor Dario : Creatures of the sea, Iberia will not be destroyed by you.
Humanity will not be destroyed by you.

「He hacks up the blood stuck in his throat. A metallic scent fills his nostrils. 」

Sea Terror : (Slow slithering sounds)

High Inquisitor Dario : And I, too, will not be destroyed by you. That would take more than death.

[Dario continues fighting off the Sea Terrors. ]

<Background 4>

Captain Alfonso : Be patient and wait here, Garcia.

Chief Mate : (Squats beside the captain obediently)

Captain Alfonso : It's always boring, waiting for our quarry to take the bait.
Still remember the second time we went to hunt these monsters? We still had over a hundred survivors back then.
When we first set sail, the air was filled with cheering and salutes from the cannons. Those sounds still echo in our ears to this day. We bid farewell to the grand shore, carrying the legends of Ægir as we sprinted towards the depths.
After a few days at sea–yes, only a few days–calamity struck.
Graaah... Why did these stupid goddamn cells rob you of your language?
How I wish to chat with you again, rather than those stupid, rancid idiots who took over sixty years to get here!

Chief Mate : (Rubs Alfonso's hand in sorrow)

[Specter and Skadi walks toward Capt. Alfonso and Garcia. ]

Specter : Good day, Mister Captain.

Captain Alfonso : Oh, we just happened to be short some bait. Fancy a dip? Considering you're an Ægir, after all.

Skadi : ......

Captain Alfonso : What? Already forgotten what I said?
Either you leave, or I toss you overboard.

Skadi : It's a miracle you survived. I never thought any Iberians would've made it after all this time.

Captain Alfonso : That's got nothing to do with you, or with Iberia. After sixty years, the only thing I belong to is this ship.

Skadi : But, we–

Specter : Let me give it a try, Skadi.
How goes the hunt?

Captain Alfonso : Maybe my extremely cordial attitude has stoked a number of misunderstandings. But I can tell that the blood of monsters flows in your veins, just like me.

Specter : We're... the same?
You, us, and your chief mate too?

Captain Alfonso : ...Who gave you permission to talk about Garcia? Who gave you permission to LOOK at my Garcia, you filthy Ægir mongrels?

Chief Mate : ......

Captain Alfonso : I never told you what Garcia used to be. You don't know if they were a man or a woman, tall or short, fat or skinny, Perro or devil.
But know that Garcia is my chief mate and my lover, and I will never reveal their former self to outsiders.
We don't need your pity, or a comparison to whatever image of us you might have from the past. Neither of us need any of that.
What a joke. Hunters whose blood is mixed with that of their prey. Not even the ocean's waves can wash away your filth, yet you dare bare your fangs in front of us?

「Skadi's brows furrow into a frown. She rarely cares about what others have to say, especially land-dwellers. But the words coming from the exception in front of her make her feel uncomfortable.
The chief mate shoots a sharp glance at Skadi. It is a warning. 」

Specter : But, we need your help.

Captain Alfonso : ...What do you call these monsters again? Sea-something?

Specter : Oh, "Seaborn."

Captain Alfonso : Okay, so why should we help you Seaborn? Do you know how many good lads lost their lives to the sea after the calamity?

Specter : You float around on these waters and refuse to return to port, yet still insist that you're an enemy of the sea?

Captain Alfonso : Yup. That's my life.

Specter : We are... Abyssal Hunters. We come from Ægir, and while we can only guess how exactly you survived, we have nothing but respect for you.
We also hope you'll understand that everything we do is to fight against those enemies.

Captain Alfonso : And I should care about what Ægir does, why?

Specter : Er, no, you misunderstand.

「Skadi shoots a glance at Specter beside her. When she'd said "let me give it a try," Skadi thought she meant that she'd be better at negotiating.
But drawing her weapon should absolutely not be a part of "negotiations." 」

Specter : Let me rephrase that. It's our job to slaughter them. And I happen to find that process rather enjoyable.
Since you're only hunting for food, I can leave you some of the meat when I'm done. After all, I've never liked dealing with that nauseating stuff.

Captain Alfonso : ......
You... think pretty highly of yourselves, eh? Compared to the Victorians, or Leithanians? I've seen the way you kill Seaborn. You aren't worth a damn thing.

Specter : Oh, don't get us wrong, dealing with these low-level creatures we call Sea Terrors doesn't even count as combat for the 2nd Company. Gladiia isn't exactly the stingy type either.
I'm stronger than you. That's just an indisputable fact.

[Capt. Alfonso puts Specter at swordpoint. ]

Chief Mate : Hraagh...!

Specter : My, let's not get ahead of ourselves, Mister Chief Mate. Or, Miss? Anyway, it's not your turn yet.

Captain Alfonso : ...Lay a finger on Garcia, and you're dead.

Specter : Oh really?
Since our captain's mission is to retrieve this ship and return to Ægir, we don't have the luxury of sitting around trying to convince you.
This way's always been the more straightforward means of communication–the Hunters' way.

Captain Alfonso : Hah, you've got a death wish!

[As Capt. Alfonso charges at Specter, the juvenile Seaborn from before interferes... ]

Seaborn : Kin, I've come for you.
To hunt and consume, is an important matter.
You, are not all kin. But I know, you can still return to our kind.
So I ask, what will you do?

Captain Alfonso & Specter : Piss off!

[...forcing both of them to attack it instead. ]

Seaborn : ......!

Captain Alfonso : Hah, now there's an easy way to prove that you're not a Seaborn. Kill it. Unless you're unwilling to attack your "kin."

Specter : Then I sincerely hope that you won't drag me down.

Captain Alfonso : I'm more worried about you showing mercy to your twisted "kin," Ægir.

Specter : Then you worry over nothing. After all, if I really was on their side, you'd be dead already.
So, once I prove I'm not one of them, are you willing to lend us your ship?

Captain Alfonso : Not a chance in hell. The ship belongs to me.

Specter : That's too bad. Maybe if I help you lose that arm of yours during this battle, that'll wake up a part of your humanity?

Captain Alfonso : Chief Mate! Stay back, don't do anything. Let's see how much of a difference there is between us and these monsters claiming to be human.

Specter : You too Skadi, don't snatch my mark. This hunt is mine. And I need to... let off a little bit of steam.

<Background 4>

Seaborn : ......
Hunting, must be done.
Purpose, to mold the environment.
You, are rich in nutrients.

Operation story: SN-8

After operation

Summary

Thiago is killed by a burnt cultist. Before his death, Thiago fails to learn the truth behind his former lover and the downfall of his town. Aboard the Stultifera Navis, the Seaborn's evolution cannot be stopped, but Irene finally raises her handcannon.

<Background 1>

[Thiago regains consciousness. ]

Thiago : Ugh... What happened?

Elysium : You're awake!
I'm begging you man, at least holler the next time something like this happens, alright? Pull another stunt like that, and I won't be able to save you!

Thiago : Hmph.
How's the situation? That woman's monsters... Have they all been burned away yet?

Elysium : I can't say for sure, but probably. I mean, I've only seen the full extent of Mon3tr's firepower in tactical records before.

Thiago : ...Burn it. Burn it all.
Gran Faro is already a thing of the past. Just burn it all down.

Elysium : Mr. Thiago, you–

[The Church of the Deep cultist, who is on fire, finds Elysium and Thiago. ]

Burnt Cultist : Ahh, traitor! And you, Iberian! I've caught your scents. This is where you're hiding!
You came at just the right time. Yes, yes, just the right time–!

Elysium : –What are you?!

Thiago : Hmph. Already blind and beyond recognition. Serves him right for pleasuring himself with that monster!
Serves you right! You hear me?!

Burnt Cultist : Serves me right? Hah, it sure does, Thiago. For choosing to trust a man blinded by hatred, for ever having delusions that people like you could be saved. Serves me right, indeed.
But now, everything... is... different. (Bones grind and crunch together)

[Sea Terrors show up in the bar. ]

Elysium : –-Sea Terrors? But when?!
Thiago, don't get too close! Something's wrong with this guy!

Burnt Cultist : Iberia must be destroyed! We will annihilate this country. This land will become the ocean's cradle. The waves shall swallow the clouds, and scores of mountains will dissolve without a sound–
We shall– all– become– one!!

Elysium : Watch out! Thiago!

[The cultist stabs Thiago with his sword, intending to take the mayor of Gran Faro along with him. ]

Thiago : Guh?! *cough*–!

Elysium : Thiago! Tch, he's already transforming into a monster! Just like in the reports from Sal Viento!

Burnt Cultist : I'll start with you, traitor.
For the perpetuation of life eternal, Iberia... is... meaningless!

??? : Meaningless, you say?

[St. Carmen enters the bar. ]

Saint Carmen : Are you calling for me by name, heretic?

Burnt Cultist : ...High Inquisitor, you made it just in time.
Go ahead and pray. We will prove to you that your god is meaningless too. You will watch as Iberia sinks into the abyss.

Saint Carmen : That will never happen.

Burnt Cultist : ...What?

Saint Carmen : My name is... Carmen I Iberia. When the nine saints gave themselves this false title, they abandoned their own names–and with it, their beliefs.
We are immolated by lies. Nobody knows this better than us. God never offered salvation to Iberia. We must become our own gods.
On behalf of the Inquisition, I hereby read your sentence, heretic.

Burnt Cultist : –

「What is this heaviness I feel?
My body has already been accepted by my kin. My life has already received sublimation.
So why? Why am I unable to take my eyes off his lantern?
Self-preservation? Yes, all Inquisitors are quite powerful, so I am on guard. 」

Burnt Cultist : You may kill me, but you cannot kill our kind. Kill our kind, and the sea will die. When the sea dies, the land will die with it.
You will all eventually drown in the rising tide of evolution. You will not live to see this land's future! This era is bloated and discordant, and we are all but livestock trapped in cages!
I will put you and your Inquisition–

[Before the cultist could finish, Carmen slashes him with his sword. ]

Burnt Cultist : ...What...?

「He looks at his body in disbelief. A beautiful cross-section.
Since their invasion of Gran Faro began, the old Inquisitor who sat at the town's chapel has never lifted his hand even once.
He never wielded his sword, or drew his handcannon. He used only his lantern and his Arts, befitting someone as ancient as him.
Yes, ancient. He is very old. A span of time far too great for the ordinary life to endure. 」

Burnt Cultist : Land-crawling... livestock... How did you...?
At least I was... able to... buy...

Saint Carmen : You've accomplished nothing.
A brand new lifeform, yet unable to take the life of even this old Iberian. What do you have to be proud of?
Look at me, heretic.

Burnt Cultist : You... *cough*, *cough*... Damn you!

Saint Carmen : You were once human too. But you narrow-mindedly misjudged the potential of your own race.
For tens of thousands of years, this is how we have won our wars. Nature selects, life adapts.
You, and your pathetic ideas, will be buried in Iberia. Before your last breath, be sure to pass on our thunderous roar to your kin.
"The sea faces an ancient enemy called civilization, one you stand no chance of overcoming."

Burnt Cultist : You... Gurk... You... you understand nothing...

[The cultist dies. ]

Saint Carmen : ......
How's he doing?

Elysium : I've been trying everything I could this whole time! But the wound's too deep!
If only Dr. Kal'tsit were here. He needs medical attention immediately, sir! Where is she?

Saint Carmen : Waiting in the chapel.
I should make this clear, member of Rhodes Island. His treason is indefensible, and he must answer for his crimes.
Knowingly sheltering the Church of the Deep's cultists has caused the Inquisition to lose a prime opportunity. It has also placed Dario and countless of our brothers in the Penal Battalion in grave peril.

Thiago : ...Tch, old fool.
How old are you anyway? A hundred? How do you... ugh... still pretend to have so much energy?

Saint Carmen : It is my duty.

Thiago : So you must... *cough*, *cough*... urgh... know all sorts of things...
Tell me, Inquisitor. Tell me the truth, you wretched executioner...
Why would you... urgh... destroy a band of people... hoping to rebuild... their home?
All of you... All of you...

Elysium : Don't speak, Thiago! I can't stop the bleeding!

Thiago : Ha... Hah... No, I must ask.
All of you, the Inquisition! Those Ægir you took from Gran Faro... were there really any cultists among them?

Saint Carmen : ......

Thiago : Tell me... Did you really, out of... *cough*, paranoia... nothing more than a laughable paranoia... kill all those good people?

Saint Carmen : Ordinary citizens have no right to know the Inquisition's secrets.

Thiago : You bastard...!

Saint Carmen : Knowing the truth will not help you cling onto your fading life, Thiago.

Thiago : No, no no no... I'm begging you... I'm begging you... I'm going to die, and you still won't tell me the truth...
At least... Marin... Tell me...

Saint Carmen : The files on Gran Faro's Ægir have been sealed. I am unable to disclose anything to a civilian.

Thiago : ...No... *cough*, *cough*... Gah...
I... Curse you. I swear, I'll never forgive you!
Iberia... Ibe... will...

「His malediction never leaves his mouth.
Old Thiago looks at the dim, damp ceiling, where a drop of water is about to fall from the wooden beams.
Drip. 」

Thiago : ......

[Thiago succumbed to his injuries. ]

Elysium : ......
He’s gone.
So, what's the truth?

Saint Carmen : I don't see how this has anything to do with you either, member of Rhodes Island.
Return to Kal'tsit. We've lost too much time, and the Eye of Iberia will likely fall.

Elysium : Please. Tell me.
As a member of Rhodes Island, I also wish to cooperate with the Inquisition. But before that, I'm an Iberian.
I didn't know Thiago for very long. But I just realized... he would never curse Iberia. Because he truly saw this place as his home.
But after realizing that, that's all the more reason I can't just...
Lord Carmen, after witnessing so many tragedies in my homeland, surely you can't just... tell me to turn a blind eye to it all.

Saint Carmen : ......

「Carmen glances over at the aged laborer resting in Elysium's arms. His eyes betray a slightly different emotion.
After a moment of silence, he speaks. 」

Saint Carmen : Roughly a hundred thirty Ægir were taken from Gran Faro, and of them, about half had ties with the Church of the Deep. Even some members of the Penal Battalion formerly stationed in the town were revealed to be traitors.
They stole a large amount of information on Iberia's Seafaring Era, obstructed the Inquisition, and were plotting from the very beginning to turn Gran Faro into a nexus for the sea's invasion of the land.
Leading them was a female bishop, an Ægir Islander. A woman the people called "Marin."
Now, give him his burial.

<Background 2>

Seaborn : Strong. Work together, and you are strong enough to lead our kind.
But, you do not plan to do this. This puzzles me.
Our kind, how will you treat them?
Willpower, begets all. Any chasm, can be crossed.
Our environment, complete and pure. Impurities, are not needed.
About parents, I am trying to find an answer. Yet the question, is not clear. I cannot ask yet.

[Capt. Alfonso attacks the juvenile Seaborn with Specter watching, who withstood the attack. ]

Seaborn : (Sound of bones grinding and rubbing)

Captain Alfonso : Do all of the sea's infants learn to talk as quickly as you?

Specter : What's wrong, Mister Captain? Has your loneliness finally compelled you to seek companionship with talking Seaborns?
You know, every wound on its body has been MY handiwork so far.

Captain Alfonso : *Spit*.
It's still alive and kicking. We're just getting to the good part.

Seaborn : ...Fighting, is meaningless.
Leaving, is the correct choice.

[Capt. Alfonso attacks the Seaborn again, but it dodges the attack and runs away. ]

Captain Alfonso : Ugh, get back here!

Specter : It tore through the wall and fled. Why did the Iberians have to make this ship so complex anyway?

Captain Alfonso : I won't allow it to continue trashing my ship. Garcia!

[Garcia goes to pursue the Seaborn. ]

Specter : That's cheating, you know~

Captain Alfonso : How do you think we managed to keep this ship from getting riddled with holes and sinking, while surrounded by monsters for all these years? Relying solely on Breogan's technology?
We systematically kill the ones threatening enough to cause damage. Then, little by little, the survivors slowly sew up the scars they left behind.
This one can be considered intelligent, as far they go, but it's by no means the strongest.
I'm not in the mood to play games with you anymore, so this farce ends here. Kill it now, before it does something we can't undo.

<Background fades out and in>

「The fleeing Seaborn easily tears through the ship's walls. It can smell its kin as well as the ocean just outside this strange box.
It is hurt. It needs healing. It needs nourishment. It needs time. The scaleless kin had bought it a chance to breathe, but far from enough time.
Many preparations are yet to be completed. 」

[Irene encounters the Seaborn. ]

Inquisitor Irene : What?! A Seaborn!

Seaborn : ......

「The Seaborn does not speak.
Because it faces something that is not its kin. Not kin that speaks. Not kin without scales.
In which case, the small, fragile creature struggling before its eyes is just an ordinary lifeform. Just another part of the Cycle.
It should be consumed.
After coming to this conclusion, the Seaborn almost immediately lashes out at Irene with tooth and claw. 」

[The Seaborn lunges at Irene, who strikes it with her sword although it dodges. ]

Inquisitor Irene : (So fast! Its body is different from before?!)

[Irene strikes the Seaborn consecutively, but it withstands them all. ]

Seaborn : ......

Inquisitor Irene : It's so tough?!
(Merda–[note 1] I can't dodge it this time–)

[The Seaborn leaps at Irene, but Garcia shows up and pushes her out of its way before intercepting it. ]

Seaborn : ......!

Chief Mate : (Roars)
(Eldritch noises) Stand... up... and run...

Inquisitor Irene : You... You can talk?! In Iberian?

Chief Mate : (Eldritch noises) I... save you. Don't let... him know.
(Eldritch noises) Don't let... Alfonso... know I'm... still human.

Seaborn : Language, you also know it.
Efficiency, relatively low. Not enough information, not enough time. If necessary, I will complete it.
Kindred, you have formed your own group. And your offspring, consume one another.
You, are incomplete.

Chief Mate : (Eldritch noises) Alfonso... cannot... get here fast.
(Eldritch noises) You... run.

Seaborn : Kindred, no point in nurturing.
Flesh and blood, donate to us.

Chief Mate : (Howling) –!

「Still attempting to spit out vestiges of human speech, the chief mate is punctured by the Seaborn's fangs.
It neither underestimates its enemy nor is distracted by Irene's presence. The Seaborn's motions have clearly evolved. 」

Chief Mate : You...
Alfonso... Hurry... Hurry...

[Irene strikes the Seaborn, but fails to pierce its skin. ]

Inquisitor Irene : (I can't even pierce its carapace!)
(At this rate, I...)

<Background fades out>

「Irene. You know where this is.
Yes! It's the Inquisition's–
Underground. Where every High Inquisitor has seen the truth.
The truth...
Consider this one thing, Irene. What is the Inquisition fighting for?
For Iberia's purity and virtue, for the sanctity of our Laws and Scriptures.
But what if the concept of truth as seen by the people is only superficial? What if the Law has no reach, the Scriptures fail to prophesize, and the morality that governs all things amounts to naught? How will you pass down judgment then?
I... will judge based on my own standards.
Even if it means casting aside the distinction between good and evil that you've always adhered to?
Of course!
That is easier said than done, Irene. There's no point trying to teach from my example, and I'm not as partial towards words as you are.
Maestro...
But. 」

High Inquisitor Dario : There will come a day when your enemies will force you to cast aside everything you've ever known. Your faith, your morals, your ethics. Everything will be ravaged, desecrated, rendered null and void.
When that happens, if you can manage to rebuild your inner faith, whatever it may be, then that will form the foundation to help you defeat those enemies.
Before seeing the truth, before experiencing a crueler history, everything that we do is empty, with no basis in reality.
I won't tell you how you should act going forward. But when that time comes, I want you to remember my words, Irene.
You must become Iberia's last line of defense.

<Background fades in>

[Irene draws her handcannon... ]

Seaborn : No...
Survival, is not actually your goal. Perhaps, you can become something greater.

[...and prepares it to fire... ]

「Irene raises her handcannon.
A second cavity suddenly appears in the Seaborn's adamantine body, as a torrential flow of heat melts through its sturdy, unusual walls.
The surging temperature turns the surroundings into a sea of fire. The chief mate sobs and retreats to the side, staring blankly at the scene before its eyes.
The Seaborn has never been enveloped by such Arts before. It feels a sense of being overwhelmed, but quickly adapts.
However, the Inquisitor's barrage will not cease until the flames of her lantern sputter out. 」

Irene : Release the chief mate, you monster. And get a good whiff of the scent of Originium.
You have not sinned in any way. The Holy Scriptures do not even mention your existence.
Right now it is only I, as an Iberian, who is handing down this verdict.
The scourge of the seas must be wiped out. You have no right to live.
In the name of Iberia.

Notes

"Shit" in Portuguese

SN-ST-10: Deck Room

Summary

Just as the hunt is about to draw to an end, Amaia intervenes and stops Specter. The Seaborn successfully returns to the ocean and awaits evolution, and Kal'tsit and Carmen, who just embarked on their journey, do not know whether they'll make it in time.

<Background 1>

[The Last Knight walks toward Ulpianus. ]

Ulpianus : You wasted your chance.

Gladiia : What?

Ulpianus : If I were you, when I caught that talking Seaborn in Sal Viento, I would've forced it to spill everything it knew about Ægir.
You've been walking the land for years. You've never heard Ægir's messages. But the ocean is different. The ocean has never been disconnected.
Yet you simply allowed it to die without creating any value. An unproductive decision, Gladiia.

Gladiia : I don't need to hear messages from trash. The only answers our prey can provide are the grunts of lowly beasts.

Ulpianus : Seems you've found some assistants on land. And put quite a bit of trust in them.

[Gladiia attacks The Last Knight, but barely scratch him as he slowly advance towards her. ]

The Last Knight : (Howls) The cosmos... cemetery...

Ulpianus : You're showing mercy. Why does he still stand?

Gladiia : ...I'm not.
He's just a little sturdier than anticipated.

The Last Knight : ......

「The knight does not fight back. He suddenly freezes in place and throws his head back. He staggers, spins around, and looks up.
Gladiia had planned to seize this moment to put an end to the chase, but right as she is about to, she has a faint premonition. 」

Gladiia : The Seaborn's scent. It's changed.

Ulpianus : You're already sensitive enough to notice such changes then?

Gladiia : ......

Ulpianus : That's right, Gladiia.
No matter how much you try to console yourself or others, this is a problem we'll have to deal with, sooner or later, ourselves.

<Background 2>

Captain Alfonso : Garcia!

Chief Mate : (Sobbing howl)

Captain Alfonso : Good... Good... You hurt it real bad! We'll track it down in no time by following these blood trails.
Wait, what are these burn marks? What did it do to my ship?!

Skadi : The monster can't have left these marks behind.

Specter : That's right. It must be the masterwork of our lovely little Iberian bird. Aw, they grow up so fast.
So who's scarier? The Seaborn or her people?

Captain Alfonso : ...You mean the Iberian from before? Her? Impossible. Any of this ship's battle-hardened sailors would've been stronger than her. How could SHE do this?

Chief Mate : (Nibbles on the captain's sleeves)

Captain Alfonso : ...I understand.
No matter. Regardless of what that Iberian did, we have to hurry.
Time to put an end to this months-long hunt.

Specter : You seem to be in a pretty good mood, Mister Captain.

Captain Alfonso : Good mood? Hah!
Who wouldn't be happy to bring an end to such a long hunt?
You keep chasing. I'll go a different way. It won't cut through these walls, it'll try to get closer to the sea.
Garcia... Your wounds aren't life-threatening. Just hang in there, and we'll be right back!

Chief Mate : ......

「The injured chief mate still needs more time to recover. It looks at its captain's face in silence.
Joy. A hard-to-disguise excitement. A vigor it has not felt in a long time.
It takes a peaceful nap, focusing its energy on rejuvenating its injured parts. All to help its lover continue the hunt. 」

<Background black>

「A brief, light dream. Short, trance-like, and extremely rare since its body underwent such profound changes.
In its dream, it stands upon Iberia's shores. The sky booms with fireworks and hums with the din of whistles. A high-spirited Alfonso stands at its side, asking it a question.
Garcia.
See those kids along the shore? We all like children.
Children are the future of Iberia. Our glory, our feats, and our skills all die with us.
But children. New lives. Ones that all of Iberia will come together to nurture. And they'll inherit it all.
Garcia.
Who do you think he should take after? 」

<Background 3>

[Irene reaches the hall in pursuit of the juvenile Seaborn. ]

Inquisitor Irene : (How can it still move so fast with those injuries? I can't keep up!)
(And... holding back from firing my handcannon is...)
Ugh!

[Irene noticed that Nethersea Brands have somehow crept to the hall. ]

Inquisitor Irene : The nethersea brand has spread to the ship? But how?! It wasn't this bad a little while ago!

「The fluorescing nethersea brand has devoured the golden Iberian hall.
The intricate dome reflects a ghastly blue light. And amidst the glow stands a lone, out-of-place woman.
Her two hands are crossed in front of her as she silently and carefully sizes up the throne in front of her. The nethersea brand spreads from beneath her feet, sapping the very color from the golden floor.
She turns her head. Her eyes hold nothing but compassion and expectation. 」

[The woman reveals herself to be Amaia. ]

Amaia : ...Good evening, Irene.

Inquisitor Irene : (A Church of the Deep cultist!)

[Irene leaps at Amaia and slashes, but the attack missed her. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Did I miss...?! No, there's no way!
Originium Arts?!

Amaia : That's right, Irene. If Dario could see you now, I'm sure he'd be so proud.

Inquisitor Irene : –How do you know our names? Who are you?!

Amaia : I am a translator.

Inquisitor Irene : You think a lie like that will do you any good?

Amaia : I never lie, Irene. I've translated a great many works. Perhaps one of novels full of Gaulish critical realism on your shelves contains my touch? Have you ever even noted the name of the translator?

Inquisitor Irene : Look at your feet! You're the one who brought the nethersea brand?!

Amaia : That's a somewhat biased statement. I did not bring the brand. Rather, I established a bond with the fluorescent sea.
Truly, it is an honor to be a part of it.

Inquisitor Irene : How did you get to this ship?

Amaia : That doesn't matter, Irene.
Nor does it matter whether you can defeat the Seaborn, whether I die here, or whether this ship will be key to reconnecting with Ægir. None of that matters.
And yes... The sacrifices of Dario and the Penal Battalion, Gran Faro's collapse, the Eye of Iberia. The long, long time that has passed...
In the vast process of evolutionary transformation, all of these are but drops of water in the sea of life.
My respect comes from the fact that we are all but a part of the Cycle. Compared to the whole, we are all insignificant.

Inquisitor Irene : –Wait. You mentioned the High Inquisitor. What happened to him...?

Amaia : Alas, poor Irene. Look, I know the feeling of having questions and needing answers, but is this really the time? When your enemy stands right before you?

Inquisitor Irene : What happened to him?!

Amaia : His sacrifice was in vain, Irene.
The sea breeze brought me news of his death. You have my condolences.

Inquisitor Irene : Impossible... It can't be...

Amaia : Nothing is impossible, Irene.
When the oracle descended, all the futures of this land were set in stone.
We are bugs crawling along the ground. We ought to follow the ordained path. What's wrong with choosing a life without barriers, without separation, without country and without form?

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Amaia : If you choose to cease resisting, all the better. If not–

[Specter shows up and attacks Amaia, who narrowly dodged them. ]

Specter : –If none of this really matters, Amaia, then why are you buying time for our wounded little prey?

Amaia : ...Oh?
You've woken up, Laurentina.

Specter : Not completely, but I can at least remember your name. Hope I'm not coming across as rude.

Skadi : Irene!

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Skadi : What did you do to her?

Amaia : Nothing. We were only making small talk.

Specter : Skadi, continue the chase.

Skadi : Wasn't it your prey?

Specter : And who was it that let me run into such a nostalgic figure?

Skadi : ...Alright, be careful.
Irene?

Inquisitor Irene : ...You're lying.

Amaia : The breath of the sea does not lie.

Inquisitor Irene : No, like I said, that's impossible.
The High Inquisitor's death must have had a purpose. The Inquisition never makes sacrifices in vain.
If you don't believe that, cultist, then... I'll just have to become that purpose.

Amaia : ......
So be it. What a resilient child you are.

[Irene fires her handcannon at the Nethersea Brands to incinerate them. ]

Amaia : Ugh!

Inquisitor Irene : Hunter, let's go!

[Irene and Skadi runs away. ]

Amaia : Oh, my dear little Irene, you've only just learned to control the power of an Inquisition handcannon, and this is how you display it?
If you continue trying to burn the nethersea brand in such a crude manner, Captain Alfonso will be furious, no?
Well... no matter.

Specter : You're going to just let them walk away?

Amaia : Alas, unlike Quintus, I am not in such a hurry. Why would I want to face two Hunters at once and cut my life even shorter?

Specter : Is there a difference between a moment and an instant?

Amaia : There isn't, but seeing you revert to your old temperament sure brings me back, Laurentina. After all, you were in a coma until the first experiment began.
How have you been since you left us?

「Specter's lips curl into a subtle smile.
It is the most beautiful smile she's shown tonight. 」

<Background 2>

[Irene and Skadi runs from the juvenile Seaborn pursuing them. ]

Skadi : It's getting faster!

Inquisitor Irene : I've already... *pant*... put two more holes in it. Just how much blood can it have in there?!

Skadi : Two? How did you...?

Inquisitor Irene : I'll tell you later. I don't think my stamina is going to last much longer–

[Irene noticed the Seaborn devouring the remains of a Sea Terror nearby. ]

Inquisitor Irene : –It's been cannibalizing its own kind this whole time! No wonder!

Skadi : Watch out, it's coming at us!

[The Seaborn leaps at the two, and Skadi blocked it. ]

Skadi : –Urgh!

Seaborn : Ishar-mla, where is He?
Answer. I wish to know.

Inquisitor Irene : You monster!

「Before Irene can fire her handcannon, the Seaborn lurches forward.
As the wall cracks audibly, Skadi leaps back with tremendous force, before closing the gap between her and the Seaborn almost instantly.
Her lethal strikes once again bite down on thin air. 」

Skadi : What...?

Inquisitor Irene : (None of her hits landed?!)

Seaborn : ...Insufficient.
Nutrients. Time. All insufficient.
Ishar-mla, we require answers. But, I can feel His presence.
With words, we shall implore.
Ishar-mla, even if He does not answer, it does not mean, He is not there.
Even if He is not there, it does not mean, that our kind, has lost its way.
Our kind, has found its way. We will, seize our own fate.
Survival, the primary goal.

[Skadi attacks the Seaborn again. ]

Skadi : Do all of you love rambling on while trying to kill us?
Don't overthink this, and don't plan on returning to the ocean either!

Seaborn : –Insufficient, far from enough.
But, soon.

Skadi : Ugh–! Cover your ears! Irene!

Inquisitor Irene : Huh? Ah!

Seaborn : (Screeching howl) –!

<Background 1>

The Last Knight : (Rasping murmur) –Roci–nante–

[Rocinante answers The Last Knight's call, ]

Rocinante : (Brays)

The Last Knight : The waves are coming. We wait for them. We will wait outside. With weapons, we tear them– Let us go!

Rocinante : (Echoing braying)

「The Seaborn's murmurs can be heard from afar. Gladiia frowns slightly.
For an ordinary land-walker to recklessly make contact with the ocean and win eternal madness is certainly conceivable.
But what of the other Seaborn that obeyed him?
But Gladiia does not think about it too deeply. Because a nauseating premonition is gnawing at her nerves–
–It makes her neck itch. 」

Gladiia : What's happening up there?

Ulpianus : This ship has been adrift at sea for more than sixty years.
If they'd wanted to do away with it, or even simply treated it and its crew as enemies, the Stultifera Navis would've sunk long ago.

Gladiia : ...So instead, they're assimilating it.

Ulpianus : They've treated the ship as a part of their environment. For whatever reason, they must've allowed it to survive in their waters.
But now, the situation has changed.

Gladiia : You mean...
Hmm.
The nethersea brand? Since when? And how did it spread this quickly?

Ulpianus : This ship will most certainly sink.
Gladiia.
Have you ever considered why an Ægir as talented as Breogan chose, in his final hour, to design the key the way he did?
It should've unlocked the secrets Ægir has long dreamed of. It is the quintessence of his life's work.
So why is just anyone's blood enough to activate it? Why would he let it fall into the hands of a frail knight?
We did silence that thing. But they probably don't need any gods at all. Only humanity, in their impotence and hypocrisy, would fold their hands together and pray to the ocean, finding far too much solace within it.
We need to make use of what little time we have, Gladiia.

<Background 4>

Kal'tsit : You're still thinking about the incident with Thiago.

Saint Carmen : Mm, not quite. Of all the tragedies I've endured, his is hardly worth mentioning. Nothing more than a grain of sand on the beach.
But how much sand does this beach require?
This ship wasn't brought by the Penal Battalion. Most of the town's vessels were brought under their supervision, and the few that weren't were... forgotten, stranded along the shore.

Kal'tsit : Then we've saved quite a bit of time thanks to someone's carelessness.

Saint Carmen : I can't help but think of how much more will be forgotten, what else will be stranded.
Kal'tsit, if the land of Terra were a ship, what kind of vessel do you think it would be?

Kal'tsit : ......
We're almost at the Eye of Iberia.

Saint Carmen : ...That we are.

SN-ST-11: Main Mast

Summary

While reminiscing with Specter, Amaia catches on to Ulpianus's actions. She must make a sacrifice before the Hunters and the ship's captain can finish off the Seaborn.

<Background 1>

Amaia : Do you remember how we first met, Laurentina?
Badly injured, you lay across the rocks of that snow-like beach, as if you were some kind of sleeping beauty.

Specter : After drifting along the currents for so long, I was finally awoken by some truly rancid land-dwellers. How I wished I could have slept forever.

Amaia : How could that be? If I'm remembering properly, we made quite a good first impression on each, didn't we?

Specter : That I won't deny. Otherwise, you would've ended up like Quintus, chopped into itty bitty pieces.
Speaking of, what a damn shame. Why couldn't have I felt like this back at Sal Viento? I could've "reminisced" with him so much more vigorously.

Amaia : ......

「Amaia maintains her elegant posture. The nethersea brand spreads as far as she can see.
But Laurentina does not take her seriously in the slightest.
What is she looking at? 」

Amaia : ...Your recovery seems to have gone well.

Specter : Thanks to you. What about the other one? How's he doing?

Amaia : Who knows? Maybe he ended up like Quintus and perished at the hands of a Hunter.

Specter : ...Which one?

Amaia : 'Twas just idle chatter.

[Amaia prepares her Arts against Specter. ]

Specter : Originium Arts. True, if there's anything on land that can pose a threat to a Hunter, it would probably be those so-called "Arts."
But you don't seem very well-versed in fighting with Arts either. Aren't you a bit TOO pathetic?

Amaia : Laurentina, have you never wondered why your consciousness sometimes clears up and sometimes blurs? Or how you can even function after being injected with such a concentrated dose of refined liquid Originium?

[Specter attacks Amaia, who dodged it. ]

Specter : Isn't that because I'm built different?

Amaia : You've also told me about your dance lessons.

Specter : ...Ah, damn it. I can't believe you told me before I got to remember it myself.
Fine, there were dance lessons. What else did I tell you about, Amaia?

Amaia : Stop changing the subject, Laurentina.
Or, are you saying you know exactly how you "woke up"?

Specter : ......

Amaia : We've done many experiments on you, my Sleeping Beauty.
For the longest time, we could only understand the ocean through the knowledge of the Islanders. And then, a perfect organism appeared right in front of us.
Our methods were primitive at best. Even if we donned the trappings of the church, we could not hide our blemishes as land-dwelling creatures–
Cases of us embracing the sea were few and far between, and the new lifeforms were seldom stable.
Do you still remember the huge ruckus you made right after waking up, and the first conversation we had after that?
I asked, "how did the Ægir manage to do it?"

「Amaia dodges Specter's attack.
She gently caresses her neck, and the glow of the golden hall seems to bleach her skin a ghostly pale. 」

Amaia : You hold a massive amount of refined liquid Originium... right here.
If an ordinary person had had their spinal fluid replaced with such a concentration of liquified Originium, they wouldn't be merely comatose, no two ways about it.

[Specter attacks Amaia again, who dodged it. ]

Amaia : Ah...

Specter : I really ought to thank you. After all, you allowed me to experience a completely different life.
Do you know how many Ægirs had their futures forcibly wrenched from them because of the trench-sucking scum you worship?

Amaia : ...And what would you originally have been then? An opera singer? A playwright?

Specter : As if. Of course not.
I wanted to be a sculptor. Even my teacher said I had the talent for it.

[Specter attacks Amaia again. ]

Specter : When I was little, the city I lived in had a massive, snow-white statue.

Amaia : Did it collapse during the Seaborn's invasion?

Specter : Nah, that'd be too cliché.
I've never even seen it broken. We moved to a different city before long.
But that statue's always remained in my head, and I never forgot what it looked like. And then... thanks to you guys, I finally understand the allegory of that statue alternating between black and white amidst the shadows.
"Prayer."
If I'd continued my studies in Ægir, I might have never learned the more nuanced meaning of that word.

Amaia : ......

Specter : You can stop stalling for time now. I know your arts are related to perception; I've seen them.
Haha, think of it this way. I've met some real weirdos aboard Rhodes Island. I might've done some rather unbecoming things, but... Never mind, I'm sure they'll forgive me.

Amaia : Is that the name of a ship?

Specter : A much better ship than this one.
Anyway, your precious Sea Terrors are all dead or injured, and your nethersea brand can't do anything but eat away at this pompous hall. What's next?

Amaia : ......

Specter : Need help writing your suicide note? You don't get to see authentic Ægirian calligraphy everyday, you know.

Amaia : ...Haha.
Well then, Laurentina.

「Amaia extends her hand to Specter. Her slender palms are covered in the nethersea brand, as if she's wearing faintly luminescent formal dress gloves.
Specter does not reject her, but grips her weapon tightly with one hand while holding Amaia's in the other. The two of them step delicately across the golden hall. 」

Specter : Actually, I wasn't much of a dancer when I was young. The captain taught me a few times, much later. She's a better dancer than you.

Amaia : You know what keeps your Oripathy in check. You also know why it's easier to wake up from your affliction the closer you are to the sea.
The other Hunters, particularly Gladiia, must have guessed it long ago. But she's always been reluctant to admit the truth to herself. It could not be simpler, yet it is so cruel.

Specter : Isn't it because I've returned home, and am smitten by the scenery?

Amaia : Haha. Laurentina, I never realized how much you loved self-deprecating humor.
But you're not wrong. Returning home. Returning to the sea.
It's all because their blood flows within you.

Specter : ......

Amaia : The Seaborn part of you is holding back the Originium. The Seaborn part of you is what wakes you up when you return to the ocean.
So, this awakened you, as you are now. Are you Seaborn, or Abyssal Hunter?

Specter : ...Watch your step.

Amaia : Thank you.

Specter : You aren't expecting to shake me, are you? Like how Skadi got lectured by that talking scum back in Sal Viento?

Amaia : Are you not shaken? Even though you recognize that your strength, your sanity, and your soul all come from your enemies? No one can remain unperturbed in the face of this truth.

Specter : I haven't finished my story yet. Do you know why I love sculpting?

Amaia : Hm?

Specter : Because, during the process of carving, chiseling, and shaping–

「Specter pauses her footsteps.
Amaia is caught by surprise for a moment. Specter releases her hand as her other is already bearing her weapon down. At that moment, her expression glistens with a childlike glee. 」

Specter : –We give meaning to the forms of the dead, liberating them from the void of meaninglessness.
Just like my lovely destiny.

[Specter and Amaia "dances" together. ]

<Background 2>

[Irene and Skadi fights off the Sea Terrors in the corridor. ]

Skadi : Tch, there's no end to this trash.

Inquisitor Irene : What do we do? How are we going to catch up to it? Where is it going?

Skadi : They retreat to the ocean when hurt. We don't often hunt them on dry land.

Inquisitor Irene : But– Ugh!
The Sea Terrors managed to breach the hull?! But, even the cannons of high-speed battleships shouldn't be enough to damage the Stultifera Navis!

Skadi : They've had years. Must've chipped through it long ago.
...They trapped the ship but didn't sink it? Why?

Inquisitor Irene : We can ponder this all we like, but regardless of what miracles it took, we need a plan fast or this ship really is going to sink!

Skadi : A plan, huh... That I do have.
Quickly take out the enemy, and they should retreat back to their nest.

Inquisitor Irene : Is it really that easy?!

Skadi : If not, then we make it so.
It's heading up, hurry! We can't let it reach the ocean!

[Irene sees the path ahead filled with Sea Terrors. ]

Inquisitor Irene : But... Ugh, Sea Terrors are practically clogging the entire corridor!

Skadi : ...Can you still jump?

Inquisitor Irene : What?

Skadi : The roof's been corroded by the nethersea brand and is very fragile.
We'll take a shortcut.

<Background 3>

[The juvenile Seaborn jumps into the deck... ]

Seaborn : *hiss*...

[...but Capt. Alfonso had already waited for it. ]

Captain Alfonso : There you are, my quarry.

Seaborn : ...You, prey on blood relatives. Prey on kin.
You, have eaten many.

Captain Alfonso : Well no shit, you think we can live off the wind?

Seaborn : To consume, is without fault. Food, is plenty.
You, will consume me? You, are inviting me?
Because, information from afar, cannot pass to kin. Language, they do not understand. Vibration of air, utterance of sound, understanding of rules, learning of language.

Captain Alfonso : This is why I hate those damn Ægirs. Look, even the monsters are learning Ægirian now.
Don't think I'll show you any mercy just because you learned how to talk, scumbag.

Seaborn : ...You consume me, I consume you.
Feeding, has continued for too long. Must be ended.

[Capt. Alfonso stabs the Seaborn, which tries to resist. ]

Captain Alfonso : How quickly time flies, you little runt. All this time, I've watched you grow up.
You think you're the predator?! You're nothing more than my domesticated beast!

「Alfonso's blade digs into the Seaborn's body, while its sharp fangs scratch his arm.
Blood splatters through the air, and the atmosphere intensifies. The Seaborn's movements are becoming faster. 」

Captain Alfonso : Tch, you ruined my last change of clothes. I ought to skin you alive.

Seaborn : (Roars) –

[Skadi shows up... ]

Skadi : –Over here!

Seaborn : Ishar–

[...and slashes the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : *gurgle*... Ishar-mla... You will, consume.

Skadi : ...Shut up.
You don't need to blather on to kill your prey. We just do our job.

Seaborn : ......

Skadi : –Stop it before it jumps into the sea!

Captain Alfonso : Think you can run?!

「The Seaborn continues to increase its speed, appearing to leave an afterimage of itself in place.
It strides and bounds, and in an instant, is already on the opposite side of the deck. Barely touching the ground, it dives straight into the ocean.
But something else is even faster than it.
A black shadow cuts off its retreat and smashes it to the floor. There, away from the light, something sears a mark into the deck, causing the entire ship to shudder. 」

<Background 1>

Amaia : ...*pant*... *pant*...

Specter : My, you're the same type of thing as Quintus, aren't you? If not, half of your body would've been sent flying, not just a little scratch like that.
Next up is–
–Wait, what's this? This scent...

Amaia : You felt it. Of course, he no longer is concealing himself, which means he has proven what he wished to prove. He has said what he wished to say.
Alas, I thought he'd be able to understand.

Specter : ...Understand what?
If this scent belongs to his master rather than something else that's turned into a Seaborn, then I'd suggest giving up on him ever understanding.
Based on what I've seen of your shallow experiences and moral judgments, your idea of a "trustworthy" Ægir is usually just whoever stands out most.

Amaia : ......
(Ulpianus has made his move. In that case, I can't waste any more time with her. There's no more point in stalling.)
(I must find the Herald. I must... welcome it.)

Specter : Hm? Leaving so soon? I thought we were just getting started.

Amaia : Maybe next time, Laurentina.
If we ever meet again, let's have another chat. About Ægir.

[Amaia used her Arts to cover her escape. ]

<Background 4>

Skadi : –

「Skadi doesn't blink.
She couldn't be more familiar with these movements. Simple, straightforward, a force of nature.
She remembers how her colleagues at Rhodes Island assessed her, as well as how she assessed the two in front of her, back when she first saw them.
However... 」

[Ulpianus reveals himself before Skadi. ]

Ulpianus : You were all chosen, deemed worthy by Ægir. Under my command, you should've been prodigies of exacting violence, your hunting genes complementing your skills.
But you've regressed, Skadi.

Skadi : You...
You're...

[Gladiia joins in. ]

Gladiia : It's not dead yet, Ulpianus. Don't be in such a rush to patronize Skadi.

Ulpianus : I'm aware.
Take heed again, Skadi. Just like before, I'll only teach you once.

Seaborn : (Screeching howl)

「Ulpianus swings his weapon.
The strike is straightforward and without excess. It is sufficiently swift, such that the Seaborn cannot avoid it despite its wishes.
Afterwards, an enormous rumbling sound proves that the strike was also sufficiently strong.
By the time the Seaborn is miserably thrown against a turret that's never been fired, its body had already been considerably cut down in size. 」

Ulpianus : Like so. Grasp its movements. Make a decision. Swing your weapon. Aim to kill.
This is how you fight them. You are slower than before, and more cautious. Your life on land has been no small influence on you.

Skadi : ......
I... I never thought... but how did you survive?
I thought you died... But you, and Swordfish, how did you two survive?
What about the others then? The 1st Company, and the 4th Company? Did they–

Ulpianus : By my standards, my survival was a tragedy. The Seaborn told me that the others could not be allowed to live on. They would not have overlooked anything in their nest.
Of course, based on Gladiia's usual attitude, by her standards this was also a disgrace.

Gladiia : Finish it off first. As for your situation, we can wait for all the Hunters to arrive.

Ulpianus : ......

Seaborn : You, in this dry, floating vessel... on this ship, hunt. You, left our kind.
Death, does not benefit our kind. Your death, also does not benefit our kind.
You–

[Capt. Alfonso stabs the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : Urk–!

Captain Alfonso : Pah. What kind of hunter talks before his quarry is dead? That's the first lesson we teach in field training.
I seem to always be cleaning up after the messes of you Ægirs.
What is it you want? What do you need with my ship? Look what you did to Iberia, and to Victoria. Letting monsters overrun Ursus...

Seaborn : (Roars) –!

Captain Alfonso : Urgh, stubborn bastard!

[Irene fires her handcannon at the Seaborn... ]

Seaborn : (Screeches) ––!

Inquisitor Irene : Run it through! Now, Alfonso!

Captain Alfonso : Take this!

[...allowing Capt. Alfonso to deliver a coup de grace to it. ]

Captain Alfonso : Haah...

Inquisitor Irene : I-Is it over?
Ugh... I can't... feel my hand...

Gladiia : ...Look out beneath you!

Captain Alfonso : What?

Gladiia : It's not dead yet!

Captain Alfonso : –!

[The Seaborn rises up, having survived all the attacks against it... ]

Seaborn : ... (Blood gurgles in its throat) Grrrgh...
Urgh...

[...and bites its way out through the floor. ]

Captain Alfonso : It chipped through the deck. Trying to jump onto the chopping block yourself, you sack of meat?

Ulpianus : ...No, not quite.
After it! We didn't chase it back into the cabin, there are still more of its kin on the ship!
It's looking for her!

<Background 2>

Seaborn : ...Urgh... *gurgle*...

[The Seaborn breaches through the corridor's walls, but it collapses. ]

Seaborn : (Chewing sounds) ...Urgh... Kraaahh...

<Background 4>

[Amaia walks toward the Seaborn as it lies on the engine room. ]

Amaia : Herald.

Seaborn : ...Scaleless, kin.
Wounds, can't be healed. No way, to nourish our kind.
They all, attack. Attack, but not to hunt.

Amaia : ......

「Amaia simply listens quietly.
The wound Specter left on her slender body continues to bleed, dripping into the pool of blood already shed by the Seaborn and mixing into one.
Amaia simply listens quietly. 」

Seaborn : ...You, also hurt.
You, consume me.
Kin, you live.
Our kind, will continue, and survive.

「The Seaborn bows its body, lowering itself at Amaia's feet.
It closes its eyes and awaits death.
Amaia continues to listen quietly. 」

<Background fades out>

「Dedication, sacrifice.
These sorts of unrequited altruism are respected by humans, and considered virtues. 」

Amaia : Ægir. I have never seen that country myself. A vast, vast country, larger than Iberia, Victoria, or Ursus. Or perhaps all three combined.
I've heard that the Ægir are rationalists. But how rational can they be, compared to the rationality of our kin?
Listen to me, Herald.
There is nothing noble about sacrifice, and dedication is not necessarily a virtue.

Seaborn : Virtue...? Noble...?

Amaia : You do not need to understand what sacrifice or dedication are. Only the mediocre would presume that the Seaborn becoming closer to humanity is any form of evolution.
No.
This is merely an increased tolerance to allow for more possibilities.
When we praise those who selflessly serve their kin, all that means is that so many more have chosen to do otherwise.
If even young gloompincers will die in the jaws of their natural predators to protect their kind, then why do we feel a need to repeatedly extol such a virtue?
Humans only sing the praises of what's rare, using morality to whitewash altruism. All in an attempt to justify their utilitarian hearts, deeming themselves more noble than beasts.
Such ridiculous self-aggrandizement. It is clear that the cracks between nations and races are tearing this land asunder.
"Life has never been without order," my Herald. This is the final answer I sought, for which I left the land and entered the sea.

Seaborn : ......

<Background black>

「The Seaborn closes its eyes. It is contemplating the words of Amaia, the words of its kin.
It does not understand, but its kin says that it does not need to understand, only to do.
The next moment, it feels its scaleless kin place her hand upon its body.
Its kin says:
"I ask of you."
"Remember me."
"Set me free."
"Consume me." 」

<Background 4>

[Ulpianus and Gladiia reaches the engine room in pursuit of Amaia and the tenacious Seaborn. ]

Ulpianus : Amaia!
......
No... The scent is still here. It couldn't have gotten far.

Gladiia : It cut through the walls corroded by the nethersea brand and returned to the ocean.

Ulpianus : But that's not all. Something happened here. Its blood trails disappeared.
...You all stay here. I'll go after it myself.

Gladiia : Why would Hunters be afraid to return to the ocean? This is a disgrace.

Ulpianus : Then stew in that disgrace, Gladiia. We need to tread carefully, and I alone will be enough to handle this.

Gladiia : I'll go with you.

Ulpianus : To monitor me?

Gladiia : To maintain discipline.

Ulpianus : As you please. But surely you can feel it too.
More Seaborn are approaching. This place may be closer to shore, but it's already become the heart of the ocean.

<Background 5>

The Last Knight : ......

Rocinante : *brays*...

The Last Knight : ...Soon, soon– the grand domain.
Very soon.
The storm is tearing the sky open. The terrible waves, they come, they will come.

Rocinante : ......

The Last Knight : We shall watch. We shall wait.
We shall meet the terrible waves.

[Rocinante neighs in agreement. ]

Operation story: SN-10

Before operation

Summary

Carmen and Kal'tsit, who arrive at the Eye of Iberia, see the hero who has fallen in battle. The Seaborn, having received an offering, spreads the Silence once more with its song. The fight seems to be slipping into the abyss of failure, and the decisive battle is imminent.

<Background 1>

Kal'tsit : ......

Saint Carmen : The Eye of Iberia. It's been a long, long time since I last set foot here.
Countless soldiers from the Penal Battalion laid down their lives here. And when the Seaborn finally broke through our defense line, countless engineers died in vain inside the lighthouse.
Before our last ship was swallowed, we fled. For every ten men who left home, hardly one returned.
But now, behold.
Light!

「Carmen's voice trembles for the first time in an eternity.
Kal'tsit stares silently out into the center of the distant reef. A massive lighthouse illuminates the entire sky, as bright as the day. 」

Kal'tsit : I don't see the ship.

Saint Carmen : That is a good sign. It proves they found what they were looking for.
Let's proceed. As long as this light is not extinguished, we will press forward.

<Background fades out and in>

Sea Terror : (Slithers around the main door)

Kal'tsit : ...Mon3tr.

[Mon3tr heeds Kal'tsit's call, ]

Mon3tr : (Screeches)

Kal'tsit : Clear the way. We're going in.

Saint Carmen : ......

「The heat of fire.
The Sea Terrors gather around the main door, wandering, spinning.
Carmen's eyes sweep into the distance. They follow a line of the charred corpses of these abominations the entire way, their remains vanishing with the wind. 」

Saint Carmen : The Sea Terrors do not feel fear.

Kal'tsit : But they do know how to seek advantage and avoid disadvantage. Their base instincts have taught them to hunt cautiously.

Saint Carmen : ...They have been taught fear. These creatures may not know what a country is, let alone laws and morals.
But they have learned to fear the High Inquisitor. They have learned to fear everything we have built on top of civilization.

[St. Carmen sees that ahead of him... ]

Saint Carmen : Dario!

Kal'tsit : ......

「Kal'tsit does not say anything.
She can see. She can see a strange ring on a patch of fluorescent ground.
Charred corpses are stacked high into a mountain. The deaths of tens of thousands of their kin had imprinted a new behavior upon the Sea Terrors–
–Do not approach the lighthouse.
A feeble flame still flickers. It was originally a great bonfire.
Before the Sea Terrors had perished in a tide of death, there was nothing flammable here at all.
At the heart of the flame stands a single man. He lifts his lantern and leans on his sword, just as he did when he learned to stand guard in his youth–motionless. 」

[Dario had died standing after he fought to keep the Seaborn from the Eye. ]

Dario, Unspeaking : ......

Saint Carmen : You've done well, Dario.
Be at peace now.

「The lantern in Dario's hand seems to echo Carmen's farewell. In an instant, the fire swallows even more Sea Terrors before the raging flame then wraps around the silent High Inquisitor.
His already-clouded eyes are still gazing far into the distance.
Carmen remains silent for a long time before Dario's statue-like body.
Kal'tsit does not interrupt Carmen's mourning. She only takes in the scene with her eyes. There aren't many signs of the Hunters' activity here.
The High Inquisitor remained here alone, staving off the surging tides of Sea Terrors until his life was spent.
But even if the soldier's lifeforce had bled dry long ago, the Sea Terrors still feared him. Because his flame had not extinguished, because his light had not dimmed.
The Inquisitor had turned himself into a force of nature, a pledge to defend the sanctity of the Eye of Iberia even beyond death.
After a long time, Carmen lifts his head.
Only then does Kal'tsit see the signs of age in the old man in front of her. Though the Inquisition had used various methods to prolong his life, in this moment he could no longer hide the fatigue in his eyes.
He turns his head and looks towards Kal'tsit, then back to Dario, who was gradually disappearing into the flame. 」

<Background 2>

Saint Carmen : He was my finest student, Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : We have three minutes to mourn the death of this soldier. Once the flames go out, nothing will stand between the Sea Terrors and their nest. They will swarm this place.
Also, I didn't see the girl. At least his disciple survived.

Saint Carmen : Are there no higher-level Seaborn here?

Kal'tsit : Doesn't seem so, for the time being.

Saint Carmen : Their numbers are nothing to be feared then.

Kal'tsit : "For the time being."
We ought to find a more permanent solution. The Eye of Iberia was built by Breogan. It has the potential to become the hub for establishing a link with Ægir.

Saint Carmen : Assuming they were able to find the ship... Wait, hold on.
Who reactivated the Eye of Iberia? Neither the Ægir nor Dario should've had any experience with this.

[St. Carmen cuts down the remaining Sea Terrors inside the Eye, as Kal'tsit notices something at the top. ]

Kal'tsit : ...Look up there.

<Background fades out and in>

Jordi : Ugh... Finally...
*pant*... *pant*... Th-The control panel is fine...
Phew, I'm totally worn out...

[Mon3tr shows up before Jordi... ]

Mon3tr : (Hums curiously)

Jordi : Hwaaaaah–!
Y-You're–

[...as Kal'tsit and St. Carmen walks toward him. ]

Kal'tsit : ...I must admit, you've surpassed my expectations.
You managed to re-light the Eye of Iberia by yourself, restoring at least thirty percent of its functionality.
You did this, alone. Under these conditions.

Jordi : You... You're the one Mr. Elysium mentioned. Oh!
Wh-What about Mr. Inquisitor?! He's been fighting for his life down there this entire time and I, I didn't dare get close to him since I wouldn't be able to help anyway, so all I could do was keep an eye on the control panel here...

Saint Carmen : He made the ultimate sacrifice.

Jordi : What...?

Saint Carmen : But by no means was it in vain. He sacrificed himself for his faith, and as such, will now live on forever.
He died heroically as an Inquisitor, as a vindicator of Iberia. His ideal self shall be forever enshrined on the coasts of Iberia.
And then there is you, Ægir. You have defended the purpose of his sacrifice. You have persisted all this time, and never given up.
You've done well.

Jordi : I-I never got to talk to him much, but... he... *sob*...
Um... what about Gran Faro? What's going to happen to my home?

Saint Carmen : ...I usually don't answer every question from the general public.
But for now, I don't intend to lie to you. Gran Faro will soon be under the management of the Penal Battalion. The citizens will all come under their unified control, and contribute to the construction of frontline checkpoints.
Also... Thiago died at the hands of heretics.

Jordi : No!
H-How could this happen? Uncle Thiago, is he really–?!

Saint Carmen : He had long been aware of the Church of the Deep's cultists, yet turned a blind eye to them. His cover-up thwarted the plans of the Penal Battalion, and delayed our ability to send support here.
Even if he'd escaped death, he would not have escaped me, child.

Jordi : ......

「Jordi collapses limply onto the ground.
He feels numb and exhausted. He feels like the single string supporting him through everything that happened, long worn thin, had suddenly snapped. 」

Jordi : Uncle Thiago... Why?

Kal'tsit : ...Mon3tr, guard the entrance.

Mon3tr : (Obeys cheerfully)

Saint Carmen : Can you confirm where the Stultifera Navis was last seen?

Jordi : ......

Saint Carmen : Dame Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : Not that far. And the last signal came less than forty-eight hours ago.

Saint Carmen : What...?
She's still able to send signals?

Kal'tsit : Breogan helped the Iberian royal family construct lighthouses and fleets. Why, if not for restoring a connection to his homeland?
Be it the Eye of Iberia or some transponder hidden in a corner in the Stultifera Navis, they all use the Ægir's technology without reservation.
Of course, all of this assumes that the Seaborn haven't already destroyed the ship or turned it into their nest.

「Carmen's eyes silently follow the direction of the light extending towards the horizon.
The Stultifera Navis cannot be seen by the naked eye. The ocean is too expansive, and what's not too far for a ship is still a cruel joke to those on land.
The weary saint once again shows his age. His lips quiver, as if innumerable thoughts are crossing through his mind. 」

Saint Carmen : Alfonso... Garcia... Touré... Julia...
Are you still out there?

<Background 2>

Skadi : My captain and Gladiia pursued it into the sea.
We should go help them.

Specter : No, we'd be better off waiting here. The waters are restless, and the Seaborns' scents swirl together. There's probably more than just one.
......
Did you hear something, Skadi?

Skadi : What? No, I didn't.

Specter : I see.

Captain Alfonso : What have you done to this place?!
You, Ægirs, how'd you get in here?
I was the only one with the key, and when the ol' deadbeat kicked the bucket, I threw it into the ocean! It's been fifty years already!

Skadi : If this is the power source for the vessel, wouldn't locking it up mean giving up hope?

Captain Alfonso : The ol' deadbeat was the last engineer we had. When he died, we had nobody left who could fix the ship.
To make matters worse, we were already tangled up in the Seaborn, and couldn't get away. Didn't need anyone rocking the boat on my watch.
But answer me! How'd you find this place?!

Specter : Breogan. The captain followed the clues he left, which led to Iberia, then here.

Captain Alfonso : You people... you know the shipwright?

Specter : Nope, not at all. I've always been more into the arts anyway.
But it really shouldn't come as a surprise. To return to Ægir, we must follow the trail of the Ægir–
–What's this?

Captain Alfonso : Ah, you've even gotten your hands dirty digging up some of Breogan's personal belongings... Hasn't Ægir ever heard of respecting people's privacy?

Specter : ......

Skadi : What does it say?

Specter : Breogan's experiences on land. A travel log, I guess?

Skadi : Is this what the Captain's been looking for?

Specter : No clue. Why don't you ask her yourself?

[Gladiia and Ulpianus joins in. ]

Gladiia : ...Just a small part of it.

Captain Alfonso : Returning empty handed, eh?

Ulpianus : It disappeared.
Furthermore, the reason we didn't chase any further is because there were signs of other Seaborn nearby.
They came here following distant scents and the calls of their kin.
Now, I don't mind skipping straight to the slaughter. But we should resolve the problem of this ship first.

Captain Alfonso : You dare treat my Iberia as a prize to be taken?

Gladiia : This ship is the only way for us to return to Ægir. And only it can contact our cities.
As for the issue of repairs, perhaps I might be more qualified than a handful of backwards Iberians who know little of Breogan's technology.
I can't pass up this opportunity, even if we must resort to force.

Skadi : ......

Specter : ......

Captain Alfonso : Two against four, eh?

Chief Mate : (Howls vigilantly) –

Ulpianus : Three against three.

Skadi : ...Captain?!

Ulpianus : Not so fast, Gladiia.
Don't forget what I said.

Gladiia : ...You never gave me a reason to give up on returning to Ægir.

Ulpianus : I'm telling you, you don't know what it's like there now.
The Seaborn have never taken the initiative to attack our cities unless their nests and living spaces were threatened. Each act of slaughter, each act of destruction, has been fueled by the Ægir's degeneracy.
They thought we were dead. They lost contact with us. The blood of the Seaborn flow within us.
In all our long years of battling against these enemies, we finally have a prime opportunity.

Gladiia : And you think these few acts of "degeneracy" have nothing to do with the scum we fight? Even if left alone, the Seaborn's living spaces will grow like a tumor until the entire ocean is devoured.

Ulpianus : This and that are two separate issues.
Neither of which can be solved by heading home, rejoining the army, and marching forth once more.
Why don't we try thinking outside the box this time?

Gladiia : So you've chosen to listen to those lowly beasts, to walk with them, to understand them.

Ulpianus : They call us their kin, but what do we know about them? Far too little.
I can hardly even understand what I've seen myself. Until we've obtained definite answers about their gods, everything we do is uselessly groping around in the dark.

Skadi : What are you talking about, Captain?!
You... You and the Seaborn... How do we know you're still on our side? Why do you have to...

Specter : Every Hunter who thought they could get something out of the Seaborn has ended up disappearing.
Of course, you should understand that better than me.

Skadi : Their whispers... resonate... They will invade your mind. Those are not your thoughts!

Ulpianus : ...Skadi.
That's... also a separate issue. I'll let Gladiia give you the specifics.
Ship captain, escort them away.

Captain Alfonso : I was just thinking the same thing, Ægir.

Gladiia : ...What a pity.

Skadi & Specter : ......

「Stillness. Silence. Hunters long separated always seem to have the least pleasant of reunions.
Something squirms in the hearts of Skadi and Specter. The chief mate hesitates, its wounds still aching.
Swords are drawn, bowstrings stretched taut.
Quiet.
Too quiet.
Wait, how is this possible? The rushing of the waves, the howling of the wind, the creaking sounds of the hull being torn open by Seaborn–
They all become distant. 」

[Irene rushes into the engine room. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Hunters!
Th-The ship is sailing!

Captain Alfonso : Nonsense, Old Iberian. Just how many years do you think–

Inquisitor Irene : No, I swear it's true! Something's pushing the ship, and... it might've been pushing the ship the whole time we were chasing after the Seaborn.
And... from the very beginning, um...
Our surroundings have been unusually quiet.

<Background 4>

Rocinante : *Huff*...

The Last Knight : Kin, gather. Take this cell, and go far away.
Follow... We will follow. We will find the end of the storm.

Rocinante : (Shakes head meekly)

The Last Knight : The waves are fading.
Silence, is coming.

<Background 5>

Captain Alfonso : I don't hear anything at all. After so many years of the waves washing against us, why...?
Everything, is just like that day...

Chief Mate : (Cowers in pain and suffering)

Captain Alfonso : Garcia! Ugh... My hand, it's shaking... Damn it, if I didn't need it to hunt, I would've lopped this thing off a long time ago.
What's the meaning of this, Ægir?!

「Gladiia does not answer.
She imperceptibly reaches for her neck. The scales, the part of her that do not belong to her, are resonating with something. 」

Gladiia : The scent of the Seaborn... The smell of the ocean, it's all gone. Look outside. It's way too peaceful.
How could this be?

Captain Alfonso : Haah... What's going on? Why's it so quiet?
...Wait.
Did you hear that? What was that?
Was there something–

Inquisitor Irene : "The ocean sank into an unprecedented silence. Anomalies appeared across the shore, as violently ebbing tides and irregular waves heralded the coming of disaster."
"All sounds were smothered. From waves crashing against the shore to the chiming of city clock towers, all noise faded away."

「Until the voices of the people all disappeared as well.
Until the wind was stilled.
The Profound Silence came without a sound. 」

Inquisitor Irene : Impossible, it's just like in the Inquisition's records. Are we facing... another Silence?!

Specter : ......

[Specter walks away. ]

Gladiia : Shark, where are you going?

Specter : Heading up to check things out.

Ulpianus : I'll go with you.

Skadi : Me too.

Ulpianus : No, Skadi.
You and Gladiia stay here.

Gladiia : ......

Ulpianus : ...Skadi.

Skadi : Why?]

Ulpianus : Stay with Gladiia, and remember this one thing.
You will always be our Hunter.
Laurentina, let's go.

<Background 6>

「Specter lifts her head towards the sky.
The dark clouds know not when to dissipate, but she, who has lost the concept of time, finds a sea of stars in the sky.
She can finally hear that voice.
The voice that calls out to her.
Specter paces around the deck, and Ulpianus casts her a concerned glance for just a moment. 」

Specter : You and the captain have a keen sense of smell. Can you sense any Seaborn around us?

Ulpianus : No, right now, there is little difference between here and the land.
Even though we're clearly floating out at sea. It's disconcerting.
I'll head the other way to see if we're really being pushed by a current.

Specter : ...See you soon.

[Ulpianus heads off. ]

Specter : O starry sky.
This is the first time in many years I've seen the stars so clearly.
I had forgotten so many things. I forgot my home, was used by others, and what finally saved my life and awakened my memories was the part of me I hated most.
Accepting that I'm a freak actually wasn't as hard as it sounds. That's what makes me unique.
The one, final thing I am unable to let go of... is my home.
But have I really returned? Is this place on the sea's surface really Ægir? Is this still my home?
Just because Gladiia never said it doesn't mean I wouldn't realize. It wouldn't be the first time rifts have grown between Hunters, but between us and Ægir? We've been separated by the shore for too long.
...I remember something else.
When I was little, I once went with my parents and grandparents to watch the stars on the ocean's surface adorn the sky, on a day much like this. Even the most beautiful pearl geode couldn't compare to that splendor.
In retrospect, even after I became a Hunter, I was always leaving my home again and again, but never reaching anywhere else.
Haha... I suppose I'm getting a bit homesick.
Where are you going to take me this time, Amaia?

「Under the magnificent starry sky, the creature quietly looks down on Specter.
It makes not a single sound. The ship splitting the waves, the wind's bluster. All sounds are drowned out by His soft murmurs.
He hovers in the air as if walking on water, gently kissing the light of the stars and moons, His tentacles coruscating in a beautiful array. 」

Seaborn : Nowhere, Laurentina. The ocean is boundless, and wherever we go is all the same.

Specter : I've always been able to hear your song, Amaia.

Seaborn : Laurentina, that is the name of our scaleless kin, the Liberi, the Iberian.
As I consumed her, she kept stroking my head. She spoke to me of many things. Time itself was like frozen dust, an eternity seeming to pass as I listened to her.
Until she could no longer speak, until even her bones were digested by our smallest kin, she nurtured me with both nutrition and time. She taught me everything I know.

Specter : Since when were you so sentimental towards your food?

Seaborn : Such was her request, I merely granted it. If there is purpose to such emotions, we are willing to experiment.
What of Ishar'mla? Gladiia? And... Ulpianus?
Are your kin ready to return to the great sea?

Specter : ...We've had a bit of an internal disagreement.

Seaborn : Why? Your home is clearly right before your eyes. We many are clearly right here awaiting you.
You're homesick, Laurentina. Amaia told me that, of all the Ægir she ever made contact with, you harbor the greatest affection for Ægir itself.
Come.
Embrace me, and I will bring you back home.

Specter : You know, I've never touched a living Seaborn before. I prefer your kind dead.

Seaborn : Just as you prefer to give shape to inorganic matter, even though it offers nothing for your survival?

Specter : Do you have any other pursuits other than "survival"?

Seaborn : Pursuits? Like your pursuit to return home?
The survival of our kind. The survival of more of us. The survival of we many.
All beings ought to form a single entity. Life should not be so disorderly.

<Background 5>

「The Seaborn descends onto the deck.
Specter laughs. 」

Specter : You're a graceful one. Did Amaia teach you that as well?

Seaborn : It was just her request. A memento.

Specter : I suppose that means you'll be paying back both of our debts?

Seaborn : ...Ah, before her death, Amaia entrusted you to me. I will make use of your life. I will also fulfill your requests.
Amaia thanks you. She said I should help you. Because of you, their work was able to take another step forward. Their "research" and "ideals" have all advanced greatly.
I can talk to you about Ishar'mla. I can take you back to Ægir. I can share with you where our kind are, and how they are doing. I can name your clansmen who are trying to become one with us.
Amaia begged me to help you. Only through helping you, will you accept us as kin.

Specter : ...Hah.
In that case, my first request is...
Stop singing. I want to hear the wind of my hometown.

Seaborn : Very well.

「In an instant, the wind and the waves return to Specter's ears.
Just as the sound of the first waves splashing against the deck rings out clearly, Ulpianus's giant blade is already poised above the Seaborn's head. 」

Ulpianus : Die.

[Ulpianus swings his axe at the graceful Seaborn, which turns out to be the tenacious juvenile Seaborn from before that has evolved into another level after assimilating Amaia, but it blocks the strike... ]

Ulpianus : What–?! It managed to block? –Nngh!

[...and retaliates with such force that Ulpianus is thrown overboard. ]

Specter : Ulpianus!

Seaborn : A sufficiently heavy blow. Our kin in the ocean will welcome his unconscious form. They will take him back to our nest, where we will spend time becoming one with him.
As for this floating box... it has been used to house our kin who have not yet adapted to the sea. But most of them died, and the rest have refused to become one with us.
Therefore, it is no longer needed.

「Specter is unable to see the Seaborn's movements, but like a piece of garbage being swept aside by a pedestrian, the once-glorious cannon mounted on the ship vanishes in the blink of an eye.
A few seconds later, an enormous splash in the distance reveals where the steel construct had gone. 」

Specter : (How did it manage to slice off that cannon? With its tail?!)
Shit–

「Specter's eyes are unable to follow.
Whether shaken by the ease with which Ulpianus was repelled, or distracted by the sound of the metal cannon being sliced through, Specter is easily struck and sent crashing into the deck.
She was unable to see the attack at all. 」

Seaborn : Come, let us return to the sea.
Whether to hunt, or to communicate, or to evolve, we must all return to the sea.

[Irene shows up and fires her handcannon at the Seaborn. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Halt!

Captain Alfonso : You trying to take apart my ship, you monster?!
Garcia!

Chief Mate : (Roars) –!

「The chief mate charges at the Seaborn.
But before even laying a finger on that elegant being, the chief mate's movements suddenly freeze.
Kin. This is kin.
I am attacking my own kind? 」

[The Seaborn struck Garcia amidst their confusion. ]

Chief Mate : Guh...?!

Seaborn : What a paradoxical being. You have consumed many of our kin, yet many more go hungry. You ought to feed them.
Turn into nutrients, and nourish our kind.

Captain Alfonso : Garcia!
What are you doing to my chief mate?!

[The Seaborn attacks Capt. Alfonso with such force that it knocks him back. ]

Captain Alfonso : –Ugh!
Gaah... Goddamnit!

Chief Mate : ......!

Captain Alfonso : Don't worry, I'm alright... *cough*.

Chief Mate : ......
Alfonso...

Captain Alfonso : What is it...?
Wait, hold on, what?! Garcia, you–

Chief Mate : Alfonso.
Today is... the last day... of our voyage.
All these years... I... always treated myself as... a monster. Easier... that way.
I know. If I die... you'll be lonely... and then you'll die. You shouldn't... die... so I'm... worthless.
Today is the last day... of our voyage.
I... I think I already... feel kinship towards it.

Captain Alfonso : No! No!
Garcia! You can still talk! You're still yourself!

Chief Mate : No.
Time... is up. The Stultifera... will soon sink. The fluorescent sea has already started... to corrode the ship.
I–
–Will fight to the death, as an Iberian. I will never... accept it as my kin.

Seaborn : ......

「The Seaborn has already bent down.
It looks hardly any different from the greatest chief mate Iberia has ever known.
Garcia nudges the shining crown sitting atop its head. 」

Chief Mate : (Iberian) My beloved... Remember... your duty.

Captain Alfonso : ......

[Garcia charges at the Seaborn... ]

Chief Mate : (Roars) –

Seaborn : You are not fighting me, Garcia.

[...but it anticipates their attack by stabbing them... ]

Chief Mate : Graaaaah–

Seaborn : You are fighting we many inside your heart. You are on this ship, but you thirst for the sea.

[...as they continue to struggle. ]

Chief Mate : Urgh– Hraaaagh–

Seaborn : But it doesn't matter.
Become sustenance, and nourish our kin. Or, become one with us.

「The Chief Mate's body is punctured, blood gushing out like a spring.
The Seaborn tosses Garcia overboard into the ocean, like chucking out bait.
It gazes from above, noble and impassive, like an inviolable eikon. 」

Inquisitor Irene : What... What just happened?
How could it so easily–

Seaborn : Human, kin, and all living things in between.
Amaia wishes to correct you. And thus, it shall be done. I simply welcome back my kin, and welcome back Ishar-mla.
Protect the lives of our kin. Then, return to we many. "Return home."

Gladiia : Shark.

Skadi & Specter : –

「Gladiia effortlessly steps forward, casting off the gentle beckoning from behind.
In the space of a moment, Skadi, who had been standing behind her, and Specter, once again returning to battle, react in sync and brandish their weapons at the Seaborn.
As the fastest of the group, Gladiia would improve the synergy between the three if she slowed down a bit–but she had already lost the capacity to stay calm. 」

[The Abyssal Hunters trio charges at the Seaborn, but... ]

Seaborn : ......

「It dodges. Or more accurately, it simply takes a step forward, but its speed is sufficient.
It has its eyes only on Skadi. 」

Seaborn : There are many among us who wish to see you. Ishar-mla. Ishar'mla.

Skadi : –!

Seaborn : Our kind awaits you. We await you. We hope you will answer our call.

Gladiia : Filth, is there no end to your arrogance?

「Gladiia whirls her lance at the Seaborn, but it does not evade. It is run through, its body easily lifted and smashed down into a deep pit. 」

Seaborn : ......

[Gladiia dropped down to the Seaborn... ]

Gladiia : No good... What's happened to your body?

Seaborn : Soon, many kin, many kin in need, will reach my heights.
We are changing every day. Gladiia. We are one whole. You are of the strongest batch.

[...followed by Skadi and Specter. ]

Skadi : ...Where's my captain?

Specter : Tossed into the sea. He was injured pretty badly.

Skadi : ......

Gladiia : Even their gods were unable to devour Ulpianus. He won't die so easily.
Its body seems to have undergone some changes. It's nothing like the trash we encountered in Sal Viento.

Specter : Swordfish? Treating an enemy with caution rather than contempt? Maybe I'm still missing some memories, but does that ever happen, Skadi?

Skadi : No, you're right, it is rare. But Seaborn like this were also rare. What kind of prey stands before three Hunters and remains unscathed?

Specter : To be fair, I've barely done anything yet.

Skadi : The ship won't hold out if we keep fighting like this, though. It's grown much stronger.

[Capt. Alfonso drops down. ]

Captain Alfonso : ...Just the last few blows have already set the lowest deck on fire.
How dare you treat Garcia and my ship like this! I'll make you regret this, monster.

Seaborn : ......
Please, my kin, even more of our kin call out to me, asking me to maintain the ocean's growth and tranquility.
If you get in my way, I have no choice but to consume you. I beg of you, return to our kind.

Specter : Hey, Amaia.

Seaborn : ...If you insist on calling me that.

Specter : Sure do. Anyway, I just remembered something which REALLY should've been written into those Scriptures–

Seaborn : What?

Specter : She still owes me her life, and you're going to pay it back.

Seaborn : A debt? If you are willing to return to our kind, I will grant you that.

Specter : No can do.

Seaborn : ......

「The Seaborn does not answer.
It silently leans forward, baring its claws.
In an instant, the damage to the ship's hull passes a critical threshold, and everything in sight shakes violently. 」

Seaborn : ...Minutes. Yes, your kind's conception of time. Amaia spoke of this before.
Ten minutes.
In ten minutes this box will be surrounded by our kin. It will "sink."

「Hunt and consume. Survive and evolve.
It has never hesitated. 」

After operation

Summary

The Stultifera sinks in the heat of battle, and a brand new expedition is crushed by the ocean. The extraordinarily ordinary Jordi manages to save the most lives of all, but no one comes to the rescue of Iberia and Ægir.

<Background 2>

Jordi : ......

Saint Carmen : This... isn't possible.
If true, then this whole time, the Abyssal Hunters have been looking for something right under their noses.

Kal'tsit : What that possibility signifies is too vile to put into words.
From beginning to end, the Eye of Iberia has always born witness to the aftermath of calamity. But it is just a sinking eyeball, unable to speak.

Saint Carmen : ...What does this mean?

Kal'tsit : It means Ægir's demise is accelerating.
It means that... if even cities at this distance are sending out distress signals, then the Stultifera Navis has been circling above their nest since the very beginning.
...The Hunters are all in danger.

Saint Carmen : I know what you're thinking, but we have only one ship and the two of us.
Saving the Stultifera was not realistic.

Kal'tsit : You may not mind a few Abyssal Hunters dying at sea, but what we would be strangling in its cradle is opportunity. For both Ægir and Iberia.

Saint Carmen : ......

Kal'tsit : Dario died a warrior's death. Wouldn't you want to gain some valuable knowledge from the mouth of the surviving Inquisitor?
This is our last chance.

Saint Carmen : No. A powerless city, almost reduced to ruins. How many Ægir have already fallen to the ocean?
We must act cautiously, or we will be leaping into the flames.

Kal'tsit : Even so, this is our last chance.
If we wait until Ægir can no longer respond, until another Silence has fallen over Iberia, then indeed, the true enemy will appear.
But at that point, would it matter?
I understand you have your responsibilities. You don't want to take any risks until the Penal Battalion has full control over this place.
So I'll go alone.

Saint Carmen : ...I know better than to underestimate the power of you and your pet, but it's a long trip. Are you sure you'll make it on your own?

Kal'tsit : The Hunters bleed a special kind of blood. Sea Terrors aren't necessarily that hostile towards ordinary ships.

Saint Carmen : I can only hope you didn't just make that up to assuage my fears.

Kal'tsit : That's not a lie I would have come up with anyway. Regardless, I can't leave the Hunters behind.

Jordi : ......

Saint Carmen : *sigh*...
You'd better bring back the Hunters and Irene, Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : I will.

Jordi : Ah, um...
Is there anything I can do to help?

<Background 1>

Kal'tsit : Mon3tr, survey our surroundings. If those Sea Terrors went back into hiding underwater, don't rile them up.
We need time, since the ship's taken some damage from the trip.

Mon3tr : (Answers with a nod)

Jordi : This ship...

Kal'tsit : The one the Hunters took was left by the Inquisition's spies.
Lord Carmen's original plan was to join up with the Penal Battalion at Gran Faro, establish a frontline headquarters, and push forward on a medium-sized naval vessel.
So, this lone boat, abandoned on the shores of Gran Faro, is our final hope.

Jordi : I, I can help... I'll go take a look at the boat. I've never actually repaired a ship before, but I do have some tools with me.
Um, can you really head out to sea on something like this?

Kal'tsit : If you don't think so, then probably not– Wait!
Out of the way, Jordi!

Jordi : Woah, huh?!

[A pack of Sea Terrors reveal themselves from behind the reefs. ]

Jordi : S-Sea Terrors?!
Waaaaah–

Kal'tsit : They were hiding in the shadow of the reef? Mon3tr!

Mon3tr : (Screeches excitedly)

[Mon3tr vaporizes the Sea Terrors, but... ]

Kal'tsit : Jordi! Get off the boat!

Jordi : I, I can't, something's pushing on it! The anchor's gone!
I'll try to steer it back–

Kal'tsit : Jump off! The Sea Terrors are swarming around it!
Mon3tr, go rescue him.

Jordi : Wait, wait– Then we'd lose the boat then! I, I'll try to steer it back! Urgh!
Watch out behind you!

Kal'tsit : –

[A Sea Terror attempts to attack Kal'tsit from behind, but Mon3tr rips it apart before it could get too close. ]

Kal'tsit : Save Jordi first.

Mon3tr : (Cheers in response)

Kal'tsit : Whirlpools, changing currents, and the Sea Terrors are unusually active again... What's going on here?

<Background 4>

Mon3tr : (Stretches out claws)

Jordi : You want me to grab on and fly back with you? But, then the boat will– Woah?!

Mon3tr : (Screeches urgently)

Jordi : I, I...

「Jordi knows that if doesn't take this opportunity, then he'll drift into the endless ocean along with the ship.
There's no other choice. He has to return to the Eye of Iberia and hide inside the lighthouse.
Just like he hid in that little town for over a decade.
Just like he hid when Dario died.
Just like with Thiago.
He clings to the mast to avoid falling into the aberrant waves. Mon3tr is visibly dissatisfied, urging him on.
Sea Terrors leap from the water's surface from time to time, darting back and forth rapidly and kicking up plumes of water. The Eye of Iberia is already becoming smaller and smaller.
He sees words carved crookedly into the boat's mast:
"Gran Faro" 」

Jordi : ...I will go in Kal'tsit's place.
All I have to do is... find that ship, and bring everyone back, right? That doesn't sound too hard...
No...
Compared to losing the ship and waiting helplessly under the lighthouse... it's a gamble I have to take!
I can do this on my own!

<Background 5>

Seaborn : As long as even one of our kin touches upon the ultimate answer to life, we will be able to re-weave the laws of the cosmos from beginning to end.
Before we are given our next Revelation, we shall find a way.
Even if Ishar'mla refuses to answer. Even if our kind will never know the divine Will.
We will still survive.

[Gladiia attacks the Seaborn... ]

Gladiia : Shark.

Specter : Of course.

[...followed by Specter... ]

Seaborn : Hmm.
Our kin have conveyed their will. Nutrients are sufficient. No longer must we feed on each other.
I should return to the nest. You should come with me.

[...and Skadi. ]

Skadi : Running away so soon?
It barely took any damage, but the ship's in tatters.

Specter : You're still going on about that stuff, Amaia? Why don't just stay put and let me kill you like a good girl?

Seaborn : Our kind calls me back. They call for me to share my fruits with them.
I shall heed their call. When that is done, I shall heed your call. I shall seek you out, and you shall kill me.

Specter : Haha... Of course I can't let you leave. If I let you go, how many Seaborn just like you are going to end up all over the place?
Amaia sure knows how to make things hard for me. If only she were as simple and straightforward as Quintus.
What a shame I couldn't keep her around with that dance.

Seaborn : ......!

[Skadi attacks the Seaborn by surprise... ]

Skadi : You talk too much, scum!

[...sending them crashing out of the hall. ]

<Background 7>

[The Seaborn walks toward Skadi... ]

Seaborn : Ishar-mla. I've always wanted to meet you.
What happened? Why doesn't He speak anymore? Where is He?

[...who rises up. ]

Skadi : Pah... It's like hacking at water. No resistance at all.

Seaborn : Are you Him? Is He you?

Skadi : I have no idea what you're talking about. If you mean that big guy, He's already dead.

Seaborn : Death. Withering. He exists beyond these concepts. His voice, by no means signifies the end of life.

Skadi : What do your kind call Him? The same as those cultists? Your 'god' has already withered and fallen into the abyss.

Seaborn : God?
No. This is what we call Him–

Ishar-mla.
I'm here.
The hardship we suffer is ever present.
The life we thirst for is ever present.

Skadi : ......

Seaborn : Ishar-mla. Once more, I feel His pulse.
Kin. You swam together to His abode in the abyss, where even death drowns.
We have lost contact with Him, but His choices can only lead to the future.
Kin, your information... Nay, the flow of your emotions.
You feel it, Ishar-mla. Because you have left the arid land and returned home.
Our blood flows in your veins. His blood flows in your veins. You are Him.

Skadi : ...No.
I am the Abyssal Hunter, Skadi.

Seaborn : No matter. As you say, thus you are. Abyssal Hunter, Ska-di.
Ishar-mla, we await His answer. Be it on the other end of time, He will answer us.
Until then, until our answer finally comes–
–We many shall live on.

「Gladiia silently appears behind the Seaborn, the lance in her hand actually puncturing the creature's body.
It is followed immediately by the cacophony of a whirling chainsaw. 」

Specter : Too slow. You're becoming weak, so just accept getting turned into paste.

Seaborn : Nngh–!

[As Specter lodges her buzzsaw to the Seaborn, Skadi follows up with a slash, but... ]

Skadi : –Too shallow, it's not good enough! Ugh!

「The heat of the sweltering flames sweeps down the long corridor. The Stultifera is groaning.
The Seaborn does not attack the vulnerable Skadi.
It simply stares at her in silence. A very strange sensation. Just like at Sal Viento.
It is "watching" her, Skadi thinks. 」

Specter : Ugh, the ship is... at its limit. It'll start sinking very soon.

Seaborn : ......

Gladiia : It's trying to get away! Argh!

Skadi : Below you!

[The floor collapses. ]

<Background 3>

[The Seaborn lands on the engine room with Irene waiting. ]

Seaborn : ......

Inquisitor Irene : Don't move, monster.
I won't allow you to return to the sea.

Seaborn : You are pitifully weak, human. Even as nutrition, you are not enough to nourish our kin.
Now that nutrients are plentiful, we require only time.
This place is far from your territory. You have no reason to interfere with us.

Inquisitor Irene : You and your kind cannot be judged by the law. I don't think I have any means of eradicating you for Iberia either.

Seaborn : Law? Burdensome rules of survival, as Amaia once said.
Compared to our kin, you are indeed too weak.

Inquisitor Irene : –But I will not let you escape, ocean scum.
This is the last shot.

[Irene fires her handcannon, but it barely damages the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : ......

Inquisitor Irene : And sure enough, I can't even... *cough*... leave a scar on you...

Seaborn : Emotional. How strange, human. You are so weak, driven by emotions, trying to escape my hunger.
Escape, yes. Escape. Fear? But why do you still stand here then? Why do you attack me? Why... do you not flee from me?
Do you... also wish to make a contribution to "we many"?

Inquisitor Irene : ...Hmph.
Who gave you the right to interrogate me?

Seaborn : ......

「The Seaborn no longer speaks. The creature before it is not kin.
Predation does not require the tool called language.
But before it can strike, a shadow drops down from the darkness of the ceiling. 」

[Capt. Alfonso drops onto the Seaborn and strikes it. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Alfonso?!

Captain Alfonso : Tch. Haven't seen the color of its blasted blood since it became like this.
This hunt– *spit*. Is almost over. You killed my chief mate, and you WILL pay.

Seaborn : You both, paradoxical beings. You still refuse to become our kin.
You have eaten many of us. Yet you refuse to become part of us.
...Make your choice. Not much time remains.
Hunt, acquire nutrients, return to we many.
Or, cease your bodily movements, give up the gift of life, and pass it on to our other kin.
Choose.

Captain Alfonso : ...Irene.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes! Um, why are you calling my name, though?

Captain Alfonso : Tell me, do you have a way to return to land?

Inquisitor Irene : I...
But I must go back.
I can't stand against the Seaborn, but Iberia can. I'll carry this final warning with me. What happened to all of you, what Gladiia saw, I must bring all of it back.

Captain Alfonso : You're starting to sound like a Messenger.

Inquisitor Irene : ...That's fine. I can be whatever I want.
But I must go back.

[The Stultifera Navis starts to creak and rumble. ]

Inquisitor Irene : Ngh?!

Captain Alfonso : My ship is about to sink.
Sixty years. It's been over sixty years. But because of your arrival, we must now face the end.
...Tell me.
How does Iberia remember the great Captain Alfonso?

Inquisitor Irene : ......
"Alfonso Under the Pomegranate Tree". "The Hero, Alfonso." "The Sunken Alfonso."
There are many people... who held onto hope that the Stultifera never sank. But we weren't able to head out to sea.
If... If you really are Lord Alfonso...
You have become a paragon to countless Iberian soldiers.

Captain Alfonso : Hmph... Pomegranate tree, huh... How pretentious.

「A flash of intense passion shimmers across the captain's eyes.
Since the dark clouds and turbulent waves trapped them inside this cage, few things have ever stirred his heart. 」

Captain Alfonso : It's gotten weaker.
I'll hold it back.

Seaborn : ......

[Explosions are heard. ]

Inquisitor Irene : E-Explosions?!

Captain Alfonso : I thought the Originium boilers got knocked out of commission a long time ago, but the impact just now seems to have ignited the engine.
The flames will spread upward. I've always wondered how these things taste flame-grilled.

Seaborn : ......!

「The heat makes the Seaborn uncomfortable.
It has become weak. Its kin are encircling it. It is unable to reach the sea.
It screams. But its calls are not answered.
No. Kin are coming. Closer. It can hear the voices of its kin.
They speak– 」

Specter : Die.

「Gladiia does not hesitate. Skadi and Specter sever its body.
It tries to regenerate. It tries to break free. But this time, Alfonso clings to its body in a death grip.
He makes use of his already mutated arm.
It feels its lifeforce slipping away.
It sees Specter raise her weapon again. 」

Specter : Goodbye, Amaia.
Let's write off the debt this time.

[Just as the Hunters are about to land a coup de grace on the Seaborn... ]

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 8>

Amaia : ......

Sal Viento Bishop : What? You want to talk to her again? What can that filth possibly say that's worth hearing?

Amaia : You don't understand, Quintus.
She told me about her life in Ægir.

Sal Viento Bishop : So what? If you want knowledge, a Herald can tell you far more.
All we need to do is summon the Voice of the Deeps, and you will be able to obtain anything you want.

Amaia : That's why I said you don't understand, Quintus.
What I want to deconstruct, to witness, to caress, to break... has never been those cities. On land or in water, it's all the same.
I want to hear about their lives. About the wonderful lives they once had, about how they built their society, about how they defended their home.
About how they cannibalized each other. About how they met their destruction, just like us.

Sal Viento Bishop : Like us?

Amaia : The people who defile Ægir are Ægirs like you. The people who defile Iberia are Iberians like me.
Heh... The results of the experiment are already plain as day. If we still need more comparisons, she'll go mad and hate us.
She'll hate us, and to be honest, I hate them too. Self-destructive soldiers. A self-righteous country. Falling into a self-inflicted trap.
But sometimes... You have to admit that we're more like them, more like humans, than we are like Seaborn.
We'll probably be fighting forever.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 3>

Inquisitor Irene : –It worked!
Hey, Captain Alfonso, are you alright?!

Captain Alfonso : ...Compared to my ship, not half bad.

Specter : Are you really dead, Amaia? It can't be that easy, can it?

Seaborn : (Limbs twitch)

Gladiia : Don't waste your breath on it.

Seaborn : (Convulsing) Lauren...

Specter : I'm here. I'm right here.
Seems like our positions are reversed now, Amaia.
Too bad for you, I've never... been one for science experiments. Not in the slightest.

Seaborn : (Quivers with torn muscles)

Specter : Go ahead and die, you inferior, evolution-crazed creature.
And be forgotten.

Seaborn : –

[Specter finishes off the tenacious Seaborn once and for all. ]

Specter : ...That should settle things.

Skadi : No.
Seaborn. Even more Seaborn are nearby. They're approaching.

Specter : And this ship's about to go down.
Even when my consciousness was hazy, I was still aware of how much effort it took for us to get here. Seems like we'll be running up against another wall.

Specter : Did you get what you came for, Swordfish?

Gladiia : Ulpianus took it.
It's our fault that we failed to preserve the prototype technology on this ship, but...
That doesn't mean we came here in vain.

Captain Alfonso : ......

Gladiia : Captain.

Captain Alfonso : Hmph.
It doesn't matter. Garcia already said that today's the last day of our voyage.
...For a long, long time, our will to survival has been slowly eaten away.
At first, our greatest enemies were anxiety, suspicion, uncertainty, and fear. But later...
Our emotions started drifting away from us. A longing for the ocean gnawed at our nerves, and one after another one, we forgot the glory of being a crewmember of the Stultifera Navis.
I watched them jump into the sea one by one, or I beheaded them before they could. I admit... that was a bit extreme.
This long nightmare of survival has finally come to an end.

[Water starts to pour through the Stultifera Navis' hull. ]

Gladiia : Seawater is pouring into the ship. This whole place is being eaten by the nethersea brand.

Captain Alfonso : Inquisitor, this technology here, these Originium boiler techniques, will they be useful to the current Iberia?

Inquisitor Irene : Everything on the Stultifera is a precious national treasure. Ever since the Profound Silence, Iberia has had a large amount of Islander technology that cannot be reproduced.
And it's not just because we lost our fleet and our cities. Because of the judgment we passed on the Ægir, we lost so much of our talent too.
It was... necessary. Even now, I don't think that a soft-hearted strategy full of kindness could have combatted the Church of the Deep.
If, today, we are forced to lose Stultifera Navis–the Ship of Fools–then I think... it would be a heavy blow, but it's something that was doomed to happen from the start.

Captain Alfonso : ......
Hmph, hogwash. The state religion's always been like this.
Ægirs.
Take care of the Iberian. She can't swim back.

Specter : ...That I can promise you.

[Explosions rocked the Stultifera Navis. ]

Skadi : The explosions are getting worse–this side's leaning!

Gladiia : We need to go, Skadi. Cut off a bit of the rafters above you!

<Background 6>

Specter : Hurry! Irene!

Inquisitor Irene : I, I know! But what about Alfonso?!

Skadi : How far will the currents take us? Or are we going to go around in circles? Isn't this place on top of their nest?

Gladiia : Regardless, looks like we're going to have to swim back.

Inquisitor Irene : W-What?!

[The Hunters and Irene jumped into the water. ]

<Background 5>

Captain Alfonso : ...Go. Get the hell off of my ship, like I told you from the start.
Just go. I'll stay here. This is my Iberia, and the captain goes down with the ship.
......

「Alfonso slowly lowers himself into the throne. He closes his eyes.
The warmth of the bright Iberian sun as it splashes at an angle across the deck.
The aroma of a winery. The melody of his hometown.
A damp and empty room. Freshly burgeoning petri dishes.
The ocean's waves.
The ocean he once knew. The warmth of Garcia's hand. Breogan's lonely countenance. Carmen's smile. His comrades' roars resonating through the sky.
He opens his eyes, and lets out a hearty laugh as everything is consumed by the flames.
His laughter crosses through time, until it reaches a small town of pomegranate flowers, where one can smell the sea upon the breeze, and mingles with the first cries of a newborn child.
Alfonso. That is what the people call him.
He lifts his old, rusty blade, and places it against his neck. He prays. He laughs. 」

Captain Alfonso : Hah. What a joke! Remember this well, Irene! Return to land and sing the praises of Alfonso's feats!
The last monster that Alfonso slew... was himself!

「The ship breaks apart.
The glow of the flame blankets a sea that had been silent for nearly a hundred years.
An era comes to an end.
A legend passes into history.
In the distance, the sun rises.
Here sinks the Stultifera, and with it, the long-cherished wishes of Iberia, nay, of all civilization.
All succumbing to calamity. 」

<Background 2>

Saint Carmen : ......!

Kal'tsit : What's the matter?

Saint Carmen : I think I heard... a voice.
No, it must be my old age. These things happen.

Kal'tsit : Lord Carmen...
You're crying?

<Background black>

「Water?
Right...
The Stultifera... sank.
I'm in the ocean? The ocean... is a dangerous place.
It's dangerous, yes.
I have to return to Iberia! 」

[... ]

Inquisitor Irene : Glub–! Gurgle–!

Specter : Stop trying to breathe like that. Underwater breathing is beyond you. Most Ægirs can't either.

「I want to say something in return. But of course, I am underwater, and cannot.
Despite trying to contain my instincts, I can't help but clutch at her clothes like a helpless child.
But, I can see it.
The light reflected in her pupils. 」

「It comes from the bottom of the sea.
Specter does not say anything, but I can feel her arms trembling slightly around me.
Maybe because of the battle we just fought? Maybe? Or, something to do with the light? 」

Specter : I'll bring you back up. Hang on tight.

Inquisitor Irene : –Glub!

「My vision blurs.
So that's... what the bottom of the ocean... looks like.
Then–
–Is this Ægir? 」

<Background 4>

「The Seaborn quietly watches the distant flames disappearing beneath the waters.
The ship sinks into the ocean. Along with the flames. Along with everything.
Its kin answer its call. They all return to the many.
Surrounded by the many's embrace, it takes only a moment for the dying to be given new life. 」

Seaborn : –
Ishar-mla. I will bring you all, back home.

[Suddenly something drags the Seaborn into the water. ]

Seaborn : ?!

Chief Mate : –Let's all, die together, with Alfonso.

「The chief mate grips the Seaborn in its jaws and charges all the way into the seabed's murky darkness.
Its lover. Its memories. Its identity. As its charge slows, its consciousness dissolves into the ocean.
But still it bites down on the Seaborn. 」

Seaborn : The waters, make you nostalgic. Swim, and you will awaken.
Accept it. You are one of we many. We have long awaited you.

Chief Mate : No– No......
I am... Garcia... I am... Alfonso's...

Seaborn : Then why did you stop swimming? Your signal is just like mine.
Your wounds have all healed. You are accepting who you are.

Chief Mate : No–!

Seaborn : Why no?

「The Chief Mate's consciousness is blurring.
Is it biting down on this Seaborn? Or, is it leaping into the Seaborn's embrace, seeking its succor?
It... It is forced to accept.
The sea makes it very comfortable. The Seaborn's thoughts flood into its mind.
Is it Garcia, Chief Mate of the Stultifera?
No, it is a Seaborn. It is one of we many– 」

[Ulpianus shows up and strikes down both Garcia and the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : Glub... (sounds of bubbles being blown) Gurgle... (sounds of bubbles popping)

Chief Mate : You...

[Ulpianus looked at Garcia as they and the Seaborn sink into the depths. ]

Ulpianus : You will die a human being, Garcia.
A step up from Amaia.

Seaborn : Ul...pianus... Kin...
......

Chief Mate : Thank... you...

「Ulpianus watches the two sink to the bottom of the ocean, seemingly locked in an embrace beyond death. Like flowers growing side-by-side, they shrink, and wither. And beyond a certain depth, they are carried away by the undercurrent.
He does not lift his head until they are completely out of sight. 」

<Background 9>

Ulpianus : Why?
......
Gladiia, you must heed my warnings.

SN-ST-12: Gran Faro

Summary

As everything draws to an end, a useful truth is plucked from the wreckages of frustration. The truth is a building material, from which war will be constructed.

<Background 1>

Inquisitor Irene : *gasp* –!

??? : Over here!

Jordi : Hurry! Grab my hand!

「A single, solitary boat.
How far is it from the Eye of Iberia? How far is it from Gran Faro? 」

Inquisitor Irene : Ah, um, okay–!

「Irene grabs onto his hand.
There is no difference between the hand of an Ægir and that of a Liberi. 」

<Background 1>

Jordi : Um– S-Sorry, I'm not very strong...

Irene : It's... fine...

Jordi : I was scared out of my wits when I saw the ship explode in the distance! Are you all okay?!

Specter : As long as you're fine, Irene. Adjust your breathing. You know how to swim, right?
Luckily for us, the waters are pretty calm right now.

Inquisitor Irene : *gasp*... *gasp*... Where are the others?

Specter : ...I need to check on a few things.

Inquisitor Irene : Just now, was that... Ægir? This close to us? Has the Stultifera been circling above an Ægir city this entire time?

Specter : We might've been able to find a way in to check out the city on our own, but you never would've made it.
Plus, the squad captain didn't seem keen on just going home happily ever after. And no way would there be a city this close to land; I don't remember anything like that.

Inquisitor Irene : *cough* *cough*... *pant*...
So, are you going to head back to that city?

Skadi : No. Gladiia said this place is also Seaborn territory. The city must be a refugee village.

Inquisitor Irene : What?

Specter : The Ægir you people call Islanders are refugees from the collapse of the cities closest to land.
...We should go help them.

Gladiia : Two things.
Ulpianus isn't dead, but he refused to work with us.
And there are still other Seaborn nearby, drawn here by that spurt of evolution. The entire swarm is extremely restless.
We can use this opportunity to get back down there, but we wouldn't be able to leave.

Specter : So... we finally found a city from our homeland, and now we're just going to turn around and leave?

Skadi : ......

「Gladiia wordlessly glances at Skadi.
She hides it well. Just as she did herself, in all those silent moments when she gently rubbed her neck. 」

Gladiia : We don't have a choice.

Skadi : Why?!

Gladiia : There shouldn't be a city here.
We... We should head back to shore and regroup.
Our duty is to defend Ægir, not to "go home."

<Background fades out and in>

Jordi : ......

Inquisitor Irene : How'd you manage this?

Jordi : Huh? Oh, are you talking to me? What do you mean?

Inquisitor Irene : This ship is even more bare-bones than ours was. And how did you find us? The sea is incredibly vast.

Jordi : I... I compared each of the signals from the Stultifera Navis to her location... and discovered a pattern. So I thought, um, it might be worth a shot...

Inquisitor Irene : Worth a shot? What kind of deviation was there in that pattern?

Jordi : Umm, two to three hundred nautical miles?

Inquisitor Irene : That can't even be called a pattern. If you had bet wrong, you would've had slim to no chance of meeting up with us, and died out at sea on your own.
...You're a lunatic.

Jordi : Yes...
But... I wanted to ask a question... So please don't laugh at me, ma'am.

Inquisitor Irene : I can't laugh anymore.

Jordi : ...Am I a great person?

<Flashback starts here>

Thiago : Your grandparents, your parents... two generations of Gran Faro gave everything they had for this blueprint. Their greatness should have been immortalized forever.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 1>

Inquisitor Irene : ...Hah.
I wouldn't go that far.
Maybe a lucky one.

Jordi : Haha... Is that so?

Inquisitor Irene : Maestro... and my other colleagues in the Inquisition, always held this belief:
Only those who've sacrificed themselves are worthy of the word, "great." In every moment where we're fighting for Iberia and struggling to survive, we are nothing more than ordinary people, striding forward with enormous responsibilities.
And it's not that Inquisitors enjoy belittling ourselves. We've simply chosen to deal with Iberia in the harshest way possible because the moment we let our guards down, we will be undone.
But until then, as long as the will of man is enough to ignite this lantern, then I believe... there isn't any difference between us.
We're just like all those citizens struggling bitterly in their own ways. As long as we have goodwill to spare, they too are soldiers willing to lay down their lives for the restoration of their homeland.
...Just like the laborers of old Gran Faro.

Jordi : ......

Inquisitor Irene : Jordi, luck won't be on your side forever. If you have a chance to contact the Inquisition again... Um, what I mean is, if you want to work with us–
–You'll definitely have that opportunity.

Jordi : Haha... Well, I actually... Um, just out of curiosity...
I see you've brought back some of the Stultifera's timeless knowledge. Might you actually be–

Specter : You managed to rescue three Hunters in a single breath. As an Ægir, your actions might be worth a medal from the consul herself.

Gladiia : ......

Skadi : Swimming back would've been very hard. And who knows what could happen right above their nest?

Specter : I have no idea what compelled someone like you, born in Gran Faro, to go this far, but good job.
On behalf of the Ægir... and the Iberians.

Jordi : ...Mhm.
Then let's head back home!

<Background 2>

Saint Carmen : –
Welcome back, Hunters. And Irene, of course.

Inquisitor Irene : The High Inquisitor, he...

Saint Carmen : How did you know?

Inquisitor Irene : ......

Saint Carmen : We've already sorted through his relics. Including those of our comrades who died beneath this lighthouse.
We won't be able to deal with them properly until the Penal Battalion arrives though.
These lowly Sea Terrors could not defeat High Inquisitor Dario, but in order to protect the Eye of Iberia, he chose to lay down his life to buy time.
Inquisitors have no time to grieve, Irene. Dario had great expectations for you, and you must move forward.

Inquisitor Irene : ...Yes, sir!

Saint Carmen : However...
His lantern remains intact, and I've placed it over there.
Go now.

Inquisitor Irene : Yes, sir...

[Gladiia walks toward St. Carmen. ]

Gladiia : Seems like the Penal Battalion ran into some trouble. So much for the great naval power of Iberia.

Saint Carmen : ...So the Stultifera Navis has sunk. This isn't quite the outcome we were expecting either.

Gladiia : Indeed. Even for us, this is a significant setback.
But we learned quite a few things, and–

Saint Carmen : You found an Ægir city.
Kal'tsit has already shared her conjecture with me, so perhaps you will wish to hear it too.
The Inquisition has always believed in maintaining control. From Sal Viento to the Stultifera, we will gradually recapture the glory that rightfully belongs to Iberia.
But we are forced to admit that, perhaps, even preserving the status quo is enough to... stretch our forces thin.

Gladiia : ......

Saint Carmen : Madame Consul–
What did you witness aboard that ship?

<Background 3>

Inquisitor Irene : This is his lantern... The High Inquisitor's lantern... Scorched black, thick with the stench of Sea Terrors.
I... High Inquisitor...
Maestro!
I completed the Inquisition's mission! I found the Stultifera!
Unfortunately, it ended up sinking! But... aboard the ship, every single Iberian! In their own way, they were fighting until the very end!
High Inquisitor!
I now... understand the significance of passing judgment! I understand the enemy we face!
I– will not hesitate, nor will I falter!
For Iberia's prosperity, for Iberia's defense, and for Iberia's orderliness and integrity, I shall raise my sword and my light!

<Background 2>

Saint Carmen : Alfonso, he... No, this can't be!
Sixty years? What torture is this? Even a criminal subjected to the harshest of punishment would not last for a year!
But he... he...

「Carmen falls silent. He leans over and sits down on the reef.
Sea Terrors carcasses are piled high into a mountain. There is no trace of the eldritch beasts, only the remaining tendrils of the nethersea brand retreating back to sea. The ocean's surface emits a pale blue light, usurping the sky's privilege.
He should be enjoying this victory. He accomplished what the Inquisition set out to do. The Penal Battalion is about to arrive, and all things are about to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
But he can only remain silent.
Up until a steam whistle roars in the distance. The Penal Battalion has arrived at the Eye of Iberia. 」

<Background 4>

Elysium : You can see the corner of the town from here. If I remember right, it was called... Reconstruction Hill.
Thiago didn't pass peacefully, and I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. But...
Still, thank you all.

Aya : Don't mention it.
I don't mind dedicating a song to a hero at a solemn funeral.

Alty : Seems like Frost is back.

Aya : Mhm. We'll head back too in a little bit.
What about you, Iberian? You've had a rough few days, haven't you?

Elysium : ......
Gran Faro is Thiago's hometown. Just as Ægir is home to all of you, as well as my Abyssal Hunter buddies.
Maybe I joke around too much normally, and forgot...
That Iberia is also my home. To be honest, this isn't cathartic at all.

Aya : Wasn't that doctor going to help you out with something? You've been working for her, haven't you?

Elysium : No, that's already dealt with. That's why I'm willing to stay with Rhodes Island.
That said...
...I didn't do a damn thing.

<Background 5>

Tense Townsperson : Hurry, hurry! Move the supplies into the warehouse!
Huh, what about the number of tents? Didn't the old guy already explain it?! Ugh–

Jordi : Um...

Tense Townsperson : J-Jordi? You're back?
What? The Inquisition took you away and actually let you come back? Where did you go?
A bunch of people from the Penal Battalion took us away, but then brought us back into town. Seems like they're going to war with something, and now they want us setting up tents.
Jeez, what's going to happen to Gran Faro? Oh, and uh, have you seen Thiago?

Jordi : ......

Saint Carmen : Jordi Fontanarossa.

Tense Townsperson : Ah... Lord Carmen, sir... And Madame Inquisitor!

Inquisitor Irene : ...Mhm.

Saint Carmen : We'd like to have a private chat with this Ægir.

Tense Townsperson : Ah, of course! Right away!

Jordi : M-Me?

Saint Carmen : Come with me. Let's take a walk around town, shall we?

<Background 6>

Saint Carmen : Irene made up her mind on the way back.

Irene : ......

Jordi : M-Made up her mind? About what?

Saint Carmen : Originally, High Inquisitor Dario intended to entrust Irene to me, so that I could cultivate her until she was prepared for the seat of High Inquisitor.
His death in battle was unexpected. Though the day would've come sooner or later, he did not have to accept his fate so soon.

Irene : ......

Saint Carmen : But Irene has made up her mind.
She will give up her position as Inquisitor.

Jordi : Huh? Wait, what? Why?!

Irene : This is a decision I've come to after a lot of thought.
It has nothing to do with you, though, so please just keep listening.

Jordi : Oh, okay...

Saint Carmen : The problem is you, Ægir. You know too much. You're too deeply involved. And the Ægir in this town are too blasphemous.

Jordi : ......

Saint Carmen : You've also been of great help.
As frail and weak as you are, your death would've been but another grain of sand. But you have shown great strength. Even if it's nothing more than your own little spark, it is still valuable.

Jordi : I... I keep thinking... Why am I still alive? I'm not as noble as you any of you, or as resolute.

Saint Carmen : Jordi, you will be... the first Ægir to join the Inquisition.

Jordi : ......vHuh? Wha–? Me? Join the Inquisition?

Saint Carmen : Strictly speaking, I won't give you a chance to refuse. Gran Faro needs more hands than ever, and you will play a pivotal role as an Ægir.
After that, hrmm. Maybe I could use a young secretary?

Jordi : Wait, hold on, you want me? To join the Inquisition?
B-But I'm not sure if I want–

Irene : I know you don't. Many members of the Inquisition hold deeply-rooted prejudices against the Ægir, and wouldn't want you joining either.
But don't you want to see it? The future that Iberia once promised to Gran Faro, and to Thiago?

Jordi : ......!

Irene : Joining the Inquisition will be a test. As an Ægir, you wouldn't be wrong to treat it as a trial by fire. Or as practice for enduring hardship.
Don't get the wrong idea.

Jordi : I... I'll give it some thought.

Irene : Mhm.

Jordi : Then, what about you, Doña[note 1] Irene? Your maestro...

Irene : ......
My status as an Inquisitor hasn't done me any favors in my relationship with the Abyssal Hunters, or even the Ægir, so I got rid of it.
But abandoning a faith that's supported me to this day, especially after the untimely demise of my maestro... has not been an easy decision.
Please... let's not talk about this now. Maybe if we meet again someday.

Jordi : I'm sorry.

Irene : It's just...

「Irene looks at the sculpture in the plaza. A scaled-down version of the Eye of Iberia.
In the chaos of battle, streets were torn up, houses were destroyed, and makeshift tents were erected.
And the statue has always looked out over all of it.} 」

Irene : Even though our enemy is well beyond the reach of the law, Iberia must banish this blasphemy.
Victory will be ours.

<Background 7>

Kal'tsit : I owe you my gratitude, Frost. You helped Jordi, as well as the Hunters.

Frost : Say no more, it was just a little workout. Those disobedient little rascals aren't the only ones who can change the direction of the tides.
Next time, make sure you come cheer for us though.

Kal'tsit : Sure.

Frost : Alrighty, I'm gonna go catch up with Aya and the others then.
Stepped out a second and they went and ghosted me.
(Riffs with slight dissatisfaction)
Oh right, Kal'tsit...
Since we came all this way, we can't just go back empty-handed. We can awaken whenever you're ready.
Aya would say the same.

Kal'tsit : ...Thank you very much. Maybe, in time, we really will be able to form a working partnership.

Frost : (Riffs to signify her departure)

[Frost leaves as Gladiia comes to Kal'tsit's side. ]

Gladiia : So, this is the truth that Breogan discovered.
"Feranmut" and "Leviathan". The connection between the two.
If these massive creatures had disappeared from the ocean long ago, yet continued to survive on land in this form–

Kal'tsit : They're not the same, Gladiia.
Great Yan, Sargon, Sami. These places have all faced grave situations caused by Feranmuts.
But remember.
The ocean as a catalyst of mutation is both unique and irreplaceable. Even I cannot comprehend its principles, or its trajectory.
All I can see are the results, and make deductions from that. And what I predict is a terrible, terrible future.
Also, I'd imagine Breogan discovered more than one truth. And as you said, if there is another Abyssal Hunter still alive–

Gladiia : There is more than one Leviathan. The one we slew is but a small part of what the Ægir civilization concealed.
Besides...

Kal'tsit : The one you killed still lives on inside Skadi's body.
Then my worst-case scenario came true. You made the right choice not to return to Ægir.

Gladiia : Rhodes Island has already done enough for us. You have your own work ahead of you. As for what comes next, we will take that step ourselves.

Kal'tsit : ......
Rhodes Island... has its responsibilities. Our most stellar operators will ensure that the organization continues running.
But I have my own responsibilities, across all these countless years.
Time and again, I have tried to resolve the problem facing Ægir. But it is far removed from the land, unique and without precedent.
We can't wait any longer.
The ocean's problem is of the same scale as Originium.

Kal'tsit : If civilization is to continue, then we must overcome this calamity.

Kal'tsit : Even as this world faces constant threats, divisions grow and wars ignite without cease, just as the name Stultifera Navis implies.

Kal'tsit : Terra is certainly full of fools, both malicious and ignorant, but it is also full of saints, who seek reason above madness and chaos.

<Background 7>

Kal'tsit : Now that you know the source of evolution, all our conjectures have been verified. Ægir's cities are within reach, and even arrogant Iberia has emerged from its shell.
Chief Designer of Warfare, let us begin.

<Background 1>

Ulpianus : ......

Rocinante : (Shakes neck around in dissatisfaction)

Ulpianus : Calm down, Rocinante.

Rocinante : (Swings neck around more violently)

The Last Knight : Rocinante...

Ulpianus : ...Where are we going?

The Last Knight : The terrible waves, are coming.
We, will defeat them.
We, are the terrible waves.

Ulpianus : The terrible waves. As long as there is water in the ocean, a moon in the heavens, and wind in the sky, the waves will not abate.
The enemy you see in your madness is truly too majestic.

The Last Knight : Go! (Rasping growl) Hyah!

Rocinante : (Elated braying)

The Last Knight : (Rasping roar) –!
I will not allow, the sea, another ripple!
Go!

Notes

"Miss" in Spanish

BP-ST-1: Tide Watcher

Summary

Milliarium, an Ægirian city, takes the initiative in contacting land, inviting envoys from Iberia to the sea. In order to resolve the Seaborn issue, Ægir plans to open a Waterway to connect the ocean and dry land. At the same time, Ulpianus appears in a nearby stretch of sea.

<Background Black>

[Waves roll ]

A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪
With homeland left a mile behind, his path lies ahead♪
From his forebears and children, he was torn♪
Into the seas his lover was swept away, floating in the deep, dead♪

A hunter is walking on seacoast way♪
With homeland left a mile behind, they must lament and pray♪
There is no end to his path♪
The road ahead is shrouded in gray♪

A hunter returns by seacoast way♪
His journey ended, his home close at hand♪
Sound of waves past above the spray♪
Why do his feet disobey his command♪
Why ever does his heart still sway♪

[Footsteps approach ]

Doctor : Long time no see, Skadi. / Hello, Skadi.

Skadi : Been a while, Doctor.
You were supposed to meet that chatty Liberi, but you don't seem surprised to see me.

Doctor : You and Elysium are both Rhodes operators. / This is a lot closer to your homeland, after all.

Skadi : Hmm. True.
You're an hour later than Kal'tsit estimated.
I guess the Inquisition's review process is strict, even with an official notice from a Saint.
After only three months, nearly all the town's residents have moved inland, aside from a few workers. Replaced by lots of people from the Penal Battalion.

Doctor : They must be preparing for something. / They look pretty tense.

Skadi : Ægir contacted Iberia a week ago. This forgotten town has become a lot less quiet since.
Being surrounded by sea scum already sets the young soldiers on edge. Hearing Ægir's voice only made it worse.

Doctor : It demands a response, maybe caution. / When the undersea nation finally speaks, you have to listen.

Skadi : Turn left at the sculpture, and the sea is a quick ten minute walk.
We'll head straight to the Eye of Iberia.

[The waves billow. ]

Skadi : Say, Doctor, do you hear the sound of the waves?

「Skadi turns her head slightly into the sea breeze. Her hair dances in the wind, the same color as the shadows in her eyes. 」

Skadi : Their layering has gotten complex. I hear... the sound of stars drifting across the sky. The never-ending song of nature. And a language, forever incomprehensible...

Ishar-mla.
I'm here.
The hardship we suffer is ever present.
The life we thirst for is ever present.

Skadi : ...

Doctor : Are you alright, Skadi? / Did reconnecting with home put you on edge?

Skadi : It's like I get more nervous the closer I am... Never mind. It's hard to explain.
Maybe I'm sleep-deprived. Ever since our last voyage, I feel like I've inherited Shark's nightmares.
Speaking of the sea, why did Dr. Kal'tsit call you over so urgently?
I don't remember you having anything to do with the ocean.

Doctor : I wouldn't recall even if I did. / But it doesn't feel unfamiliar, at least.

Skadi : Not much of an answer.
Right, I forgot about your condition. No wonder you gave such an answer.
Oh well. I'm sure she had her reasons.
Let's go. It'll be dark soon.

[The two walk off. ]

<Background 2>

[Gladiia and Specter emerge from the sea. ]

Gladiia : I would take a step back if I were you. I need to shake myself dry.

Specter : Hey there, Dr. Kal'tsit. Not many people can track us Abyssal Hunters. Did Swordfish tell you we'd be coming ashore here in advance?

Kal'tsit : Elysium deployed a data collector in these waters. It's had a direct connection to the Eye of Iberia's central control system ever since its calibration.

Specter : And it can already track underwater targets? That Liberi's not half-bad.

Gladiia : Am I to understand then that Rhodes Island and the Inquisition have deepened their ties?

Kal'tsit : One week ago, the undersea city contacted Iberia via a special comms frequency, informing them that Ægir would be establishing a "Waterway" between the Ægir home territories and dry land.
In the face of such a grand project, Iberia could only gather intelligence through the great lighthouse's positioning system.
Evidently, your position as Chief Designer of Warfare did not afford you any knowledge of this.

Gladiia : Tell Kal'tsit what we discovered, Shark.

Specter : The captain and I have swum out to where the Stultifera sank three times now. Our last dive was only ten days ago.
The first time, we could still see the exploded wreckage on the sea floor. Under what little light filtered through from the surface, the gilded interior was more like a smudge of paint.
But this time around, the entire thing had completely disappeared, replaced by a cluster of coral, thrumming with life.
I may be accustomed to dreaming, but that felt unreal even to me.

Gladiia : That monument to a lost civilization and its history stood for but a brief time.
The Stultifera Navis has been completely claimed by the sea.
Or to be precise, it's become part of a Seaborn nest.

Kal'tsit : Their environmental assimilation is accelerating.

Gladiia : At a frightening pace.
But there was something even more noteworthy. We found traces of battle. Recent ones.
A completely barren patch of sea, lacking even marine snow. A warped and shattered stretch of sea floor, clearly pockmarked by micro-singularities.

Kal'tsit : Only the fleets of Ægir's Legions could be behind that.

Gladiia : As a landwalker, Kal'tsit, the knowledge of and interest you hold towards Ægir are nothing less than extraordinary.

Kal'tsit : Though separated by the boundless seas, Ægir has always been a part of Terra.

Specter : Regardless, Gladiia and I have decided to head to that city.

Kal'tsit : A risky decision, no doubt.

Specter : Perhaps a tad.

Gladiia : Considerably.
As such, we Hunters have been observing it for a while.
Before our final operation, I attended a military conference between the Academy of Science and the Academy of Technology, as the Abyssal Hunters' Chief Designer of Warfare.
Among the battle plans they drew up together, I do not recall anyone calling for a military stronghold to approach dry land with, nor any project involving "Waterways."
Ægir has, without a doubt, undergone great changes.
Our contact with the home territories was completely severed after we slew Ishar'mla. It is difficult to determine the truth of the matter from the information we possess.

Kal'tsit : Yet still hardly reason enough for you to return to Ægir. I don't believe I'm the first to try to dissuade you, either. Didn't your colleague already do so?

Gladiia : Do you mean... Ulpianus?
He would understand that the land holds no answers for us. We must return to the sea.
If his strategy is to maintain a distance from Ægir, then all the more reason for us to return in an official capacity.

Specter : ...Ever since I awoke from my dream, the waves would tell me, time and again, that the lost should return home.
The Abyssal Hunters must return.

Kal'tsit : Very well, I understand.
Then I'll go with you, Gladiia.

Gladiia : That would indeed be a rare opportunity for you.

Kal'tsit : I will be representing more than myself on this visit. More than Rhodes Island, even.

Gladiia : Iberia as well? Even with all that you already bear, they would give you another burden?

Kal'tsit : It was also my decision.
Rhodes Island's cooperation with the Iberian Inquisition has only just begun. Much like our own.

「Kal'tsit stares at Gladiia. The Hunter's face remains devoid of expression, even the blowing sea wind failed to crease it.
After a short moment of silence, Gladiia nods her head. 」

<Background 3>

[The waves billow. ]

Saint Carmen : How many days has it been since we were contacted by Ægir, Irene?

Irene : Eight, Su Santidad.[note 1]
And outside of the necessary deployments, meetings, and to rest, you've spent those eight days here, watching the sea.
They haven't given us a concrete time frame for their next contact. I understand you don't wish to miss their next move, but...

Saint Carmen : Look at the sea before you, Irene.

「The colors of the deep sea bubble up, nearly indistinguishable from one another. Against the vastness of the ocean surface, the sky seems gloomy.
The water crash against the reef, whipping up waves several meters tall, their roars dashing against this small corner of the land. 」

Saint Carmen : By Iberian standards, an ocean without a hint of Sea Terror flesh is a gentle one, no matter how noisy it may be.
An old friend of mine was once the most talented bard of the port.
But after that grand port sank into Silence, he fled north, past the starving masses to the Iberian interior, to the small town that would one day become the capital.
I saw him kneeling by the broken town gates, weeping uncontrollably. From his weeping, the town obtained its new name: Perdonidora. "Forgiveness has left us."
However, what people needed at the time was not mourning, but consolation. Many prefer to use the shortened form, Perdoni. "Forgiveness."
And now, the last Eye of Iberia, the final legacy of the Golden Age, shines bright once more. What do you think that signals, Irene?

Irene : Hope and determination.

Saint Carmen : "Hope and determination." Of course.
Ah, youth. The determination in your eyes is brighter than Dario's when he was your age. Good, good.
But those words, as inspiring as they are, are often not the fully correct answer.
After half a century of being pushed back, our front is finally advancing. Soon, this will become the new center of the Inquisition.
But at the same time, we must necessarily bare everything to the ocean. To Seaborn and Ægir alike.
Iberia is stretched thin. This country can no longer hide its exhaustion and sickness. It is a simple fact, plain for all to see.
And there is another fact to consider. We can retreat no further.

<Background fades out and in>

[Someone rushes towards the two. ]

Jordi : Maestro—Ah, it's been a while, Doña Irene.[note 2]

Irene : Indeed it has.
Those clothes suit you.

Jordi : Th-Thank you.
Ah, right, there's been an emergency. The lighthouse just picked up signals of unknown origin.
They seem to be coming from not the sea, but the sky.

Irene : Jordi. I think we can already seen them...

「Carmen and Irene are fixated on the distant sky. The young clerk follows suit.
He freezes on the spot. 」

「They see a school of fins soaring through the sky. 」

Jordi : What are they?

Saint Carmen : Bionic drones. The Islanders brought similar creations to land, all those years ago.

「The matrix of drones crosses the sea in the blink of an eye, matching the height of the towering lighthouse. One separates itself from the formation and slowly hovers before the three.
Its wings open and close like fins, like a speck of light dancing in the void, and soon after an amiable and charismatic female voice resounds from it. 」

[The drones beep. ]

??? : (Iberian) People of Iberia. Do not be alarmed.
Ægir greets you.
I am Clementia, a technology consul of our Institute of Societal and Administrative Supervision.

「Carmen holds his lantern aloft, looking serenely at the drone before him.
Two completely different forms of light face each other, as though in a dialogue between two different civilizations—or a confrontation. 」

Saint Carmen : Saint Carmen I Iberia, of the Iberian Inquisition.
I believe this is the first official communication between our nations.

Clementia : Indeed.

Saint Carmen : You speak our tongue as well as any Iberian.

Clementia : I installed an Iberian language module before leaving the home territories. I hope you'll forgive me if I ever use the wrong expression.
Moreover, forgive me for having to contact you in this form, Sir... Iberia.

Saint Carmen : We have no objections to your appearance, Madame Consul. I only regret that it has taken us so long to begin this conversation.
Despite your so-called "Waterway" project being more than half-complete and close at hand, we Iberians find ourselves in complete ignorance of it.

Clementia : To make amends, we'd like to invite your envoys to visit our city. Ægir respects the efforts Iberia has made when you were caught up in the Seaborn crisis.

Saint Carmen : "Caught up in." Do you mean to say that everything Iberia has faced was merely the aftermath of your crisis?

Clementia : I do.
Let's not be tied down by formalities, Sir.
We recognize the power of language. Your name itself, Carmen I Iberia, is a symbol. A symbol of courage and valor.
This is why we came to you. We hope that by reaching an accord with Iberia and the other terrestrial nations, we will be able to create a Waterway that links directly to land.
We will clear the stretch of sea between Ægir's home territories and the land, so as to facilitate our forces coming ashore.

Saint Carmen : ...I hope I need not remind you what sending an army to another nation's border implies on land.

Clementia : Given the enormity of the oncoming threat, we will exhaust every means at our disposal to resist it.
I am more than willing to come explain to you in person if necessary, but it would be easier for you to understand the situation if you were to join us in the depths.
The fleets of our Legions VIII and X are patrolling and suppressing the Seaborn in these waters. They will soon escort you to our city of Milliarium.
This drone formation will continue to notify you of any nearby combat or environmental changes until you have safely arrived at the city.
There may be an unprecedented disaster brewing beneath the waves.
Sir Inquisitor, I worry that though the earth is vast, it is but an isolated island.

「The lights of the drone matrix cut out, putting a stop to their sudden communication.
The sea breeze continues to blow as the old man slowly lowers his lantern. 」

<Background 3>

Irene : "A Waterway that links directly to land." She's eloquent, but...

Saint Carmen : Arrogant. No doubt.
A haughty adult wielding a weapon, loathe to use finesse when dealing with an unarmed child.
Irene, inform our cooperation partners of this most recent communication.
Kal'tsit has already agreed to serve as Iberia's envoy. The Abyssal Hunters should also have made their decision by now, considering they've always had reservations about the Waterway program.

Irene : Right away!
I'll also keep the other Inquisitors in Gran Faro abreast of the situation.

[Lumen rushes over. ]

Jordi : I've made a recording of your entire conversation with Ægir, Maestro. Please, take a look.
A-As for whether you approve of me going...

Saint Carmen : I recall you submitted your application a week ago.

Jordi : Yes. Since the Ægir fleet is on their way now, I was wondering if...

Saint Carmen : Never hesitate when you've already made up your mind. It only makes you less persuasive.

Jordi : When I was younger, Uncle Thiago was always worrying about me. He'd tell me: "Jordi, you should leave Gran Faro. Leave Iberia."
But he never told me where to go.
Ægir was always my homeland under the sea, but I had no way of approaching it. I'd never heard the voice of Ægir, or seen its cities.
But now, it's so, so close.

Saint Carmen : The Inquisition has approved your application, Jordi Fontanarossa. You will serve as an envoy of Iberia, and accompany Irene and Kal'tsit to the Ægir city.

Jordi : Thank you, Maestro.

Saint Carmen : Don't thank me. This isn't a reward. Your work since joining the Inquisition has not been particularly good.
I chose Irene because she has already readied herself, even going as far as to renounce her long-standing faith.
And I chose you because you are still bewildered and frustrated. Your weakness will consume you.
Joining the Inquisition was a test. Returning to your homeland is another.

Jordi : I... I understand.

<Background 4>

Rocinante : (Agitated whinny)

Ulpianus : —
This is the deepest part of the trench.
They hollowed out its sides to make their nest. That's why we never noticed it before, despite circling this place several times.

Rocinante : (Wary whinny)

Ulpianus : Yes. I smell it too.
This scent... After destroying the ocean's native ecosystem, the Seaborn have created a new one that serves only them.
A comprehensive Seaborn ecosystem, where once it only existed in an oceanic abyss.
Return, Rocinante. I will carry on alone.

Rocinante : (Swaying its neck in annoyance)

Ulpianus : The entire continental shelf has changed. I must know who churned these waves.
Tell the Knight to continue the hunt.
We will not be parted for long.

「Ulpianus swims into the nest.
He chooses not to use stealth. Luminescent vegetative Seaborn light up every corner of the nest. There is nowhere to hide in the first place.
Atop sets of spiraling blades, minute and curiously-shaped organisms sleep, or perhaps drift along.
The rocks of the seafloor cannot be seen. The fine tendrils of the nethersea brand slowly sway in the current, catching fragments of organic matter. They weave together into thick mats, drowning out any sound Ulpianius makes.
He can sense the changes in his own body. His consciousness extends and his body relaxes, as though every cell in his body is trying to respond to something.
He is clearly an invader, but the entire lair blooms in response to him. 」

Seaborn : Ul... Ul-pian... Guh... Ul-pianus. Kin.

「Ulpianus is nearly able to see through the approaching Seaborn's translucent body. He waits for it to spit out its clumsy words about preying or being preyed on by him, but nothing comes.
The Seaborn thinks about his thoughts. 」

Seaborn : Finally. You have traveled far.
Here. Sufficient nutrients. Shed your cumbersome flesh.
Return. Grow. Migrate.

Ulpianus : Hmph.

Seaborn : For you, I was born, Ul-pianus. Only for you.
I untangle your. Doubt. I guide you. Return to the embrace of we many.

Ulpianus : Why did you migrate? Where will you go?

Seaborn : You still waver, Ul-pianus.
You must know we many, kin. You must know.
The genesezoic will soon awaken. The genesezoic must return. A new Cycle. Develop the ocean. Leave the ocean.

Ulpianus : The genesezoic will awaken? Leave the ocean?

Seaborn : We many. See. A new path ahead. We hurry—

Ulpianus : ...What connection is there between you and the affairs of the city?

Notes

"Your Holiness" in Spanish

"Mrs. Irene" in Spanish

Operation story: BP-1

Before operation

Summary

The Iberian mission and the Abyssal Hunters arrive at the underwater city of Milliarium. Jordi and Irene find themselves in a strange environment and civilization.

<Background 1>

Ægir Researcher A : Based on geological conditions, it's a promising volcano, but the location is less than optimal.
It would be difficult to establish a lengthy energy transportation pipeline while fending off Seaborn attacks.

Ægir Researcher B : Did you read the Academy of Technology's report?
Hydrogen from seawater can be used to maintain operation of the Legion fleet, but it would be difficult to guarantee uninterrupted energy supply to the beacon.
It alone accounts for half of the entire city's energy consumption.

Ægir Researcher A : It used to be much worse. Our ancestors had to design a bio-energy system for it, maintained through the joint effort of a dozen cities.
In this day and age, a system like that would be attacked by the Seaborn before it could even be activated.

Ægir Researcher B : Regardless, we need to find a way to ensure power supply for the beacon.

Ægir Researcher A : Maybe Appius would know a way. Let me get in... oh!

Ægir Researcher B : Did you forget? He's still in the home territories and our cities are under radio silence.
We can't exactly lay fiber optic cables like we used to, either, what with all the Seaborn out there.

Ægir Researcher A : I miss the days when we could get anyone in the country on a holographic call whenever we wanted.

Ægir Researcher B : Wait.
What if we modified the output mode of the energy converter?

<Background fades out and in>

Ægir Doctor : We have extremely limited experience in this area. There's always a safety risk.

Ægir Scholar : With you in charge of the cognitive link, I believe the risk is reasonable.

Ægir Doctor : Well, I'm glad you're that confident in me, but I'm not. Who knows what an extended conversation via cognitive link with our transformed countrymen would do to both our minds?

Ægir Scholar : There's been plenty of research into this. We'll be good as long as you keep a steady hand.

Ægir Doctor : Even in the home territories, there are very few cases of transformed citizens being granted a final interview. Most are simply euthanized.
Consul Clementia's ideas are radical, as always.

Ægir Scholar : Which is exactly why I followed her here.
By sorting through the threads of reason via conversation, we can grant them a chance to leave a final trace of their sapience in the world.
And what better way to send them off than with a stimulating debate?
Sadly, most of the survivors the Sea Patrol brings back are already transformed beyond recognition. Precious few have the opportunity to return to the city to receive a final interview.

Ægir Doctor : Say—

Ægir Scholar : Hm?

Ægir Doctor : We're witnessing history unfold here, aren't we?

Ægir Scholar : Or maybe we're just doing our jobs. I trust that the Institute of Development Planning's faith in you is not misplaced. Make your preparations.

Ægir Doctor : Thanks. See you in the isolation chamber.

[Footsteps approach ]

Jordi : Excuse me—

<Background shakes>

Jordi : W-What the? A Catastrophe? Under the sea?

「Taken by surprise, the young man loses balance and falls, but an even stranger sight stifles his cry of surprise—
He sees the passersby float into the air, swimming through it like fins through water, paying little heed to the swaying city below.
As things return to normal, some land and walk away—continuing their conversations like nothing had happened—while others continue to swim forward through the air.
He recalls the Ægir rituals the people of Gran Faro had told him about when he was little. 」

Jordi : ...

??? : Get up, Jordi.

Jordi : R-right!
Doña Irene?

Irene : Next time you go out, remember to put on the device that the Sea Patrol gave us when we landed yesterday.

Jordi : Right, I remember that from the briefing videos... Which one was it again...?

Irene : The fourth one. The technicians at the port reminded me.
They make regular adjustments to the gravity settings, as part of what it takes to maintain the low-gravity environment of Milliarium.
They said it's like a fin adjusting its swim bladder.

Jordi : So you went to tour the port.

Irene : Yes. I was interested in their ships and docks, their weapons... those massive ships that sail like fowlbeasts through reefs and cliffs.
I saw traces of the Stultifera Navis in them. Breogan really did recreate Ægir technology in Iberia. Perhaps...
Perhaps we should have sailed our proud armada out into the vast oceans, rather than parading our gold-gilded ships along the coasts as a deterrent to those dukes and pashas.

Jordi : Breogan...

Irene : You look nervous, Jordi. So nervous that you missed the point entirely.

Jordi : I'm just feeling a little out of place...
This place is stranger than I imagined. The air is thick and heavy, the ocean above my head sends a chill up my spine, and the glowing plants along the streets make me dizzy.
Plus what happened just now...
Physical discomfort, I could deal with, but there are so many oddities here I can't even begin to understand yet.
The briefing videos Ægir provided were very detailed, but there's still so much that I couldn't comprehend, even after rewatching them so many times.
Food moves on its own without a fork. Clothes clean themselves without having to be removed. These things make sense, kind of.
But Edible Sagas? Crunchy Theorems? I just can't wrap my head around those. The best I can do for now is print out one of those emergency nutrition supply devices.
All my life I've known nothing but Gran Faro. Is this what it's like to...?

Irene : No, it's not quite like an Iberian from a backwater village seeing the capital for the first time. Not that the City of Gold still exists.
The difference here isn't one between a small town and a metropolis, but... almost between two entirely different civilizations.

Jordi : I tried to ask someone for directions, but couldn't understand what they were saying, or whether I was being rude to interrupt.
I don't even know how they see me—an Ægir in name only.

Irene : I have my concerns, too.

Jordi : You're worried too?

Irene : You of all people know what Iberia did to the Ægir after the Profound Silence.
I don't know what kind of country Ægir is, how its people view that period of bloodshed, or how they view me—an emissary with blood on her hands.

Jordi : But you didn't—

Irene : I'm here representing the Iberian Inquisition. I've seen the files on the slaughters... Each report on its own may be thin, but in aggregate...
We committed many injustices while cleansing the influence of the Church of the Deep, and the Islanders were the most affected.
I still believe the Inquisition was in no position to be lenient, not when the country itself teetered on the brink.
It was our collective decision that we should go to any lengths to ensure the nation's survival in a time of extraordinary crisis.
But that does not lessen our crime.

[Footsteps approach ]

??? : I don't believe you need worry about that.

<Background 2>

Haggard Scholar : Growing a massive vesicle to resist a blast from Class III weaponry, and covering the retreat of the other Seaborn into the depths of the trench...
How is it even possible for biological tissue to be made to resist the forces of a micro-singularity?

Astute Officer : The Sea Patrol brought back tissue samples. They've already been sent to your lab through the transport tubes.

Haggard Scholar : At least they haven't yet developed a collective resistance to Class III weaponry like they have for Classes I and II.

Astute Officer : The performance of Class III weaponry is demonstrably superior.
But even more concerning is that an individual Seaborn has evolved measures specifically to counter it. They're more... organized than before.
You've been analyzing the Seaborn's adaptation to various weaponry ever since Milliarium set sail. Did you already foresee this?

Haggard Scholar : ...

Astute Officer : Advisor Blandus?

Blandus : To an extent. But we need more time to confirm our theories.
Thank you, Secunda.
Your reports are always so detailed I dare not blink for fear of missing something. Little Handy, get me some eyedrops.

Secunda : Ignore that command, Little Handy. Just a bad joke.
If there's nothing else, I'll be going. I need to speak to the technicians about the damage suffered by our ships.

Blandus : I'd rather you stay just a while longer, unless you're hurrying to get some rest after work.

Secunda : Isn't it somewhat ironic, considering you've also received numerous health warnings but haven't seen a doctor yet?

Blandus : ...Very well. Still, I'd appreciate it if you could hear me out. It won't take long. I just need to confirm something—
Have you read Gladiia's report?

Secunda : I have.

Blandus : Then you should know about Ulpianus. I thought you'd at least show some sort of reaction.

Secunda : Of course I'm concerned about the reappearance of the Abyssal Hunters after five years of silence. Especially when the Waterway Program is at a key juncture.
And Ulpianus's unusual activities are of particular note.
He clearly made contact with Gladiia's group and is aware of Milliarium, but has made no attempt to reestablish communications with Ægir.
Meanwhile, we've heard from our Iberian sources that he's also declined to work with Iberia.
He may be proud—arrogant even—but he is no fool. He must have his reasons for acting alone.
Regardless, I intend to find out where he is and what he's planning.

Blandus : That utilitarianism, that impatience... he's rubbed off on you. We had hoped you'd be better than that.
I can only pray your decision-making will be more prudent while tracking him.
Nevertheless, I have faith that you'll keep me updated on his whereabouts.

Secunda : What are you talking about, Advisor Blandus?
Neither of us is part of the Abyssal Hunter program anymore.
You're the weapons technology advisor for the Waterway Program now. Aren't utilitarian, impatient decisions the usual business in your field?
And shouldn't you be getting information about Ulpianus from Milliarium's official sources? Why involve me?

Blandus : Of course, of course.
Just a momentary lapse in judgment. I can't fault you for carrying out your duty as Praefecta of the Sea Patrol.
I just ask that you remember what Ulpianus did for us, for Ægir.

[A transmission comes in. ]

Secunda : Yes, speaking.
What? Missing?!
I'm on my way.

[Transmission ends. ]

Blandus : Who's missing?

Secunda : One of the technicians on the Waterway Program has gone AWOL.

<Background 1>

Irene : And you are...?

Avitus : Avitus, from the Institute of Prehistoric Studies, Academy of Science. We study the documents and artifacts of the prehistoric civilization.

Irene : Irene, emissary of the Iberian Inquisition.

Jordi : Jordi. Jordi Fontanarossa.

Avitus : A pleasure to make your acquaintance.
And don't worry, I didn't come to lecture you. I simply felt it was my duty as a citizen of Ægir to free our landbound friends from their needless concerns.

Irene : Needless concerns?

Avitus : What I mean to say is, Ægir understands that Iberia took measures proportionate to the extraordinary nature of the times.
We can find similar periods in our own history, or even that of the glorious prehistoric civilization.
The exclusion of outsiders as a necessary means of maintaining social order appears to be an inevitable step in the progress of civilization.
Besides, we welcome our displaced countrymen to return to the sea, just as we respect the decision of those who have opted to leave.
The consequences of their choices belong only to them.

Irene : I appreciate Ægir's magnanimity, Avitus, but the "consequences" they suffered were...
No, it's nothing. Thank you for clarifying.

Avitus : You're welcome—

[A small machine enters the room. ]

"Little Handy" : Mr. Avitus, our landbound guests, please be informed that this area has been designated for investigation.
You are advised to proceed to another area unless you have unresolved matters here.

Irene : A Hand of the Saint?
The Penal Battalion used them to clean up Seaborn remains, but I never knew they could talk.

Avitus : Apparently, our people who brought them to land did not have time to demonstrate their full capabilities.
Multi-purpose Support Equipment, commonly known as a "Little Handy." They currently offer 972 different function modules, excluding obsolete ones.
One can sometimes tell their affiliation just by looking at the parts and paintjob. This one, for example, belongs to the Sea Patrol.

Jordi : Er, should I reply?
Um, we're very sorry, Little Handy, er, sir.

Avitus : That would be unnecessary. It may be equipped with a voice, but that doesn't mean it's intelligent.

Irene : I assumed that with your technology, maybe...

Avitus : It's true that the topic of simulated personalities has fascinated many a researcher.
The first attempt was created 230 years ago and continues to operate to this day. In fact, I can put in an application for you, if you wish to talk to it.
However, whether from the perspective of neuroscience, psychology, sociology, or anthropology, simulated personalities have proven to be rather disappointing in terms of their benefits to research.
Perhaps I've gone off topic, though. In short, they've remained the stuff of niche research, and we do not consider them suitable for widespread application.
The goal of all technological development is to empower humanity. What purpose is there in turning a machine into a human?

Jordi : I see. Fascinating.

Irene : You said this Little Handy belonged to the Sea Patrol?

Avitus : Only they would fit such powerful loudspeakers onto one, when quieter means of communication are available. I suppose you could consider it retro?

Irene : What sort of organization are they? Do they frequently undertake such investigations?

Avitus : The Sea Patrol is part of our Legions. They perform a supporting role in combat, as well as regular reconnaissance, patrol, security, and disaster response duties.
Emergency sweeps like this are rare, but with the Waterway Program at such a critical moment, it's only reasonable for them to be on high alert.

Irene : Little Handy, am I allowed to remain here?

"Little Handy" : It is not recommended, but not forbidden.

Irene : Then I'll wait here. I'd like a chance to speak to the Sea Patrol.

Avitus : Very well. And you, Jordi?

Jordi : I'll be going. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?

Avitus : Of course not. There's a limit to what I can answer outside of my specialty, though.
Perhaps I could show you to a place better suited for such a conversation.
The Sophontheatrum.

<Background 3>

Kal'tsit : Did you sleep well, Doctor? You seem a little haggard.

Doctor : It's the air pressure. And humidity.

Kal'tsit : Yes, the Ægir seem to have retained some of their aquatic traits.
Are you not feeling well?

Doctor : Just a little short of breath.

Kal'tsit : Is it serious?

Doctor : Don't worry, it's nothing. / Kinda, yeah.

Kal'tsit : Let me know if you feel any discomfort.
Besides...

Doctor : "Besides"?

Kal'tsit : To be frank, I thought there may be another reason for your reaction.
Does anything about Ægir or the depths of the ocean seem familiar to you?

<Dialogue branch starts here>

Doctor : A little, but—no, not here.

Kal'tsit : So you do remember something?

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : ...

Kal'tsit : I'm accustomed to your usual silence, but now it's making me a little uneasy.

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : Maybe, but only vaguely.

Kal'tsit : I know it might be difficult, but remembering even the slightest detail could be of great help to us all.

<Dialogue branch ends here>

Doctor : Sorry, I can't remember anything else.

Kal'tsit : It's okay, just try to relax, Doctor.
Seeing the Preserver has inevitably hastened the pace at which you recall the truth... Even though I had hoped you would not touch upon what you'd forgotten so quickly.
No one knows when your path of suffering will end. Not even yourself. In that, we are all powerless.
What we do know is that you've had an encounter with the abyss. The ocean is yet another path to your past, and we are finally upon it.

Doctor : You seem excited. / Do I detect... satisfaction?

Kal'tsit : Yes. I've wanted to set foot in Ægir countless times.
Until now, I have waited on the shore, and drifted on the waves.
I have witnessed lighthouses and the armada turn from ideas to reality. Breogan had never given up on reestablishing communication with Ægir through such means.
But all his efforts ended in failure. Ægir never welcomed home their prodigal son, much less opened their doors to outsiders.
But now, they are even more eager to cooperate than I had anticipated. We need no longer waste efforts to persuade a proud and aloof giant.
I can't deny feeling happy about that.

Doctor : You don't look particularly happy. / Is there something else troubling you?

Kal'tsit : I'm afraid there is.
Ægir's proactive stance indicates that they have a plan for making contact with the land.
But even the most moderate of their measures may seem too radical for landbound civilization. A single gesture of goodwill could cause a massive storm.

Doctor : We should intervene as soon as possible.
The Abyssal Hunters are a good entry point.

Kal'tsit : The Hunters' situation warrants concern, too.
To Ægir, they are neither emissaries nor guests.
Having participated in the most radical project in Ægir's history, and "come back to life" after being declared dead for five years... I worry that their return home would only cause—

[Footsteps approach ]

Skadi : Trouble?

Specter : Controversy?

Doctor : Skadi. / Specter. / You're back.

Kal'tsit : Where's Gladiia?

Specter : A somewhat troublesome fellow called her away.

Kal'tsit : I thought your priority upon returning would be to get checked up. What could possibly be more urgent?

Skadi : No idea.

Specter : But once Gladiia's done with her interview, I guess Skadi and I are gonna go do some stupid check-up.

Skadi : Swordfish and I are fine. Shark's changes might be a little problematic.

Doctor : There's no Originium in the ocean, is there? / Does Ægir understand Oripathy?

Skadi : I read some medical papers before I underwent the surgery.
Even back then, they had advanced knowledge of medulla regeneration and replacement. They should be able to help her.

Specter : You needn't worry, Doctor.
I've inspected myself in the mirror on that great ship. On returning, those endless dreams still creep up on me like bubbles, but they've also become as light as bubbles.
Besides, I feel like I'd have more regrets about losing those dreams.
But for now, I'm as lucid as I've ever been. And luckily for you, I'm even in the mood to take you on a tour of the city.
Interested?

Doctor : Yeah! / Let's go!

After operation

Summary

Skadi and Specter take the Doctor around the city. Consul Clementia meets with Gladiia in private. Irene encounters the Sea Patrol and assists with the investigation of a missing data scientist.

<Background 4>

Skadi : Did you think we were touring a museum? You were looking at the instruments like they were exhibits.

Doctor : The third place I mistook for a museum, then.

Doctor : Why is gravity reversed in there? / What's with the water flowing around the pillars? / What's that space that warped my fingers?

Skadi : There are some things even I can't explain.
Technology has advanced a lot in five years.

Doctor : Wait, that tower...
There's a launchpad at the heart of the city?

Specter : Good eye, Doctor, that's a beacon launcher. One with plenty of history.

Skadi : You know about it, Shark?

Specter : My parents took me around the home territories when I was little. There are similar structures in many cities.

Doctor : I thought Ægir children were raised collectively.

Skadi : I was, but Shark has a special relationship with her biological parents.

Specter : They're more like friends than parents.
They reached a consensus with the Institute of Incubation to bring me along whenever they worked on a new dome project.
I spent most my time in the Institute of Incubation, but I was able to see the cities, learn, and even work alongside them.

Doctor : So, what's this beacon launcher for?

Specter : Exactly what it sounds like: it launches beacons to mark the Waterway.

Doctor : Those are some huge beacons. / How big is this Waterway anyway?

Specter : Ægir had almost mastered the oceans around 300 years ago, efficiently using natural energy in its various forms and recording every seafloor trench in our navigational charts.
Then we cast our sights on another ocean, one brimming with stars.
Our fleets and even our cities were meant to cross that boundary that should never have existed, and light the fires of civilization beyond the barrier.

Doctor : Beyond the barrier...

Kal'tsit : The Preserver was right, Doctor. Kristen's achievement is not beyond Ægir's reach.
The sea and the sky are closer than we thought.

Specter : People back then tried plenty of things: surveying and deciphering the electron clouds, developing new technologies and materials, exploring forms of life that can adapt to space...
This beacon launcher is a product of that era.
It was intended to capture even the faintest signals from the stars, and plant beacons that would never fade from our star charts.
Nanomachine swarms would form networks between the beacons, allowing us to traverse vast distances in an instant... or so we dreamed.

Skadi : You never told me any of this before.

Specter : Lucid moments were hard to come by on land.
But yesterday, I dreamt once again of walking from the Sophontheatrum straight into that epoch.
Then, I saw Laurentina dance.
She leaped from the waves to the stars, stirring up star dust that trailed the hems of her dress. From afar, the voice of the Master of All Creation answered her in song.
The universe and imagination know no bounds, and Laurentina's dances will never cease.

「Specter closes her eyes, as though sinking back into the dream. 」

Skadi : Mm...

Specter : What is it?

Skadi : Just trying to picture it.

Doctor : It's a beautiful dream, Laurentina. / Perhaps that day will really come, Laurentina.

Specter : Before pushing open the door to the stars, they wanted to prepare themselves for any threats beyond the barrier... That is, until the Seaborn appeared and interrupted the dream.
We poured all our efforts into studying them, setting aside all else: art, science, and previous visions for the future...
The Seaborn fundamentally changed Ægir.

<Dialogue branch starts here>

Doctor : What did you do before becoming a Hunter, Skadi?

Skadi : Me?
I was the best technician at the Institute of Facility Management. I could keep an entire city's underwater lighting array running on my own.
The Institute of Development Planning's career proposal was pretty much what I was thinking, so I accepted.
Working by yourself can be lonely, but it's not such a bad thing playing with the giant fins in the reefs, or lighting up the ocean while daydreaming.

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : What did you do before becoming a Hunter, Specter?

Specter : I was just an apprentice sculptor.
The Institute of Development Planning provides tailored career proposals for each citizen, which are usually in line with our wishes.
I suppose I would have gone into dome design, sculpting, or dance.

<Dialogue branch ends here>

Specter : Say, Kal'tsit and Doctor, we've shared a lot of info during our time together, but we've never talked about our old lives.

Doctor : Because they've changed.

Specter : I guess you're right. Sorry for bringing up something so heavy on a tour.
We have all the waves in the world hanging above our heads. Would you care to share a dance before dealing with all this bother, Doctor?

<Background 5>

Kind Woman : Gladiia.

[Footsteps approach ]

「Gladiia's hand instinctively goes to her weapon as the woman approaches with a ceremonial sword in hand.
But all she does is put her arms around Gladiia's shoulders. Gladiia smells stimulants in the air.
Ægir do not make a habit of greeting each other with physical contact. She could not remember even her mother ever doing so.
But this woman's action felt completely natural. 」

Gladiia : Consul Clementia?
I was not aware that this was the standard salute between Chief Designers of Warfare.

Clementia : Nothing makes me happier than seeing the Hunters return as lucid as ever.

Gladiia : Your soldiers' reactions when they first saw me suggested otherwise.

Clementia : The operation to eliminate the Firstborn cost Ægir all of its Abyssal Hunters.
Secunda made many rescue attempts, but was unable to penetrate the rampaging mass of Seaborn that guard the region after the death of the Firstborn.
Your mother, Horatia, had no choice but to publicly declare you dead.
But I know her. She doesn't really believe that.

Gladiia : Or perhaps Consul Horatia, foremost of the Institute of Scientific Development Planning, simply could not accept that I had died for nothing.
I know her, too.
But I don't think it is appropriate for a meeting between two Chief Designers of Warfare to revolve around a complicated mother-daughter relationship.

Clementia : Of course, of course.

[The two walk to the window. ]

Clementia : Look at the city.

「The Consul's Pensivarium sits high in the city. The seawater hangs just above their heads.
The transparent dome serves as a gentle mirror, warding off the deep and foreboding void while granting the Ægir the solace of introspection.
Beneath the dome, the entire city is bathed in a blue hue. The beacon launchpad stands tall at its center, while ships glide in and out of the distant docks like schools of fins. 」

Clementia : The sea itself has no color, only darkness. Milliarium stands in its murky depths like the vigilant eye of civilization, solitary and luminous.
We once had many such cities. One by one, the stars in the sea went out, becoming sustenance for the Seaborn.
All that's left on the seafloor are their colorful, eerie nests.

Gladiia : I won't deny that the Abyssal Hunter project was a failed gambit. The death of the Firstborn did not stop their evolution.
So I want to know what solution Ægir has come up with next. What you have come up with.
What is this Waterway Program?

Clementia : Gladiia, I didn't mean...
I'm simply part of an even bigger gambit, one with even higher stakes.
The weapon classification scheme remains nothing more than a strict control over weapon usage to delay the evolution of the Seaborn.
This time, however, we have taken into account every weapon at our disposal or under development.
A mix of conventional ballistics and Class I weapons initially proved highly effective. The Seaborn were unable to comprehend why they were being burned by the seawater around them.
But it took them only a year to adapt. 11 months in, we accelerated the adoption of Class II weapons, which operated on completely different principles.
Et cetera, et cetera.

Gladiia : Until their evolution outpaced the ability of the Academy of Technology to innovate.

Clementia : Yes. At day's end, all we're doing is merely buying time. Ægir has committed vast resources to study the Seaborn. To eradicate them at their origin, we must first comprehend them at their source.
The information you've brought back is highly valuable, and Breogan's discovery on land corroborates the Academy of Science's research.

Gladiia : The Seaborn and the Feranmuts share the same genesis.
Is Ægir coming ashore to seek memories even more ancient?

Clementia : Not just that. The Seaborn share a common genesis with the Feranmuts, but much about them is very different. Unnatural, one might say.
Their recent activity demonstrates a clear sense of purpose. They have quickly abandoned their reliance on the sea and begun to migrate towards land en masse.
Left unchecked, it is not out of the question that all of Terra could become infested with Seaborn.

Gladiia : We already saw hints of that in Iberia.

Clementia : Thus, for Ægir, the land is both a source of answers and a solemn responsibility.
Horatia has issued new war orders on behalf of the Institute of Development Planning, and Milliarium has come bearing new Class IV weapons from the Academy of Technology.
They are a form of biological weapon, very different from all previous ones. Designed to induce death in nearby Seaborn nests and newborns, while driving away adults from the area.
We have successfully located most of the nests in the target region. The ones near Iberia are the only ones yet unmarked.
Once the beacons have been placed and the weapons activated, we will finally have cleared an entire region of Seaborn, and established a route back to Ægir's home territories.

<Background 5>

Gladiia : Consul Horatia would not have permitted the possibility of failure. Yet all I see is a city under siege, teetering on the brink.

Clementia : Yes, she did tell me herself that "the Waterway Program will not fail."
I do not know how many other possibilities she considered, and I hope I never do. For me, this city has always been the entirety of the Waterway Program.
But that is no longer true. The changes in the past month necessitate a review of our plans.
The Seaborn have rapidly adapted to our new weapons, even evolving measures to protect their kindred from Class III.
But a successful extermination operation should have left no opportunity for them to communicate with other individuals. They seem to have obtained their inspiration elsewhere.

Gladiia : Almost every mutation of the Seaborn against humanity has been abetted by the twisted efforts of corrupted Ægir.
Yet, the Seaborn lack true intelligence. We could toss all our prototype weapons into their nest, and they wouldn't dismantle or study them.
The Church of the Deep may be able to train them to attack an army or a city, but bringing about rapid biological changes is another matter entirely.

Clementia : Unless they're not being influenced by the Church of the Deep, but by another Firstborn.

Gladiia : I see you've read my belated report.
Indeed. Ulpianus claims that the one we eliminated was not the only one.

Clementia : The Abyssal Hunters were the first and last Ægir to enter the Firstborn's lair.
Even now, the Seaborn defend the ruins with a frenzied fury. We have not found a way to get through.
Amongst the Hunters, Ulpianus spent the longest time there, enough for him to witness the "truth."

Gladiia : You're still deliberating on whether to believe him.

Clementia : Yes. It could be the key to solving the mystery of the Seaborn. Or the path that leads us to destruction.
Could a Hunter survive for months on Seaborn remains and remain lucid? Would a lucid hunter willingly stay with them, rather than returning to civilization?
There are too many unanswered questions about Ulpianus and that fateful operation.
And so, I regret to inform you that Ægir has no choice but to welcome its Hunters home with a tribunal.

<Background 1>

[Footsteps approach ]

Secunda : I thought we had designated this area for investigation.
Madam Irene? From Iberia?

Irene : May I ask to whom I am speaking?

Secunda : Secunda, Praefecta of the Sea Patrol. I regret not being able to greet you personally upon your arrival yesterday.
The Sea Patrol is currently investigating the disappearance of a citizen. We have not requested assistance from Iberia, and respectfully request that you exit this area as soon as possible.

Irene : I would like to assist as myself, not as an envoy.

Secunda : Your offer is appreciated, but unnecessary.

Irene : I want to—

Secunda : Any news from the other teams?

Sea Patroller : One moment, getting the video feed now.

Irene : Ma'am—

Sea Patroller : No unusual movements at the port.

Secunda : Tsk.
Alert the other teams to monitor the closed civilian gates and keep a close watch on the circulation system around town.

Sea Patroller : Roger.

[The Sea Patrol rush off. ]

Irene : You're okay with talking about this in front of me?

Secunda : This is part of our regular duties. There's no need for confidentiality.

Irene : But you had your Little Handies clear the place out.

Secunda : Only to prevent unnecessary harm to civilians.
If you insist on staying, you'll be responsible for your own safety.

Irene : I'll—

Secunda : The missing civilian is Tullia, a scientist from the Waterway Program, responsible for recording and calibrating data on Seaborn nests.
She went AWOL 30 hours ago and hasn't been seen since.

Irene : Could it be... the Church of the Deep?

Secunda : That's what we intend to find out.
Her disappearance has not affected the overall progress of the project. As important as recording and calibrating the nest data is, her role was by no means irreplaceable.
If the Church's goal was to assassinate someone to disrupt our plans, they would not have picked an ordinary data scientist.
Unless—
She learned something she wasn't supposed to.
I need to inspect her home.

[The two walk together. ]

Secunda : You're sharp, Madam Irene, but I would recommend against coming with us.

Irene : I'm simply investigating our common enemy in my own way.

Secunda : ...Suit yourself.

Operation story: BP-2

Before operation

Summary

Irene accompanies Secunda in the investigation of a missing data scientist. Meanwhile, Gladiia faces the tribunal at the Sophontheatrum to address the irregularities surrounding the Abyssal Hunters. In the midst of it all, Ulpianus quietly appears by the Doctor's side.

<Background 1>

Secunda : No one has been in here the whole time?

Sea Patroller : Affirmative.
No signs that the Little Handy's logs have been altered, either.

Irene : Excuse me, how do I view those records?

Secunda : Grant her the permissions.

Sea Patroller : Yes, ma'am.

Irene : Ah, very nice!

「Secunda takes a device from her belt and dances her pen across its surface, leaving trails like a labyrinth of seaweeds. 」

Irene : What's your Praefecta doing?

Sea Patroller : She scribbles whenever she's thinking. Says it helps her organize her thoughts. It's a habit she's had ever since she was a researcher.
No one else can decipher what she's writing... or drawing? Not even that's clear. She's the only one who can parse it.

[Scribbling noises ]

Secunda : (Books are arranged by thickness, shell decorations by size, and data downloaded from the Sophontheatrum by time.)
(Seaweed cream to prevent dry skin. Is it because Milliarium is approaching the coast?)
(There's enough to last three years.)
(An ordinary Ægir woman. Cautious, timid even. Matches the data from the Institute of Development Planning.)
(Those hydroponic tanks—)

Irene : What are these boxes for? Why put them on the wall if they're empty?

Secunda : Yes, the hydroponic boxes may provide a lead.
Scan all equipment in the room related to plant cultivation.

Sea Patroller : Yes, ma'am.

Secunda : Also, pull whatever you can from Tullia's files. Education, employment, hobbies; anything that might be relevant.

[Computer beeps ]

Sea Patroller : She previously worked at the Institute of Ecological Art, with a focus on the cultivation of endangered seaweed.
To quote straight from the IEA's files...
"The artist has carefully cultivated these deep-sea seaweeds to weave a dynamic, ever-evolving portrait of life as they grow."
These hydroponic boxes were Tullia's belongings. Images of her artwork are also available.

Secunda & Irene : How beautiful.
...

Irene : They look like they've been left empty for quite some time.

Secunda : According to the files, she joined the Waterway Program after a reassignment.

Irene : She wouldn't have abandoned her old life for no reason.

Secunda : True. Her disappearance may very well be related to her career change.
How's that scan coming?

Sea Patroller : Nothing unusual with the cultivation equipment, but we found an operating log in the integrated terminal.
Two days before she went missing, she downloaded some data from the beacon tower control center and made a backup.
We were unable to locate the file itself, though.

Secunda : Try to backtrack her steps. Contact the control center and trace the data from their download logs.

Irene : If she was still going to work before she disappeared, couldn't her friends or colleagues know something?

Secunda : Perhaps.
What's the situation on her social relationships? What about the person who made the report?

Sea Patroller : We've arranged a questioning.

Jordi : ...

[Footsteps approach ]

Avitus : Anything I can help you with, Jordi?

Jordi : Sorry. I have so many questions, I don't know where to start...
This, er, metal tree? Do I just ask it? I've heard legends of ancient trees acting as repositories of knowledge, but I've never seen anything like this...

Avitus : This coral-shaped integrated terminal is the culmination of centuries of Ægir's knowledge and culture.
Everything we think, know, create, appreciate, and even the questions we have yet to answer... they're all here. It's the heart of the Sophontheatrum.

<Background 2>

Jordi : And what is the Sophontheatrum, exactly?

Avitus : Conceived and established by Mártus, the great scholar of anthropology and prehistoric civilization, it is a public facility that has had a profound impact on the nation.
Aside from the mutually-supporting atoll city clusters above sea level and the modular city networks in the trenches, most of our other cities have unique forms and designs.
Yet even so, nearly all of them have chosen to adopt Mártus's design and establish their own Sophontheatrum.
Look around you. This is a place for people to think, doubt, and debate, eventually coming to an understanding and making a decision. A coliseum of wits, if you will.
The most complex equations, the most ancient drawings, the most beautiful songs, and the most well-traveled roads were all born here. I believe this is exactly what Mártus himself wanted.

Jordi : You keep mentioning this Mártus... what kind of man was he?

Avitus : Simply listing all his contributions to Ægir would take an entire day, perhaps more. But I do happen to have some insight into his personality.

Jordi : Oh, you knew him?

Avitus : No, no, he lived more than two centuries ago. He'd been gone from Ægir long before I was born.
But our professors liked to speak of his eccentricities. He was unmatched in theoretical and deductive reasoning, yet was always reluctant to draw a conclusion.
Even on issues where the answer was plain to all, he would refuse to put the question to rest until after an extended debate with himself.
Some would say that trapping himself in endless debate showed he cared too much about the value and meaning of things. But is that not in our human nature?
Which is why he built the Sophontheatrum. We needed a place where we could engage in intellectual discourse, both with ourselves and with others.

Jordi : I wouldn't say I'm up for a debate, but I do have a lot of questions. Should I ask you, myself, or this terminal?

[The terminal whirs a few times. ]

"Little Handy" : —

Avitus : It seems our little discussion must give way to a greater showdown.

Jordi : What do you mean?

Avitus : They're holding a tribunal, and it concerns three of those you arrived with.

Jordi : The Abyssal Hunters?!

<Background fades out and in>

[Spectators fill the coliseum's seats. ]

Specter : Oh, hey, is that our landbound friend I spy? Aw, he looks worried about us.
(Waves)

Skadi : He won't see you from that far away.
Others are looking this way, though.

Kal'tsit : This tribunal has drawn more attention than expected.

Specter : We Hunters always have, and now they even have the lovely story of our return from the dead.
Like it or not, the Abyssal Hunters are in the spotlight now.

Skadi : This tribunal will be our final "checkup," yes?
Frankly, they're getting tiresome.

Doctor : Are you okay, Specter? / Take it easy, Skadi. / Consider it our warm welcome.

Kal'tsit : The Hunters need to keep a low profile. We must also act with prudence, Doctor.

Doctor : We always find ourselves in delicate situations.

Kal'tsit : Indeed. This time, we're not merely mediating between two countries, but between land and the sea. Two vastly different civilizations.
Following the tribunal, I will formally address Ægir's consul to foster cooperation between land and sea. But for now, you'll need to assist Gladiia independently, Doctor.
The situation remains uncertain for both the city and ourselves. Certain matters become more difficult if I am placed at the center of attention.

Doctor : But no one will be watching your "assistant"? / So I should play it by ear?

Kal'tsit : Yes, but be careful. I would prefer not to have to change our objective in the middle of negotiations with the Consul.

[Kal'tsit leaves. ]

Specter : Dr. Kal'tsit sure uses a lot of big words, doesn't she?

Skadi : Does she ever get straight to the point?

Specter : Our dear Dr. Kal'tsit thinks too much about too many things, and not nearly enough about how to convey that she cares.
Wouldn't you agree that more direct, Ægir-style communication is better, Doctor?

Doctor : Absolutely. / Kal'tsit has her reasons.

Skadi : Don't worry, Shark and I will protect you.
Say, where's Captain Gladiia?

Specter : I imagine she'll show up with Consul Clementia. After all, she's the one who will be taking the stand today.

[Someone runs over. ]

Excited Ægir : Excuse me! A-Are you Laurentina?

<Background fades out and in>

[Transmission comes in. ]

Tired Ægir : I had a hunch I'd find you here, advisor.
The environmental sample test results are out. We need you to take a look and see if we need another round of genetic testing.

Blandus : Oh... Sorry, didn't see your message.

Tired Ægir : You seem preoccupied by the Abyssal Hunter's tribunal.
You used to work at the Abyssal Hunter Lab, right?

Blandus : I'd rather not talk about it.
But yes, I was researching gene splicing methods that would provide a safer and more effective way to perform the Hunter modifications.

Tired Ægir : But you didn't like the program?

Blandus : It's not about liking or disliking it. It's that it failed to produce results, despite all the sacrifices we made.
But what matters now is that they're alive, Gladiia and the others. I have to be here, if only for them.

Tired Ægir : Were you two close?

Blandus : Hah. If only she thought so, too.

<Background fades out and in>

[Footsteps approach ]

Ægir Woman : Magister Avitus. May I sit here?

Avitus : Of course, Cassia. Be careful, though; recovery from embryo separation surgery takes time.
This is Jordi, a guest from Iberia.

Cassia : Thank you. And hello.

Jordi : Oh, er, hello.

Cassia : There are more participants than I expected.
Even when the Institute of Facility Management held a tribunal to discuss modifications to the city's unit framework, only two departments were involved.

Avitus : The tribunal system exists to solve problems, after all. The only reason to involve more departments is when the problem is too complex for one.

Cassia : But the Sophontheatrum is already half-full. Is the return of the Abyssal Hunters really such a big deal?

Avitus : It's a project that took two centuries of debate before implementation. Its philosophy shook the very foundations of Ægir, and its every progress tucks the string of Ægir's future.
Besides, the Waterway Program is reaching its most critical juncture. Even the smallest thing out of the ordinary is worthy of attention.
Simply reading a report is not nearly enough to come to an informed decision. Consul Clementia needs the counsel of experts in multiple fields.
I'm sure that many have come of their own accord, though. The return of three Hunters is bound to cause unease at such a sensitive time.

<Background fades out and in>

Excited Ægir : I'm not really here for the tribunal, but I heard you might make an appearance, so...

Specter : And who might you be?

Excited Ægir : Oh, sorry.
I'm Lucilla. I had the honor of meeting your parents once.

Specter : Rulers and ink... Are you an architect working on the dome system here?

Lucilla : I-I transferred out of that last year, but I'm still with the Institute of Facility Management. Now I maintain the city unit framework and measure ocean currents.

Specter : "Envy not the sun, for we have given ourselves the eternal stars and the infinite sea."

Lucilla : ...
When I was little, the foster parents at the Institute of Incubation took us to hold a performance here.
We created a matrix of tiny optical machines, representing neural activity with changes to the brightness of the dots.
We'd rehearsed thoroughly, but the Sophontheatrum malfunctioned on the day of the performance, and the whole place went dark. Except for those little machines.
But a couple in the audience worked their magic, and ribbons of light fell from the dome, as if arms reaching out to invite our little machines to dance.
It was so beautiful that the blackout almost felt intentional...

Specter : Ha, I can picture the smug look on their faces. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they really had something to do with it.

Lucilla : When the Institute of Development Planning did its career assessment, I applied for the dome system without a second thought. It was only then that I learned they were famous dome designers.
...That was the only time I saw them.

Specter : So they were at the right time and place to inspire you.
But you said you transferred out of dome work. Why, when you've already formed such a special bond with our big, transparent friend above?

Lucilla : I...

Cassia : Lucilla! The tribunal is about to start. You want to sit here?

Lucilla : Sorry, my colleague is calling out to me. Anyway, welcome home, Laurentina, and I wish you the best of luck.

[Lucilla runs off. ]

Specter : ...

<Background fades out and in>

Skadi : Pretty much everyone's here...
Hey, where you going, Doctor?

Doctor : The Hunters draw too much attention. / I'll just be watching from the stands.

Skadi : Kal'tsit's words really got to you, haven't they?

<Background fades out and in>

[Clementia and Gladiia step onto stage. ]

Clementia : As you're all well aware, Milliarium has successfully made contact with Iberia. As such, the Waterway Program now enters its most critical phase.

「A thread of light leaves the massive coral-shaped terminal to surround her, forming a giant ethereal ring in the air that dances to the consul's words.
More threads weave together to form cities and tides, Hunters and Seaborn, transmuting words to images and giving substance to sound.
The crowd quiets down. 」

Clementia : And at this crucial juncture, we also welcome home our surviving Abyssal Hunters: Gladiia, Skadi, and Laurentina.
The results of their physical examinations and Gladiia's mission report have been uploaded to the Sophontheatrum's terminal and are available for your perusal. I'm sure many of you have already done so.
Concerning the irregular circumstances therein...
I now call upon Consul Gladiia—leader of Ægir's Honor Exercitus, and Chief Designer of Warfare of the Abyssal Hunters—to answer your questions.

<Background fades out and in>

[The crowd begins discussion. ]

「You navigate through several rows of Ægir and sit in one of the back rows. With plenty of room around you, you have a clear view of everything happening in the Sophontheatrum.
The tribunal has already begun. The speakers do not raise their voices, yet every word is clear in the massive ring-like structure. Gladiia steps forward, drawing everyone's gaze.
Suddenly, you hear footsteps so soft they are almost inaudible, like a shadow from the somber dome touching the floor. 」

??? : Not a sound.
Or I'll crush your throat.

[A shadowy figure silently appears. ]

Doctor : ...

After operation

Summary

Gladiia proves the innocence of the Abyssal Hunters with the help of their former technical advisor Blandus, but suspicions around Ulpianus remain.

<Background 2>

Legion Commander : Consul Gladiia, is it in your opinion that the issue does not lie with the battle itself?

Gladiia : Correct. What you see before you is a projection of the battle plan. If anyone here notices a flaw I haven't, I'd expect it to be pointed out.

Legion Commander : No, I have no objections to the battle plan. It was the most suitable one, given what we knew at the time.
However, I would like your opinion on what we knew at the time.

Gladiia : I have to admit that Ægir's knowledge of the Seaborn back then was deeply flawed. As such...

<Background fades out and in>

Skadi : What are they trying to say?

Specter : Still not used to their way of thinking, are you? You never did like thinking much, even back home.
They mean no ill will. They're simply seeking the truth they need.
Identify every flaw and question all perfections. The most heated debates will uncover truth in its full beauty and reveal the right way forward.
Just leave it to Swordfish.
If you don't want to listen, just take a nap.

<Background fades out and in>

Gladiia : ...In conclusion, our greatest error when designing the warfare five years ago was failing to make allowance for flaws in our knowledge.
Until every last truth of Terra is revealed, we must admit that our understanding of the Seaborn will remain flawed. Our warfare design must reflect this revelation.

Legion Commander : I concur. Your conclusion should be incorporated into our future battle plans.
It has been an honor to reflect upon this critical battle and reach a fruitful conclusion with you.

Academy of Science Researcher : That said, the battle five years ago is not our only concern.
We have more pressing issues to worry about.
Your physical examination has revealed mutations that cannot be ignored. The same goes for Skadi and Laurentina.
I do not doubt your loyalty, but we need to know how assimilation by Seaborn genes will affect your behavior.
Apologies for my candor.
Milliarium will soon identify the locations of the remaining nests. Then, the Seaborn will be driven out by Class IV weapons, opening up a Waterway.
Is there any possibility that the Abyssal Hunters will become an enemy of Ægir, and of yourselves?

[The audience begin debating. ]

<Background fades out and in>

??? : Hunters out of control pose a greater risk to Ægir than the Seaborn.
The Abyssal Hunters are the flipside of Ægir. Created in Ægir's most despicable attempt at salvation, they are now both feared and pitied by their creators.

Doctor : Abyssal Hunter Ulpianus, I presume?
Shouldn't you be down there too?

Ulpianus : You're much calmer than I expected. And you know who I am.
It seems Gladiia has built a relationship on land with more than just the one doctor.
I've never seen you in any of the operations. You're not an Inquisitor, nor an Islander.
The doctor from Rhodes Island brought you to Ægir, but kept your identity a secret.

Doctor : I'm just Kal'tsit's colleague. / I'm also from Rhodes Island.

Ulpianus : You may introduce yourself however you like.
However, the point is that you can help the Hunters.

<Dialogue branch starts here>

Doctor : Why don't you just go to Skadi?

Ulpianus : This is not her forte.

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : Why don't you just go to Specter?

Ulpianus : You mean Laurentina?
This is not her forte.

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : Why don't you just go to Gladiia?

Ulpianus : Now is not the time.

<Dialogue branch ends here>

Doctor : You don't trust the Hunters?

Ulpianus : On the contrary. I do trust them. But I also know them all too well.
Skadi acts before thinking. Laurentina has not been lucid for long. Gladiia will inevitably be the one to make decisions.
I've already shared much of what I know with her. She should be on guard. She knows the potential restrictions, but nevertheless decided to return to Ægir.
Overeager to return to a familiar environment, she is oblivious to the fact that she has placed herself in the spotlight, where all that can and cannot be trusted have the power to scrutinize her.
Now is not the best time for the Abyssal Hunters to come home. Their decision is a big gamble.

Doctor : Why did you sneak into the city, then? / Sounds like you care about them, after all.

Ulpianus : Gladiia and the others are not in a good situation.
They underwent modifications, but unlike me, they were not part of the Abyssal Hunter project's core research. Explaining the changes in their bodies will be difficult for them.
I'll pass on some information to you, and I'll need you to help Gladiia if necessary. Convey my warning to her later.
As for the rest—

Blandus : May I say I few things?

Ulpianus : ...Blandus. He's here too?

<Background fades out and in>

Gladiia : Blandus?

[The man steps onto the stage. ]

Blandus : Isn't this just like the old days? You and Ulpianus used to get into arguments with the research staff while I was napping.

Clementia : Your comments would be much appreciated, Advisor.

Blandus : You flatter me, Consul.
I was the technical advisor for the Abyssal Hunter project, responsible for the gene splicing research used in the modification process.
In other words, at this exact moment and in this exact place, I am the leading authority on Abyssal Hunters.
Gladiia, Laurentina, and Skadi have been fighting on dry land too frequently and for too long. It is indeed cause for concern regarding their physical condition.
As such, your concerns are not without reason. But my answer is this:
No—
They will not become Seaborn.

「The hall goes silent.
Blandus clears his throat. 」

Blandus : Let me try to explain this in layman's terms.
Under ordinary circumstances, Seaborn genes exhibit abnormal dominance and will irreversibly overwrite any preexisting traits in their host.
In Abyssal Hunters, however, we have managed to extend the timeline of this process until it far exceeds the natural lifespan of any given Hunter.
Furthermore, the Academy of Technology made a critical breakthrough, allowing us to implant an "auto-adaptive junction" in all the Hunters before their deployment to eradicate the Firstborn.
The auto-adaptive junction was implanted at the splice point between human and Seaborn DNA to assist the Hunters in more closely monitoring their Seaborn genes.
If the Seaborn genes exhibited abnormal dominance, the junction would signal the body to resist their attempt at taking over.
While there has undoubtedly been some degree of decay of their auto-adaptive junctions after five years without maintenance, the changes they've undergone remain well within acceptable ranges.

Academy of Science Researcher : So you say, Advisor, but there is a record of a failed auto-adaptive junction surgery in the Abyssal Hunter Lab archives.

[The audience becomes rowdy again. ]

Blandus : ...That was Ulpianus.
The archives should also note that multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that the incident did not produce any adverse effects.
For this, I gladly take full responsibility and will answer any queries.
Now that the Abyssal Hunters have returned to Ægir, their condition will be under control.

Academy of Science Researcher : Am I to infer that you already have an effective means to contain their mutation?

Blandus : There is an Abyssal Hunter Lab in the city we can reactivate. I will personally perform maintenance on their auto-adaptive junctions.

Academy of Science Researcher : What of Ulpianus?

Blandus : ...

Academy of Science Researcher : How can we be sure that the Hunter who has refused to return to Ægir will not become Seaborn?
Or that what we fear hasn't already happened?

[The audience members discuss with one another. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Doctor : Sounds like you've just become the target. / Sounds like you're pretty dangerous.

Ulpianus : Hmph.
It's only natural they would be skeptical.
It is both human nature and a hard-learned lesson to be wary of what you cannot control.

Doctor : They're not the only ones suspicious of you. / I'm equally curious about your motivations.
Did you really come out of concern for the Hunters?

Ulpianus : Before the sinking of the Stultifera, I shared my discovery with Gladiia: there is more than one entity like Ishar'mla amongst the Seaborn, those known as Firstborn.
The Firstborn are stirring. It, or rather They, are about to awaken.
I don't know how many or how soon... but it's close. Too close.

Doctor : ...

Ulpianus : This is why the Seaborn have begun migrating towards land. I've ventured into many nests recently, and as a whole, they are feeling a sense of crisis.
Perhaps not even the ocean contains enough nourishment for the awakening of a new god. Will it become another Profound Silence for the land, or another calamity for the seas?
The great migration almost perfectly coincides with Ægir's Waterway Program. One can only speculate about Milliarium's role in all this.
Is that not reason enough for me to visit this city?

<Background fades out and in>

Academy of Technology Researcher : The Seaborn have proliferated independently, driven by their instincts. But they came from the Firstborn, and cannot defy their fundamental nature.
In other words, even if the death of the Firstborn failed to halt their evolution, it should not have caused the rapid emergence of new, previously undocumented traits.

Gladiia : I believe I already addressed that in my report.

Academy of Technology Researcher : Yes, the Multiple Firstborn hypothesis. A logical enough explanation, but that is exactly why I am skeptical of Ulpianus.
Our well-laid plans ended in failure. The three surviving Hunters washed ashore on unfamiliar land, before being reunited with the Hunter who was last to leave the nest.
The information Ulpianus brought—that there are more than one Firstborn in the ocean—is more than shocking, it's highly "effective."
Effective in explaining why the Seaborn's actions have become more disruptive despite your success with the mission objective. Effective in addressing all our questions.

Gladiia : And why does that make you skeptical?

Academy of Technology Researcher : Because it's an answer so perfect that it's either the incontrovertible truth, or was designed specifically to put our questions to rest.

[The audience frantically discuss. ]

Academy of Technology Researcher : Whether or not to believe the information he gave you will have an enormous impact on our warfare design.
If Ulpianus lives, then the most effective way to verify his claims would be to track him down, perhaps even question him directly.

Gladiia : ...

Clementia : You have been quiet, Advisor Blandus.
Do you have anything to add regarding Ulpianus?
You were once students under the same mentor, and it was your trust in him that led you to join the Abyssal Hunter project despite your reservations.
But I also trust your knowledge and ethics as an Ægir. You need not recuse yourself.

Blandus : ...
All I can say, Madame Consul, is that I can be accountable for every word I say here at this tribunal.
I will not intentionally put forward a hypothesis in his favor, nor will I make any conjectures that could hurt him.
That is all.

<Background fades out and in>

Doctor : Sounds like you two are pretty close. / I guess even a loner has friends.

「Ulpianus does not answer. The questioning continues, but Blandus says no more. Suddenly, he looks up towards you, as though he's sensed something.
You meet his weary gaze across the length of the Sophontheatrum.
He seems to have noticed something. The consul next to him and several other Ægir catch that peculiar moment, and some of them follow his gaze. 」

Doctor : ... / Em...

「You look to your side and find the seat empty. 」

Doctor : Don't mind me. Just a landlubber here to watch. / Sorry, am I interrupting? / Do I need to speak?

<Background fades out and in>

Clementia : The tribunal has arrived at an adequate conclusion.
Gladiia, Skadi, Laurentina, and the rest of the Abyssal Hunters have made tremendous sacrifices and contributions to Ægir.
It is a blessing for Ægir that new ideas continue to emerge from their knowledge and experience even after five years.
They have demonstrated that they are both innocent and safe, and that their return at this stage of the Waterway Program is not a threat, but a reassurance.
Yet now our attention turns to another of the surviving Hunters, Ulpianus.
He has concealed his movements for reasons unknown, and has attempted to influence the other Hunters. Both actions clearly contravene his duty.
Based on our present information, we are unable to determine his motives, goals, or even whether he still qualifies as Ægir.
Ulpianus must be found. If his intentions are indeed benign, as Gladiia claims, our suspicions must be cleared through proper questioning.
Those whose questions have been answered may now leave. Those whose questions have not may continue their inquiries.
Do you have anything to add, Consul Gladiia?

「The coral-shaped terminal at the center of the Sophontheatrum slowly closes and sinks into the ground. The space is now flat and empty, like a stage ready for a new play.
Gladiia stands alone on it. 」

Gladiia : I have told you all I know.
I have no objections to the tribunal's conclusion, nor to the suspicions cast upon Ulpianus.

「People begin to file out, many turning to nod towards Gladiia as they reach the exit.
The remaining audience continue to ask questions, and Gladiia responds to each one, whether she is able to answer or not.
The water caustics cast by the dome weave a picture of light and shadow with the ring of light surrounding the space, dancing on Gladiia's expressionless face. 」

<Background fades out and in>

Skadi : Even as an Ægir, I find this hard to understand sometimes.
They fling words at her like spears one moment, then thank her for her contributions the next.

Specter : They're sincere, you know. Science requires people to separate facts from feelings, and they're good at it.

Skadi : I know. I'm just... *sigh* Never mind.

Specter : As for Captain Ulpianus, all they have are suspicions. Swordfish, the Doctor, Kal'tsit... someone will think of a way.

Skadi : What next?

Specter : We wait for Swordfish. Which, unfortunately, will take a while. *sigh*...

Skadi : You're sighing too?

Specter : She used to visit the Sophontheatrum to watch plays whenever there wasn't a mission. Sometimes I went with her.

Skadi : Captain Gladiia...

Specter : She's fairly well-versed in the arts. Her mother's influence, supposedly.
Unlike everyone else, however, she liked the highest, furthest seats, so I would always end up having to sit apart from her.

Skadi : Why?

Specter : For her, keeping the distance helps filter out the noise. Ignoring some of the finer details makes it easier for her to fully immerse herself in the story.
Right now, though, she's the one at center stage.
She’s lost her accustomed sense of distance, becoming the subject of judgment, scrutiny, and discussion. No one in her position can remain unperturbed.

Skadi : I'm starting to get why I sighed.

Specter : Why?

Skadi : Because only now does it really feel like we're back.

Operation story: BP-3

Before operation

Summary

Secunda and Irene uncover that the disappearance of the data scientist may be linked to the Church of the Deep. When a squadron sent to place a beacon at a Seaborn nest is attacked, the Abyssal Hunters launch a rescue mission.

<Flashback starts here>

[Hurried footsteps ]

??? : *pant* *pant* Gotta hurry!
!
Caulerpa archaeosphaeridium? Here? Who else in Milliarium is cultivating endangered seaweed?

<Background 1>

[The woman stops to look around. ]

??? : ...

[She bends down. ]

「Hypnea fenestralis, Halymenia fimbriatus, Palmaria purpureus...
Wait, the color of this Sargassum pennata... I cultivated it myself...
Why are you on the streets... it's too dry. You'll die.
What happened here? Did someone do this? 」

[She abruptly stands up. ]

??? : Where are you migrating? Is there something—
W-Wait!

[She runs again. ]

<Background 2>

??? : They're gone?
This pipe...
Wah!

[The woman falls down and splashes into the water. ]

<Background 3>

??? : This is...
*cough* Argh—

[The woman swims upwards. ]

??? : (What's going on?)
(The rumbling... Is the city moving?)

[Splashing sounds ]

??? : (Something's moving—who's there?)

<Background fades out and in>

[A strange creature slowly comes into view. ]

Seaborn : (Vacuole inflates merrily)

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 1>

[Footsteps approach ]

Secunda : I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

Cassia : Not at all. Lucilla and I were just performing regular inspections and maintenance on the city's unit framework.

Lucilla : Still no sign of Tullia?

Cassia : C'mon, Lucilla, it hasn't been that long since we made the report.

Secunda : I can tell you care about her. Did she mention getting into any trouble recently?

Lucilla : She isn't one to look for trouble. I can't imagine her offending anyone.

Secunda : What you say certainly fits her profile. Did she ever talk to you about the Waterway Program or beacon data?

Lucilla : No.
I wouldn't say we're close, exactly. We talk from time to time, but she's more of a loner who prefers to work on her own stuff.
Wait, is she a suspect?
Sorry, maybe I'm making her sound suspicious...
B-But it's probably just stress. There's been fighting almost every day in the six months that Milliarium has been away from the home territories. Everyone here is on edge.

Secunda : The Church of the Deep continues its attempts to sabotage the Waterway Program. We've eliminated many cultists over those months.
And until they were exposed, they appeared just like any of our countrymen.

Lucilla : But she'd have no reason to—

Cassia : Well, to be honest, I've never quite understood why she chose to join the Waterway Program.

Irene : What do you mean, ma'am?

Cassia : You already know that she used to work at the Institute of Ecological Art, right?

Secunda : The IEA moved to another city when this one evacuated its original position and received new battle orders.

Cassia : Right, and she had the chance to go with them to continue her work. But instead, she chose to—

Irene : Sorry to interrupt, but could you explain more about this evacuation you mentioned?

Cassia : You remember, don't you Lucilla? You were working on the dome at the time, so you had the best view of the whole thing.

Lucilla : ...Yeah.
It was one of Ægir's largest volcanic power stations, feeding countless laboratories, and Milliarium was responsible for its construction and defense.
The city was parked beneath the power station. Through the dome, I could see its red glow illuminate the ocean for miles.

Cassia : The heat it generated attracted many different creatures. It was the largest endangered plants reserve in Ægir.
And the ideal environment for Milliarium's ecological art to flourish.

Lucilla : Then, that light turned dark...

Irene : Seaborn?

Lucilla : Yeah.

Cassia : A year ago, swarms of Seaborn arrived on the ocean currents, and Milliarium ordered an emergency evacuation.
Without the natural environment to support it, the Institute of Ecological Art, like other related institutions, was forced to relocate.
But there was a full Legion in the city. We could have retaken the power station.

Secunda : War orders for the Waterway Program had just arrived. Milliarium was in fact being strategically redeployed.
I came here with the Legion after that.

Cassia : The lives of so many of our people were changed... including Lucilla.

Lucilla : By the way, I transferred from the dome to ground work because I was afraid of heights... Sorry, off-topic.

Secunda : So you mean to say that Tullia might have had ulterior motives for joining the Waterway Program?
That is a serious accusation.

Lucilla : I don't believe it either.

Cassia : No, no, I'm just telling you what I know.
But... it's undeniable that there are a hundred thousand souls in this city, and not all of them are fully committed to the Waterway Program.
Most just carry on with their lives, not understanding the kind of path we're clearing out in the ocean.
Even our Iberian guest here came to learn more about the Program, didn't she?

Irene : ...

Secunda : Whether Tullia is linked with the Church of the Deep or not, the fact remains that she made an unauthorized copy of data on the Waterway Program.
We'll have to find her to learn why.

Lucilla : But Milliarium isn't that big. She'd have been found by now, even if she were hiding between dome layers or in the corners of the circulation system.

Secunda : True. She may well have already left the city, but we were unable to find her bio-signature in the nearby waters.
Nor were there any unscheduled ship movements at the port. And she couldn't have gone beyond our sensor range in just a few days using civilian deep-water equipment.
However... the city did make a short movement around 30 hours ago to receive the Iberian mission. Perhaps...

Irene : Could she have left the city at that time?

<Background 4>

Clementia : ...So, the Columbian scientist Kristen Wright broke through the barrier for the first time in more than ten thousand years.
The hole she pierced hasn't completely closed, even after a year. Ægir's surveillance of the universe through this opening continues, and so far no anomalies have been detected.

Kal'tsit : I tried to stop her, to no avail.
We still have time, but it's running short.

Clementia : Ripping apart the electron clouds with a high-energy beam... We were not aware of any energy sources on land that could support such a brute-force measure.

Kal'tsit : Her method came from the same place as Ægir's technology: prehistoric civilization.
She had discovered sarcophagi beneath Trimounts that preserved that civilization's spark, and managed to obtain the trust of its custodian.

Clementia : Before leaving the home territories, I had not expected to find anyone with your profound understanding of both Ægir and prehistory from the lands.
You have demonstrated, once again, that there is still much about Terra we do not understand.
Fins trapped in the depths lose their perception of light. Likewise, our nation must continue to explore, even if we can no longer support grand expansions.
The stargate, the twin moons, the barrier, the ruins in the mantle... There is much on this planet that was not formed naturally.
Our voyager fleets, having traversed to the far side of the planet, have even detected highly unusual terrain concealed behind the distant dark fog.
There, the sea currents abruptly cut off, as though they had reached the end of the ocean.

Kal'tsit : That is merely a hotbed that has long since cooled. The most important prehistoric relics lie in the Ægir heartlands. You know this, Madame Consul.
The prehistoric ruins beneath the seabed are a gift from the ocean to Ægir. They nurtured your civilization, and have granted you power and knowledge far beyond the terrestrial nations.
And with them, responsibility.

Clementia : As you say, Dr. Kal'tsit, responsibility.
When did the land dwellers first start calling themselves "human"? When they lit the first fire with Originium? Built their first city with stone and mud?

Kal'tsit : On land, self-awareness and identity were established naturally over time. Even today, humanity is often defined in the narrowest terms.

Clementia : For the Ægir, it was conferred. We were not the same race as the Predecessors, but we inherited their identity as we inherited their mantle.
Thus, Ægir was born with a responsibility to humanity. The Seaborn will not compel us to abandon this duty; on the contrary, they add to its weight.

Kal'tsit : You are indeed the right consul for Milliarium, Madame Consul.

Clementia : Where is this coming from...?

Kal'tsit : Your temperament. As Ægir, you are patient and kind.
But that does not diminish the arrogance in your thinking; that is to say, Ægir's arrogance.
I do not believe our conversations about the hole in the barrier, the ruins in the mantle, and even the future of civilization itself, are merely small talk to lighten the mood.
Just as I do not believe Ægir will rely on passive solutions. After all, isn't Millarium's departure from its home territories a proactive effort to create a new line of defense?
So, my question is, Madame Consul: what is Ægir's endgame for the Waterway?

Clementia : ...I have already told Gladiia Ægir's answer, that which you would call arrogant. You have the right to know as well.
There is much on this planet that was not formed naturally... and Ægir does not believe they are unrelated.
Be they wonders like the stargate and the twin moons, or calamities like Originium and the Seaborn, these phenomena cannot be random products of spontaneity. They must be interconnected in some way.
To solve the Seaborn problem at its source and stop Terra's crisis, we need to fully understand Terra, including the hidden secrets of the land.
But those are for the future. If you simply seek my answer for what's at hand...
My endgame for the Waterway is to ensure that hundreds of thousands of Millarium's inhabitants and tens of thousands of Penal Battalion troops in Gran Faro live to see Ægir's main force arrive.

[An alarm suddenly blares. A Little Handy zips into the room. ]

"Little Handy" : Distress signal.
From the squadron tasked with beacon deployment at Nest 37.

<Background 2>

Ulpianus : You're sharp.

Doctor : Saved me the effort of looking for you. / Do you always come and go without warning?

Ulpianus : How much has Milliarium told you of the Waterway Program?

<Dialogue branch starts here>

Doctor : Thought you'd care more about the Hunters.

Ulpianus : The tribunal has demonstrated their innocence, and they are not alone.
Besides, Gladiia’s return to Ægir and its conspiracies are of her own accord.

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : Thought you'd care more about your circumstances.

Ulpianus : Neither of us is being followed or under surveillance, so my movements have not been exposed.

<Dialogue branch ends here>

Ulpianus : Let's continue where we left off at the Sophontheatrum.
The war between Ægir and the Seaborn has gone on for more than two centuries, but both sides have set their sights on dry land at[sic] almost simultaneously.
The sudden migration of an entire species, and a change in direction for an entire nation. Perhaps, deep down, they stem from the same cause.

Doctor : Sounds like you don't trust any of Ægir's plans. / You still have your reservations about us, Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : I know more than I've told Gladiia. This extra knowledge forces me to be cautious about Ægir's past and future actions.
But it's too soon for her to know, and not your place to know at all.
Our only concern for now is the Waterway Program.
A path connecting the land and the sea... Neither that doctor nor the Inquisition fully trust in this, or else you would not be here.
Clearing the seas with powerful weapons to buy time for the main force from the home territories to arrive. Ægir's warfare design is always simple and effective.
But there have been anomalies in the city that we cannot ignore.

Doctor : The Church of the Deep? / I heard about a missing person.

Ulpianus : That consul is a formidable woman.
During Milliarium's voyage, she has culled many of the corrupted and thwarted their sabotages, while the two escorting Legions have sustained far fewer losses than expected.
Everything has gone well... Almost too well.
Now, a staff member in the Program has gone missing at the most crucial stage. This is just the beginning.
I'm looking into it, and will eliminate any potential threats.
I can enter most places and evade the Sea Patrol's regular rounds with ease.
But I fear the problem runs deeper.
I would rather not barge into an important lab or the consul's Pensivarium, unless I have to.

Doctor : I'm not your messenger to the Hunters, Ulpianus. / You should work with Rhodes Island, Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : ...

Doctor : After all, we can help you move around the city. / After all, Ægir sees you as a threat, don't they?

Ulpianus : Rhodes Island wants to work with me... and watch me, I assume? So be it.
One more thing.
...Skadi.
If you truly care about the Hunters, keep a close eye on her.

<Background 5>

[The waves swell. ]

Skadi : One hundred fifty-six, one hundred fifty-seven...
I've never seen a port this busy.
Are things not going well on the frontlines?

Specter : (Humming♪)

Skadi : You're still in the mood for music?

Specter : Why not?
Soon we might be too busy for it.

[Gladiia arrives. ]

Skadi : There you are, Captain Gladiia.

Specter : You went to see Consul Clementia with Dr. Kal'tsit right after the tribunal, right? How did it go?

Gladiia : Well enough, but I was only there to make introductions. They had much to discuss, and I had no reason to stay.
I did have a brief discussion with Clementia on the current plans for the Abyssal Hunters, though.
Ægir's Waterway will open soon. Until then, the Hunters will fight alongside the two Legions accompanying Milliarium.

Specter : See? I was right.

Skadi : Uh-huh.
I'd rather be out there killing monsters than sit through another debate.
So what's the mission and when do we move out?

Gladiia : The command structure and battle plans are pending discussion with the legion commanders.
Skadi—

[The alarm suddenly blares. Skadi stops a passing soldier. ]

Skadi : Hey, that's the emergency alarm, right?
What happened? A Seaborn invasion?

Legion Soldier : ...

Gladiia : I am Consul Gladiia. Status report.

Legion Soldier : Yes, ma'am.
Two squadrons from Legion X were sent to deploy the beacon at Nest 37 today, as planned.
But we just received a distress signal. They were attacked by Seaborn on the way.

Skadi : The Seaborn were prepared?

Legion Soldier : Unclear. The situation is still developing. The Academy of Technology hasn't had time to produce a report.

Gladiia : Are there any corvettes on standby in the port?

Legion Soldier : Always. You can claim one by logging into the terminal.

Gladiia : Thank you. Keep me posted about the squadron's coordinates. Once close enough, the Abyssal Hunters will disembark and swim into battle.

Legion Soldier : Roger.

[The soldier runs off. ]

Gladiia : Laurentina, with me.
...Skadi, you stay behind.

Skadi : ...
Captain?

Gladiia : Don't overthink it.
The contact between land and sea is paramount. Kal'tsit can't be in two places at once, so I need you to keep the Doctor safe.
This is an order.

Skadi : Received.

<Background 5>

[Footsteps approach ]

Irene : That's...
Laurentina's group is embarking for battle? But they just came back.

Secunda : It has something to do with the alarm. The fleet deploying the beacon at Nest 37 was attacked by Seaborn, and they're going out to help.
You know the Abyssal Hunters?

Irene : I do.
We had a brief partnership on land, facing challenges and battling enemies together, including the Seaborn.

Secunda : That's... impressive, given their temperament and fighting style.
I'd go up and greet Consul Gladiia myself if we weren't in the middle of an emergency. I haven't had the opportunity since they returned.

Irene : Does everyone in Ægir know the Hunters?

Secunda : Of course not. But I once worked with them... and even aspired to join them.

Irene : Someone from your team said you used to be a researcher.

Secunda : My expertise in genetic engineering qualified me for the Abyssal Hunter program. I studied under the head of the project, who was also the first Abyssal Hunter.
At the time, few were compatible, and even fewer successfully underwent the operation. But he and Gladiia had already achieved spectacular results.
Their most remarkable feat was a three-day battle with the Seaborn in a hydrothermal vent that bought time for two energy survey cities to evacuate.
The Seaborn evolve constantly. With the use of weapons strictly regulated, they were the safest and most effective countermeasure.
I watched them leave and return every day.
I watched them lie down in the regenerative gel, exhausted, waiting as I recorded the data, tested their functions, and repaired their bodies. Those were the costs of victory people could not see.
I'm not entirely sure what motivated me at the time, but one day I submitted an application to become a Hunter to the Institute of Development Planning.

Irene : ...I'd have done the same.

Secunda : What?

Irene : I mean, I'd have wanted to apply myself.
To see your mentor and everyone else risking their lives like that... Nobody would want to feel that they weren't doing enough.
You seem fit enough, and as a researcher, you are beyond familiar with their functions and combat style. Wait... then why didn't you—

Secunda : Because my application was rejected.

Irene : But why?

Secunda : (Shakes head)
I didn't ask. And my mentor wouldn't have answered.

Irene : So you joined the Sea Patrol instead?
Because it's the unit that works most closely with the Hunters?

Secunda : Yes... and monitors them.

Irene : ...

[A patroller arrives. ]

Sea Patroller : The corvette is ready for you.

Secunda : Alright.
Sorry, Irene. I shouldn't have bored you with my past.

Irene : It's fine.

Secunda : Back to work. As the fleet battles the Seaborn, we must also locate the missing scientist for answers. The Sea Patrol's objective remains unchanged.
As for you, Irene. You're staying with us.

Irene : Wait, what for?

Secunda : We won't be in the thick of battle, but it's still dangerous. It's the Sea Patrol's duty to keep you safe.

Irene : I appreciate it, Praefecta. But I'm good.
I'm not afraid of the Seaborn. Every Inquisitor has Seaborn blood on their hands.

Secunda : Former Inquisitor, as I recall from your files.
I appreciate your assistance during the investigation. Like I said, you're sharp... and brave.
But you didn't come to Ægir to fight. Go back and stay with the other emissaries.

Irene : Are you implying that the war between Ægir and the Seaborn is beyond a land dweller's comprehension?

Secunda : ...Yes.

Irene : Your concerns are justified, but trying to comprehend is why I'm here.
There are many things I... as an Iberian, need to understand: Ægir, the Seaborn, true war, and everything that's happening in the depths of the ocean.
The land isn't far from here. Ægir has only a single city in this region, but beyond it lies the entirety of Iberia.
Don't worry, I don't intend to get myself killed at sea.

Secunda : Such maturity at your age... You must have a good mentor.

Irene : From what I've heard, better than yours, at least.

Secunda : ...Prepare a set of deep-water equipment for Irene.
Let's go.

After operation

Summary

Secunda and Irene trace the data scientist's path to the city's previous stop, only to discover she is likely dead. The squadron sent to deploy the beacon was destroyed, and the Abyssal Hunters save only a few survivors.

<Background Black>

[Audio buzzes ]

Audio Log #13
(Unknown language, unknown time)

The reactor of a United Starline starship still burns so brightly.
Since the atmosphere control center crashed, we've been shrouded in dull gray clouds. A radiant sight like this certainly lifts the spirit.
To my pleasant surprise, Valeria was also on the starship. I discovered once she landed that she had come to bid farewell to her mother. Ever since joining the stargate modification project, she has been completely absorbed in her duties. It was surprising to see her still concerned with worldly matters.
If she still has a mind for such things, perhaps we might finally talk about that wedding that's been put on hold for the past ten years?
…I soon dismissed that thought as foolish. The woman I once knew now stood before me like a stranger. I could no longer discern what she was thinking.
As she stood before her mother's life support pod, her expression was one I had never seen before. It was neither sorrow nor regret... it was envy.
What could she possibly envy about her dying mother? Was it the peaceful release offered by the machine's simulated world?

<Background 6>

Avitus : You're still here, Jordi? Everyone else has left...
Sorry, I didn't know there would be a tribunal today.

Jordi : That's okay.

Avitus : The search logs... you've asked quite a few questions. "How big is the ocean?" "Is it bigger than the land?" "By how much?"
"Can Ægir cities float to the surface?"
"How do the Ægir tell whether it's day or night?"
Is this how you've been trying to understand Ægir? I fear it may confuse you even more.

Jordi : I...
Mr. Avitus... I'm not sure why, but I feel really excited.

Jordi : In the Inquisition's nautical charts, the ocean extends only a few nautical miles from shore before giving way to unknown regions marked in grayish-blue.
In some areas, we couldn't even get near the shore.
But your charts are so detailed. Geological features, energy pockets, local fauna and flora... There are so many pages, I don't even know where to start.
The forests at the heart of the ocean, icebergs that never melt, thermal vents deep in the trenches...
For a moment, I thought that the land, sea, and sky were all mine for the taking, that I need simply reach out. Like everything was made for me.
Sorry, that sounds really arrogant, doesn't it?

Avitus : Quite the opposite, young man. It is but a most basic desire.

Jordi : But I...

「The young Ægir looks up and gazes at the coral-shaped terminal. Holographic images and words leap up and down, illuminating his soft eyes. 」

Jordi : I've been in Milliarium for a whole day now.
But I can't handle your tech, I don't get your discussions, and I'm even lost with directions.
The tribunal that just happened... I have no idea how you guys settled your disagreement.
I did a search for Breogan, the ship designer, who I thought was my ancestor. I saw his face, heard his voice, and looked at his designs.
Is there really anything I have in common with him? Would his descendants really turn out to be someone... like me?
I couldn't find a single sign that says I belong here.
Ægir is like a lighthouse, bright and tall. I always knew it existed, but when I finally followed its light and reached its base...
Why do I feel lost instead?

<Background 6>

Avitus : Breogan. It's been many years since his name was last spoken.
He was a remarkable man, even amongst the Ægir. He was the most talented designer in the Academy of Technology, but left everything behind to go ashore, right when his country needed him most.
Even this city is connected to him, albeit in a somewhat unusual way.

Jordi : How so?

Avitus : It was through this city that he went on land. The Institute of Development Planning even tried to penalize a few consuls for failing to stop him.

Jordi : Er...

Avitus : Listen, Jordi. I cannot ascertain whether you are truly bound to him by blood, though such a connection holds little significance.
What matters is that there can be no doubt that you are Ægir.

Jordi : I know I am. But how do I prove I belong here, if I can't even trace my own heritage?

Avitus : A true Ægir needs no proof of that.
But I understand. We all search for answers in the past.
I'm no different.
I can say with a straight face that I am one of Ægir's foremost authorities on prehistory. I firmly believe in the weight of history, and that it contains truths and patterns that will show us the way forward.
(Mutters) But what if its a way of destined destruction for Ægir?

Jordi : ...I'm sorry, what was that last part?

<Background 1>

Doctor : Are you alright, Skadi?

Skadi : Huh? Did you say something, Doctor?
Sorry. I was just thinking about Shark and Swordfish.

Doctor : They're probably on a killing spree right now. / They're probably worried about you. / Chin up, Skadi.

Skadi : I'm not worried about them. They're strong.
...
Nothing good ever happened to those around me, which is why I was always alone—until I joined Rhodes Island.
Now it's happening again.

Doctor : I'm here.

Skadi : Mm.
Thank you.

Doctor : Are you afraid you'll bring disaster to the Hunters?

Skadi : Maybe.
But we hunters aren't afraid of the bad end we might bring to each other.
Because we all share the same grim fate, we can trust each other with our lives.
This time though, it might not be just the Hunters.
I could bring disaster to all of Ægir.

Doctor : You won't. I believe in you.

Skadi : Mm.
That's what Captain Ulpianus always said.
He would explain our battle plans in great detail to everyone else, but with me, he simply said he believed in me.
...He believed I could complete my mission even if I couldn't memorize those complex strategies.

Doctor : And do you believe him?

Skadi : Mm.
He was always so reliable and had an answer for everything.
I remember the songs he wrote before battles. He said we could use them as codes to communicate because the Seaborn didn't understand music.
But I just liked the songs.
He had a great sense of direction, too. He could always lead us all back, even when we were lost in those maze-like nests.
We could always count on him to point the way, until...

Doctor : Until the final battle?

Skadi : Yes. The 1st and 4th Companies sacrificed themselves to clear a path, while the 2nd held off the Seaborn that were rushing back.
Captain Ulpianus led the charge and soon arrived at the target, the core organ of the Firstborn.
Then we lost his signal.
I thought he was dead, so it fell to me to deal the killing blow.

Doctor : But he wasn't.

Skadi : Yeah. I don't know what happened that day.
I still don't know why he didn't come back.
And the more I don't know, the more I feel like I need to do something.

Doctor : Trust your warrior's instincts, Skadi.
Remember? Woosh, pow, thud?

Skadi : Ha. Rush in with a "woosh", knock them down with a "pow", and finish them with a "thud".
I remember.

<Background 3>

[The Hunters swim through the ocean. ]

Gladiia : Arrived at target coordinates.

Specter : We came as fast as we could. Though not fast enough, it seems.
This is a graveyard.

「Giant shipwrecks and Seaborn remains lie entangled in a grotesque embrace. Pale flakes descend like snow.
While some have given it a more romanticized name, marine snow, it does little to hide its cruel nature: fragments of organic matter, both Seaborn and human.
The sweetness of blood and the stench of death, intensified by the cannon's lingering heat, spread with the falling flakes.
The Abyssal Hunters' strong sense of smell magnifies all of this, and Specter cannot help but cover her nose. 」

<Background fades out and in>

Gladiia : This shouldn't be unfamiliar to you, Shark.
The fleet pins down the Seaborn with superior numbers as the Hunters flank and eliminate the swarm's core. We've used this tactic often.
This is the same scene we see each time we leave their nest.

Specter : I know... perhaps we've spent too much time on land.
It's not a pleasant thing to recall.

Gladiia : One engineering mothership, ten battleships, numerous smaller ships... The wreckage positions on the seabed indicate they stayed in formation. They were not taken by surprise.
There are signs of gravitational distortion on nearby rocks. They tried to stop the Seaborn using force fields.
But the Seaborn were faster. The ships weren't even able to form a crossfire.

Specter : They fought with them in close quarters...
...

Gladiia : Something's not right.

Specter : What's the matter?

Gladiia : The squadron's destination was Nest 37, but all the ships appear to be headed for Milliarium.
Besides, now that the squadron is destroyed, why haven't the Seaborn made their next move?

[Something explodes. ]

Specter : Swordfish.

Gladiia : Let's go.

[The two swim ahead. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Irene : Ngh—

[Irene struggles to stay balanced. ]

Irene : Ugh—

Secunda : Alright, grab my hand.
I did tell you to stay on the corvette.
Deep-water equipment may keep you from being crushed by the water pressure, but even the Ægir are at the mercy of the ocean currents without proper training.

Irene : I could use some help, once you're done laughing.

Secunda : Imagine you're dancing with a rowdy partner. Counter her moves and find your balance. This is how you fight the currents.
You're light. It shouldn't be hard for you.

[Irene flushes and stares. ]

Secunda : ...Don't look at me like that.

Irene : ...

Secunda : I'll meet you up ahead.

<Background fades out and in>

[Secunda swims towards some wreckage. ]

Secunda : A broken lighting array...
Trace amounts of organic tissue on the broken metal frame... Human, and Seaborn.

Irene : Find anything?

Secunda : Some tissue that matches the sample provided by the Institute of Development Planning. It's Tullia.
Milliarium was parked here around 40 hours ago. Based on the location of the array, she had left from the circulation system's sewage exit at the edge of the city.

Irene : ...But why did she leave?

Secunda : It's hard to reconstruct the scene with what's available. The currents have already washed away most of the clues.
I'm afraid we won't find out if Tullia was a cultist with a grudge against the Waterway Program or what happened to her from here.
This is two hours away by ship from Milliarium's present location. Even with deep-water equipment...

Irene : She couldn't have swum back.

Secunda : Based on the remaining tissues, it seems she had encountered a Seaborn.

Irene : There's no way she could have survived.

Secunda : Right.
A dead end.

[Something explodes in the distance. ]

Irene : That's... the direction the Abyssal Hunters went.

Secunda : The battle may be fiercer than expected.
The Waterway Program is in its final phase. Once Nest 37 has been located, we can clear the Seaborn from this entire area and open up a Waterway.
This can't just be a coincidence...

Irene : Could the incident with Tullia have something to do with the attack on the fleet?

Secunda : Or maybe her incident is just a red fin to distract the Sea Patrol.
There are too many new uncertainties, as if everything's sucked in a giant vortex.
...Let's go back to the city for now.

<Background 7>

[Explosions rock the ship. ]

Ægir Officer : Hard bank to port, full speed ahead! Go around that ridge and turn back. That should lose a third of the Seaborn on our tail.

Ægir Soldier : Ngh—

[A soldier is consumed by the Seaborn. ]

Ægir Soldier : Sir, the Seaborn have breached the hull!
They're inside the ship!

[The soldiers fire their weapons. ]

Ægir Officer : Keep the evasive maneuvers going, helmsman! We'll deal with the ones inside.

[The alarms blare. ]

Ægir Soldier : Camouflage coating down to 10%! We'll be fully visible soon!

Ægir Officer : Buy as much time as you can!

Ægir Soldier : Yes, sir!

[A sword slashes the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : Gugh—

[The Seaborn dies. ]

Gladiia : Take care of the rest, Shark.

[Specter charges her saw. ]

Ægir Officer : Abyssal Hunters?

Gladiia : Gladiia.

Ægir Officer : I recognize you, ma'am.
Have the other ships made it safely back to Milliarium, Madame Consul?

Gladiia : ...

Ægir Officer : Thank goodness...
The more of our elites we save, the more strength we'll have for what's ahead.

Gladiia : Are you the commander of this vessel?

Ægir Officer : Yes, ma'am.
We were ambushed. A large swarm of Seaborn left their nests and appeared on the squadron's route... Virtually unheard of in previous beacon deployments.
We couldn't reveal our battle plans. We had to retreat.
Our ship was the fastest in the fleet. The most logical tactic was for us to delay the Seaborn while the main fleet retreated.

Gladiia : ...
How many survivors are there on your ship?

Ægir Officer : Twenty-six... Less than one in ten.

Gladiia : ...

Ægir Officer : Why the silence, Madame Consul?
...
...
I see.

Gladiia : I'm sorry, commander. Your ship and your twenty-six men are the only survivors.

[Footsteps approach ]

Specter : All Seaborn inside the ship have been eliminated.
There's no better way to tell you, so I'll make it brief... the thousand or so men whose retreat you were covering fell into an even bigger ambush.
We happened to see your ship weaving through the complex terrain as we arrived.
But what you couldn't have seen is the Seaborn had you completely surrounded. You were just chasing your own tail in their trap.

Ægir Soldier : ...

Ægir Officer : ...
We failed the mission.
Yet we were the ones who lived. The losses are... much worse than expected...

Gladiia : But you did live.
Lift your head, Ægir.
You and your men are just as much Ægir's elites, and you will give your strength to what's ahead.
For now, Laurentina and I will bring you back to the city.

Trivia

The species of seaweeds Tullia mentioned exists in real life as Genus:

Caulerpa: Single-cell Green Algae

Hypnea: a red algae genus cultivated in Philippines, Brazil, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam for food.

Halymenia: Macroscopic red algae genus, the exact species she mentioned is likely a typo of Halymenia fimbriata.

Palmaria: a red algae genus, one of its most known member is dulse (Palmaria palmata) a well-known delicacy in Scotland and Iceland.

Sargassum: a brown algae genus, it's best known as a region called the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean.

Operation story: BP-4

Before operation

Summary

Secunda learns unexpected details about the missing data scientist, shedding new light on the case. The battlefield situation has suddenly shifted, and despite their lingering doubts, the three Abyssal Hunters become part of the Waterway Program at Consul Clementia's behest, formally joining the battle.

<Background Black>

[Audio buzzes ]

Voice Log #21
(Unknown language, unknown time)

......
Valeria has been back for half a month now, but I fear the package from Talos may never arrive. Those precious prototype technologies and biological specimens were lost, along with the civilian-grade environmental simulation unit I ordered.
No notification, no incident report. The cosmos simply slammed the door in our faces without warning.
Poor Mother. She must endure the life pod a few days longer. This may be selfish, but I was the one to insist on bidding her farewell in a simulated environment. Until the moment she entered hibernation, she wanted to see her grandchildren. How could I tell her the grandchildren she envisioned simply do not exist?
No doubt she still dwells in that glorious age where we journeyed among the stars. It's the only way she could see that continuing life doesn’t just add to the pain.
I chose Talos Union Industries' products for their reliability. Mother's too sharp. If the simulation tech was even a generation older, she'd see right through it. I should have realized the risks of interstellar transport sooner.
......
Valeria's leave is all used up. As she left, she was still talking about her grand mission, showing not a single sign of regret. I don't know if she was leaving her regrets behind, or never had any in the first place.
One day, I too will sign my name on the consent form, and shut down Mother's life pod.

<Background 1>

[Footsteps approach ]

Cassia : What brings you here?

Avitus : I came to see you.
You've just undergone embryo separation surgery. The Institute of Facility Management should have allowed you to take time off to rest.

Cassia : The surgery is as non-invasive as it gets, you know. There's no need to rest that long.
I can't tell whether you care more about me or the little fellow in the incubation chamber, Magister Avitus.

Avitus : Of course I care about you, but any newborn in Ægir as it is now deserves attention as well.
After he's born, will you choose to raise him personally, or give him to the Institute of Incubation?

Cassia : I don't think about that sort of thing. It's too far away, too distant.

Avitus : I went to the hospital before I came here.

Cassia : The hospital? Why?

Avitus : You're aware of the battle yesterday, yes? Surely you've seen the news?
Two fleets and over a thousand legionnaires went into battle, but only twenty-six returned.
The Waterway Program is at a turning point, and Milliarium has endured its greatest sacrifice since its departure. There have also been quite a few abnormalities in the city as of late.

Cassia : What is it you're trying to say?

Avitus : The Sea Patrol are already looking for you, aren't they, Cassia?
About that missing data scientist.

Cassia : Magister Avitus.

Avitus : ......

Cassia : You know, of all the documents in your collection, the one I like the most is "The Death of Life." Despite its lack of scholarly value.

Avitus : I only ever found that diary by accident.

Cassia : More than three hundred years ago, four great researchers studying the prehistoric civilization made incredible discoveries in the mantle ruins, bringing back countless precious technologies and data to Ægir.
Compared to all those blueprints and theoretical papers, a transcript of voice-recorded diary is hardly worth anything.
And so it gathered dust in the Academy of Science's databases. Until, thanks to your curiosity, it was deciphered and turned into a popular reading material.

Avitus : Merely the musings of an ordinary Predecessor on his endless journey.

Cassia : But I loved the story of that Predecessor.
I enjoyed seeing reality through his eyes.
How the connections between countless stars collapsed, how the trust between myriad races crumbled away. Goods were in short supply, technology was lost, philosophy and art fell silent...
No matter how much hope and vision went into their great undertakings, they ultimately faded into silence... Just like those nanomachines interred within the beacon tower.

Avitus : Did you empathize with his despair, Cassia?
You've never shown a trace of that emotion, though. You even chose to have a child born into a world that could face ruin at any moment.
That isn't the choice of someone who's lost all hope.

Cassia : I don't feel a shred of despair. Really.
That old-fashioned, dispirited, middle-aged man... It's hard to imagine how I could empathize with him at all.
I simply appreciated how, by borrowing from his past experiences, you ingeniously tore apart the magnificent facade covering the eyes of today's Ægir.
"We must accept that the things and qualities we were once so proud of have no use now. Perhaps they have always been flawed, and this calamity merely exposed them"
Once free of worry over survival, people will begin to consider 'value.' We pray that our thoughts, our deeds, even our very existence will have value.
Every one of Ægir's systems is designed around unearthing that value within people.
However, value is fragile. You need only look at it from another angle, and the mighty will become the tiny. The hideous, the beautiful.
It's a pity that, whether through apathy or inertia, people tend to not change viewpoints they are familiar with.

Avitus : And so, people live on their immutable value. Were those values to crumble away, they would crumble alongside them.

Cassia : Exactly.
When did despair begin to blossom in you? Was it when Milliarium left the home territories? Or even earlier, after the passing of your Familiar?

Avitus : ...Cassia?

Cassia : I'm merely grateful that you came to see me today.
You reminded me that I still have things to do, and time runs short.

<Background fades out and in>

Gladiia : I'm surprised you allowed such pessimism to spread in your city, Clementia.

Clementia : "The Death of Life," a prehistoric diary collated and published by Avitus. The year it was released, it proved to be incredibly popular among the citizens.

Gladiia : They wanted a peek into an unfamiliar life. A thirst born from boredom and idiocy.

Kal'tsit : What you just said would be enough to trigger controversy in any nation on the land, Gladiia.

Clementia : A tiny piece that implies exhaustion and despair with every line. It tells the story of how a once glorious civilization hit a dead end far more vividly than any raw data.
And in today's Ægir, can it really be considered an "unfamiliar life"?

Gladiia : Ægir may be the prehistoric civilization's heir, but that does not require its subservience. We need not condone the rise of... "exhaustion and despair."
Ægir stands unwavering due to its unbreakable rationality.

Clementia : It is our rationality that allows us to be aware of our possible destruction, perhaps even one of all humanity.
Even those who have fallen, detestable as they are, at times make choices based on long-term examination and cautious reflection.

Gladiia : You have personally executed no small number of cultists in your days in the Legions.

Clementia : Just as you had to personally execute any Hunters who ran wild. You and I are both burdened with heavy duties that we cannot rely on sentimentality.

Kal'tsit : Was it this rationality that led you to hastily throw the Hunters into the battle for the Waterway Program, despite their recent return?

Gladiia : Kal'tsit...

Clementia : I invite the two of you to look at the beacon tower behind us. It was once an important component of the interstellar expedition our ancestors planned for.
Within the tower lie countless nanomachines. The first Ægir city to break through the electron cloud would have seeded them throughout the sea of stars.
They would self-proliferate, self-repair, and connect together into an ever bright road network. With this, our fleets would have been able to jump freely between the stars.
After the outbreak of the Seaborn crisis, Ægir turned its eyes from the stars, and the bio-energy system requiring support from a dozen or so cities was cut off.
The nanomachines were incompatible with other energy sources, so after losing their specialized source, they all "died" within that tower.
But our colleagues from the Academy of Technology have helped alter this tower to serve us in a different manner, by lighting our paths.
Since Milliarium left the home territories, it has been continuously marking Seaborn nests. Huge volumes of data are now compiled within that tower's control center.
With the precise locations of these Seaborn nests, our Class IV weapons can destroy the primary nest in any targeted area of ocean, driving away the occupying Seaborn.
This will clear a path of pure water leading back to the home territories. One that can support a Waterway our main forces can pass through.
Perhaps the Seaborn will eventually regroup, but at the very least, their accumulated nutrients will rot away in their absence, and any re-established nests will bear no fruit.

Kal'tsit : You are lecturing us on the core concept of the "Waterway Program," Madame Consul.

Clementia : Yes I am, Doctor.
The Abyssal Hunters only managed to save twenty-six lives in yesterday's battle. The Seaborn were clearly forewarned.
Between the oceanic interior and the continental shelf, this city has been fighting them for far too long. They are now adapting to Class III weapons at a much faster rate.
Nest 37's position is of particular import. It strangles the throat of the Waterway. Abandoning it would mean stumbling at the final hurdle.
This is our final battle before the Waterway can be opened. We must gather all the force we can bear as part of the program. The Abyssal Hunters are no exception.
Even if they have only just arrived home.

Kal'tsit : Can Ægir ensure their safe return?

Clementia : New combat teams are being formed as we speak. They will confront the Seaborn directly, and create an opportunity for the Hunters to enter the nest and deploy the beacon.
But, as you know, these are merely routine tactics. I am... unable to offer a guarantee.

Kal'tsit : In that case...

Gladiia : I know what you are worried about. Be at ease.
The Hunters are responsible for their own safety, as well as the risks they face.

Kal'tsit : As this is a joint decision by you two Chief Designers of Warfare, I am unopposed, but I will not withdraw my objections.

Clementia : Gladiia...

「An unbecoming sentimentality bubbles up in Clementia's throat.
She wants to convey her guilt. Her remorse. Her regret.
She wants to give Gladiia one last hug, just like how she welcomed her back on her return.
But she cannot. 」

Clementia : Gladiia.
Advisor Blandus has made preparations for your organic regeneration surgery. You should make your own before the procedure.

<Background 2>

[Irene is walking along the street when Jordi rushes up to her. ]

Jordi : Doña Irene!

Irene : Jordi.

Jordi : You were gone for a whole day...

Irene : I was investigating a few things with the Sea Patrol. I also went on a trip into the ocean. I didn't enjoy it very much, so don't ask.

Jordi : Alright then.

Irene : What about you? What have you been up to?

Jordi : I...

Irene : It's not unusual to feel some discomfort. Cheer up, Jordi, this is your homeland.

Jordi : (Chuckles wryly)

Irene : Judging by your expression, you've already studied Breogan's data?

「The young Ægir somehow nods his head while also shaking it. 」

Jordi : I'm not 100% sure, but there seems to be no real relation between me and that great naval architect.

Irene : What does that matter?

Jordi : Uncle Thiago hoped I'd leave Gran Faro, leave Iberia, but he never told me where to go...
I'm Ægir, so Ægir is where I should be.
But people need some sort of concrete connection, even just a name or some notes, to truly trace their family history.
Avitus said that even though the Seaborn crisis has been raging for over two hundred years, Ægir still has a hundred or more cities comparable in size to Milliarium.
If I'm not Breogan's descendant, then which city did my grandparents live in before they became Islanders? Or was it one of the ones that's gone now?
What kind of work did they do? How did they live? In the end, who were they?

Irene : ......

Jordi : Sorry, you don't need to hear all this. You've just arrived here yourself, but you're already assisting the Sea Patrol with their investigation. While I'm just...
You've got nerves of steel.

Irene : I'm just an Iberian who can't do a thing here.
Dr. Kal'tsit is in charge of negotiations with the leader of this city, and the Hunters have dived right back into their familiar battle. While my lantern and handcannon aren't especially helpful right now.
Ægir will permit a Liberi to look around its warships and ports, but will not allow her to join the Legions and help fight against the Seaborn. I can't understand that sort of war.
Down here in the depths, all I can do is investigate any abnormal activity within the city. In case it could jeopardize the cooperation between Iberia and Ægir.

Jordi : Why are you telling me all this?

Irene : My hometown was destroyed in a Catastrophe, Jordi. I don't have many memories of it.
The scripture I carry is the only connection with it I have left. It saved my life, and in doing became my guide, my faith.
But when I saw the Inquisition's dungeons, climbed aboard the Stultifera Navis, witnessed my mentor's sacrifice... Only then did I understand what faith was. Accepted its weaknesses. Found its meaning.

Jordi : You mean...

Irene : I don't have nerves of steel, Jordi. I get lost and confused, too.
It's just that, more often than not, that confusion becomes a specific issue you have to resolve. One after another, as quickly as you can.
Arresting the cultists. Taking back the lighthouse invaded by the tides. Finding a lost warship out at sea. Aiding an ally in investigating a missing data scientist.
The "connection" you're looking for can be anything, whether it's a hometown or faith. Keep looking. You'll find it. It may not be quick or easy, but you'll find it.

Jordi : Can I really do it?

Irene : Can you not?
You helped Iberia relight its final lighthouse, and saved three Abyssal Hunters. Didn't Laurentina tell you that that's enough to get a commendation from the consul herself?
Whether it's as an Ægir or an Inquisition clerk, there are a lot of things you can do.

<Background 1>

Secunda : ......

[Someone rushes over. ]

Lucilla : Praefecta!
You're back to the city. But... From the look on your face, I take it the investigation didn't go so well, did it?

Secunda : Lucilla?
Forgive me, I need to report on my progress to Consul Clementia. I'm not at liberty to divulge any details.

Lucilla : A-Actually, I was looking for you.
There's something I should've remembered back when you were explaining the situation to us. Nothing major, honestly, and it might not even help.
But I felt like I had to tell you!

Secunda : ...Go on.

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 3>

Tullia : ......

Lucilla : You're the last researcher left.

Tullia : I'm really, really sorry; can you give me one more hour?
Caulerpa archaeosphaeridium, Hypnea fenestralis, Halymenia fimbriatus, Palmaria purpureus, Sargassum pennata... There's not too many left. I'll finish cataloging them real quick!

Lucilla : No need to rush, Tullia. I'm just here for a routine inspection.

Tullia : You know who I am?

Lucilla : Mhm. We were in the same batch before the transfer assessment by the Institute of Development Planning. You might not remember me, though.
Are you preparing to transport these seaweeds?

Tullia : Th-This doesn't violate any protocols, does it?!

Lucilla : Calm down. This building's handover procedures are already complete. If you leave the samples and cultivation equipment behind, you'll end up having to pack them away in bulk.

Tullia : Thanks for the warning.

Lucilla : But with all these seaweeds, how could you possibly take them all away at once?
Now that it's close to land, Milliarium will be undergoing targeted reformation. The city won't have the space or the resources to breed seaweeds.

Tullia : Yeah, I know.
I'll take as much as I can. I'll think of something, some way that won't inconvenience anyone.

Lucilla : But the base by the volcano is already...

Tullia : That was once Ægir's biggest endangered plants reserve. I saw it get swallowed up by the Seaborn.
These primitive seaweeds are some of the simplest, yet most tenacious lifeforms in the entire ocean.
Whether in bright shallow seas, the dark abyss, the flat sea floor, or cracks in the cliffs, they stretch out as best they can.
And they're as old as the ocean itself, pretty much this planet's living fossils.
I'm no legionnaire, and I can't go fight the Seaborn. These remaining seaweeds won't help us solve the Seaborn problem, either.
But I can't just let them wither away in here.

Lucilla : ...You really love your work, huh Tullia?

Tullia : Um, don't you?

Lucilla : ......

Tullia : Ah, my Little Handy sent over a loading module. Sorry, but I can't stay and chat.

Lucilla : Do you need any help?

Tullia : No thanks, I'm fine.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 1>

Secunda : When did that happen?

Lucilla : The day before the Institute of Ecological Art relocated.
I don't know what happened to her after that, and I don't know if she thinks Milliarium abandoned the volcanic power station and the plants reserve...
But I can't imagine her doing anything bad because of it... because she's never abandoned anything herself.

[Secunda pauses in contemplation. ]

Secunda : Tullia's residence had quite a few hydroponic tanks, but they'd been empty for a while...

[Secunda scribbles on her device. ]

Secunda : What you just told me might actually be significant, Lucilla.
But if I may be so bold, why do you care so much about her affairs?
From what I've heard, you could hardly be considered friends.

Lucilla : She...
She has something I don't.
Okay, I've said what I had to say. I'll be getting back to work now, Praefecta.
There's just been more and more happening lately. The maintenance required for the city unit framework has multiplied several-fold, and I'm running out of ink as it is.

[Lucilla leaves. ]

Secunda : Little Handy.

"Little Handy" : Praefecta Secunda.

Secunda : Obtain data on the city of Milliarium from the Institute of Facility Management, right away. Retrieve all locations suitable for enclosed hydroponics.
Also, contact Irene.
Tullia may have left other clues within the city. Ask her to meet me as soon as possible.

After operation

Summary

To help the Abyssal Hunters recover quickly, Advisor Blandus once more performs surgery on them after many years, but the Church attacks soon after. Meanwhile, Secunda encounters Ulpianus outside the data scientist's refuge. The scientist left behind some final clues, but had already become a Seaborn.

<Background 4>

"Little Handy" : Reassessing. Biological safety of operating theater now at permitted levels.
Surgery may begin at any time.

Blandus : Hunters, just as before, you will be kept in a deep sleep during the automated surgery.
I will also be manually repairing your outdated internal auto-adaptive junctions.

Specter : This room filled to the brim with specimens, and these lab tables are all rather familiar. How long has it been since we last laid down in such an environment?

Blandus : Five years, Laurentina.
I should really be waiting for your medulla replacement surgery to finish and your cell-Originium assimilation rate to stabilize before I handle any of your Hunter-related issues.
But time is short, and I have no choice but to restore you to stable condition to the best of my abilities.
My apologies, Laurentina.

Specter : Sentimental as always.
Ah, right, as usual...

Blandus : A candle will be lit by your side, so our little mermaid won't look so pale while she sleeps. I've asked my staff to prepare it for you.

Specter : I knew you'd remember.

"Little Handy" : Please maintain a comfortable position and stay still while the regen gel fills.

Skadi : This isn't so different from back then. Except there's a lot less Hunters now.
Clear a trench of scum, close your eyes, listen to some advisor prattle on, then sink into the regen gel and take a nap.
And once you wake up, all the nauseating smells left on your body will be gone without a trace.

Blandus : While you were in the adverse, fickle environments of the land for long periods without care, your bodies became extremely unstable.
The auto-adaptive junction can monitor your Seaborn genes, but five years of wear can render even the most precise instruments dull.
Moreover, your immune systems have also fallen into disorder thanks to their long struggle against the Seaborn genes.
I will do my best to restore you all to peak condition, but anything lost during those five years is out of my hands.

Skadi : Okay.

Blandus : Gladiia, our reunion at the tribunal was less than cordial, so I would have liked for us to consider this our first meeting since your return.
But you haven't said a word since we started.

Gladiia : Is there anything else you need to tell us in regards to the surgery, Blandus?
If not, then save it for after the procedure. We can discuss the changes we've felt over the past five years, as well as the changes you've felt.

Blandus : ......

"Little Handy" : Please stay still. Anesthetic procedures will begin in ten seconds.

Blandus : Well then. Sweet dreams, Hunters.

<Background fades out and in>

[Someone knocks at the door. ]

??? : Advisor Blandus, some things have come up that need your reconfirmation.

Blandus : Did I not say that once the operating theater doors have closed, I would be mending the Hunters' auto-adaptive junctions and must not be disturbed?

??? : Central Control has discovered some abnormalities. You should personally check them over, just to be safe.

Blandus : ...Hold on then. I'll get the door.

<Background 2>

Secunda : The monitoring units in the dome were performing an emergency scan. We noticed a concentration of algal bio-signatures here.

Irene : Thanks for informing me.

Secunda : Not a problem.
Since you're already participating in Tullia's case, there was no reason to cut you out partway.
A place where the dome and the ground meet... This former experimental field for road-side coral.
Though it can't compare to the specialized setups at the Institute of Ecological Art, it's much better for seaweed breeding than small-scale hydroponic tanks in a room.
Whether it be in her nature, or out of an ulterior motive, Tullia did not apply for authorization to use this space. She found it on her own, without telling anyone.

Irene : Tullia...

Secunda : We can't say for sure if there is a Church hideout here, or if Tullia is still within... In short, stay alert.
Team 1 has already formed a defensive perimeter around the neighborhood, and will monitor the roads. Irene, go with Team 2. Enter via surface roads.
As for the roads connecting the dome and the mezzanine, leave them to me.

Irene : Got it.

Secunda : Move out.

<Background 3>

Secunda : Who's there?

[Transmission comes in ]

Sea Patroller : Have you found something, Praefecta Secunda? Do you need reinforcements?

「Somebody blocks her path. Or more precisely, prevents her from leaving.
The one in her way lurks in the shadows formed by the angles of the buildings, their entire body blending into the darkness save their eyes. Eyes that Secunda are all too familiar with. 」

Secunda : ...Stick to the plan.

「Secunda cuts her comms. 」

[Footsteps approach ]

Ulpianus : ......

Secunda : ...It's been a while, "Magister."

<Background 4>

"Researcher A" : Blandus, the weapons technology advisor for the Waterway Program, and an expert in Class IV weapon R&D, correct?

Blandus : ...You're not from the lab.

"Researcher A" : No sudden moves. If the bristles of this longbeard combtooth grass pierce your skin, you'll quickly fall into a tormented dream, where you'll sense your consciousness being slowly torn apart.
The variety used for euthanasia has been bred to be milder, but wild ones are still plenty cruel.
You may look half-dead, but I know for a fact that you're the sort who really cares how they die.

Blandus : Church of the Deep?
Don't you dare touch the anesthetized Hunters!

"Researcher A" : What an odd fellow. Even as your life is threatened, you think of them first?

"Researcher B" : You may care for the Hunters, but you've never trusted the Abyssal Hunter project itself. You question its rationale, its damage to the nature of humanity, and all the sacrifice it requires.
You took part in it, but only so you could personally control all the risks entailed.
You experienced its demise firsthand; saw the extensive project, interlinked with so many others, come to a hasty end after an uncertain failure.
So I doubt you'd want to send these survivors, freshly returned to Ægir, back onto the battlefield.

Blandus : No, you don't understand. What I do is only to protect them from further harm.

"Researcher B" : So why not halt the procedure? Stop them from joining the battle for the Waterway Program?

Blandus : The surgery is fully automated, I can't just stop it.

"Researcher A" : Sever the oxygen pipeline below the operating table, and it'll cut the procedure short. Don't think we don't know that.
If you won't do it, we can do it for you.

"Researcher B" : After you finish "handling" the Hunters, Advisor, come take a walk with us. Explain the principles behind the Class IV weapons, as well as how to shut them down.

Blandus : Stop! If the operation is forcibly terminated, the Hunters will be irreversibly harmed—

[The "researcher" approaches the pod. ]

??? : Scum.

「The "researcher" stops in his tracks. He dares not step forward, yet dares not move back, for a lance has pierced his torso, his blood dripping down its shaft. 」

"Researcher B" : —!

Gladiia : If you do not wish me to ram this straight through your chest, let go of your hand.

<Background 3>

Secunda : What are you doing here?

Ulpianus : Don't ask pointless questions, Secunda.

Secunda : ......
You're investigating Tullia, too. Did you find anything?

Ulpianus : She is simply an ordinary data scientist who got caught up in this. She discovered something she shouldn't have. Attempted to warn the authorities, but failed.
You were too slow. What she encountered has nothing to do with her past.
The battle outside the city, the abnormalities within, the Sea Patrol staying uninvolved with the Waterway Program. You've noticed many oddities, yet at the same time, your attention was so easily diverted.

Secunda : You mean... Cassia?

Ulpianus : Precisely.
You were once so focused, and keen as well.
So the day you decided to leave the Abyssal Hunter Lab to join the Sea Patrol, I believed you had reflected upon yourself and chosen a more suitable path.
It seems that was not the only time you have allowed emotion to cloud your decisions.

Secunda : ...Aside from your clothes, you haven't changed a bit in five years. Especially not how you talk.
Whether as a researcher or a Hunter, you'd never refuse to hear a student's questions, but would refuse to answer if you thought the question itself was wrong.

Ulpianus : There are no worthless answers. Their worth lies in the questions.
Questions are the most effective means of tempering your thoughts, and your questions were always most pointed, Secunda.

Secunda : Then there should be no fault with my original question. What are you doing here, Ulpianus?
This is the scene of a Sea Patrol investigation. A fugitive Abyssal Hunter like you should be laying down his anchor and making clear his position.
Gladiia and the others have proven an effective force in the battle for the Waterway Program, while despite also surviving, you chose to return to Milliarium like this.
...That's more than enough grounds to attack you.

Ulpianus : Their return will only make the situation more volatile. Even through Tullia's case, it's clear that the so-called "Waterway Program" is riddled with issues.
Ægir has learned nothing from the failure of the Abyssal Hunter project.

Secunda : What are you going to do?

Ulpianus : Prevent this nation from sliding into the abyss.

Secunda : I'd say you're looking awfully like our enemy now, though.

Ulpianus : Doubt me as you will, Secunda.

??? : (Shrill crying)

Secunda : What's happening in there?

Ulpianus : A ordinary Ægir, doing all she can.
But Ægir will no longer show her any respect.

Irene : Who're you—?

[Footsteps rapidly approach ]

Secunda : Irene...
Ulpianus?

「Nobody responds. The Hunter has already faded into the shadows. 」

<Background 4>

"Researcher B" : What the—?! Why aren't you asleep?!

[Gladiia punches the fake researcher, who collapses onto the ground. ]

Gladiia : I'm not the only one.

Blandus : ......

"Researcher A" : ......

??? : Hello. I suggest moving the hand carrying that whatever-grass away from the advisor's neck.

"Researcher A" : You—
Arghhh—!

「A fair hand tightly grips the plant held by the "researcher," its glistening tentacles struggling fiercely as they are nipped off one by one. 」

[Specter knocks out the fake researcher. ]

Specter : I told you to move it away.

[Footsteps approach ]

Skadi : The real researchers are in the instrument recycling room, probably injected with paralytics. They won't wake up for a while.
I also took care of the goons in the corridor.

Gladiia : Did you leave any alive for questioning?

Skadi : They won't die before the Sea Patrol takes them away, at least.

Blandus : Gladiia, Laurentina, Skadi...

「Blandus stands in the center of the operating theater. The Hunters step towards him, over the intruders lying flat on the ground.
They do not lower their weapons. 」

Skadi : Not going to explain the trick you played with the regen gel, advisor?

Blandus : ......

Specter : *sigh* My dearest Blandus, just to be clear, we are no fortune tellers.
Swordfish thought something was off from the start.

Gladiia : We've undergone hundreds of surgeries. We've probably spent more time sleeping in gels than in our beds.
You should know that even if the operation failed to restore us to our full potential, we would still have returned to the battlefield.

Blandus : ......
As I told Ulpianus when he came to me, all I wanted was for the participants of this program to live like normal people again someday.
I wished for my fellow people, who'd come from all walks of life, to have the chance to finally return to their former lives.
Skadi could continue her life of wandering, hammering away at complex lighting arrays while taking pictures of the seabed nobody else would understand.

Skadi : ......

Blandus : Laurentina's skills could let her become the next shining star of the Institute of Physical Art.
We could watch the graceful stars projected across the dome, while she dances alongside the meteors in the Sophontheatrum.
Or perhaps we would find her works on the street corners of each and every city.

Specter : ......

Blandus : Flavius, the seaweed breeding technician. Nona, the songwriter. Lunia, the exotic organism researcher. And Celsus, the youngest ever scientific exploration fleet commander.
We both still remember the names of all these Hunters, Gladiia. We've both had our fill of sacrifice.

Gladiia : This is far from the first time I've heard this little cliché of yours.
Your feebleness and stupidity are already enough to earn you a death by my lance.
Luckily for you, those Church scum arrived at just the right time to save your hide.

Blandus : Are you saying their actions have coincidentally proven my innocence?
That's not what I wanted, Gladiia.
What I must do will not change.

Gladiia : Your innocence is of little relevance.
My point was that by choosing to expose themselves now, risking everything to stop us Hunters from rejoining the battle, and even holding an advisor hostage...
All it shows is how effective the deployment of the Waterway Program has been.
Blandus, weapons technology advisor of the Waterway Program. Abandon your little tricks, complete our surgery, then return to your original post.
Clementia's orders are that once Nest 37 has been successfully marked, the Class IV weapons are to immediately strike against all nests by the Waterway.
The Church is grasping at straws. As one can surmise from what those dregs were talking about earlier, they will not stop.

Blandus : ......

Gladiia : The Abyssal Hunter project no longer exists, Blandus. If sentimentality clouds your mind and renders you feeble, tear it out. Forget it.

Blandus : Gladiia.
You're the same as ever. No, even stricter with yourself.

Gladiia : What I ask of myself has no bearing here.
Just yesterday, out of two entire fleets, we were only able to save twenty-six people from the Seaborn encirclement.
Before we entered this old lab, I had just learned that those twenty-six legionnaires had already applied for positions in the newly-drawn army.
War is never-ending, and no soldier can tear themselves away from the battlefield. That's all it is. Nothing more.

<Background 5>

Irene : ...Seaborn.

[Water drips ]

「Where dome and ground meet, an entire wall is covered in remodeled hydroponic tanks. Various species of seaweed grow wildly, and several large clusters have already begun to grow out of their tanks.
Separated by a transparent wall, they face the gloomy seawater. 」

Seaborn : (Muffled cry)

「A lone Seaborn wanders about, like a lost spirit.
Its tentacles are tightly wound around a transparent container, and the rest of its body shakes and sways as it drags itself towards the tanks. 」

Irene : (This clumsy posture...)
(As though it's unaccustomed to its body...)
Are you...
Tullia?

Seaborn : Tu—lli—a...

Irene : You can still speak. You still have your humanity. Tell me, what happened to you?

Seaborn : Left... and returned...
Data. Someone used... Waterway, signal...
I told, her. But she...

Irene : Told who?

Seaborn : Ocean... Fall into—ocean.
City left. You. They're still... here...
*whimper* So far...

Irene : ......

[Secunda marches in. ]

Secunda : Give her some space, Irene. The Seaborn cells have completely transformed her body. Her mind is near the point of no return.
We've handled similar transformations. This stage in Seaborn degeneration is extremely unstable. It's far beyond the point where we can provide palliative care.

Irene : You sure took your time.

Secunda : I ran into something.
We've been misled.
Someone deliberately engendered suspicions regarding the scientist's past and her motives for joining the Waterway Program. It's led the investigation astray.

Irene : You mean that woman from the Institute of Facility Management.

Secunda : That's right. Cassia. Once we're finished here, the Sea Patrol will inform the Institute of Facility Management and arrest her.
Tullia noticed occasional abnormalities in the signaling system and told a friend, possibly Cassia. She exposed herself to the Church.
She'd have been chased towards the fringes of the city, where she fell into a drain and was carried out to sea by the city's circulatory system.
Do you remember how we found pieces of biological tissue on our excursion outside? Crossing between two anchorage points without equipment is far beyond the limits of the human form.
So in her desperation to return to the city...

Irene : She ate that strange flesh.

Seaborn : ......
(Muffled, indistinct murmuring)

Irene : What's that she's holding?

Secunda : Plant nutrient fluid.

Irene : Her consciousness should be gone by now. Don't tell me she returned to the city just for these... seaweeds?

Secunda : "These primitive seaweeds are some of the simplest, yet most tenacious lifeforms in the entire ocean."
"Whether in bright shallow seas, the dark abyss, the flat sea floor, or cracks in the cliffs, they stretch out as best they can."
"And they're as old as the ocean itself, pretty much this planet's living fossils."

Seaborn : (Violent shudder)
(Pained wail)

「The Seaborn suddenly stops, as though it has just noticed something. Its tentacles recklessly thrash about, and the transparent container tumbles from its grasp, spilling nutrient fluid all over the floor. 」

Secunda : Bio-monitor readings increasing rapidly! Her transformation is accelerating!

Irene : Why did she suddenly stop? Did something happen?

「Irene walks in front of the Seaborn.
As she passes by the glass of the hydroponic tanks, she sees her own face. 」

Irene : —

Secunda : Yes. I believe... she saw what she had become.
...A data scientist, yet also a woman as simple as the seaweeds she cultivates.
She chose to stay, or perhaps knew that following the Institute of Ecological Art to another city would not truly have helped these seaweeds as they gradually lose their place out in the wild ocean.
But now... she has become one of the pollutants threatening them herself.

<Background fades out>

「Irene closes her eyes.
She never knew this Ægir woman who loved seaweeds. She's only ever seen her image in the Little Handy. And now, before their first meeting, she's already become the Seaborn she sees before her.
Whether by rapier or handcannon, she should end its life. 」

<Background 5>

Irene : I believe she can no longer answer our questions.

Secunda : It seems you're familiar with this sort of thing.

Irene : I once heard a Seaborn play a broken song aboard a ship.

Secunda : I apologize for underestimating you earlier, Irene.
The land and the sea are connected. You may not have experienced the frontlines of the Seaborn conflict, but you've witnessed both what has changed and what has not, equal in their weight and cruelty.
But for now, let me handle this.
She is an Ægir.

「Irene sees Secunda walk past her side, stopping in front of the Seaborn.
The expressionless Praefecta places her shield between the Seaborn and the wall covered in tanks, then raises her weapon at the once-woman. 」

Seaborn : (Wails)

Secunda : Her journey ended♪
Her home close at hand♪

Irene : This song...

[Secunda fires her weapon. ]

Secunda : She chose this place to sleep.

「The Seaborn collapses to the floor. The commander's shield blocks its spurting bodily fluids from entering the hydroponic tanks.
The seaweeds sway, quietly respirating. 」

Operation story: BP-5

Before operation

Summary

The Doctor shows up at the Abyssal Hunter Lab and maneuvers around Advisor Blandus to uncover what the Church is plotting with the Waterway Program, while helping Ulpianus infiltrate the lab for his own investigation.

<Background Black>

[Audio buzzes ]

Voice Log #33
(Unknown language, unknown time)
The stargate's remodeling plan is an apparent success, and we have re-established a connection with Talos. A two-year backlog of information has been flooding in, but it is bare of any good tidings.
First it was the observatory stations on the asteroid belt, then the entire system's interstellar hub. Finally, the cruise fleets orbiting hospitable planets also fell into silence.
Even the ancient colonial fleet turned into a nomadic museum was not spared the same fate.
Along with these shocking revelations came similarly unexpected data left behind by Valeria. Her notes resembled her very being: long-winded and inexhaustible.
However, she seemed to have spent her last days repeatedly poring over literature and history alongside the technical documents. Studying how these great men died, what their last words and epitaphs were...
Like a child on the day before their coming-of-age ceremony, rifling through their parent's wardrobe in a frantic search for attire dignified enough for an adult.
Did she find her own life inadequate? Insufficiently weighty?
No, she left practically all that she had at the stargate. If she had lived in the past, wouldn't her achievements have been inserted into the annals of history?
But now it seemed nothing more than a narrow door opened between two tiny locked rooms in the dark. I fear it won't be long before the door is shut once more.
In the end, the history of humanity has exceeded the bounds of humanity itself, hah.

<Background 1>

"Little Handy" from the Institute of Facility Management : Reading error occurred (2).
Run fault diagnostics?

Avitus : ......

[Footsteps approach ]

Jordi : Do you need my help, Mr. Avitus?

Avitus : Oh, no. I was merely observing this abandoned Little Handy.

Jordi : Abandoned...? By who?

Avitus : Don't worry, that's not important. What brings you here, Jordi?

Jordi : I'm hoping to find something to do. We're clearly in dire straits, and I'm sure this city is full of problems in need of solving. They just won't reveal themselves to me.

Avitus : Generally speaking, in that situation you should go to the Institute of Development Planning for an assessment.
However, if you were looking for me specifically, I'll try my best to help you out.

Jordi : You're a highly experienced and respected scholar, after all, and many in the city call you Magister.

Avitus : Magister? My last work was "The Death of Life," a book with no educational value whatsoever.

Jordi : I-I read it, actually. Although I couldn't understand much, with so many cryptic words. Like starship, stargate... it seemed like from another world.

Avitus : "Another world." Hah, you're right about that.
But I find myself undeserving of the title Magister. Often times I find myself lost in confusion.
Jordi, do you remember when I told you that blood ties were unimportant?

Jordi : I do, but I already...

Avitus : I may have been a bit misleading. While we indeed care little for blood relations, "relationships" themselves are an excellent lead to follow.
When one is lost, one ought to find a connection to reality—be it a life or an ideal—and seek a way out.
Otherwise you'll end up like me, sinking into an extended questioning of the value of your own existence.

Jordi : If I may be so bold, can I ask whatyour[sic] own "relationship" is...?

Avitus : My Familiar.

Jordi : How, exactly...?

Avitus : She shared the same thoughts and goals, and would enrich both my spirit and my ideas. I loved her as ardently as I loved Ægir, as well as everything we've done for it.
I live a life surrounded by mountains of prehistoric material written in their strange script and incomprehensible grammar... I enjoy the process of translating it into Ægirian text.
That was how we met, and I still remember how she'd throw herself into her work... Her eyebrows seemed to dance whenever she talked about something of interest to her.
And when I told her so, in those exact words, she actually went to the Institute of Physical Art to find out if eyebrows could dance for real.

Jordi : What a strange form of art... Did they manage it?

Avitus : Strictly speaking, no. But some of their researchers were inspired to later develop the technology to make hair dance on its own.
We've experienced the catastrophe that silenced the entire sea, and the Seaborn continue to threaten our existence, but we remain committed to exploring science, art, and our vision for the future.
Lava bridges that pump power from the planet's mantle, aquatic artery hubs that transform currents into fountains, artificial suns illuminating the depths of the oceanic abyss, and ecological bases filling the barren seafloor with life...
We persist in transforming what the Predecessors lost into mystical megastructures. We need only a spark to spur on countless inventions.
One hundred fifty years is truly too short.

Jordi : One hundred and fifty years?

Avitus : Yes, the average lifespan of an Ægir.

Jordi : "Short," you say...

Avitus : The more dangerous the era, the more valuable our creations become.
We firmly believed in living fulfilling lives, and would gladly have gone to our end without regrets as we passed down the fire of civilization.
We planned an educational system we believed was better than the Institute of Incubation.
Once our child was born via the incubator, we would raise them ourselves. They would possess a surging spirit and fresh ideologies, and become part of a more creative generation.
It is unusual to raise children personally, but we had hoped to pass on the values we treasured from the fulfilling lives we'd lived.

Jordi : So, what happened to her?

Avitus : Dead.

Jordi : ......

Avitus : Remember the Predecessor mentioned in "The Death of Life"?
He took shelter in an unknown refuge as he watched the sky pressing down on the earth every day. He already had a premonition of his own end.
There was nothing he could do but calmly welcome its advent.

Jordi : But that's someone else's life, a life far too distant from ours.

Avitus : Is it, though? Are we not currently going through the same things?
Give it fifty years, maybe a hundred, and even the vast ocean may no longer hold a single drop of pure water.

Jordi : ......

Avitus : The Seaborn have unwittingly overrun the ocean faster than we can create, devouring what we were once proud of, turning "survival" into our only priority.
I watched as she was engulfed by despair. One day, she calmly gave up on our idea of raising our child ourselves.
After all, everything we have inherited would only be lost in an era predestined to perish.
Five years ago, the Abyssal Hunters went to the lair of the Firstborn, and no one returned alive.
Soon after, she got sick, and died in depression. Our son was successfully born in the incubator, but I sent him to the Institute of Incubation.
This was also when I began questioning the meaning of my own existence.
My apologies, Jordi. I was supposed to be providing you guidance, wasn't I? I've already severed my relationship with the real world, but perhaps you have someone or something you still have ties with?

Jordi : But I gave up chasing Breogan long ago. I can't waste even more time chasing an unreachable shadow.
Maybe... Maybe I could delve into the notes he left, and learn how he developed his tech. And not just because I might be his descendant.

Avitus : ...But because you also have talent and dreams in that field.
You can try the beacon tower, then. Breogan was involved in its reconstruction, so if you're familiar with his handiwork, perhaps you could help them out.
Every Ægir leaves their own quirks in their writings, theories, or technologies, so sometimes all you need to sort out a trickier part is someone more familiar with the author.

Jordi : Thank you, Mr. Avitus!

<Background 2>

Secunda : Advisor Blandus? Are you alright?

Blandus : Of course, of course.
The cultists failed to stop me from performing the surgery on the Hunters.

Secunda : I'm asking about your physical condition.

Blandus : Thanks, Secunda. I see you're still—

Secunda : Given your strange aversion to medical aid, someone has to confirm you're alright.
Although judging from your condition, I'm guessing I'm not the first to try sending you to the hospital.

Blandus : Perhaps the Waterway Program is too overwhelming. I'm something of a doctor myself, so I do know how to keep myself healthy—healthy enough to not slow down the program, anyway.

Secunda : ......

Blandus : ......
You know, you should take a look at the plant the cultists were using to kill people. It's difficult to imagine someone at the Institute of Ecological Art using it as paint.

Secunda : Well, seeing how you're not in any immediate danger, I'll need you to cooperate with my investigation.
I saw Ulpianus. Recently.

Blandus : ......

Secunda : I see you have too.

Blandus : Only briefly, at the Sophontheatrum.

Secunda : And you didn't report this?

Blandus : Catching a momentary glimpse of a familiar figure is hardly worth reporting.

Secunda : I'm not joking around, Advisor Blandus.
The data scientist's case has been confirmed to be a murder by the cultists, and it may be related to the assault on the lab.
Ulpianus seemed to know the victim well, and openly expressed his distrust of Ægir.

Blandus : He's always been like that. More action than words, and ever unwilling to reveal his reasons.

Secunda : His unique style doesn't explain all the doubts about him. I still need to check if he's linked to several Church cases.

Blandus : *sigh* Secunda, do you really lack any other leads or suspects more worthy of investigation?
Or I should ask, is this obsession with Ulpianus merely your own whim?

Secunda : ......

Blandus : *sigh*
Secunda, I'm the one who rejected your application back then.

Secunda : What did you just say?

Blandus : I said, it was me who rejected your application to volunteer to become an Abyssal Hunter.
Ulpianus concurred, but I was the one who officially rejected you.

Secunda : ...Why?

Blandus : I saw your documents from the Institute of Development Planning. You'd written "genetic research" in the box asking for your aspirations.

Secunda : You only had to look at another file to see that becoming a Hunter was one another of my aspirations.

Blandus : We considered you extremely talented, even among the participants of the Abyssal Hunter project.
During our technical discussions, you were the only one to ask Ulpianus ten questions in a row and get answers for all of them. The highest record for a freshman researcher.
The early transformation techniques were dangerous and unreliable. We were always searching for a better integration method. It was ultimately your theories that advanced the program's technology.

Secunda : I considered it an honor back then, at least.

Blandus : But the program itself is nothing to be proud of, Secunda.
The concept was born nearly two centuries ago, a far cry from the average citizen's impression today. It was only twenty-some years ago that Ulpianus made it into a reality.
In the hundred plus years before that, it was never afforded any systematic scrutiny or research. Only endless debates.
To exploit our countrymen and integrate the flesh of other species into ourselves to save our humanity was tantamount to toppling the very foundations of Ægir.
But Ulpianus is a decisive man. He can abandon his research, ideals, emotions, and even his humanity without a shred of hesitation. The sole principle he abides by is "To benefit Ægir."
And perhaps he will save Ægir someday, but our country should not be founded upon boundless self-sacrifice.
Ulpianus understands better than anyone that his very existence is actually his country's woe.
And so, "The Abyssal Hunters do not need a second Ulpianus. Ægir should not have a second Ulpianus."
"There should be no one in Ægir who wishes to become another."

Secunda : ...I could practically hear him saying him.

Blandus : I once joked to him how much better it would be if you were my student instead. Perhaps you could continue the research he and I used to work on: "The evolution of Ægir cells." Or perhaps you'd start a new field entirely.
You could have become one of the leading scientists of our time, with the opportunity to explore the primordial mysteries of all existence and lead us into the future.

Secunda : Blandus, the two of you had no right.

Blandus : I'm sorry, Secunda.

Secunda : Did you start reminiscing about the old days just to tell me I shouldn't bear a grudge against Ulpianus?

Blandus : I did it so you'd see him in a new light.
Being too eager to capture him will do neither of you any good.
Aren't there cultists ready and available for questioning? Don't forget your duties, Secunda.

Secunda : Where are they?

Blandus : The first floor. In a booth in the equipment administration room. Do you need me to show you the way?

Secunda : I know where it is. The Sea Patrol will take over the detainment of the criminals.

[Secunda leaves. ]

Blandus : ......

[Footsteps approach ]

Blandus : I'm so sorry, but you can't go any further. We're currently—
Wait, didn't I see you at the tribunal?
I know who you are, the emissary from land. If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are your duties on this diplomatic mission?

Doctor : ......

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 3>

Ulpianus : The data scientist seemed to have completely transformed into a Seaborn by the time she was found.
It would be difficult to obtain any further information from her, other than the fact that this set of data seems related to the "Waterway" and the "Beacons."
I've finished analyzing the contents: there are unusual data interactions between the beacon within the city and the ones deployed in the nests.
The signals come from many spots within the city, and I have already inspected the port hub and any possible ships.
The only remaining location is Lab C-22. One of the earliest Abyssal Hunter experimental research labs.

Doctor : You should be familiar with the place, then.

Ulpianus : However, it is far livelier here than I can remember it ever being.
Secunda has even deployed a garrison in the name of protecting Blandus.
A hindrance.

Doctor : I'll help draw their attention if needed.

Ulpianus : I can manage the Sea Patrol for now.
You should focus on the toughest target.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 2>

Blandus : You would be... the Doctor of Rhodes Island, yes?

Doctor : As you say. / In the flesh.

Blandus : You say your institution helped diagnose and treat Oripathy in our Hunters, and now you hope to assist me with their organic regeneration surgery?

Doctor : Absolutely. / That's exactly what I'm here for.

Blandus : Then you can leave with peace of mind.
The Church's assault here was just a minor episode, and the Hunters have already returned to their hibernation.
I'll be constantly monitoring their physical condition, so your gaze—no matter how vigilant it may be—will be of little use in their recovery.

Doctor : I see the Hunters were telling the truth.
You really have a terrible sense of humor.

Blandus : ...I see they have developed a deep friendship with you while wandering about on land.
Insist all you want, it doesn't change the fact that you will be of no help during the operation.
I mean no offense.
This place was just recently raided, so please return to where you came from, for your own safety.

「Blandus no longer pays you any attention, his gaze falling back onto the holographic projections before him.
Through those squares you can clearly see Gladiia, Skadi, and Laurentina deep asleep in a transparent gel.
You didn't manage to get a full grasp of Ægir's writing system before coming here. After days of fumbling your way through the city, you can still only recognize about half the symbols shown in the visuals.
But you observe a more important phenomenon within them:
Whenever Blandus selects an image, it would emit a faint beep.
That is to say, every chosen image generates a corresponding beep on the monitoring unit. 」

Doctor : Could I help arrange the visual display?

Blandus : Of course, of course.
I see you really want to stay. I won’t force you to leave, either. It seems you really do care for the Hunters, and I like people like you.
Little Handy, the Doctor is unfamiliar with the equipment in Ægir, so keep an eye on things.

"Little Handy" : Understood.

Blandus : Doctor, as long as you don't touch anything you shouldn't, then—

[The Doctor begins to press a bunch of buttons. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Ulpianus : The corridor's monitoring unit just beeped. Someone's looking in here.
Another beep for the experimental cabin in front and the corner further ahead... Hmm? There seems to be some sort of pattern.
Someone in the control room is rapidly switching the order of the holograms back and forth.
...Doctor? What are you trying to tell me?
This way, then.

<Background fades out and in>

Blandus : The operation is complete, Doctor. Thank you for your... fast and furious cooperation.
The Hunters will need another ten minutes to awaken, but I guarantee the procedure went without a hitch.
So if you could now leave—

Doctor : The Hunters seem to be deep asleep.

Blandus : They were unable to get any proper rest on land, despite what I'm sure was the best possible accommodation from you and Rhodes Island.
Even now, they've just only arrived home, yet now must rush back to the frontlines.
A single operation and hibernation session is far from enough to restore them to full strength.

Doctor : It sounds like you tried your best.

Blandus : I wouldn't say so, even if I've fulfilled my duties. There is a fundamental difference between the two, after all.
I believe you mentioned your expertise in the field of Oripathy?
Could you tell me what it's like, to be a patient?

Doctor : They fight their fate for the rest of their lives.

Blandus : "Fate"?

Doctor : It means an inevitable direction or end.

Blandus : Interesting. The ancient sages once discussed the concept of "fate," but it's been a long time since anyone has brought it up.
You see, Oripathy does not exist in the ocean, and most other diseases we managed to cure.
We all choose our own paths in life, and the trajectory of our civilization is ours to define.
For the longest time, we have forgotten what "fate" even is.
Yet now, the ineradicable disease we've engraved into our Hunters' blood cannot be dealt with medically.
To borrow your concept, one may call such an problem "fate."
Each of the Hunters held their own dreams, their own lives. But now? They have no choice but to live alongside slaughter until they die themselves.
I've tried many methods to bring them back from this dead end, all to no avail.
Even now...

[The pods open. ]

Doctor : Gladiia's awake. / Laurentina's awake. / Skadi's awake.

[The trio quickly exit the pods. ]

Blandus : They seem to be in a hurry.
...I should get going too.
It has been an honor to speak with you, Doctor. I hope you can take good care of them, if given the chance.

[Blandus leaves. ]

Doctor : ......

After operation

Summary

Secunda interrogates a Cultist who attacked the lab. After their surgery, the Hunters leave the city. Ulpianus tells the Doctor more about the operation that first slew Ishar'mla.

<Background 4>

Wounded "Researcher" : Sea Patrol. Here to interrogate me?
"Interrogate." Ha. I never thought I'd have anything to do with that word.

Secunda : You should have thought of that when you intruded on the lab.

Wounded "Researcher" : What about before then? What makes you and I so different?
Why "interrogate" me? What have I done to deserve being"'questioned"?

Secunda : At times like these, I feel like our methods are too gentle.
According to our envoy from Iberia, they're more than happy to incorporate punishment into the process.

Wounded "Researcher" : .....

Secunda : So if you're finished talking nonsense, state your identity.

Wounded "Researcher" : I'm a former road-side coral breeder.

Secunda : Motive?

Wounded "Researcher" : You ever paid close attention to the coral by the road, Patroller?
We hoped every cluster on every street would take on a different form or color, even different capabilities.
Transport tubes pass through the cavity-filled cluster on the east side of the Sophontheatrum, and under the glimmering tubes, the polyps glimmer back. A patchwork of dots of light...
Like a nebula in miniature.
Then there's the ones around the port—

Secunda : As it happens, I have been paying close attention to some road-side coral recently. Specifically, the ones growing in your experimental field.
Where an innocent data scientist died.

Wounded "Researcher" : .....

Secunda : Her dreams, her obsession, her love for her seaweeds... were as beautiful as the coral you speak of.
But you murdered her.
You asked a good question earlier. What makes you and her so different?
So why are you still alive? What did she do to deserve death?

Wounded "Researcher" : She found...

Secunda : Found what? Speak up.
Or are you implying I should be asking Cassia this question?

Wounded "Researcher" : You...

Secunda : What is the Church planning against the Waterway Program?
Will you be attacking the beacon, or the weapons?
Speak.

Wounded "Researcher" : *sigh* Church this, cultist that.
I'm still not used to being called names like that. You sure they're not just convenient excuses for you to arrest people?

Secunda : .....

Wounded "Researcher" : This so-called "Church" and its "cultists." What part of them is "holy," exactly?
I don't worship any kind of imaginary entity. I just agree with how Cassia sees things.
From the despair engulfing Ægir, she can see this nation's fragile nature.
People place too much importance on the value of things, but are unwilling to recognize how fickle these values really are. They've become worshipers at their altar.
But now, those values are crumbling away. Before Ægir falls completely into despair, someone must sound the alarm—

[Secunda scribbles the suspect's words on her device. ]

Wounded "Researcher" : Perii![note 1] You're just trying to loosen my lips!
You won't get another word out of me. If you're feeling impatient, go ahead, scan my brainwaves. You won't get anything out of that either—

Secunda : Questioning you is the last respect I'll give you as a human being, scumbag!
Maybe you believe yourself innocent, and your actions free of conspiracy. But you will tell me everything I want to know.
Now speak.

<Background 5>

Skadi : Captain.

Gladiia : It's almost time for us to leave, Skadi.

Skadi : I know it's urgent.

Gladiia : The frontline is barely holding ground against the Seaborn. The loss of two entire fleets is really hitting us hard now.
According to their most recent missive, Legions VIII and X failed to regroup into formation, and they are now mired in a bitter struggle.
If the beacon cannot be deployed at the designated position within the nest, and the deadlock continues... it will mean the failure of the Waterway Program.

Skadi : Understood.

Gladiia : The Legion fleets are about to launch an offensive across the entire front, at all costs. All to attract the Seaborn's attention. As for us—

Skadi : Squeeze through the battlefield, infiltrate the nest, and deploy the beacon.

Gladiia : Correct. How would you rate your current condition, Skadi?

Skadi : I got some good sleep, at least. My first dreamless sleep since our last campaign.

Gladiia : The situation in the city is getting more restive... Do you know where the Doctor has gone?

Skadi : (Shakes head)
I know you want me to keep the peace and protect the Doctor, Captain... You want me to stay.

Gladiia : To be honest, I am conflicted.
Cleansing the sea of its dregs is our duty, but I am also responsible for your safety.
Have there been any signs of Ishar'mla stirring since we returned to sea?

Skadi : If it has, it's been real quiet.
If it speaks up, I'll shut it up.
Actually, I've got something to say to you, Captain.
We've never been this cautious in our work before. We had our ways of handling this sort of thing.
If the Church's god—the one the scum call "Ishar'mla"—really is inside me, then if I ever go out of control, I want you to execute me on the spot. Simple as that.
My heart's right here. I trust you won't miss.

Gladiia : Skadi—

Skadi : I'm not finished.
If you or Shark start to fall under their influence in battle before I do, I won't hesitate either.

Gladiia : .....
What I was going to say is that, with war close at hand, I can imagine nothing more reassuring to hear.
Let's go.

<Background fades out and in>

Specter : .....

??? : Miss Laurentina.

[Footsteps approach ]

Specter : No need for that dreary honorific, little bird. We're not strangers, are we?

Irene : ...Laurentina.

Specter : Considering how long we've been in this city, I'm surprised this is the first time we've run into one another. This is sad.
I've always wanted to take our brave little warrior out on a real hunt in the depths. Sadly, the nest we're headed to is too far and too deep. No way to bring you along.

Irene : It's alright. Even if I had the option, I'd stay in Milliarium regardless.

Specter : Oh?

Irene : There's been a lot happening in the city lately.
The first time I wore deep-water equipment and entered the ocean, I was immediately knocked about by the current. I hate to admit it, but I'd be dead weight out there.

Specter : No need to talk like that. The first time is always rough.

Irene : Anyway, I can do a lot more in the city than in that nest.
And once you've completed your mission and Ægir's weapon systems start cleansing the area, I'll have to return to Saint Carmen and make an urgent report on why the sea surface has changed.

Specter : Ah, so you meant we were to be parted once more.

Irene : That's right.
I'd be offering you all farewell gifts, but I wasn't expecting this before we left for Milliarium, so I have nothing to give.

Specter : Don't worry about it. We'll meet again.
While we won't be needing to drag you from the sea half-drowned this time, I have a feeling our next reunion will be unforgettable in its own right.

Irene : *cough*! ...Oh, look, Skadi and Gladiia are coming!
Take care of yourself, Laurentina.

[Irene leaves. ]

Specter : Finished with your chat?

Gladiia : Yes.
It's past time we left, Hunters.

<Background 3>

[Footsteps approach ]

Ulpianus : Doctor.

Doctor : Seems you got the evidence you wanted.

Ulpianus : Yes. You've been of great assistance.

Doctor : So, what's the verdict? / Not going to fill me in?

Ulpianus : As previously mentioned, there are unusual data interactions between the beacon within the city and the ones deployed in the nests.
It seems the bulk of the work was handled by Lab C-22. Namely, the facility we just infiltrated.
While I do not fully understand the principles behind the beacon system or the Class IV weapons, the contents of these interactions can still be inferred.
The coordination between the beacons and the weapons has been altered.
As I surmised, the Waterway Program has been infiltrated at the highest level.

Doctor : "As I surmised." / Did you doubt the program from the start?

Ulpianus : Correct.
Even before it was conceived, I had my doubts about Ægir.

Doctor : From where?

Ulpianus : ...That decisive campaign.

Doctor : You were meant to kill the Firstborn.
But you lost contact with your team.
Skadi was left to take the burden.

Ulpianus : ...So you already know.
Skadi trusts you more than expected.

Doctor : I put it together from what she said. / She's not sure what happened herself.

Ulpianus : My dereliction was due to a moment of distraction.
In a cave, or rather, a cavity closest to Ishar'mla's core, I noticed something that should not be there.
Crude piles of meat, turbid mucus. At first, I assumed they were nodules of its body, but then I saw clearly the measuring scales and flow channels around them...
A corroded water flow meter.
One from Ægir. A design hundreds of years old, one that now exists only in museums.

Doctor : Hundreds of years old?

Ulpianus : Based on the degradation, it had sat within Ishar'mla's body for two centuries.
But I had been told that no other Ægir had ever managed to reach the Firstborn before us.
That is to say, before Ægir was even aware of it, its people had secretly come into contact with the Firstborn.
The undercurrents beneath tranquil Ægir are more turbulent than anyone could imagine.

Doctor : I also found something odd while you were out.
As soon as the Hunters awoke, they left.

Ulpianus : They are being used to break the deadlock at the front.
I can imagine the mission they have been assigned. Bypass the front lines, advance to the nest, and deploy the beacon.

Doctor : First support, now the linchpin? It's too quick.

Ulpianus : .....

Doctor : The advisor seemed more anxious than them.
He left the lab at the first opportunity.

Ulpianus : Blandus.
Then I fear we, too, must act as quickly as possible.
If the coordination between the beacons and weapons has been tampered with, then there is only one place to go: the core of the Waterway Program. The beacon launcher.
As for you...

Doctor : I'll go see the one who gave the order.
Consul Clementia.

Notes

"I'm out!" in Latin

Operation story: BP-6

Before operation

Summary

With the Legions providing cover, the Abyssal Hunters penetrate into the nest to plant the final beacon. Ulpianus continues his search for the truth, while the Doctor finds Consul Clementia and grills her on Ægir's plans for the Hunters.

<Background 1>

[The Abyssal Hunters swim through the water. ]

Specter : Ugh, what a stench.
All these years and they still won't make better camouflage cream—it wouldn't do any harm for us to at least smell different from the Seaborn, you know.

Skadi : Don't move so much, Shark. It'll only make the smell stronger.
When you smell this much like a Seaborn, I might hack at you on instinct.

<Background shakes>

Gladiia : The whole plateau is trembling... Those giant wormlike Seaborn are tunneling through the rock beneath us.
Stay concealed.

[Several Seaborn crawl out, making strange noises. ]

Seaborn : (Vacuole lightly trembles)

Seaborn : (Core shudders fiercely)

[The Seaborn swim past. ]

Specter : Look at those numbers. Honestly, between the currents and the Seaborn, who's carrying who?
They're flooding towards the frontline. I can't imagine...

Skadi : Can't imagine what the soldiers there are fighting through.

Gladiia : Snap out of it, Skadi. You'll crush your hilt doing that.
We mourn those on the front best by completing our mission.
Thanks to the Legions' fleets containing the Seaborn swarm, we were able to slip in and plant this beacon deep in the nest.
Even a single plant could alert the Seaborn to us, if it happens to be assimilated. There is no room for negligence on our path forward.
The great bleached coral will cover us as we dive for the depths of the rift.

Specter & Skadi : Yes, Captain.

[The Hunters swim forward. ]

<Background 2>

Beacon Tower Technician : Jordi, right? Fast learner.
A lot of students come here on work experience. With all the operation protocol, it never takes more than a day for them to slip up. You, though, picked it up just by watching for a little while.
You done this before?

Jordi : Just a bit. I've done some work in an Iberian lighthouse. The beacons share a few principles with it, here and there.

Beacon Tower Technician : I see, so you're into engineering. Explains a lot.

Jordi : I've worked longest as a caregiver, though.

Beacon Tower Technician : "Caregiver"? What kind of job's that?

Jordi : Huh?
Ah, er, watching over the sick and elderly, taking care of their daily needs... Sorting out all the little things for them.

Beacon Tower Technician : Gotcha. So it's like slapping Little Handy modules 153 and 274 in at the same time.

Jordi : Um, but the Little Handy is impersonal... right?

Beacon Tower Technician : That's correct.
You look taut as a wire, Jordi. This isn't an exam on Ægir general knowledge.

Jordi : I just want to ask... if the Little Handy has no personality, how is it supposed to meet the emotional needs of its patients?
To care for people is to meet them in their weakest, most vulnerable moments, after all.

Beacon Tower Technician : I'd say physical frailty doesn't particularly inspire emotional needs in us. And if we're headed for the grave, even with illness, we don't feel especially vulnerable, either.
We do let the old and sick request some final company before their euthanasia, though. Usually a leading philosopher will come in. Scholars from whatever field in general, really.

Jordi : I-I know nothing about philosophy...
I just talk to them about the most banal things. Food, flowers, sunshine, and so on. But for some reason, they're always so happy to listen.

Beacon Tower Technician : You're a great guy, Jordi.
That shows how keen you are at grasping people's moods. No promises, but something tells me you'd shine in the Institute of Development Planning or Institute of Incubation too.

Jordi : C-Could I?
...Regardless, thank you so much! I've finished resetting the storage facilities here!

Beacon Tower Technician : Wonderful work. Now, about—
Wait. Did you just see something zip past the hologram?

Jordi : Wha—

[The door breaks and Ulpianus steps in. ]

Beacon Tower Technician : INTRUDER—

[Ulpianus knocks the technician unconscious. ]

Jordi : ......

Ulpianus : You?
Young man, you saw none of this. You have no reason to complicate things.

[Ulpianus runs off... ]

Jordi : Wait!

[...with Jordi chasing after him. ]

<Background Black>

[Specter revs up her saw. ]

Gladiia : Shark's saw will be too loud. Skadi, you open the way.
Cut through this cluster, as quietly as you can.

Skadi : Alright.

[Skadi slashes the cluster, which crumbles. ]

「For but an instant, the invading Hunters are bathed in vivid color and indistinct light.
That which the Iberians call nethersea brand creeps across the coral layers, the spawn of the many lilting in their craggy nests.
Eggs are swept from this cliff face as the currents pass, metamorphosing as they spiral down, indescribable folds yet unfolding, until a Seaborn form emerges. 」

<Background 3>

[A Seaborn splits into several new Seaborn. ]

Nascent Seaborn : (Soft membrane stirs)

Nascent Seaborn : (Creased skin shudders)

[The Seaborn swim upward. ]

「The newborns silently gather together, their trembling bodies echoing all throughout the nest. Intertwining palps and feelers, they sweep each other off for far away. 」

Skadi : They just keep on leaving the nest. Rushing... for the frontline.
Wait, don't you think something's off? How did that one turn into a whole bunch out of nowhere?
What is it doing? Multiplying? Splitting?

Specter : I've had this gnawing feeling ever since we bailed out the fleet. Swordfish, have these assholes evolved even more?

Gladiia : The Seaborn are forever evolving.

Specter : Skadi, can you remember the first Seaborn you ever killed?

Skadi : Not really. Just that it had a lot of gross tentacles.

Specter : That's what I mean. Tentacles, stingers, chitinous shells... We could still discern the organs, identify their functions at a glance.

Gladiia : Prior to this, the Seaborn's only skill was to hijack whatever evolutionary progress other species had accrued over the epochs.

Specter : But now we've got these things...

[The Divicellular Hoarders swim past them. ]

Specter : I can't begin to tell what their organs are. If I didn't know better, I might not even think to connect them to the fodder we were slaughtering just three months ago.

Gladiia : ...The Seaborn's needs have outgrown the evolutionary advancements. They've begun seeking their own answers.
Which means their evolutionary course now transcends our knowledge.
If we are unable to gloss their physical composition, unable to discern their organs' unique functions, unable to predict the direction they will evolve...

Skadi : We won't know how to kill them.

Specter : We could fetch a specimen for Advisor Blandus, while we evacuate.

Gladiia : Still, the mission takes priority for now.
Skadi, you and I will find where the wall hasn't yet been branded, embed the beacon there, and activate it.
Laurentina, spot our surroundings. We withdraw as soon as it's planted, without delay.

[The group swim deeper into the nest. ]

<Background 4>

[Footsteps approach ]

Doctor : Consul Clementia. / Madame Consul.

Clementia : Greetings, Doctor of Rhodes Island, and well met in Milliarium. At long last, our first official conversation.

Doctor : Well, Kal'tsit's the official Iberian envoy.

Clementia : Save your modesty. Dr. Kal'tsit's awe-inspiring knowledge transcends the boundaries of space and time.
So for her to be keeping you up her sleeve, the depths you hide must be deeper still.
Whether you come to me in doubt, or with conclusions of your own to share, I am prepared to listen.

Doctor : You sent the Hunters into a literal nest of danger. / You're endangering three of our operators.

Clementia : Much like Dr. Kal'tsit, you have misgivings about this decision.
Yet I had no choice but to order them to meet death in the eye once more; my hand was forced. Only they can break our present impasse.

Doctor : Rational. Maybe a little too rational?

Clementia : The Legions are deployed to capacity. The Abyssal Hunters must assume combat duties, even having recently returned to Ægir. You suspect this situation was deliberately engineered.
I gather you return from the city with findings of your own.

Doctor : The beacon-weapon link was tampered with.

Clementia : Little Handy, priority order. Contact the supervisors for the beacon and Class IV weapons R&D.
And notify all Legion commanders: leave enough of your fleets at the front to curb the Seaborn and assist the Hunters. The rest should withdraw in order and return to the city. The Sea Patrol will seize the beacon tower right away.
You have our gratitude for informing us, Doctor.

Doctor : (Nod in silence)

Clementia : I know I owe the two of you an explanation for how I have deployed the Abyssal Hunters.

Kal'tsit : We don't hold you accountable on a tactical level. You know their prowess against the Seaborn better than us.
I can only say this. Your powers of observation would not have missed the scales on Gladiia's neck.
We can assume the Hunters will have no trouble seeing this assignment through, but what was your guarantee they would be spared from mutating while in the nest?
The word of Advisor Blandus, and nothing more?

Clementia : Advisor Blandus's statement at the tribunal served to strengthen Milliarium's confidence in the Abyssal Hunters.
I confess, though, it failed to even ease my mind.

Kal'tsit : I take it the Hunters still weigh heavily on your thoughts.

Clementia : ...Ægir never truly wound down the Abyssal Hunter project, following the strike on the Firstborn.
I've not been involved, but my countrymen have every right to interrogate me for my awareness of it alone.

Doctor : ......

Clementia : For a short time after the Firstborn died, the project went through major upheavals. Anomalies plagued the experiments, and the Church grew only more fixated on the Hunters.
This suggests there are urgent, hidden truths about the Hunters yet to be found. Yet it also proves that the project can no longer run publicly.
To this day, it still operates in secret. But even now, Ægir has only three Hunters including Gladiia... No, four.
For how constantly we iterate on our technology, we have never succeeded in making another Abyssal Hunter.
No matter how stable the subjects' signs and psychological indicators are, they lose their reason the moment they awaken, immediately corrupting into Seaborn.
They don't even make it out of the chamber, let alone to the ocean proper.

Doctor : "Abyssal Hunters are bound by blood." We forgot...
What IS this blood binding them?

Clementia : We don't know.
We still don't know why Gladiia's group have kept their reason intact.

Doctor : Sounds like they're your key to solving this.
Yet you chose to send them to the front.

Clementia : ...Indeed. For Gladiia, Laurentina, Skadi, and all the participants, it was an irresponsible act.
But the front lies at Milliarium now.
We made it in time to cut off the Seaborn tide as it laps at dry land, but Milliarium is far from impregnable. If we fail to open the Waterway now, it is only a matter of time before the city is lost.
The Seaborn have organized to seize that Waterway by the throat. Storming them head-on will invite a large-scale counterattack.
At which point, I fear none will survive.

Doctor : Is risking the Hunters a necessary cost here?

Clementia : The Hunters may well give their lives. They may well transform. But right now, they are our greatest hope.

Kal'tsit : Gladiia has always been skeptical of the Waterway Program's feasibility. It was for that exact reason that she did not hesitate to serve as a link in its chain.
Your doubts and struggles may differ, but all roads lead to the same place in the end. That seems to be an unspoken yet shared understanding among the Ægir.

Clementia : ...One not without its sorrows.
Upon the bricks of the Sophontheatrum entrance, the architect Mártus left this maxim: "There is no justice here, only the path ahead."
In later generations, some criticized Mártus as being overly fixated on material value, squandering his energy on comparing worth against worth.
But ultimately, all that mattered to him was Ægir's path forward. Justice was merely a value cherished by the masses; and he preferred to apply his thought elsewhere.
Perhaps Gladiia and I have been acting on his philosophy without realizing it.
Dr. Kal'tsit, everything you have said rings all too true. I am bound in the end to carry "Ægir's arrogance" with me, and nothing will change that.

Kal'tsit : I would like to amend that wording. "Arrogance" as a word seems insufficient to describe Ægir.
You respect equally the humanity of your every citizen. To realize each individual's worth is the guiding star for your entire society's development.
Yet at the same time, you are capable of making the cruelest judgments, and calmly accepting them, for the sake of Ægir's survival as a whole.

Clementia : "Calmly"... you say?
We Ægir are not cold-blooded. Whenever you would feel wrath, our own hearts are far from unstirring.
These are feelings I had wished to convey to Gladiia, once upon a time, but I realized I had no right to.
Every decision I made for her, I based in pure rationality. How natural, then, that I lost that right. How dare I ask for an emotional pardon.
The same is true, even now.
And so, "calmly," I accept my own judgment.

Kal'tsit : ......

Doctor : ......

[Dial tone ]

"Little Handy" : The designated individual has been contacted. Advisor Blandus did not pick up.

Clementia : ......
Dr. Kal'tsit, Doctor. I am deeply sorry I could not give you an appropriate answer.
But right now, I ask that you permit me to carry out my duty.

After operation

Summary

In Milliarium, Ulpianus breaks into the control room in the beacon tower. Confronting the once-loyal friend who now seeks "symbiosis" with the Seaborn, Ulpianus sentences him.

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 5>

[Uplianus stands up. Blandus walks over. ]

Blandus : Ah, awake?
I've taken care of your wounds. You'll find two doses of stimulant beside you, to bring you back to your senses. Shall I administer, or would you prefer the Little Handy?

Ulpianus : ......

Blandus : Fine, do it yourself.

[Blandus observes him. ]

Blandus : ...Very practiced motions. It seems you've recuperated well.
Now, useless as I know it is, I do need to tell you this.
You cannot keep experimenting on yourself, or you'll have to cover your eyes as well to avoid looking like you've been tortured. The mask won't be enough, at least.

Ulpianus : My wardrobe has nothing to do with my modifications.

Blandus : True, you've always looked that way. We all got shivers as you entered the classroom and sat your gloomy self down.
All this time we've known each other, and you barely even show me your face.

Ulpianus : Blandus. Given you've started cracking jokes, I take it the results are less than awful?

Blandus : Now, that's tricky to say. The emotional ride I've been through felt like being seated next to Secunda as she sailed a patrol ship with both eyes shut. That is to say, utter madness.

Ulpianus : ......

Blandus : First of all, I noticed a baffling effect in your auto-adaptive junction...
Your body's reaction is bizarre: when the Seaborn genes exert their abnormal dominance, your anti-Seaborn rejection response doesn't intensify. No, it actually lightens somewhat.

Ulpianus : Which means my transformation is getting faster?

Blandus : No, quite the opposite.
It was right as I was canceling the surgery that I observed a curious phenomenon. Once your rejection ebbed, your Seaborn genetics slowed down their influence.
As if, to be crude, your body and the Seaborn genes had reached some sort of understanding.

Ulpianus : This is certainly worth further study. But for now, I need to know one thing: will this impact the Hunters in their upcoming battle?
Slaying the Firstborn will be our single most important operation since we were created.
At this point, I will allow no freak accidents.

Blandus : I've observed no negative effects so far. I'll be setting up a few more risk assessments before you head out.
That said, if we're going to figure out what's underpinning this phenomenon, then you'd best come back alive so I have something to study at all.
I'll be honest, I'm anxious.
We've never waged a war on this scale before. We're marching every single Abyssal Hunter, plus three whole standing Legions, off into a single trench...

Ulpianus : If not with a war like this, how would we ever kill their genesezoic, their source, their "god"?

Blandus : Do you truly believe we can polish off the Seaborn just like that, once and for all?

Ulpianus : You've worked with us for over a decade, and you still have doubts about the Hunter project?

Blandus : Do you want the truth?

Ulpianus : ......

Blandus : The truth is, I should've vetoed this project at the audit stage. A roadmap to warping evolution, predicated on sacrificing our own people's humanity.
If not for you, I wouldn't have even entertained its feasibility, let alone poured ten years of my own blood and sweat into it.
...But it's a sunk cost now. The more I doubt it, the more crucial it is for me be its core member, to steer it with my own two hands.
Yet I can't shake the thought of how many "monsters" this lab's created.
The majority of which were put down by your own two hands, Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : Yes.

Blandus : Their deaths don't even qualify as "sacrifices" to you, do they?

Ulpianus : A homeland ravaged by Seaborn will only wrest away even more Ægir lives.
We've had this debate a thousand times. We don't need another before I leave.
Get the risk assessments going. Furthermore, suspend all ongoing Hunter modification trials.

Blandus : Come again?

Ulpianus : With no Hunters present, it would be difficult to deal with any aberrant results.

Blandus : "Aberrant."
Ulpianus, you've been the director of the Abyssal Hunter project for its entire lifespan and even you can't be fully confident in it, can you?
That's the real reason you chose to be the first subject.
Can this campaign put the Seaborn crisis to rest? Yes or no? Even you can't be sure.

Ulpianus : Blandus...

Blandus : No, Ulpianus, I've spent each and every day hoping more than anyone that this will end in victory.
Maybe when you sail back, safe and sound, the project will have no more reason to exist. Think, we could even pick up where we left off on all our old research.
You barely even remember, do you? Well, I ran into our old teacher at the council. He asked about that dream of ours.

Ulpianus : "The evolution of Ægir cells."

Blandus : It made for no particularly grand abstract, but glimpsing the whole course we've run from a microscopic cross-section? That's a beautiful pursuit, and no one can tell me otherwise.
From our ancestors swaying their limbs in the rivers eons ago, to us here and now as we debate science and ideals, there's a flow to it all. An order of events.
It's not too late for us to witness it, is it?

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 6>

[Footsteps approach ]

Blandus : *cough* *cough*... You finally came, Ulpianus.

Ulpianus : You won't even resort to flaunting your wretched sense of humor as a plea?

Blandus : Hah, hah. Wretched sense of humor... Secunda would agree with you.
You know, she's really grown to resemble you over the years. I fear we'll have another you on our hands someday.
Along with the countless other yous, born by or against their will, throwing themselves into the fight against the Seaborn and perishing in combat, until the shores are soaked in Ægir's blood.

Ulpianus : It grieves me how she's changed. The changes in you, though, I can barely begin to comprehend.
Stop what you're doing, right now, and explain your game to me.
Blandus, Cultist of the Deep.

Blandus : You're late. I've hardly anything for you to stop now.
Just a moment ago, my holochart received a signal from Nest 37. The final beacon is activated, and the Class IV weapons are warming up.
You're not putting this one down, Ulpianus.
And if you hoped to learn what the Church is planning, I can't help you.
They were tripping over themselves to protect me out of their own wishful thinking, and then one day they just went and changed their minds.
If not for their actions, I know I might've been caught long ago. Know, though, I've never counted myself among their members. I can't even make heads or tails of their warped doctrine.
Still, if you're asking what drove me to do all this, I would love to bend your ear.

Ulpianus : Excellent. Then I won't need to resort to violence.

Blandus : Hahah! Violence.
Still taking that as your first impulse. If it weren't for the embarrassing situation you've put yourself in, I'm sure the Institute of Development Planning would love to have a chat with you.
Want to know something? It took only moments after the failed campaign for them to declare you all dead. Then, soon enough, the Institute came down to me with an invitation to restart the Hunter project.

Ulpianus : ......

Blandus : You haven't seen the casualty report for that campaign yet, have you?
You should have a read. Abyssal Hunters, legionnaires... Their sacrifices, a tragedy, yet the ending a farce!
Violent resistance was always a dead end. The project was dead in the water from the start.
Granted, Ægir's never used crude platitudes or propaganda to encourage such sacrifice. Every one of the project's subjects was given the freedom to make an informed decision...
But using the sacrifice of our citizens as a market standard, well, THAT makes the very question of free choice much ado about nothing.
Once, an Ægir's worth lay in all that they had built up and created during their life. And now? Our very lives, even our deaths, are price-tagged.

Ulpianus : I will record your words, even though it's pointless.
Blandus, I expected your suspicion and dissent to drive you to search deeper, not reduce you to the cowardly, self-deceiving man you are now.
Whether out of passion or mourning, it's still the same brand of rhetoric spouted by every fallen claiming to foresee the fall of Ægir itself.
Assigning a character to a nation, anthropomorphizing it to critique its values... Even as a method of inflating one's ego, it's shoddy at best.
But even as you weep over the senseless sacrifice, have you never imagined how many lives your destruction of the Waterway Program will take?

Blandus : Destruction?
No, Ulpianus, I'm trying to open up a true path for us.

Ulpianus : What have you done?

Blandus : Now now, Ulpianus, be patient. I have nothing to hide.

「Blandus brushes past Ulpianus and stops before the holochart. With his back to his old friend, he passes a finger over the sea of glowing dots, and points to a flashing spot in the top-right corner. 」

Blandus : See that? That's where the Hunters are right now.
They activated the last beacon, and are probably caught in a deadly struggle, but they aren't in any danger... any true danger, that is.
The moment they can fight no more, that's when the weapons kick in: the Seaborn will cease fighting. Every last one thronging one of them will fall asleep.

Ulpianus : Keep going.

Blandus : If you remember your auto-adaptive junction tech, you'll have no trouble understanding what I tell you next.

Ulpianus : That old surgical accident I had?

Blandus : Well, you were right, it was absolutely worth the further study.
The junction brought about a homeostasis in you on the microscopic level. Your body no longer rejected the Seaborn genes, and they miraculously stopped overtaking you.
It may have been by chance, but in no time at all, I was able to reproduce your phenomenon on the macro scale. To an extent, I could delete the hostility Seaborn bore towards humankind.
And before Gladiia's unit left for Nest 37, during their surgery, I took the opportunity to reproduce that "accident" of yours.

Ulpianus : ......
You wanted to recreate in the Hunters an "accident" with no proven explanation, no clear effects, and not even a trace of actual, rigorous verification?

Blandus : No no no, what happened in your body has long since graduated from freak accident. While you were missing, I spent every waking moment on the research.
...I trusted you Hunters were still alive. Trusted you would come back, and that I could help you be free of that blasted "fate" of yours.

Ulpianus : But you refused to restart the Abyssal Hunter project. How did you...
Were you experimenting on yourself?
No wonder your body stinks of miasma.

Blandus : Hahah, my physical condition doesn't hold a candle to yours, naturally.
I haven't much longer now, *cough* *cough*... I can practically feel each second of my life slipping away... but it was worth it. I've done all I needed to.
Tell me, Ulpianus, that the Hunters were born to be a solution. Not a tool, not a weapon, not a consumable destined to be tossed aside.

Ulpianus : They were.

Blandus : ...Good.
Then the project was a failure, but the Hunters still have a chance to fulfill their calling... yet not through senseless slaughter and sacrifice.
You'll live to show your worth. Not die to give Ægir a few more final gasps.
The Abyssal Hunters will be the start of a revised relationship between humanity and the Seaborn. If I can have them mistake humankind as their own, then maybe I can get the many to see Ægir as a neighbor.

Ulpianus : And you had your eyes on the Waterway Program all along.

Blandus : More precisely, the Waterway Program came to me first.
Clementia reached out to me at practically the same time as the Institute. She let me in on both the gameplan for the Waterway Program, and the research project for the Class IV weapon array.
Weapons rooted in biotech like them can impact Seaborn behavior at large. The theory grounding them has a natural affinity with the auto-adaptive junctions.
By then, I'd already gathered the data I needed to perfect the junction tech. To the point that it was no longer limited to human subjects anymore.
So, I made a tiny little tweak to the Class IVs. The instant they activate, we can close the book on our fight with the Seaborn.
The Abyssal Hunters, the Class IVs, it'll all transcend the boundary of species. It'll become a path. A bridge.
You can't make this up. Two centuries of constant war between Ægir and the Seaborn, and one little trick is likely all it takes to stop it.
Maybe the severity of this war was a fiction from the very beginning. Now, I mean no offense to our predecessors, but at least we still have the power to choose a different path.

Ulpianus : ......

Blandus : Not that I'll get to see it. The rest is out of my hands... At least I was lucky enough, in the end, to see you at the Sophontheatrum.
You're the one who started the Hunter project, you know your way around self-adaptive junctions, you've been through all this. Only you, Ulpianus, only you can keep the work going.

Ulpianus : Is that why you were so blithely waiting for my arrival? To entrust your "work" to me before you die?

Blandus : It's my turn to invite you. Ægir and the Seaborn have a chance at achieving true symbiosis. Perhaps that's a future you wouldn't mind bearing witness to?

Ulpianus : I refuse.

Blandus : I did expect that, but still, that was a little too blunt.
Ulpianus, this is the control room where I'll die, but...

Ulpianus : Blandus, even if your death is certain, you must know: you have no right to go regretting anything, fighting anything.

Ulpianus : There was a time, not so long ago, when we ventured to make sense of the meaning of our existence by studying how our own Ægirian cells had evolved.
But you've ruined everything you had with your own hands, all for one wild flight of fancy.
The Seaborn are noxious scourge upon the ocean. There is no point in doubting that.
They are beings full of unknowns, yet you believe in "symbiosis" with them, as if they are your friends?
Blandus, that is the same arrogance the Ægir had in assuming victory was inevitable. No, this is that a hundred times over.
Are you even aware of what you're thinking? Can you describe this hopeful vision you see, in your fantasies of "symbiosis"?
Are the Seaborn to be magical seafloor fairies spoken of in children's stories, or will they be our beloved household pets?
Will Gladiia debate philosophy with them? Will Skadi take teatime with them? Will Laurentina be dancing with them?

<Background fades out and in>

Blandus : ......

Ulpianus : ......
You can't paint even a single proper picture, can you?
Your own proven record as the scientist you were, thrown away. When I see you now, Blandus, I can only laugh.

Blandus : I've never heard you say so much in one breath, Ulpianus.
You mean to tell me you despair, yes?

<Background fades out and in>

Ulpianus : The only one who ever despaired was you.
So you have no right to go regretting anything, fighting anything. Not in front of me.
Every fallen must be sentenced, and their every corpse should be hung from the dry reefs.

Blandus : ...Is it even in you to sentence me?
The campaign to slay the Firstborn was full of questionable points, and you stand as the greatest suspect. Everything you've done now puts you at odds with Ægir—
This nation has rejected you.

Ulpianus : And so I have no choice but to take on your noble work?
The man I knew would never have given this conman's rhetoric.

Blandus : I'm simply stating the facts.

Ulpianus : Then in this moment, the last I will ever spend as an Ægir, I sentence you.

Blandus : ......

「Blandus says nothing back. Perhaps he's lost the energy, or given up on retorting. This dialogue of monologues has dragged on long enough, to the point it's begun to wear on him.
The golden holochart ripples before him. Too bright, he thinks—and so he closes his eyes. 」

[Audio buzz ]

「From somewhere, a communication intrudes and shatters the brief silence. With it, he hears the shrill grinding of his old friend's anchor being dragged across the floor.
But only one thought makes it in time. He couldn't even give the Hunters a welcome-home hug. 」

BP-ST-2: Backflow Current

Summary

Jordi helps Ulpianus send a warning to the Abyssal Hunters from the tower. Their beacon planted, the Hunters are ready to return when they are swarmed. Meanwhile, above the tower, the Seaborn begin to seep into the city through the dome.

[The door opens and footsteps rush in. ]

<Background 1>

Jordi : Señor... Ulpianus?

Ulpianus : You?

Jordi : Phew... So it is you, okay.
We met once, at Gran Faro, actually it was you who approached me... Though I never learned your name until after I got here.
Please, you're not supposed to be here, it's—

Ulpianus : Control center for the beacon tower.

Jordi : That man on the floor... did you do that?

Ulpianus : It's the most fitting end for one who fell.

Jordi : What did he do?

Ulpianus : None of your business, young one. Leave this place, for your own safety.

[Ulpianus accesses the beacon terminal. ]

Ulpianus : The nest beacons have all been activated. The sabotaged weapons are warming up. How else can I warn the Hunters...?

Jordi : Is Laurentina's group in danger?
Did this man do it? Is that why you...?

Ulpianus : ...

Jordi : You won't tell me. You don't trust me... Well, I don't trust you either, honestly. You never introduce yourself, and seeing all this, it's really only right to suspect you.
But they're your friends. You're a Hunter, too. I think I know a little about your tales together.

Ulpianus : He did his dirty work on them before they left.
They're still caught in the Seaborn tide for now. I'm not entirely certain what's going to happen, but the danger is definite.

Jordi : If they went to plant the beacon and are still in the nest, maybe we could send their beacon a signal from this tower, to warn them.
I was helping out here earlier. I know roughly how the basic controls work.

Ulpianus : ...Then do it.

Jordi : O-Okay.

[Jordi begins typing on the terminal's keyboard. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Ulpianus : Well?

Jordi : It's much more complex in practice, but I can say this tower seems to operate on a very similar framework to a lighthouse's control system.

Ulpianus : As far as I'm aware, Breogan passed through this city and aided the tower reconstruction effort.

Jordi : The technician mentioned that the tower will automatically navigate the weapons once every beacon is active, and all other controls will be locked out by the program.
So if we want to send a signal to one of these beacons—let me see...

[Jordi frowns. ]

Jordi : Just as I feared, it's impossible to resume control.

Ulpianus : Do you have any way to circumvent the lockdown?

Jordi : If Breogan was involved in the reconstruction, then maybe, just maybe... I have a very stupid plan.
My entire time here in Milliarium, I've been trying to get to understand the man Breogan was.
He had a habit of writing things down. Always noting his thoughts, his suspicions, etc. He kept it up even on dry land.
Was it so he wouldn't forget things? I think... I can try temporarily shutting down the main control panel's data decomposition system, like this—

[Jordi presses several more buttons. ]

Jordi : Um, before, you were bringing up... my history...
You called me Breogan's descendant, but just from looking at his images, you can tell I don't resemble the genius architect one bit.
My parents were just Ægirs "rooted" to the land. There are plenty of us across Iberia and the other terrestrial countries. Strictly speaking, we don't even count as...

Ulpianus : So what?

Jordi : It... it used to trouble me, but recently I've been learning to let myself get over it, to not think so hard about it.
It's just, you were the first to ever mention that to me, so I wanted to be sure. Um, why did you think I was...

Ulpianus : True, I did miss the mark, but I never engage in baseless speculation.
There is more of a bond between you than you think.

Jordi : A bond?

Ulpianus : The Profound Silence ruined Iberia. The lighthouses fell dark along the coast, and doubt and suspicion grew in their shadow.
Breogan was forced to flee the splendor he himself had designed. Gran Faro was one place he sheltered while on the run. The research notes your parents left you are undoubtedly connected to him.
They were people he knew he could entrust his life's work to.
Look at what you're doing now, young one. You may not be his descendant by blood, but you have most certainly inherited a portion of his wisdom.

Jordi : I...

Ulpianus : Milliarium is the first Ægirian city you visited and, coincidentally, the last Breogan stopped at before leaving the country entirely.
His trail covers the entire seabed, and everywhere he went he visited those of great repute to share his thoughts on dry land, his conjectures on Terra's future.
He had hoped someone would head for the continent with him, so that one day land and sea might stand against crisis together, seek new possibilities together.
Many admired him for his talent, but perhaps his suggestions were too ahead of his time, for in the end hardly any responded to his invitation.
In Milliarium, he even volunteered to take part in this tower's reconstruction, in exchange for an audience with the then consul.

Jordi : And?

Ulpianus : Do you need to ask? He was rejected.
But as the work finished, he made the final decision to wrap up his winding tour and officially depart for the faraway soils.
Even if his time on the road had gained him practically no support.

Jordi : ...

Ulpianus : Think over what you've done. You left the town you knew, and came to this alien place they call your home. That, too, took incredible courage.
In this respect, you and Breogan are not dissimilar. Conversely, if all you'd shared was just blood, then that would have been something to be ashamed of.

[Ulpianus pauses. ]

Ulpianus : I do not usually play psychological counselor, Jordi Fontanarossa.

Jordi : I think, really, I...
Ah.
That did it. At the very least, signaling a single beacon shouldn't be an issue—let's see, Nest 37...
I hope Laurentina and her friends notice.

[Jordi pauses. ]

Jordi : Actually, Señor Ulpianus.
Is it just me, or is the air getting... stuffy?

Ulpianus : ...

<Background 2>

Specter : My comms just picked up a faint gravitational wave. What a strange feeling, seeing the ripples in spacetime with my own eyes.

Skadi : Just like in the manual. Seems the beacon's already active.

Gladiia : According to Clementia, this beacon going live should mean the Class IV weapon array will automatically come online.
We should head back the way we came, immediately.

Specter : Aw, and here I was thinking we'd stay behind and enjoy our front-row seats!

Skadi : What's so fun about watching cannons fire?

Specter : Oh? Weren't we supposed to have something rather different in store?
I thought we'd see the Seaborn silently "popping" all at once across the entire stretch. How poetic, how fitting, when you consider all the little bastards' wrongs, no?

Gladiia : Though Class IV weaponry may not affect us, pointless dithering will only invite more variables.

Specter : Hrmph, fine. Off we go, then.

[Specter swims ahead. ]

<Background fades out>

??? : (Vacuole merrily whirls)

<Background 2>

[A Toxocellular Drifter floats down. ]

「A soft murmur reaches Specter's ear, and when she turns to look, she meets with an eye. More accurately, a "nucleus" leaping to and fro.
The flagella of the Seaborn sticks to her cheek, soft as a kiss. Specter sees the nucleus pulsing in a clear rhythm, blending with her own heartbeat. 」

Specter : —!

Skadi : Shark!

Gladiia : Don't attack yet, Skadi.

[The Seaborn swims past. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Skadi : It went straight past us?

Specter : Doesn't strike me that we spooked it. More like something pulled it away.

Gladiia : ...
The beacon!

[The beacon activates. ]

Skadi : Captain?
The gravitational waves coming from this thing aren't supposed to be so irregular, are they?

Gladiia : ...
Skadi, behind you!

[Skadi attacks a Drifter behind her. ]

Skadi : Move!

<Background fades out and in>

Seaborn : (Vacuole merrily whirls)

[Several Seaborn swim up, making strange noises. ]

Seaborn : (Soft membrane cheerily stirs)

Seaborn : (Creased skin excitedly shudders)

[The Seaborn turn around. ]

「The currents reverse.
The tide sweeping the Seaborn surges back into the nest. The sound of beating membranous wings, of compressing and unfolding, of clamoring mouthparts, of roaring streams...
The whole space reverberates with layer upon layer of cries—of pure elation! 」

Skadi : The beacon's been completely drowned out.
The eggs and newborns are multiplying rapidly!

Specter : Clementia said all formless newborns would enter straight into necrosis, and the mature individuals would flee from the area.
While the fungal mat, the vegetation... the whole nest would decay, starting from the environment.
But clearly we're not seeing much of a "collective necrosis" here, are we?
If anything, I'd say they're full of life!

Gladiia : Pull back!

<Background flashes>

「Gladiia turns the instant she barks the order, her lance piercing the Seaborn ahead as ruptured tissues bursts about like blood. 」

Specter : ...
Ever since that little bastard touched my face, I've been feeling sleepy, somehow...
How very strange. It's been so long since I felt this way...

Skadi : Ugh, I thought it was just me.

Gladiia : This shouldn't be...
Combat only sharpens an Abyssal Hunter's lucidity.

[Gladiia pauses in realisation. ]

Gladiia : Blandus?

Specter : You mean the auto-adaptive junction surgery?

Gladiia : We discovered an anomaly, and Blandus certainly treated us, but he also tampered with the procedure.
Yet whether coincidence or not, the Church's attack cleared our suspicions of him.
...This was my mistake.

Skadi : But, he's the Advisor. Why would he?

[Gladiia slashes a nearby Drifter. ]

Gladiia : If we want answers, we must make it back to the city.

[The Seaborn collectively roar. ]

Specter : ...

[Specter's saw slashes through a Seaborn. ]

「Specter skips ahead at the vanguard, her dance as graceful as ever. With but a twirl, a high-RPM sawblade leaves the Seaborn ahead carved in two. 」

Seaborn : (Vacuole excitedly swells)

Gladiia : The beasts have noticed us, and yet show hardly any will to attack.

Skadi : Captain, Shark, have you noticed the water flowing... slower?

Specter : Get a hold of yourself, Skadi.

Gladiia : No, wait. She's right.

Specter : ...

Gladiia : ...
These animals are secreting something.

「Finally, the tide receding, the nest temporarily bares the truth of its transformation.
Seaborn living and dead fall into every ravine in the seabed. The nest's borders have begun to bleach, chitin coming together into a thick crust. 」

Gladiia : Something has provided them immense nutrition. The whole nest is forming a carapace, and spurring every life within to evolve faster.
A "shell.' If we take the Iberian's so-called "nethersea brand" as the roadmap for the organisms' expansion, then this shell is the final act of fuelling before it begins.

Specter : ...

Skadi : ...

Gladiia : Without warning, the beacon pulsed irregular gravitational waves. Right afterward, the Seaborn swarm began to nest around it...
Either this is some elusive aberration in the weapons themselves, or someone in the city is trying to remotely control the beacon to transmit information. Or possibly both.
Whatever Blandus did to us during surgery has dulled our senses.
Consider the hunt on! Time is of the essence! Get out of here!

[The group swim hurriedly, slashing through Seaborn and breaking through the nest. ]

<Background 1>

Jordi : *pant*, *cough*—

Ulpianus : Your cheeks are flushed, and your clothes soaked through with sweat.

Jordi : I-I'm not nervous!

Ulpianus : No.
You're accustomed to dry, arid land. You're more sensitive to dampness than an average Ægir.
The humidity is wracking you.

[The alarm suddenly blares. ]

Jordi : Hold on...
Look, look at the chart!
Densely packed bio-signatures... from—from right above us?

Ulpianus : ...
It's the dome above the tower... The Seaborn are seeping into the city through there.

Jordi : No, but weren't there two Legions out there keeping them at bay? Plus the Hunters...
Even, even if some from other nests slipped around the perimeter, Milliarium still has countless sensor units across the dome, and all sorts of complex defenses...
How could the Seaborn get into the city without a sound?
Did this tower draw them in?
*cough* *cough*, *pant*—But why?

Ulpianus : ...
My guess is, someone showed them the path.
Blandus, had it ever dawned on you that your folly would lead to such disaster?

「Ulpianus is pensive.
He does not turn to look at the culprit of all this, lying motionless on the floor. He stares closely at the holographic sea chart. Dots representing the Seaborn swarm converge right on Milliarium's coordinates.
They shine like the stars. 」

Operation story: BP-7

Before operation

Summary

The Seaborn infiltrate the beacon tower. Mutation erupts throughout the city. Consul Clementia pulls the entire population together to respond to the cataclysm and escorts the Doctor and Kal'tsit to the port. However, they run into an unexpected enemy: a fully Seaborn-assimilated Ægir; a researcher of prehistoric civilization who went missing centuries ago.

<Background Black>

[Wind blowing ]

「There are always chimes like little bells resounding from the dome, the result of countless tentacle-shaped bio-monitors analyzing the most minute changes in the ocean current.
Occasional dull roars echo faintly from the port, as warships coming to and from the harbor gracefully displace vast amounts of seawater, like gigantic fins.
The goods, flying through aerial optic cables in squeezed state to every household, emit a near-subsonic buzzing.
......
These myriad noises, varied yet not chaotic, have become the ambiance of Milliarium, long since faded into the background for its ten thousand or so residents.
But now, all those residents stop in their paces. They wonder if their ears are deceiving them. 」

「At first, it was like a wisp of wind sweeping across an angular reef.
Then, like a newborn who tentatively poked its head out of the warm womb.
And after that, a colony. A nest. An entire region of sea. 」

「The thick, bizarre sound of blooming of life could be heard clearly.
The children of the sea now give back to the ocean.
They give civilization a kiss, and civilization is now filled to the brim with life. 」

[The alarms blare. ]

<Background 1>

Tense Ægir : Look!

Mysterious Ægir : —!

「The usual tower looming over the city center is gone, replaced by an enormous stone column, the type seen only in karst caves in the sea.
Layer upon layer of fine, porous, slimy, and smooth Seaborn tissue encircle the walls of the beacon tower.
Yet light from the equipment within still permeates, casting an ethereally enchanting glow over its surroundings.
Microbial colonies float down from the column, blossoming into oddly-shaped lifeforms. 」

Tense Ægir : If it weren't for the statues I can just barely make out, I'd have thought these were untouched wilds!

Mysterious Ægir : ..."Nest conversion."

Tense Ægir : Why would there be Seaborn in the city? I know we haven't—

Mysterious Ægir : Doesn't matter if we did or not, as long as the results are as expected.
I just hope it's a lesson those ever-sinking Ægir will never forget.

Tense Ægir : What do we do now?

Mysterious Ægir : We keep it growing, and stop the city from pushing it back.

??? : Was murdering Tullia not enough? Do you need to destroy the entire city to sate your appetite for chaos?
At first, I was planning to tail you back to your allies and save myself some effort.

[Footsteps approach ]

Secunda : But since it's an emergency, I'll have to haul my net in now.
You will be the thirty-third and thirty-fourth Church of the Deep's cultists caught by the Sea Patrol this month.

Tense Ægir : The Sea Patrol...

Mysterious Ægir : You've harmed a lot of our brothers and sisters lately.
Clinging to the current order will do you no good. What Ægir needs isn't a struggle for its life in despair, it's—

[Secunda neutralises the cultists with her weapon. ]

Secunda : Shut up. I'm not here to debate.

Sea Patrol Captain : Praefecta Secunda, an unusual concentration of bio-signatures has been detected. They've tripled in number in a short time.
It seems the Seaborn have fully converted the tower into their nest, and are now steadily producing more of themselves.

Secunda : We cannot allow them to spread to the other city units!
The nearby civilians have already started evacuating by themselves. Take a squad to guide them to the emergency shelters.
Remember to clear the roads of all support machines. If the Seaborn contaminate them, they could be used as weapons against us.
The rest of you, get in formation and deploy barriers. Keep the Seaborn within the perimeter of the beacon tower!

Sea Patrol Captain : Yes, ma'am!

Secunda : I was sure the Class IV weapons had already been activated. Don't tell me...

<Background 2>

[The communication channels buzz. ]

Clementia : ...I'm listening.
Lock down all Class IV weapons immediately. I want a thorough inspection of the entire system, as soon as possible.
All troops who have fallen back, regroup at the port immediately.
From now on, all combatants are to remain on standby on the channel.

[The comms are turned off. ]

Clementia : ......
............

Doctor : This isn't quite what you described. / I'm guessing this isn't part of the plan?

Kal'tsit : Look at this real-time nautical chart. Just an hour ago, Seaborn bio-signatures were generally stable.
But now, every nest on the continental shelf is getting closer and closer to each other... No, it's not that the nests are moving. They are expanding endlessly.
Like countless drops of ink spreading across a sheet of paper.

Clementia : This entire stretch of sea is turning into a nest.

Kal'tsit : The scattered nests are linking together as one, with Milliarium in the middle.
Did Ægir really bring weapons to disperse them, Madame Consul, or a mass of catalysts? Are you annihilating them, or feeding them?

Clementia : ......
If Blandus tampered with the link between the beacons and the weapons, it must have been him who altered their effect as well.
And as a result...

Doctor : Ægir's hopes of landfall have been exploited. / The city's now a foothold for Seaborn expansion.

Clementia : As the Waterway Program's Chief Designer of Warfare, I will take full responsibility for this. But we haven't lost the battle quite yet.
Look outside. Not a hint of disturbance on the streets. Milliarium has not yet sunk into panic.
We've struggled against the Seaborn for more than two hundred years. We've experienced countless incidents like this. It's far too early to declare Milliarium "lost to the enemy."
Dr. Kal'tsit, Doctor, you must leave the city at once. I'll escort you to the port.

Kal'tsit : I had assumed a consul would need to remain at her post.

Clementia : As things stand, the port is the heart of the city. A key military installation we cannot afford to lose.
The Seaborn have already invaded my city. You think I'll wait for our uninvited guests to knock on the Pensivarium's door?

<Background 3>

[Jordi stumbles. ]

Jordi : Gah—
The air's getting more humid the further we go. I-I can barely breathe...

Ulpianus : Watch your step. Use your device to float over. Don't step on that.

[Lumen rides on the device. ]

Jordi : ...Nethersea Brand?

Ulpianus : Indeed. Yet another means for the Seaborn to extend their reach. They've already spread from the top of the tower to here, much faster than you'd see on land.

Jordi : The Seaborn are nesting in the city?!

Ulpianus : Above our very heads.

Jordi : You said there was someone directing them... Why? How?

Ulpianus : This is the work of that dead man, Blandus. He spent the last five years on this.
According to his farcical plans, the signals emitted by this tower would, along with the weapons we brought, become a bridge connecting humanity and the Seaborn.
He has indeed built a "bridge" of sorts, but the Seaborn have not reciprocated his ambitious goodwill.
Our connection has only served to alert the beasts to Milliarium's position, and given them an understanding of our defense mechanisms.
The Legions had taken great pains to divide this stretch of sea into manageable regions, but with the nests now converging on the signal, they are whole once more.
The Class IV weapons that should have destroyed the nests and repelled the Seaborn have done the exact opposite. Seaborn tissues grow along their firing paths. What should have withered was instead nourished.

Jordi : ......

Ulpianus : Hmph. Even until death, he never realized his own arrogance.

Jordi : Señor Ulpianus, I don't quite understand what you're saying. But right now...

Ulpianus : The Seaborn already consider this tower a new nest. It will steadily spawn and attract more from other nests to gather here.

Jordi : Can we reverse the change?

Ulpianus : It's too late.
We have only one option. Eject the city unit the beacon tower stands on.

Jordi : ...Eject?
But underwater cities aren't built in blocks. How would you—

Ulpianus : There is still much you do not understand about Ægir.
Unlike the nomadic cities of the land, pieced together from cumbersome plates, Ægir technology focuses on the biological, especially when it comes to city construction.
Biting off a poisoned limb is an instinctual reaction in a seabeast. Nothing difficult.
We must keep the remainder of the city, for it still has use. Otherwise, the Seaborn in the area will eventually unite into one, and no one would ever be able to stop them then.

Jordi : They'll come ashore without a hint of resistance. They'll land in... Iberia...
What do we have to do exactly?

Ulpianus : A massive yet precise framework supports each city unit of Milliarium. The operation system controlling the linkage of the tower's unit should be in this control center.
Once activated, it will send the entire tower into the depths.

<Background 3>

[Jordi approaches the terminal. ]

Jordi : ...Is this it?

[He types on the keyboard. ]

Jordi : I can operate it—but there's no response.
It doesn't seem like there's any issue with the system, so it must be the linkage itself...

Ulpianus : The Institute of Facility Management has specialists dedicated to the maintenance of the framework. It is less likely to malfunction than a Hunter's weapon is to rust.
And yet, here we are. Precisely at a time like this...

Jordi : ......

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 4>

"Little Handy" from Institute of Facility Management : Reading error occurred (2).
Run fault diagnostics?

Avitus : ......

[Footsteps approach ]

Jordi : Do you need my help, Mr. Avitus?

Avitus : Oh, no. I was merely observing this abandoned Little Handy.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 3>

Jordi : Could he...
Could he know something about this?

Ulpianus : Hm?

Jordi : I might know who to look for.

Ulpianus : ......
Contact the Ægir soldiers outside. They'll help you exit this place.

Jordi : ......
Are you going to stay here? Alone?

Ulpianus : You still have doubts about me, young one. Good.
But someone needs to stay in this control center.
Once the tower completes its conversion, Milliarium will be unable to eject it, even if we manage to repair the linkage.
A seabeast cannot spit out its heart, when the heart is no longer its own.
I must remain to confirm that the framework has resumed operation, then eject the tower myself.

Jordi : But if you do that, you'll sink along with it... into the hordes of Seaborn...

Ulpianus : You needn't worry about that. Or do you mean to say you'd be more suited for that duty?

Jordi : ......

Ulpianus : You don't have much time, young one.

[The comms activate. ]

Jordi : Y-You have already—

??? : Isn't this the frequency of the beacon tower?
Secunda, Sea Patrol. Who's inside the tower?

<Background 1>

Secunda : Then what about Blandus?

Ulpianus : He's dead.

Secunda : ......
The two of us were in contact, but I never noticed anything unusual. I should submit myself to the consul for discipline once this is settled.

Ulpianus : Milliarium must abandon the tower. I must see it sink into the abyss with my own eyes.

Secunda : And after that?
Will you return to Ægir? Can you return to Ægir?

Ulpianus : I told you not to ask pointless questions, Secunda.
You should not allow the past to render you indecisive.

Secunda : ...You're overthinking things.
Blandus told me what happened back then.
As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter which of you rejected my application.
Though I'm willing to admit that... I regret not becoming a Hunter and fighting alongside you all. Deeply.
I'll admit that I felt anger and resentment for a long time. I even envied Skadi.
But eventually, I became accustomed to patrol work. For your sake. For the sake of the project keeping our home, our civilization, safe.

Ulpianus : Staying outside of a specific project will allow you to see more sacrifices, more betrayals, more untrustworthy people, more things deviating from their paths.

Secunda : Like you, right now?

Ulpianus : ......
Have you thought through what you should bear?

Secunda : If you truly did betray Ægir, if you really are associated with that scum, then you're in that tower now to plan your escape. I'd bear the guilt of allowing a fallen Ægir to flee.
If you're still a Hunter, then you'll be fighting alone. However, it's already impossible to wipe your slate clean after infiltrating the city, breaking into the tower... not to mention the outcome of the tribunal.
Ægir may not remember your sacrifice... Just like how Tullia will inevitably be forgotten.
But I agree. Ejecting the tower is the most effective way to help Milliarium respond to this disaster.
I approve of your choice. I'll afford you some limited amount of trust.

Ulpianus : Hmph. Very well.

Secunda : You have five minutes. After that, I'll come rescue that land dweller in the tower.

<Background 5>

Clementia : The entire city is following the emergency transportation coordination plan. We'll enter the axial channel via the Sophontheatrum and leave for the port.
I will remain there to direct operations, while the Sea Patrol takes command of this ship and sees you to dry land.
The drone matrix will also head to the lighthouse and assist Iberia in mounting a defense.

Kal'tsit : Should the city not organize an evacuation of its citizens as well?

Clementia : Milliarium is a military fortress. It is able to accommodate its citizens during battle. All civilians have already been escorted to shelter by the Sea Patrol.
—

Doctor : Those neural cables by your hand...
Should they be... twitching like that?

Clementia : No. With communications down, my connection to the ship's operating system has also been cut off... I'm losing control.
Little Handy, run diagnostics on the entire ship.

[The small machine buzzes. ]

"Little Handy" : —

Clementia : The systems breach is more serious than I expected.
We might not have enough time to land. I'm sorry.
At least the city's artificial gravity is still functional. The devices you have will help you move freely through the air.
Now follow me. No need to be scared; all you have to do is walk out the door.

[Clementia walks through the open door. ]

<Background 4>

<Background shakes>

Clementia : Comms are still down. Looks like someone managed to cut off the entire Sophontheatrum from the outside.

[Squelching noise ]

Clementia : —

Kal'tsit : —Mon3tr!

Mon3tr : (Vigilant screech)

「Mon3tr spreads its ebon talons as a wave of heat washes over you. At nearly the same time, the consul draws her ceremonial sword and steps to the side to cover you and Kal'tsit.
You take a good look at the "enemy" before you. 」

[Strange growling ]

<Background fades out and in>

??? : ......

「An unusually-shaped Seaborn bars your way.
It seems to lack hostility. Before Mon3tr's roar startled it, it simply stood there quietly, its featureless face illuminated by the coral-shaped terminal in the middle of the Sophontheatrum.
The granular organelles surrounding its body spread out like arms, "stroking" the branches of the terminal, and fusing with the flowing characters and symbols on it.
Was it observing? Sensing? Can it even comprehend human perception and reasoning?

It turns towards you. 」

Clementia : A... Seaborn. Is it the one that breached the terminal? This is unprecedented. And not a good sign.

Mysterious Seaborn : (Garbled Ægirian) There is no justice here. Only the path ahead.

Clementia : A Seaborn trespassing in an Ægirian city, reciting an ancient proverb in a sanctum designed by sages past.
This might be the most ironic scene I've witnessed since I joined this war. Uncouth, even for a provocation.

Kal'tsit : Its use of language and its manner of speaking... are all unlike the usual outcome of the Seaborn's forced "learning."
I fear this Seaborn was once human, Madame Consul.

Mysterious Seaborn : Language. Never have I forgotten it. Never has it abandoned me.

Clementia : What about your thoughts? Do you actually comprehend yourself when you clumsily mimick the sayings of the wise?

Mysterious Seaborn : Comprehend? No. I did not understand their true meaning, even as I left them for posterity.
Now, I have a new understanding.

Clementia : Left for posterity... Mártus?
You're Mártus?!
The key member of the fourth observation team of the mantle ruins, the scholar of anthropology and prehistoric civilization who went missing more than two centuries ago? That Mártus?

Mysterious Seaborn : ...In my most distant memories, I was once, known by that name.
But now, you need only be cognizant of my appearance. You see before you a Seaborn. Call me as such.
"Seaborn."

「The Seaborn floats towards you.
Through its transparent skull, you see strangely colored orbs gather and disperse, steadily changing their formation. 」

"Seaborn" : Ægir. Allow me to converse with the one behind you.

Mon3tr : (Angry howl)

"Seaborn" : Glub—Tell your little friend to stow its fangs. Its flames cannot burn my blood.
AMa-10—

Doctor : Who are you? Why did you call Kal'tsit that? / You know who Kal'tsit is?

Kal'tsit : ......
Stay vigilant, Dr. {nickname}. I'll speak with it.

"Seaborn" : Kal-tsit... Kal'tsit. I see now. If you are accustomed to that name, I can call you by that.
I have waited for you, Kal'tsit, for the two of you, for a very long time.

After operation

Summary

The mysterious Seaborn descends on the city. Kal'tsit and the others learn of the Church of the Deep's origins, and more of the truth behind the Seaborn. Gladiia hastens for the city, but fails to save Ulpianus. He has already separated the tower-turned-nest from the city, and sunk with it into the abyss.

<Background 4>

"Seaborn" : Long have you walked the land, Kal'tsit. The changes in the sky would not have escaped your attention.

「The Seaborn raises its head slightly, gazing up with its non-existent eyes. Perhaps a habit from the time it still had them.
Above the dome, beyond the infinite water, something in the distance seems to have caught its attention. 」

"Seaborn" : Tell me, how long will it take for the hole to close again?

Kal'tsit : ...I see.
Ægir was right. The Seaborn had a clear reason for leaving the ocean and invading the land.
You came because you noticed the change in the barrier.

"Seaborn" : I have seen through the eyes of we many who have ventured on land.
There is a ripple in the sky. The immutable veil has been torn open.

Kal'tsit : Your survival instincts have driven you to monitor every change in the environment... and the dangers they signify.

"Seaborn" : Dangers? Yes.
You are indeed sharp, Kal'tsit. Your program runs smoothly.
Our communication will be, effective.

Kal'tsit : ......

"Seaborn" : The calamity that hangs above Terra. The eye that gazes upon us. Does it see the abnormality of the sky? Or has it already...
You understand Terra, Kal'tsit, and the crisis it faces.
You can. You must. Help we many understand, help we many evolve.

Doctor : Am I hearing this correctly, Kal'tsit? / Rhodes Island came to eliminate you.

Clementia : I sincerely hope this is the Seaborn's wishful thinking, rather than some kind of consensus you have, Dr. Kal'tsit.

Kal'tsit : Let it finish, Madame Consul.

"Seaborn" : The last chance is fleeting. The oceans of Terra are too small.
Knowledge. Nourishment. Space. We many must grow. We many require help.

Doctor : You're not just trying to go on land? / You want to go into space?

"Seaborn" : Growing wings is not difficult, but insufficient. Going beyond the skies requires a revolution in the species' fundamental nature.
You have the knowledge, Kal'tsit. You help we many understand, and we overcome calamity.

Kal'tsit : Whatever their origin, the Seaborn are non-sapient creatures driven by instinct, ones that the Church fanatics have placed their unreasonable expectations on.
But you know far more than either of those two groups possibly could. How?

"Seaborn" : We are the same, Kal'tsit. You and we many, have the same duty.

Kal'tsit : Perhaps I should reframe the question...
How did the Seaborn evolve into what they are today? What do you have to do with Caerula Arbor going out of control?

"Seaborn" : Is the answer important to you?
I can speak of my own history, if it helps you understand my intention.

Clementia : ...We've waited two centuries for these answers.
What really happened in that failed expedition? What turned you into what you are now?

[The Seaborn gargles. ]

"Seaborn" : Failed? No. It was a success beyond our wildest dreams.
We penetrated the deepest layer of the mantle ruins for the first time.
The Predecessors carved open the rock and built massive, maze-like complexes reaching into the lower mantle. We'd never gone further than them, even after thousands of years of excavating.
The mantle ruins, the genesis of Ægir civilization. We thought we'd find more relics, more secrets, more answers there.
But all we had hoped for did not exist. All that was buried in those depths was a spark of hope.

Kal'tsit : ...Go on.

"Seaborn" : I was separated from my team along the way. I was the only one to make it to the end of the path.
There, I saw...

[A massive creature roars. ]

"Seaborn" : A giant. Some massive thing sleeping in the shadow of the cerulean tree.
I did not see His entirety. A small part of His limb was enough to fill my entire vision.
That limb was touching the transparent wall of a sealed chamber. Perhaps He was waiting for contact, or perhaps...
Before I realized it, I was standing before Him and reaching out.
The wall of the chamber was cold, but I could feel His warmth. Then, visions surged towards me from every direction, inundating me.

Kal'tsit : A Feranmut shared its vision with you. What did you see?

"Seaborn" : Fallen cities under an oppressively hanging dome, the land aflame, the stargate extinguished, the Star Ring broken, the road network shattered...

Kal'tsit : The destruction of prehistoric civilization?

"Seaborn" : Yes. Ægir never discovered the reason for its destruction, but I saw a vision of it before my eyes.
Yet it was not the end. Visions continued to flow, visions far beyond my limited comprehension.
Eternally dispersing particles and oceans of sand that never ripple...
Cold, lightless plains and darkness without end...
Burnt-out stars and ever-expanding black holes...
Nothing there was familiar. I lost my senses, all of them, and even the Feranmut that shared vision with me could not sense His own existence...
It was an entirely alien place, without life, meaning, or information—

「The Seaborn's words stop. Through its transparent skull, you can see the strangely colored nuclei gather, then disperse. 」

[The Seaborn gargles. ]

「It seems to be thinking, and the nuclei represent the process of its thoughts. 」

"Seaborn" : But you, Kal'tsit, understand the meaning of those images.

Kal'tsit : ...The crisis destroyed everything. It cannot be visualized; there is no word in our language to describe it.

"Seaborn" : It was the end of prehistoric civilization, and the calamity that Terra must face. It is the end of all things.
The horrifying images left me as I pulled my hand back, replaced by another image. One that was broken, blurred, chaotic.
He and His children shall devour all that is living, and consume the moons and the stars. All that is living and dead shall nourish Him, and He shall murmur at the end of time—
"Survive."
Over and over. Survive.

Kal'tsit : "Chaotic", "murmur"... was the Feranmut asleep?

"Seaborn" : He was trapped within a dream. The dream stagnated, evolution stagnated, duty stagnated. He was trapped in the cerulean cave.
Therefore, I must awaken Him.

<Background 1>

[Cassia is operating a terminal when someone runs up behind her. ]

Avitus : Cassia!

Cassia : Magister Avitus.

Avitus : Did you and your comrades go into hiding in order to destroy the city from within? Waiting for when the Sea Patrol's guard was at its weakest?

Cassia : You should be evacuating, Magister.

Avitus : The Sea Patrol has noticed, Cassia. They're investigating you.

Cassia : You're showing this much concern for me because that tiny embryo I left in the incubator reminded you of the past, am I right?
I'm just curious: Do you regret your decision?

Avitus : Now is not the time for this.
The Seaborn have invaded Milliarium. Stop what you're doing, or the city will be lost.

Cassia : Isn't it a little late for that?

Avitus : Why did you...

Cassia : Choose to betray Ægir?
I told you. The Seaborn have revealed the weakness of Ægir's very foundation. Before people can regain the will to live, the collapse of their values will have crushed them already.
Once, you were a great scholar. But what are you doing in this city now?
You found out about me a long time ago, didn't you? You had many chances to stop things from getting to this point. You could have reported me to the Sea Patrol at any time.
But you did nothing. You sat and waited, watching everything happen like a blind fin spinning in a whirlpool.
Did you come to Milliarium just to witness the destruction, and validate your own despair?

Avitus : I'm not... I can still stop you.

Cassia : As long as life remains tied to any value system, it is doomed to eventually collapse. Life itself should be reason enough to live.
We must rekindle our most basic survival instincts, and force the people to reassess the values they once held in such high regard.
Only by doing so can they be saved from despair. From becoming like you.

Avitus : Like me...

??? : Watch out!

[Jordi pushes Avitus out of the way of an approaching Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : (Cries and buzzes excitedly)

[The Seaborn is shot down. ]

Secunda : ......
Hmph... Cassia got away.

Jordi : The linkage here was sabotaged. No wonder it didn't work from the control room!
L-Leave this to me, ma'am.

Secunda : The Seaborn are approaching.

Jordi : My mentor at the Inquisition taught me some Arts... although my talents are nothing to write home about.
That woman worked at the Institute of Facility Management. She'd know how to sabotage the city unit framework...

Secunda : I appreciate your courage, Jordi. I'll call in people to get this area under control. As for Cassia, she's mine.

[Secunda runs off. More Seaborn begin to approach. ]

Seaborn : (Rapidly flaps fins)

Jordi : Wh-Whoa! Already?
Are you going to keep lying there, Mr. Avitus?

「His student had vanished. Avitus gazes upon the young man who suddenly appeared before him. The fear in Jordi's eyes is obvious, but he lights his lantern with a trembling hand. 」

Avitus : Jordi...

Jordi : I heard your conversation.
You... You're not an evil man. But I'm disappointed in you. Very disappointed.

Avitus : ......

Jordi : Did you come here with this city because you believed it wouldn't make it back?
What are you hoping for? Death?

Avitus : You should have returned to land sooner, Jordi.
Look around us. The Seaborn will soon overcome the barrier between the city's units. It will all come to an end, just like—

Jordi : You never answer my questions properly!
I may end up leaving Ægir, and leaving behind all my hopes and longings, but it won't be because it's about to be destroyed.
I've read "The Death of Life," you know, but it didn't answer any of my questions.
Let's say all your predictions come true, and that at some point in the future we'll have no choice but to watch our homes come to the end it depicts, just like that man in the book.
But does the destruction of a civilization really weigh more than that of a city, a family, or a person, here and now?
I don't understand. I just... don't.

Avitus : ......

Jordi : I wasn't sure if I should say this, but...
You said your Familiar gave up on the idea of raising a child and died in disappointment. But was she disappointed in the future of Ægir, or...
In you?

Avitus : ......

「The young Ægir musters all his strength. The lantern shakes violently, and the flickering light repels the Seaborn.
He gasps for air. Sweat rolls down his cheeks. Avitus can see his arm tremble, but if anything, it is himself who cuts a sorrier figure. 」

Avitus : ...Look out!

[The Seaborn roars. ]

<Background 3>

Ulpianus : You have smeared your bodies on the outer wall, infiltrating through the trail of weapon fire before reshaping. What a convenient form of life.
Seaborn.

[A Toxocellular Drifter approaches. ]

Seaborn : (Joyfully convulses its gelatinous body)
(Excitedly sways fine tentacles)
You, here.
Nest, we, seen. From nest, you, leave. Incomprehension.
Ul-pianus, kin. You, here, wait, us.
Ul-pianus. Ul-pianus. No, confusion?
—

[A spear pierces the Seaborn. It wails. ]

Seaborn : (Pained convulsions)

Ulpianus : ......

Seaborn : No, need, pain.
Individual death, eternal. The many's survival, eternal.
Ul-pianus, I, lead, you. New individual, born, for you, help you... extend me...

[The Seaborn melts into a gelatinous puddle. ]

[Footsteps approach ]

Ulpianus : Gladiia.

Gladiia : *Cough*—Ulpianus.

「There is no expression on Gladiia's face. She holds her lance sideways, its point touching the floor.
An almost imperceptible posture, enough to mitigate the fatigue that continues to rush up from within her, and to support her as she stands before her long-absent colleague. 」

Gladiia : Your "friend" is now a pool of goo, but you still need to answer its question.
......

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 6>

Specter : Such rowdiness. This is really poor dance etiquette, you know?
Ha—

[Specter swings her saw ]

Specter : Dance is an art. It's all about elegance. You can't make it work with strength of numbers.

<Background Gladiia thrusts her spear.>

Gladiia : What? That didn't pierce it.
This used to be a cluster of coral changed by the Seaborn, but now it's a wall. No one knows how thick it is.
The warning from the city, the unusual movements of the Seaborn, the results of the abnormal surgery... We must get out of here and find out what's happening at Milliarium.

Specter : The entrance is gone?

Gladiia : No, it's us. We're losing our sense of direction.

Specter : Capsidization... Everything around us is hardening. The algal blanket, the unhatched eggs, even the waves.
This entire nest will become a hardened shell for these creatures to store their nutrients. A shell without a single crack. There is no way the three of us can...
Even worse, the stagnating environment is exacerbating our exhaustion.

Skadi : Captain Gladiia? Shark?

Gladiia : Behind you—

[A Toxocellular Drifter descends. ]

Gentle Seaborn : (Hums gently)

Skadi : Eww.

[Skadi slashes her sword, but it dodges. ]

Gentle Seaborn : Nest, become whole. Soon, the sea.
You, kin. No harm.
We many accept you. We many protect you.
Here, much nutrient. Sleep. Only sleep.

Skadi : ......

「The lethargy, which had heretofore been suppressed by the fighting, begins to spread through every limb and organ.
The thick and hard shell solidifies the waves. All is stagnant. The Hunters vaguely sense their consciousness sinking, as though there is no bottom. The Hunters hear the song—
Coming from right beside them, coming from inside them—
"Ishar-mla."
"The hardship we suffer is ever present."
"The life we thirst for is ever present." 」

<Background fades out and in>

Specter : Over there... Skadi...

「Roaring.
The faint roar comes from above. The thundering roar comes from beside. The stagnant seawater flows again. 」

「The infinite ocean could be bound by a cocoon. Then, from where comes the force that can break even the cocoon?
Land. Moon. The scent of wheat. Home far away.
The force has become legend. It has shattered mountains, death, time, all that is tangible and intangible—
He will not be bound. 」

[A massive creature charges into the Drifter. ]

Rocinante : (Loud neigh)

[An armoured figure swims towards the Hunters. ]

The Last Knight : —!

Seaborn : You, many, alike...
From where...
Hraaagh—

The Last Knight : The waves, you built them, you hardened them.
Are you... turning this to land?
Will not allow.
Contradiction. Wilderness, mountains, rivers, wheat fields. Land is just land.
I seek, I reproach, I crush.

Gladiia : The one who was with Ulpianus...

Specter : Whew... A pleasure to see you again, Sir Knight.

Seaborn : You, not kin.

The Last Knight : (Furious roar)—!

<Background 1>

[The Seaborn bray loudly. ]

Seaborn : (Agitatedly twitches soft tentacles)
(Excitedly flaps creased fins)

Irene : Out of the way!

[Irene cuts down the Seaborn, which melts. ]

[Hurried footsteps approach ]

Jordi : Doña Irene!

Irene : I've been looking for you.

Jordi : Sorry, I...

Irene : Received Consul Clementia's message? Dr. Kal'tsit's group is headed to the port, but then we lost communications again.
We must return to the Eye of Iberia immediately, inform Lord Carmen, and help the Inquisition and Penal Battalion form defense lines.

Jordi : No. We have to wait.

Irene : Why?

Jordi : Most of the invading Seaborn are still under control near the beacon tower. If that unit can be ejected...
Then Milliarium is not yet lost. It can even organize a counterattack.
But the cultists have sabotaged the linkage to prevent it from being jettisoned.

<Background fades out and in>

[More Seaborn approach and Irene swiftly cuts them down. ]

Irene : The Sea Patrol is already cleaning up the Seaborn in the area. We can't let these slip away either.
I'll deal with them. As for whatever this linkage is you're talking about... Will your engineering skills help?

Jordi : ......
Yes!
I can fix it!

Irene : Good. You take the lead on that.
I'll protect you and Avitus. We can return to land as soon as we're done.
We worked together at the Eye of Iberia. Let's pray we do just as well this time.
But these Seaborn from the depths are different from the ones I've dealt with on land. I don't know how long I can hold them off.

[The Seaborn shrill. ]

Jordi : We've said all that needs to be said, Mr. Avitus. Come and help, if you still have the strength!

Avitus : ......
Alright.

Irene : Hurry, Jordi!

Jordi : Hurry, Jordi Fontanarossa!

<Background 3>

[Footsteps approach ]

Gladiia : You warned us through the beacon... And the strange knight who appeared at the lighthouse broke through the shell just as we were about to fall asleep.
Is he part of your plan too, Ulpianus?

Ulpianus : The madman who's forgotten himself is an enemy of the sea, of everything abnormal that has become normal, and of himself.
No one can control someone like that. We just happened to travel together.
Are you the only one to make it back?

Gladiia : They're on their way.

Ulpianus : Breaking through the nest's shell and returning through tides of Seaborn... Your speed was remarkable, but you're too late.
You've seen what's happening to Milliarium. The many have exploited Ægir, and Milliarium will be the stepping stone for their invasion of the land.

Gladiia : And what, precisely, is happening here?
The first thing I heard when I arrived at the port is that the Abyssal Hunter, Ulpianus, had entered the control room of the beacon tower and killed the weapons technology advisor of the Waterway Program.
And indeed, Blandus's body is right behind you.

Ulpianus : ......

Gladiia : You're quiet.
I assumed you'd feel more anguish over him.

Ulpianus : I take it you've figured him out then, judging by your reaction.
I doubt we have time to discuss a fallen traitor... even if he was once our closest comrade.

[The terminal reactivates. ]

Ulpianus : That young man really did it.
The linkage has been repaired.

[The building begins to separate from the city. ]

Gladiia : You're trying to eject the beacon tower from Milliarium... A wise plan.
It seems there's still hope for you.

Ulpianus : This place will sink to the ocean floor in a few minutes. Do you smell it?
The stench of frenzy...The Seaborn above have noticed the changes to the tower. They're seizing the last opportunity to break the blockade and reach the other parts of Milliarium.
Leave, Gladiia. Now.

[The tower shakes violently as it starts to collapse. ]

Gladiia : Come back to Ægir, Ulpianus. This is your last chance.

Ulpianus : I still have things to clear up. If I give up now, all my efforts will have been for naught.
The dreams and end of the prehistoric civilization, where the Seaborn came from, where they will go, the calamity before our eyes, the destruction beyond the skies...
Being aware of them is not enough to turn the tides. I must learn more.
If the Seaborn have memories, I must know every last detail of them.

Gladiia : I'm not disputing that. We're back in the ocean, back in Ægir. We'll have many chances to approach the truth.

Ulpianus : That is your way. And I don't disapprove. But we need more approaches, more angles, in order to maximize our odds of victory.
As you've said, I'm on another path now.

[Gladiia steps closer. ]

Ulpianus : Will you still try to stop me?

Gladiia : Unless my eyes deceived me, the Seaborn I just killed had evolved specifically for you.
That doesn't just mean they are trying to accept you. It means that you also...

Ulpianus : Correct.

Gladiia : Then you know well what being inside a rapidly hatching nest would mean for you, in your present state.
Answer me, Ægir. How much of your mind is still your own?
Is there even enough left for you to choose death?

Ulpianus : It's the only way for me to earn the trust of these scum.

Gladiia : You're an outstanding Hunter, and a learned scientist. Are you really so arrogant as to believe you can control your transformation through willpower alone?
Accidents like the one during the auto-adaptive junction surgery will not happen every time.
I can't simply watch you walk down the path of destruction.

Ulpianus : ...You're at your limit.
We're both experts in violence. You'll die if we fought here and now.

Gladiia : Is that so?

[Gladiia charges at Ulpianus. ]

「Her lance draws a cold arc through the air. Ulpianus lets loose the chains, and his massive anchor flies at Gladiia, forcing her to leap up. 」

<Background shakes>

「The sound of the building sinking drowns out the clash of metal. Seawater and Seaborn rush into the control room.
In the last moments, Gladiia watches her erstwhile colleague stand before the darkened holographic sea chart, calmly waiting for the colorful waves to swallow him. 」

<Background 4>

Kal'tsit : Your description raises many questions.
The feasibility of modifying a Feranmut into a biological ark by leveraging its habit of fostering an independent ecosystem inside its body had already been verified on Talos.
The technology used by the project was mature.
And their complex was deep in the mantle. Energy coming from the heart of the planet could support the facilities' operation for almost an eternity.
The project had more than sufficient power supply.
Why, then, did the project deep beneath the ocean "stagnate," as you put it, and go out of control, releasing innumerable Seaborn?

"Seaborn" : The existence of Feranmut was introverted by nature, yet He was to turn all things to nourishment for His survival. He was given meaning that did not belong to Him, and a name that did not belong to Him—Ishar-mla.
The changes They were put to were bolder, wilder, more ambitious, and more despairing. Their nature had long since exceeded the biological ark you speak of.
For unknown reasons, however, Their subsequent actions did not follow the program.

Kal'tsit : Meaning that the project did not proceed along the planned lines, but the new direction was also interrupted?

"Seaborn" : Not entirely. He—They continue to foster new offspring within themselves.
But the lives trapped within the Feranmut were weak. They evolved too slowly.
The new generation needed to be liberated. They needed to leave the Feranmut's body, adapt to new environments, and obtain more nutrition.
More nutrition to be fed back to the Feranmut, so that His evolution may be accelerated.

Kal'tsit : Under normal circumstances, the organisms nurtured within a Feranmut are rarely able to venture beyond its body. Yet the aggression the Seaborn have demonstrated outside...
The modifications these Feranmuts have undergone were indeed transformative.

Clementia : So it was you, Mártus, who brought the Seaborn into the ocean, and sowed the seeds of calamity.

"Seaborn" : Seeds of calamity? No, the offspring were weak, and Ægir was strong.
The seabed was governed by a self-regulating ecosystem. Offspring that devoured the algae fields would be discovered and destroyed before they could proliferate.
But Ægir should not have been an obstacle. Ægir should have provided aid. Fortunately, my influence in human society was still useful.

Clementia : The Institute of Development Planning had already announced the deaths of the members of the fourth observation team of the mantle ruins at that time... You "came back from the dead" just to corrupt your countrymen?!

"Seaborn" : I held no forums, no debates, only a few sincere conversations. I helped some discover the problem, and some discover the answer.
It was enough that they were willing to give the Seaborn an opportunity. We many will find a way out eventually.

Clementia : The ecological disasters, the fallen cities, the citizens lost... How many of those were you responsible for?
Was it you who cajoled Blandus and the cultists behind him to infiltrate the Waterway Program and alter our weapon systems?

"Seaborn" : (The nuclei within its skull spin)
This so-called Church of the Deep is not a formal organization, at least not in the sea.
It needs no guidance, no leader.

Clementia : Not an organization... You mean you manipulated the people's thoughts and behaviors only using their faith and tenets?
How did you implant the ethereal concept of "god" into them, when such absurd ideas were completely absent in Ægir?

"Seaborn" : Civilization could never truly purge the idea of primal worship. It awaits at the end of science, ready to be awakened at a moment's notice.
The Ægir you call "cultists" do not know the truth. Each of them acts according to their own thoughts and ideals. Each faces their own questions and dilemmas.
"Selfishness and altruism."
"Flaws and perfection."
"Nature and civilization.'
"Logic and unreason."
'The differences in strength and the shackles of form.'
"The limitations of ethics and the future of humanity."
"A manufactured truth and the beautiful cycle..."

Doctor : You deceived your followers. / It was all a scam from the get-go?

"Seaborn" : (The nuclei within its skull spin)
A scam? No.
Primal worship originates from the survival instinct.
Every thread of thought by every "cultist" ultimately leads to a single question: How to survive better.
Faith? Tenets? No, only a desire for survival.
You struggle for survival too, do you not?

Doctor : When you preached survival in Ægir...
Did you ever tell them whose survival you were talking about?

"Seaborn" : The survival of life itself.
Just as the survival of civilization inevitably involves the destruction of many more, the survival of life inevitably involves the end of many.
Many species have gone extinct due to the activity of the offspring, while they gathered nutrition for the Feranmut. I once recorded the number, only to forget it.
For the moment Ishar-mla awakened, it had become a meaningless, insignificant number.
The birth cries of the newborn, interwoven with the wailing of the dying...
Songs brought Silence.

Clementia : ......
You knew the consequences of awakening the Firstborn from the very beginning. A disaster for the entire ocean, for countless species. But you show no remorse whatsoever.
You even gave up on recording the number of sacrifices. Was it because you'd gone numb after taking so many lives?
But numbness is no excuse for your crimes, Mártus.

[Clementia draws her blade. ]

「The consul steps forward. Her ceremonial sword is elegant, but the light reflecting off it is chilling, cutting off the sightline of the Seaborn gazing towards you. 」

Doctor : Clementia. / Madame Consul.

Clementia : The Sophontheatrum. You designed the building that inspired so many of our people... myself included.
But you stand here now, calmly explaining how you pushed Ægir into the abyss.
I've seen images of you. A gentle, meditative observer who has the habit of constantly pushing his large glasses back up his nose.
Look at you now. Even the richest of thoughts can only be expressed by the simplistic movements of your cells.
You still have your glasses on your neck. Is it to reminisce about old friends whom you have no right to reminisce, or to mock the dead whom you have no right to mock?

"Seaborn" : ......

Clementia : If you are Mártus the Ægir, then I hereby pass judgment upon the fallen.
If you are merely Seaborn, then we'll skip the formalities.

[Clementia slashes. ]

「The organelles surrounding the Seaborn expand and parry Clementia's attack. The ceremonial sword cuts into the shadow of the coral-shaped terminal. 」

<Background flickers>

[The terminal buzzes then shuts down. ]

"Seaborn" : Mm—Gurgle.
You cut off my control of the terminal?

Mon3tr : (Breathes scorching fire)
(Howls furiously)

"Seaborn" : ......

<Background shakes>

[The comms reactivate. ]

Sea Patroller : Emergency transmission. This is the 10th attempt—
The Seaborn have taken over the beacon tower. We cannot stop the conversion! But someone has activated the ejection protocol for that unit—good job, whoever you are!
Bio-signatures keep soaring in number. The nests are becoming one—
Incoming Seaborn tide! Scope is the entire continental shelf! Repeat, incoming Seaborn tide! Scope is the entire continental shelf!
Emergency transmission. This is the 11th attempt—

[Clementia steps forward. ]

Clementia : ......

[She activates the microphone. ]

Clementia : This is Consul Clementia. Citizens of Milliarium, heed me!
Once the city unit containing the beacon tower has been fully ejected, the rest of the city shall break through the Seaborn encirclement and move towards dry land!
Reactivate the linkage mechanism in the city's framework and perform a structural reorganization. Force fields at full power! We'll stop the Seaborn tide from setting a single tentacle onto land!
Legions VIII and X, along with the Sea Patrol: send all operational warships out in turn to escort the city!
May Ægir and our forefathers be with you.

[Transmission ends. ]

"Seaborn" : You were looking for an opportunity this whole time... consul of Ægir.
You're tough.
We... too. Once.

Clementia : ......

Kal'tsit : ......

Doctor : ......

<Background shakes and fades out>

<Background 7>

[The alarms blare. ]

Inquisition Clerk : Is it Ægir or the Seaborn who are trying to open up a Waterway? The readings are off the charts. The endless Seaborn tide is approaching us at the very moment...
This is beyond the lighthouse's computational capacity!
Su Santidad?

Saint Carmen : I hear you.
Look in front of you.
Those deep colors between the sea and sky are a tide of Seaborn.
The wind grows quiet... There is no point in trying to estimate their numbers and scope now.
Experience is better than data. I've seen the ocean like this before.

Inquisition Clerk : Do you mean the... the Profound Silence?

Saint Carmen : ......
Leave the rest to the Penal Battalion and the Inquisitors.

[Footsteps rapidly approach ]

Penal Battalion Soldier : R-Report!
Two divisions are ready for action. Ægirian drone matrices are helping us fine-tune our defenses.

Saint Carmen : Ægir...

Inquisition Clerk : Sir... the ocean... Something's rising from it.
Is that... an Ægirian city?

[Water splashes ]

「Having sailed for thousands of miles, Milliarium rises to the surface of the ocean after casting out its heart.
Every inch of it is being reformed, supported by its framework. An invisible forcefield extends towards the bottom of the sea and the highest reaches of the sky, forming a structure like a great wall.
The structure breaks the surface of the ocean, creating a giant wave a hundred meters tall. However, on the other side of the city, the real tide has arrived—
It is a living wave. Seaborn of various forms have fused with the ocean. The children of the sea are the sea itself; they have even changed the color of the water.
The city from the depths and the roiling tide stretch out at the same time, colliding, embracing, and ripping at each others' throats.
Nature never tires, yet civilization will not stop its footsteps. 」

Seaborn : ......

Milliarium : ......

「All is quiet. No wind dares tell of what it sees, here and now. 」

Operation story: BP-8

Before operation

Summary

Milliarium's remaining city units reorganize themselves into a great wall, stopping the tide of Seaborn coursing towards land. The Waterway Program may have failed, but Ægir's Waterways open up once more in an unprecedented manner.

<Background 1>

<Background shakes>

[Footsteps ]

Cassia : *cough*—
Phew. That woman nearly got me—

??? : C-Cassia? I've been looking for you forever! Where'd you run off to earlier?

Cassia : Lucilla?

[Footsteps approach ]

Cassia : What are you doing here, child?

Lucilla : The city unit framework needs servicing; it's a standard combat duty. But... look at the beacon tower... What happened inside the city?

Cassia : The Seaborn have broken into Milliarium. That tower has become one of their nests.
Leave this to me. You should get out of here, quick.

Lucilla : It's too risky. I'll stay here with you.

Cassia : No need to—Urgh.

Lucilla : Are you hurt?!

Cassia : Yes.

Lucilla : It must have been the Seaborn as you came over—
Wait, no, a scratch like this couldn't be left by a Seaborn...
Did someone attack you?

Cassia : *cough*!

[Cassia approaches the nearby pipes. ]

Lucilla : Wait, why are you pulling out the safety valve?
Hey, don't push it! It'll cut off the ground level self-diagnostic system, and the city framework will stop working—
No, you know that way better than I do...

[Lucilla steps back. ]

Lucilla : You've been trying to do this all along, Cassia? Are you... with the Church of the Deep?
......
When the Sea Patrol investigated Tullia, you deliberately turned them against her? Don't tell me it was you who made her disappear—
What's this you've put on my neck?

Cassia : Longbeard combtooth grass. Something made by a friend in charge of raising road-side coral. Don't move. You'll die if its bristles pierce your skin. Quite painfully, if I may add.
Now—*cough*—Leave this place, child. Once it senses you've gone far enough, it'll fall off by itself.
You want to leave, don't you?
To be honest, before we became coworkers, I happened to see your assessment at the Institute of Development Planning.

Lucilla : ......

Cassia : You care so much about that data scientist because you've never forgotten that evacuation of Milliarium, have you?
You watched as the distant lights of the volcanic power station went out, surrounded in endless darkness, with only strange rumbles and rustling carried to you by the currents...
The ocean as it once was.
At that very moment, you were the closest to the ocean out of all of Milliarium. You, standing at the mezzanine of the dome, all alone.
The IDP assessment was that there was too great a psychological burden, which is why they agreed to transfer you from the dome system to ground level. Your so-called "fear of heights" was just a little joke of yours.
I'm afraid that you yourself don't even realize what lies deep within your heart.

Lucilla : ......

Cassia : The remaining Seaborn will soon discover that this route is still open. You wouldn't want to meet them again.
Go, quickly, before it's too late.

Lucilla : ......

「Cassia grips the safety valve and continues to push it. She no longer looks at the joke-loving colleague by her side.
The valve stops abruptly, releasing an ear-piercing shriek. She can push it no further.
A pair of slender hands are pushing back from the other side. 」

Cassia : Lucilla?

Lucilla : Hah, in any other situation, I'd definitely give you a piece of my mind, or stuff this whatever-grass into my ink bottle and tell you this sort of practical joke is beneath you.
But it's so bright... the light from where the tower sank in, from the dome above us... Every Seaborn on the whole continental shelf is rushing towards Milliarium, right?
Just what is behind those strangely colored lights?
You're not wrong, Cassia. The Seaborn have eroded away at our lives. I've experienced the truth of that myself, and I'll never forget.
I envied Tullia. Our experiences were so similar, but she was able to protect what she treasured all along. An amazing woman, really!
And look at me, I escaped the dome and got back to the ground. Before you arrived, I was even thinking of escaping from here, too.
But where would I go?
I can't let you break the framework, Cassia. I can't let the Seaborn get into any other Milliarium's unit, even if this grass thing kills me in the process!
Because... Because there's no going back for me.

Cassia : *cough*...
You really are strong, child.

Lucilla : Laurentina's parents once told me that while the dome may be beautiful, this transparent structure is actually the true eye of the city.
In fact, I've been asking myself recently... Since we're at war right now, shouldn't the eye be on the lookout for danger?

「She forces herself to look ahead, the strange colors reflecting in her pupils. The roar of the tides and the whispering of the ocean's progeny resound in her ears.
The young Ægir presses hard against the safety valve. She does not let go. She dares not let go. 」

[Cassia passes out. ]

「Only once a firm hand presses down on her shoulder, forcing her stiff muscles to relax, does she come back to her senses. 」

[Footsteps approach ]

Secunda : You can let go now, Lucilla.

Lucilla : Cassia, she...

Secunda : Temporarily paralyzed. I only managed to graze her with my shot, which is why the paralytic took so long to take effect.
Sorry for putting you at risk.

[The city broadcast system activates. ]

Clementia : This is Consul Clementia. Citizens of Milliarium, heed me!
Once the city unit containing the beacon tower has been fully ejected, the rest of the city shall break through the Seaborn encirclement and move towards dry land!
Reactivate the linkage mechanism in the city's framework and perform a structural reorganization. Force fields at full power! We'll stop the Seaborn tide from setting a single tentacle onto land!
Legions VIII and X, along with the Sea Patrol: send all operational warships out in turn to escort the city!

Secunda : It might be more appropriate if you were the one to handle the report regarding Cassia, Lucilla.

Lucilla : I see. You should be heading straight to the port now. The mission just declared by the consul is more urgent.
Cassia's already subdued. I'll take her to a doctor first, and then... she should be punished.
And if the city is going to undergo structural reorganization, the dome system will be the focal point of the force field to hold off the Seaborn. So they could probably use some extra hands up there...
Maybe I should submit an urgent application to return to my old post.

Secunda : You're very brave, Lucilla.

Lucilla : Oh, so you heard all that earlier...

Secunda : I did. Before you submit that application though, you ought to see a doctor yourself. Longbeard combtooth grass does in fact contain a potent neurotoxin.

Lucilla : Ah. Right, I will.

<Background 2>

Battleship Pilot : Ramming armor, check. Ship cannon mounts, check. Monitors, check. Camouflage coating, check. Propulsion system, check. All system diagnostics complete, ready to launch.
We'll be heading to the designated waters at full speed to block the Seaborn tide from the north.

Port Administrator : All weapon system permissions granted. No need to hold back. Don't let them get near Milliarium.

Battleship Pilot : We'll do everything we can.

Port Administrator : You're just part of the first sortie. We'll be sending the rest of our ships into battle after you.
You're to escort Milliarium in shifts while it's reorganizing, serving as an extension of its "Great Wall" and preventing the Seaborn from making landfall.
So remember, the moment you get the order to change shifts, you must return to resupply immediately.

Battleship Pilot : Understood.

[The pilot runs off. A Seaborn suddenly appears. ]

[The administrator turns on his transceiver. ]

Port Administrator : Seaborn spotted!
The remaining Seaborn in the city are attacking the port! Do not let them approach the warship docks!

[A sword slashes the Seaborn. ]

Seaborn : (Pained convulsions)

Skadi : Not content with ambushing us in their nest, they made a sneak attack on our city, too?
...How annoying.

[Skadi slashes the Seaborn again. ]

Seaborn : (Rapidly flaps fins)

Specter : Wrapping around a statue? What, have the Seaborn developed a taste for art since entering the city?
That said, the Sorrowdrinker is hardly a masterpiece, so I won't feel too bad when I've reduced it to rubble.

[Specter's saw grinds through the statue. ]

Skadi : Honestly, I think it's got more charm with an arm broken off.

Specter : Thanks for the glowing review, Skadi. Are you feeling better now?

Skadi : Yeah, ever since we left the nest.

Specter : Good to hear.

Port Administrator : It's the Hunters!

[The soldiers cheer. ]

Port Administrator : The Abyssal Hunters have safely returned to the city!

[Footsteps approach ]

Specter : Swordfish.

Skadi : Captain Gladiia, you've met...

Gladiia : Yes.
I saw him.
We've arrived at the right time. You must have heard Secunda's report over the emergency frequency.
Infiltrating Milliarium, breaking into the beacon tower's control room, murdering the weapons technology advisor of the Waterway Program, and finally, choosing to return to the ocean with the Seaborn.
Ulpianus has not made it easy to clear him of suspicion.
To capture him, or even execute him is a duty we Abyssal Hunters must perform in the future.

Skadi : Captain Gladiia...

Specter : ......

Gladiia : But for the moment, our mission is to search for the remaining Seaborn scattered around the city units, and put every last one of them to the sword.

<Background 3>

"Seaborn" : ...What must be said, I have said.

Clementia : You've avoided answering the question at the heart of all this, Mártus.

"Seaborn" : The question... at the heart...?

Clementia : From your description, everything that transpired beneath the ruins, the crimes you committed and the consequences incurred... They all seemed to stem from some mysterious "inevitability."
But the Mártus I know was an eccentric yet gifted man. He was doubtful by nature, and not one for making arbitrary decisions.
He would not have rashly discarded all reason and played at being the mystic. And he would have been even less inclined to reject his own existence, or ignore the worth of others.

"Seaborn" : The choices I have made, the outcomes I have borne.
Why do you care what the past Mártus thought, before he made his decision?

Kal'tsit : His past choices have made you who you are now. Without understanding his reasoning, we cannot understand your existence.

"Seaborn" : You would care about such trifles as well, Kal'tsit?
(The nuclei within its skull spin)
I understand now.
Of course you would care. How could you not?
The human that once ate the strange flesh experienced such struggle, too. Was it a day, or perhaps several? In the depths of the ruins, time holds no measure.
He feared. He doubted. He was compelled to think over every possibility.
Where will the next crisis come from? When will it descend upon Terra? He used a lifetime of knowledge to attempt to decipher the undecipherable, to comprehend the incomprehensible.
If there exists a lifeform that could survive the cosmos of quietus, even if only as a singular being, how would it be born?
Given infinite time, even the tiniest fin will be able to type out the ultimate truth of all things on a terminal using its tail. But time was our most precious resource.
Admittedly, the Feranmut before him had foreseen our ruinous prospects, but could He and His progeny continue bearing the torch of life through it all?
Supposing they could, before they instinctually iterate a way of overcoming that destruction in a limited time, how large a population and how efficient a fecundity would they require?
Would they have to consume a patch of sea? A whole planet? An entire star system? How many must die to support their lives?
Supposing they could not, then where did the true answer lie? On the other side of the ocean? On the other side of the sky? Or perhaps it is somewhere out in the sea of stars, untouchable by Terran hands?

Kal'tsit : Even if you spent your entire life simulating, you would not have been able to obtain a definite conclusion.
The information you possessed was simply insufficient to calculate every possibility.

"Seaborn" : Indeed, Kal'tsit. But the past Mártus had no choice but to try.
Danger and possibility both hung above his head, while below his feet he found only an unseen tightrope.

Clementia : You could have informed your country from the start.
Ægir would have helped take on your burdens. The oldest records of the Academy of Science could verify the past you saw. The latest inventions of the Academy of Technology could model the future you envisioned.

"Seaborn" : To cede the choice to others. Is that a solution, or an escape?
The choices of the countless many against the choices of the few. Are they more accurate, or more ambiguous? More earnest, or more capricious?
Suppose the means for life to continue is not civilization, and the species that transcends ruin is not humanity. If so, how would Ægir react?

Clementia : Enough, Mártus.
If you had thought of every possibility and foresaw the bitter price to pay, then your final decision is even more inexcusable.

"Seaborn" : No, Ægir, I do not mean to defend my choices.
What I wanted to say was that, at the time, there was an immature lifeform that interrupted my flights of fancy.

<Flashback starts here>

"Seaborn" : Its tentacles were minute, and its body yet uncoordinated. Beneath its translucent membranes, simple organs could be clearly seen.
Born from Ishar-mla, it had unknowingly crawled past the cabin wall, and was licking my ankle happily.
Was it unaware of how swiftly its death would come?
Did it not know that it was destined to become one of those insignificant dots among the millions of bio-signatures on the monitor?
Being the progeny of a Feranmut, could it have not seen the frightful vision its parent saw? Was it unaware that the destiny of its entire race was only to foretell and greet ruination?
It just wriggled calmly towards its foreordained destruction, acting out of instinct only.
As for us, there are countless possibilities to consider before making a decision, countless trade-offs to worry over.
We find ourselves unable to ignore the costs of our decisions, or the results, or the value and meaning of those results.
Humanity, glub—Humanity is ever a prisoner of itself, ever one step behind "fate."
This is the essential difference between humanity and the Seaborn. This is why they are suited to bear the duty of continued existence.

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 3>

Doctor : That's why you ate the strange flesh? / That's why you became like this? / That's why you interfered with civilization's evolution?

"Seaborn" : If there is any life that can survive that future of quietus, no matter what form it takes...
It is worth fighting for, no matter the cost.
"There is no justice here. Only the path ahead."
You should understand now why you must help we many evolve.

Kal'tsit : You are not the first one the Doctor and I have seen who can barely qualify as human, but they all made their hard choices.
No one had ever made a choice as horrifying as yours.
Before you ate that flesh to become a Seaborn, you had already renounced thinking as a human does.
From my perspective, that which you abandoned in your final moments—your doubts, misgivings, concerns, and struggles—were the most precious of treasures.

Doctor : They're treasures because they're unending.

"Seaborn" : ......

Kal'tsit : The Seaborn are swallowing Terra's life whole. You have not denied this, nor can you stop it. How are we to see them as our hope?

"Seaborn" : What is your choice then, Kal'tsit? To incubate Originium?
The collapsed stargate, the extinguished sarcophagi... Of the countless failed plans, is Originium the only one still in operation?
Stones amidst the land and sky, ever silent. They are an incurable disease, harming life atop dry land.
And yet, they are a plan left by the prehistoric civilization, one expected to save all existence at the very end... In ways incomprehensible to the average person.
Glub—The stairwell to survival can only be forged in the fires of destruction.

Kal'tsit : No. Such destruction must not happen.
Much like Caerula Arbor, Originium at some point turned to the annihilation you speak of. It changed in ways none can understand, and none can reverse.
And since it has changed, it must now be stopped.
Whatever the case, using life to feed life or ruin to beget ruin would only serve to remove all meaning from survival.

"Seaborn" : ...Kal'tsit. Or rather, AMa-10 from the records. You surprise me.
You and I should have arrived at the same conclusion via different paths. No. You should have been even more rational, more decisive.
I merely noticed a spark of the prehistoric civilization and took on its mantle. You, however, were born for this task. You held aloft its torch eons before I did.
You have kept watch over their distant aspirations and legacies. You have carried out your assigned mission. You witnessed changes. You bore loss... No human could have toiled for as long as you have.
But now...
Has endless "life" rendered you feeble, Kal'tsit? Has it turned you human?

Doctor : Kal'tsit has always been like this. / You don't know Kal'tsit at all.

"Seaborn" : Was it... because of this one?
Dr. {nickname}, or rather... Oracle?
Many facilities, many doors, your fingerprints, face, voice... Within the cerulean cave, among the ruins... traces of you lie everywhere.
You have visited the depths of the abyss before.

Doctor : Have I? / A pity I don't remember...

"Seaborn" : I recognized you. I have been speaking with Kal'tsit until now only because it is more efficient.
You must know the truth. Your visitation is sure to have meaning. Perhaps you are able to explain why the project is at a standstill.
But your title is different now; something has happened to you. Otherwise, Kal'tsit would have held no doubts about what had happened to the plan.

Kal'tsit : For several reasons, the Doctor is unable to remember many of the things back then.

"Seaborn" : (The nuclei within its skull spin)
"Memory loss"... Glub, unsurprising.
Losing one's memory is perhaps the most insignificant sacrifice you could make.
Even the most resilient of life cannot withstand the ravages of tens of thousands of years. The fact that you still exist upon Terra is in itself a miracle.

Doctor : ......

"Seaborn" : What I saw, what He saw, what They saw. Those frightful visions are an absolute truth to you.
You have lost your proud civilization and homeland. Heaven and earth have lost all color. Time and space have become vast prisons.
You have been exiled by despair. You have stopped to rest upon Terra. You have not escaped your fated ruin... All men will perish, all things rendered meaningless.
Despite this, you have not stopped fighting for hope. This planet has been forever marked by your resistance... Even if those marks are mostly wreckages.
I revere you and your cause. You, the people of a bygone age.

Doctor : A Seaborn acknowledges my past? / If that "cause" involves today's Seaborn... / Maybe the project stalled because they realized the cost.

"Seaborn" : Dr. {nickname}, whether you accept it, deny it, or are undecided, it matters not to me. I am not hoping to win your understanding.
I seek not your approval.
You, and your comrades, had planted hope in the depths of the sea. A possibility. A spark.
Perhaps you have forgotten it. Perhaps you have renounced it. Perhaps you now stand against it, come what may. Now, it is I who tends to this light. And I shall not see it extinguished.
The rejection of our flame's kindler will not waver the many's resolution.
Let's stop trying to prove ourselves. We shall return to the reality itself.

[The waves billow. ]

"Seaborn" : We many sense the oncoming crisis. Perhaps the eye beyond the clouds has caught a glimpse of Terra's exceptionality, a sword hanging above all our heads.
Terra is but a cage, trapping countless souls unaware of the truth.
Now there is a crack in the bars. A crisis, also an opportunity.
Sight. Sound. Smell. Touch. The rushing of the ocean waves.
Within the cage that is Terra, the children of the sea are the most resilient race. Never have they stopped evolving.
You cannot deny that We Many have become the most magnificent of miracles. They will become the sparks in the wake of the Big Bang, the seeds from which the cosmos will blossom once more.
They are the closest to... success.
Tell me, Kal'tsit, Dr. {nickname}, and the Ægir...
Do you now choose humanity, Originium, or the Seaborn?

Kal'tsit : It is true that a crisis fast approaches. There are still many questions I am unable to answer. Many truths I am unable to grasp.
But this does not imply that life can be reduced to a hollow concept. That would simply erase its original meaning.
You consider this a weakness, Mártus. I consider it my drive, bestowed upon me by this endless life of mine.

Doctor : Life's worth should be determined by the living. / Life's meaning should be written by the living.

Kal'tsit : The Seaborn are a calamity that must be stopped.
On this, the Doctor and I will not change our positions, and neither will Rhodes Island.
Without civilization, how can you speak of survival?

"Seaborn" : ......
Without survival, how can you speak of civilization?

<Background shakes>

Clementia : This ridiculous debate has gone far enough, Mártus.
We have excised the diseased organ from Milliarium. Your "kin" in the city are being eliminated as we speak.
You'll have plenty of time to reflect on what you've done and share the rest of your secrets with us in prison.

Mon3tr : (Furious howl)

"Seaborn" : You, Ægir, and that ebon monster...
It is futile to contain me. You alone, your city alone, are not enough to slay me. To slay Ishar-mla.
The city has completed its reorganization. I can imagine how it will look as it bars our current, but we many will surpass it.
There is no right or wrong here. So let your brief resistance provide our soundest proof.
Next, I will rouse the slumbering Firstborn. I will lead our kin to the moons.
You will become a part of this magnificent cycle, Kal'tsit. As will you, Dr. {nickname}.

<Background 4>

[Footsteps rush in ]

Saint Carmen : ......

Jordi : Maestro.

Irene : Su Santidad,[note 1] I am here to make my report.

Saint Carmen : No need. Ægir has already informed us of what transpired beneath the waves.
What of Kal'tsit and the Doctor of Rhodes Island?

Jordi : They're still in the city.

[Computer beeps ]

Inquisition Clerk : We're connected, sir.

Jordi : Th-This is...?

Saint Carmen : A real-time image of the sea's surface. All thanks to Ægir's drone matrix projecting directly onto the great lighthouse's display.
The Seaborn tide and the Ægirian city, both approaching the land. They're less than ten nautical miles away.

Jordi : That stirring spray, those intertwined currents... Are they all... Seaborn? Even the color of the seawater has changed...

Irene : That's only the portion exposed to the surface. The tip of the iceberg.
The Seaborn took advantage of Ægir's landfall. This entire sector of sea has become their nest.

Saint Carmen : Ægir's defensive perimeter... How long can that transformed city of theirs hold?

Irene : I do not know.

Saint Carmen : Have we come to the conclusion that Ægir's Waterway Program has failed?

Jordi : All the Ægir in Milliarium are still fighting as hard as they can.

Saint Carmen : For the past two months, the Penal Battalion has requisitioned all operational vessels along Iberia's coast. They've been on standby in Gran Faro, and are now ready to set sail.
I will personally lead them to reinforce Ægir's defensive perimeter. Together, we will stem the Seaborn tide.
I'm afraid you won't have much time to rest, Irene.

Irene : It seems not. I saw the Inquisitors in formation at the base of the lighthouse earlier.

Saint Carmen : In the end, Iberia has found herself walking a tightrope with no margin for error.
Survival, or utter destruction. There are no other paths before us.
Should Ægir's great wall fall, it will be up to us to educate the Seaborn on the significance of land, and the price they must pay for desecrating it.

<Background 4>

Jordi : —
M-Maestro! Doña Irene![note 2]

Irene : You stay here, Jordi.
This lighthouse will be our final bastion. The Penal Battalion's operations will depend on its signals. Do what you can to keep it going.

Jordi : No, not that—
Look out the window.
...Light.

[The radar picks up a signal. ]

Jordi : Is that... a lighthouse?

Irene : But aren't we at the only operational Eye of Iberia?
What's going on? Why are we suddenly receiving so many identical signals?

Jordi : The lighthouses along the submerged coast, which have sat in silence for more than half a century...
They have all lit up at once!

Irene : ¡Dios mío![note 3]

Saint Carmen : The silent technology of the Islanders... What are you responding to?

<Background 5>

Ulpianus : ......

「Ulpianus hears the rumbling of the city reorganizing above his head as he watches the lightless beacon tower slowly sinks into the depths.
The building that once supported the grand aspirations of his people is now a Seaborn brood nest.
The old and feeble will use their bodies as nutrients for the next generation. Their journeys will continue with their newborn kin.
This is how the Seaborn have always been. They spare nothing in their devotion to their kin, and do their utmost to nurture them.
The thought brings a brief moment of sickness to Ulpianus.
The weight of the great anchor in his hand stretches to his shoulder. The moment he realizes that he will never be recognized or remembered, he feels more clear-headed than ever.
He is yet unable to cut the disgusting connection between himself and the Seaborn, but he still has the strength to cut off the tide surging towards the city.
Gladiia was right. Battling in the rapidly proliferating nest might only hasten his assimilation. All that awaits him is death, or worse.
Ulpianus puts all his might into swinging his anchor.
As if able to read his thoughts, the tiny hatchlings gracefully avoid his swing before calmly flickering past the grip of his anchor. He adjusts his breathing, recalculates, and swings once more. 」

Newborn Lifeform : (Faint mechanical cry)

Ulpianus : —!

「An immature lifeform, freshly hatched, flits across Ulpianus's vision. It flips over gracefully, revealing minute yet precise mechanical structures in its belly for just a moment.
Then there are two, then three. The school of newborns link together into a fine path of light, illuminating the chaotic waves.
Adult Seaborn of all shapes crowd around them tightly, directing the currents and protecting them as they swim into the distance. 」

Ulpianus : What are you escorting, Seaborn? What is it you're protecting?

Stopping Seaborn : ......
Nutrients.
Life.
Kin.
And you, Ul-pianus.
We many, together as one...

Ulpianus : ......

「As a former consul of the Academy of Technology, one at the top of his field, Ulpianus is certain he is not mistaken. The steady flow of wondrous things streaming out of the beacon tower...
Are nanomachines once ensconced in there. A history cut off. A dream that died young.
As an Abyssal Hunter, he trusts his sense of smell as much as he does his scientific intuition. Their scent is no different from the Seaborn.
Those "beacons," dead in the cradle nearly two hundred years ago, now thrum with new life. Incubated by the Seaborn, they now swim together towards the tidal confluence on the surface. 」

Ulpianus : Have you not yet given up on these games, Ægir, despite your own noose around your neck? Or is this also a part of your plan?

<Background fades out>

「At first, there was only a mote of fluorescence.
Then, a flowing line.
And after that, an elegant lattice, spreading out across the surface of the sea.
...... 」

「Billions of nanomachines sway alongside the children of the sea, bobbing up and down on the ocean waves.
Their shimmer is minute yet clear, indistinct yet unwavering. The passage of light reflects about among the Seaborns' bodies.
The currents connect every nest scattered across the seas. Seaborn gather together from every corner of the ocean for their excursion onto land, gracefully extending the paths of light.
They intertwine with one another. The golden net they weave is like a galaxy strewn across the sea's surface, from Milliarium down into the deepest depths of the ocean.
The Waterway. The network of the ocean, one connecting land and sea, one transcending chaotic space and placid time.
Bound together with We Many. 」

After operation

Summary

Milliarium reconnects with Ægir's home territories. Gladiia's mother uses a remote connection to discuss an alliance between land and sea with Consul Clementia and Kal'tsit, but the outcome is by no means satisfactory. The mysterious Seaborn meets Skadi before its departure—a meeting between the two "Ishar'mla"s.

<Background 3>

[Several soldiers march into the arena. ]

Sea Patrol Captain : There you are, Consul Clementia.
We noticed an extremely unusual bio-signature in the Sophontheatrum. I'm glad you're unharmed.

Clementia : What's the status of the frontline?

Sea Patrol Captain : Legions VIII and X, alongside the Sea Patrol, have been sending out escort ships alternatively, as per your orders.
The city's reorganization and the force fields are both complete. Milliarium is holding against the Seaborn tide.

Clementia : Inform every relevant researcher in the city. I need a minute-by-minute breakdown of the situation of this region of sea.
We're still being far too passive even with our contingency plan put into motion.

Sea Patrol Captain : Madame Consul, you may want to see what the drone matrix just sent back.

[Clementia checks her device. ]

Clementia : Hm?
These passages of light between the Seaborn...
"Waterways"?

[Footsteps rapidly approach ]

Ægir Technician : Consul Clementia, we've re-established communication with the home territories! We just got a dispatch from the Institute of Scientific Development Planning.

Clementia : ......
Any news from the Hunters?

Sea Patrol Captain : Three of them have returned to Milliarium. They're cleaning up the remaining Seaborn in the eastern city units.

Clementia : Contact Gladiia. Tell her to come meet us immediately.

Sea Patrol Captain : Yes, Madame Consul.

Clementia : Let's go, Kal'tsit, Doctor.
You need to deepen your contact with Ægir.

Doctor : I'll go with this captain to inform the Hunters. / Kal'tsit alone will be enough for diplomacy.

Kal'tsit : (Whisper) Doctor?

Doctor : (Whisper) That Seaborn left and head to the east... / (Whisper) That Seaborn might run into Skadi...

「You exchange a quick glance with Kal'tsit. 」

Kal'tsit : Madame Consul, the Doctor still has some affairs to settle.

Clementia : ...Very well.

<Background 7>

[There is a knock at the door. It opens and Gladiia walks in. ]

Gladiia : The final battle for the Waterway Program has concluded with a Seaborn invasion of Milliarium. I require an explanation, Consul Clementia.

Kal'tsit : Gladiia.
Were any of you harmed?

Gladiia : I see you're here too, Kal'tsit.
We had a few unexpected encounters, but nothing we couldn't handle.
I believe that, as an envoy of Iberia, Dr. Kal'tsit also requires an explanation.

Clementia : I could use one myself, if we're being honest.
There is someone who wishes to see you all.

'Little Handy' : —

[The small machine whirs and clicks. ]

「The Little Handy moves to the center of the Pensivarium, its projection module emitting cold motes of light, slowly coalescing into the figure of an Ægir woman.
She sports a smile under her golden hair. Her eyes are focused on everyone in the room, as though she has been waiting for, or perhaps observing, them for a long time. 」

Gladiia : Consul Horatia.

Horatia : Whyever do you look so fatigued, my little Gladiia?
Though the transmission efficiency of the Waterway is much higher than I anticipated, I fear our simulacra are still unable to transmit my feelings.
Otherwise I'd stroke your hair and give you a nice, big hug.

Gladiia : No need. You know the risks of doing so.
The changes on the sea's surface, as well as the sudden appearance of the "Waterways". Was this your doing?

Horatia : Whether Ægir or Seaborn, we all find ourselves competing over time.
The Seaborn must keep sending nutrients to every region of sea they conquer. They wish to quickly transform the entire continental shelf into one great nest.
Every issue has two sides. This disaster has also blessed us with bio-energy beyond measure.
More than two centuries ago, the beacon launcher would have required a dozen cities' bio-energy systems to continually fabricate the nanomachines comprising the Waterways.
Now, those nanomachines are being fostered by the Seaborn, who regard them as harmless kin.
Using the data flow between the nanomachines as a medium, fleets and cities in squeezed state could traverse the oceans in an instant.
Though these machines cannot take Ægir to the stars as our forebears imagined, they are more than enough to carve a path of life for civilization in its time of need.

Gladiia : But that would mean that, for the foreseeable future, Ægir will have no choice but to enter into some kind of symbiosis with the Seaborn, using that... scum, as they in turn use us.
Is this another of your so-called "games"?

Horatia : It is how we will break through this siege.
The term "Waterway," the path ahead for Ægir, has never referred only to pure waters.
You have always had your doubts about the Program, and that is fine. But if that doubt serves only to put you in disarray, then it is useless.
As Ægir is determined to open a Waterway between sea and land, there was no question that it shall do so.

Kal'tsit : I do not doubt your success, but perhaps there is still room for debate as to your methods.

Horatia : Dr. Kal'tist, I presume. Consul Horatia, of the Institute of Scientific Development Planning. It's a pleasure.
It pleases me that there are still those on dry land who have inherited the will of the prehistoric civilization. That Ægir is not alone in our duty.
I am also glad to see you have begun our discussion with a firm diplomatic stance.
Then can I take it that you speak for all terrestrial civilizations, and that we can dispense with establishing diplomacy with them one by one?

Kal'tsit : I, too, am glad to see Ægir abandon its contentment in isolation and seek out cooperation with the land.
But I regret to inform you, Madame Consul, that I do not represent it in its entirety. I merely understand it more than most.
That said, I believe what Ægir needs now is exactly a thorough understanding of the terrestrial civilizations.
You and I both know that this Waterway will not be used only for resisting the Seaborn. Ægir has its eyes on every unnatural existence in these lands.

Horatia : It is the only means for us to ascertain the intrinsic nature of Terra, and to eliminate the disasters hanging above our heads at the source.

Kal'tsit : And I am sure you are aware of how such actions will be perceived by the terrestrial nations.
Compared to the Seaborn, you would be seen as the more direct threat.

Horatia : We bear them no ill will. We need not stoop so low.
The cruelest thing we could do is ignore the need of help of other tottering civilizations we meet on the road to settling this crisis.

<Background 7>

Horatia : Of course, we will first help them to learn how to walk.
Bottlenecks of development, dilemmas of war, barriers of race, clashes of cultures, trends of ideology, changes in the structure of society...
Over the millennia, Ægir has grown freely beneath the waves. It has faced every issue a country might face.
We wish to share our experiences, without reservation.

Kal'tsit : And how would you do so?

Horatia : Using Milliarium as our main port, we would send talent and technology ashore, to aid the Iberians in revitalizing their home.
Feranmuts perceive the oncoming crisis far more keenly than humanity. That young one will not shelter Kjerag forever.
We can aid that nation long trapped in snow in breaking through its developmental barriers in a few short years, so that it may stand equal with its neighbors.
We can aid the Sami in purging the demonic corruption permeating every inch of snow, and restart the abandoned stargate in the north.
Ursus? Kazdel? If the flames of war rage, we will calm them. If there are disputes, we will resolve them.
Bolívar? Higashi? National unity is but a few fruitful negotiations away.
Ægir will aid them in every predicament. Ægir will guide them towards the only goal they need. Under the leadership of Ægir, the land and sea will share a common future.

Kal'tsit : Madame Consul, I do not doubt Ægir's sincerity, but... I fear your proposals will not have the effect you expect.
I am sure you have the means to bring Kjerag up to par with the Core nations in a few years.
But will dialogues between equals necessarily center around peace and development?
Were Ursus's internal problems to be resolved, who is to say they would not bare their fangs once more, and attack their neighbors to satisfy their regained appetite?
Bolívar's many regimes might reach a consensus under Ægir's pressure, but how will you eradicate the profound, deliberately provoked hostility?

Horatia : Dr. Kal'tsit, are you saying that Ægir's efforts to aid the terrestrial civilizations will only result in the opposite?

Kal'tsit : I am saying that we can establish a more equal and profound cooperative relationship between us.
With only your probes, you are unable to understand a civilization's needs. With only your experiences, you are unable to force a nation to skip over its path to development.
Before you act, you must learn more. Otherwise, the winds you stir on land may become some great storm you cannot turn a blind eye to.

Horatia : We would be more than happy to hear your suggestions, then.
On the condition that you do not allow us to be held back by excessive caution and meaningless apprehension.

Kal'tsit : Seeing the gulf between us, between land and sea, I understand that we will need many more discussions before we can make progress.

Horatia : Once the Waterway opens, I look forward to meeting you in the flesh. Whether on land, or in Ægir's home territories.

Kal'tsit : I as well, Madame Consul.

Horatia : What about you, Gladiia?
Do you agree with Dr. Kal'tsit on this matter?

Gladiia : The IDP need not question Rhodes Island's sincere wish for cooperation, nor Dr. Kal'tsit's ability. I can vouch for both of those.
And there are indeed essential differences between Ægir and the nations of the land.
The land dwellers are shortsighted and clumsy, which makes them frail. Forcibly removing the differences between them would be no different from destroying them.
It is truly necessary to show good faith.

Horatia : Hmm.
I've never seen Gladiia place so much trust in someone, Dr. Kal'tsit. A feat, to be sure.
Perhaps she can be a bridge between our peoples, and aid us in coming to a consensus.
You will see that Ægir's plans are no mere idle pratter.
Now, do allow me a moment alone with Consul Clementia.

<Background 8>

[The waves surge. ]

Sea Patroller : Secunda, a fleet approaches from the land!

Secunda : Iberia.
Hail them via the drone matrix.

[Communicator activates ]

Secunda : This is Praefecta Secunda, of the Milliarium Sea Patrol.

??? : Err... It's me.

Secunda : Irene?
We're currently in a head-on battle against the Seaborn. Don't come any closer.
Your ships are too crude. I'm sorry, but they may get sucked into the eddies around Milliarium.

Irene : You're saying that Iberia should just wait quietly on land?
That I should just watch Milliarium get invaded by Seaborn, and let the Waterway transform into some kind of god-knows-what that even you Ægir never foresaw?
We've already talked about this, Secunda. I'll be there in five minutes.

[Transmission ends ]

[The alarms blare. ]

Secunda : Halt all attacks.

Sea Patroller : If we are going to pick up the Iberians, we'll just have to open the access channels to the rear. Why stop attacking?

Secunda : Look at the screen.
The Academy of Technology just sent an urgent communique.

Sea Patroller : This...
What do we do?
Are those light-emitting nanomachines components for the Waterway?
But the Seaborn are still attacking the city. If they've fused with the nanomachines and bear identical bio-signatures, our weapons won't be able to locate and attack the Seaborn only...
Don't tell me the Legions want us to halt our covering fire and rely only on Milliarium's force fields to hold them back?

Secunda : May as well slit our wrists and be done with it.
......

[Secunda activates her device. ]

Sea Patroller : Scribbling on your device again? You know, sometimes I really admire your ability to keep a cool head.

[Secunda scribbles. ]

Secunda : Use the images from the drone matrix to render a 3D model.

"Little Handy" : Rendering in progress.

[Machine beeps ]

Secunda : Perhaps the answer lies within the riddle itself.
The bio-signatures of the nanomachines and the Seaborn are identical, but we still know clearly that the nanomachines have formed a Waterway.
How?

Sea Patroller : ......
We can see them! Each machine emits a particular light that's clearly visible!

Secunda : Contact the Academy of Technology, and tell them we have a proposal for modifying our weapons' targeting systems.

Sea Patroller : But... recalibrating two Legions' worth of auxiliary optical systems would take a lot of time.

??? : What about using a lighthouse on land?

[Footsteps rush in ]

Secunda : Irene.

Irene : It seems we arrived in the nick of time. A dozen or so lighthouses on the lost coastline have resumed operation. They're... responding to your Waterway.
Combined, they should be enough to illuminate this entire patch of sea. Maybe they could serve as your auxiliary optical systems?
I'm hardly an engineer, but these lighthouses were built with Islander... er, Ægirian technology. They should be compatible with your existing systems.

Secunda : That should cut the time needed in half. I'll let Consul Clementia know.
...Thank you, Irene.

Irene : The Inquisition would be overjoyed to see these newly unclouded Eyes become part of the combined defenses of land and sea. We're partners now, Secunda.
Though maybe we should be thanking Breogan instead.

Secunda : Breogan...

Irene : He truly dedicated himself to these lighthouses.
A naval architect drifting into a foreign land, striving for the day when land and sea could work together. He foresaw calamity, but left no answers behind.
It's a pity that Ægir saw him as an outsider, while Iberia never truly accepted him. He died alone and miserable. But now, his plans will finally have the chance to become reality.

Secunda : ...We acted far slower than he did.

Irene : Indeed.

Secunda : But it's not too late. Or rather, now is precisely the time.
Let's get started, Irene.

<Background 7>

Clementia : I'm still more used to you with your veil on, Horatia.

Horatia : Hmm?

Clementia : Did you show off the scar below your ear to let Gladiia know that, as her mother, you will tolerate her setbacks just as you accept the blemish she left on your face?

Horatia : Hah, I'm not that strict a mother.

「With her left hand on the astrolabe, Horatia's right hand softly strokes her cheek below her right ear, where a thin scar stretches upwards, nearly touching her eye.
There is a smile on her face. 」

Horatia : But this is no blemish. It's beautiful. Trivial for a doctor to erase, but I refuse.
My little Gladiia was barely five at the time. She was taking her first career development assessment, and through this made her wishes rather clear.
You don't know how glad I am to see her grown.

Clementia : She's certainly more suited for the life of a legionnaire than in the Institute of Societal Programs or Institute of Scientific Development Planning like you expected.

Horatia : No matter. Whatever field she joins, she is sure to excel. She was born for Ægir.

Clementia : I remember when she was two, the Institute of Incubation said your disposition and the nature of your work made you ill-suited to raise her, and suggested you place her in their care.

Horatia : They said the same when I first decided to raise her myself. Saying that again two years later would not change my mind.
But what truly pleased me was seeing young Gladiia reject it as well.

Clementia : I wouldn't say you have the best bond as mother and daughter, but you do have an odd kind of rapport.

Horatia : Alright, that's enough, my little manta ray. I suspect we have more pressing matters to discuss than reminiscing about my daughter.

Clementia : ...Can you please not call me that?

Horatia : Very well, Consul Clementia.
While we spoke, every city in the home territories has been conducting an unprecedented investigation into the Church of the Deep.
As the core of R&D, Blandus was able to tamper with the Class IV weapons, but his actions should absolutely have been detected at some point before they were put to use.

Clementia : Meaning there are many behind him fanning the flames.

Horatia : All members of both Academies who had anything to do with the weapons' design, manufacture, and maintenance are receiving the most thorough investigations possible.
In response, the Church has brought their full influence to bear. By grasping at a single leaf, we may be able to pull out an entire rotten branch.
And with Mártus, no doubt we will be able to identify the Church's deepest roots.

Clementia : ...Ægir itself is undergoing a grand surgery.

Horatia : Surgery to cut out a festering tumor. Isn't it?
The Waterway is open, and the fallen who corrupt our nation have been revealed. Both are of great value, as I see it.

Clementia : Are you trying to console me over the superficial Waterway Program's failure? To tell me that the sacrifices Milliarium made were not without meaning?

Horatia : Why do you insist on double negatives? They make you seem weak.
There is no such thing as a "superficial" program in Ægir, Consul Clementia.
If the IDP has approved a program, it means its planning and members are entrusted with the hopes of Ægir.
We believed you are capable of using the Class IV weapons to purify our waters and open the Waterway. This has always been an official part of the program.

Clementia : ...Yet it failed.

Horatia : The theoretical success rate of oceanic purification was never high. However, the Waterway Program was a guaranteed success.
Did I not promise you that, before you set off? Trust in me. Trust in Ægir.

Clementia : I don't doubt that even if this city were to sink, consigning all ten thousand or so Ægir souls in it to the depths, the Waterway would still open without hitch.
However, of all the possibilities you've accounted for, how many call for sacrifice?
How I wish this meeting of ours never had to happen, Horatia.

Horatia : Is that why you've worked yourself to the bone, my little manta ray?
I've read the reports on Milliarium. As consul for the entire city, you need not throw yourself into each and every little affair.
The stimulants you abuse will not hide the exhaustion on your face.

Clementia : You really have thought of everything. As you always do, Horatia.
All these losses and sacrifices, the falls and the betrayals, even Mártus's secret... Are you not the least bit shaken?

Horatia : Speaking of Mártus... You've reminded me of something.

Clementia : Of what?

Horatia : Mártus regards himself as the "gardener of sin". At times like these, he is wont to hide himself behind history.
I can infer why he'd seek cooperation from Dr. Kal'tsit, but from the way you describe it, those "discussions" quickly devolved into a vapid declaration of war.
I find it difficult to imagine he would be satisfied with such a failure of negotiations. That is, unless he gained some other information...

Clementia : We will continue to track his whereabouts.

Horatia : Are you hiding something, my little manta ray?

Clementia : ......

「Clementia does not answer. She instead raises her head to look at Horatia, face to face. With the simulacrum erasing the distance between them, she knows that Horatia will be able to see every detail of her expression.
But the curve of Horatia's lips do not change, her eyes are as gentle as ever, too.
Clementia hopes that her own expression is as firm as hers. 」

Clementia : I am still the Chief Designer of Warfare on the Waterway Program before you arrive, Horatia.

Horatia : Naturally.

Clementia : Your calculations may have arrived at the correct outcome, but I had to handle the situation in my own way. The Academy of Science and Academy of Technology each have their own duties.

Horatia : Hmm... Yes, of course.
I only hope that this obsession with self-reflection will not cause any complications. Your keen judgment must stay unclouded.

Clementia : I won't let that happen.

Horatia : *sigh* Here, come a little closer. We still have some time.
Kal'tsit, Rhodes Island, Iberia, the Inquisition... You'll be busier than ever soon, so best not keep frowning like that...

Clementia : ......

[The hologram flickers then disappears. ]

<Background 6>

Seaborn : (Rapidly convulses its gelatinous body)
(Quizzically sways fine tentacles)

[A sword slashes at the Seaborn. The Seaborn flee. ]

Skadi : Trying to run?
Smart. Your kin are behind this wall. A lot of them.
It's the end of the road for you, though. What a pity.

<Background Skadi charges at the wall.>

??? : Ishar-mla?
Ishar-mla.

「A sudden voice, tinged with surprise.
Skadi turns, looking towards its source. A conical creature exuding light leaves the shadows of the buildings, shielding the two cornered Seaborn with its body. 」

"Seaborn" : Leave, kin.
Through the eddy ahead, return to the sea.

[The rest of the smaller Seaborn escape. ]

Skadi : You're so honestly gentle with them. Disgusting.
I'm guessing you're the leader?

"Seaborn" : Our meeting was preordained, Ishar-mla.

Skadi : Huh? You know me?

「Skadi grips her sword tightly. 」

"Seaborn" : Ishar-mla.

Skadi : From Sal Viento to Gran Faro, from the Stultifera to here. You scum have been watching me this whole time.
What, do you see your "god" in me too? Are you here for "family," or revenge?

"Seaborn" : (The nuclei within its skull rotate slightly)
No.
Ishar-mla... Ska-di, you are not nutrients to complete the cycle. You are its end.
Our kin will not prey on you.
On the contrary, they respect you. Protect you.
They await your transformation. They await your evolution.

Skadi : ......

「Skadi looks at the being's "eye." For whatever reason, this monster she has never seen before seems familiar. Very familiar.
The bizarre organs surrounding the Seaborn disperse and surround her in turn. A shimmering "umbilical cord" connects her body with the Seaborn's.
Skadi suddenly remembers when she faced the first Seaborn to talk, in that cave below the church. She also experienced a moment of distraction back then.
She had just been through a fierce battle, her blood boiling with frenzy. But now, she feels herself uncontrollably responding to the Seaborn's touch... She curses herself for this moment of distraction. 」

Skadi : ...Why?

"Seaborn" : A natural phenomenon. One I am also helpless to resist. This is the answer, Ska-di.
I ate of His flesh, and He lives within you.
You are He. I am He.
Our hearts connected. Our blood interlinked.

Skadi : ......

"Seaborn" : You need not waver. You need not doubt. The kin will not demand you walk with us.
Ishar-mla chose you. Chose you to continue His life. Perhaps this is the only way He will witness what He must witness. Travel the road He must travel.
What did He see in you?
Perhaps, perhaps...
Could it be, Ska-di, that in that cold, dark future, in the cosmos where all things are doomed to fade away, you are the one hope, the spark, the possibility...
Are you the one who bears the final wishes of untold lives?

Skadi : —!

[Footsteps approach ]

Doctor : Skadi. / Abyssal Hunter Skadi. / Rhodes Island Operator Skadi.

Skadi : ......
Doctor?

「Skadi swings her sword, her grip never once relaxed. It slices through the "umbilical cord." She stares coldly at the creature before her. 」

<Background 6>

Doctor : Everyone's looking for you. / Figured you'd be here.

"Seaborn" : Dr. {nickname}, Ska-di. You... know each other?

Skadi : Is that so strange?

Doctor : She's one of my cute little operators. / We met on land.

"Seaborn" : (The nuclei within its chest pulse)

「This is the first time something stirs the peace within the Seaborn's chest.
The oddly-colored nuclei, along with the bizarre organs floating by their side, begin to wave as rhythmically as the tides.
It does not approach, but both you and Skadi can sense a burst of emotion: joy. 」

"Seaborn" : No matter if you personally took part, Dr. {nickname}, no matter if what took place in the cerulean cave had aught to do with you...
After countless, countless years, you now stand alongside Ishar-mla.
The connection between you and the kin cannot be erased. It is you who wrote this instinct into our memories. We depend on one another.
The wheel of fate still turns. The surviving successors will one day meet, and achieve the most improbable of possibilities—

[The Seaborn leaves, the sound of waves trailing behind it. ]

The hardship we suffer is ever present.
The life we thirst for is ever present.

I await you at the endpoint of evolution, Dr. {nickname}, Ska-di. I await you both.

Doctor : ......
Don't give chase, Skadi. / Handle things in the city first.

Skadi : I couldn't understand that thing at all. What was it talking about?

Doctor : Some kind of declaration of war.

Skadi : Didn't sound like that to me.
You woke me up just now, Doctor.
When I was face-to-face with that Seaborn, I remembered something I felt back in Sal Viento.

Doctor : Nothing good, I presume? / I assume you weren't a fan?

Skadi : I hated it.
What good could come from a Seaborn rambling to a human?

<Dialogue branch starts here>

Doctor : Don't worry. I know what happened.

Skadi : Good. I couldn't explain even if I wanted to.
You don't seem surprised, though. No wonder Kal'tsit asked you to come underwater.

<Dialogue branch>

Doctor : You didn't want to listen, did you?

Skadi : Of course not!
I have no interest in chatting with a Seaborn.

<Dialogue branch ends here>

Skadi : That thing sounded like it'd been looking for you?

Doctor : It's a long story.

Skadi : ...So we were both being watched.

Doctor : There won't be a next time. / Next time, I'll be by your side. / It'll be you waking me up next time.

Skadi : Mm.
Don't worry, Doctor. I'm Skadi. Abyssal Hunter Skadi. Rhodes Island Operator Skadi. Always have been.
Doesn't matter if that thing comes looking for me or you.
I'll cut its vocal cords before it can speak.

Doctor : I trust you, Skadi. / Remember who you are, and it'll work out.

Skadi : ...The tide's coming in, outside these walls.
Sounds like it won't stop for a long while.

[Skadi walks off. ]

<Background fades out and in>

[Mechanical clicks ]

'Little Handy' at the Street Corner : —

Notes

"Your Holiness" in Spanish

"Mrs. Irene" in Spanish

"Oh my God!" in Spanish

BP-ST-3: The Stray and the Companion

Summary

Ægir broadcasts their declaration across the entire continent of Terra. Ulpianus intercepts the Seaborn, the formal researcher of the prehistoric civilization. To discover the truth, and to save Ægir, they perhaps will truly walk together.

Gentle Male Voice : Do you really mean to return?

Calm Female Voice : I've finally found out that man's whereabouts.
No matter who he is or what vulpohole he's decided to hide himself in, he hurt our daughter. He needs to pay.

Gentle Male Voice : Then let me come with you. I don't care if it's famiglie standing in our way, cruel Catastrophes, endless tides, or fire raining from the skies, we'll face them together.

Calm Female Voice : Would the shrine be alright without you?
Relax, it's just killing a few people. It long past time for those bastards to head to hell.

Gentle Male Voice : Then it seems we must part once more...
Heavens drink their fill, sky besot by sakura, drunken clouds stumble.

Calm Female Voice : Was that a haiku? It's got a good rhythm, perfectly suited for reciting while swinging a sword.

<Background 1>

Mafioso A : (Blows nose)

Mafioso B : The hell, man, why're you crying?

Mafioso A : An assassin gets revenge for her daughter by crossing two big famiglie, so she's forced to flee to a distant country.
And many years later, she has to leave behind her gentle husband and re-enter the storm, all for her daughter's sake again.
When I think about the people in real life who live like that, I can't help it... The way I see it, the movie should be from her point of view!

Mafioso B : ...
I hope I don't gotta remind you that this film's supposed to be our famiglia's business card in the new city. And we're supposed to be reviewing it together.
We gotta control how this city looks at our boss and our business.

Mafioso A : I thought you said it was great last time?

Mafioso B : Great? Then why'd that killer lady show up outta nowhere?
"Cruel Catastrophes"? "Endless tides"? "Fire raining from the skies"? Who wrote this crap?
Sure, the Columbians poked a hole in the sky, but I ain't never heard of no fire raining down. When's this supposed to take place, anyway?

Mafioso A : When're you gonna learn to have a bit of perspective?
A cold-blooded killer putting down her blade for a peaceful tomorrow in Nuova Volsinii, all thanks to our famiglia's influence. You can't get more with the times than that!

Mafioso B : Eh, if you put it that way, the film's even more crap. But you're right, as long as it's to the Signora's liking—

[The lights suddenly turn off. The TV screen flickers. ]

Mafioso B : Hey, which bastard touched the switch? We under attack?!

Mafioso A : No, look at the screen!

<Background 2>

[The phone rings. Someone approaches it.. ]

Nasti : ...

[Nasti picks up. ]

Nasti : Mr. Tin Man?
We have a press conference starting soon, so please keep it quick.

Tin Man : While you all were busy flinging all those things into the sky, I made a few rounds in Kazdel.

Nasti : You know how I feel about this.

Tin Man : I do, young Banshee, I do.
My verdict is that they feel about you much the same as you feel about them.
Considering the many vile connections they have across Terra, if they do decide to get behind your project, there will be plenty of headaches for all involved.

Nasti : Thanks for the tip. Now, the press conference is about to begin—

Tin Man : Don't be so hasty. Let me finish.
Nasti Lunorey, Director of Engineering at Rhine Lab.
You know full well that the dream you were promised can be shared with more than just the Sarkaz.
The Maylander Foundation will pledge their full support towards you and your Elf friend's brazen plan.

Nasti : ...

Tin Man : We will decide on a date to discuss the details later. That includes future launch plans, where we hope to re-establish a more complete—

Nasti : Galleria Stellaria.

Tin Man : Yes, that's the one.

[Nasti puts the receiver down. Footsteps approach. ]

Muelsyse : Nasti? You on the phone?

Nasti : Once the conference is over, we'll need a meeting room, a coffee machine, and to clear an entire weekend off our schedule.

Muelsyse : That bad, huh?

Nasti : If only it were as simple as good or bad.
But first, the conference. Is Silence here?

Muelsyse : I was hoping she'd stop by, but fat chance she's got the time.
I put one of those burdenbeast blind boxes from Kjerag on her desk, and sure, she'd opened it after a week, but the little beasty was already buried under an avalanche of files in need of review!

Nasti : The guy who's supposed to be making a speech for us isn't here yet either.

Muelsyse : Well, he's still got two minutes—

[The lights suddenly turn off. A spotlight points towards Ferdinand. ]

Ferdinand : (Clears throat)
Ladies and gentlemen, the press conference is about to begin. Please quiet down.
I'll be happy to answer any and all relevant questions during the Q&A segment.

<Background fades out and in>

Muelsyse : Sounds like he's in a good mood.

Ferdinand : Let us first—

[The lights suddenly flicker and power down. ]

Nasti : Playing the same trick twice? Doesn't it get old?

Muelsyse : No, Ferdinand's confused too! This wasn't part of his plan! This is—

[A broadcast comes through the speakers. ]

??? : ...The challenges we face are far greater than ourselves or Catastrophes. We must form a community...
...under the leadership of Ægir to overcome them together.

<Background fades out>

??? : ...
Repeat.
...an Ægir broadcast to all surface-dwelling peoples. We ask all of humanity to set aside your conflicts and prejudices, and join the Ægir in building a bulwark together.
The matrix has broken through the blockade and swept past the sea. Essential information and calculation results are about to make landfall.
The challenges we face are far greater than ourselves or Catastrophes. We must form a community...
...under the leadership of Ægir to overcome them together.

<Background 3>

Kal'tsit : ..."Under the leadership of Ægir."

Clementia : You're still looking towards the land, Dr. Kal'tsit.
Hmm... Like a mother, anxious about the child she had to leave behind.

Kal'tsit : A child, is it?
In one brief communication, you have delivered knowledge that countless others have given their lives for to no avail. Geographical data on the Foehn Hotlands and Infy Icefield, and images from even further north of the continent.
One way of "showing goodwill," I suppose?

Clementia : To share knowledge is natural, while showing goodwill takes intention. I fail to see how the two are related.
It was essential to thoroughly evaluate the extent of shock this would be to our terrestrial friends. Were these not urgent times, we really should have been more cautious.

Kal'tsit : My concern is that—

[Barrage of weaponry continue to fire outside the city. ]

Kal'tsit : There are immediate dangers more worthy of our attention.
How much longer do you believe Milliarium can hold, Consul Clementia?

Clementia : With our fleets taking shifts, we can keep up continuous, twenty-four-hour covering fire for a week.
There have been no major changes in the Seaborn's movements. As the energy supplying the force fields dries up, the stopping power of our weapons will also gradually dwindle... but this is not outside expectations.
The city can hold for another half a month. No more.

Kal'tsit : How long will it take reinforcements to arrive from the home territories?

Clementia : A week.
Our countless nanomachines have established steady information flows. Compressed fleets and cities can speed through them, traversing the oceans in an instant.
However, assembling our forces will still take time.

Kal'tsit : A week... How quick.

Clementia : You need not hide your worries, Dr. Kal'tsit.
There are essential differences between the ways we and the landwalkers think. Simple sincerity is insufficient for reaching effective bilateral cooperation.
On the one hand, we hope that reinforcements will arrive as soon as possible. On the other, you worry that the subsequent contact and communications will be outside your control.
You even worry that Skadi and the Doctor have deviated from your plans.

Kal'tsit : You already know of Skadi's secret, then.

Clementia : My Little Handy happened to record a chance meeting between Skadi, the Doctor, and Mártus on a street corner.
Compared to discovering the secrets of their identities, controlling who knows what is much more difficult.
An Abyssal Hunter with a Firstborn within her, and a Predecessor scientist who witnessed the rise and fall of the prehistoric civilization in person. They are both of great import to Ægir.
Based on simple evolutionary logic, the Firstborn would not have chosen to entrust the future of its kin to its killer.
We still have no idea how the Seaborn will become the final answer to resisting ruination.
Even with missing memories, the Doctor still bears that mission. How will this so-called "death of all things" come about, and what can Terra do about it? We must find out.
Skadi and the Doctor are, without a doubt, the key to Ægir's solving of the riddles.

Kal'tsit : Skadi will face her blood. The Doctor's duty will be fulfilled. But it should be their choice, not somebody else's scheme.
I fear that once Ægir learns of their identities, it will devise ways to exploit them.

Clementia : Horatia asked me earlier if I was hiding something from her.

Kal'tsit : And how did you answer, Madame Consul?

Clementia : No need to worry. She does not know, yet.
You truly treasure Skadi and the Doctor, don't you? Even when confronted with a disaster threatening to wipe out civilization, you still wish to respect their choices.
But this is no time for us to hesitate. I can't hide this from Horatia forever.

Kal'tsit : I presume you have a plan then, considering you're hiding this from her at all.

Clementia : I've reached an agreement with Gladiia. We will take over all Abyssal Hunter-related research in the name of the Legions, and ensure that the Hunters will not be put in circumstances depriving them of a choice.

Kal'tsit : As for the Doctor and myself... We hope to go deeper into the Ægir home territories, and solve these mysteries by ourselves.
I fear that we will need an Ægir guide.

Clementia : Well then... it would be my pleasure.

<Background 4>

Avitus : Cassia will receive the punishment she deserves. Milliarium's incubation chamber has been moved to safety, so as long as the city doesn't fall, the child she left behind will be born safely.
They will be raised in the Institute of Incubation.

Jordi : ...

Avitus : I know what you're thinking. The fate of a Church of the Deep cultist isn't worth calling you over for.

Jordi : Do you still think that everything will end in ruin, Mr. Avitus?

Avitus : I still believe in history. Once written, it can never be changed.
Even a tragic victory is destined to be another page in its annals.

Jordi : I'm glad to hear you say that.

Avitus : Let's get down to business, Jordi. I met with Consul Clementia.
I confessed everything. What I was thinking, what I did, what I saw but never spoke of.
I accepted the tribunal's interrogation, but they did not believe I deserved to be labeled fallen. I had stood at the precipice and looked around. Perhaps even stuck a toe over the edge, but no more than that.
Their final verdict was that I could keep my post and continue to stay in Milliarium.

Jordi : It sounds like you have other plans, though?

Avitus : They may see it as repentance, but I cannot forget the outcome of my silence and inaction.
I'm not arrogant enough to believe I could have affected an entire military campaign on my own, but... what if I had reported Cassia's unusual behavior?
This could have played out very differently.
And so, I plan to leave Milliarium.

Jordi : To where? The Ægirian home territories?

Avitus : Somewhere even further than that.

Jordi : Even further?

Avitus : Now that the Waterway has opened, Ægir is about to restart the work interrupted by the Seaborn.
Expeditionary fleets will once more explore the far side of Terra, but this time, we have changed the course of our voyage.
We might set off from that mining nation of Rim Billiton, and try to touch the edge of the sea.
Better I die on some expedition into the unknown than wallow here in sorrow, self-reproach, and despair until it saps me of all my strength.
There, whether we go forwards or downwards, no one knows what awaits us. We will be like Breogan in times of yore, pushing back against the darkness of ignorance.

Jordi : Y-You mean...?

Avitus : You caught on, Jordi Fontanarossa. Yes, I'm inviting you to join us on this distant voyage.
I'm not the only one who desires this.
You said earlier that I never answered your questions properly. You were right, and I should apologize. But there was something I truly wished to tell you back then.
We have no need to prove our place. Even if the vestiges of the past have worn you down to nothing, you can still tie your future to Ægir.

Jordi : I don't know what to say, this is all a bit much...

Avitus : Don't worry. Ægir respects the choices of all its citizens.
Farewell on your carefully-considered departure. We await your eventual return, no matter how long it may take.

[Avitus leaves. ]

<Background fades out and in>

[Footsteps approach ]

Jordi : ...Maestro.
Today's maintenance work on the lighthouse should be finished. Is there some sort of issue with the others?

Saint Carmen : No, I'm just here to watch the sea, like you.

Jordi : I heard from the other Inquisitors that you kept making time to come to the coast, even while we were in Milliarium?

Saint Carmen : Iberia threw a stone into the sea. We were worried it would foment an unstoppable wave, but what was even more worrying was that it might sink in silence, with nary a whisper.
Fortunately, the stone stirred up the ripples we hoped for, and Iberia was able to see the circumstances beneath the waves... and in so doing make up its mind.
You performed your duties as envoy admirably. If there was ever a time in your life to stand tall with your head held high, now is that time.

Jordi : Y-Yes, sir!
Maestro, I've been thinking about returning to Gran Faro. Going back to the chapel, and where I used to live with Uncle Thiago.

Saint Carmen : ...You should have seen Thiago one last time.
We live in an age of regrets. If you see the Inquisition as the source of those regrets, I cannot refute you.
If you have things to pack, Irene can help you.

Jordi : What? No, that's not what I meant. I'm really just thinking of... going back to have a look.

Saint Carmen : In other words, you haven't yet made up your mind.

Jordi : Yeah...
You told me earlier that the Inquisition letting me to return to Ægir was a test. Am I not...

Saint Carmen : On the contrary, Jordi. Do not mistake bewilderment for momentary hesitation.
You have lifted your lantern and clearly seen the fork in the road before you. You are merely weighing your choices before choosing which path to follow.
The sea fog is thick, and both routes seem slick with mud. But you are not the one to be criticized for this.

Jordi : ...

Saint Carmen : Jordi Fontanarossa.
If you choose to follow that Ægirian scholar into unknown waters, the Inquisition will not stop you. The strength of the waves crashing against the shore will not change because a single clerk leaves or stays.
If you choose to stay ashore in Iberia, you will carry responsibilities that are more exhausting than you are used to, but also much more important.
Those are the expectations Iberia has for you.
The choice is yours.

Jordi : I... I understand, Maestro.

Saint Carmen : By the by, Irene mentioned that you've been suffering from severe insomnia these past few days. How was last night?

Jordi : It rained rather heavily around midnight, without a star in the sky. By the crack of dawn, there had been about two or three urgent situations I had to handle.
But overall, a rather peaceful night, all things considered.

<Background fades out>

「Do the Seaborn dream?
Dreams are comprised of thoughts or emotions flaring up as they dissipate, but now I am nothing more than instinct.
... 」

「Why... this scene... again... 」

[The Seaborn bellows loudly. ]

「Following the unfathomable passages in the ruins, at the very end, a great beast gently sticks a tentacle to the bulkhead. What is it waiting for? Perhaps...
I walk forward, passing through the shadow of the cerulean tree, until I am before Him. I extend a hand. 」

Electronic Announcement : (Unknown language) Warning. Deep sleep procedures will commence in three minutes.
(Unknown language) Real-time translation programs will soon shut down. Please provide all necessary instructions as soon as possible.

...

??? : (Unknown language) Ishar'mla, our shared name... our shared decision.
(Unknown language) We trust one another. We feel as one, do we not?
(Unknown language) I will watch over you, until the end of my days.

「No, this person isn't me.
This isn't my dream. It's... Ishar-mla's memories? 」

<Background 5>

"Seaborn" : Guh.
You have followed me through many nests, Abyssal Hunter.

[Ulpianus swims up in front of the Seaborn. ]

Ulpianus : The reinforcements from the home territories are about to arrive. The confrontation between your kin and Ægir's Legions will soon intensify. You would choose this moment to depart?
Your frontline has already advanced onto land, Seaborn. Why choose to turn back and return to the abyss?
How is this conflict connected to the reawakening of the Firstborn?

"Seaborn" : ...

"Seaborn" : You are an astute man, Hunter.

Ulpianus : I merely discovered your existence before the others.
You left evidence in Ishar'mla's body.
You are the Church of the Deep's... founder.

"Seaborn" : You sought refuge in the shadows to seek traces of me?

Ulpianus : Only a shadow may merge with a shadow.

"Seaborn" : A most interesting Hunter.
What do you wish to know?

Ulpianus : Everything.

"Seaborn" : I know you, Hunter. You are Ska-di's comrade.
Has Ægir refused your everything?

Ulpianus : This nation has refused too much. So much so that it's dug its own grave.

"Seaborn" : Your schemes are far too obvious.

Ulpianus : I never intended to hide them.
I fell in order to obtain answers.

"Seaborn" : (The nuclei within its skull converge)
I can tell you all you've longed to know, Hunter.
Regarding my next actions, regarding the sealed passages in the ruins embedded in Terra's mantle, regarding how the other Firstborns will awaken...
Regarding Ægir, regarding the next doom to greet Terra...

Ulpianus : ...

"Seaborn" : We kin are selfless. We kin are devoted. We kin wish to share everything.
The only requirement is that you become one with we many.

「Ulpianus meets the Seaborn's "gaze."
It has no face, but he can tell that it is observing him. Through its transparent membranes, past the faintly leaping nuclei, Ulpianus sees his own eyes. 」

"Seaborn" : You said you "fell," earlier?
No, Hunter. The conjoining of flesh is not enough.
Turn endurance to acceptance. Turn humiliation to elation. You must trust the kin... Trust your own instincts.
You must take up a duty far beyond imagination. The duty of we many.
Perhaps you will learn the full truth in our embrace. But when the time comes, you will be unable to, unwilling to, bring it back to Ægir.
...Just as I could not.

「The Seaborn passes Ulpianus, swimming ever deeper into the nest. Its back quickly disappears from view, leaving only the nest before him in full bloom.
The contaminated coral shimmers in its multitudes. Countless fantastical lifeforms flit between them, using its glimmer to dispel the darkness of the depths. They grow. They form tides.
But Ulpianus ignores them. His gaze passes over a golden sea, over every scar, every inch of flesh, every cell, every chaotic waking dream...
It falls somewhere he cannot see. The deepest recess of his own self. 」

<Background 5>

Ulpianus : ...

「Ulpianus follows along. 」

EP-ST-1: Adios, Salt Flat

Summary

Thorns tries to escape from a group of bandits who have kidnapped him, but unfortunately, he is trussed up once more, and hung upside down from a flagpole as a warning. Within the den of thieves, the bandit leader Juana's crew disapproves of her recent decisions.

[Water splashing ]

"Salt is sacred. It is within the tides, within our tears."

「He strains his eyes in the dark waters, searching the lake bed for the faint glint of metal.
He slowly paddles forward, inch by inch, fingers outstretched in the silt, but all they find are strands of waterweeds.
The frigid waters flow past his skin and hair. Confusion sets in. He does not know how he will find that golden coin. 」

"Don't look with your eyes. Let the water's flow tell you where to go."

「A voice from ashore cuts through the water. He cannot see the person's face clearly, but that gentle, friendly tone sounds reassuring.
And so he closes his eyes, feeling the water rush past him, and painting an image of the lake bed in his mind's eye.
There. A solid metal disc, embossed with a complex design, resting atop some wafting weeds.
He strokes its face before grasping it in his hand. He swims away, the stranger's face getting ever clearer as he gets closer to shore. 」

"Did you find the coin, my boy?"

「He unfurls his fingers, the gold coin resting on his palm. The circle on its face is bisected by a straight line. Somehow it resembles some distant horizon, one he has yet to reach. 」

<Background black>

Isidro : Urgh...
What's that smell... Finny... Salty...

<Background 1>

Strange Creature : Mm... hmph...

[Isidro gets off his hammock. ]

Isidro : *Sigh*...

Strange Creature : (Sticks out tongue) Bleh...

Isidro : Don't lick my face, little guy, or I'll hit you.

Strange Creature : Mmph...

Isidro : Forget it. I won't have to deal with you much longer.

[Door opens ]

Coarse Male Voice : Hey, chaval,[note 1] your food. Eat up quick! Boss wants to see you!

[Door closes ]

Isidro : ......
She won't be seeing me today.

「Isidro pulls down the canvas hammock hung up in the room, wrapping it around the hard bread and half-full canister of water on the tray.
He then kicks open the chest by his side, revealing a tunnel below it.
He had been digging away at it for a full week.
The strange-looking animal crawls up and nips onto his pants. Isidro watches its saliva soak into the fabric and sighs. 」

Isidro : I'm definitely not coming back here.

[Isidro jumps inside the tunnel. ]

<Background 2>

[People chattering ]

[Sword sharpening ]

Fiery Woman : (Whistle) Javier, can I get that blade I left here last month?

Javier : ......

Fiery Woman : Javier!

Javier : Eh? Oh... Sorry, Teach, wasn't listening. You here for the blade?

Teach : What else? Not your sweat-stained pecs, I'll tell you that much.

Javier : You all need to stop it with the jokes, Teach.

Teach : Oh, don't be like that. Seeing you sharpening knives in the early morn is pretty much part of the landscape by now.
Look, you've drawn in a crowd... Though I don't think they're here to get their knives polished.

Spectating Man : (Leers) Hey there, Javier!

Javier : What a pain in the— Here. Your blade.
We don't have much metal left for repairs, so I used other things to fix it up. You'll have to make do with it for a while.

Teach : Shell and bone? You're a real dab hand.

Javier : Wanna test it?

Teach : Got anything tough I can chop up?

Javier : I did have a hunk of dry bread... but I just gave it to the kid locked in the shack.

Teach : Waste of a perfectly good loaf.

[Hurried footsteps ]

??? : Hey, hey, move it already! Don't you lot have anything better to do in the morning? Stop blocking the damn way!

Javier : Rus?

Teach : Oh, it's you. And here I was, thinking it was the harsh glare of dawn in my eyes.

Rus : I don't have time for you and your nonsense. Quick, Javier, let's head inside and talk!

Teach : Sounds like it's not for my ears. I'll be off then, Javier.

[Teach leaves. ]

Spectating Man : Seems like the fun has ended... See you tomorrow, Javier!

[The other man leaves. ]

Javier : (Quietly) Hmph...

<Background 3>

[Door opens ]

Rus : You need to talk to Juana. She's gone mad! She's going to send us all to our deaths, and you're the only one in her crew who can keep a cool head!

Javier : And how is that new?
Over all these years, every single one of her decisions looked crazy at first, but turned out to be exactly what we needed, right?
Getting in touch with that caravan a decade ago was a huge gamble too, but here we are, making a good living selling antiques we dig out of the salt flat.
Nobody took her side back then. Everyone was too scared of those money-grubbing merchants leaking the location of our fleet to the Inquisition.
But Juana got them to see what the real value of the deal was, and made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

Rus : This is different, Javier. Totally different.

Javier : Doesn't matter, Rus. She's our boss, and I'd say she's earned our trust.

Rus : ......
She wants us to go back out to sea. You really going to back her on this? You really think this is a way forward?
'Cause it's not. We're all just gonna end up in a watery grave.

Javier : Show a little faith. She found the compass, and a caster to fix it up. Everything's going to plan, no?

Rus : Even if you don't give a damn what happens outside your kitchen, you must've noticed the finshit you've been getting to cook with lately, yeah?

[Rus pulls out a bunch of receipts. ]

Rus : Look, here are the bills for the wood she's been buying up. All to fix those rotten old ships, all to head back out to that sea of hers.
You know how expensive wood is. All that coin could've made our lives much cozier. You wouldn't be slaving away every day pickling saltfin livers for garum, I can say that much.
Just go talk to her, afore she's done too much damage.
Been hearing some real nasty talk around town. Folks're getting restless.

Javier : ......
Fine, I'll have a chat with her.
But don't forget, Rus. Without that "loca"[note 2] Juana, our grandparents, our parents, us...
None of us would've been able to live out here in the Salt Flat.

<Background 2>

[Footsteps ]

Isidro : Strange...
Where did that cook go? The one always sitting outside.

[Footsteps quickly approaching ]

Isidro : Mierda...[note 3]
Are they trying to take me back?

「A man turns the corner, aggression apparent in his footsteps. Isidro quickly hides himself in a shadowy corner.
But the man walks right by him, swearing up a storm as he goes. 」

Aggressive Man : Idiots! You blasted idiots!
Just you wait and see, that puta's going to get us all killed!

[Footsteps ]

Teach : Clear your head, Cesc. You've been eating that girl's herbs on the sly again.

Cesc : My head's clear as day, it's yours I'm worried about!
I can't be the only one with a problem with how she's leading us, can I?
You're all just too yellow to say it. Cowards, the lot of you!

Teach : Vete a la mierda.[note 4] If you're going to spew shit, do it at home.

Cesc : But am I wrong, Teach?!
Don't tell me you trust that loca[note 2] too?!
Have you been taken in by her saltdamned lies too, like Javier?!

[Door opens ]

Javier : Cesc...

Rus : Hey, cool it! He's just a little upset!

Javier : Say that again.
Say. That. Again.

Cesc : You know I'm right, Javier.
All those years of licking her boots. Shouting "aye aye, Captain!" at all her shit.
We all know you're a loyal beckbeast.
So put down that knife of yours and go crying to Mamá like always.

Javier : You—!

「Javier grabs Cesc by the collar and lifts him up, slamming his back into the wall.
Javier's face is calm, but the fire in his eyes burns bright, nearly bright enough to sear holes into the target of his ire. 」

Isidro : Are they going to start a fight...?
If they do, I may as well make a break for it.

Cesc : Urk...

Javier : Don't you ever spew that sort of finshit again. Not even in your sleep.
You hear me, Cesc?

「Cesc can barely breathe as Javier presses into his neck. Nobody dares approach the two, only silently passing them with their heads lowered.
The people in the sheds lining the street shut their windows tight one after the other. In a flash, the street is empty. 」

Cesc : Ugh...

Rus : Let him go, Javier! He's learned his lesson!

Teach : (Whispers) Not here, Javier...

Javier : ANSWER ME!

Cesc : (Nods furiously)

[Javier drops him. ]

Cesc : *cough*... *cough* *cough* *cough*—!

Javier : Now run along home, chaval.[note 1] Remember what you learned today. Remember it well.

[Cesc runs away. ]

Teach : *Sigh* The hell was that, Javier? You've never been that reckless.

Rus : Reckless? No. He was just making it clear to everyone where he stands.

[Rus sulks away. ]

Javier : Rus, I...

Teach : Relax, just bring him a little something tonight. He'll accept your apology.

Javier : Yeah. Thanks, Teach.

「Javier watches the woman walk away as he stands in the middle of the street.
A stray headscarf lies at his feet, having fallen off Cesc's head as he ran.
Javier picks it up, pats off the dust, and walks back to his shed, closing the door lightly behind him. 」

Isidro : Good, everyone's gone.
I was afraid I'd have to wait for them all to take an afternoon siesta.
Tch...
Why did I even try escaping at night last time? That's when these guys are most active.

<Background 4>

Isidro : (There. That's my way out. Just need to head down.)
(Only two guards. Gotta knock them out.)

Inattentive Guard : Ahem...

Isidro : (Hmm...?)

Inattentive Guard : Say, Anna... Ever thought about going someplace else?
I kept some of those old coins we've been digging up. File off the king's face, and you can barely tell the difference from the new ones!
We could leave the Flat behind. Go to Rim Billiton, Columbia... Anywhere you'd like.

Diligent Guard : No, José. I was born and raised here. Never even thought of leaving.

Inattentive Guard : You really want to stay and follow the boss out to sea?

Diligent Guard : She's the boss.

Inattentive Guard : The sea'll swallow you up...

Diligent Guard : I ain't afraid. She promised us.

Inattentive Guard : Well, what scares me is that that promise might turn out to be a fleeting dream.

Diligent Guard : If you're that scared, then go. I ain't gonna stop you.

Inattentive Guard : ...I was kinda hoping you would.

Isidro : (Are they done yet?)

Inattentive Guard : If you don't wanna leave with me, then at least...

Diligent Guard : At least what?

Isidro : (Can't this guy take a hint?)

Inattentive Guard : Could you, uh, give me a...

Isidro : (Stop mumbling and spit it out alr—)

Diligent Guard : Stop mumbling and spit it out already!

Isidro : (...?)

「Unable to bear watching the man stumble over his words any longer, the woman knocks him flat before sandwiching his face between her hands, kissing him hard.
Isidro furrows his brows before looking away politely. 」

Inattentive Guard : Mmmf... Anna...

Diligent Guard : Oh, just shut it!

Isidro : ......
(At least they didn't notice me.)

[Isidro walks past them. ]

<Background 5>

[Isidro runs through the sand. ]

Isidro : Phew...
Need to run faster... If I'm not out of here before dark...
Based on the last few times, I'm definitely going to be—

[CRASH! ]

「A giant helm wheel rolls past his face before coming to a halt, stopping just short of crushing his feet. 」

[Footsteps ]

??? : You shouldn't keep a lady waiting, you know.
Now be a good boy and come back with me.

Isidro : You shouldn't be here.

??? : Still not given up after all these attempts? We might not have enough spare medicine to patch you up if you end up wounded again, you know.

Isidro : How did you know I was gone, Señora[note 5] Juana?
I made sure nobody was following me.

Juana : It's my job to be aware of what's happening in my fleet. You can't hide from my little eyes and ears.
Besides, did no one ever teach you not to ask a lady a question she'd rather not answer?

「The young man does not reply, silently thinking of the sword that had been faithfully at his side for years. If he still had it, perhaps it would even the odds.
But it had shattered. Just like the freedom currently within arm's reach, it had died in these salt flats, snapped in two.
Isidro clenches his fist, grits his teeth, and grabs onto whatever is left of his things.
The lady lightly draws her sword, her stance relaxed. 」

Isidro : Out of my way!

[Isidro runs past her. ]

<Background fades out and in>

[Juana pummels Isidro. ]

Isidro : Ngh—

「After a few sword strokes, the unarmed man falls defeated, face in the salty sand. He could not protect even the last of his belongings. 」

[Lasso throw ]

「As Juana ties him up and heaves him over her shoulder, he feels something in his heart silently shatter. 」

Juana : Ah, youth. Never knowing when to give up. No matter how many times you're beaten down, you're already dreaming of the next attempt.
If you're that desperate to leave, then fix that compass for me.

Isidro : How many times I have to say it? Only an alchemist can fix it, and I'm no alchemist!

Juana : Oh? Then care to explain where that gold coin of yours came from?

Isidro : ...I stole it.

Juana : You are a terrible liar, joven.[note 6]
On its face is a mark only a few know of: the mark of the long-lost school of alchemy. The knowledge they passed down helped countless fleets find treasure in the seas.
But after the Profound Silence, their disciples were imprisoned, and their works destroyed.
So tell me, why are you holding onto that coin, despite all that happened to them?

Isidro : ......
I don't know anything about any of that.

Juana : Oh, what a stubborn young man. How about we change the question, then?

Isidro : ......

Juana : How did you dig that tunnel of yours?

Isidro : ...The bread you gave me was really hard.

Juana : What a clever boy.

<Background 3>

Juana : My oh my, I really must thank you!
You've worked so hard keeping watch over him. Why, if you hadn't informed me right away, he might have actually gotten away.
Yes, I know, he's not the best-behaved prisoner, but that's why we have you, isn't it?
You really are our cleverest, sharpest-witted, most amazing little...
Nene.

Nene : Mm-ph!
(Spins excitedly)

Juana : Don't get too excited now. There are still many difficult duties ahead of you, and you mustn't take them lightly.

Nene : (Quickly falls flat on the ground)

Juana : I have faith in you, of course. Alright, off you go now. Don't let that boy learn who you are.

Nene : Mmph!

[Someone knocks on the door. ]

Juana : Come in, Javi.

[Door opens ]

Javier : Pardon me, Señora[note 5] Juana. I hope I'm not interrupting your time with Nene.

Nene : Mmph...

Javier : Don't give me that look. I've got a little something for you too.

Juana : My, what a fine little ball of bone... Did you carve it?

Javier : Sí.[note 7] Out of bone shards that broke off some of our older weapons. Else they'd have gone to waste.
I wanted to give it to Rus as an apology, but he won't open his door for me.

Juana : Oh... I did hear about that. You shouldn't be so hasty, Javier. As our fleet's bosun, Rus has every right to question my plan to go out to sea.
And you attacking one of his men right in front of him can be seen as a rather harsh warning.
Considering your recent promotion to main chef, best keep a low profile. Some things are better left unsaid.

Javier : I think he's the one who needed that advice.

Juana : Just let him be, Javi. I don't pay it any mind, so why should you?

Javier : Because I know our boss isn't a madwoman playing around with other people's lives.

Juana : Well, aren't you sweet?

Javier : If we do get that compass fixed, can it really tell us how to avoid the sea monsters and find what we need?

Juana : Of course. I would never lie to you, Javi.
The Salt Flat won't be able to support us for generations to come. While the sea is a nigh inexhaustible font of resources.
Now that we have both the 'compass' and an alchemist to fix it, this is a chance for us to turn our lives around. We can't afford to miss it.

Javier : But aside from you, none of us have even seen the sea, or experienced that age of gold and plenty.
I've been living in the Flat for as long as I can remember, but the old cook said that only a century ago, this was fertile soil.
What if that bountiful sea of yours has already become just as barren as the Flat after the Profound Silence?
And this magic compass of yours... can't guide us back to the past.

Juana : "The tides will wash away my footprints, and the wind will scrub away the foam from the waves."
"But the sea and the shore will stand, forevermore."

Javier : What...?

Juana : Just an old poem, Javi. Unlike the land, the sea is tenacious. Though it may be infested with strangely fleshed beasts, it is still abundant with precious lifelines, waiting for us to find them.
It was once ours, and it can be ours once again.

Javier : I want to believe you, I do.
But these rumors... You have to prove yourself in front of everyone, show them you're not talking nonsense.

Juana : I will.

Javier : ......
Oh, right. I did as you asked and went by the shed. There really is a hole in there. I'll fill it up tonight.
What should we do about the boy? He can't stay there anymore.

Juana : Don't worry, I've already found a place for him.

Javier : But where? If you mean my place, then no.

Juana : Don't you worry your little head over it. You'll see on your way home.

<Background 2>

[People chattering ]

Angry Man : Damned little brat, this peg-leg you sold me is pure garbage! Two days and it's already split in twain!

Conniving Vendor : Eh, it just needs a bit of spit, polish, and glue and it'll be good as new.

Angry Man : You sack of finshit, how about I rip your leg off and use that instead?!

Conniving Vendor : H-Hey, settle down now! I'll take the leg back, no need to get violent!
I-I-I've got a knife! Don't come any closer!

[Javier walks by. ]

Angry Man : Javier! Right on time! Help me catch the little wench!

Conniving Vendor : Out of my way, idiot!

Javier : Tch... Troublemaker.

[Javier walks up to the girl and smacks her. ]

Conniving Vendor : Ow! That hurts!

Javier : Give him back his money.

Conniving Vendor : Let me go! I'll tell Juana you've been bullying me!

Javier : Use your head, chica.[note 8] This isn't somewhere you can run your mouth. We're not like those cowards in other towns.
If you mess with us, we won't bother locking you up or putting you on trial. Left hand or right hand? Choose the one you want to keep.

Conniving Vendor : H-How dare you! If it weren't for me, your boss would never have gotten ahold of that compass!

Javier : Care to try your luck?

Conniving Vendor : Err... Fine, I'll return the money! But you gotta give me back that peg-leg!

Angry Man : Not on my life. If it's stuck to my leg, it's mine.

Conniving Vendor : Y-You're no better than a pack of bandits!

Javier : I'm glad you've finally come to an accurate assessment of us, señorita.[note 9]

Conniving Vendor : Haha... Slip of the tongue is all... Here, the money. And, uh, adios.[note 10]

[The girl runs off. ]

Angry Man : What was the boss thinking, letting a dastardly little girl like that aboard our crew?

Javier : She's got her reasons.

Angry Man : I heard that kid ran off again. Why not just break his legs and be done with it?
And now she's gone and strung him up here, ordering us not to touch a hair on his head. Seeing that grumpy face of his pisses me right off. You don't know how much I wanna give it a good punch.

[Javier pauses and walks away. ]

Angry Man : Hey, don't go, Javier! I was just thinking out loud!
Hey!

<Background fades out and in>

Isidro : ......

Javier : You've been running around all day. Want some water?

Isidro : ......

Javier : Cloudbeast got your tongue?

Isidro : ......
I won't surrender to you lot.

Javier : If that's how you want it, chaval.[note 1]
Just here to give you the bad news. I'm afraid you're going to be out here like this all night.

Isidro : ...Whatever. I don't care.

Javier : Good to hear.

Isidro : ......

<Background fades out and in>

Isidro : ......
.........

「The dawn light falls upon the coin, and a stray ray reflects onto Isidro's eyelid, causing him to blink. The light wanders, and the circular marking on the coin begins to ripple.
He begins to feel discomfort and hands the coin to the man ashore, though the man is in no hurry to receive it. Instead, he grabs onto Isidro's legs and lifts him up by the feet.
The boy struggles, and the man ashore begins to speak: 」

"If you have nowhere to go, my young friend, you can come with me."
"They call me Aulus, and you have my thanks for finding my coin."

「The rays of the setting sun seep through the cracks of the salt ship's frame, shining onto Isidro's eyelid. He blinks in discomfort.
People walk by, and none can resist snickering at him as they pass.
He feels a little dizzy. The faint laughter causes his cheeks to flush, though it might just be an effect of being hung upside down.
Out here in the Salt Flat, simple tents and ramshackle shacks are put up one after the other.
Enormous salt ships are berthed on either side of the road, like a herd of slumbering seabeasts.
Upon their masts hang great sacks for gathering rainwater, flapping in the wind as they await clouds to pass overhead.
Upon the road, people walk shoulder to shoulder, laughing and squabbling, until all of a sudden a quarrel breaks out, which soon escalates into a chaotic all-out brawl.
And in the quieter corners, some are pulling their lovers in close for an intimate kiss. 」

Conniving Vendor : These guys really are a bunch of barbarians.
Why'd I'd even come to such a lousy place?

Isidro : Good question, Pascuala. How did I end up in this den of thieves?

Pascuala : *Cough* *Cough*
Not too sure myself...

Notes

↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Lad" in Spanish

↑ 2.0 2.1 "Crazy" (feminine version) in Spanish

"Sh*t" in Spanish

"Go eat sh*t" in Spanish

↑ 5.0 5.1 "Miss" in Spanish

"Lad" in Spanish

"Yes" in Spanish

"Girl" in Spanish

"Miss" in Spanish

"Goodbye" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-1

Before operation

Summary

Two weeks ago, Thorns, who had come to Iberia in search of a sword technique, is knocked unconscious by a saltfin, and has an unexpected encounter with Pascuala, who is being chased by a sheriff intent on executing her. After dealing with the Alguacil Anastasio, the pair head to the town of Aarón.

<Background Black>

Two weeks ago

[Footsteps ]

[Terminal buzzes ]

Isidro : Beginning recording. My sandboard is heavily damaged, and I can't find the materials I need to repair it nearby.
As for my water reserves... They can last me one more day, at most.
Thankfully, the next supply point is only half a day away.

[Electronic buzz ]

Isidro : ...This many messages? Really?
How long have I been letting them build up?

[Electronic buzz ]

Message on the Communicator : It's been a while since we received any news from you, Operator Thorns. Remember to report your position when you have the chance.

[Switch message ]

Message on the Communicator : By my calculations, our mission routes will overlap a bit. If we can find the opportunity to meet up, I've got some spare supplies I can share.

[Switch message ]

Message on the Communicator : Hey Thorns, how's your trip to find super-ultra-cool sword techniques going? Any good news?

Isidro : Forget it... I'll reply once I'm done walking.

<Background 1>

[Paper flipping ]

Isidro : This region between me and the supply point... All the map shows is a name.
"Mar Pálido"...[note 1] The Salt Flats, huh?
Hopefully it's not a real sea.

<Background 2>

「Out in the open wilderness, sand rides along with the wind, bringing with it a salty, finny smell.
Sunlight pokes through gaps in the dark clouds, while long-dry riverbeds boast only a few bushes and shrubs.
Some rustling among them proves that this so-called wasteland is not completely devoid of life.
The young man pulls out a rope and ties together a few planks. Once done, he steps atop them and takes a leap. 」

[Thorns surfs across the sand. ]

「All of a sudden, the wastes come to an end. A great cliff has sundered the earth.
As he looks down, Isidro sees a pallid white sea.
With all his strength, he climbs down the cliff. Once he touches down onto the pale "sea", he reaches down and sticks a hand into the bone-dry "seawater". 」

<Background 3>

[Isidro stands up. ]

Isidro : ...Salt crystals?

「There is no water here. There is only pale salt, studded with countless skeletons. The remains of whatever unlucky creatures were swallowed up by this place.
But the only thing on his mind is that somewhere, in some nook or cranny he cannot see, there is something flowing, rushing.
He stops sliding on his makeshift sandboard and reaches for the sword at his waist. 」

Isidro : That's odd...
How can there be anything alive here?

<Background shakes>

「The ground beneath his feet shudders slightly, and the layer of salt slowly subsides around him.
The trembling intensifies as an indentation in the salty ground approaches him at high speed. 」

Isidro : There are fins in a Salt Flat?!

「A gigantic beast breaches the salt, catching him off guard. Its sail-like dorsal fin looms overhead, and its pointed, armored snout is shaped like a colossal lance. 」

[SMASH! ]

「It barrels into him, and he is thrown off his feet. His organs feel like they are being rearranged as he arcs through the air, before he slams into the ground and blacks out.
As his consciousness fades, he sees the giant finbeast dive back into the salt, leaving no trace in its wake. 」

Isidro : (Good thing... it wasn't hungry...)

<Background fades out>

Isidro : ...

<Background 3>

[Footsteps ]

Pascuala : *Cough* *Cough*... Just my luck...
That damn alguacil[note 2] doesn't know when to give up. He even chased me all the way to this blasted land where nothing grows!
*cough* Mierda...[note 3] Ran too fast, all my water spilled.
What now...
Urgh! Pleh! Bleh! This is just salt! Ptooey!
Without water, I'm not gonna make it to the town of Aarón...
Huh, what's that...?

「A gust blows past a pile of salt and dust, revealing two motionless legs sticking out from beneath it. 」

Pascuala : ...Just some other unlucky soul who wandered into the Salt Flat without knowing what he was getting into.
Your bad luck is my good fortune though, amigo.[note 4] Hehe.

[She searches Isidro's "corpse." ]

Pascuala : A full bottle of water! Excelente![note 5]
*Glug* *Glug*... *Glug*... Hah...
Let's see what else you've got...
The hell're all these bottles and canisters?

[She opens the bottle, noxious green gas escaping it. ]

Pascuala : Urgh! What in the BLAZES is that smell?! It stings!
Well, whether it's medicine or poison, it should still fetch a pretty penny... Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals? Whatever, mine now.

[She takes his wallet. ]

Pascuala : Huh? Foreign money? What, you expected find a money changer out here? Not even fowlbeasts shit here!
Buuuut... I might have a use for it later. Mine now.

「The girl sifts through the man's wallet, finding only a few silver reales alongside some foreign coins and a meal voucher with "Rhodes Island Cafeteria Soup Ticket" written on it.
At the bottom of the wallet, a glimmering gold coin catches her eye.
She reaches down to grab it, flipping it a few times as she retracts her hand.
On one side, there is a circle split by a horizontal line. On the other, an inverted triangle. 」

Pascuala : It's heavy... Must be pretty pure.
Wait, I feel like I've seen these patterns before... Aren't they what Juana's looking for...?
Shame. Why're you even lying out here dead anyway?
Well, you've been so generous, I can at least send you off on your final journey, amigo.
Here, have a proper burial.

[She starts piling salt on top of him. ]

??? : A thief is nothing but a body hollowed out by greed. They take from others for their own benefit, but satisfaction ever eludes their grasp.

「The moment she hears a sword being drawn, she knows it is too late to run. She looks behind her, her body trembling as her muscles refuse to move an inch.
A cleric of the Inquisition walks towards her, his handcannon and rapier decorated with ghastly bleached bones, a deep contrast to the usual solemnity and grace of his colleagues.
All in Iberia know the sheriff's name, but also know how close to madness his mind runs. None dare call him by it to his face. Behind his back, they only ever call him by his title:
"The Alguacil".
The unreasonable, unfeeling, uncaring Alguacil. The Alguacil that inlays his weapons with the bones of criminals as a warning.
The Alguacil that will chase a criminal to the ends of Terra and back. 」

??? : I have come to free you.

Pascuala : W—Wait a sec, this is all a big misunderstanding!

<Background Black>

Isidro : My head hurts... And my mouth's full of salt...

Piercing Female Voice : No! I don't wanna die! Mercy!

Isidro : Hmm...?

Piercing Female Voice : Aaahh! Save me!

Isidro : What's going on?!

<Background 3>

??? : Why do you struggle? Your death will free you from the eternal torment of sin.

Pascuala : O Most Holy Señor[note 6] Anastasio, please let me go! See reason, please!
Someone forced me to do it, really! I... I swear on my life! I don't even have it anymore, honest!
If you don't believe me, search me! I don't have any compass! I-If you let me go, I'll take you to them!

Anastasio : If others may impose their greed upon you, then so too will your greed corrupt others.
All who have been tainted by avarice shall receive judgment.

[He lifts his rapier... ]

Pascuala : AHHH! Someone, save me! Anybody!

[CLING! ]

「The Alguacil's rapier sweeps across her face, but before it presses against her neck, a black sword swoops in from behind, knocking aside its point.
A golden liquid drips from the black sword's edge, sizzling as it eats away at the salt on the ground, an acrid scent spreading from the splash. 」

Isidro : Run.

Pascuala : Th-Th-The dead guy's alive!

Anastasio : I am currently arresting a criminal who has stolen a forbidden relic from the Inquisition, señor. I did not mean to disturb you during your repose.

Isidro : You're with the Inquisition?

Anastasio : Before you shield this vermin from justice, I pray you first ascertain if all your belongings are still on you.

Isidro : What?

[He checks his pockets. ]

Isidro : My wallet...

Anastasio : Your swordsmanship is impeccable. It should be used to shelter the innocent, not harbor criminals.

Pascuala : Geh... Mierda.[note 3]

Isidro : ...What is this?

「Isidro pats down his body. In the depths of his pocket, he feels something small yet hard. 」

「An irregularly-shaped piece of metal. At first glance, it looks like detritus from a factory, but careful examination reveals the fine alchemical symbols etched all across it.
The layers of rust on it appear to have once been some kind of liquid, but even so, it shows a gleaming luster under the sunlight. 」

Anastasio : And it seems we have discovered where Señorita[note 7] Pascuala hid her ill-gotten gains. Hand it to me, señor, then leave in all haste.

Isidro : This is... a "compass" filled with Corazonix? I thought all the products of alchemy were destroyed.

Anastasio : Oho... And here I thought that none sinless in Iberia would yet recognize it.

「The Alguacil turns his rapier toward Isidro, his severe expression shifting towards quizzical. 」

Anastasio : You have piqued my curiosity, señor. What relation have you with the wanted criminal Aulus? Or rather, where was it you came into contact with him?
I have so many questions for you, Ægir.
How is it you can recognize a sinful product of alchemy with but a single glance? How is it you know of a long-erased school of alchemy?

Isidro : ...It's none of your business, Alguacil.

Anastasio : Oh, but it very much is. You see, most of that discipline's students have died by my blade.

「Isidro considers saying something, but the Alguacil's rapier is already pressing against his throat. 」

Anastasio : ...So you are unwilling to submit to the law.

「The Alguacil pulls back his sword as he shifts his center of gravity forward. The blade in his hand spins once before coming down in a brutal chop.
Isidro's intuition as a swordsman tells him that this man is a lunatic. Not even the most unorthodox of fighters would wield a rapier in such a crude manner.
The cold gleam of the blade's edge flashes past his eyes. With an instinctual flick of his wrist, he blocks the savage blow.
A rapier is not made for slicing. Isidro laughs inwardly. Brandishing it like that will only cause it to snap.
But then comes a brittle screech of shattering metal, and he sees it is his own sword that has snapped in two.
Half his fractured sword is stuck point-down into the salty soil. Blood drips down his cheek. 」

Anastasio : Lay down your arms.

[A rock suddenly hits the Inquisitor's head. ]

Pascuala : Run!

「The Alguacil casually brushes aside the rock the girl threw at him. The second he does so, Isidro runs off to gain some distance.
As he runs, he senses familiar vibrations coursing through the layer of salt underfoot. The pain in his jumbled organs crawls up his nerves once more.
The Alguacil's footsteps approach him as the chase continues. Isidro's mind races. He grits his teeth, and without looking back, he sets his sights on a giant skeleton in the distance poking out of the salt. 」

Anastasio : Hah, none may leave before I have the truth of the matter.

Isidro : Do you always talk this much?

[Isidro speeds up. ]

Isidro : (Just... a little... faster...)

Anastasio : Hah...

<Background The Inquisitor easily catches up, swinging his rapier.>

「As he runs from the man hounding him, Isidro holds his broken sword high, doing his utmost to fend off the Alguacil's attacks. 」

[Ground trembles ]

「He looks behind his pursuer and sees the layer of salt subside, a familiar furrow appearing on the ground once more.
The Alguacil stops. He too has sensed the vibrations. 」

Anastasio : An earthquake?!

Isidro : Looks like this is your first time here too.

[BOOM! ]

「Before the words have finished leaving his mouth, the colossal finbeast breaches the ground in front of him, sending its prey flying.
As he flies through the air, the man's limbs splay out like a ragdoll. After a moment of soaring, his graceful arc through the sky comes to an end as he meets the ground.
A puff of salty dirt wafts through the air as the sound of his landing echoes through the dry air.
He has not fallen on the most comfortable spot in the Salt Flat. A sharp bone spur has pierced his body. His blood trickles down the skeleton, staining the pale salt below red. 」

Isidro : Phew...

[Hurried footsteps ]

Pascuala : Is... Is he dead?

Isidro : If he isn't, we're in a whole lot of trouble. If he is, we're in a whole lot of trouble later.

Pascuala : Err... What do you mean, señor?

Isidro : Did you put this thing in my pocket?

Pascuala : It just fell in as I was pulling you out of that salt pile, honest!

Isidro : ...

Pascuala : Ahaha... Er, do you believe me?

Isidro : My pockets have zippers.

Pascuala : Ah, then allow me to beg forgiveness for my transgressions, señor. Still, we're both alive, right?

Isidro : Why didn't you run when that alguacil was attacking me?

Pascuala : Would you believe me if I said I found a conscience?

Isidro : ...

Pascuala : Look, if you died too fast, I wouldn't be able to get very far anyway... Not to mention you still had the compass. The buyer paid a loooot of money for it.
If I did try to book it, all that hard work would've been for nothing.

Isidro : ...
Where are you headed?

Pascuala : Huh?

Isidro : You might have been the source of my problems, but you also helped me out, so I'll return the favor.
I'll get you where you need to go, and then we're even.

Pascuala : Huh? "Then we're even"... You haven't even considered going on an adventure with me?

Isidro : Or we could part ways here. What you stole from me should be enough to keep you going for a while.

Pascuala : I... I'm heading to the town of Aarón, up on that hill over there, but it's a good two days walk from here...

Isidro : Two days? Half a day should be plenty.

Pascuala : Huh? Really?

<Background shakes>

「The girl senses the underground vibrations closing in on them once more. A towering dorsal fin breaks through the salt and sand, rapidly approaching them.
She gawks at him incredulously, but he looks back with steely certainty. 」

Isidro : Mind if I borrow your rope? My sandboard's broken.

<Background 4>

[Someone is hammering nails. ]

Honest Townsperson : Stop hitting it so much, you'll crack the wood.

Distressed Townsperson : I wanted to make it sturdier.

Honest Townsperson : ...It's sturdy enough already. You were the one who fixed it up in the first place. Unsatisfied with your own work?

Distressed Townsperson : Señor Silver said this is how I should do my work, if I want to repent.

Honest Townsperson : What's the sin this time?

Distressed Townsperson : The widow looks like she's about to give birth, but she won't let me look after her.
*sigh* She must still be haunted by my past sins that caused my wife's death. This is divine retribution.

Honest Townsperson : I think she just doesn't want to remarry.

Distressed Townsperson : What are you talking about? It's been two years since this town has seen its last birth. I have to help take care of the child, no? I would never have such ulterior motives...

Honest Townsperson : That's a good point. Most of the people young enough to have kids have already gone. All that's left here are us old timers.

Distressed Townsperson : Wait here and—

Honest Townsperson : W—Wait! Over there! Santo cielo,[note 8] the sky's full of salt!

Distressed Townsperson : Saltfins? Or is it a saltstorm?

Honest Townsperson : Doesn't matter, just run! Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!

[The townspeople flee as something crashes into the city. ]

「The cloud of salt and dust swallows up the fleeing townsfolk as they scream in fear.
Soon after, a colossal saltfin parts the cloud, revealing two people riding on its back, one in front of the other. The young man in front pats the saltfin as he extracts a broken sword from its body.
The saltfin digs into the salt crust with its pectoral fins, giving the man a resentful glare before it departs.
He pays no mind to it, instead meeting the townsfolk's fearful gazes as he approaches them. 」

[Footsteps ]

Isidro : Sorry to trouble you, señores, but is this the town of Aarón?

Honest Townsperson : Who are you? What do you want?

Isidro : Isidro. I'm here to find something. Here, my travel pass.

Distressed Townsperson : Travel pass...?

Honest Townsperson : (Quietly) Didn't Señor Silver say that nowadays there's a lot of Ægir coming ashore to help us rebuild?

Distressed Townsperson : (Quietly) Does he look like he's here to help?
(Quietly) All these outlanders bring with them is disaster!
If I'm to die today, then let me die blocking your way!

Isidro : Huh? What are you talking about, señor?

Pascuala : H—Hey, let's all calm down now. This is a misunderstanding.
See here? This is my alguacil's badge. The higher-ups sent me and my understudy here to meet the local calificador.[note 9]

Honest Townsperson : Look, it's real. It looks just like Señor Silver's.
You... He's... He's the student?

Pascuala : He... He had a growth spurt.

Distressed Townsperson : Can... Can Ægir even join the Inquisition?

Isidro : ...It's all part of the plans for restoration.

Distressed Townsperson : *Sigh*...
I simply cannot keep up with these changing times.

[The townsfolk leave. ]

Isidro : Uh... Thanks. Did you swipe that badge off that guy earlier?

Pascuala : I...

Isidro : Just asking, not judging. You don't look so good.

Pascuala : I can't... hold it... any longer...
Blurghhh—!

Isidro : Oh...

Pascuala : I'm just... a bit—
Bleaghhh—!
Saltfin-sick...
Blurghhh—!

「Between bursts of vomit, the girl stuffs the badge back into her bag.
A wayward glance shows Isidro a dozen or so of the Alguacil's belongings within bag, alongside a few bottles of his own popper potions.
He is not entirely sure when she took them off him. 」

Isidro : ...Forget it.
We're even now. I'll be off, then.

[Isidro leaves. ]

<Background 5>

Perturbed Townsperson : You're asking the wrong guy.

Isidro : I haven't even gotten to the question yet...

Flustered Townsperson : Go ask somewhere else.

Isidro : I haven't even...

Panicking Townsperson : Ask someone else.

Isidro : At least let me ask! I heard there's a local sword technique created by pirates, one that can be used to "fight the wind and waves". Does that sound familiar?

Panicking Townsperson : P—Pirates? Santo cielo,[note 8] Aarón will be ruined once more...

Isidro : Wha...?

Panicking Townsperson : It's about to rain! I need to go home to take in the laundry! Just go away! Vete![note 10]

[Door closes ]

Isidro : ...Isn't this your house right here?
...Also, isn't this the driest part of Iberia?

「As he voices his doubts, he hears a clattering of footsteps behind him. He turns to see the entire street devoid of people.
As he sweeps his eyes across the street, doors and windows slam shut one after the other in raucous cacophony. 」

Isidro : ...
Is it actually going to rain?

The lump of meat in his mouth is shriveled and dry. One of his left molars is loose and hurts like hell itself, leaving him only able to mash the meat with his right gums.
Madre[note 11] had told him this was the last of the food in the house.
He thinks about how she looked as she threw it on the ground, so tender and caring. He thinks about how she looked as he picked it up, so cold and cruel.
Such contradiction. He blames the jumbled memories on the hunger.
Just as he does not remember if it was Madre who struck that molar loose, or if it was just a new one coming in.
The hunger is too great. He swallows the lump of meat and mumbles to himself.
"This is the last portion. There's none left after I eat it..."
"Where can I find more..."
There is the sound of a knife being sharpened from outside the door. He remembers hearing this noise... before Padre[note 12] disappeared.
The ghastly truth dawns on him as he feels cold all over.
He recalls how Madre opened the door as she held the meat, a terrifying smile on her bloodstained face. She bade him open his mouth, bade him chew, bade him swallow...
He licks at the empty sockets in his gums. They had hurt, once. They don't hurt any more.
It is only because of sin that he yet lives. He should stretch out his neck and await the axe. In death, all things will be washed away.

「The scent of dried blood upon a sharp bone spur has drawn all sorts of small, bloodthirsty beasts. They cannot stop themselves from crawling towards the gruesome wound.
First come insects bearing wings, landing upon his chin, crawling across his pale lips, then his cheek, before finally stopping atop his eyelids.
Just as they are about to enjoy their meal, the man's eyelashes begin to twitch. 」

<Background 3>

[The man lifts his head. ]

Anastasio : Ah...
Anastasio, you sinner. Since when was it your time to die?
Those ensnared by greed, corrupted by that compass. They yet roam free, yet commit evil.
You must find them, purge their avarice, end their suffering.
...This is your duty.

「The man slowly pulls himself off the skeleton, the bone barbs and hooks tearing at his flesh as he does.
But he does not tremble in pain. Not even once.
Anastasio walks deeper into the Salt Flat. Behind him, the beasts hungrily paw at his trail of blood. 」

After operation

Summary

Thorns excavates a grave to find the sword technique he seeks, but is mistaken for a grave robber. Pascuala is also caught stealing. As the two are about to be hanged, a gang of bandits rushes the execution grounds, rescuing them and spiriting them away.

<Background 6>

[Quick footsteps ]

[Door knocking ]

"Ordinary" Townsperson : Pascuala! You made it. Here I was, thinking you were buried in the Flat.

Pascuala : *Huff*...

"Ordinary" Townsperson : You're as pale as the salt. Run into something on the way?

Pascuala : Shut up, Teach... Let me in already.

"Ordinary" Townsperson : You wanna come in? Did you get what the boss asked for?

Pascuala : 'Course I did. Not just the compass, either. I got another big haul too.
Señora[note 13] Juana's been looking for an alchemist, and I've got a lead.
So can I come in now?

"Ordinary" Townsperson : Of course, Master Thief Pascuala. You honor my humble abode.

[Door opens ]

<Background 7>

[Footsteps ]

Tottering Old Man : Anchors aweigh, hoist the sails♪
High winds roar, our clothes a-tore♪
Rain drowns our drunken haze, and lights our hearts ablaze♪
Ready, ho! Sail forth! A thousand ships break port!♪

??? : ...

Tottering Old Man : At dawn break we charge ahead♪...
Aaaahhhh! Who are you?! What're you doing in my house?!

Isidro : This alley... is your house, señor?

Tottering Old Man : That cardboard you've got on your head is my bed, joven...[note 14]

Isidro : Sorry, I saw it by the garbage bin. Didn't think anyone wanted it.
Mind if I hide from the rain here? I'll go once it stops.

Tottering Old Man : This town hasn't seen a drop in over two months.
Even if it is going to rain, mind putting down my bed? Here, you can use my blanket.

[Isidro takes it. ]

Isidro : ...Thank you, señor.

Tottering Old Man : So what're you here for, Ægir?

Isidro : I'm looking for a local sword technique. The legends say the ones who devised it were—
Ahem. A few months ago, I heard about a technique that can "fight the wind and waves", and decided to come here to learn it.

Tottering Old Man : That's mighty brave of you. Don't you know the Inquisition's been cracking down on pirates these days?

Isidro : I'm not interested in becoming a pirate. I just feel like my own swordsmanship's been lacking.

Tottering Old Man : Swords are for cutting people down, not cutting through the waves. Besides, why'd you want to learn it anyway? Heading out to sea?

Isidro : ...
Too many questions, señor.

Tottering Old Man : *Sigh* There's always folks believing such foolishness. If you'd come by half a year earlier, I could have brought you to the guy you're looking for.
Back in the day, he learned a thing or two from those pirates, always bragging about how he could chop up the sea itself. In the end, he was just like me. Came running back to town, waiting to die in peace and quiet.

Isidro : Did he leave anything behind?

Tottering Old Man : His diary? Took that to his grave. You'll have to dig it up yourself.
If he knew someone wanted to learn the sword from him, he'd be so happy he'd jump right out, bones and all.

<Background 8>

[Isidro walks through the salt flat. ]

Isidro : ...

「With a shovel by his side, Isidro cracks open the coffin. He brushes aside the grains of salt that fell inside, exposing a lustrous, red-flushed corpse.
The corner of a book pokes out of its clothes.
Isidro gingerly pinches the book and pulls it away, doing everything he can to keep the flimsy paper—made brittle by the salt—intact. 」

Isidro : Is this the diary he mentioned?
It's too tattered, I can't read a thing.
*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*... Pfft—pleh!
Did I just inhale bits of paper...? Damn, that's salty.
I should look elsewhere.

??? : Elsewhere? Where else would a wicked grave robber and cannibal such as yourself want to spread his evil?

[Footsteps approach ]

Isidro : Grave robber? Cannibal???

??? : I've been watching you creep about the cemetery, molesting its graves. I've caught you red-handed.

Isidro : I can explain, señor.

??? : "Señor"...? Do you not know who I am?!

Isidro : Do you... happen to be a local celebrity?

??? : I am a cleric of the Inquisition, in charge of inspecting the entry permits of all visitors at the town gates.

Warrior Priest : So if you don't know who I am, then how did you get in here?

[Backup arrives. ]

Isidro : I...

Warrior Priest : Guards! Arrest this man!

<Background 9>

Silver : Are these petals crushed enough...?
Doctor Añora!

Añora : What? Oh! More or less, a few more times and you can start blending in the oil.
Why are your hands shaking?

Silver : You must be mistaken.

Añora : Taken? What was taken?

Silver : I said! You must be mistaken!!!

Añora : About what? What are you on about? Still, that much shaking... Have you been drinking again?
You're the town calificador, you shouldn't be drinking. Wine is sinful and brings only harm, you said so yourself.

Silver : I may have had a few cups with the representative of the wine caravan as we talked business, but it was all for the sake of securing the town's future.
How is the widow doing, Doctor?

Añora : The who now? Speak up!

Silver : The potter's widow! She's giving birth in a few days!

Añora : Gaining girth? And now gluttony, yet more sin.

Silver : I said!
The widow!!
Is giving birth!!!

[Door opens and a priest rushes in. ]

Warrior Priest : Señor Silver—!

Silver : Ah—! Dios mio,[note 15] you scared me. Didn't I say to knock before you enter?

Warrior Priest : I heard you shouting and assumed you were in danger!

Silver : I'm fine.

[The priest remains silent for a while. ]

Warrior Priest : I, uh, aside from that... I have something to report.
We've captured a... a lunatic, a blasphemer in the cemetery east of town. He was stealing corpses in the cemetery.

Silver : What?!
I... I thought that with enough food, we could avoid such a tragedy happening again.

Warrior Priest : If I may, Señor Silver, a full belly is not enough.
When you first brought the holy Law to our town, you cleansed us of our sins. But now? Not only have your prohibitions been lifted, we have not heard your sermons in a very long time.
Sin flourishes once more. It is inescapable.

Silver : Is that what you think?

Warrior Priest : Which is precisely why you cannot allow this vile blasphemer to spread his evil in town!

Silver : ...I shall arrange a sentencing.

Warrior Priest : What of Old Palo? He was seen talking to the blasphemer, for quite a while at that.

Silver : ...No need. Palo may have associated with pirates in his youth, but he wouldn't have the nerve to break the law.

Warrior Priest : But—

Silver : I said there is no need.

Warrior Priest : Sir... I believe we should at least keep an eye on him.

Silver : We can discuss this later.

<Background 4>

[Crowd murmuring ]

Frightened Townsperson : Digging up a grave? Don't tell me he was about to... you know...?

Hostile Townsperson : Sinner! A sinner! Aarón is no longer pure... Calamity comes once more...
Padre, Calificador! I beg you, kill him! Cleanse his sins! Don't let us be visited by disaster again!

Isidro : (Struggles)

Warrior Priest : Stop that!

[Footsteps approach ]

Silver : Señor Isidro, is it true you were stealing from the graves of this town's residents in the middle of the night?

<Background fades out and in>

Isidro : I don't deny being at the cemetery, but I—

??? : What?!

Isidro : Pascuala?

Pascuala : Isidro, amigo, I never took you for a grave robber. Of all the things to steal, corpses? Really?
Makes me right sick, it does.

Isidro : Might I remind you, Pascuala, that you're chained up too.

Warrior Priest : Silence, sinner! You'll be on trial next!

Isidro : What are you even doing here?

Pascuala : I... *sigh* Old habits.

<Background 6>

Javier : She's about to be executed?!

"Ordinary" Townsperson : Don't blame me, that girl ran afoul of her bad habits. Barely out the door and she was already off to pick the pocket of the best dressed man in town.
Who happened to be Calificador Silver.

Javier : With her skills, not even the calificador would have noticed her.

"Ordinary" Townsperson : He didn't, but she was caught in the act by one of his priests giving a report.

Javier : And what about that alchemist she mentioned?

"Ordinary" Townsperson : We know where he is.

Javier : That's good.

"Ordinary" Townsperson : He's about to be hanged, right alongside her.

Javier : ...
So, how many of those priests do they have at the execution?

"Ordinary" Townsperson : Twelve.

Javier : ...With your crew, we should be able to handle them. Let's go.

<Background 4>

Silver : Señoras y señores,[note 16] according to the laws of this town, these two criminals will be hanged by the neck until dead. I hope this will serve as a warning to all not to allow your souls to be tarnished by sin.
The time has come. Execute them.

Isidro : You don't look worried at all.

Pascuala : What's there to worry about?

Isidro : You got a way out of this then?

Pascuala : Not at this exact moment, no, but it's all about the timing...

「The girl turns her head, looking to the side of the gallows. A warrior priest has his hand on the lever, ready to pull it. 」

Javier : (Waves his hand)

[A bunch of pirates charge forward. ]

<Background fades out and in>

[Sword slashing ]

Warrior Priest : Agh! My hand!

[The priest collapses. ]

Frantic Townsperson : B—Bandits! Bandits!

Terrified Townsperson : OhwhatsinshaveIcommittedtodeservesuchpunishmenthowshouldIatone...

Warrior Priest : Repel them! Protect the civilians! Cover Calificador Silver's retreat!

Silver : Forget me! Evacuate the citizens!

[Javier unsheathes his sword. ]

Javier : Charge, you lazy sons of saltfins, charge! Don't let those poor bastards bite the dust!

Howling Sailor : Yearrrgh!

Warrior Priest : Those bandits are here to rescue their friends!
Get in formation and stop them!

Sword-Wielding Sailor : Die!

[The pirate clashes with a priest, but is stabbed. ]

Impulsive Sailor : Oh...

[He collapses. ]

Warrior Priest : You dare plunder this town so brazenly?!

[A "townsperson" suddenly slashes the priest from behind. ]

"Ordinary" Townsperson : We'll handle this lot, Javier! You save Pascuala and the boy, quicklike!

Javier : I owe you one.

Silver : Don't let them have their way!

Warrior Priests : Yes, sir!

[More priests arrive. ]

Javier : Keep it quick! There's no time to waste!
Anyone gets in our way, cut them down!

Howling Sailor : Aye!

[Slash! ]

Warrior Priest : Grkh...

[The priest collapses. ]

Javier : Cut them loose, quick!

Menacing Sailor : On it!

Pascuala : Heh, took you guys long enough. Quick, get me out of these shackles, it's starting to chafe like you wouldn't believe.

[Javier cuts through Pascuala's noose and shackles. ]

Pascuala : Yeow! My wrists! You call this a rescue?

Javier : Hmph. Like I told the boss long ago, you're nothing but trouble.

Pascuala : And yet here you are, saving me from the gallows.

Javier : You too, chaval.[note 17] Get moving.

[He cuts through Isidro's noose and shackles. ]

Isidro : Can I borrow a sword?

Javier : Here, catch.

[He grabs the sword as a priest charges at him. ]

Warrior Priest : Don't even think about running, boy!

Isidro : You expect me to lay down and die, señor?

[He deflects the priest's attack. ]

Javier : Nice moves!

Isidro : Muchas gracias.[note 18]

Pascuala : Hey! Is this really the time to get all buddy-buddy?! How're we getting out of here?

Javier : Shut your mouth and follow Teach. She knows an alley leading out of town.

Pascuala : An alley? I guess that'll do...

"Ordinary" Townsperson : Follow me!

[The group runs away. ]

Warrior Priest A : They're heading south!

Warrior Priest B : South...? It's a sheer cliff. What're they up to?

<Background 6>

[Hurried footsteps ]

Pascuala : *Huff*... *Huff*... You're nuts. What alley?! That's a CLIFF!

"Ordinary" Townsperson : There's an alley if you jump down.

Pascuala : Please tell me she's joking, Javier.

Javier : Run faster! You'll need the speed to make the jump!

Pascuala : Huh?

Isidro : (Silently speeds up)

Pascuala : Don't tell me you're going along with this plan?

Isidro : Any better ideas?

Pascuala : I think you've got brain problems, amigo.

"Ordinary" Townsperson : It's just ahead! Three, two, one—JUMP!

「With a decisive leap, the bandit jumps down the cliff, knocking loose some rocks that fall alongside her. After a long silence, a distant, muffled 'thump' can be heard coming from the bottom.
Pascuala watches bandit and boulder alike disappear off the cliff's edge, and gulps in fear. 」

Pascuala : Urk...

[Brisk footsteps ]

Warrior Priest : It's a dead end up ahead, there's nowhere to run! Get them!

Isidro : Jump already! They're about to catch up!

「Pascuala looks at the cliff, then back at the warrior priests pursuing them. 」

Pascuala : No! I'd rather get cut down than jump!

Isidro : Zip it.

Pascuala : Hey! Wh—What are you doing?!

[Isidro grabs Pascuala. ]

「With the girl tucked snugly under his arm, Isidro takes one last look back.
Then he sets his sights firmly ahead and leaps down the cliff, a screaming Pascuala in tow. 」

Pascuala : AHHHHHHHHH!
You lousy piece of finshit, I'll remember this—!

<Background black>

Pascuala : AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

「In the midst of her panic, Pascuala feels herself land on something soft, quite unlike the solid ground she expected.
As she opens her eyes, she sees the giant cloth used to catch her. 」

Pascuala : Eh...?

<Background 10>

Isidro : We're safe now. They caught us with their sails.

Pascuala : Oh, there was... a boat... at the bottom of the cliff.

「She looks around. Enormous bones prop up the ship's wooden hull, while layer upon layer of canvas and finleather sails throng the masts, scattering the sun's light.
The fiery wind powers the complex of legs at the bottom of the hull through a complicated transmission system, the legs sending the ship scuttling over the salty soil with their powerful strokes. 」

"Ordinary" Townsperson : Still calling yourself a Master Thief after that courageous display, Pascuala?

Pascuala : Hah, a good thief acts with thorough planning and caution, not reckless derring-do.

Javier : Stop gabbing with her and get changed, Teach. The helmsman's injured and I need you to take over.

[The "townsperson" takes off her disguise. ]

Teach : Didn't like that outfit anyway. Way too tight around the bodice.

Menacing Sailor : *Huff*... *Huff*...

Teach : Hm? What's that you're carrying?

Menacing Sailor : Food and water!
I spotted their granary earlier, so I snagged some in the chaos!
Set it alight afore I left, too! Haha! They'll be too busy putting out the fire to worry about us.

Teach : Not half bad, you bastard.
Now put your backs into it, ladies and gents! We reach home tomorrow night!

[Teach leaves ]

Javier : What're you looking at, chaval?[note 17] You'll fall over the railing like that. First time in Mar Pálido?

Isidro : This ship is... unusual. It's almost entirely wood and bone... Must be a lot lighter than the average landship.

Javier : Of course. Our salt ships are the only thing that can cross the Flat. If you tried it with those heavy iron beasts, they'd just get stuck in the salt.

Isidro : Fascinating.

Javier : You don't look the least bit scared. Didn't you hear what the townsfolk called us?

Isidro : Bandits.

Javier : You've got guts, saying it straight to my face.

Isidro : I mean, you saved me from the gallows, didn't you?

Javier : Still, why run with us? The townies will brand you as one of us now.

Isidro : ...Do you know of a sword technique that will let you cut through the sea's wind and waves?

Javier : A sword technique? You having a laugh?

Isidro : So none of you know?

Javier : Never heard of it.

Isidro : Where's your ship stopping?

Javier : You want off? No can do, I'm afraid. You're heading back with us.

Isidro : ...Sorry, but that's not in my plans.

Javier : Not my problem, chaval.[note 17]

Isidro : Don't say that. I'd rather not have to draw my sword against the ones who saved me.

Javier : I get that you're a dab hand with the blade, but...

[A puff of smoke blasts him from behind. ]

Isidro : Grkh...

[Isidro faints. ]

Javier : You need to watch your back.

Pascuala : Heh, all these years as a thief, and not once has anyone spotted me as I make my move.
That was enough dizzyleaf smoke to keep him asleep the entire trip.

Javier : Don't get cocky. So where's the compass the boss wanted? We put a lot of work into saving your sorry behinds, so don't disappoint us now.

Pascuala : You wound me, señor. I've just delivered you more than just the compass.
(Pouts) I got you my amigo over there too, didn't I?
In fact, considering the added value, saving me's not enough. I'll need a little something extra to make it worth my while.

Javier : You think we're just gonna take your word for it that he's an alchemist? Wait til the boss checks him over afore you run your mouth again.

Pascuala : Fine by me. Whatever's meant to be in my pocket, will find its way there eventually.

Javier : Hmph.

Pascuala : Anyhow, where's the kitchen? I'm always a little peckish after staring death in the face.

Javier : Second floor of the stern.

Pascuala : Muchas gracias,[note 18] O generous señor!

<Background 4>

Scared Warrior Priest : AHHHHHHHHH!
AAAAHHHHH—!

Silver : I'm only going to remove the bone spines from the wound, not amputate your leg.
Only the most vicious of bandits would make barbed blades like this... The bleeding's stopped.

Scared Warrior Priest : Urgh...

Silver : Hold on a little while longer. I've already sent someone to get Doctor Añora. Once she's here, we can have a better look.
Be at ease, you seem fine. You'll be better after a few square meals.

[Footsteps ]

Sad Warrior Priest : Señor Calificador, we've put out the fire in the granary, but there's nothing left inside.

Silver : ...I'll think of a way to feed us.
What of the doctor? Her legs are not so good at her age. Did you not help her over?

Sad Warrior Priest : She's gone.

Silver : Then where is sh—Wait, what? What happened?!

Sad Warrior Priest : She was knocked over by the bandits and hit the back of her head. She is... no longer with us.

Silver : ...I see.

Scared Warrior Priest : Señor Silver... Are you...?

Silver : Did that hurt...? Sorry... Bear with it.

[Panicked footsteps ]

Anxious Townsperson : She's giving birth, Silver! The widow's giving birth right now!
Might be because of the bandits' attack. Or not. Can we have the doctor see to her first?
...Wait, where's the doctor?

Silver : Don't ask. I'll check on her myself.

<Background 9>

Silver : Don't shake her. She won't be waking.

Anxious Townsperson : Señor, I... Señor, she... Señor, the child...

Silver : The child, too.

Anxious Townsperson : Señor, you...

Silver : Clerics, guard the bodies. We bury them tomorrow morning.

Warrior Priest : Sir.

Silver : Prepare a burdenbeast. After the funerals, go and search for Añora's son. We must ask him to return, no matter what.
This town needs a doctor.

Warrior Priest : As I recall, she was teaching you some of her craft, was she not?

Silver : A man who has only just learned how to make ointment cannot be considered a doctor.
Otherwise, the widow and her child would not have died.
Now go, back to work.

「Through the tightly closed shutters of their windows, the people of Aarón can see a faint pink light floating through the fog-choked streets.
Silver does not know when it became dark. It feels like it was morning only minutes ago, when he was tidying up his robes for the execution.
But now, those robes are stained with blood. Not the blood of thieves or blasphemers, but of the townspeople. 」

<Background 7>

Silver : ...
......

「Out of nowhere, he sees another faint pink light across the street.
A gaunt, lanky man with a bloody hole in his abdomen, large enough for him to see right through it.
The man calmly walks towards him, as if nothing was wrong. 」

[Footsteps ]

Silver : Do you need assistance, señor?
You look gravely wounded.

Anastasio : I am fine, Señor Calificador. You on the other hand, look most pale indeed.
I am an alguacil, newly transferred. Might you require my assistance?

Silver : ...

<Background 11>

[Isidro suddenly drops to the ground. ]

Isidro : Ahh—

Juana : I must say, I didn't expect you to sleep so well hanging upside-down, joven.[note 14]

[Isidro stands up. ]

Isidro : This sort of thing happens to me a lot. You get used to it.

Juana : Your old shed's as good as new. Remember to thank Javier. It took him all night to fill in that tunnel of yours.

Isidro : You could have saved him the effort if you just let me go.

Juana : Yet you're the one giving himself nothing but trouble by refusing to fix my compass. Do that, and you're free.

Isidro : I told you, I don't know a thing about alchemy. That's not going to change, no matter how many times you ask.

Juana : ...
Send him back to his shed. And skip the bread for his meals.

Notes

Spanish for "The Pale Sea"

"Lawman" or "sheriff" in Spanish

↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sh*t" in Spanish

"Friend" in Spanish

"Excellent!" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

"Miss" in Spanish

↑ 8.0 8.1 "Heavens" or "Good god" in Spanish

"Evaluator" in Spanish

"Go away!" in Spanish

"Mother" in Spanish

"Father" in Spanish

"Madam" in Spanish

↑ 14.0 14.1 "Young kid" in Spanish

"Oh my God" in Spanish

"Ladies and gentlemen" in Spanish

↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 "Lad" in Spanish

↑ 18.0 18.1 "Thank you very much" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-2

Before operation

Summary

Thorns refuses to fix the compass for Juana, and it seems the sailors support his decision behind their leader's back. Meanwhile, Elysium and Weedy come to Aarón to find the missing Thorns.

<Background 1>

Teach : You're always looking out to sea when you're alone.
When I was but a wee babe, you'd pick me up, point out into the distance, and tell me that if I kept going that-a-ways, I'd see an ocean bluer than the sky above.

Juana : That was fifty years ago.

Teach : There's things that happened a hundred years ago you still haven't forgotten, señora.[note 1]

Juana : Oh, my little perlita,[note 2] if you had captained a ship across the churning waves like I once had, seen lightning crash into lightning between the clouds, heard the unending peals of thunder...
You'd never forget a moment of it your entire life either.

Teach : I'm mighty curious, though, what's this sea the old folks keep going on about really like?
I've lived in this Flat my whole life, so I don't get it at all, no matter how much I rack my brains.
Before my old man died, he'd talk day in day out about going out to sea, about how he followed you and Captain Cruz in filling your holds with treasure—so full your ships would be low in the water.

Juana : Your father was the nimblest topman I've ever seen. He'd climb masts like he was going for a stroll in a garden.

Teach : Shame there's not many sailors left who've actually seen the sea for themselves.
And that's my biggest worry, señora. Even with the compass leading the way, we lack seasoned sailors.

Juana : When it comes to the sea, Perlita, we are all reckless, ignorant children.

Teach : *Sigh* ...Nowadays, it's starting to feel like even heading out into the Flat's more trouble than it's worth.
A little fowlbeast told me that a particularly astounding fellow has come to Aarón, and in the process cut off nearly all our trade routes.

Juana : Have they finally decided to take us seriously?

Teach : He managed to sniff out all the sites we use to contact the caravans like some kinda beckbeast. Few decades ago, the useless bastards in town couldn't even spot our footprints.

Juana : *Sigh*... Stealing the compass out from under the noses of a massive garrison. To the Inquisition, it might as well have been both humiliation and provocation.
They'll do whatever they can to find us. It won't be easy.

Teach : We're running out of time, and the boy won't budge... What do we do, señora?
What if he's telling the truth? That he's not an alchemist?

Juana : I am absolutely certain he is one, Perlita.
The coin on him has the symbols for "salt" and "water" on its faces. A set of symbols particular to the school of alchemy. And that particular combination means "look to the sea for life".
I am familiar with the coin's former owner, Aulus. He was the most talented of the alchemists.
Moreover, the boy has the same style of swordplay as him. Even their speech has similarities as well.

Teach : Even if they knew each other, that doesn't mean he taught him anything. The coin could've been a gift.

Juana : No. If Aulus gave that to someone, it can only mean he had unusually high expectations for him.
According to their traditions, the coin can only be passed from teacher to student.

Teach : So why won't he admit it, then?

Juana : That puzzles me as well. I've already made it perfectly clear he has nothing to fear if he cooperates...

<Flashback starts here>

「Young Isidro bites down on the root of his tooth with great force, but he cannot stem the flow of stinging pain bubbling up from his gum.
Before him, a former classmate's corpse lies under the foot of his mentor.
The corpse's long-cold limbs are lined with an azure mucus that makes him retch.
Through the tears in his eyes, a gentle voice like flowing water pierces the depths of his heart. 」

Aulus : Why do you wipe away your tears, Isidro?

Isidro : You killed him...

Aulus : The sea and the land are as one. To mix them together is nothing more than erasing the barriers between them.
He decided, of his own free will, to embrace the salt and water flowing within his own body, to share all of his existence with us.
Be not afraid, be not hateful, derisive, loathing... Shut not the windows, bar not the doors, close not your heart. No longer shall there be polluted blood or shameful pain.
There will come a day when all will give their all to each other.

「Suddenly, the corpse on the floor jerks like a fin out of water, letting out a gurgle of what sounds like grief, before falling flat once more.
Isidro watches the corpse's eyelids slowly lift, revealing the eyes of some unfamiliar creature.
Its lips open wide, and a voice, human yet inhuman, warbles out.
"You are... the same... as me..." 」

Isidro : No—!

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 2>

[Isidro gets up. ]

Isidro : I will never... I will never be like you...
I won't...
*Sigh*...

Nene : Mm-ph!
(Flops about)

Isidro : Hmm...?

Nene : (Claps fins together)

Isidro : You...

Nene : (Nibbles ferociously)

Isidro : Ow! What are you doing?!

「Nene twists around his leg, trying to use its rotund body to cover his foot.
A variety of sounds leak into the shed from his surroundings. Some weeping, some arguing, but mostly cursing.
Isidro hopes they aren't cursing at him. Wait... He freezes in place as the gears in his subconscious mind begin to turn.
He sticks out his head. No guard outside his door. How unusual. 」

「A line of people walk through the middle of the haven, their heads hung low, their clothes smeared with blood.
Those at the back of the line are dragging planks behind them, with people sporting heinous wounds lying atop them. The wounds are so deep their bones are visible, bandaged only with rags.
Their blood has soaked into the planks, leaving behind long red streaks on the white salt.
Only the occasional gasp stands as proof that they still live. 」

<Background 3>

Dismayed Woman : Only half of 'em made it back...

Rus : *Sigh*...

Dismayed Woman : What... What happened out there?

Rus : The Inquisition capullos[note 3] ambushed us at dawn on the only road out. A lot of our mates gave their lives to see us live... Took everything we had to escape.

Sad Man : The townsfolk don't have salt ships. How'd they get deep enough into the Flat to even find you?

Rus : Who knows?
They're like ghosts, like they don't feel pain. They don't even fall down if you cut them open. They just get right back to attacking you instead.

Isidro : (Whispers) The clerics in town barely knew the blade from the hilt... How could they pull off something like this?

[Footsteps approach ]

Rus : Oh, there you are, Teach. Where's the rest of your men? Managed to get done what needed doing?

Teach : Heavy losses, just like you. There's another crew I haven't heard a peep from either.

Rus : ...If this goes on, we won't even have enough men to continue salvaging.

「Teach is about to say something when she spots Isidro among the crowd.
She walks over, grabs him, and drags him to Rus. 」

Rus : How'd you get out?

Isidro : No guard at the door.

Teach : Bring him with you.

Isidro : Me?

Teach : Aye.

Rus : I say nay.

Isidro : I'm saying nay too. This is your problem. I'm not getting involved.

Teach : If you want to eat, you have to work, chaval.[note 4] If not alchemy, then you'll have to offer something else.

Isidro : Why not just let me go already?

Teach : Don't even think about it. Best prepare yourself to spend the rest of your days here. We're sorely low on manpower.

Isidro : ...Stop pulling me.

Teach : Morning of the day after tomorrow, Rus, you bring the boy here. I'll go tell the boss.

[Teach leaves. ]

Rus : What is even going on right now?

Isidro : ...

Nene : Mm-ph!

Isidro : You want to come along too?

Nene : (Nods furiously)

Isidro : No.

Nene : (Gnaws fin indignantly)

<Background 4>

[Footsteps ]

Weedy : Put the luggage down here, Leaf.

[Hurried footsteps ]

Elysium : Wait up, Weedy!

Weedy : I don't understand... Why did you bring so much stuff with you?

Elysium : I haven't seen Thorns in a while, right? As his best friend, it's only natural I have a few things to give him.

Weedy : You could've let Leaf carry them.

Elysium : Why bother, when this is barely any—

[Crash! ]

Elysium : Mierda,[note 5] the box broke open.

Weedy : *Sigh* Help tidy this stuff up, Leaf.
What a big bag... Cleanser, lotion... Oof, that's heavy! Why so many skincare products?

Elysium : How else am I supposed to protect myself from this scorching sun? I'm not having a repeat of the tragedy from my last holiday.

Weedy : Holiday? Aren't we here to find Thorns after he went missing?

Elysium : Bah, he's a big boy now, he can handle getting a little lost. Let's see, what's in this bag here... Oh right, clothes.

Weedy : Do you really need an entire suitcase full of outfits for this mission?

Elysium : As a representative of Rhodes Island, it's very important that I maintain a certain image.

Weedy : Wait, so which of these were you giving to Thorns?

Elysium : That package there, the one you're stepping on!

Weedy : Sunscreen... Waterproof, cooling, whitening... Does he really need any of this?

Elysium : What kind of friend would I be if I let him burn to a crisp?

Weedy : ...Well, you know him better, so if you say so.

[She tosses the items to Elysium. ]

Elysium : Hey, careful with those, watch what you're throwing!

Weedy : Someone's coming. We shouldn't block the street.

<Background 5>

[Crowd murmuring ]

Pious Townsperson : Will you be holding a sermon for us tonight, Señor Alguacil?[note 6]
Also, I must thank you! My wife used to sneak into the kitchen every night to eat the grain we had stored away, while keeping to the teachings against gluttony by day.
But ever since hearing you preach, she hasn't sinned even once! Your teachings have cleansed her soul, and for that, I am grateful beyond words!

Anastasio : I merely shared with everyone all my worldly possessions...

Pious Townsperson : You... You are far too humble, señor.[note 7]

Grateful Townsperson : Señor Alguacil, please, allow me to hold your hand. Such frightful events have happened in Aarón lately, and I'm terribly afraid...

Anastasio : You may, if it might bring you comfort.

Sincere Townsperson : Wh—While I have never sinned, I was wondering if you could...
If you could lay your hand atop my head...

Warrior Priest : Alright, no crowding, one at a time!
Control yourselves! Think about your request before your turn comes! Do not take up too much of the Alguacil's time!

Elysium : (Whispers) The locals here seem a little... odd...

Weedy : (Whispers) Probably because they trust in the Inquisition.

Elysium : (Whispers) Maybe...
I wonder who's in charge here.

Anastasio : May I help the two of you?

Elysium : Ah, that would be amazing! What should I call you, amigo?[note 8]

Anastasio : Anastasio is my name.

<Background fades out and in>

[Footsteps ]

Elysium : (Whispers) This dude's really popular...

Weedy : (Whispers) That's for sure. Everyone who sees him stops to greet him.

Anastasio : Calificador[note 9] Silver is waiting inside. Pray, enter.

[Elysium walks past him. ]

Elysium : Ah, the burden of those cursed with charm. I know it all too well, amigo.[note 8]

[Elysium walks inside. ]

Anastasio : ...Pardon?
Is this man your...?

Weedy : Oh, we're just colleagues. Honestly, I barely know him.

<Background 6>

Silver : *Ahem* I am afraid we do not have what we need to hold a proper reception for you, my guests.
The town granary was recently burnt down by bandits, so I'm afraid we're all going a bit hungry before the next caravan arrives.

Elysium : Don't worry about it, we brought our own food.

Silver : I am truly sorry for this.

Weedy : I believe we have yet to formally introduce ourselves?
This is Field Operator Elysium, and I'm Engineering Operator Weedy, both from Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals.

Silver : You're an engineer, then?

Weedy : Yes, I am.

Silver : Are you familiar with the mechanics behind wind-powered light landships?

Weedy : Well, my specialty is bioengineering, so I can't say I'm too familiar with mechanical engineering. However, based on my limited knowledge, I'd say it would be difficult to realize.
It's different from seaborne ships. If the materials aren't robust enough, the ship will fall apart the moment it tries to move.

Elysium : (Impatiently blows at his red streak of hair)

Silver : What if we used steel for the keel?

Weedy : I'm afraid that would make them too heavy. That's precisely why it's difficult to make wind-powered ones.

Silver : Then would you say making such a landship is near impossible?

Weedy : No, I'm sure someone could come up with a design. Once you manage to work out the kinks, the actual construction shouldn't be too difficult.
Well, if we're talking about today's Iberia trapped in its own web... It wouldn't be much more difficult than making a traditional landship.

Silver : I see...

Elysium : (Impatiently waves his hands)
Look, I'm terribly sorry, but shouldn't we, uh, talk business first?
For example, the whereabouts of my friend...

Silver : Dios mio,[note 10] forgive me! I got carried away. Could you describe him for me?

<Background fades out and in>

Elysium : That's crazy, there's no way!
There's no way he'd do something like that!

Silver : Calm down, Señor Elysium. I am simply stating the facts.

Weedy : What you're saying is that a Rhodes Island operator colluded with bandits from the Salt Flat, both in stealing the corpses of the townspeople and arranging a rescue from his execution.

Silver : He never mentioned Rhodes Island during the interrogation... but the crimes are real.

Elysium : Ahem. There must be some sort of misunderstanding here.

Silver : I regret to inform you that all the information we have points towards him being this criminal.

<Background 7>

[Footsteps ]

Nene : Mm-ph!
(Wriggles about)

Isidro : I said, stop following me already.

Rus : Show Nene a little more respect, chaval.

Isidro : I'm treating it the way I would treat any of you.

Rus : Which clearly isn't respectful enough. Nene's far more useful than you are.

Isidro : I thought it was your emergency rations.

Rus : It's practically the boss's heart and soul! Who'd dare harm a scale on its head?
Besides, it's got far sharper senses than us out in the Flat. How else are we supposed to find anything under all that salt?

Isidro : What are you looking for?

Rus : Hah, what else? Relics of the Golden Age. Sometimes high-tech curios, sometimes luxury items or whatever else. Good money either way.

Isidro : But doesn't the Inquisition crack down on these sorts of excavations for Golden Age antiques?

Rus : They may not like it, but the caravans sneaking into Iberia sure do. We trade these trinkets for water and supplies. It beats begging, that's for sure.

Isidro : So it's smuggling...

Rus : Don't give me that look. You think it's easy, living out here?
But you, chaval...
Every last one of the materials we got you for your alchemy, down to the smallest finbone, was bought by the blood, sweat, and tears of our crew.
...So think it over. If you know you can't do it, then don't waste our booty.

Isidro : What are you suggesting?

Rus : Do a little hoo-hah during your alchemy, show the boss you failed, and give her a reason to back down from this madness.

Isidro : (Whispers) Can't you just, I don't know, let me go?

Rus : I...

Isidro : Also, why not tell her that yourself?

Rus : Don't want her to think we're against the plan. We respect her... fear her.

Isidro : Fear? Well, I suppose she is an amazing fighter.

Rus : There're better reasons to be afraid of her.

[Footsteps ]

「Juana stops in her tracks, as though she sensed something in the wind.
She looks behind her. She sees no trace of any living creature, besides her own footprints left on the desolate Salt Flat.
She breathes a sigh of relief and continues onwards. There is a giant skeleton in front of her, and below it, a dark shadow.
She steps into the shadow, and disappears. 」

<Background 7>

Rus : There was a mutiny, back in the day, but only a few old bastards still remember it.
Someone said—in front of everyone—that she'd been working with the sea monsters, that she offered her entire crew up for freakish strength and longevity.

Isidro : You mean the Seaborn?

Rus : Whatever they're called. At the time, the sea had only just retreated, and the monsters were still running wild. It was thanks to Captain Cruz and his crew risking life and limb that most of 'em were cleared out.
And Captain Cruz... They all died out in the Flat. Well, almost all. Juana was the only one to come back.
And when she did, she took over the entire fleet. Anyone who didn't wanna follow her ended up dying, one by one. On hunting trips or in Inquisition ambushes.

Isidro : You said these were just rumors.

Rus : ...Even Teach was but a lass when this all went down.

Isidro : So you think she isn't actually trying to fix the compass to help everyone find a way out?

Rus : Mayhaps... Could be part of a much bigger plan. Nobody knows what she really wants.

Isidro : Are you the only one who suspects her, Señor Rus?

Rus : ...There's a few of us.

Isidro : What about Señor Javier?

Rus : No, that boy has never doubted her for a second.
She's taken care of him so long, he sees her as a mother. She took him under her wing after his mother died.

Isidro : Those Seaborn in the rumors... Have any of the sailors ever seen one?

Rus : Nope... Not a one.

Nene : Mmp...Mmph!
*Glub*—!

Isidro : What's its problem?

Rus : Hah, looks like Nene found something.
Stow the sails, you scallywags! Drop anchor! We're setting down!

Cesc : You heard him! Get digging!

Rus : Remember to bring your shovel and your sword, chaval. Don't even think about running. I'll have someone keep an eye on you.

After operation

Summary

Thanks to a lack of supplies, the sailors prepare to take Thorns out saltfin hunting. Juana appears to be hiding some dread[sic] secret having to do with the Seaborn.

<Background 8>

[Isidro digs until he hits something hard. ]

Isidro : ...A ship's log?

Cesc : You recognize that?

Isidro : It's something mariners used to use to record what happened on their voyages.

Cesc : So, you seen a lot of this sorta thing?

Isidro : ...Sí.[note 11] My teacher taught me many things.

Cesc : Must've had guts to do that.

Isidro : So are you going to stand behind me and commentate all day, or...?

Cesc : Think it was my idea, chaval?[note 4] Bosun told me to keep a close eye on you.

Isidro : I'm sure you can do that without literally breathing down my neck.

Cesc : Hmph.

[Ground cracking ]

Isidro : That sound... I know that sound...

「Isidro looks around vigilantly, warned by the sound on the salt wind. Behind the sailor, he sees a familiar dent appear on the surface of the salt. 」

Isidro : Out of the way! Saltfin incoming!

[Isidro pushes Cesc as a small creature pops out of the salt flat. ]

Cesc : You got finshit for brains?!

Saltfin : Mreep... Mreep...

Cesc : You shoved me aside for this?
You think it was one of them giant saltfins or something?

Isidro : Shut up...

Cesc : If it were, the whole ground'd be shaking. One of these small fry just leaves a little dent is all.
Besides, they're the same sorta critter as Nene. What's it gonna do, cuddle you to death?
What's that crazy puta[note 12] even need from a guy as stupid as you, anyway?!

Nene : Mmph...

Saltfin : Mreep...

Isidro : They're... the same species?

Saltfin : Mreep...

[A different looking Saltfin pops out. ]

Isidro : So there's more than one variety of saltfin out here?

Cesc : Yep. About ten or so types, big and small.

Isidro : Some of your sails are made from leather. Are they...

Cesc : Saltfin hide. Also use it for tents.

Isidro : And the meat you hang out to dry outside...

Cesc : Saltfin meat.

Isidro : Your weapons...

Cesc : Saltfin bones.

Isidro : And those guys are...

Nene : Mmph...

Saltfin : Mreep...

Cesc : They ain't the same. Won't hurt 'em unless we really have to.
The crazy puta[note 12] loves 'em to death. Once tried to haul some aboard to raise them, but a day away from their friends and they lose all the spirit. She had to give up that loco plan.

Isidro : Then why's that one part of the crew?

Nene : Mm-ph.

Cesc : Nene was abandoned by its mates. Couldn't keep up with 'em thanks to its weak body. Lucky for it, she went and picked it up.

Saltfin : Cheep...

Nene : Mm-ph!

[The saltfin burrows underground. ]

Isidro : They're leaving?

Cesc : That's normal. They don't stay in one place for too long.

「One after the other, the saltfins drill into the salt, speeding off into the distance.
Their tracks lace and intertwine, leaving the salt surface looking like a cracked mirror.
They fascinate Isidro. He climbs up on a jagged rock, hoping to get a better look at the where the cracks are headed from a higher vantage point.
He stands at its peak, and to his surprise, he sees an immense gash barreling towards them, swallowing up any salt reefs or skeletons in its path.
He realizes the saltfins weren't leaving. They were fleeing. 」

Nene : (Runs around anxiously)

Isidro : No... That's definitely not normal.

Cesc : You see something?!

Isidro : Move! Quickly!

[Hurried footsteps ]

<Background shakes>

「In an instant, the ground splits into a gaping maw, threatening to devour the two as they sprint away.
Cesc stumbles as he tries to flee, the collapsing earth grabbing at his ankle. He screams in terror.
Isidro grabs hold of his arm, but he soon finds out he is powerless against nature's brute strength.
Just as the two are about to be swallowed whole, the collapse miraculously stops. The sailor's lower leg is wedged tight between the jagged earth, now nothing more than a bloody, mangled mess. 」

Rus : The hell's going on over there?!

Flustered Sailor : The salt split open! I think someone fell in!

Rus : Go have a look then, quick!

Isidro : I'll be going now.

Cesc : Get back here, you capullo![note 3] Don't even think about running!

Isidro : ...

Cesc : Hey... Don't leave me here by myself...

Nene : Mm... hmph...

Isidro : Your crewmates will be over soon. You'll be fine.

Cesc : Wh... Where are you going?

Nene : (Nips at Isidro's pants)

Isidro : Not sure. Somewhere you can't find me.

[Isidro walks away. ]

Cesc : ...N—No... You can't go.
Bosun's... orders... I... have to keep an eye on you.

Nene : *Glub*—!

<Background 9>

Juana : I haven't been here to see you for so long...
All is going according to plan.
Yes, we've taken a few risks, but they were worth it.
Soon we will set our sails once more, and return to the ocean's embrace.
Are you happy for me?

<Background shakes>

「The sound of metal scraping against stone echoes out from the cave, followed by a slender Seaborn slowly slithering its way out, its form warped and twisted.
Each of its tentacles is wrapped around a weapon. As their points and edges drag across the stone walls, they keen and wail.
It slowly approaches the saltfin meat, and slowly eats away at it, its eyes fixed on Juana the entire time.
She meets its gaze, quietly waiting for the Seaborn's reply.
But in her heart, she knows that it is no more than a beast, a beast without a speck of intellect or humanity. 」

Juana : ...
We will leave this place, this desert of salt. No matter the price.

「Juana turns and exits the cave, leaving behind only the Seaborn, trashing around like a caged animal now that it has finished its meal.
Rocks fall from the ceiling until finally, it ceases its struggle for a way out, slowly calming down in the darkness. 」

<Background 8>

[Panicked footsteps ]

Rus : Dios mio...[note 10] What happened here? Did that boy do this?!

Cesc : N—No, it was my fault... B—But he ran away...

Rus : Forget him! You lot come over and help pull him out.

Cesc : AHHHH! MY LEG!

Flustered Sailor : Bosun, his leg...

Rus : Speak up!

Flustered Sailor : I—I don't think we can save it! We need to call the surgeon!

Rus : When's the last time we had a surgeon...

Flustered Sailor : But only a surgeon'd know how to cut it off right! Else he'll bleed to death!

Cesc : I don't wanna die here...
Save me, bosun! Save me!

Rus : Cesc... I...

??? : I'm here. I know what to do.

Rus : Chaval...

Isidro : He'll live. I guarantee it.

Rus : Good. Get over here.

Isidro : Bite down on the hilt. Hard.

Cesc : Grkh...

Isidro : This'll sting a little. Just bear with it.

[He swings down a sword. ]

Cesc : GKKHHH—!

<Background 6>

[Elysium walks over to the wall and takes a piece a paper stuck to it. ]

Elysium : Thorns!
How could they do you dirty like this on your own wanted poster? What's with that picture?

Weedy : ...Why are you so quick to concede that it's Thorns now? Weren't you just insisting it was all a mistaken identity?

Elysium : What if those bandits forced him into it? Or maybe he was framed? He's not much of a talker. I can definitely see him putting his foot in his mouth while explaining himself.

Silver : If he is the upstanding young man you say he is, then surely he's dead by now, killed by either the bandits or by the dangers of the Salt Flat.

Elysium : No... What exactly would they do to him?

Silver : They like to... No, you would be happier not knowing.
We've done all we can to keep them away from town, but they've still managed to abduct some of our best and brightest.
Their leader is a vile monster, able to corrupt the hearts of others.

Elysium : Oh...

<Background 3>

Javier : Time to start cooking... Hmm? Who touched my kitchen?
(Cautious sniff)
That smell... It's coming from the pot over there...
Stewed fin hearts? This is Señora[note 1] Juana's specialty.
But they went bad ages ago. Better put that fire out.

<Background 6>

Silver : During the Profound Silence, most of Aarón was submerged under the sea. Only this small part atop the hill avoided that grim fate, but it too shortly fell to chaos as the harvest failed.
The pirates sailed in before the seawater retreated. They claimed they would bring order to Aarón.
But in truth, they only wished to burn, kill and maim, forcing the townsfolk to surrender to their reign of terror.
Everything they saw was put to the torch...

<Background 3>

[BOOM! ]

Anxious Sailor : Fire! HELP! FIRE! The pot blew up!

Teach : Mierda![note 5] Why's there a fire here?!
Javier, you dried-out piece of finshit! How many times do I have to tell you NOT to let this useless cockeyed bastard in the kitchen until he gets some glasses?!

Shortsighted Sailor : Ohh... It was fin oil... Sorry, was all blurry to me!

Teach : Out of my sight, dumbass!
—Where the hell's Javier? Get over here and put out this fire already!

Anxious Sailor : Quick, cover it with salt!

Frightened Sailor : Ahh! My clothes! I just sewed up that finleather coat!

Hungry Sailor : ...Mmm... Roast finleather smells... pretty good...

<Background 6>

Silver : Even if he is lucky enough to be alive, the bandits themselves live harsh lives in the wastes. Surely they wouldn't treat their captives well. He's most likely dying of hunger and thirst at this very moment.

Elysium : ...

Weedy : Are you alright, Elysium?

Elysium : I'm fine... Señor Calificador,[note 9] please, continue.

Silver : Needless to say, we can only pray he does nothing to incur their wrath.
Their punishments are as barbaric as they are capricious. They'll slit open bellies or chop off hands and feet over the slightest offense...

Weedy : To think they'd twist the law like that...

Elysium : S—Slit open bellies or chop off hands and feet, you say...?

<Background 3>

Cesc : AHHH—HHHHH!
Hah... Hah...

Rus : Get some rum! Give him a swig!

Cesc : Rus! Rus! How's my leg...?

Isidro : Alright... Lie down, and stay calm...
Your leg's still out in the Flat. It won't hurt any longer.

Rus : We've been looking after you here, Cesc. Don't worry, the surgery was a success. You won't be dying today.

Cesc : Oh... Oh...

Isidro : I just cut his leg off. I can't call it surgery.

Rus : He's alive. That's surgery enough for us.

Isidro : ...

<Background 5>

[Door closes ]

Elysium : ...

Weedy : Calm down, Elysium. There's nothing to suggest that these bandits have killed him.

Elysium : I don't want to think too much about the possibility, but... where would we even go to find out?

「Weedy does not answer. In the distance, several corpses hang from a pole outside of town, swinging in the wind.
A fowl lands atop it, feasting on the carrion. 」

Elysium : ...

Pious Townsperson : Oh, you two are guests of the Inquisition.
Those were bandits caught by the Alguacil.[note 6] They were hanged, all according to the teachings.

Tranquil Townsperson : Their bodies will serve as a warning to others of their kind.

Elysium : ...
Dead if you stick with the bandits, dead if you come back looking like a bandit...
Thorns...

Tottering Old Man : Hey, joven,[note 13] you still want that paper you're holding?

Elysium : Nah, I don't need it anymore. Here, take it.

Tottering Old Man : Gracias.[note 14] Finally found something to stick my bed together with.
Hmm? Isn't this...

Elysium : What, have you seen him before?

Tottering Old Man : Of course I have. I even sheltered him for a night.

<Background 1>

[Footsteps ]

Rus : The fleet's heading out into the flat to hunt saltfins in a few days, and I'd like the boy to come along.
We've lost a lot of men this month, and our surgeon and navigator sacrificed themselves to get us out of the Inquisition's trap. I think he can fill in for their posts.

Juana : That's how you plan to fix our manpower problem?
I only let him help on the salvage ship because of Teach's guarantee, but did he not almost run away today?
And now you're telling me you want him to join you on a finship.

Rus : Señora... I know he's a precious, precious alchemist, but he's great with a sword too and knows his medicine. He'll be real handy during a hunt.

Juana : You might as well open the door and let him leave. He'll find no shortage of opportunities to escape out there.
I'm a pirate, Rus. We're not the most kind-hearted sort.

Rus : Please, señora, we've lost way too many men in these last few tussles with the Inquisition.
You're not the only one in this fleet who needs him... We all do.

Juana : He's far from a good little boy, you know. In fact, he's rather naughty. How will you ensure he does as he's told?

Rus : He'd never met Pascuala before, but he still saved her sorry behind when the Inquisition was chasing her down, and saw her safely to town. Didn't ask for a reward, neither.
He could've left Cesc to die, but he didn't. Chose to come back and help us save him.
He... He's a good kid. An honest kid.
As long as we show him how much we need him, he won't just sit back and watch us suffer.

Juana : ...
Any other news from the crew?

Rus : Nothing yet... Nothing about our food supplies for the next month, at least.

Juana : *Sigh*...
Fine, he can go with you.

<Background 5>

Tottering Old Man : So the boy was your friend, then?
A fine young man. Such a shame what happened... And in the prime of his youth...

Elysium : Alright, alright, fine!
I'm going to go find him myself!

Weedy : Elysium? Elysium!

Elysium : Weedy, Thorns is definitely out there, waiting for us to save him!
Here, a communicator. You stay in town, I'll head out into the Salt Flat.

Weedy : Huh... Wha...?

[Elysium runs off. ]

Elysium : If anything happens here, contact me! We'll keep in touch—
Take care—

Weedy : ELYSIUM!

Elysium : Wait for me, Thorns! I'm coming!

Weedy : ...

Tottering Old Man : Why do you kids never let me finish?

Weedy : You were trying to say...

Tottering Old Man : It's a shame a fine young man like that would come back to Iberia just to learn a bit of swordplay.
Wouldn't it be better to live out the rest of your days in some other country?

Weedy : ...

<Background 3>

Isidro : This bread is... burnt.

[Stomach growls ]

Isidro : Should still be edible, at least.

Rus : That bunch of useless pricks... I'll cave their skulls in one day, mark my words.
Lucky we didn't lose too much.

Isidro : (*chews*)

Rus : Why're you snacking on a lump of charcoal?

Isidro : Because I'm hungry.

Rus : Toss that out and come with me.
You've got a lot to learn afore you can join a finship crew.

Isidro : Finship? What finship?

Notes

↑ 1.0 1.1 "Madam" in Spanish

"Pearl" in Spanish

↑ 3.0 3.1 "F*cker" in Spanish

↑ 4.0 4.1 "Lad" in Spanish

↑ 5.0 5.1 "Sh*t" in Spanish

↑ 6.0 6.1 "Sheriff" or "lawman" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

↑ 8.0 8.1 "Friend" in Spanish

↑ 9.0 9.1 "Evaluator" in Spanish

↑ 10.0 10.1 "Oh my God" in Spanish

"Yes" in Spanish

↑ 12.0 12.1 "Whore" in Spanish

"Young kid" in Spanish

"Thanks" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-3

Before operation

Summary

Juana leads the finning team into the Salt Flat to hunt a massive saltfin. Anastasio is waiting on the path of their return.

<Background 1>

Juana : Thank you for dinner, Javi. It was delicious.

Javier : Señora[note 1] Juana I have some questions.

Juana : Go on then, no need to hold back.

Javier : I feel it's a little... risky, to be hunting such a massive saltfin with the men we have.
Wouldn't it be safer to go after a school of smaller ones?

Juana : The saltfin schools we've reeled in have been far too small. We'll need a lot more alchemical materials for what is to come.

Javier : We've already prepared plenty.

Juana : Still far from enough. The compass was just the beginning. We'll need so much more once we enter the ocean.

Javier : Poz, the last cook, said you like to make some crazy decisions. Most of the time, it makes our blood run hot with excitement.
But other times, it makes our blood turn to ice.

Juana : ...Yet he was ever-loyal to me, supporting even those decisions that made him freeze up inside.

Javier : Is that what you expect from me too?

Juana : No. Which is why he's the previous cook and you're the new one.

Javier : ......

Juana : Do you really wish to spend the rest of your life worrying about your next meal? This is our chance. Seize it, and all our problems vanish forever.
The ocean managed to nurture the entirety of the Golden Age, but our entire fleet can't even compare to your average gang of smugglers.

Javier : But the Salt Flat has nurtured us for decades! It hasn't been easy, but you've led us through the years.

Juana : The Flat is too barren for us.

Javier : And the ocean is too dangerous for us.

Juana : Think about the townsfolk. They would like nothing more than to be rid of us, and their net draws ever closer.

Javier : You were never afraid of them!

Juana : It's not them that I'm afraid of.
It's the Flat. Its ecosystem is about to collapse.
That fissure was just the beginning. Survey teams are reporting that large voids have appeared beneath the Salt Flat, where underground rivers have dried up.

Javier : Voids?

Juana : The underground rivers are drying up. The number of microorganisms has dropped sharply, and with it, the number of saltfins that feed upon them.
It's been a long time since one of our finships encountered a large school of saltfins.

Javier : Why didn't you tell us?

Juana : What was I supposed to say? That we're finished if we don't escape this place? What would that accomplish other than causing a panic?

Javier : Is this the only way then?

Juana : ...Yes, it's the only way.

<Background 2>

[Light smack ]

Isidro : A little to the left... thanks.

Nene : Mmph!

[Light smack ]

Isidro : Yes... now a little harder.

Nene : Mmph—!

Isidro : That was a long day, learning to catch saltfins with Señor[note 2] Rus... Ow, my aching shoulders...

[Light smack ]

Isidro : Mm, yes, that's the spot.

「Nene stomps even harder on Isidro's back as he inhales and exhales deeply. 」

Isidro : Nene...

Nene : Mm-ph!

Isidro : Never mind, you wouldn't understand.
...It's not like I don't want to help you all.
When I was little, a beggar taught me a few tricks, just to earn scraps on the streets.
But when I met my mentor, he told me those weren't tricks.
It was alchemy.

Nene : Mm... hmph...

Isidro : I was fascinated by alchemical studies. It earned me praise from my mentor, and recognition from my peers.
And most importantly, I was no longer a street urchin with nothing to my name.
I was worth something.
That is, until I learned the most fundamental nature of that school of alchemy...

「Isidro pauses. Nene stops stomping and looks up perplexedly. 」

You can never abandon what you have, Isidro.
You fear you will go back to having nothing if you fail.
But the nature of alchemy is to achieve your goal, devoting everything to it, no matter the cost.
The stakes, everything... The return, a chance.
Why is it that only our alchemy was used to sail the seas? Because the ocean demands such quality.

「Sensing Isidro's depression, Nene lies down on his back and chirps gently. 」

Isidro : Rus was right. You all just want to live a decent life. Repairing the compass and going to sea... It's not worth the risk.
But I'm curious... how exactly is Juana's compass constructed?
The Corazonix inside... does it truly point towards whatever your heart yearns for the most, as the stories say?
If I just had the chance to study it...

Nene : ......

Isidro : Did you fall asleep?
I'm curious. What's going on in my own heart?

<Background 3>

Anastasio : Flowers?

Silver : Doctor Añora was the first to plant them in town, decades ago. For use in ointments.

Anastasio : Ah... I have seen them before, in the halls of the Bastión de Cánticos.

Silver : I've never been.
All I know is that it is the first flower to bloom from the salted earth of Aarón, after so many years of being besieged by the sea.
The townsfolk used to give me these, as a token of appreciation I think.
Now, I feel I should be offering them to you.

Anastasio : No, señor, I am unworthy.

Silver : Had you not taken those... measures towards the caravans, to obtain the predator burdenbeasts...
We could never have gone after those despicable bandits in the Salt Flat.

Anastasio : I did no more than what must be done.

Silver : Your duty, of course.
I believe you mentioned you are after a forbidden relic the bandits have stolen.
What sort of relic could it possibly be, to bring you all the way to this barren land?

Anastasio : A... compass.

Silver : There are thousands of antique compasses from old Iberia.

Anastasio : None like this. This one corrupts the heart.
It points towards the user's deepest desires, dredged from the depths of the heart... Or so it is said.
But those who cast their eyes towards such base desires can never turn back.
It drives them to theft, robbery, murder. They cannot stop themselves, try as they might.

Silver : ...You really think so?

Anastasio : It is simply the truth.

Silver : Is this what you've been preaching to the townsfolk these past few days?

Anastasio : It was not I who preached. The people here already understood this truth, more profoundly than I ever have.
Someone had already revealed it to them. Perhaps you?

Silver : ...Yes, it was me.
It was I who issued those prohibitions.

Anastasio : Why stop then? Why lift the prohibition?

Silver : Look at this town. No one here dares touch the new goods and technologies that the caravans bring. No one dares leave their house after dark.
They dare not fill their stomachs... even in years of plenty.
Every word I used to shackle these poor people has continued to shackle them.

Anastasio : They see it differently.
Was it not your deeds that helped them lay aside their dreams and laments for wealth and power. Was it not your words that encouraged them to take up the hoe and the scythe?

Silver : Times have changed, Señor Alguacil.[note 3]

Anastasio : Times never change, Señor Calificador.[note 4]
The deepest desires of the heart should never be probed. Not by anyone, not anywhere.
Never.

<Background 4>

[Salt gushing ]

Excited Sailor : Saltfins ahoy!
Two meters wide, eighteen long!

Teach : Now that's a big one. Chase 'em down!

Juana : Full speed ahead! Harpoons ready!

Teach : Hard to port! Full speed!

[Wheel turning ]

「Harpoons up! Hey, ho!♪
In the waves the big one rolls!♪
Stomp the planks! Hoist the sails!♪
Drown the high wind's wail!♪
Hey, ho! Up we go!♪
Before the sun sinks low!♪ 」

<Background fades out and in>

Rus : Wha'cha watching from a corner for, chaval?[note 5]

Isidro : Oh, nothing...
Ugh!

Rus : Watch yourself. But the shaking is a good thing. Means we're getting close.
Where'd the boss put you? Reeling in the net from here, or joining the hunt in the salts?

Isidro : Señora Juana won't let me leave the ship.

Rus : I don't get it. With your swordhand, you'd be way more useful in the hunt.

Isidro : She didn't give me any particular job either. Just told me to do whatever I can.

Rus : Weird. She's usually so detailed.

Isidro : Maybe the standards are laxer for the new guy?

<Background 4>

Excited Sailor : I see it!

Composed Sailor : Finshit... that's a BIG one...

Excited Sailor : Lower the boat! Don't let it get away!

Composed Sailor : Wait, it's turning!

Teach : Full rudder! It's running into us!

Juana : Not in the best mood, big guy? Well, my mood couldn't be better.
Change of plans, Perlita.[note 6] Javier stays aboard. I'll lead the hunt myself.

Teach : But señora, you haven't led a hunt in ages.

Juana : Do as I say!

Teach : Javier! Come back! Take the helm!

[Fast footsteps ]

Javier : It's too dangerous, señora!

Juana : This one's too much for you, Javi. Stay on the ship. I need you to work with me.

Javier : Then what should I do?

Juana : See that salt reef in the shape of a tongue? Herd it there with salt rounds. I'll handle the rest.

Javier : Aye aye.

Teach : Full rudder! Hang tight!

[Wheel turning ]

「The salt ship makes a hard turn to starboard, but not quite quickly enough to avoid brushing against the side of the charging saltfin.
Cold sweat rolls down everyone's backs at the grating sound. Hanging onto a fence for dear life, Isidro looks towards where the sound came from.
He sees a massive saltfin swim past the ship, sending stinging salt grains flying across the deck. 」

Isidro : How could a saltfin grow this big?
I thought that last one was the biggest I'd ever see...

Rus : No, chaval... Even I've never seen one this big.

Isidro : What?

Rus : We never hunt ones this big, not by choice.
This is loco![note 7] We're in way over our heads!

<Background fades out and in>

Teach : Load! Aim! Fire!
Port broadside! Fire!

[Cannons firing ]

Javier : Aim for the eyes and nostril! Hitting the shell won't do a damn thing!
Is Señora Juana in position?

[Fast footsteps ]

Rus : Boss! Boss!

Teach : She just went down!

Rus : You gotta stop the hunt! We're in way over our heads!

Teach : And how would we eat tomorrow if we don't hunt today?

Javier : What's the matter, Rus?

Rus : It's twice as big as any other saltfin. Only the leader of a school could grow this big.
So you'd expect it to have a whole school behind it, but I sure don't see one.

Teach : Get to the point, professor.

Rus : Either it lost its school, or it was abandoned. Either way, it's mad. Real mad.

Javier : Does Señora Juana know about this?

Teach : It was her plan.

Rus : She's toying with our lives again. If that thing decides to bring us down with it, we're all—

[SMACK! ]

Rus : Mm...

[Rus collapses. ]

Javier : Teach...

Teach : Señora and the hunting team have already left. It's too late to back down.
Don't let the rest of the crew know. We can't afford a panic.

Javier : ......

Teach : Keep firing, Javier.
I'd rather die on a hunt today than of starvation in a month.

<Background 5>

[Cannons firing ]

Nervous Sailor : Boss... Can we really take on this big guy?

Juana : Of course. And we'll win.
Wait for it to turn and aim for gaps in its shell! If you can hit the nostril, all the better!

[Sand gushing ]

Nervous Sailor : It's coming straight for us!

Juana : Row! Hard forward!

Excited Sailor : Aye aye!

[The boat speeds ahead. ]

Juana : Harpoons ready! ...Now!

Excited Sailor : Argh!

[The harpoon pierces the Saltfin as it tries to escape. ]

Juana : Good! Keep it up!

Nervous Sailor : It's too strong! I can't hold this rope much longer!

Excited Sailor : I'm with you!

Juana : All hands! Again!

Sailors : Argh!

[Harpoon fires ]

[Explosion ]

Juana : Good! Someone hit the nostril!
Hold that rope like your life depends on it!

Sailors : Hah!

[Ropes creaking ]

Excited Sailor : Thirty meters left!

Juana : Keep holding on!

Excited Sailor : Twenty meters!

Juana : ......

[Ropes creaking ]

Excited Sailor : Ten meters!

Nervous Sailor : We're out of rope!

Juana : Just a little more!

[Salt spurting ]

Excited Sailor : It's coming out of the salt layer!

Juana : Now! Reel it in!

[Ropes creaking ]

「Juana rides her boat towards the saltfin as the rope is reeled in. Its thick hide has been pierced by dozens of harpoons, blood seeping out from the wounds.
Listening to its heavy, rapid breathing, Juana knows that its life is coming to an end.
She cannot help but place her hand on the massive figure, feeling its life flow out of it little by little, until the saltfin closes its eyes, still raging against the dying of the light with its last breath. 」

Nervous Sailor : Phew... finally.

Excited Sailor : We did it!

[Sailors cheering ]

Juana : ...Hail the salt ship. Have them come for us.

Excited Sailor : Aye aye!

[Salt spurting ]

Juana : Wait!

Nervous Sailor : Look out, señora!

Excited Sailor : It's not dead yet...

[Ropes snapping ]

「Juana feels a gaze filled with overwhelming malice upon her.
She looks up at its eyes, filled with hatred and anger.
The next instant, the saltfin begins flailing violently, sending blood-stained salt flying, falling over the sailors like rain.
It breaks free of the ropes, leaving behind only the harpoons still impaled in its hide.
It raises its tail fin high. 」

Nervous Sailor : Retreat! Retreat!

Excited Sailor : No...

[BOOM! ]

「Several boats are quickly snapped in two by the saltfin's attack, and the air is filled with the screams of injured sailors.
The sound seems to fill Juana with a certain resolve. She charges towards the rampaging saltfin, and grabs one of the harpoons on its back.
It leaps up, trying to shake her off. 」

[Ropes snapping ]

Excited Sailor : It's too dangerous, señora! Let go!

Juana : No! This one is mine, as long as I still breathe!

[BOOM! ]

「The saltfin sweeps aside the boats in front of it and swims into the distance, carrying Juana on its back.
It does so with astounding speed, like an arrow from a bow, or a dying star. 」

<Background 4>

Javier : Faster!
We have to catch it!

Teach : Stop! Stop! That's as far as we can go! The beast dragged Juana into the Skeletal Reef!

Rus : Javier... Javier...

Teach : You were right, Rus. I shouldn't have knocked you out.

[Rus stands up. ]

Rus : Not the first time. I know how you can get.
But listen for once... We can't chase her. The steam in Skeletal Reef will tear our ship apart.

Javier : If you won't go, give me a boat. I'll find her.

Rus : No one survives that place! Not us, not...

Javier : Juana can.
Are you with me or not, Teach?

Teach : Don't be reckless, Javier!

Javier : You're just gonna let her die?

Teach : No one wants to lose our leader. But we can't lose you too.
She liked you. If something happens to her, you have a responsibility for what comes next.
I'll go.

Javier : Maybe so, Teach. But she won't die. I won't let her!
Who's with me?!

Bold Sailor : Count me in!

Loyal Sailor : And me!

??? : Would you mind if I join you?

「The sailors part to let Isidro through. 」

Javier : If it isn't our resident alchemist. I figured you'd keep your mouth shut forever.
What could you possibly do, chaval?

Isidro : I can help you get out of that valley alive.

<Background 5>

Warrior Priest : We're ready, Señor Silver.

Silver : Good. Take them in at my command.

Warrior Priest : Yes, sir!

[Footsteps ]

Silver : ...Are you sure those bandits will pass through here, Señor Alguacil?

Anastasio : Yes... they're short on supplies.
Saltfins are their only food source in the Salt Flat. From what the caravans tell us, they must travel through this passage when they return from a hunt.
Exhausted by their quarry, they will be no match for us.

Silver : Good.
With this ambush, it will all be over.
Things will improve in town once we have the bandits' technology and supplies.
Right, Anastasio?

Anastasio : ......

「Anastasio mutters something, but Silver does not hear it.
He simply gazes upon the vast Salt Flat before him, as if seeing the town's prosperous future out there. 」

After operation

Summary

Juana kills the massive saltfin after a deadly battle, but it is taken by Anastasio and Silver in an ambush. The crew barely escapes, and begins to accept Thorns as one of their own.

<Background 6>

[Steam gushing ]

Teach : Watch out! Steam pillar.

Javier : So this is your brilliant plan? To have us all die here?

Isidro : Sorry... I'll be more careful.

[Isidro throws a test tube. ]

「The test tube that Isidro throws bursts in mid-air, creating a golden mist.
The mist is soon dispersed by a faintly red jet of air.
Followed by a powerful burst of steam. 」

Isidro : This will let us predict the steam bursts.
But I don't have too many left. We'll need to hurry.

Javier : Hmph...

[Wheel turning ]

<Background 6>

Teach : Wreckage ahead, Javier. Watch out.

Isidro : I could blow it up.

Javier : No need. I know what you can do, chaval.[note 5]

Isidro : Okay... this ship looks like it's been here for a while.

Teach : It's the first salt ship Juana ever built. She thought it could take us through Skeletal Reef and back to the sea.

Javier : She failed.

Teach : And lost almost everything.

Javier : You see any trace of the boss?

Isidro : Yes. Not far now.

「The ship continues sailing, past a row of towering bone spikes. The cracks running through the surface are filled with blood. 」

Javier : ......

Teach : Saltfin blood. Don't let it get to you.

「Isidro picks up a piece of salt that rolled down from the cliffs and throws it out.
He opens his palm, and finds it sticky with the blood from the salt. 」

Isidro : ......

Teach : There's blood everywhere. What kind of fight happened here?

Javier : Is the boss even alive?

Isidro : We'll find out soon.

<Background 5>

「Past the bone pillars, a massive saltfin lies lifeless on the ground, its skull punctured by a helm wheel.
The master of the wheel lays still on its back, blood dripping down her feet. 」

Teach : Señora...

Javier : Juana... no...

「They disembark and climb the beast's back. Javier touches the woman's arm. It is still warm, but that fact fills him with even more sorrow. 」

Javier : I'm sorry. We were too late.

??? : *Cough* *Cough*... Yes, you were.

Javier : S-Señora?![note 1]

[Juana stands up. ]

Juana : And there I was, hoping I wouldn't need to do all the work myself.

Teach : Are you okay, boss? You're covered in blood.

Juana : It's not mine. It put up a good fight, but I outlasted it.
You got anything to drink, Isidro?

Isidro : Of course.

[He pulls out a bottle. ]

[Cork popping ]

「Juana takes the bottle, climbs down the saltfin's back, and sits down, leaning against it.
She takes a few swigs, and looks at the crowd that had gathered with a smile on her face. 」

Juana : Saltfin garum... What a shame. What I wouldn't do for some fine rum right about now.
Could you lend me a shoulder, Isidro? I have to admit I'm rather spent after all that.

Isidro : Me?

Javier : I'll do it.

Juana : Let the boy do it. You folks need to start butchering this saltfin.
And take that wheel out for me, won't you, Javi?

Javier : Sí,[note 8] señora.

Juana : Over here, boy.

Isidro : A-Alright.

Juana : Now, now, you never rush a lady. Always let her finish her business.

「Juana unhurriedly downs the liquid in the bottle, casually tossing the bottlecap into the air and catching it with her other hand. Isidro can only watch and wait.
There is movement in Juana's throat from time to time. She takes her time swallowing.
Or, rather, it takes great effort for her to swallow. 」

<Background 5>

[Footsteps ]

Isidro : (Whisper) Why are you hiding your injury?

Juana : (Whisper) Just hold on to me, steady now...
(Whisper) Argh...
(Whisper) Listen, joven.[note 9] I can't get hurt.
(Whisper) Fleet morale has been shaky enough already... I have to seem invincible.

Isidro : (Whisper) You just gave them an entire month's worth of meals.
(Whisper) They'd take care of you.

Juana : (Whisper) I'm not worried about betrayal, but... if I go down, they'll think the situation is dire, and that's when they start panicking.
(Whisper) So, keep me steady... I don't want to fall on my face in front of everyone.
(Whisper) Argh...

Isidro : (Whisper) Your ribs are cracked. I can't hold you too hard.

Juana : (Whisper) It's alright... I can take it.

<Background fades out and in>

Warrior Priest : Señor Calificador,[note 4] there is a salt ship approaching from the southwest.

Silver : Hand me your scope.
Seems like they've had quite the catch. Just look at that thing they're dragging behind...
Would you like to see for yourself?

Anastasio : No need.
...I'll give the order to attack.

[Anastasio walks away. ]

「Silver raises the spyglass. Through the round lens, he sees a skull flag flapping in the wind.
In all his years on the Salt Flat, he had never looked forward to it so much. 」

<Background 1>

Juana : How is it?

Rus : Enough for everyone, and then some.

Juana : Good. Then we'll have plenty of materials to repair the compass.

Rus : ...I guess.

Javier : Señora... I...

Juana : Yes?

Javier : Leave the rest to me. You're tired; you need rest.

Juana : ...I suppose you're right. I know I can count on you.

Javier : Need any help getting back to your quarters?

Juana : Just do your job. I'm exhausted, not crippled.

Javier : ...Aye aye.

<Background 4>

Teach : Got a question, chaval.

Isidro : Yeah?

Teach : Is the boss hurt?

Isidro : Why would you think that? There's nothing wrong with her.

Teach : Don't lie to me. Liars get lashes in this crew, you know.

Isidro : Of course.

Teach : *Sigh*...

Isidro : Are you worried?

Teach : Of course I am. She never shows weakness in front of the others. I hardly ever see her get injured... but for some reason she keeps getting new scars.
If she's hurt, I don't want her to hide it from us.

Isidro : ...She'll be fine.

<Background 5>

Warrior Priest : Target in range!

Anastasio : Fire at will.

<Background 1>

Scream From Outside : Argh—!

Juana : What was that?!

Javier : It's the Inquisition!

Juana : Where's my wheel?
They came for our quarry.

Javier : But you're... I'll go! Just wait inside!

Juana : And watch as the Inquisition takes what's mine? Never.

[Juana runs out. ]

Javier : Juana!
Juana!!

<Background 4>

Teach : Promise me you'll—

Isidro : Look out!

Teach : What the—

[Arrows rain down on the deck. ]

Distracted Sailor : Argh—!

[A sailor is hit and collapses. ]

Teach : Ambush! Take cover!
Mierda,[note 10] it's the Inquisition!

Isidro : What's going on?

Teach : Wish I knew. Someone must've leaked our hunting route.

Panicked Sailor : Teach! Those finshits came for our catch!

Teach : Tell me something I don't know! What about the guards?

Panicked Sailor : They were caught by surprised. We've got casualties.

Teach : Tell them to pull back!

Isidro : What about the saltfin?

Teach : Is that meat more important than our lives?
Full speed ahead! Shake them!

Isidro : I'm not part of your crew, though. I'll check on the saltfin.

<Background 5>

[Swords clashing ]

Hapless Sailor : Argh—

[The sailor collapses. ]

Warrior Priest : The guards around the saltfin have been neutralized. We cut the rope. They can't pull the meat with them.

Silver : And the remaining pirates?

Warrior Priest : Hiding inside the ship.

Silver : A shame... We could have taken the ship too if we had more men.
What of the Alguacil?[note 3]

Warrior Priest : Went to pursue the ones who fled.

Silver : Tell him to return. We have the saltfin. No need to overextend ourselves.

Warrior Priest : Señor!

[BOOM! ]

「A massive helm wheel flies towards Silver. He jumps back in the nick of time and almost falls backwards.
A woman in black leaps down from the salt ship, catching the flying helm wheel in her hand. 」

Juana : Where do you think you're going with my catch, Inquisitor?

[Footsteps approach ]

Silver : You... The corrupting Ægir.

Juana : Oh, it's you, joven. I thought you might grow up a little when you became calificador, but it seems you're no different from your treacherous predecessor, Silver.
Always looking to stab people in the back.

Silver : Did you expect to be treated kindly, sinner?

Juana : Was I being too nice? Would you prefer to continue this conversation with the sword?

<Background fades out>

[Explosive gunshots ]

Juana : —!

[Explosive gunshots ]

<Background fades in>

[Footsteps ]

Anastasio : Did you perhaps think that by killing the arbiter of justice you would become one?

Juana : I was wondering what got you bold enough to venture into the Salt Flat. You found a backer.

Silver : That woman is the leader of the pirates, Señor Alguacil!

Anastasio : Then you're the mastermind behind the theft of the compass... Tell me, do you cling to it even now?
And what loathsome desires has it drawn out from you?

[He aims his pistol at her. ]

Juana : (Damn it, my wounds... I can't dodge!)

[Thorns shoves her out of the way as the explosive bullet rushes past. ]

Isidro : Are you out of your mind? He almost hit you.

Juana : (Whisper) Silence, joven. Do you think I wanted to get hit?

Isidro : We need to get back to the ship. That guy's too strong for us. We can't fight him like this.

Anastasio : Ah, we meet again.
Then you shall receive judgment together.

Isidro : We need to go! They came prepared, while we're exhausted!

Juana : If you're not going to help, then stay out of my way!

Isidro : Teach just gave the order to sail! You'll be left behind!
The ship needs to shake them! We can't wait for you!

Juana : You go back.

「Juana tries to stand, but cannot find the strength.
The Alguacil and warrior priests approach. In the distance, Silver stands atop her catch with a smug expression.
Enough food to feed the fleet for a month. Important materials for repairing the compass.
She cannot afford to lose it, if she is to return to the ocean.
"Señora Juana! Come back!"
Juana hears Javier's voice calling to her from the ship's stern. 」

Juana : ......

Javier : Grab Juana, chaval! We're throwing the ladder down!

Isidro : Blood... your wounds have opened up!

Teach : What're you waiting for?! Get up here!

「She must not pass out. Her crew needs her. There is a future she must lead her fleet into.
She made a promise to Cruz. 」

Silver : Don't let them get away!

Warrior Priest : Yes, sir!

Isidro : Señora Juana!

Javier : Juana!

Teach : Señora Juana!

Juana : Shut... up...

「She can withstand the pain and darkness back no longer. They overcome her. 」

[She collapses. ]

<Background 1>

Juana : Ugh...

Javier : Juana! You're awake.

Juana : I...

Javier : Don't worry, we're safe.

[She sits up. ]

Juana : Argh... where's Teach?

Javier : She's busy elsewhere. I'm here by your side.

Juana : What about the boy... Where did he go? Did he run away...?

Javier : No, he brought you back.
Do you want to see him? I can go get him.

Juana : What is he doing?

Javier : ...He's with Teach, treating the crew members who were injured in the attack.

<Background 7>

Pained Sailor : Aaaahhh— argh—!

Isidro : I'm sorry, this ointment hurts when it's applied, but the bleeding should stop soon.

Teach : Now shut up and stop whining!

Pained Sailor : Go on... argh... I can... take it...

Teach : How's it going on your end?

Rus : (Shakes head) Not much we can do...

Teach : Bury the dead in the salts as soon as we can.

Rus : Aye... Come with me, chaval. Cesc wants to see you.

Isidro : Is he hurt?

Rus : Got shot in the liver. He's on his last legs... said he wanted to see you.

Isidro : ...Take me to him.

<Background fades out and in>

[Footsteps ]

「Isidro makes his way through the wounded, a bowl of hot soup in hand.
Amongst the many pale faces, he sees a familiar one, smiling at him with what little strength it has left.
He sits beside the wounded man and smiles back. 」

Cesc : You're damn ugly when you smile... you know that?

Isidro : Sounds like you're in good spirits.
Here, I brought you some soup. You'll feel better.

Cesc : No... don't waste it.
Thanks for coming to see me... and for saving my hide back then.
I wanted to ask... why did you save me...?

Isidro : I've thought I was going to die so many time over my journeys.
But every time, I was lucky enough to meet someone who cared. I know how it feels to be waiting for death.
It's not pleasant.

Cesc : I... *cough* I never knew a damn thing about you... Tell me more...
You got... a home?

Isidro : No, I don't.

Rus : A family?

Isidro : Not any I grew up with. My parents left when I was very young.

Cesc : ...I see.

Rus : How 'bout you tell him where you learned your bag of tricks?

Isidro : Sure...
Some different people took pity on me and taught me how to survive. Bits and pieces, here and there.
There was a teacher who taught me how to use a sword.
We lived together for a long time. I learned a lot from him.

Rus : Must've invested a lot in you.

Isidro : Yeah. He raised me as his successor.

Cesc : Why didn't... you stay... with him...

Isidro : I couldn't live that way. He made me feel safe.

Cesc : What's... wrong with that?

Isidro : Nothing's worse than feeling safe. It makes you let your guard down. But nowhere is truly safe.

Cesc : ......
You know, amigo...[note 11]
You don't have a home... don't like feeling safe, don't want to settle down... living side-by-side with danger...
You were... born to be a pirate...
......

Isidro : ......
Maybe I was.

「Isidro says no more. The soup has long since become cold in the night wind of the Salt Flat.
He raises the bowl and takes a sip. It has been a month, and he is already used to its thick, salty flavor. 」

Notes

↑ 1.0 1.1 "Madam" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

↑ 4.0 4.1 "Evaluator" in Spanish

↑ 5.0 5.1 "Lad" in Spanish

"Pearl" in Spanish

"Crazy" in Spanish

"Yes" in Spanish

"Young kid" in Spanish

"Sh*t" in Spanish

"Friend" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-4

Before operation

Summary

Silver and Anastasio disagree over the treatment of the captured crew. Elysium has infiltrated the camp and manages to find Thorns, who has agreed to help Juana repair the compass.

<Background 1>

[Crowd chattering ]

Hungry Townsfolk : G-Gracias...[note 1]

Stoic Townsfolk : I injured a holy man when I corralled the burdenbeasts and startled one by accident. I will forsake half of my serving as penance.

Silver : No, eat up so that it doesn't happen again.
There's enough saltfin for everyone. Eat.

Stoic Townsfolk : But, Señor[note 2] Silver, overeating is—

Silver : Is better than letting food go to waste. Saltfin flesh won't last in this weather. Finish it before it spoils.
Kindly bring these to our injured brothers, my good chef.
They need something nutritious to eat, after the beating they've taken these past few days.

<Background 2>

[Door knocks and opens ]

Silver : Have you reviewed the plan, Señor Alguacil?[note 3]

Anastasio : I do not understand how such a notion could have even occurred to you.

Silver : If the bandits surrender the compass and the blueprints for a salt ship, I will pardon most of them and permit them to live as I allow them to.
Many are young and healthy. They will be invaluable labor if this town is to move.
Besides, it will convenient to have sword hands unbound by religious dogma, in the event of any future negotiations.

Anastasio : They will destroy your town.

Silver : Eliminate the Ægir leading them, and the rest are just a disorganized mob. The three whom we have locked up in the basement are each playing their own game.
I will split them and give them conflicting interests, such that if they do raise their swords, it will only be against their former fellows.

Anastasio : You once saved these townsfolk, taught them to suppress desire and maintain purity... yet now you would pardon the very bandits who murdered their friends and family, all for worldly benefit?
Did you imagine the people accepting this?
How is this anything less than a betrayal?

Silver : ......
What would you suggest, then?

Anastasio : I would lead our men into the Flat without delay, eliminate the surviving bandits, and destroy the very means by which they have sinned.

Silver : Our injured brothers need rest.
We have neither the manpower nor the resources for another major campaign.

Anastasio : I will ensure they are ready.

Silver : I hope you'll forgive my bluntness, Señor Alguacil.
But the three bandits in the basement will "escape" at nightfall. If all goes well, they will soon bring news back to their fellows.
All I need from you is to maintain order when the bandits come to negotiate.

<Background 3>

Isidro : ......

[Footsteps ]

Juana : What made you change your mind?

Isidro : It's just a compass. There wasn't much to think about.
......

[Isidro sweeps the floor. ]

Juana : Would someone with so little on their mind have such restless hands? Should I be worrying about you making a hole in my ship, joven?

Isidro : I'm not that strong.

Juana : Come now, don't be like that. I hope you realize that being serious all the time only makes you the butt of the joke.
Now grab a change of clothes. You have blood all over you.

Isidro : ...Gracias.

Juana : Come with me.

<Background 4>

[An old door opens, knocking over a bunch of stuff. ]

Isidro : *Cough* *Cough*...

Juana : Sorry, I should have told you to hold your breath. This cabin hasn't been used in decades, and there's dust everywhere.

Isidro : I'm sorry for touching things without permission.

Juana : Don't make me sound like such a petty woman.
You can touch whatever you want here. It's all top-notch alchemical equipment. Unless your hands are more dangerous than cannon fire or a storm, they'll survive.
This will be your lab from now on.

Isidro : You have a full-fledged alchemy lab on your ship?

Juana : Yes.

Isidro : ......

Juana : Before I forget...
These clothes belonged to the previous alchemist. You're about the same size, so try them on.

Isidro : Oh, uh...

Juana : You can change in the storage room to your left.

<Background fades out and in>

[Isidro steps out. ]

Juana : ......

Isidro : Do I look weird?

Juana : Of course not. It fits you well.
Do you like it? The style is decades-old, but it was tailor-made with the finest fabrics.

Isidro : It feels brand-new, though.

Juana : It was meant to be a coming-of-age gift. But he fell into the sea along with the shells of the Iberian Defensa the very day before reaching adulthood.
I searched for his body myself, but never found a trace. I only hope it was the fins that got him. There weren't quite so many Seaborn back then.

Isidro : You've fought the Iberian Defensa?

Juana : This was before the Profound Silence, when we still sailed the high seas. This very ship, La Conquista, was captured in that era.
I don't suppose you have an interest in history?

Isidro : No, I've just heard a few tales about the ocean.

Juana : Then fix the compass and see it with your own eyes.

Isidro : First you wanted me to fix your compass, now you want me to follow you out to sea?

Juana : It requires an alchemist to operate it.

Isidro : ......

[Juana steps forward. ]

Juana : Let me have a good look at you. Hm... raise your collar a bit, wear the shawl over your shoulder... not bad at all.

Isidro : Er, I can handle the rest...
Try to avoid any strenuous effort for a few days. Your injuries aren't life-threatening, but given the hygiene on the ship, you can never be too careful.

Juana : Yes, yes... Oh! I know what's missing!
How could I forget?
I haven't given you the compass yet.

「Isidro takes the compass from Juana and caresses its surface.
It is light, and cold. 」

Isidro : I can't guarantee success, but I'll give it my all.

Juana : Your all, you say?

Isidro : When I make a promise, I intend to keep it.

Juana : Then you shall have all the support I can offer.

Isidro : Good. First, I'll need an assistant. I'm not asking a lot, just someone clever and hard-working.

Juana : Naturally.
Right, and I have one other present for you.

<Background 5>

Javier : ......

Rus : ......

Javier : If what the boss says is true, then we're out of options.
The townsfolk now control the route from the Flat to the inland, and we're their mortal enemies.
There's no way back. We have to face the ocean.

Rus : I...
Is there really no other way?

[Panicked footsteps ]

Anxious Sailor : Señor Rus! Señor Javier!

Rus : Slow down and breathe. What's going on?

Anxious Sailor : Th-They're back!

Javier : Who's back?

Anxious Sailor : O-Our mates who got caught! They escaped and came back!
And they brought someone with them!

<Background 6>

[Crowd murmuring ]

Auctioning Sailor : Take a look at this scallywag I found outside!
Healthy, works hard, don't eat much. And he's yours for two months of saltfin garum!

Joyful Sailor : His face is kind of nice...

Aloof Sailor : He's all skin and bones. A flick of a saltfin's tail would send him packing...

??? : Hey! I take exception to that!

Elysium : I'll have you know I'm ripped under this loose fit!

Auctioning Sailor : Okay, going for one-and-a-half months of saltfin garum!

Pascuala : ......

Elysium : For an absolute adonis like me? I'm worth at least a year of that fin stuff!

Auctioning Sailor : Shut up already! Can't you see no one wants you?

Elysium : Going for one year of saltfin garum!

Auctioning Sailor : One month!

Elysium : Two years!

Auctioning Sailor : Two weeks!

Elysium : Three years!

Auctioning Sailor : Pah! Three days!

Pascuala : Deal!

Elysium & Auctioning Sailor : Huh?

Pascuala : Three days of saltfin garum, under my name. Deal?

Elysium : ...Huh?

Pascuala : Perfect timing. I was just thinking I needed a bodyguard.
Now what to call you... How about Pelirrojito,[note 4] for that red streak you've got?

<Background 7>

[Footsteps ]

Isidro : You were hiding all this under the Salt Flat?

Juana : Shh, do you want the neighbors to hear?

Isidro : That wasn't funny.

Juana : I'm more surprised you even noticed the joke.

Isidro : So did you want me to help you kill this Seaborn?

Juana : Of course not.

Isidro : Then why bring me here?

Juana : You came to the Salt Flat seeking a school of swordplay founded by a pirate, did you not?

Isidro : Yes...

Juana : Then congratulations, you've found it.
When you need a break from repairing the compass, you can come here and learn from it.

Isidro : From a Seaborn?

Juana : A Seaborn that has devoured countless swordsmen. With every movement of its appendages, it recreates their skills.
Perhaps as an attempt to escape, or perhaps a meaningless act of imitation...

Isidro : ...What exactly is going on here?

Juana : It is difficult to explain. After trapping it here, I issued a bounty, inviting any swordsman to try their hand at killing it.
Many have attempted it, but all have become a part of it, along with their blades.

Isidro : Now I'm even more confused. Why did you trap it here? Why were you looking for someone to kill it?
And why do you want me to learn swordplay from it?

Juana : I was never the original captain of the fleet. It was it... him.

Isidro : Him?

Juana : His name was Cruz.
When the waters that inundated this land subsided, the remaining Seaborn began to attack the cities in a frenzy.
We fought hard and slew most of them, but this one was particularly hard to kill. Cruz lured it into a cave, using himself as bait, and both became trapped here.
The last time I saw him, he named me captain and asked me to bring the others back to the sea.

Isidro : Why not tell them the truth? I've heard the crew spreading terrible rumors about you and the Seaborn.

Juana : Let them. A leader needs to be feared as well as loved.

Isidro : So you came up with this entire plan back then?

Juana : No. It was Cruz who gave it to me. He had long expected that he would die before I did, so he told me everything, that I might continue his work after his death.

Isidro : You should have freed him from... this...

Juana : I wanted to. But it's not that easy.
I couldn't do it, not with my own hands... Even though I know it's just a Seaborn. I love him, just as I love the time we spent sailing far and wide.
Promise me. Learn everything you can from it, as much as your little sponge of a brain can absorb.
That way, at least, I'll get to see his swordplay once more.

<Background 8>

[Comms buzzing ]

Weedy : Leaf? You've got news from Elysium...?
Play recording.

Recording : Weedy... I followed the escaping bandits back to their den.
Don't worry, no one knows who I am. And I found someone who can protect me.
She has a lot of connections here. I'm sure I'll find Thorns soon.
Just sit back and wait for the good news.

Weedy : *Sigh*...

<Background 9>

Pascuala : Bring the crates over here, Pelirrojito!

[Footsteps ]

"Pelirojito" : Yes, boss!

Pascuala : Not bad! You're stronger than you look. Now I want to hear that same energy in your selling.

"Pelirojito" : You got it, boss! I've already memorized the entire list of goods, forwards and backwards!
(I'm done listening to you the moment I find Thorns!)

Pascuala : Look, people are coming! Say it so they can hear!

"Pelirojito" : Prosthetic eyeballs! Made from the finest saltfin bones for maximum comfort, in any color you want!
Aged saltfin garum from our special collection! A flavor you won't forget!
Don't miss this chance, señores and señoras!

Pascuala : (Wow... this guy's a natural. Doesn't sound like a slave at all...)

"Pelirojito" : Come one, come all, there's something for everyone!
*Cough* *Cough* I'm getting hoarse, Boss...
Everybody's staring, but why is no one stopping by?

Pascuala : Yeah... it's weirdly quiet. I'd expect someone to have picked a fight with me by now.

[She blocks a pirate running by. ]

Pascuala : Would you care for one, señor? Could come in handy someday!

Flustered Sailor : No thanks, Pascuala...

Pascuala : Well, if you're not buying, you're not buying, but what's that look? Gives me the creeps.

Flustered Sailor : I suggest you put your tail between your legs and behave yourself.

[The pirate runs off. ]

Pascuala : Huh?

"Pelirojito" : Didn't you say you were well-connected?

Pascuala : I am! Just imagine how much worse it'd be for an outsider like you without me here to smooth things over.

[Javier and Rus walk by. ]

Pascuala : (These two never used to give me a second glance. Why'd they stop to glare at me today?)
You know what, just close up the stall and pack up for today. I'm gonna go ask around.

<Background 9>

Rus : Is it true what those guys were saying?

Javier : Yeah, I sent someone to check.

Rus : Do you trust them? That if we hand over the compass and the thief, we all get pardoned and can live in town?

Javier : It's hard to believe.

Rus : Then why'd you let that chaval[note 5] from the city with the red hair onto our fleet?

Javier : I don't know what to believe anymore, Rus.
Could be the fickle sea, could be some inscrutable show of good faith. Whatever it is, keeping him around gives us more options.

Rus : If it comes to it... the chica[note 6] is the easy part: just tie her up and hand her over. But how in the hell would we get the compass from the boss?

Javier : I... I'll talk to her. This is about the whole fleet. She'll listen.

Rus : Talk?
I used to think maybe you could convince her, but now I'm sure she'd just drag you right back in.

Javier : What do you want me to do then?

Rus : Who knows? You get to make decisions for the fleet, not me.

Javier : ......

[The two keep walking. ]

Pascuala : ......
(Those Inquisition finshits... Now they're just playing dirty...)

<Background 5>

Pascuala : *Sigh*...

"Pelirojito" : What's with all the sighing, boss?

Pascuala : I heard... *sob*... I heard...

"Pelirojito" : Come on, don't cry, you can tell me. Maybe I can help.

Pascuala : You're so nice, Pelirrojito, *sob*...

"Pelirojito" : (Who else would I count on here?)

Pascuala : I'm worried about you.

"Pelirojito" : Ahem. What does this have to do with me, boss?

Pascuala : It's one thing to be drifting around on my own, but now I've got you to care of.

"Pelirojito" : I'm not fired, am I? After all the work I've done for you?

Pascuala : No... I'm just worried about you getting left all alone with these bandits if something happens to me.

"Pelirojito" : I...
(This is practically blackmail!)
...Wow, I didn't think you cared, boss! Don't worry, nothing'll happen to you on my watch!

Pascuala : Oh, Pelirrojito!

"Pelirojito" : Boss!

Pascuala : I... I heard them talking... they want to hand me over to the Inquisition!
The Inquisition chased me all the way into the Salt Flat! All because of a compass that used to belong to my family!

"Pelirojito" : Your family?

Pascuala : I may not look it, but my family used to be rich and famous!
But everything we had was sold off, and the compass somehow ended up with the Inquisition.

"Pelirojito" : Wow, that's amazing, boss!
(Yeah right.)
So, what do you need me to do?

Pascuala : Ahem. I heard the fleet's alchemist is looking for an assistant, and he's got the boss's trust big time. So, uh, maybe you could try applying?
You're clever and hardworking and I'm sure you'll get along like peanut butter and jelly! Then you can put in a good word for me.

"Pelirojito" : Why not just do it yourself?

Pascuala : Well, me and him have a little bit of a history... Maybe more than a bit...

<Background 10>

[Footsteps ]

Pascuala : Anyhow, just work that silver tongue keep an eye out for your chance!

"Pelirojito" : No problem, boss! I'll step up as soon as he needs me!

Pascuala : Maybe don't be TOO eager... In the end, it comes down to timing.
We can't make things too easy for him. He's gotta soak in the anxiety, then you can show up right when he needs you most. That way, he'll be helpless without you.

"Pelirojito" : Why are you making this weird?

Pascuala : Both of our fates are in your hands, Pelirrojito.

"Pelirojito" : (You can eat finshit for all I care once I get in that alchemist's good graces!)

[Door opens ]

Crying Sailor : Waahh!
H-How could he say that!

[The pirate runs away in tears. ]

Pascuala : Hey, wasn't that Steelface Pele?

"Pelirojito" : Steelface Pele?

Pascuala : Yeah, says he didn't so much as whimper when he fell from the mast last year.
So why was he crying like a little kid after leaving that room?

Terrified Sailor : Are you here to interview for the alchemist assistant's job?

"Pelirojito" : Er... yeah...

Terrified Sailor : Turn back if you know what's good for you, chaval.

"Pelirojito" : Does he have a bad temper?

Terrified Sailor : No, worse.

Pascuala : Don't worry about it, Pelirrojito. He's a nice guy. He even saved my life.

Terrified Sailor : Sure, but work always brings out the worst in us.

Pascuala : Now that you mention it...

Terrified Sailor : He kicked me out in three seconds flat! Said I was breathing too loud!

"Pelirojito" : (Whisper) Hey, boss, you said you had a history with this guy, right?

Pascuala : (Whisper) What about it?

"Pelirojito" : (Whisper) You're trying to throw me into a fire! I'm not going in!

Pascuala : (Whisper) We're already here! You're not out of this that easy!

"Pelirojito" : No, I'm not going! Whatever you're up to, nothing good can come of it!

Pascuala : Just go in! Stop running away!

[Pascuala jumps onto him. ]

"Pelirojito" : Get off my shoulders!

Pascuala : No!

[She grabs his face. ]

"Pelirojito" : Yow! Stop pulling on my eyebrows! I can't see!

Pascuala : Hey, watch where you're going! You're gonna hit the door!

[The two crash through the door. ]

<Background 4>

[Elysium stands up. ]

"Pelirojito" : Ow ow ow...

Isidro : Whatever the reason for this racket, you're interrupting my work.
Either I toss you out the window, or you show yourselves out. Choose.

Pascuala : Sorry, sorry, I just wanted to recommend you an assistant.

Isidro : You mean another of those guys who couldn't tell a beaker from a flask? No thank you, you can keep them.

"Pelirojito" : You sure don't mince your words, do you?

Pascuala : He's new here, Isidro, doesn't know how things work. Don't mind him.

[Footsteps approach ]

Isidro : You...

"Pelirojito" : Yup, me.

Pascuala : Er, excuse me?

「Nobody pays any attention to Pascuala. Isidro puts his hand on the shoulder of "Pelirojito".
Who in turn puts his arm on Isidro's shoulder, their two arms linked like cables connecting a bridge.
They pat each other's shoulders so hard, they might as well be punching each other.
Pelirrojito's face turns as red as the streak in his hair, grimacing in pain.
As for Isidro... 」

Isidro : Have they been starving you? You pat like a wimp.

Elysium : ......
Do you even know how much weight I lost looking for you? Hope you're ready to buy me a good meal.

Pascuala : Señores...[note 7]

Isidro : How did you find me?

Elysium : We can talk about that later. Let's talk about you. How did you get here with all your limbs intact, you lucky boy?

Isidro : ...What's with the tone of disappointment?

Pascuala : Excuse me...

「Pascuala finds no room in the conversation for her to butt in. 」

Pascuala : ......
Never mind.

「She turns around and leaves, politely closing the door behind her. 」

After operation

Summary

Unrest begins to spread through the camp due to a lack of supplies. Javier wants to surrender to the town with the crew. Anastasio begins to harbor thoughts about Aarón that he should not.

<Background 4>

Elysium : That's two arms, two legs, two eyes, two ears, one nose, all present and accounted for. Maybe a bit of a tan?
Thank goodness! You have you no idea how anxious I was when I heard these bandits were stone-cold killers who ate people for breakfast!

Isidro : And who told you THAT?

Elysium : Do you know how much courage I had to muster to come here and rescue you? Weedy's still back at town. I'll get in touch with her.

Isidro : ......

Elysium : (Whisper) Whenever you're ready, I'll call her, and we can get out of here!

Isidro : I've tried, it's practically impossible. Besides, I don't plan on leaving for now.

Elysium : Why not? Don't tell me you actually joined up with these bandits like they say?
(Whisper) Come on, out with it. Or do you really think there's a future out here with these backwater thugs?

Isidro : ...I have no interest in becoming a pirate, Elysium.
I'm staying because... I want to resume the alchemical research I ran from. This compass has Corazonix in it, maybe the last one.
Besides... I promised them I would fix it. It's critical for their survival.

Elysium : So... you plan to stay with them?

Isidro : No. Once it's fixed, they'll leave the Salt Flat for the ocean.
Then I'll stay behind and continue to hone my skills in both swordplay and alchemy.

「Elysium pats Isidro on the shoulder. His friend seems to have changed. 」

Elysium : Sounds like you've had a lot to think about... Well, that's not such a bad thing.
So what exactly did the girl outside want me to do here again?

Isidro : I needed an assistant as I repair the compass.

Elysium : Just like back in Rhodes Island, then. Let me know what you need.

Isidro : Mm-hm.
I will.

[Footsteps ]

「Isidro stands before the transmutation table. The probe in his hand makes a sharp sound as it swipes through the air, an Arts energy field forming along the lines that it draws.
He carefully removes the outer casing of the compass and places it on the table. The viscous substance inside begins to liquify, creating waves in the direction of the energy flow.
Arts energy and Corazonix intertwine into a golden light illuminating the salt flat outside through the gaps in the workshop walls.
The sailors have never seen anything like it. They begin to gather one by one. 」

Peeping Sailor : What are they doing in there?

Curious Sailor : That kid from outside is doing his thing, that owl-kemmie or whatever... Never though it'd glow gold like that though.

Peeking Sailor : Lemmesee, lemmesee...

Isidro : ......

Elysium : Not gonna lie, this is pretty sick. What's that in your hand?

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 11>

Curious Passerby : What's that in his hand?

Scoffing Passerby : Some beggar's magic trick, what else?

Curious Passerby : Oh. Well, nothing to see here then. It's not like we have any food to spare.

Scoffing Passerby : Bothersome brat...

[The passersby leave. ]

Young Isidro : Come and see my trick! All I ask is a piece of bread—

[A man kicks Isidro out of the way. ]

Young Isidro : Ugh...

Aloof Passerby : Get lost, you're in the way.

[Fading footsteps ]

Young Isidro : (Whisper) Bastard...

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 4>

Isidro : ......

Elysium : Er, we're attracting quite a crowd outside. Does that bother you?
Want me to chase them away?

Isidro : It's fine. With you here chatting away, it feels like I'm right back at Rhodes Island. They won't bother me.

「Isidro's hands do not stop. The probe in his hand seems to dance with the Corazonix rippling in the energy field.
His palms emit light, looking to the sailors peeping through the windows like a mirage born of hunger and thirst. 」

Peeping Sailor : You ever seen anything like it?

Curious Sailor : Way back when, I remember the boss talking about folks who'd perform tricks for others in the big cities. Guess that's what it looks like?

Peeking Sailor : It's beautiful...

Isidro : Let them watch. Just make sure they don't barge in and try to sell me for food.

Elysium : ...Sounds weirdly plausible. Do people do that?

Isidro : People do a lot of things when there's nothing to eat.

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 11>

[Footsteps approach ]

Shy Child : Excuse me...

Young Isidro : Do you have any food?

Shy Child : No... will you take this ribbon though?

Young Isidro : No, it's got to be something I can eat.

Shy Child : I don't have anything to eat myself... I...

[Footsteps approach ]

Kind Passerby : I happen to have a few biscuits here. Why don't you let this young lady see your trick?

Young Isidro : Biscuits? Sure, since you asked.

「Metal begins to flow in young Isidro's palm, glowing with fantastical colors in the darkness.
Passersby cannot help but gather around. The disdain in their words cannot disguise the fact that their eyes are glued to the light in the young boy's hand.
It has been so long since there was something so bright on these streets. 」

Shy Child : It's so pretty. Can I take a closer look?

Young Isidro : Suit yourself.

「The boy waves his fingers, and the flowing metal turns into a fowlbeast that takes to the air before returning to his palm in the shape of a fin, then a musbeast, then a burdenbeast...
The metallic burdenbeast runs through the crowd, shiny and chrome, leaving behind stardust in the air. 」

Curious Passerby : Wow!

Scoffing Passerby : It's just—

Curious Passerby : Oh, shut up and watch.

Aloof Passerby : When was the last time I saw fireworks...
I think it was a long, long time ago...

Shy Child : Fireworks? What are fireworks?

「The child musters the courage to reach out and catch a burst of drifting starlight. She trembles at the warmth upon her fingertips. 」

Kind Passerby : Impressive, boy. It's not often that the people here have something to smile about.

Young Isidro : Just trying to earn my bread.

Kind Passerby : Is that so?
Why do you have a smile on your face, then?

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 4>

「The probe guides the Corazonix, drawing a river of stars in the air.
More and more sailors gather, pressing their faces to the window, the thirst, hunger and exhaustion on their faces temporarily replaced by awe and wonder. 」

Elysium : Now you're just showing off.
Did you think I couldn't tell?

Isidro : ......
That was just a check of the alchemy equipment and compass. Now comes the next step: separating the rusted and denatured parts from the Corazonix.
This is what I promised them... what I can do for them.

<Background 3>

[Footsteps ]

Pascuala : You two sure spent a long time chatting.

Elysium : Well, it's been a while since we last saw each other. Were you sitting out here this whole time, boss?

Pascuala : You can stop calling me boss. All my friends call me Peludita,[note 8] on account of how fluffy I am.

Elysium : Oh, so we're friends now?

Pascuala : 'Course we are! Could you have ever found your old amigo[note 9] without the help of yours truly?

Elysium : (Talk about twisting the truth.)
Hm... so what should you call me, now that we're friends?

Pascuala : Anything you like! More importantly, what did Señor[note 2] Isidro say?
About, you know, putting me under his protection?

Elysium : Oh, I forgot to ask. But maybe I'll remember tomorrow, if you ask nicely.

Pascuala : Please, o honorable Señor Pelirrojito![note 4] The greatest, handsomest Liberi of all!

Elysium : Ooh, I like that. Keep it coming!

Pascuala : (You flipping finshit!)
(I'm yanking that red bit right out once I'm out of this mess!)

Elysium : ......
Well, I guess I do owe you one for helping me find my good buddy...

「Elysium pats the girl on the head. Her youthful, childlike exterior belies the maturity, even cruelty, lying beneath. 」

Elysium : You sure keep some choice company for a girl your age. Well, come find me if you ever squeeze yourself into something you can't squeeze out of.
I'm as kind-hearted as they come, after all!

[Elysium saunters off. ]

Pascuala : ...Huh?
...Huh?!
Hmph! Who'd believe a show-off like you?
At the end of the day, the only one you can trust is yourself.

<Background 2>

Hungry Sailor : Another one, please.

Warrior Priest : ......

Hungry Sailor : That pancake... mm... another plate please!

Silver : (Whisper) Have they never eaten in their entire lives?

Anastasio : (Whisper) Isn't it all so very familiar? The pride, the gluttony, the greed.
(Whisper) How are they any different from when they raided your granary?

Silver : (Whisper) I don't need them to change.
Ahem... I'm sure you're familiar with Aarón, even if your previous visits have been, shall we say, less peaceful.
Still, I bid you welcome, and look forward to a productive discussion.

Satisfied Sailor : *Burp*—
(Raises arm)

Silver : Did you need a handkerchief?

Satisfied Sailor : I'm good, got my sleeves.

Silver : ...Very well.
(Whisper) Who decided to serve them fried garlic pancakes?

Anastasio : (Whisper) Do you truly believe you can accept them?

Silver : (Whisper) If it benefits the town.
Now that you have eaten, it's time to talk—

Satisfied Sailor : Can we get some more of those for take-out?

Silver : Dinner is over. It's time to—

Satisfied Sailor : Alright, you over there, no need to hide. Come here, and we'll talk.

Anastasio : ...?

Satisfied Sailor : Yes, you, señor. You're the one calling the shots, right? You can't fool us.

Anastasio : ...Negotiation is the calificador's[note 10] duty. Speak to Señor Silver.

Silver : ......

<Background 12>

Juana : How long have you been waiting here, Javi?

Javier : Since morning.

Juana : Didn't Teach tell you I had private business I needed to attend to?

Javier : In all my time by your side, you've never had "private business" even once. Do you even have a life outside this fleet?

Juana : I never said I did.
So why were you looking for me?

Javier : ...Would you give up the compass, if we found another way besides going out to sea?

Juana : I'm listening.

Javier : The mates who got back from Aarón said we'll be pardoned if we hand over the compass and the thief. That they'd let us live in town, or go wherever we want.

Juana : And you believe them?

Javier : I looked into it. The offer's real, at least.

Juana : When? And why wasn't I informed?

Javier : Didn't want to bother you while you were recuperating.

Juana : ...And who asked you to be so protective of me?

Javier : How else would I treat the woman who raised me?

Juana : It feels like it was only yesterday. Now you're taller than I am.

Javier : When I was little, I used to pray to grow up faster, taller, and stronger, so that I could share your burden.
Guess my wish came true.

Juana : You'll always be that little boy to me, no matter how big you are.

Javier : But what about my thoughts? Will you still treat them as the ideas of a little boy?

Juana : ......
No, Javi, I won't. I know it's a feeble concession, the kind that only an adult can make.
But I'd sooner die than surrender to them.
How many of the friends you grew up with have already died at their hands?

Javier : I'll never forget, Señora[note 11] Juana...

Juana : My crew and I did everything for them, when times were hardest!
Cruz, myself, and our crew fought the Seaborn to protect them!
We spared what little rations we had, so they wouldn't have to feed on their own corpses!
And how did they repay us? By chasing us into the Salt Flat as soon as the Inquisition arrived!
That never would've happened to Cruz if they hadn't turned a blind eye!
I will never bow my head to those ingrates.
I love you, Javi, all of you, whether you believe it or not. Just as I loved all the mates who fought alongside me amidst the waves.
They're long gone, but I still see them in you all. The legacy of blood works in such mysterious ways.
That's why I can never forgive them... I hope you understand.

Notes

"Thanks" in Spanish

↑ 2.0 2.1 "Mister" in Spanish

"Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

↑ 4.0 4.1 "Lil' Redhead" in Spanish

"Lad" in Spanish

"Girl" in Spanish

"Guys" or "Sirs" in Spanish

"Fluffy" in Spanish

"Friend" in Spanish

"Evaluator" in Spanish

"Madam" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-5

Before operation

Summary

The compass repairs do not go well. The sailors plan a mutiny. Thorns kills the sword-wielding Seaborn under Juana's direction and learns the sword technique that fights the wind and waves.

<Background 1>

[Chemicals bubbling ]

[Flames fizzing, exploding ]

Elysium : Wow, this is way more dangerous than your experiments at Rhodes Island.
You used to blow up your lab like three or four times a day, at most. Now, you're doing it once every fifteen minutes.

Isidro : That's not the kind of data I want...

Elysium : Don't worry, I made detailed records of all your experiments so far. Clean the desk up, won't you, Peludita?[note 1]

Pascuala : Sure thing!

Isidro : What is she doing here?

Elysium : I felt like I could use an assistant myself. Don't worry, she's clever and hardworking enough.

Pascuala : (And you're making me do all your work!)

Isidro : ...

Elysium : Ahem. How about you go fetch some fin oil and Oriron from the warehouse?

Pascuala : On it!

[She scurries off. ]

Elysium : Alright, she's gone...
Now, what's the problem we're dealing with?

Isidro : We're not making much progress... The samples that I've managed to construct are well below the required standard.

Elysium : Really? They look good though. Nice and shiny.

Isidro : There's a reason Corazonix is so rare. Its incredible powers are supported by an extraordinarily complex structure.
Either I'm not doing this right, or my understanding of Corazonix is completely wrong.
I'm not ready to manipulate true Corazonix, not even close.

Elysium : So why not make more samples until you're satisfied with them?

Isidro : Our resources are limited, I can't use them all... If I fail, I at least want to leave some behind for them.

Elysium : You've barely started and you're already thinking about your inevitable failure. Come on, have some faith in yourself.
We've worked together so many times. I have faith in you. So does Señora[note 2] Juana, and, er... er...
...Who else was there again?
Well, that certain someone, at least...

[Door opens ]

Pascuala : And me.

Elysium : Oh, hey there, Peludita. You're back already?

Pascuala : I, for one, am rooting for your success.

Isidro : What's in it for you, Pascuala?

Pascuala : Don't forget I was the one who brought this compass here. If you screw this up, I'm screwed too.
So, don't send me away again when you run into trouble. I'll do what I can to help.

Isidro : ...Well, to start with, you could help by not selling me out this time.

Pascuala : Tch, believe what you want...

Elysium : Ahem. Anyway, thanks for running that errand. I'm going to adjust the direction of the transmutation table. Could you sort out the ingredients?

Pascuala : Fine, fine.
(All you do is nag!)

[Door banging ]

Isidro : Come in!

[Footsteps ]

Teach : Sorry to interrupt. There's something I want to ask.

<Background fades out and in>

Teach : The transmission core on one of the salt ships just broke, and we couldn't find any material strong enough... I get that the boss gave you those materials for the compass, but we just need a little...

Isidro : How much?

Teach : One hundred grams.

Isidro : Pascuala will fetch it.

Pascuala : (Whisper) Are you kidding me? That's everything we've got!

Isidro : Go.

Pascuala : But...

Elysium : Just go. We don't need it for the experiments just yet.

Teach : Muchas gracias.[note 3] Sorry for asking at a time like this. Señora Juana said the compass takes priority over everything else...
The future of the whole fleet is on you.

Isidro : ...

Teach : Isidro?

Isidro : Please don't say that.

Teach : ...Is it not going well?

Isidro : I...

Elysium : Don't you worry, señora. It's only been a few days! He's feeling stressed, that's all.
If you ask me, it's a good thing! Nothing like a little pressure to keep you sharp.

Teach : ...
Word of advice, Isidro. Whatever happens in the lab, good or bad, don't tell a soul.
Resentment towards Juana has been growing for years due to her radical decisions. Many are watching closely, waiting for the slightest slip-up.
Waiting for their chance to take the leadership from her.

Isidro : I didn't realize there would be so many complications when I agreed to repair the compass.
What about you, Señora Teach?
Are you one of the people watching?

Teach : Of course I'm watching you, chaval.[note 4] But I don't give a sandfin's ass about the compass, I only care about Juana.
If you fail, it's up to me to keep her safe, and...

Isidro : And what?

Teach : And keep you all from being torn to pieces by a horde of angry pirates.
This is a pirate ship, and don't you forget that.

<Background 2>

[Slow footsteps ]

Elysium : Thorns...

「Isidro does not answer. His expression is grave, and the shadows on his face hang like heavy curtains in the night.
Several pirates are still working under the dim lamplight. They look up at the pair with probing gazes as they walk by.
Isidro has never felt so intently that his every move is being watched. 」

Elysium : If you're starting to have second thoughts, I've got your back.
(Whisper) I'm sure the two of us could slip out by ourselves, no problem.

Isidro : ...Sorry to drag you into this, Elysium.

Elysium : Oh, spare me, I chose to come here.

Isidro : I just wanted to help them find a way out. Maybe satisfy my own desires along the way...
But things are far more complicated than I thought. Far too many people have placed their hopes in me, in this compass.
Some of those hopes are even contradictory. Some want me to succeed, some want me to fail, others want me to do nothing at all.
I don't like it.

Elysium : I feel you, amigo.[note 5]
But that's how people are. Anything you do is inevitably going to affect someone else. Not saying you need to feel responsible, but it couldn't hurt to give it some thought.

Isidro : The whole thing makes my head hurt... I'd much rather be working alone.

[He turns in for the night. ]

Elysium : You haven't been alone for a long time now, buddy.

<Background 1>

[Door opens ]

Juana : You really gave Teach all the sinew?

Isidro : ...Did Pascuala tell you?

Juana : Oh, you needn't worry about that. I certainly didn't order her to show up at your lab.

Isidro : ...

Juana : I realize you'd rather not be bothered. I just felt compelled to check on your progress.
Do you need more sinew?

Isidro : Unless my eyes deceived me, that wasn't saltfin sinew... That was taken from Seaborn.
But I thought you wiped out the Seaborn on the Salt Flat.
Wait... are you going to kill it? But...

Juana : ...Come with me.
Cruz would have done the same.

<Background 3>

Rus : I told you Juana wouldn't listen.

Javier : I know...
I did it to keep her from learning about your conversation with the shipwrights. She was going to talk to them yesterday.

Rus : We simply talked about work. What's there to hide?

Javier : Teach may not have realized, but I have. It doesn't take that much sinew to fix a transmission core.

Rus : ...So you knew all along?

Javier : What are your next plans?

Rus : The compass repairs will grind to a halt without enough materials.

Javier : Juana won't stop just because of a little material shortage. She'll go get more with the kid.

Rus : I heard it was taken from the sea monsters Captain Cruz killed... but there aren't any sea monsters around anymore.

Javier : No, there are... I've seen it.

Rus : So... the rumors were true?

Javier : Doesn't matter anymore. What matters is what we can do while she's gone.

<Background 4>

Elysium : Hey, Peludita, have you seen Thorns?
Did he head to the lab already? At this hour?

Pascuala : *yawn*
No clue. He didn't come back last night.

Elysium : You waited all night for him?

Pascuala : Not me, Nene. It laid down at the door and didn't budge all night.

[Nene squeaks ]

Nene : (Shakes tail anxiously)

Elysium : That's odd. I'll check out the lab. Go get some sleep.
Can't work without sleep. No point trying to play it tough; I'll wake you up if there's anything.

[Elysium leaves. ]

Pascuala : ...
Did he really think I could fall asleep at a time like this? That guy's loco.[note 6]

[Door opens ]

Elysium : Um, excuse me? Are you looking for someone?

[Stern footsteps ]

Javier : Is Pascuala here?

<Background 5>

[Unnatural growling ]

「The sound of clashing swords echoes through the cave. Isidro slices a sharp arc in the air, cutting cleanly through the Seaborn's flesh.
Yet, the creature is relentless, its appendages flailing wildly. Blades embedded within its limbs streak across the air like shooting stars.
A fencer's rapier, a bladecaster's sword-wand, a knight's great sword, an assassin's dagger, a samurai's katana... one after another, they rush towards Isidro, threatening to overwhelm his vision.
Finally, there is a pirate's cutlass, screaming as it cuts through the air, as if battling the wind and waves, like in the legends. 」

Isidro : Hmph...

Sword-wielding Seaborn : Gugh...

<Background 6>

Juana : I used to ask myself every day... why wasn't I the one who was devoured?
This was your burden to bear... so why leave it to me?
You were the one who should have sat in the captain's chair, and I should have been your helmswoman, drenched from head to toe by the ocean's spray.
Oh, how I've loathed you for this, Cruz.

「The night wind of the Salt Flat carries the familiar smell of brine.
A single tear falls from the corner of Juana's eye, scattered by the wind before it hits the ground. 」

<Background 7>

[Footsteps in the sand ]

Juana : Your swordplay has already improved tremendously. I thought it would take more time.

Isidro : I'm sorry...

Juana : For what? I'd have joined you in that cave, if I weren't recovering from my injuries.

Isidro : ...Were you crying?

Juana : What did I tell you about asking a lady a question she'd rather not answer?

Isidro : ...My apologies.

Juana : There's no need to feel bad. I was planning to ask you to kill hi—it eventually, once you were strong enough.
We just moved up the schedule. You must be incredibly talented with a blade to have accomplished it so soon.

Isidro : It... had a sword with the name Cruz on it.
I thought you should have it.
I... still haven't delivered the killing blow.
You can still say goodbye, if you want.

Juana : ...
Gracias.[note 7]

<Background 5>

[Footsteps ]

「The Seaborn writhes, its appendages twitching as swords scrape dully against one another.
But this sound soon fades, along with the Seaborn's feeble breathing. Juana knows that the last vestige of its life is slipping away.
With its last bit of strength, it lifts itself from the ground, using the swords impaling it as support. 」

Juana : I'm sorry for imprisoning you in this cave for so long.
Your suffering will end soon.
I'm glad I met that boy, so you could meet your end by the sword in an honorable duel.
Rather than being put down as a monster...
So many have failed... but he succeeded.
If he's willing to go out to sea with us, surely he would be your equal as captain.

「Juana approaches the creature, places a hand upon its smooth face, and gazes into its clouded eyes.
It struggles as it senses her approach, but its once-strong appendages betray it, and it falls to the ground.
Juana holds its head and places it upon her knees.
The light-emitting organ on its forehead dims. Juana is reminded of that night many years ago, when she saw a tiny sailboat from beneath the surface.
On that boat stood a young man, gazing curiously into the water, lamp in hand. 」

Juana : May your soul be freed from the Salt Flat, and return to the ocean with the clouds and rain.
May we meet again on the boundless ocean.
Farewell, my love.

<Background fades out>

「Juana feels a stinging pain in her chest. This is good. It is a sign that she still lives, and has not been numbed over the past century.
Deep in the ocean, in an Ægir city, the years pass like a single day.
Deep in the Salt Flat, in an Iberian settlement, life is bland as water.
It is only upon the waves, in strife and struggle, that her blood flows, that her heart beats.
It is only then that she feels hunger, the desire to take a bite out of tomorrow, and cough violently at its taste.
She will bite out the shape of the future, one mouthful at a time, and down it with bitter brine. 」

<Background 3>

Pascuala : Let go of me, you piece of finshit!
Juana and Isidro will have you all killed when they see what you're doing to me!

Javier : Shut her up.

[Rus gags her. ]

Pascuala : Finshit... mmph, nnf!

Javier : I've sent out word, Rus. The escort will be ready soon. You leave with the chica.
I'll look for the compass in the boss's room and catch up once I find it.

Elysium : Er, I'm not quite sure I understand what's going on here. Is this a mutiny?
Could somebody explain things to me?

Rus : Do we hand him over too?

Javier : Aye.

Elysium : Thorns won't...
I... mmph, nnf!

Rus : Finally, some peace and quiet.

Pascuala : Mmpf...

<Background fades out and in>

[Tiny squeak ]

Nene : (Pokes head out from under the table)

<Background fades out and in>

Pascuala : (C'mon... over here...)

「She tries to signal it with her eyes, but Rus and Javier's footsteps send it back into hiding.
She grits her teeth and opens her eyes wide, trying to put on the fiercest look she can muster to scare it into coming out. 」

Javier : What? Salt got in your eyes?

Pascuala : Hmm?

Rus : Just leave her be.

Javier : Wish I could, but the way she's scrunching her face is an eyesore.

Pascuala : Mmph?!
Mmph—!!

Javier : Hmph, nothing...

Rus : Lemme take a look.

「As Rus approaches, Pascuala struggles even harder against her fetters.
That is, until she catches a glimpse of Elysium slowly edging towards the table, and the saltfin beneath.
She stops struggling and keeps her gaze firmly on the duo in front of her, doing her utmost not to avert her eyes even a little bit. 」

<Background 7>

[Nene scampers across the salt flat. ]

Juana : Nene? What are you doing here?

Nene : Mmph!

Juana : What's this on your fin?

Isidro : That's... Elysium's flag. Something must have happened back at the fleet.

Juana : Let's hurry!

After operation

Summary

The conflict within the fleet intensifies. Pascuala's golden tongue buys some time, but Thorns's alchemy fails. Javier goes to town to seek a way out for the crew from the Inquisition's persecution.

<Background 7>

[The group trudges through the sand. ]

Pascuala : Mmph... mmph!

Elysium : Mmph—!

Rus : Give it up already, will you?
Don't blame me for handing you over to the Inquisition. We all have to look out for ourselves.
I'll take the cloth out of your mouths if you'll quiet down.

Pascuala : (Nods hesitantly)

[Rus removes the gag. ]

Pascuala : I'll be quiet...

Rus : Yeah, if you know what's good for you.

Pascuala : But even if you hand us and the compass over, that doesn't mean things will end well for you. Ever thought about that?

Elysium : Yeah...
The bodies of your dead crewmates are still decorating the flagpole outside of town. You sure you won't end up joining them?

Rus : ...

<Background 8>

[Drawers opening ]

Javier : No... Not here either...
Where is that blasted compass? The chaval[note 4] puts it back here every night!

[Footsteps ]

Juana : Is this what you're looking for, Javi?

Javier : ...
You shouldn't have come back so soon, Juana.

Juana : On the contrary, I think I returned at precisely the right time.

Javier : Señora,[note 2] I... I don't have a choice.

Juana : Put down the knife, Javi. I taught you how to use it. You don't stand a chance.

Javier : You're injured. Might not even be hard.

Juana : ...
How did it come to this?
What dissatisfaction could possibly have driven you to point your blade at me?

Javier : I was never unhappy with you. I supported every decision you ever made, every idea you ever had.
When my mother left me, you took my hand and said we were family.
Ever since then, I've never been unhappy with you.

Juana : Then why?

Javier : It's for your good, Juana... for you...

Juana : Lies. I'm standing right here.
Tell me! How is it my for own good when you're pointing a blade at me?

Javier : The Juana I know wouldn't put the entire fleet in danger for her own selfish desires. She's a brave, wise leader we can trust.
You're not her. You're just a...

Juana : Spit it out!

Javier : Just a pathetic woman who refuses to face reality, drowning herself in the passions of the past!

Juana : I've told you time and again...
The ocean is not our past. It's our future.

Javier : That's what you want to believe. No one else in the fleet does. The old generation is dead. The stories they told should've died with them.

[He points the blade at her. ]

Javier : Give me the compass, Juana. Don't make me take it.

Juana : I'd like to see you try.

Javier : Don't you understand?
You really think I made the decision to hand it over to the Inquisition on my own?

[He whistles, and the door bursts open. A group of armed pirates rush in, drawing their swords. ]

Juana : A mutiny... So this is what was waiting for me.
What a surprise.

Javier : All I want is the compass. All they want is a peaceful future.
Give us what we want, and you can still be our leader. Nothing has to change.

Juana : Nothing will change? Don't tell me you actually believe that, Javi?
Stop fooling yourself. At the very least, I wouldn't trust you like before.

Javier : ...
You're right.

Hesitant Sailor : Sorry to do this to you, boss, but the sea's no place to call home.
We just wanna leave the Flat and live a better life.

Juana : Put down your weapons, go back to your tents, and I'll pretend none of this happened.

Javier : We're out of options, mates.
We can't keep fooling ourselves.

[The door suddenly opens. ]

Isidro : ...Sorry I'm late.

Rus : Mmph—! Let go of me!

Pascuala : The hell I will, you finshit eater. I still got the marks from the ropes!

Hesitant Sailor : You said nobody would know about this mutiny, Javier!

Javier : ...Mierda![note 8]

Isidro : I found Señor Rus "lost" on the Salt Flat, so I brought him back.

Javier : ...

Hesitant Sailor : What's this about, Javier?

Elysium : Now now, I wouldn't make any wrong moves if I were you. Not if you still care about your friend here.

Hesitant Sailor : Shut up! This is none of your business, outsider!

Javier : What do you suggest we do then?

[Teach and some other sailors enter the room. ]

Angry Sailor : To fight them of course! Burn that blasted town to the ground and take back what's ours!
You're going against the boss over some finshit scheme to kneel before the Inquisition? Did you lose your spine like a gutted fin?

Teach : They just killed so many of us and took our supplies, and you can't wait to grovel to them, Javier?
I know Juana taught you better than that.

Javier : We're tired, wounded, and can barely muster up half a scrap of food. How're we supposed to fight?

Hesitant Sailor : Besides, those Inquisition capullos[note 9] wouldn't even be after us if that dumb girl didn't bring the compass here.

Pascuala : Er, Señora Juana...?

Juana : ...

Angry Sailor : So just give them the girl! What do you think you're doing, turning yourselves in along with her?

Pascuala : Teach...?

Teach : Enough, this isn't helping.

Hesitant Sailor : Yeah, why haven't we handed her over yet?

Pascuala : Urk!
Señores and señoras, if I may say something...

Javier : You shut your mouth!

Pascuala : Uh...

「Cold sweat runs down Pascuala's back as the pirates point their cutlasses at her.
She gulps and tries to wipe her sweaty palms on her pants.
She knows there is only ever one way to get what she wants: fight for it with her own two hands. 」

Elysium : Come on, guys, what are you doing to one little girl?

Pascuala : Pelirrojito,[note 10] you—

Elysium : So many adults in the room, and the best you can come up with is to hand over a child?

Pascuala : Enough already!

Elysium : Hey, I'm speaking up for you!

Pascuala : I know! But I can speak for myself!

[She takes a deep breath. ]

Pascuala : You folks wanna hand me over? Sure! Why not?
I get why you'd want to beat the finshit out of me, and I'm sure you get why I scammed you.
Violence and deception. That's how we survive. That's all we know.
But you know how they do things in town. Do you really think handing me and the compass over will help you even one bit?
But if you don't, the Inquisition bastards will keep hunting you, and that won't go so well for you either, no?

Angry Sailor : So what's your point? We're screwed either way?

Pascuala : One week.
Give us one week to fix up that compass!

Isidro : ...
Yes. I just need a little more time.

Pascuala : If he succeeds, the compass will guide us to the sea, where those finshits will never find us again!
If he doesn't, well, it won't be too late to hand me over and see how that goes!

Elysium : Not like we could escape with the whole crew watching our every move. What difference could one week make?

Pascuala : In Iberia, you escape one barren hellhole only to end up in another.
Outside the country, your life isn't your own without cold hard cash! It belongs to whoever's paying you!
Señora Juana isn't taking you out to sea just to die. What do you think she's trying to do?
You should know better than me how smart she is. She'd have been way better off leaving your sorry asses behind ages ago.
She could've held your lives in her hands and made you work for pennies, but she didn't.
She just wanted you to be free.
That compass is your ticket to fame and fortune, just like your forefathers! How could you call yourselves pirates, when you've never even seen the sea?

「Pascuala feels like her heart is about to leap from her chest. Her clothes are soaked with sweat.
The room is completely silent. She forces a smile and turns to look at Juana, Teach, Isidro, and Elysium behind her, who answer with approving eyes. 」

Javier : ...

Angry Sailor : ...

Pascuala : Uh... still letting all that sink in?

Hesitant Sailor : I got no problem waiting a week. But someone'll be watching you the whole time.

Angry Sailor : Fine by us.

Juana : Anyone else?

Javier : I object.

Sailors : ...

Javier : I said, I object!
You're letting a teenage girl make a fool of you like this? You think she knows the first thing about compasses or sailing?
I promise you, if we just get that compass and give it to the Inquisition, then—

Hesitant Sailor : I...
Sorry, Javier...

「One sailor puts down his weapon, then another, then another. One by one, they walk out of the captain's quarters.
Only Javier and Juana are left, facing off. 」

Juana : I have a mission for you and Rus, Javier. You are not to return to the fleet until it's completed.

Javier : ...

Juana : Go and pack up. You leave at nightfall.

Rus : (Whisper) Let's go, Javier...

<Background black>

One week later

<Background 1>

[Explosion ]

Elysium : How's it going?

Pascuala : We've almost reached the deadline...

Isidro : ...
If, and I mean, IF we fail...

Pascuala : How about you just don't fail!
Señora Juana gave you her full support. Think of everything she's done for this.
Exiling Javier and Rus, two of her most trusted crewmates...
She... she even killed her own...

Isidro : ...

Elysium : That's enough, Pascuala.
He knows what needs to be done.

<Background 9>

[People chattering ]

Anxious Sailor : *sigh*...

Impassionate Sailor : Stop sighing your heart out.

Anxious Sailor : Today's the day. Aren't you anxious?

Impassionate Sailor : What's the use of worrying? Just think about what life would be like if that compass really paid off.

Anxious Sailor : Aye... but what if he fails?

Elysium : Man, they're really packed around the room. Not even a grain of salt could slip through.

Pascuala : I have a bad feeling about this...

Elysium : C'mon, don't jinx us like that.
Still...
He's refused any help these last few days, holing himself up in his lab...
He wouldn't let us participate, not even today. Said the experiments require precise control, said that he didn't want to be disturbed.
But if I know anything about him, and I definitely do... he's doing this because he doesn't want to drag anyone else into it.

Pascuala : What do you mean?

Elysium : Maybe he's preparing to fail.

Pascuala : But the repairs aren't done yet, are they?

Elysium : That's just how Thorns is. He always expects the worst, and braces himself for it.

[Glass shattering ]

Anxious Sailor : What was that?!

<Background 1>

「The layers of Arts energy field on the transmutation table collapse in an instant. The metallic substance that had gleamed with a shiny glow a moment ago is now a pile of charred mud.
Isidro pulled the probe back just in time to avoid damaging it, but the compass parts he had assembled now lie in pieces.
Isidro runs his fingers through the black mud, trying to figure out the reason for the failure.
But the mud holds no answers. All the clever ideas, the well-laid plans that he had put into it are nowhere to be found. 」

Isidro : We're out of time...
Why did I think I could replicate it in such a short time?
I should have known better... master said it took even the most skilled alchemists decades to create Corazonix...

「The rusted Corazonix lies still in his pocket, as though mocking his incompetence. 」

[Door swings open ]

Juana : What happened?

「She needed no answer. Broken parts litter the ground. The young man sits with his head hanging. 」

Isidro : I'm sorry, Juana. I failed.
...

Juana : It's alright, Isidro. This was my own choice.
I'll face the consequences.

<Background 6>

Rus : It's too risky.

Javier : You heard the news. The kid failed. The compass is destroyed.

Rus : All the more reason you shouldn't go.
The Inquisition's demands were the compass and blueprints for a salt ship. How're you supposed to parley when we got neither?

Javier : Nobody said anything about delivering them personally.
We just need to tell them where to pick them up themselves.

<Background 10>

Silver : You look like someone who can be reasoned with.

Javier : If you mean the mate I sent to parley was too vulgar for you, no need to mince words.

Silver : No, what I mean is that you must understand that trust is the basis for all cooperation.

Javier : I wouldn't have come myself if I wasn't trustworthy.

Silver : And yet you've come empty-handed, asking me to go into the Salt Flat myself to retrieve the bargaining chips you're promising?
How am I to know you're not leading me into an ambush, with a hundred bandits armed to the teeth waiting for me?

Javier : Or maybe, I'm offering you more than just the compass and blueprints, but also the location of the pirate base and crewmen who already know how to sail a salt ship?

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 6>

Rus : No, Javier! This was supposed to give us a safe future, not make us their slaves!

Javier : Still better than following Juana to a watery death without the compass.
Besides, if you can understand, they can too. They'll cooperate when the Inquisition shows up.

Rus : ...What about Juana?

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 10>

Javier : If I'm putting more chips on the table, then I need more in return.
Spare Juana.

Anastasio : ...You will personally lead the way.

Silver : Negotiations are not over yet, Señor Alguacil.[note 11]

Anastasio : Is that my concern?

<Background fades out and in>

Silver : ...What are you thinking?
He clearly isn't here in good faith. This so-called base of theirs is most certainly a trap.
Let me say this again: We have neither the manpower nor the resources for another major campaign.

Anastasio : My men are in good shape. As for yours... I will ensure they are ready.

Silver : I do not doubt your ability, but even if you do defeat the bandits, we cannot afford any more casualties.
We will lack the manpower to build a ship, even if we acquire the blueprints. Aarón will remain trapped in the Salt Flat.

Anastasio : Your negotiations, your deals, none of this is my concern. I have gleaned the location of my enemies, and now I will act.
The ships the bandits have used in their sin shall be put to the torch, along with their blueprints.
As for the sinners... I will exterminate them.

Silver : Under whose authority?! The clerics you command grew up in Aarón. We've gone through countless hardships together.

Anastasio : Yet you fail to understand them... Nay, you have betrayed them.
So why do you assume they will listen to you?

Notes

"Fluffy" in Spanish

↑ 2.0 2.1 "Madam" in Spanish

"Thank you very much" in Spanish

↑ 4.0 4.1 "Lad" in Spanish

"Friend" in Spanish

"Crazy" in Spanish

"Thanks" in Spanish

"Sh*t" in Spanish

"F*ckers" in Spanish

"Lil' Redhead" in Spanish

"Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-6

Before operation

Summary

Anastasio leads the raid on the pirate camp. Juana lets Thorns go, but he returns when he sees the light from the fire in the distance.

<Background 1>

[Wind roaring ]

Pascuala : (Whisper) I can't believe she'd let us leave... I thought for sure we'd be tied up and handed over to the Inquisition.

Elysium : (Whisper) Shh...

Isidro : I know no amount of apologies will make up for your loss.

Juana : I suppose this is the end, Isidro.
You needn't worry. I don't blame you. It's not your fault. I accepted the consequences when I made my choice.

Isidro : I know it was you who bore the brunt of your crew's wrath for us, and I know it was you who saved Pascuala's life.
...Maybe you could come with us.

Elysium : You would certainly be in grave danger if you stay, señora.[note 1]

Juana : Go. Weren't you discussing how you'd escape earlier? Here's your chance.

Isidro : ...

Juana : I'm the leader of the fleet. I won't abandon my crew. This was my oath to Cruz, and one which I will never turn my back on.

Isidro : Señora Juana... there's something I need to return to you.

Juana : You can keep the clothes and the sword. Consider it payment for your troubles.

Isidro : No, not that.

Juana : What else is there?

「The young man reaches into his pocket, but suddenly stops. He lets out a slow breath...
And takes out the object. 」

Juana : The compass? No...
I... I don't understand. If it's undamaged, then what is that debris in the lab?
If you haven't been repairing the compass, then what have you been doing?!

Isidro : ...

Juana : Answer me!

Isidro : The destroyed compass was a replica. I never touched the original.

Elysium : Whew...

Pascuala : What?! How come no one ever told me? When'd you make the switch?

Isidro : I never told anyone.

Juana : I don't understand. Why?

Isidro : The Corazonix in the compass was far more complex than I expected. If I'm unable to replicate it perfectly, that means I haven't understood its true nature.
In which case, attempting to manipulate the actual Corazonix could only lead to failure.
But I couldn't afford to fail. Your hopes, the future of the fleet, the fates of Elysium and Pascuala... all of that was on my shoulders.
So if I was doomed to fail, I thought I should at least limit the damage.
That's why I tried to replicate the Corazonix. If I proved incapable of understanding it, at least you could keep the original and find a better alchemist.
I left some of the materials you gave me behind for the fleet as well.
I...
I'm sorry. I tried.

Juana : Isidro... is this your idea of giving it your all?

Isidro : The chance of failure was at least 87%... This was the safest way I could think of.

Juana : Are you that afraid of failure? Even if the chance of success were one in ten thousand, I would have wagered everything on it.

Isidro : That's not experimentation. That's gambling.

Juana : Hah... Have you ever considered that the odds of getting a second chance might be even lower?
Tell me, is life a gamble, or an experiment?

[Juana leaves. ]

Isidro : ...

Elysium : Weedy's on her way to pick me up. Are you coming with us?

Isidro : ...My journey is not yet over.
I will continue.

Elysium : What about you, Pascuala?

Pascuala : I...

Elysium : Come with me. I can find a way to get you out of here, at least...

Pascuala : Alright... Take care, Isidro.

Elysium : Take care.

Isidro : You too. Both of you.

<Background 2>

Warrior Priest : Señor[note 2] Silver.

Silver : You're willing to stay. Good, very good...

Warrior Priest : Have you forgotten? I've got a bad leg. Can't go.

Silver : ...No, I haven't. You were injured during the second raid, correct?

Warrior Priest : See, you have forgotten. It happened on the day of the execution. You treated the wound yourself, but it ended up infected anyway.

Silver : ...
If... hypothetically... if I were a better doctor and fixed your leg then, would you have come with us now?

Warrior Priest : Of course.

Silver : ...I see.

[The priest stumbles away. ]

Silver : ...

Anastasio : ...
What were the two of you discussing? It is time.

Silver : Señor Anastasio...

Anastasio : Yes?

Silver : It is an honor working with you.

<Background 3>

[Footsteps ]

Teach : Where were you, señora?

Juana : ...Saw the kids off.

Teach : I did what you told me to.

Juana : ...Take the crew and Nene. Lie low in the Salt Flat for a few days.

Teach : I can't leave you here by yourself.

Juana : This is an order, Teach.

[Footsteps ]

「Under the moon, Isidro walks by himself through the Salt Flat, leaving behind a trail of lonely footprints.
He does not know how long he has walked. The entire night, probably. 」

「He feels like he has let a lot of people down, but does not know what he did wrong.
Suddenly, he feels lonely and wishes he were with a friend. Then he realizes he just bid farewell to Elysium.
Perhaps Weedy has already found him. Their mission would have come to a close after confirming he was safe.
Perhaps they are discussing the journey out of the Flat and their next mission even now. As for him, he will continue his journey, alone.
Nothing wrong with that. No attachments, no responsibility. 」

<Background 3>

Tired Sailor : *yawn*
Shouldn't have had those extra swigs of saltfin garum...

[An arrow strikes the guard in the chest. ]

Tired Sailor : Ugh—!

[The guard falls. ]

Merciless Warrior Priest : The guards have been eliminated. Inform the Alguacil[note 3] that the intel is good.
Prepare to advance.

<Background 4>

[Heavy door opens ]

Juana : You work fast, Javier.

[Footsteps ]

Javier : ...You're alone.

Juana : As you can see.

Javier : You shouldn't have been left unguarded...

Juana : Maybe because the one who should have been protecting me is standing before me now.
Pointing the blade I made for him at me.
Go on. Kill me, and the fleet is yours.

Javier : ...
Juana is in our custody. Keep an eye on her, but don't let her get hurt.

Juana : ...What a joke.

<Background 3>

[Flames burning ]

[Swords clashing ]

Angry Sailor : How did you find this place...? Which finshit sold us out?!

Warrior Priest : Even now you think of vengeance? Meet your end, villain!

[The priest stabs the pirate, who collapses. ]

Angry Sailor : Gah—!

Anastasio : What of the compass? Have you learned anything?

Warrior Priest : Nothing, Señor Alguacil. It's all rank-and-file thugs who can hardly string two sentences together.
We won't find anything unless we go deeper into their base.

Anastasio : Do not stop without my direct command. Everything here must be cleansed with fire.
There is no reason to allow such tools of sin to continue to exist.

Warrior Priest : Sir!

<Background 1>

「A noise rouses Isidro from his musings and causes him to halt his steps.
He turns around and sees the dark night lit up on the horizon. 」

Isidro : That's...

「It is the light of a raging fire... 」

Isidro : No...

「In the direction of the fleet. 」

Isidro : How could it...
I...

「Isidro steps forward without hesitation.
It is a decision made not with reason, but pure impulse.
He runs as if his life depends on it, retracing his old set of footprints, towards the direction that he came from.
That same set of footprints is no longer lonely. 」

<Background 4>

[Furniture tossed around ]

Javier : Don't bother searching. You won't find it.
The sailors told me that the kid screwed up. The compass was wrecked. It'd be of no use even if you found it.

Anastasio : Do not think to presume whether it is of use to me or not, bandit.

Javier : Yeah, yeah, perdón.[note 4]

Anastasio : I have safeguarded the compass for nearly a decade, and slain all who reached for it...
Even if it has become dust, I must see this dust with my own eyes.
Where is your leader?

Javier : We had a deal. Juana will be spared.

Anastasio : And how does your agreement with Silver concern me?
Surely the woman fled with the compass, yes? This tale of alchemical failure a ruse?
A lie... to protect a woman, for the sake of your own desires? You, too, ought to be cleansed—

Javier : I'm not lying. Juana doesn't have the compass. Whatever's left of it is of no use to her.
It's the alchemist and his lab you should be looking for.

Anastasio : And where might that be?

Javier : Second tent in the back row. There's a secret door leading to the lab.

Anastasio : ...More lies.
Do not make me cut you down where you stand.

Javier : ...

<Background 5>

Warrior Priest : On the ground! Don't move a muscle!

Desperate Sailor : I-Is it true? We'll all get pardoned if you find the compass?
Are we gonna get a lighter punishment if we don't resist?

Warrior Priest : ...
Fools.

Desperate Sailor : Okay...

After operation

Summary

After rescuing Juana, Thorns heads to the alchemy lab to retrieve his tools, encountering Anastasio in search of the compass. He escapes by triggering an explosion. The crew then flees toward Skeletal Reef to evade their pursuers.

<Background 5>

[Fire rages throughout the camp. ]

Isidro : ...

[Somebody pulls Isidro back. ]

??? : Chaval.[note 5]

Isidro : Teach? What's going on?

Teach : Javier led the Inquisition to us. Señora[note 1] Juana is being held captive in the captain's quarters.

Isidro : ...

Teach : Why did you come back?

Isidro : I don't know... Same reason as you, probably.

Teach : Wait... is that one of your friends hiding on the opposite deck?

<Background 6>

Pascuala : Huh? Is that Isidro? I guess he really did come back.
See, I told you. I mean, even I couldn't stay away.

Elysium : Of course he'd come back when he saw the fire. He's my best amigo,[note 6] after all!

Weedy : What about me?
Why did I have to come too?

Elysium : Um, to help put out the fire?

<Background 4>

[The group brawl against the Inquisition priests. ]

Warrior Priest : Ugh...

Teach : Wake up, señora!

[Juana unsteadily stands up. ]

Juana : Perlita...[note 7] Where's Nene? You shouldn't have come back.

Teach : I set it free in the Flat. It may be weak, but better out there than getting killed by mutineers.
We can't just leave you here.
You don't look well...
What did they do to you?!

Juana : Nothing... just gave me some drugs.
You could have fled. You would have lived.

Isidro : I didn't take you for someone who would give up so easily.

Elysium : Now that we're all here, don't we have better things to do than just talk? You know the Salt Flat better than anyone else, señora. Is there anywhere we can go?

Juana : How big is our group?

Teach : Twenty-four.

Juana : Excelente.[note 8] Enough to commandeer a ship.

Teach : Which one?

Juana : La Conquista.[note 9]

Teach : That's the oldest one, slower than the newer salt ships.

Juana : But I know it best.
Besides, because they consider it an antique, it will be lightly guarded. All the easier for us.

Teach : I'll take eight men up to the deck and get rid of the sentries. The others will go in through the side with Elysium and deal with the rest.

Isidro : What about me?

Teach : Stay with Señora Juana. She's... not at her best, and won't be able to move as quickly.

Isidro : Okay.

<Background 7>

[Loud crack ]

Alert Sailor : What's that noise?

[WHACK! ]

Alert Sailor : Argh—

[The pirate collapses ]

<Background fades out and in>

[THWHACK! ]

Patrolling Sailor : Ngh—

[The pirate collapses ]

Teach : My aching bones... Maybe I'm getting too old for this.

[Brisk footsteps ]

Trustworthy Sailor : The guys on the deck are out cold. I tossed 'em overboard.

Teach : Good. Climb the mast and be ready to hoist the sail at my command. We'll need full speed on the double.

[She whistles. ]

Teach : You done over there?

Elysium : We got the ones below deck.
A hand, please.

[Teach pulls Elysium up. ]

Teach : Now we wait for the boss.

<Background 5>

Serious Warrior Priest : Search inch by inch. By the Alguacil's[note 3] orders, we must find the compass.

Reliable Warrior Priest : We've turned every room upside down, but haven't found anything remotely like it.

Serious Warrior Priest : Keep looking. Don't miss a single nook or corner.

Reliable Warrior Priest : Yes, sir.

[Light steps ]

Javier : Señores,[note 10] the Alguacil has issued new orders. A squad is to come with me to pursue the fleeing alchemist.

Serious Warrior Priest : And why are you the one delivering the order?

Javier : What's wrong with that? We're still working together according to our agreement.

Reliable Warrior Priest : Very well. Wait here while we muster the men.

Javier : Gracias.[note 11]

[Javier and the priests leave. ]

<Background fades out and in>

Juana : What is Javier doing over here?

Isidro : No idea, but he's gotten rid of the warrior priests for us, even if he didn't mean to.
When they leave, we can continue behind those tents.
They won't be able to see us from any of the salt ships.

Juana : I can see you've become an expert at sneaking through our base.
Ngh...

Isidro : Hang on. We're almost there.

Juana : Okay...

<Background 8>

[Slow footsteps ]

Isidro : Go on to the deck first. I need to fetch something from the lab.

Juana : Be quick.

[Isidro leaves. ]

<Background fades out and in>

[Sharp footsteps ]

Anastasio : A ship from the old era...
Does your desire for the compass point towards the source of the calamity, the ocean?

<Background 9>

Isidro : Where did I leave it...

[The door swings open as a man enters. ]

Anastasio : You.

Isidro : ...You.

[The two pull out their blades. ]

Isidro : It is you who has been leading the raids.

Anastasio : And it is you who has been repairing the compass.
People always tell me to look for the good in others.
The truth always proves them fools. When first we met, I knew you intended to take the compass for your own sinful alchemical research.
I was right.

Isidro : The compass is no more. I'm still trying to scrape what's left of it off the transmutation table.

Anastasio : That black mud? No, that is not the true compass. Your lies have no purchase here.

Isidro : Must the Inquisition spill so much blood for each thing it loses?

Anastasio : You know that the compass corrupts the heart.

Isidro : It's nothing more than a tool for sailing the seas.

Anastasio : Sailing the seas. Hah.
Those who attempt to elude both judgment and the reins of morality often seek out thorny paths that few have walked, and distant shores that none have reached.
As if their accomplishments could offer sanctuary for their sins.

Isidro : I don't recall sinning.

Anastasio : Harboring a thief, feeding upon the remains of the townsfolk, assaulting a cleric of the Inquisition, associating with bandits who menace the town... Is that not enough?

Isidro : Pretexts and framed crimes.

Anastasio : And now you begin to deny your sins.
All who have sinned will desperately deny it. I was no exception.
But I learned to accept my sins, and thus discovered the path of atonement.
My life was born from the evils of cannibalism. My very being is a sin. I am unworthy of the liberation of death.
But you were once pure and upright, before desire corrupted you. You have the right to die.
I will free you.

[The two fiercely clash swords. ]

Isidro : You're insane...
I don't have time for this!

<Background 7>

Juana : Strange. Why isn't Isidro here?

Teach : It's all right. He must be somewhere on the ship, so everybody's accounted for.
Just waiting on your orders, señora.

Juana : Hoist the sails.
We sail.

<Background 9>

[Boat creaking ]

Anastasio : This ship...

Isidro : (Mierda,[note 12] Juana doesn't know this lunatic is in here!)
(He'll be nothing but trouble once the ship starts moving.)

[Anastasio swings his rapier as Isidro attempts to sidestep him. ]

Anastasio : Everyone involved in this futile escape attempt is on this ship, correct?

Isidro : Shut it.

Anastasio : This is where it ends for all of you, along with this sinful vessel of the old era.

[Swords clashing ]

「The Alguacil's attacks are ferocious. All Isidro can do is defend himself. 」

Isidro : (This is getting me nowhere... I have to do something...)

<Background fades out>

「This is his own lab. There must be something he can do here.
What does he do best?
During the time he spent here, his most frequent creations were undoubtedly explosions of various sizes.
Explosions...
This calls for an explosion. 」

[KABOOM! ]

<Background 7>

[Hurried footsteps ]

??? : *cough* *cough* Argh! Ugh!

Elysium : ...Thorns?
Finally! You were starting to scare me when you went down to the lab and didn't come back.

Isidro : I ran into someone from the Inquisition there.

Elysium : I thought we cleaned out the cabins.

Isidro : I don't know how he got there. He just came in all of a sudden looking for the compass, and wasn't in a mood to negotiate.
I had to blow up the lab to eject him from the ship.

Juana : Him and half of this ship!
...Good work.
Is there anything from the lab left, though?

Isidro : ...Maybe?

Juana : Very well...
We're going into the Skeletal Reef. The ocean lies just beyond that.
You might have one last chance to repair the compass before we arrive.

<Background 5>

Warrior Priest : S-Señor Silver! The Alguacil is still on that ship! We must come to his aid!

Silver : No...
No one could survive an explosion like that.

Warrior Priest : But the Alguacil...

Silver : I said, no.
Will we let his martyrdom go to waste, sacrificing the living for the sake of the departed?

Warrior Priest : But what if he's still—

Silver : Aarón needs you now more than ever. Take inventory of the confiscated supplies, and round up the prisoners.
This is an order.

<Background 7>

[Wind blowing, wood creaking loudly ]

Pascuala : Steady! You're gonna snap the mast in two!
Are you trying to crash the ship on those bones and have us hang on them to dry like human jerky?

Juana : Full left rudder!

Teach : —Full left rudder!

[Wheel turning ]

[Steam gushing, wood breaking apart ]

Weedy : Damage to the starboard side! Another hit from a steam blast, and this ship's going to fall apart!

Elysium : The skeleton formations are getting denser! We'll crash if we don't steer this just right!

Teach : The erupting steam means we're close to the Skeletal Reef.
They won't dare go in there!

Elysium : But do we? The steam blasts will punch through us like a hot knife through butter!

Teach : Better than the Inquisition, at least!

[Steam gushing ]

Elysium : ...Ugh!

「Boiling steam shoots out of gaps in the skeletons and tears the sail apart with terrible force.
The gang is thrown into the air before crashing back onto the deck.
The helm wheel spins wildly out of control. Gushing steam sends the ship crashing towards a massive skeleton more than a dozen meters tall! 」

Juana : ...

「Juana says nothing, as if waiting for something. 」

Elysium : Weedy! You're an engineer! Do something!

Weedy : This is my first time on a Golden Age ship, never mind one that's been modified beyond recognition! I need time to figure out how it works!

Elysium : Do we abandon ship? We might survive if we jump right now!

Pascuala : Are you loco?![note 13] You'll be impaled by saltfins in less than a minute!

Teach : —Señora!

Elysium : We're done for...

Juana : No, we're not.

「Juana looks towards the spinning helm wheel.
If the ship were alive, its flesh would have been stripped away by a century of wear, leaving only a bare skeleton. Even its once-magnificent embroidered sail was replaced with a patchwork of finskin.
Yet, the helm stands proud at the deck's center.
Juana halts the spinning helm wheel with her hands, as if steadying a dance partner, and begins to turn it with a frenzied rhythm. Her ink-black hair whips around like seaweed caught in raging tides. 」

Juana : It's been so long, old friend!

「La Conquista brushes past the massive skeleton, banking at a dangerous angle. Only by hanging onto a rope for dear life did the passengers avoid being thrown overboard.
For decades, this heavy old ship has had to drift slowly behind other salt ships.
Now, though, it darts through the bones, riding upon the wind, as it once navigated treacherous reefs with Juana at the helm. 」

Teach : Señora...?

Elysium : W-We're on course again!

Pascuala : *pant*... *pant*...
I... I'm alive? Do I have all my body parts? Am I hanging off a piece of bone?

Weedy : You said... YOU SAID YOU ONLY NEEDED ME TO PUT OUT A FIRE!

Elysium : Well, figuratively... right?

<Background 8>

Elysium : What's the situation, Thorns? How much of the lab is left?

Isidro : ...

「They stand in silence before the carnage. 」

Isidro : ...
I managed to salvage the transmutation table. The outer casing is gone, but the output's stable enough...
As for the probes... this is the only one left. Pretty worn, but still usable.
And we still have a little bit of alloy and Originium, scavenged from the antiques. I don't know if it's enough though...

Elysium : Anything I can help with?

Isidro : Are your fingers as thin as a probe needle?

「A long rumble interrupts the conversation as Elysium places a hand on his belly, looking embarrassed. 」

Elysium : At this rate, they might be soon. We don't have much food on the ship...

Isidro : ...Let's go find some.

Notes

↑ 1.0 1.1 "Madam" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

"Excuse me" in Spanish

"Lad" in Spanish

"Friend" in Spanish

"Pearl" in Spanish

"Excellent" in Spanish

"The Conquest" in Spanish

"Guys" or "Sirs" in Spanish

"Thanks" in Spanish

"Sh*t" in Spanish

"Crazy" in Spanish

EP-ST-2: A Flower that Blooms Rot

Summary

Thorns resumes his repair work on the compass. The crew flees towards the reef, not knowing what the future holds. Back at town, Silver, who had given his entire life to Aarón, was judged by a resurrected Anastasio as having developed desires he should not have, and is executed.

<Background 1>

[Ship swaying slowly ]

「The sun sets. The crew shivers in the cold night of the Salt Flat.
They had to practically turn the battered ship upside down to find an old pot and some even older dried fin.
The pot begins to emit a sliver of warmth, with the help of Weedy's bionic seadragon. 」

[Weedy placed down a cooking pot. ]

Weedy : It's so cold... we've used up the wood we scraped up. Leaf will have to do as a makeshift brazier for now.
It was only designed for warming hands, though. This is the best I can manage in terms of cooking.

Elysium : Getting something warm to eat is more than enough!

Juana : We don't have much in the way of food or water. Enough to last us two or three days at most.
We have sacks for gathering rainwater, but... the weather on the Salt Flat is unreliable at the best of times.

Isidro : Couldn't we make use of the steam outside?

Juana : It's unsafe for drinking. It carries microorganisms from deep underground.

Isidro : I could distill it.

Juana : Focus on fixing the compass first.

Isidro : ......

Teach : Anyway, our priority now should be finding a way to last through the night.
Night on the Flat is no joke. We're low on food, and we've got injuries. Get too cold in your sleep, and you might never wake up.

Pascuala : R-Really? It could be over, just like that?
What if we run into a saltfin...?

Elysium : It'll be fine! I can use my expertise to send it a message, telling it that we're here and to prepare to die!

Pascuala : ...How can you be so absolutely awful at reading the mood?

Weedy : You learn to live with it... He's the only one who could run his mouth in a situation like this...
Look out!

<Background shakes>

「La Conquista[note 1] runs over a bone and gives a violent jolt, sending the pot flying with the food inside.
Elysium leaps out to catch it, but screams as it burns his hands.
Isidro steps forward and thrusts his sword through the handles of the pot, saving their dinner.
The heat from the bionic seadragon has dissipated. 」

Weedy : The heating function just broke... Give me a second. I'll fix it.

Pascuala : Brr... ugh... it's so cold...
Achoo!

Isidro : I can synthesize something that emits heat. It shouldn't take too long.

Juana : Save the materials for the compass. I'll worry about the heat.

Pascuala : Achoo! Achoo!
I'm sorry, c-can I have a little more blanket? I'm really freezing...

Weedy : I...

Teach : Stop worrying about whose is whose! Everybody, huddle up! Isidro, stop sulking over there and get in here!

Elysium : Count your lucky stars you get to snuggle up to a once-in-a-lifetime hottie like me...
Hey! Who threw a blanket over my head?

Isidro : ......

「Juana blocks the opening with her body. Teach helps Pascuala wrap herself tight, with only her face peeking out, grimacing from the cold.
Elysium and Weedy are struggling to move their stiff fingers to pick up the food and put it in their mouths.
Isidro wants to go back to the transmutation table, but realizes that his frozen fingers are of no use when he picks up the probe.
La Conquista sails aimlessly with the wind. 」

<Background 1>

Pascuala : Brr... where are we going?

Isidro : No idea. Deeper in, I suppose.

Pascuala : ......
So we don't know where we're going...
We don't know when those finshit preachers will catch up to us...
And we don't even know if I'll freeze to death in my sleep, or if the ship will hit something again...

[She rolls over and curls up. ]

Pascuala : ......

Elysium : What's gotten into her?
I thought she'd be the first to find the warmest spot to lie down, maybe steal our blankets when we're asleep.

Teach : She's just a child.

Juana : *Sigh*...
She's asleep, with a bit of fever. See if she has any useful herbs in her pocket.

Pascuala : If I'm gonna die here... I wanna sleep in my old home... one last time...
That big house... my bed, my blankets, my bathtub...
My prettiest clothes, all lined up...
All the food I can eat... all the money I can spend... no more getting kicked out...
Getting kicked hurts so bad... rolling from one end of the street to the other... I just wanna go home...
Wanna live a better life...
Don't wanna die... not here...
...Zzz...
......

Elysium : ......
I'm sorry, Weedy. I didn't think it'd be so dangerous. I really shouldn't have brought you here.

Weedy : Don't worry about it. I came to help.

Elysium : If we make it back to Rhodes Island in one piece, I'll give you a month's worth of pay, I promise!

Weedy : Heh, no need for that... Go to sleep, we can talk in the morning...

Elysium : Okay...
Thorns? What're you up to?

Isidro : Fixing the compass, otherwise we'll never make it out of Skeletal Reef.
The way the ship's shaking, I need to build an Arts field of sufficient complexity to stabilize the Corazonix. Otherwise, the entire compass could fall apart the moment I try to disassemble it.
And even if such a field is possible, I'll need a steady hand to carry out the rematerialization process properly...
The slightest trembling when etching the liquid Originium circuit into the Corazonix could ruin the whole material...
Plus, when tomorrow comes, I'm not sure if we could...

Elysium : ...Zzz...

Juana : It's no surprise he's tired. He's been learning the helm on the fly all day. He's never done anything like this before, has he?

Isidro : ...No, his training was in communications.

Juana : Get closer. The temperature's still dropping. It'll be warmer if we huddle up.
Perlita,[note 2] do you want to...

Teach : ......
Señora...[note 3]

Juana : Yes?

Teach : ...Papá said you used to sail the seas... Is it really blue?
Papá... will you take me to see it? When I grow up... I want to sail the sea...

Juana : Perlita, you...

「Juana had told that story while holding young Teach in her arms, so very long ago.
She places a hand on Teach's forehead. There are wrinkles on it now. 」

Juana : ......
Teach has a fever too, Isidro. Do you have any herbs left?

[Isidro searches his bag. ]

Isidro : Let me see...
Here.

「In the quiet cabin, the sound of rustling punctuates the low breathing of the sleeping. Isidro places both pot and rack on top of the repaired bionic seadragon and prepares to boil the herbs.
Juana gazes at the barebones interior of the cabin with soft eyes, seemingly recalling sweet memories.
She puts the herbs into the pot. They make a soft, splashing sound, rocking along with the ship. 」

Juana : Have you ever seen the sea, Isidro?
Waters bluer than the sky, waves foaming white, lightning striking from the clouds that seem like they would cut you in two...
Will you sail out to sea with us, Isidro?
You'd make a good captain.

Isidro : ......

「Juana's eyes glow in the darkness. Cold starlight shines in through the ship's frame.
He opens his mouth to answer, but closes it again without a sound.
There is a light in the horizon, in the direction of where they came from. It is their pursuers. 」

Isidro : ......

<Background 2>

Silver : Canvas, finhide, wood, relics of the Golden Age...
But virtually no food or water. You were desperate.
It always takes such dire straits for man to understand the value of order.

Javier : ...Maybe.

Silver : Subservience to order has brought you food, water, and shelter. Do not forget this.

Javier : ...My mates understand parley. They'll keep to the agreement.

Silver : Very good. You will make a fine privateer.
One who answers to me.

[Javier leaves. ]

Silver : Log the confiscated supplies. Record the names of the bandits, then bring them to the abandoned houses on the edge of the town.
Take care not to draw the townsfolks' attention.

Warrior Priest : Yes, sir.

Silver : And I want those ships of theirs that traverse the Salt Flat to be brought back without a scratch. They are the town's only hope.

Warrior Priest : Understood, Señor[note 4] Silver.

Silver : Anything else?

Warrior Priest : We...
We tried looking for the Alguacil,[note 5] but found only a fragment of his clothing. I left it on your desk.

Silver : Very well.
I will take it from here. Now go. I wish to be alone for a while.

[The warrior priest leaves. ]

Silver : .....
Anastasio, Anastasio...
I thought you would save us all.
But you never cared for anything other than yourself, did you?

「The piece of cloth leaves soot on the desk that he had kept so pristine. Silver picks it up with two fingers and stares at it.
Finally, he throws it into the fireplace, and starts wiping the desk clean.
The same way he climbs the clock tower every day, gazing upon this town that has survived calamity both natural and man-made. 」

Silver : You don't care about this country, this town, or these people. That's why you'll never understand.
From the most prosperous harbor to the poorest fishing village, every settlement in Iberia that survived the sea went on to collapse in the chaos that followed.
Aarón was no exception. I am the one who devoted half my life to this place, who saved it from the tragedy of cannibalism and the terrors of tyranny...
And I am the one who will bring it salt ships that walk the land, who will liberate it from this barren soil.
All you can see, Anastasio, is your stubborn, archaic faith.
You will never belong to Aarón. You will never interfere with Aarón again.
...My Aarón.

<Background fades out and in>

[Pages flipping ]

Silver : Legs driven by wind power through a complex transmission system...
So they were never meant to be landships at all. A wind-powered walker... genius.
A shame. That Ægir woman had such talent...
A handful of new ships, plus the ones confiscated from the pirates, will be enough to carry the entire population of Aarón.
It's been decades... Finally, we will be free of this Salt Flat that feeds no one.

[The lantern start flickering until they eventually go out. ]

Silver : Where did that sudden wind come from?

[He tries lighting a match. ]

Silver : ...What is going on?
Is this house really that drafty? I couldn't even light a fire.

「A few small tiny sparks fly out from the end of the match, only to be extinguished in an instant. 」

[He strikes the match several more times. ]

「A tiny flame sways in the wind, the flickering light illuminating the darkness.
His eyes begin to adjust and take in his surroundings. 」

「He sees a face. Skin pale as salt, punctuated by red-brown blood stains. Wet hair hanging feebly off the head like entrails.
The face of a dead man. 」

Silver : You... you...
No one could have survived that explosion...
How did you do it? What are you?

Anastasio : On our first meeting, I was wounded walking the Flat on foot to reach Aarón.
You asked if I needed help.
At the time, you thirsted for nothing more than to aid me.

Silver : I...

Anastasio : Now? When you halted the clerics coming to my aid, when you gleefully imagined my death... what was it you sought?
You were also corrupted by desire just like the others, no?

<Background fades out>

[Anastasio pierces Silver's stomach with his rapier and pushes him onto the floor. ]

「Not a word comes out of Silver. He grabs at the air as he collapses, but only manages to pull out the drawer.
Flower petals pour out, covering him in them.
Dried flowers, rotted flowers, flowers that had turned to dust. Flowers from a few years ago, from a decade ago, from decades ago.
The flowers that the townsfolk had offered to their calificador[note 6] in gratitude over the years, all pour down upon him. 」

Anastasio : ...Flowers?

<Flashback starts here>

<Background 3>

He hears the sound of a knife being honed, before it comes to a sudden stop.
There is a commotion outside. His mother screams, screeching and beseeching, claiming that she was honing it to cut vegetables.
He had not seen vegetables in the house for a long time.

Inquisition Cleric : You are safe, child.
Madness has come over your mother, but we have her under control.

Young Anastasio : I... I...

Inquisition Cleric : By the lantern... what is that he's eating?

Young Anastasio : No! No!!!

He screams hysterically like his mother, waving his hands wildly, trying to cover his own face.
Fearing that the clerics would smell the flesh, see the scraps by his mouth.
He had been determined to end his sinful existence by death. Why, then, as he comes face to face with this kindly man of the cloth, would he strive to hide his crime?

Young Anastasio : I... I...
I have sinned... please, let me die...

Inquisition Cleric : No, child. I will not judge you for trying to survive.
You must live and atone for your sins.
Sinners are myriad. We have walked the land helping those who could not atone themselves, and cleansing them of their sins.
This you can do also. Only by this will you atone for your own sins.
Until one day, the purest flower will bloom at your touch.

<Flashback ends here>

Notes

"The Conquest" in Spanish

"Pearl" in Spanish

"Madam" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

"Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

"Evaluator" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-7

Before operation

Summary

Anastasio musters a party to pursue Thorns and the rest. La Conquista is hit and Thorns puts his hand into an Arts energy field to salvage the collapsing Corazonix.

<Background 1>

Rus : What are you up to this late at night? I could see your torch from a mile away.

Worried Pirate : Night watch.

Rus : You forget we're in a town? No saltfins barging into the camp at night, and the roof above your head isn't getting blown away by a saltstorm.

Worried Pirate : I know. Just not used to it.
Room's too hot, the bed doesn't shake. I can't sleep.
Besides, something's not right here. That Calificador,[note 1] Silver, brought us here, but where is he?

Rus : Probably just thinks he's too good for us.
The townsfolk are still on their guard against us. That's why they brought us here at night and hid us in these abandoned shacks.

Worried Pirate : Aren't we people too? How're we different?

Rus : ...*sigh*
Give me the torch. If you're that worried, I'll keep watch.
You get some sleep.
You'll need to get used to being "civilized".

<Background 2>

Anastasio : I see you're still eating the jerky from your ships.

Javier : ...

Anastasio : Señor[note 2] Javier?

Javier : Ah, yes, jerky.

Anastasio : This kitchen hasn't seen use in quite a while, but Silver had it specially repaired. The utensils should be readily available.
I hear that you've always wanted to be a cook. So why do you not cook when you finally have a proper kitchen?

Javier : I just can't. Not today.

Anastasio : Whyever not? Is this still not enough?

Javier : It's enough, I assure you. Never seen so many kitchen tools my whole life.

Anastasio : Why, then?

Javier : ...

Anastasio : I insist on knowing, Señor Javier.

Javier : When you cook, it's not the knife in your hand you're thinking about, but the people who'll be eating it.
How can I cook when they aren't here?

Anastasio : All your crewmates are here. If you mean the ones who obstinately continue to resist, neither of us need regret their poor choices.

Javier : ...Tch.

Anastasio : You have obtained so many things. Precious things. A kitchen, food...

Javier : Silver gave us this stuff, not you. Why're you the one preaching at me—

Anastasio : Silver is dead.

Javier : ...You killed him, didn't you?

Anastasio : I did.

Javier : ...

Anastasio : ...

Javier : What about us? You gonna kill us too?

Anastasio : No. You are to walk the very path I did. The path of atonement.

<Background 3>

Rus : Get any sleep?

Worried Pirate : I wish. I could live with the heat and the bed not shaking, but my room doesn't even get a breeze! Felt like my face was gonna turn to stone.

Rus : Count your blessings.
Look at the older mates. The wind's blown their faces right crooked. It's enough to send people running off screaming.
You're young, so you still got the chance to grow up into a real beauty.

Worried Pirate : I don't see any smoke from the kitchen. Is Javier still not cooking?

Rus : I'll talk to him.

<Background 3>

Anastasio : Our clerics have searched every corner of your den. There was no compass.

Javier : ...Guess it got burnt to ash.

Anastasio : The key figures in this affair—the girl who stole the compass, the graverobbing cannibal, and your former leader...
All have entered the depths of the Salt Flat with their ill-gotten gains.

Javier : You want us to go after them?

Anastasio : You know better than I how to navigate the Flat, and you know the fugitives well.

Eager Pirate : How much you paying?

Anastasio : ...Excuse me?

Eager Pirate : We work, you pay. Isn't that supposed to be how things work around here?

Excited Pirate : The Flat's got a thousand ways to kill you. Massive saltfins, dozens of meters long—could tear you apart just by shaking their heads!
And Skeletal Reef is the worst of it. The steam blasts there could punch a hole right through you!
If we're risking our necks, we need a proper bounty.

Anastasio : ...

Javier : Quiet, you fools! I'm sorry, we don't need—

Eager Pirate : What don't we need?! We've only been here a single night, so how're we supposed to put food on the table without work?!

Rus : Calm down, that's not what he meant.
You see, Señor Alguacil...[note 3]

Anastasio : ...
The caravans under inspection were carrying both coin and trade goods.
I have no use for such worldly possessions.

Excited Pirate : Hah, I knew they were hiding the good stuff from us!

Javier : Wait, it's not what you think—

Rus : You heard him, mates! Do the work, get the loot. Now quit yapping and start moving!

Anastasio : ...

<Background fades out>

「Anastasio sees those before him as puppets of desire. Regardless of their intentions, he believes their desires will inevitably lead them down the path of evil. 」

"Much like the pits of hell, the greed of man is bottomless."

<Background 2>

Javier : Are you an idiot? What do you think happened to Silver?

Rus : Church conspiracies are above my pay grade. Best I can do is play the fool.

Javier : There's no conspiracy, Rus. Silver's dead. Anastasio killed him.
He's no schemer, but a complete lunatic. And now, there's no one to keep him in check.

Rus : You got a better idea?
You know how the others see you. Your word as the leader isn't even worth a hot meal.
Not that you're even cooking anymore.
I can only defend you for so long, Javier.

Javier : ...Fine, let's board those ships.

<Background 4>

Pascuala : Ugh... it's so bright...

[She rolls around. ]

Pascuala : It hurts... everywhere...

Teach : You awake? You had a bit of fever last night, but it's gone down. Have some water.

「Pascuala sits up and takes the bottle Teach offers her. The bionic seadragon is hard at work across the deck carrying a wooden plank while flapping its wings.
Juana stands at the bow, gazing into the distance. Behind her, Elysium twists his whole body as he strains to turn the heavy helm wheel, like some strange exercise routine.
The high sun shines bright. It hurts a little bit. 」

Teach : This is our last bit of water. One pouch per person. Make it last.

Pascuala : ...Is there anything I can do?

Juana : Glad to see you up and about again, chica.[note 4]
Repair the hull, reinforce the mast, process the food...
There's plenty.

Weedy : Leaf's helping out with the repairs. Let her rest a little longer.

Pascuala : ...No.
I lived through whatever that was yesterday, we didn't hit any skeletons all night, or get run over by a saltfin. Now I even have water to drink...
*cough*...
So I'm gonna do my part... to get out of this alive!

Juana : Give me your hand. I'll help you up.
—Hyup!

<Background 5>

Elysium : Here, your water.
And your portion of jerky. We talked about it and thought it'd be best if you focused on fixing the compass. We can worry about everything else.
As long as we have that, we'll find our way. As for the rest, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Isidro : How much time do we have?

Elysium : According to Señora[note 5] Juana, they'll catch up to us by tomorrow morning at the latest.

Isidro : That soon? That's not nearly enough time to fix the compass.

Elysium : Just do your best. If you can't get it done, she said she'll risk the Skeletal Reef, compass or not.

Isidro : ...Mm.

Elysium : And this is for you.

[He slides something across the table. ]

Isidro : What is it?

Elysium : A modified communicator. It'll let us talk in even the most extreme environments.

Isidro : Okay...

Pascuala : Finshit! I see sails!

Teach : Sails! Southwest—

Elysium : You stay here. I'll go help!

<Background 6>

Anastasio : I can see their sails.
Increase speed. Catch up to them.

Javier : I wouldn't recommend that.

Anastasio : And why not?

Javier : Based on their current heading, if we did, we'd only force them into the Skeletal Reef.

Anastasio : What of it?

Javier : That's no place for mere mortals! Sure, maybe they'll die in there, but we can't get in either!

Anastasio : Irrelevant.

Javier : ...

Rus : Please reconsider, Señor Alguacil. The compass'll probably get destroyed too!

Anastasio : That is not your concern.

Javier : I've sailed the Salt Flat for decades. I know how to stop a salt ship. At least let me try. It'll prevent a lot of needless deaths.

Anastasio : ...Do not squander this chance, Señor Javier. You have very few left.

[Anastasio walks off. ]

Rus : Javier!
...Javier!

Javier : ...

[Rus grabs Javier's shoulders. ]

Rus : What are you thinking?! It's been years since we pulled off something like that, let alone against Juana!

Javier : I know it won't be enough to stop her, but forcing them to change heading is still better than herding them into Skeletal Reef.

Rus : And if you fail? Whatever's left of your authority will be gone. You'll lose control of the fleet!

Javier : Neither will groveling to Anastasio help me keep it.
Just listen to me, one last time! Maintain a steady speed with this ship and have another go around to cut them off from the east!

<Background 4>

Elysium : Are they down a ship? Did it hit a saltfin or something?

Juana : No one taught by me would make a mistake like that, on flat land no less.
Eyes sharp! Every last one of those salt ships is faster than this antique.
They could easily cut us off before we make it into the Skeletal Reef.

Weedy : What happens if they do?
We're at a disadvantage in both numbers and equipment. We wouldn't stand a chance.

Juana : Then we won't let them!
The ship tailing us is going too slow and not even raising its flag. They want us to let our guard down, so another can go around in front of us.
Did you really think I would hesitate to sail into the Skeletal Reef at this point, Javier?
Full sails ahead! Set course for the Skeletal Reef! Maximum speed!

<Background 6>

Warrior Priest : They're accelerating, Señor Alguacil.

Anastasio : This is far from the scenario you envisioned, Señor Javier.

Javier : ...
Raise the flag! Hail the other ship, tell them to go full sail!

Anastasio : And what of us?

<Background 4>

Juana : I will take the helm.

Teach : Señora?! Why are you turning? This is inviting them to open fire!

Juana : If they do, they'll have to slow down to find an angle for their cannons.
That's our chance to lose them.

<Background 6>

Javier : Gunners, at the ready!

「Sailors heave heavy balls made from salt and fin dung into the cannons. 」

Javier : Fire!

[Cannons blasting ]

<Background 4>

「Once again, Juana dances with her helm. The rudder carves through the Salt Flat, as if slicing its flesh, while the massive ship tilts and glides across the salt desert at an impossible angle.
Salt cannonballs whistle past, landing only meters from La Conquista[note 6] and spraying salt everywhere.
The sails push the ancient ship towards the heart of the Flat, where few have tread. 」

<Background fades out>

「A rumble stirs within the salt cloud. Pascuala peers through her blurry spyglass, straining to identify its source, only for a wind-filled sail to suddenly consume her view.
It is the salt ship that has disappeared from the pursuing squadron. 」

「Pascuala puts down her spyglass with a jolt as the salt ship, trailing a billowing cloud of salt dust, barrels straight toward them! 」

Pascuala : It's gonna hit us!
Evasive maneuvers! Evasive maneuvers!

Juana : No! That's what they want—for us to slow down or turn!
The main sails of that ship are at the bow! It's not designed for ramming!
Let them try! If they do, they'll never catch us again!
Forward!

[Wheel turning ]

<Background fades out>

「Hruff—!
The sound of canvas straining in the wind fills everyone's ears as La Conquista charges on, evading the salt ship's interception.
For the first time in decades, it rides proudly at the head of the fleet again. 」

<Background 6>

Javier : You're out of your mind, Juana!

Rus : You should have known that the moment you mutinied!

Anastasio : Catch them.

Javier : ...

Rus : Javier!
...Fine. I'll take command! Full sail ahead!

「Javier stops giving orders. He knows no one will listen anymore.
He passes through the crowd and climbs the ship's bow. He sees the towering skeletons just ahead of La Conquista.
The Skeletal Reef: a labyrinth of bones, the pulsing heart of the Salt Flat, a realm of death where no mortal dares tread. Yet, La Conquista sails toward its valleys, dauntlessly, recklessly. 」

<Background 5>

「Despite the constant bumps and jolts, Isidro's eyes remain fixed on the Corazonix floating at the center of the transmutation table.
Layers of Arts energy fields have separated it. The insides glow with a metallic gleam.
Even the slightest motion is reflected upon its surface through the needle of the probe. 」

Isidro : The rusted alloy has been successfully isolated. The newly added alloy has been successfully integrated.
Now, for the last step, to etch a new Originium circuit inside the Corazonix... I can't afford to make a single mistake.
There is no time to test the effects of the circuit. We have only one chance.
Steady, steady...

<Background shakes>

「Another jolt sends the dismantled compass components on the table spilling onto the ground.
With one hand holding the probe, Isidro draws his sword with the other and stabs the cabin wall with it to steady himself. 」

Isidro : El Dominio del Mar...[note 7] If the pirates can fight in the wind and waves with this technique, then I can use it to steady myself amidst this turbulence!

「With each tilt of the ship, Isidro counters with a thrust of his sword. Soon, the cabin is in chaos—a pot covers one of his feet, while a piece of canvas wraps around his leg.
He pays no heed to them. The only thing he sees is the trail of liquid Originium drawn by the needle of his probe. 」

Isidro : Almost there...

「Sweat runs down his cheeks and into his mouth. He feels control slipping from the hand holding the probe as his strained muscles verge on spasming. 」

Isidro : I did it! I did it!
Now, all that's left is to insert the shaped Corazonix back into the shell of the compass...

[KABOOM! ]

Isidro : —Argh!

[Isidro is thrown to the ground. ]

「Isidro forces his eyelids open through the blood and salt, and sees the Arts field beginning to go out of control under some kind of powerful Arts interference.
His probe lies on the other side of the cabin, the needle broken into several pieces. The components of the compass are nowhere to be seen, except for the outer shell.
Under the pressure of the overloaded Arts field, the newly-formed Corazonix begins to tremble violently. 」

[Frantic footsteps ]

Elysium : Thorns! Thorns!

Pascuala : What did that finshit Anastasio just do?!

Weedy : *cough* An Inquisition handcannon. He fired it into the cabin!

Juana : Stay away from the alchemical equipment! It's out of control because of interference from the handcannon's Arts energy!

Elysium : What are you doing here, Señora Juana? Who has the helm?

Juana : Don't worry, it's in good hands.

Pascuala : Teach! Where's Teach?!

Weedy : She's over here! She's got a piece of broken wood stuck in her leg!

[Pascuala runs over. ]

Pascuala : Damn it... damn it! I can't stop the bleeding!

Elysium : Thorns! Thorns! Say something!

「Isidro opens his mouth, but his tongue does not obey. He forces himself to sit up. There is no time to think about how many ribs he broke.
On the transmutation table, the Corazonix starts to bubble as if it's boiling.
One moment of hesitation, and the last Corazonix of Iberia, their only hope for survival—
Will turn to dust.
He must retrieve it!
Isidro looks around desperately, but sees none of the compass's components, not even a working tool. 」

Isidro : No... no...

「Isidro stumbles to his feet. He cannot feel his left arm, but can still move his right arm.
He runs towards the transmutation table. 」

「The resistance from the Arts field is much stronger than expected. It feels like putting his hand into boiling magma.
His glove offers no protection against the rampaging Arts energy. Isidro quivers as the energy corrodes his arm. 」

Elysium : What are you doing, Thorns?!

Isidro : This is my Corazonix.

Isidro : ...MY compass!

「The Corazonix dances in his palm, as though it has gained life.
It flows through every gash and hole the Arts energy left upon his arm.
Isidro has gazed upon this substance so many times, seeking a connection with it.
But now, in this very moment, he understands that it has become one with his flesh. 」

Isidro : ...Argh—!!

After operation

Summary

With Anastasio in hot pursuit, Juana has no choice but to steer the ship into the valley of gushing steam. The final showdown looms near.

<Background 5>

??? : Isidro!

Isidro : ...Ugh... argh...
—*cough* *cough*!!

[Hurried footsteps ]

Juana : All hands on deck! I'll take the helm! Pascuala and Weedy, take care of Teach!
The Inquisition's ship is catching up. Wake up, Isidro! Stand up—
What happened to your arm?

Isidro : I...

[Cannons blasting ]

Juana : —Tsk. They're catching up again. Elysium! Isidro! Can you still swing a sword?

Elysium : Mine broke! But I can pummel them with my flag!
...But who would use a flag as a weapon on the battlefield?

「Isidro grabs his right arm. The searing pain has not yet subsided. 」

Isidro : My left hand is all I need.

Juana : Good—

<Background 4>

Pascuala : Look out! They're loading!

「The wind carries the cries from the salt ship behind them.
"—Fire!" 」

[A cannonball strikes the ship. ]

Juana : We're still not fast enough.

Isidro : Can we make it into the Skeletal Reef before they catch up?

Juana : Even if we can't, I have no intention of stopping.

Weedy : But the ship's badly damaged... I only managed to repair part of it. That hit we just took went through half the hold!

Pascuala : And took all Isidro's alchemy equipment out with it! Without the compass, how are we supposed to get out of Skeletal Reef, even if we make it in?

「Isidro can feel the Corazonix pulsating beneath his glove.
He may have lost an arm, but all is not lost. 」

Isidro : ...There will be a way.

「Isidro casts his eyes towards the Skeletal Reef. The bones littering the ground grow larger with every passing moment. 」

<Background 4>

[Wood and metal grinding ]

「One kilometer.
Turning is no longer an option for La Conquista.[note 6] Juana grabs the helm wheel with such strength that the wood creaks under the pressure.
She leans forward, eyes fixed dead ahead on the terrifying Skeletal Reef, as though it is her prey.
Five hundred meters.
A sharp grain of salt brushes past her cheek, leaving a mark.
Pascuala squints into the wind and salt, but can only barely see the massive sails approaching from behind.
One hundred meters.
Microorganisms have dyed the bleached bones crimson.
This land had never seen such vivid colors, even before the sea came.
Fifty meters. 」

<Background shakes>

「Steam gushes through the holes in the bones, powerful and dense.
At their end is a crimson mist the color of blood, spraying into the wind.
Ten meters.
All breaths are held. 」

[CRASH! ]

「La Conquista roars into the valley. Dozens of steam pillars blast out from the skeletons lining the sides of the canyon, filling the space that it occupied mere moments ago.
They tear through sails like paper.
The salt ship following in hot pursuit, a monstrosity dozens of meters in length, is torn to pieces as though a toy.
The mast, dragged down by tattered sails, lies across the gorge, before the steam breaks it too in half, sending the pieces plunging into the salt.
Scraps of wood and bone fly into the air, forming a sharp, deadly rain. 」

<Background 7>

Elysium : Their ship was destroyed by the steam!

Pascuala : Holy finshit! I'm alive! I'm actually alive!

Isidro : It's too early to celebrate.

<Background 8>

「Salt dust is blown away by the steam, revealing yet another salt ship, trampling the carcass of its brethren beneath its heel as it charges towards them.
The flag of the Inquisition flies high upon its mast, yet it is Anastasio, standing beneath it, whose presence commands more attention. 」

<Background 7>

Juana : They've got guts, I'll give them that.
Let this be their burial ground, then.

<Background 8>

Rus : Hooks!

[The pirates swing their lassos and throw. ]

「Dozens of hooks fly towards La Conquista. Most fall harmlessly into the salt, but a few find the gaps upon her hull. 」

Rus : La Conquista is heavier than us! Don't try to pull it in, let it drag us towards it!
Board once we're close enough, and take that ship!

「Taut ropes creak as both ships tremble. The sailors draw their weapons, sizing up the distance between the ships.
Suddenly, a spinning helm wheel flies out from the stern of La Conquista, snapping the ropes linking the two ships.
The sharper-eyed sailors recognize it immediately. 」

Frightened Sailor : It's Juana!

「At that terrified cry, a figure in black leaps from La Conquista and lands on the salt ship. 」

Juana : Have you already forgotten everything I taught you?!
You couldn't hook a bloody saltfin, the way you're tossing those!

[Quick footsteps ]

Rus : She wants to take our helm wheel! Stop her!

[The pirates block her way, but Juana easily beats them. ]

Juana : You fight like a starving saltfin! No, worse!
Hold that cutlass properly! What are you trying to do, cut a steak?!

Javier : Don't kill Juana! All we need is the compass!

Rus : Open your damn eyes, Javier!

Frightened Sailor : She's here to kill us! It's us or her! We gotta kill her for the reward!

Howling Sailor : I was right all along, Javier! You're just her little pet!
Well, I'm not! I want to live! I want to live good! If you don't want that bounty, I'll take it!

[The pirates yell in unison. ]

「Juana swings her helm wheel into a charging pirate, who falls to the ground in a heap, but the rest keep coming with even greater fury.
Javier is left in the back. He grips his weapon tight, but does not move his feet.
It takes a while before he cries out— 」

Javier : I said! Don't kill Juana! All we need is the compass!

Juana : But I'm going to kill YOU, Javier.

Howling Sailor : Quit giving orders, Javier! Who do you think you are?
Kill Juana! Her head will make us rich!

<Background 7>

「Just as no one can shake their own shadow, Isidro turns around to see Anastasio standing behind him. 」

Isidro : ...

Anastasio : There you are.
Form up, my brothers! Attack!

Warrior Priest : Sir!

Isidro : Elysium! Protect the helm with Weedy! Don't let them take control!

Weedy : Leaf, switch to attack mode!

Elysium : How dare you kick away the waterproof boots I gave Thorns! Did you think a communications specialist couldn't fight?

Warrior Priest : Stay away from me with that stinking mop of yours!

Elysium : It's a FLAG, you scuttlehead! I wash it every week! Or at least try to!

[Swords clashing ]

Anastasio : You have very nearly killed me twice now, Isidro. A feat none before have accomplished.
Why then do you so earnestly seek my death? What is this desire you have failed to realize because of me? This desire that is so much stronger than anyone else's?

[Swords clanging ]

Isidro : I don't have any desires.

Anastasio : ...Impossible. All mortals are driven by desire.

Isidro : What about you?

Anastasio : Myself first and foremost.

Isidro : If you're driven by desire too, then you have no right to kill people in the name of suppressing it... Even if you're with the Inquisition.

Anastasio : The Inquisition? No. Once, I wished for nothing more than that priest from the Inquisition to kill me and end my sinful life.
But alas, he denied his own right to judge me, to execute me... and in so doing denied my right to die.
You still have that right, Isidro. The right to an easy end.

Isidro : I have no interest in dying.

[Steam gushing ]

Anastasio : Maybe so, but you have been tainted by the strongest of all desires, no? Then you have already lost your free will.
You are compelled to sin. You simply cannot stop yourself.

[Blades ringing ]

Anastasio : Why do you hide your broken right arm with that glove?
Those controlled by desire always refuse to admit that their obsession will lead them to ruin.
You cannot turn back. No one like you can. So I will kill you to stop your sins.
But before that, you shall first face your desire! Acknowledge it!
Only by doing so can you die sober and fighting.

「Anastasio's sword slices through the air with a piercing shrill, targeting Isidro's right hand. Isidro twists his body at a nearly impossible angle to evade, but the blade's tip still rips through his glove.
Corazonix seeps out of the tear in his glove, turning into delicate ribbons that drift towards every corner of the valley. 」

Isidro : ...What's going on?

Anastasio : So that is where you have hidden the compass.
I have watched over that anathema for so many years, yet not once have seen it respond so eagerly to one's desires.
Such powerful desire, Isidro, yet you do not even know it.

Isidro : If you knew the first thing about alchemy, you'd know it doesn't respond to desire. Not mine or anyone else's.
Under the manipulation of an alchemist, Corazonix leaves the compass and enters the natural cycle before returning to the compass. Then the alchemist deciphers the information it brings back.
That is its basic principle. It has nothing to do with anything as subjective as desire.

「Isidro has read too many alchemical tomes and listened to too many of Aulus's lessons. He could recite these principles backward and forward.
But he cannot help but ask himself: Is that really everything there is to the compass, to Corazonix?
Why did the Corazonix on his arm start drifting without any input from him?
Does he not want to know what it is responding to?
Does he not want to know what he wants?
The distraction is enough for Anastasio's sword to pierce his left shoulder. 」

[SLASH! ]

Isidro : —Argh!

[He falls to the floor. ]

Anastasio : Where is your desire, Isidro? That most powerful desire that compels you to kill me?
Will you die as the puppet of that desire, without even knowing what it is?!

<Background 5>

Tall Warrior Priest : Found her! She's got someone on her back! Get her!

Pursuing Warrior Priest : Go!

[Hasty footsteps ]

Pascuala : ...!
Can't... run... so... heavy...

Teach : Put me down... Go on without me...

Pascuala : ...

[She ducks as an arrow flies over her. ]

Pascuala : —Grr!

Teach : Pascuala?

Pascuala : ...

Teach : Pascuala!
You can't run like this! They'll get us both! Drop me and run!

Pascuala : No...

Teach : What?

Pascuala : I'm not letting go!
You gave me your blanket, your water, and you put me to bed...
I... I'm not letting go!

Teach : You...

<Background 7>

[Crash! ]

Elysium : We just hit something! The ship's drifting! I can't keep it on course!

Weedy : Out of the way! Let me handle it!

Elysium : How—

Weedy : Trust in the Liquid Nitrogen Cannon! But I may not get the output exactly right, so keep your hand on the wheel!

Elysium : You got it!

<Background 8>

「Bone swords rattle. Saltfin hide armor clashes. A roaring sailor walks up to Juana.
The other sailors pull their armor off and form a circle of flesh and blood. Inside the circle is Juana, and the sailor who issued the challenge.
Juana is taken aback for an instant, then laughs as she understands. 」

Juana : So you remember the tradition.

Fearless Sailor : How could we forget? You taught us how to challenge the leader when we were kids!
But now your life is worth big money, enough to set me up for life!

Juana : —Come at me then!

「Juana swings the helm wheel with a whoosh and slams it into the man's bare chest with a sickeningly dull thud.
His chest collapses, and he falls onto the deck without so much as a gurgle and wheeze.
But the others step over his blood, crying in fury as they rush towards Juana with weapons in hand. 」

Howling Sailor : Die!

Juana : Hah!

Roaring Sailor : Raaaah!

「Yet another sailor charges forward, but hesitates for an instant when his eyes meet Juana's.
His axe slows for a split second, just enough time for Juana's helm wheel to connect first. The last thing he sees is the pale salts filling his eyes, even as the lower half of his body clings to the deck. 」

Juana : This is no place to be getting cold feet!
A moment of hesitation is the difference between life and death!
Who's next?

「Another sailor steps up through the pool of blood, cutlass in hand. She seems a little thinner and frailer than the others. 」

Juana : Oh... if it isn't little Lomi?

Frail Sailor : Aye, boss. It's me.

Juana : What do you plan to do with the reward money?

Frail Sailor : I got a daughter. It's all hers!

Juana : Good! Then come and claim what is hers!

「The frail sailor gulps and swings her cutlass at Juana, who lands a blow first with a backhand swing.
One of her arms hits the ground, unleashing a spray of blood.
Her other arm, however, continues clenching her cutlass. 」

Juana : Come! Raise your weapon! We're not done yet!

Frail Sailor : Haah... Ahhh...
Arrrggghhh!!!

「Once again, she musters the courage to charge at Juana, but the heavy helm wheel finds her forehead faster.
Suddenly, the frail sailor is pushed aside. 」

[Metal clanging ]

Javier : Stop.

Frail Sailor : ...?

Javier : I'll do it.

Frail Sailor : ...Thought you didn't want us to kill her?

Javier : No. I'm your leader. At this point, what you want is what I want.
And as your leader, I'm supposed to protect you, not watch you walk to your deaths one by one.

「Javier draws his weapon and wades into the blood. 」

Javier : Your move, Juana.

<Background 5>

[Panicked footsteps ]

Pascuala : *pant* *pant* Urghh—!

Teach : You can put me down here. I'm feeling better. I can fight.

Pascuala : *pant* *pant* These chupamedias...[note 8] they're like saltfins who smell blood... can't shake them...

[Pascuala stops running. ]

Warrior Priest : You've finally stopped. How many times have you taken what doesn't belong to you, you dirty little thief? You've got nerve to still be talking here.
Catch the thief and the bandit! Bring them back to the Inquisition!

Teach : *cough*...

Pascuala : ..."Thief"?
"What doesn't belong to me"?

「Pascuala picks up a fallen cutlass and charges at the warrior priests before her, red with fury. 」

Pascuala : Bloodsucking finshit! I could've lived a decent life until you people came after me and threw me out! How dare you assume I've become immoral just because my family has fallen on hard times?!

Warrior Priest : What's she going on about... She's gone mad! Kill her!

[Swords clashing furiously ]

Pascuala : All I wanted that day was to go back home and get what was mine as a kid! I wasn't stealing! My abuela[note 9] made that bracelet for me!
What's wrong with taking what is mine? Who do you think you are, branding me a thief, no matter what I did, no matter what I said! I even begged you—
Begged you to let me find a job in town and live a decent life! But you people called me a thief and kicked me out!
Well, now I'm a thief! Are you happy now? Are you happy?!
Inquisition finshit! You don't get to tell me what belongs to me or not!

<Background 7>

[The ship jolts. ]

Elysium : Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh––!
We're flying!!!

Weedy : Objectively speaking, the ship did, in fact, go airborne for a few seconds. I may have overtuned the LN cannon a tad... But don't worry, I also have a smaller water cannon to help slow it down...

Elysium : We're going too fast! I can't avoid that bone up ahead! Do something with that cannon of yours!

Weedy : I don't know if I can knock away a bone as big as that! Brace for impact!

<Background shakes>

Weedy : It's not fair... I just fixed the ship!

[More priests step onto the deck. ]

Warrior Priest : There's someone here!

Elysium : Didn't we just get rid of you?!
Alright, I'll deal with them. Weedy, you fix up the ship. Again.

<Background 8>

「Javier's blade meets the helm wheel with a dull clang that echoes through the valley. He feels his arms going numb.
Hesitantly, he strings a few words together in the gaps between attacks. 」

Javier : Juana... what do you... think you're doing...?

Juana : Killing traitors.

Javier : No... Juana!
If all you wanted was to kill us, you could've done so easily. Why hold to the tradition?

Juana : ...

Javier : You're trying to tell us to affirm our decision by facing you with courage?
Am I wrong? AM I WRONG?!

Juana : ...

[Metal clanging ]

Javier : *pant* *pant* Juana...

Juana : Javier...
If you've realized that, why are you still holding back?

<Background 7>

「Isidro's left arm is shaking with pain. His sword has already left his hand.
Under Anastasio's incessant interrogation, he finds himself overcome by an even sharper pain.
The dispersed Corazonix once again converges upon him, having drifted amidst the salt and steam. 」

Isidro : You asked what I want.
I want Juana to sail upon the seas that she's longed for all these years.
I want Pascuala to go to bed with a full stomach, not wake up in the middle of the night from hunger.
I want Weedy to go back safely to her research, and for Elysium to make it on time to that concert he's been looking forward to.

Anastasio : Yet all I see is how you people tear each other apart as you hasten to your own demise.
Who, precisely, did this tragedy begin with?
Juana. She, who has forgotten the pain of the Profound Silence. She, who is determined to ride to her doom seeking thrills that live on only in her memory.
It was her desire that dragged Pascuala into the abyss. The girl who wanted nothing more than food on the table was made to steal the Inquisition's forbidden relic, blinded by greed and promises of riches.
And then the rest of your fellows. When you say you wish their lives to return to normalcy, have you given any thought as to why they fell to abnormality?
It was because of you, Isidro.
Juana's desire infected you, and you in turn have infected more innocents.

Isidro : ...I know.
People are affected by one another. There's nothing wrong with that.
Everyone I met at Aarón kept their head down and their windows shut. No one spoke a word to each other, unless it was absolutely necessary.
Maybe it's the teachings of the Inquisition, or maybe the trauma of the great calamity that's never faded from their hearts. I couldn't say.
What I can say, though, is that no one should have to live like that.

「Anastasio pulls his sword out of Isidro's shoulder.
Carrying the red glow of the steam, the Corazonix returns to its place inside Isidro's glove and once again flows upon his arm.
For an instant, he can feel the gushing heat of the entire Skeletal Reef converged upon his right arm. 」

Anastasio : Go on, Isidro. If you have finally decided to expose your true nature, then I shall hear your confession.

Isidro : Because of my mentor, for a very long time, I thought the ultimate end of human interaction was consumption and assimilation, just like the Seaborn.
I thought I would be consumed by others just as I consumed them. That there would always be people compelled by someone else's desires, held hostage by someone else's decisions, ultimately losing sight of their own selves.
In the years before I joined Rhodes Island, I did my utmost to avoid something like that happening... like what happened to the people of Aarón.
But now, I understand that the "self" I had tried so hard to protect was empty. There was nothing there.
Even after I earned some money, I lived exactly as I had as a vagabond. I wore the same clothes, ate the same food, stayed in the same places, did the same things.
I didn't know what I wanted. Maybe I didn't want anything.

Anastasio : Is it not happiness to live as an empty canvas?
Is that not true freedom?
Unlike your current self, the one forced to drag but more innocent souls into the abyss, as you have done.

Isidro : Juana gave me a chance to leave. I chose to stay. Neither of us regrets our decisions.
So, if I indeed dragged Elysium and Weedy into this, then I should give them a chance to leave or stay.
If you want to kill them, then I'll just have to kill you first.

「Isidro senses the once chaotic movement of the Corazonix becoming rhythmic. With each pulse on his arm, steam bursts from the nearby bones.
It dawns on him that the Corazonix, salvaged from the transmutation table, is now fulfilling its intended function while attached to him.
He wants to lead his friends out of this deadly Skeletal Reef, so it is guiding him by indicating the direction of the searing steam flowing through the bones. 」

「Isidro tears his glove off.
Flowing Corazonix has filled every gash and hole that the Arts energy had left upon his flesh.
It is now as one with him.
He picks up his sword with his right arm, and points it at Anastasio's face. 」

Notes

"Evaluator" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

"Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

"Girl" in Spanish

"Madam" in Spanish

↑ 6.0 6.1 "The Conquest" in Spanish

"Control of the Seas" in Spanish

"Sycophants" or "Bootlickers" in Spanish

"Grandma" in Spanish

Operation story: EP-8

Before operation

Summary

Javier proves to Juana that he can lead the crew towards a different future. Forced into desperate straits in his fight against Anastasio, Thorns leaps into the gushing steam.

<Background 1>

[Steam gushing ]

Elysium : Whoa, I really did it! I actually took them out! ...Need any help, Weedy?

Weedy : No, I'm done here too—as long as you don't crash the ship again!

Elysium : Sure thing! Phew...

<Background shakes>

Elysium : I don't think I can ever ride a roller coaster again.

Weedy : Wait, Elysium... where did all that blood come from?! ...Did those bone fragments hit you?

Elysium : Blood?
Eh, it's fine. Happy to take one for a friend. If Thorns knows what he wants, then what can I do but support him?

Weedy : Well, at least let me wrap you up a little... And what exactly does Thorns want, again? Did he say?

Elysium : Ah... he can tell you himself when the time's right!

<Background fades out and in>

Anastasio : Ah, Isidro. So you wish to atone for your sins, to rescind the impact you've had on the innocent, to send them merrily back to their old lives.
Is this an expression of your resolve? A reflection of your conscience?
When they realize the end is near, many sinners turn to sobbing appeals for the friends whom they have implicated.
Alas, that does not mean they have truly repented.
How does one who knows naught of their own desire demonstrate the ability to suppress such desire, and to atone for the sins thereof?

Isidro : No. It's you who need to suppress your own desire. You who needs to demonstrate that ability.

Anastasio : ...Naturally. I have always said that desire cannot truly be killed. Even now, the desire to feed upon the lives of others lives on within me, and I must suppress it.
I will cut off my flesh with my own hand and dispose of it.
I will demonstrate that I can suppress my thirst for it, if only briefly.

「Isidro can see the grotesque scars under Anastasio's collar, marks of flesh that has grown back after being cut away. 」

Isidro : You said desire grows endlessly, dragging more and more people into the abyss.
How many have you judged and killed with that pretext? Why do you think that you, and you alone, can suppress your own desires?

Anastasio : Because death is liberation.
Before being corrupted by desire, you had lived an honest life, performed honest deeds.
As such, you have the right to be liberated from that corruption. By death.
But my life was a mistake from the beginning. My very existence a sin.
Were I to die, my pathetic existence would have held no meaning other than sacrilege.
Therefore, I must atone. I must atone for as long as I can, until I am consumed by desire.

「Anastasio pressed the nails on his left hand against his own chest until they pierce the skin. Only pain can calm him down now. 」

Isidro : You mentioned the meaning of your existence.
Are you really unworthy to die, Anastasio, or do you just want to live too much?
You keep talking about your desire to feed on others. But isn't your most fundamental desire to keep on living?
Be it self-harm or the judgment of others, aren't you just trying to make sure that your so-called sinful self can live on with peace of mind?

[Swords clashing and ringing ]

「Anastasio's assault had slowed while listening to Isidro's confession; now, it intensifies again.
Each time Isidro parries an attack, strands of Corazonix float up from his arm from the impact. 」

Anastasio : If you shall not confess, you shall die.

<Background 2>

[Sword slashing ]

Teach : Look out!

Pascuala : Chupamedias![note 1] Cojones![note 2] Finshit!

[She grabs a warrior priest by the neck and squeezes. ]

Pascuala : Don't you have an Iberia to save instead of coming after us?
All for a damned compass nobody cares about!
All I ever wanted was enough money so I wouldn't have to do this stuff! You think I like living like this?! I hate it as much as you do!

[She repeatedly hits their head. ]

Pascuala : Why do you have to come after me?

[The priest collapses, but she continues to kick them. ]

Pascuala : You have no right to judge me... None!

Teach : Pascuala... Pascuala!
Stop! They're not fighting back anymore!

Pascuala : *Pant* *Pant* I...

Teach : Stop! We... need to...
We... need to... move...

Pascuala : Oh... Teach...
No! Teach! Hang in there...
If you pass out now, I'm leaving you out the next time I buy a round of saltfin garum for everyone!

Teach : Now... you're starting to talk like Elysium...

Pascuala : Really? Was it funny? Do you feel any better?

Teach : Let's find a place... to hide...

[Teach faints. ]

Pascuala : Teach...
Teach!!

[Pascuala rushes to her side. ]

「Pascuala frantically digs through her pockets.
She has many pockets. Very little in them belongs to her; most was stolen.
Finally, she finds a few herbs. She chews them into small pieces, then puts them into Teach's mouth with a trembling hand.
The last thing Teach did before she passed out was protect Pascuala's head with her arms.
Pascuala presses her cheeks against Teach's arm, trying to feel her body temperature. 」

「She has lost so many things, but right now, this warmth belongs to her. 」

<Background 3>

Javier : This is the last time we'll cross blades, Juana.
Only one of us is leaving here alive.
I'm their leader. If you're angry at their betrayal, take it out on me!

Juana : And then what?

[The weapons collide loudly. ]

Javier : If I die, let my crewmates go.
I swear on my life that they won't have a new leader, that they'll live their new lives however they want.

Stunned Sailor : Javier... you...

「Juana responds with an even more ferocious flurry. The helm wheel brushes across Javier's back. He grits his teeth and swings his blade.
It finds Juana's forearm, cutting almost to the bone. 」

Javier : And if I kill you, I'll take your head and earn the bounty!
I'll share the money with everyone, so they'll all live better lives—

[Whoosh! ]

Juana : Haah—!

「A violent jolt sends Javier stumbling backwards. Juana leaps, and the helm wheel falls upon him, sending blood and salt flying.
Javier swings his fists wildly at Juana, his weapon broken. 」

Javier : Hrrh... Hrrh...

「Javier struggles to lift the heavy wheel off himself, but a punch from Juana sends him back into the pool of blood. 」

Javier : Hrgh...

「His breathing is thick and heavy. He tries to lift himself up again, only to once again meet Juana's fist. His vision grows red with blood. 」

Javier : Ugh...

「There is no strength left in him. He flails around in the blood pool, struggling in vain to stand up.
But the crushing weight of the helm wheel suffocates him, dislocating his arms and legs.
He can no longer even raise his head. 」

Javier : Hrrh...
You win... Juana... Kill me.
When I die... spare the crew... I'm the one who incited them.
Kill me... end this.

「Javier gazes into Juana's eyes. He has never done so from so close, close enough to see his own reflection in them.
He suddenly feels like he still has something to say. 」

Javier : That day... when you passed by my window... I was trying to bake bread for the first time... it didn't work out... it was black all over...
I wasted precious food... no one would eat it... except you...
You passed by the window and picked it up... you put it in your mouth with a big smile...
You finished the whole plate...
And I was thinking at that time... that I'd give anything... to see that smile again...
Anything...

「Javier closes his eyes and waits for the inevitable. The helm wheel will find his neck, and then everything will be over. 」

Juana : Congratulations, Javi.

Javier : *Cough*... *Cough*...

Juana : You won your duel with the previous leader.
Now stand up and get back to your crew.

Javier : ......

「Javier musters the last bit of strength he has, trying to stand.
But the floor is wet and sticky with blood. It is all he can do to crawl forward, little by little.
Then the sailors come, one after another, lifting their new leader from the blood, the one who fought with them to the bitter end.
The blood they shed in the deadly struggle mingles on the ground. They put their shoulders together. 」

<Background 1>

[Slash! ]

「The Corazonix on Isidro's right arm pulses. He swings his sword behind him and dodges towards the right.
Anastasio follows closely, his blade pointed at Isidro's throat. 」

[Steam gushing ]

「Isidro knew that the boiling steam would gush out from a hole in the ship, stopping Anastasio's pursuit.
Isidro takes his stance again. He sees how Anastasio's sword-holding hand is scalded by the steam, yet it doesn't tremble in the slightest. 」

Anastasio : ......

「The burns do not faze Anastasio. He thirsts for pain. 」

<Background fades out and in>

「Isidro thrusts into the steam. Anastasio's sword falls from his hand with a clang.
But his handcannon is now pressed upon Isidro's brow. 」

Anastasio : ......

「Anastasio is silent. He will not say another word until he has pulled the trigger.
Isidro is forced back to the edge of the ship. There is nothing behind him but empty air. 」

Isidro : Once, you were just a pitiful child struggling to survive.
But now, you've become a killer who's drowned his hands in blood on your so-called path of atonement.
You're the only one who deserves death here.

「Isidro leaps. 」

[BANG! ]

「The sound of the handcannon's shot echoes through the hollow bones of the valley.
Isidro sees Anastasio put the handcannon back on his belt, then close his eyes as though he had just been born again.
Isidro turns his head—the bottomless pit is right below him. The heat gushing within the bones resonates with the Corazonix on his arm. He knows the steam is about to swallow him.
At the end, he looks towards the sky.
Across the towering bones, through the heat wave of the steam, he can see clouds and sky, just like the azure ocean and white waves from the stories.
The ocean he had wanted to see with his own eyes.
Isidro falls towards the steam vent. 」

[Steam gushing loudly ]

After operation

Summary

Thorns cuts through the steam and defeats Anastasio. With the crisis over, the crew decides their respective futures. Juana dances one last time under the sunset.

<Background 2>

[Brisk footsteps ]

Warrior Priest : I found them! Over here! They're here!
Raise your shields! Form up! Don't let her get away!

Pascuala : ...Tch.
All this, just for little ol' me? Besides, why do you think I'm trying to get away?

「This is not the first time the Inquisition has tried to take Pascuala's life. But this is the last time she's running. 」

Pascuala : —Bring it on!
You wanna kill me? Go ahead and try!

[Sword slashing ]

「But she is no warrior. It is all she can do to dodge the attacks of two warrior priests.
Soon, even that is becoming difficult.
Shield-wielding clerics block the way in front of her. Behind her is Teach, too weak to even stand. 」

[The warrior priests knock Pascuala onto the floor. ]

Pascuala : *Cough*... What a shame...
What I wouldn't give to hear those guys squabbling again...
Guess that's too much to ask...

<Background 1>

[Steam gushing ]

Elysium : Hold on, hold on...
Have you seen Thorns? He was fighting Anastasio just a moment ago!

Weedy : ...It's just Anastasio over there now.

[Elysium raises his hand. ]

Weedy : Stop, Elysium! You can't steer and use high-powered Arts at the same time!
Elysium!

Elysium : I have to find him.
Sure, he's lived through way more lab explosions than he had any right to, but he's still flesh and blood. Even saltfins have to avoid those steam jets. If...
We have to find him!

<Background fades out and in>

Anastasio : At long last, you have ended his suffering and brought salvation to the souls of those he tried to drag into the abyss along with him.

「Timidly, hesitantly, Anastasio presses the tip of the sword against his own throat. 」

Anastasio : ...No. You are not yet worthy to die. Freeing one poor soul who failed to recognize his desires to the last is not enough to atone for your sins.
Reality lies before you, Anastasio. You have yet to eradicate the blight of desire plaguing this land. You are not worthy to...

[Footsteps approach ]

Warrior Priest : ......
Señor[note 3] Alguacil![note 4] Are you alright?

Anastasio : ...I am fine.
Regroup, slay the remaining bandits, and capture both ships.
I will take Juana myself.

Warrior Priest : Señor, you promised to pay the bandits...

Anastasio : They sought a reward from me like ravenous tuskbeasts, the saliva dribbling down their chins.
Did you truly think they could live honest lives in Aarón, after being paid for such work?
False kindness is but the worst cruelty.

Warrior Priest : ...As you say, Señor Alguacil.

[The priest rushes off. ]

[Steam gushing loudly ]

「Anastasio can hear the soul-wrenching cries and wailing.
He knows he should board the ship, kill Juana, and end the struggle.
But he does not move.
He feels an emptiness, but does not know what is missing. It is as if Isidro had taken part of him with him.
He turns around to look at the vent Isidro had fallen into, but only the gushing steam answers him. 」

<Background fades to white>

「White steam bursts into red mist. Anastasio turns around to leave. 」

[SLASH! ]

「In the next instant, a flash of light cuts the steam open.
Isidro emerges from it. The Corazonix that had covered his entire body parts ways to reveal his golden eyes.
Anastasio sees something familiar in them. They are the eyes of one who thirsts to kill another, just like his own. 」

Isidro : Many people have told me many things about Iberia and the ocean my entire life.
Some say the sea is Iberia's treasure, some its bane. Others say it is the final destination of the Iberians, their grave...
Some have told me it was people like me who destroyed Iberia. Others that its revival depends on people like me.
Some have advised me to stay away from the ocean and live a normal life. Others tell me I can never truly escape it, for it is my only home.
You've talked a lot about my desires.
I admit it. I want to go out to sea.
I want to see it for myself and conquer it.
Then, I will define what Iberia means to me.

<Background fades to black>

<Background 1>

[SLASH! ]

「As he says these words, Isidro's sword finds Anastasio's neck.
Anastasio feels both relief and fear at the blood flowing from it.
His deepest sins flow out of him along with his blood. He is pure again.
Yet he frantically tries to stop the bleeding.
He is pure again. Meaning he can live again. As long as he stops the bleeding...
But only the blood will atone him.
Anastasio realizes his own paradox.
He stops his motion and falls from the ship and into the gap between the bones. 」

Isidro : I want to go out to sea. I WILL go out to sea.
No one can stop me.

<Background 1>

Warrior Priest : Put down your weapons and let go of the wheel!

Weedy : *Cough* Delay them, Leaf! Do whatever you have to! Buy as much time as you can!
Can you hang in there, Elysium?

Elysium : *Cough* Yeah... for a little while...

Warrior Priest : Attack!

[The priests march forward and attack the ship. ]

Weedy : You...
You broke the ship again...
I JUST FIXED IT!!!

[Weedy whacks one of the priests unconscious... ]

Weedy : GET OUT!!!

[...then knocks out the others. ]

Elysium : ......
Wow, Weedy...

[More priests rush in, but they are cut down by Isidro's sword. ]

Isidro : ......

Elysium : Thorns!
You're okay!
Dios mío,[note 5] I can't believe I can see you again!
D-Don't ever do that again! Did you break your arms? Hmm? Legs? Strange. Everything seems fine. Is your head screwed on straight? Well, I guess it was never really screwed on straight to begin with...
...How on Terra are Weedy and I supposed to write our post-action reports?!

Isidro : ......

Elysium : Whatever, just take this bottle of seasickness medicine.

Isidro : More stuff? How much have you given me on this trip? Besides, isn't it a little late for this?

Elysium : Oh, this one's different. It's extra-strong. It'll come in handy.

<Background 2>

Warrior Priest : Throw the old one overboard.
If the little one fidgets, tie her up.
We need to learn how she stole the compass right from under our noses, and whether she had someone on the inside working with her.

Pascuala : ......

[A giant helm suddenly knocks the priest unconscious. ]

Juana : Don't move! I'll bandage your wounds now.

Pascuala : ......

<Background 3>

[The warrior priests surround the pirates. ]

Rus : Not one step forward!

Javier : You bastards! Your leader promised a reward! Why are you attacking us?

Warrior Priest : It is also the Alguacil who has sentenced you to death.

Javier : Vete a la mierda![note 6] Everything you people say is finshit!

[He pulls out his sword. ]

Javier : Your leader is dead! Everyone saw him fall from the ship!

Warrior Priest : We can still carry out his will.

Javier : How?! Surrender, and we all go back to town in one piece! Don't, and we all die here!

Warrior Priest : ......

Javier : We just want to live normal lives! Would you rather die than trust us?
Fine then, just try us!

「The surviving pirates raise their swords with their leader's cry.
Not one warrior priest dares step forward. 」

<Background 1>

Juana : Out of the way, jóvenes.[note 7] I'll have the helm.
I said I would take you all out of this reef.

Isidro : No, I'll do it.
You're hurt. Besides, I have the compass.

Juana : ...You do?

Isidro : My arm is the compass. I'll explain later. Basically, I can predict when and where each and every jet of steam is going to gush out.
We'll make it.

Juana : Excelente.[note 8] Then we sail.

[She marches ahead. ]

Elysium : Where are you going, Señora[note 9] Juana?

Juana : I can't very well let Javier and the others die here.

<Background 3>

Javier : They've already raised their sails. Looks like they're leaving.

Rus : Everybody who can move, to your stations!

Javier : Is the Inquisition just going to watch?
Move your asses and help!

[Loud clang ]

Juana : Follow La Conquista[note 10] if you want to live!
We'll all make it out of Skeletal Reef in one piece!

[Steam gushing in the distance ]

[Crowd chattering ]

「Those on the salt ship breathe a sigh of relief when the last jet of steam can no longer reach them.
Some sit on the deck, some lie down, all exhausted.
Finally able to relax, Juana starts stomping around the deck.
Finding a spot that sounds hollow, she picks up a cutlass and pries open the planks, revealing a crate of rum. 」

<Background 4>

Juana : Aha! Naturally, no one else would ever find MY rum.
We're not far from the sea, Javi!
It will be hard for the salt ship to turn back if it goes any further. Get some rest here. Isidro and I will draw a map of the reef's steam vents so you can sail your way back.

Javier : ......
One moment.

Juana : What is it?

Javier : I don't wanna force anyone into a life they don't want... If anyone wants to go with you, I won't stop them.
Whoever wants to go out to sea with Señora Juana—this is your last chance!
If you do, get aboard La Conquista!
The rest are coming back to town with me!

Rus : Going out to sea? You're still thinking about that? With no supplies, and a skeleton crew?
What about food and water? Materials for repairs? Medicine? Weapons? This is loco![note 11]

Doubting Sailor : Why even bother at this point? She's out of her mind... sailing to their deaths...

Impulsive Sailor : Are they really going out to sea? Now?

Javier : ......

Impulsive Sailor : Er, Javier? I...

Javier : Like I said, it's your choice. I won't say anything.
I don't want to live a life I don't want. So I won't force you to either.
Choose. The sun's about to set.

「The crowd grows quiet and parts into two groups. A few follow Juana towards the edge of the deck, but turn around quickly. 」

Reluctant Sailor : Hey, hermano![note 12]
Listen, I've got a little package in my drawer. There's a pocketwatch inside, some money, and a letter. Can you take the letter to Abi in town?
If you do, the money's all yours. Just make sure she gets the letter, okay? Tell her to wait, because I'll be back with a big pile of coin.

Dizzy Sailor : You said... Ami?

Reluctant Sailor : Abi! The redhead!

Dizzy Sailor : Red Ami... gotcha..

Resolute Sailor : You're not coming? Don't you wanna see the sea?

Weary Sailor : I... I'm just too tired... My back's bad these days too. Can't even sleep in a hammock...
The bed we had back in town... it felt so good...

Resolute Sailor : Guess this is it then.

Weary Sailor : ......
Adios![note 13]

「Juana leaps upon La Conquista, followed by the sailors who elected to go with her. 」

<Background 4>

「Javier takes another swig of rum. 」

Javier : ...Adios.

<Background 5>

「The two ships ride with the wind, sailing across the Salt Flat at a leisurely pace. 」

Pascuala : Take care of Teach.
She's not so young anymore, and might need to lie down for a few days, but she should be fine.

Elysium : You're not going with Señora Juana?

Pascuala : Nah, why the heck would I do that?
I'd rather have a good life, with a lot of money. Going out to sea sounds pretty rough if you ask me.

Elysium : But you had their back this whole time. I was sure...

Pascuala : Because Juana promised me a lot of money. A LOT of money!
Which will help me meet new people, and find ways to make even more money!

Elysium : ...Wait!

Pascuala : Save your breath. I'm just a dirty little thief, after all.
You won't change my mind with a few words.

Elysium : ......
Okay. Good luck. I hope you find what you want and live a good life.

Pascuala : Thanks, Pelirrojito.[note 14]

「Pascuala pats the salt off herself and jumps on the rope net linking the two ships. 」

Pascuala : Hasta la vista,[note 15] baby!
Maybe I'll be rich the next time we meet!

Weedy : Elysium!

Elysium : ......

Weedy : Elysium?

Elysium : Hmm?
Oh! What is it?

Weedy : I was talking to Señora Juana and Thorns. They want to go out to sea, but the ship has taken a beating.
So I'm going to stay here a while and help with repairs. Getting to work with the frame of a genuine Golden Age battleship, plus a bionic transmission system designed by Señora Juana herself based on saltfin biology... It's fascinating.
Besides, I want to see if my research will be of use on this ship.
How about you report back to Rhodes Island first? I'll be back once I'm done here.

Elysium : Will you be okay by yourself?

Weedy : Well, we're short on food, water, and comfortable bedding. Plus the only way to bathe is to wipe yourself off with salt... But nothing a dedicated researcher can't handle.
A small price to pay for the chance to study such a fascinating subject. Besides, I have Leaf with me.

Elysium : Alright, I hope you find what you're looking for here.

Weedy : I'll get on with my blueprints, then. See you at Rhodes Island!

Elysium : You too!

Juana : My goodness... Look at what they did to my ship...

Elysium : Don't say that! Weedy worked so hard to patch it up! You'll make me cry...

Juana : ...You really don't know when to stop talking, do you?

Elysium : A truly handsome man has a way with words!
Are you preparing to set sail, Señora Juana?

Juana : What's this now? Concerned for me?

Elysium : We've had brushes with death together, ate dried saltfin together, even slept under the same blanket. The least I could do is bid you farewell before you go.
Buen camino,[note 16] señora.
If we meet again, I'd love to hear all the stories of your adventures on the high seas.

Juana : Not a problem.

<Background fades out and in>

「Walking around the deck, Elysium sees that Teach is finally beginning to regain consciousness. 」

Elysium : Are you awake, Señora Teach?
I'm going back to town with Javier's group. I came to say goodbye.

Teach : Haha... thanks...

Elysium : You know, I've come to admire you a lot, señora... You remind me of my own captain.
May safe winds take you out to sea, that you may find the battles against wind and wave that you seek.

Teach : Thanks, chaval...[note 17]

Elysium : Oh, one more thing. Peludita[note 18] asked me to give you these herbs. Works best when boiled, she said, but can also be chewed and swallowed directly if water is in short supply.

Teach : Gracias...[note 19]

<Background fades out and in>

「Elysium continues to stride the deck, until he has no more goodbyes left to say.
He walks up to the rope net linking the two ships, and sees a figure standing at the bow of La Conquista.
His old buddy. 」

Elysium : ......

「He waves at Isidro from a distance. 」

Elysium : Adios, amigo.[note 20]

「The salt ship sails off slowly. On the deck, all is quiet, as the crew watches the people they know gradually became smaller.
A few rush up to the edge, as though they had changed their minds and wanted to jump across to the other ship, but are forced to stop as the distance between them grows.
They each watch the other go further and further away. 」

Rus : Look, Javier! The mast of La Conquista!

Javier : ......
Ha... hahaha...

「Atop the mast, Juana lifts the hems of her dress, as if stepping atop the setting sun.
The fading light adorns her dress with a golden glow.
Wind lifts white grains of salt from the ground like blowing snow.
All eyes are fixated upon her dance, both on this ship and the other.
They look up in silence. The ships sail in opposite directions, with only a few eyes glancing at the sea of white salt before them, and the sunset growing closer or further.
Away they go, until the figures on the other ship have become as small as grains of salt. 」

Notes

"Sycophants" or "Bootlickers" in Spanish

"Balls!"; slang for "Testicles" in Spanish

"Mister" in Spanish

"Sheriff" or "Lawman" in Spanish

"Oh my God" in Spanish

"Go eat sh*t!" in Spanish

"Young kids" or "Boys" in Spanish

"Excellent" in Spanish

"Madam" in Spanish

"The Conquest" in Spanish

"Crazy" in Spanish

"Brother" in Spanish

"Goodbye" or "Farewell" in Spanish

"Lil' Redhead" in Spanish

"See you later" in Spanish

"Good road" or "Good path" in Spanish; used to wish someone well

"Lad" in Spanish

"Fluffy" in Spanish

"Thanks" in Spanish

"Friend" in Spanish

EP-ST-3: Adios, Tierra

Summary

Everyone makes a choice about the future they want. Some sailors choose to return to town with Javier, while others sail out to sea with Thorns and Juana. Pascuala sets off to seek a good life.

<Background 1>

Two weeks later

Javier : This is the only intact salt ship left. The rest have taken damage, but there are plenty of salvageable parts.
These are the blueprints, along with notes on their operations. And here's a map of the Salt Flat.

Excited Merchant : I'll take everything! Think of the time we'll save if we can travel straight through the Salt Flat!
Name your price!

Rus : Here. Gold doblones only, no credit.

Excited Merchant : Deal!

[The man drops the gold on the table. ]

Excited Merchant : Here you go. Is this enough?

Javier : Looks correct to me.

Excited Merchant : Well then, I'll be going! Have a good day, señores.[note 1]

[The merchant leaves. ]

Rus : He didn't even hesitate... Did we ask for too little?

Javier : ......
One second!

Excited Merchant : Er... is something the matter?

「Javier catches up and climbs up the deck by rope. 」

<Background 2>

Javier : I want to keep this helm wheel! How much? I'll pay you back.

Merchant : The helm wheel, of all things? It's the most important part of the ship.
Well, if you really want it—
I'll part with it for this much.

Javier : ......

Merchant : Now now, don't give that look! We had a deal. It's my ship now, right?
We do honest business here. It's only a question of whether you think it's worth the price!

Javier : Never mind then...

Excited Merchant : How unfortunate. Well, I hope to do business with you again!

<Background 1>

[Footsteps ]

Javier : Sailors! Roll call!
Here's the cash from selling the salt ship. Everyone gets an equal share.
Do whatever you want with it.
Here's your share, Rus.

Rus : ......

Javier : What?

Rus : Not sure what I wanna do with it.

Javier : Just make a choice. It's not hard.

Rus : ...I wanted to leave Juana for stability. Then you turned out to be just as loco,[note 2] so I figured we'd never have peace under you.
And now I'm in this town, looking at the folks here, all thin and gaunt, their eyes like dead fins... This what peace looks like?
And if I go anywhere else, how can I live a decent life when I've only ever been a pirate?

Javier : ......

Rus : Go ahead and laugh, but I admire Teach. She's just a few years older, but she knows what she wants.
When I saw her make up her mind to go with Juana, even with all those injuries... I wouldn't have had the guts.
Well, forget me, what about you?

Javier : Probably go somewhere else, open a restaurant.

Rus : Well... if that's what you want. I'm just gonna finish this smoke and get going.
Who can say for sure where the future lies, right?

[Rus walks off. ]

「Javier watches as the white sail of the salt ship disappears in the distance, as does Rus's silhouette.
He puts his own share in his pocket, and walks down the road. 」

<Background 3>

Pascuala : How much for this?

Caravan Trader : One silver piece.

Pascuala : What about this?

Caravan Trader : Same.

Pascuala : Hey, that's not half bad!
I'll have this, this, and this. Put 'em on my car, the one behind me.

Caravan Trader : Sure thing! Where are you heading, with all this stuff?

Pascuala : I just bought whatever I wanted. What's wrong with that?

Caravan Trader : Oh, nothing at all! Just tell me if you want anything else, and I'll load it up for you!

Pascuala : That's more like it.
Clothes, accessories, trinkets... Feels like I'm still missing something.
But what?

Caravanner A : (Whisper) ...Yeah, crazy, right?

Caravanner B : (Whisper) How was I supposed to know it'd turn out like that? Good heavens...

Pascuala : (Hey, that buckle on his belt looks pretty nice... and shiny...)
(Is it metal? Or gemstone? I want it...)
(I want it so bad...)

Caravanner A : (Whisper) ...They found it on the road and decided to dig it up. Thought it might fetch a few coins...

Caravanner B : (Whisper) They found a buyer? I can't believe it...

Pascuala : (They haven't noticed me. And it's right there...)

Caravanner A : (Whisper) ...Can you believe they offered THAT much? Enough to set you up for life!

Caravanner B : (Whisper) Is that why we're heading that way?

Pascuala : (Got it!)

Caravanner A : (Whisper) Yeah... we'll make it big in Columbia...

Pascuala : (Make it big?)

「Pascuala lets go, and the buckle falls back onto the man's belt. 」

Pascuala : What do you mean, make it big?

Caravanner A & B : Whoa!

Caravanner A : Were you eavesdropping?

Pascuala : Hehe.
I wouldn't have said anything if it were anyone else, but you two look pretty smart to me. A cut above the rest, you might say.
Which is why I mustered the courage to speak up.
Here's my fare. It's a long way to Columbia, so why don't you tell me more about it on the way?

<Background 4>

Teach : Are we really going out to sea, señora?[note 3]
Can't believe I lived to see the day...

Juana : Of course we are, Perlita.[note 4] We're heading out to sea.

Teach : Incredible...

「Juana brushes her windswept hair and looks behind her. 」

Juana : Now we really have nothing left, Isidro, but my mind is set.
Will you be coming with us?

Isidro : Señora Juana...
Will you be my first mate?

Juana : ......
Well. Alright then, captain, I'm ready to... huh?

[Something explodes on the ship. ]

Juana : It seems my old friend is a little grumpy... Let's see if we can cheer her up.

<Background 4>

Juana : Hm...

Teach : Mm...

Juana : I suppose the new energy system is a bit much for a decades-old transmission core...

Teach : Hmm... Weedy already went back in her modified boat. Guess we'll have to fix it ourselves. What materials do we got?

Isidro : ......

Juana : Isidro, what's in that bulky bag you have there?

Isidro : Things Elysium gave me. I'm not sure how helpful they'll be...

Juana : Well, open it up and we'll find out.

「Isidro opens his backpack, and the contents spill out.
Juana and Teach lean forward and examine them. 」

Juana : Vitamins? Certainly useful at sea.

Teach : And so are the radio equipment and waterproof boots...
These tools... they'll come in handy with the repairs.

Juana : Looks like we owe him one. None of these things would be easy to find out here.

Teach : I'm taking these two. Might be able to fix the problem.

[Teach leaves. ]

Isidro : ......

Juana : By the look on your face, I take it you didn't know? Did he hand you all this on the day we said goodbye?

Isidro : No... we didn't say goodbye that day.
He's been giving me things from time to time since a while ago. I just stuffed everything into a bag.
......
He knew.
Even before I did.

Juana : Of course he knew. He's your best buddy, isn't he?

Isidro : ......

Teach : Fixed it!

Eager Sailor : We ready then? We can set sail?

Excited Sailor : Hey ho—
We're sailin'! We're sailin'!

[The sailors cheer. ]

Juana : Let's go, captain. It's time to set a course.

「Isidro takes the spyglass from Juana.
Grains of salt stir upon the Flat like white waves, but he soon turns his eyes from that false sea to the sky on the horizon, to that one little streak of bright blue.
Standing on the bow by himself, he reaches out with his arm, and waits for the whirling light upon it to point the way. 」

<Flashback starts here>

[Crowd chattering ]

「He stands on the street, putting his palms together. The last speck of stardust has disappeared, and darkness takes over once again. 」

Shy Child : The fireworks is over? Is it time to go?

Surprised Passerby : Let's go. Time to go home.

Aloof Passerby : Hmph...

「The onlookers disperse. The crowd that had gathered because of him have left him again. 」

Young Isidro : ......

<Flashback ends here>

<Background 4>

Isidro : ......

「Receiving no answer from him, Juana steps forward, with Teach following behind her on the front deck.
One by one, the sailors gather, trying to see what their new captain is seeing.
A crowd forms around Isidro. Those who have fallen behind have to strain their necks and force their way through. 」

Curious Sailor : What is it, captain? What do you see?

Anxious Sailor : Have you found which way to go?

Doubting Sailor : Which way is the sea? Are we sailing in the right direction?

「Isidro does not answer. His entire attention is focused upon his arm. 」

Doubting Sailor : Why's it spinning?

Anxious Sailor : How long does this take? Where're we going?

Curious Sailor : Ah... where will we go from here?

Juana : Patience, patience. Our captain will tell us the answer.

Isidro : Now...
Which way do we go?

「At his question, the light on his arm converges, pointing towards the horizon, straight and firm.
He longs to sail towards the boundless ocean together with his friends. Thus, the Corazonix points out the direction for him.
Sailors cheer, rum is spilled— 」

Excited Sailor : Over yonder!

Eager Sailor : The sea!

「All eyes are upon Isidro. 」

Juana : Give the order, captain.

「The sailors already have ropes in hand. Juana's hand is on the helm, waiting for his command.
Isidro takes a deep breath and takes in the eager eyes gazing upon him, filled with hopes and expectations, burdens that he is no longer afraid to bear.
He feels the wind of the Salt Flat. His shoulders are light. 」

Isidro : Ahoy, sailors!
Anchors aweigh, hoist the sails—
—We sail out to sea!

[The sailors holler. ]

Sailors : To sea—
Hey—Ho—!♪

[The ship begins to move forward. ]

Anchors aweigh, hoist the sails♪
High winds roar, our clothes a-tore♪
Rain drowns our drunken haze, and lights our hearts ablaze♪
Ready, ho! Sail forth! A thousand ships break port!♪

Thrilled Sailor : I will wrestle the waves! I will sail the winds! I will fence the lightning—

Eager Sailor : I want to find the treasures buried at the bottom of the sea! All that shiny gold!

Hesitant Sailor : You know... I've been thinking... we all came together because we want to go out to sea...
So would we split up again if we have different ideas?

Teach : You're thinking that far ahead, chaval?[note 5]
Whatever the future holds, we're together now, and we're going out to sea!
So stop thinking too much and grab that rope!

Juana : Got some rum for you, Captain Isidro! Say something!

「Isidro stands atop the bow. He can feel the air grow moist. It is an exciting feeling. 」

Isidro : Into the distance.

<Background 4>

??? : ...Mmph...
...Mmph... mmph...

Juana : What's that familiar sound?

??? : ...Mmph...

Nene : Mreep!

Juana : Nene?!
Nene! You're alive!

Nene : (Eagerly licks Juana's cheeks)

Juana : Aww...
Are you coming out to sea with us?

Nene : (Bounces around excitedly)

Juana : Oh, my sweet baby!

「A trail of blood leads from the steam to the depths of the boundless Salt Flat.
A cold tongue tastes the blood in the mouth. Broken limbs keep crawling, driven by a powerful desire that lives on without its master.
A short distance away, an appendage breaks through the salt layer, wiggling towards a sunlight it has not seen for many years. Then, a second, a third...
It is another powerful desire without a master, compelling the light-emitting organ to reach for the sun, as though trying to gain the sun's light. 」

[The creature emerges from the salt. ]

「All he wants is to live on. All it wants is to live on.
By whatever means. In whatever form.
The broken parts of Man and Seaborn struggle, wiggle, hungrily devouring each other.
They will walk this land in perpetuity. 」

Notes

"Guys" or "Sirs" in Spanish

"Crazy" in Spanish

"Madam" in Spanish

"Pearl" in Spanish

"Lad" in Spanish