A short story written by the scriptwriter for Tales of the Abyss. It's time for Peony one break of the day, which means its vent all his frustrations to his rappigs.
The waterclock in the office chimed for 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Peony flew out of his chair and ran for the door, ignoring the disapproving glares from his secretary and chamberlain. Just then, various knocks echoed through Peony’s cheek, which was pressed up against the door.
“Hold tight, I’m going as fast as I can!”
As he spoke, he burst open the door. Beyond those double doors were four rappigs, snorting away without a care.
“Nephry! Aslan! Jade! Saphir! Come here!”
Peony welcomed them with arms wide open. They all charged towards him, tiny legs flailing about. He’s tackled to the floor, all while cradling his babies in his arms.
“Whoa-ho-ho! Aren’t we lively today? Aww, were you lonely without me? Papa’s here now!”
As the emperor gave each and every rappig a kiss on their little heads, the secretary and chamberlain simply slumped over in defeat. Peony turned and glared at them with disdain.
“What are you still doing here? This is my one and only break and I’ve only got 15 minutes. Everyone clear out!”
Had you only heard the voice, it would have sounded like an absolute order from a dignified ruler, but pair that with the visuals of him rolling around the floor covered in rappigs and it loses some of its impact… However, his subordinates understood that this was just par for the course and gave a respectful nod as they took their leave.
“Yeesh...”
Peony picked himself up, rappig still in his arms as he nuzzled his face into its fur.
“Papa’s sooo tired…”
The two rappigs he currently had held in a headlock let out displeased squeals.
“Hey, what’s the matter? Oh, it’s just Jade and Saphir at it again.”
Peony let them go free, and they started sniffing around the office. By the chair he just so carelessly knocked over, he spied a lovely little rappig.
“Nephry! There you are!”
Peony picked up the little piggy, skillfully put the chair back with just his foot, and took a seat. Nephry laid quietly upon Peony’s lap, belly facing up. Even rappigs will expose their tummies to trusted humans and ask for scritches. Peony gently stroked his beloved rappig’s tummy, following the grain of her coat just as requested, of course.
“Hey, Nephry? Being an emperor's tough work. I hardly have time to spend with my little darling, and there’s always a mountain of work to do…”
Peony turned his gaze to the pile of documents littering his desk. Just the thought of having to sign so many was enough to make you want to cry.
“See, look at this! They expect me to read the whole thing and sign off on it by the end of the day. Are they devils or what?! Well, not so much as Jade, at least.”
Just then, the rappig Jade who’d been sniffing around the chair let out a panicked snort. Peony's expression softened as he petted Jade on the head.
“Ah! No, not you! Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. I meant the not-so-cute Jade. It must be kinda confusing, so let’s just call him “that four-eyed creep.”
Jade let out an oink, seemingly in agreement.
That four-eyed creep still hasn’t contacted me! How long has it been since he took off to Kimlasca with my letter? Everyone’s saying he went and died... Pfft, yeah right. You couldn’t kill him even if you tried. Isn’t that right, Jade?”
“Oink!”
“Exactly! So basically, my workload keeps piling up because he’s always taking his sweet time to report back. All the while I’m being pressured by parliament, not to mention my best friend has up and vanished and I’m so worried sick I don’t even feel like working! Well, those are the excuses I have to make so I actually have the time to get anything done…
“Oink…”
“I know, it’s all that four-eyed creep’s fault, isn’t it? My ever increasing workload, getting hungry, heck, even why the sky is blue–it’s all his fault!”
As he sat there petting Nephry and complaining away, he noticed her collar had gotten dirty. He froze mid-pat and gazed intently at her collar. It was crafted from the finest leather and encrusted in jewels. Nephry’s in particular is adorned with a 15 carat topaz, and it was exactly that gem that had a black smear on it.
“Oink?”
Nephry looked up at Peony, puzzled, as he gently placed his fingers upon the topaz.
“You really are the sweetest little thing, aren’t you Nephry?”
Mumbling to himself, with a dour expression he grabbed the topaz and flipped it over. With a small clicking sound, the locket popped open, revealing a small piece of paper hidden inside. He took out the paper, nonchalantly humming all the while.
“There’s a traitor among your staff. Please remain vigilant while the investigation is underway.” The hastily written note was from Frings, who Peony had great trust in.
“Seriously… It ain't easy being emperor…”
With a grumble he scrunched up the paper and tossed it to Saphir, who swiftly gobbled up the paper with delight. Peony set Nephry down as he stood up. He walked over to the rappig seemingly guarding the door and kneeled down beside it. Incidentally, that one just so happened to be named after Frings himself.
“Hey, Aslan. On guard duty again today? What a clever little boy.”
As he pet him, he reached for the turquoise on his collar, turning in exactly 180 degrees. This was his secret way of communicating with his most trusted subordinates. Ever since taking the throne, he’s made many enemies trying to achieve peace with the kingdom of Kimlasca. He was never truly safe, not even within his own palace’s walls.
“But you don’t want to be too clever for your own good. Take me for example, I’m smart, well-versed in martial arts and handsome to boot, but that only makes other's jealous.”
“Oink!”
“Heh, I knew you’d get me, Aslan.”
As he scooped the rappig up in his arms, there was another knock at the door.
“What now?! I’m busy spending time with my precious babies!”
“Your Majesty, your break is almost over. You have a meeting with the National Defense Committee in 30 minutes.”
“Yeah yeah, I hear you.”
Peony gave each rappig one last kiss and cuddle before walking out the door. Just outside the office, the secretary and chamberlain stood with solemn looks on their faces. They must have heard every word, but still have the gall to pretend they didn’t. Don’t they ever question their beliefs of what qualities truly make for a fine emperor?
“...Nah, I'm probably just working them too hard.”
The two looked shocked at the words that just left his mouth.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking the palace must be a tough place to work.”
Peony placed a hand on the chamberlain's shoulder as he walked by, only to receive an awkward “Umm…” From his perspective, there was no way the chamberlain would ever dare to try something like betraying the emperor. But still, there was always a chance. He may appear to be nothing more than a kind old man, but you never know. He could be the one plotting the rebellion. Noticing Peony’s gaze upon him, the chamberlain spoke with great trepidation.
“I-Is there something on my face, Your Majesty?”
“Hmm… nope. I was just thinking about getting another rappig soon, but I haven’t decided on the name yet. Say, let’s hear yours, why don’t we?”
“S-Surely you jest, Your Majesty! Such an honor would be wasted on someone such as myself…”
“Not into the idea?”
“N-No, I’d never say such a thing…”
“Relax. I’m not mad or anything. I know you’ve had it rough, too.”
Even if he may be innocent, should a traitor among his ranks be uncovered, they will surely face severe punishment.
“But of course, no one’s got it worse than me. I’m putting in an order that starting tomorrow, my rappig break is extended to 20 minutes!”
With this parting gift, Peony strolled with a smug grin on his face.
A short story written by the lead scriptwriter for Tales of Graces. Set on the night before the final battle of Lineage & Legacies, Malik looks around Telos Atsue when a conversation with Hubert dredges up some past memories…
Absorb Fodra’s eleth and shut down the core. Having made that decision, Asbel and companions decided to rest in the residential district of Telos Astue to prepare for the day ahead. The rest wasn’t just needed to physically prepare themselves, either. Asbel’s declaration that he would sacrifice himself sent shockwaves through the party. Cheria and Richard were particularly shaken, and clearly did not approve of the plan. If they head to Fodra’s core and even a single person failed to mentally steel themselves, one misstep is all it would take for a lifetime of regrets.
Malik, as the elder of the group, decided somewhat forcibly that they must rest. After the decision was finalized, they all went about their own things. Malik, not having any particular goal in mind, wandered around the residential district. The area once inhabited by the people of Fodra appeared remarkably well maintained despite many years of abandonment. It’s as if time itself had suddenly stopped, yet lingering traces of their humdrum lives could be seen in every nook and cranny. Malik couldn’t help but feel a sense of sentimentality at such a sight. It felt familiar, almost like he’d seen it all before…
He paused in what appeared to be an abandoned office as these thoughts drifted through his mind. The facility is a far cry for the brick and stone buildings he was accustomed to. So then… Why does it feel so familiar?
“Hmm? Is that…?”
Among the rows of translucent containers lined up on the shelves, one that was a different color from the rest jumped out at him. As he reached out to inspect it, he heard a voice call out from behind.
“Oh, Captain. So this is where you were.”
Malik turned to see who it was. Sure enough, it was Hubert.
“Exploring is all well and good, but isn't it about time we all gather for dinner?”
“Oh, is it that late already?”
“It’s an unfamiliar environment, after all. To be honest, there’s hardly any sense of time here… but that’s precisely why we must stay regimented and maintain a sense of normalcy.”
As Hubert spoke, he took out his pocketwatch from his breast pocket and turned his gaze toward it. The clock ticking away time as it flows back on their distant homeworld of Ephinea.
“Sense of normalcy, huh? You sure think of everything.”
“H-Hardly… It's simply the logical thing to do to make sure Asbel can be in peak condition tomorrow…
As Malik praised him, a brief look of embarrassment crossed Hubert’s face.
“Hubert, have you found your resolve? For what might happen with Asbel.”
As he heard the question, his expression turned grim.
“I wouldn’t say resolve… rather, I choose to have faith in him.”
“Faith?”
“Indeed. He said he could handle it… so I must take him at his word.”
Memories of first meeting Hubert suddenly popped into Malik’s mind. Back then, he had such a stern, meticulous air about him, but he knows better now. It’s now clear to see he holds a compassionate heart and true inner strength.Having noticed just how much this young man had grown, Malik’s tense expression softened into a gentle smile.
“I see. Despite what you might say, you’re still brothers through and through.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Who can say?”
Both are strong willed and refuse to back down once they’ve made up their mind. The list of similarities could go on forever, but hopefully they’ve realized that for themselves one day. With that thought in his mind, Malik chose to keep the answer to himself, returning his attention back to the shelves.
“Are you investigating something?”
“Nothing so important. I’m just rummaging around to kill time.
Malik picked up the unusually colored container and cracked open the lid. Inside was a small metal ring.
“What’s this?”
“A ring, I presume.”
“A ring…?”
Malik held the ring up to his eye and inspected it closely. That’s a ring, all right. Judging by its side, it was most likely made for a woman. Perhaps it was just an old piece of junk. It was completely covered in rust, yet the inlaid gemstone shone bright.
“Why is there a ring in here…?”
“Huh...”
The ring reflected its colors upon the other containers, catching Malik’s attention. Suddenly the many rows of containers were dyed a twilight hue. The metallic shelves shifted to the warm tones of wood, with rolled up papers haphazardly stuffed into wooden crates which once held ammunition. Through the rusted ring, Malik saw a vision of a bygone era.
Back to that day where he scrounged up a bunch of crumpled notes and gold coins to buy a cheap ring adorned with a crimson stone. Surely a perfect fit for the woman he secretly loved. Malik never handed her the ring, but instead hid in a crate hidden away in the back of the cabin they used as their base of operations. If only she stumbled upon that ring…
Perhaps this rusted ring too was the dashed hopes of a fool who out of cowardice, or maybe stubbornness, hoped their loved one would notice their feelings without a word. Did they hide it away here? Just as this old fool once did. What ever became of that ring? The rebels were cornered by the government, and their strongholds fell one by one, until none remained. Surely that cabin too had been reduced to ashes. Even had it remained there untouched, she wouldn’t have wanted it anyway. That ring will never be worn upon anyone’s finger. Even that burning passion within his heart as he prepared to give it to her has long since faded.
“Hmm…”
A sudden silence filed the room. Hubert awkwardly cleared his throat, snapping Malik back to reality.
“...Sorry.”
“Don’t be… It’s quite curious, isn’t it? Though the ring has completely rusted, the gem still remains vibrant as ever."
“Hubert…”
Hubert’s words struck a chord with the captain. He’s right... And here he thought time had cruelly stripped everything away. But, not everything has been lost. Whether the fire within him was love or passion for the revolution, it was still burning. Whatever it was, Malik could feel a fire stirring deep within a corner of his heart.
“You’re quite the fountain of wisdom today, aren't you?”
A rusted ring hidden within the depths of his heart. So deep it was almost buried for good. It was these kids who shone their light upon him, illuminated his passion once more. He always aimed to serve as a role model for them, but perhaps that was overly presumptuous of him.
“It’s not like you to so easily hand out praise. What’s gotten into you?”
As Malik gave a hearty pat on the pouting young man’s back, he thought to himself… He may not be a role model, but perhaps giving a little push is enough. So the next generation won’t follow in this old fool’s footsteps.
“Still, is this really the time to waste chatting with me? Isn't there’s someone else you should be talking to instead?”
“A-And who might that be?”
“The one who just popped into your mind, of course.”
His face beet red, Hubert stormed off, insisting it was “none of his business.” Malik watched him leave, framed by the hole of the ring. And for just a brief moment, it was like watching his younger self march off full of resolve.
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World - Hatenai Omoi Vol. 1, Alice Excerpts
I translated the prologue, part of chapter 4, and the epilogue in the first volume of Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World - Feelings Without End by Sara Yajima.
This volume is entirely about Alice and Decus' backstory. The parts I translated cover their finale in the game, and gives more introspect on Alice's thoughts during that segment.
Prologue
She could feel the scrapes on her shoulders and chest as she laid face down.
Here in the Ginnungagap, the bones of countless monsters who had lost their life were mercilessly scattered about. Those who still had a semblance of their form were the lucky ones—no doubt below laid those whose bones had long crumbled to dust. This was a Monster Graveyard.
Moaning, Alice desperately tried to stand.
De…cus…
Reflected in her hazy eyes was his unmoving body, no longer breathing. Her hand trembled as she reached out to him in an attempt to get even a tiny bit closer.
“Alice… I know…you always said I was disgusting…”
Decus’ voice rose up in her mind.
“But I loved you…”
Those were his last words. She couldn’t count how many times she had heard him say “love” since they were young. However, it was the first and last time she had heard it in the past tense.
Decus…
When he was stabbed by Emil Castagnier’s sword, she instinctively let out a shriek. Unable to stand, she fell to her knees.
“...I… I loved you too. I really, truly… loved you too!”
She wondered if that voice would reach Decus.
Decus… If it was gonna come to this, then… I should have…
She could hear Emil saying something. Answering that voice was Marta Lualdi, still holding her spinners.
“Ghh…!”
Using all her strength, Alice crawled forward.
“Decus… I’m… coming for you…”
As he lay stretched out languidly, Alice reached out to his slender fingers.
The pain from the wound that Marta inflicted slowly faded into the distance. In its place, she could hear a faint whooshing sound.
Was it the wind? Wind did not blow in the Ginnungagap. That was the sound of the strong winds blowing in Hima.
I’m going home…
Alice smiled.
The orphanage where she met Decus when she was young must surely still be there.
It was an old building, and the kids would often have to repair the roof after the wind would damage it. Occasionally, a curious traveler or stray monster would wander into the small yard. The paint was peeling on the outer walls, and all that remained of the smashed windows was a warped frame.
Alice listened carefully to the sound that called her. Soon, she would no longer be in pain.
The wind grew stronger.
Chapter 4
Ginnungagap was the passageway to another world—once meant to connect Tethe’alla and Sylvarant—and now was the door to the demonic realm.
Richter, who had made pacts with the demons, was now trying to open the door to Niflheim. After confirming Richter had entered, Alice and Decus laid in wait to ambush Marta’s group. They would surely appear soon to stop Richter.
“This should be a good place to wait.”
Decus held the iron maiden in one hand and struck a pose. The reason it took them so long to reach this place was because of his so-called lucky merchandise, which weighed a ton.
“Decus, how long are you going to carry that dumb thing around? I can’t believe you brought it here of all places.”
She breathed a sigh and side-eyed the casket-style torture device.
“Well, my dearest Alice, today is the 765th day! The day my wish is to come true! There’s no way I wouldn’t bring it!”
“Is that so?” It was a typical occurrence, so Alice brushed it off.
“Hehe… Hehehehehe!” Decus looked down and burst into laughter.
“Why are you acting so disgusting?”
“Sorry, I was just thinking. Like how it would be nice to get a house after this. Let’s see… How does a place in Hima sound?
“Hima?” Alice looked at Decus, puzzled. “You can go back there if you want, but surely you of all people know Hima is beyond remote.”
Decus wriggled his body and proudly proclaimed, “That’s exactly why! I did think it through, y’know. With your flying monsters, we’d be just a hop away from work!”
“Wait, you’re including me in this?!” Alice gaped at him.
“The monsters there have decreased in numbers, and it’s become a nice place.”
“Oh, you…!” Alice glared at Decus. “You left me to go searching for Exspheres while you went back to Hima.”
“Please don’t get mad. I just wanted to take a glance to see if it was a suitable place for us to live and put you at ease.”
“...”
Does he really plan on staying with me forever?
Alice was exasperated.
At that moment, faint footsteps could be heard in the distance.
“!”
Alice readied herself.
“Alice, it looks like they’re here.”
“I know.”
I’ll show you my “power.” Alice looked up with a dignified face, and then looked forward.
What appeared before her eyes was not a large number of people, but Marta and Emil, and the Centurion of Darkness, Tenebrae. Alice was happy to see this.
Alice had not known that Lloyd’s group, who held the Derris Emblem that Ratatosk hated, had been transported to another location. She had only wanted to surpass Marta, and say a piece of her mind.
“Welcome, to the Monster Graveyard.”
Alice lined herself up with Decus, and snapping her whip, stepped out to meet the two. She had no intention of losing.
I’ll show you whether my belief is just a show or not.
Alice readied her whip, and Decus took out his large sword from the iron maiden. Emil went after Alice with his sword.
“Watch out, Alice!”
Marta went after Decus with her spinners as he guarded Alice. Taking that gap as a chance, Emil’s sword flashed several times before her eyes.
“Ahh?!”
There’s no way I’ll lose! I came this far with my own power. I can’t allow myself to lose to Martmart of all people! I’m stronger than her!
Believing in herself, Alice continued to fight. Eventually, she collapsed. Decus was also wounded, and let out a moan.
Why… I thought Martmart can’t do anything on her own… Don’t tell me she really grew up just because the princess met her prince?
“Martmart…”
Alice, collapsed, began to stand up while calling Marta’s name. Emil’s attack had cut deeply, most likely puncturing a lung, and she had difficulty breathing.
“Alice…”
“Martmart, you know, I…”
I have to say it. Those words I’ve always wanted to say!
Alice drew nearer to Marta, slouched over. She took one step and showed off a large stumble.
“Alice!”
As expected, Marta came running over and reached out to support Alice’s body.
Martmart, you’re too naive.
Alice straightened her body and slapped Marta as hard as she could across the cheek.
“I hate your guts!”
You’re just a little princess who’s never suffered a day in her life, and gets pampered when you can’t do a damn thing!
Alice pushed Marta down and straddled her, then raised her whip high and started to strike her.
“S-Stop that right now!”
Emil went after Alice and sliced his sword sideways.
Ahh!
She closed her eyes instinctively, when suddenly she heard a noise.
“Urgh…”
Before her was a groan she knew all too well.
D-Decus?!
Decus had his back gouged by Emil’s sword as he jumped in front of Alice. He tightly grabbed Alice’s shoulders with both hands.
For the first time, Alice saw a hint of nostalgia in Decus’ unfocused pupils, as he swayed back and forth. As his lips turned purple, he muttered, trembling and with a smile, “Today… is the 765th day… It seems… it was a scam again…”
Decus…
“Alice… I know…you always said I was disgusting…”
As his voice grew hoarse, he murmured just one thing.
“But I loved you…”
His words streamed into Alice’s ears.
That was it. Standing upright, just like that, he fell forward.
No…
“Decus!”
Alice shrieked. In that moment, the armor around her heart shattered.
“...I… I loved you too. I really, truly… loved you too!”
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
As much as I wanted to yell “I hate your guts!” to Marta… All the same, I wanted to say “I loved you” to Decus…
A terrifying regret took hold of her heart.
Why did I only realize now… That’s right, I loved Decus. So why…!
Alice picked up Decus’ large sword from the ground. The idea to use her monsters never once crossed her mind.
“DIE!!!”
She rushed at Emil, who had taken Decus’ life. Suddenly, a large impact struck her back.
“...You know… Martmart…”
When she raised her head, Marta turned her back on her.
“...Hate me if you will. But I’ll never forgive anyone who hurts Emil.”
“...I never imagined you would seriously come at me. It’s my utter defeat…”
Since when did things turn out this way… Since when…
Alice desperately retraced her path.
“You’re a half-elf.”
“You’ll become strong.”
“...So long as you don’t die in the middle of it, you’ll live a long life.”
The words of the old lady living in Hima came to mind.
Just… when…
Unable to come to an answer, she collapsed face down.
Epilogue
“Decus… I’m… coming for you…”
The strong winds blowing in Hima danced in the heavens, and softly rained down on the place Alice laid. The sound faded into the distance.
Her hand finally reached his fingers, where warmth still resided. She gently overlapped his hand with her own.
“Soon… we’ll be together again…” She whispered with only a movement of her lips.
If only… I had realized sooner… Then maybe the days we spent together may have been different…
The sky that Decus had looked up to every day when he was young. With clouds torn apart by the wind, the two began their journey under that same sky, seemingly too high to set their dreams free into.
To change the world all by oneself.
To obtain “power” all by oneself.
What I really wanted was… No, this was for the best…
She knew where her destination lay.
This time, I’ll return home, she thought.
Next time though, I absolutely won’t lose! She slowly closed her eyes.
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World - Hatenai Omoi Vol. 2, Marta Excerpt
I translated a short passage from Marta's chapter in the second volume of Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World - Feelings Without End by Sara Yajima.
The passage is about how Marta obtained her spinners.
Marta spent her days with her mom cooking and nurturing flowers. However, after she passed the age of 10, she was allowed to hold and look at the various swords and grim-looking weapons in her home—which until that point she had been told to not touch because they’re dangerous—and this naturally caused a curiosity in strength to bud inside her.
“Mommy, do girls need to be strong too?” She tried asking her mom who was tending to roses in a vase while in the garden. “I think I should learn how to use a weapon and get strong.”
“I wonder,” her mother responded casually while plucking thorns from the stems. “I think perhaps it’s best for girls to be protected by a strong man.”
“So did you marry Daddy because he’s strong?”
“That’s not the only reason… But it’s true your father is quite strong. Enough to obtain unshakeable faith from his subordinates.” Her mother boasted with a smile.
“It would be nice if one day a prince would appear to protect you.” Her mother said while handing over a rose. Marta’s eyes lit up drastically as she took it.
“A prince?! Like the kind from stories?!”
“That’s right.”
“Whaaat, you mean I have my very own prince too?”
“Of course, silly. You just haven’t met him yet.”
What should I do? Thought Marta while twisting her body. As a result of being pampered since a young age, she never had the habit of doubting herself or being in denial. Should she wish for it, it would be granted.
“Hey Mommy, a prince usually wants to marry a princess because she’s beautiful, right?”
“Usually, yes.” Having finished arranging the flowers, her mother nodded as she picked up the vase to carry it to the bay window in the living room.
“Oh my gooosh! I have to hurry and become the fairest in the land! I’ll grow out my hair, get a thinner waist, and become an elegant lady—oh!”
Marta clapped her hands together. “That’s it! I just need a cute weapon that will match the cute clothes I wear! Mommy, do you have any ideas?”
“Let’s see…” Her mother trailed off as she went to grab a magazine from Brute’s study.
“This is your father’s, but it’s full of weapons. Why don’t you look through it and see if you find something. But just know: I’m not buying it for you. I’m against you carrying around anything dangerous.”
“Got it. I’ll only look.”
Marta sat back on the sofa and flipped through the pages. The various pictures made it clear just what kind of shape each of the weapons were.
“Ugh, they’re all so grim. Sickle and chains and man catchers, even the names are ridiculous.”
Marta laughed and then suddenly proclaimed, “Oh, this is so cute!” She pointed at a weapon.
“A rotating blade… It's called a spinner. It looks like a halo!”
With this, I can use them in a cute manner and be just like a butterfly! I’ll try asking Daddy.
Although her mom had said no, she knew if she tried asking her dad, Brute, he would definitely buy it for her. And so just as she expected, albeit it came with the condition that it was only for self-defense, Marta obtained her spinners.
[Translation] Kratos of the Expiation: End of chapter 1
This update brings us to page 50/317. It's a long one, covering 22 pages and 3 chapter parts.
If you're interested in Kratos backstory crumbs, this is definitely one you'll want to read.
For part 6: Dubbed / Subbed
Chapter 1: Part 4 of 6
Having received the oracle, the Chosen returned to her home with Kratos in tail. For the journey ahead, they’d need to write up his contract as a mercenary, as well as decide who would be tagging along. A map detailing the surrounding area was spread atop the dining table. The Chosen―Colette Brunel, her father―Frank Brunel, her grandmother―Phaidra Brunel, the village mayor, and Kratos all sat around it.
The first trial the Chosen must undergo―receiving the oracle―went as well as expected. It was the first time Kratos had witnessed it himself, but it went exactly as it had been described to him. The angel bearing the oracle descends and bestows a Cruxis Crystal upon the Chosen. A Cruxis Crystal is the same thing as a hi-Exsphere. Wearing this, the Chosen is ready to undergo the process of becoming an angel. From there, the Tower of Salvation―the symbol of regeneration―appears, and the Chosen is dispatched towards her next location. This was how the trial of the oracle always went. Remiel had been the previous oracle-bearing angel as well, and he seemed competent at the job. It seems he’d been informed that Kratos would be tagging along, which is why he wasn’t surprised to see him. Kratos wondered why he was acting as if Colette was his daughter, but he soon learned why. Apparently a rumor had spread in Iselia that the Chosen’s real father was actually an angel, and Remiel used that to his advantage.
“I suppose the place to start would be Triet. This was where my sister first embarked during her journey,” Phaidra, the old woman, stated as she gave the map a sharp look.
Phaidra is the previous Chosen’s younger sister. The air of refinement Kratos sensed when he met her in front of the temple wasn’t unfounded. She was a lot like her sister, Aithra. Kratos had been in charge during Aithra’s journey too. She left home on her Journey of Regeneration, carrying the hopes and dreams of humanity on her back―and perished. That was 70 years ago.
The Chosen’s lineage all grow up hearing various secrets of World Regeneration. Those secrets are not shared with the outside world, but are instead passed from parent to child, and child to grandchild. Many of those secrets involve the mortality of the Chosen, and due to this, those in the family tend to be clad in a different air than the rest of the world.
“Indeed. Triet is a city in the desert. We’ll need to prepare carefully in order to reach it.”
Kratos pointed out the route from Iselia to Triet on the map.
“This route is the best, as it gets us there the fastest while also avoiding as much trouble as possible. If you took the more direct path, you’d run into the sandworm’s nest.”
“You certainly know your stuff,” Frank said as he looked at Kratos with a hint of praise.
“I’m a mercenary. I need to know these things to get by.”
Kratos darted his eyes away from Frank and folded his arms. He stroked the muscle of his arm with his fingertip, and discovered that he was more tense than he realized. Explaining the route from Iselia to Triet has dredged up memories of that abhorrent journey. Even though he was an angel who wasn’t able to feel physical fatigue, the strain on him mentally made him feel weary. He felt an intense exhaustion wash over him, and before he knew it was forcing himself to blink back tears.
He knew the route between Triet and Iselia so well it hurt. That was the path he had taken when going to Iselia with his family of three; the village with a non-aggression treaty and ties to the human ranch.
“We’ll be leaving tomorrow, right?” Colette asked. Her hi-Exsphere―the Cruxis Crystal―glistened on her chest.
“Yes. It’d be best to leave as soon as possible. I’d like to set out before sunrise.”
“You’ll be leaving that early?”
Frank looked at Colette, worried. He was sending his daughter on a journey to her death, after all. He likely wanted to drag out their parting for as long as possible. But with the Renegades on the move, they didn’t have that luxury. Cruxis isn’t aware of this, but the one leading the Renegades is Yuan Ka-Fai, one of Cruxis’ top men. Kratos kept that a secret from everyone. It’s not like Yggdrasill had any interest in the Renegades, anyway.
Yuan probably wants to kill Colette as soon as possible. The Renegades operate to stop Martel’s revival, making Colette a big threat to them since she’s such a close match. Luckily, Yuan is currently overseeing Tethe’alla’s preparations for the World Regeneration, so he shouldn’t be able to do anything until he’s done with his briefing session with Pronyma, the leader of the Desian’s Five Grand Cardinals. Kratos wanted to pass through Triet before this happened. According to his research, the Renegade’s base was somewhere in Triet’s desert. Before Yuan returned to his post as one of the Renegades, Kratos wanted to cross through the desert.
The room had a heavy, gloomy atmosphere. As Kratos stood up to excuse himself as the only non-family member, the doorbell rang.
“Oh, that must be Raine.”
Phaidra got up to open the front door, and on the other side stood a beautiful silver-haired woman.
“I’m terribly sorry for running late.”
“We’ve been waiting for you. Come on in.”
Phaidra beckoned her inside, and Raine sat in a chair at the end of the table. Her eyes scanned the faces of those present, stopping at Kratos.
“Is this the mercenary who helped my students?”
Kratos nodded, and Raine flashed an obligatory smile at him in return.
“I’m Raine Sage, a teacher for this village’s school. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
It was a fair introduction, but Kratos could tell that she was being cautious. She seemed to be quite the wise woman.
“Kratos Aurion, a mercenary. I’m traveling around looking for work.”
“Work? In this area?”
“I’d heard rumors that the Chosen would soon be embarking on her Journey of Regeneration. I figured I’d swing by and see if any job opportunities popped up.”
“Then it sounds like you got exactly what you were looking for.”
Raine stared Kratos down. Kratos met her gaze, and Raine seemed content at that. She turned to look at Phaidra.
“I heard you wanted to speak with me?”
“Yes. Allow me to ask you once again: Would you be willing to accompany Colette on her journey? Your wisdom, calm decision making skills and healing artes would certainly come in handy.”
“I would love to, but I can’t just leave my brother Genis behind...”
“That child is your brother?”
Kratos thought back to the silver-haired boy from earlier that day. He used magic, and the only ones who are able to do that are those with elven blood. There are those out there who can get an injection that allows them to use magic, like Kratos himself did, but that’s limited to those within Cruxis’ ranks. Knowing that elves are almost extinct in Sylvarant narrowed down what these two might actually be.
“Yes.”
Raine looked at Kratos, cautious.
“We’ll look after Genis for you.”
Raine seemed shocked at Frank’s suggestion.
“Well... But why do you want me to go with her so badly? I’m aware the priests were killed, but surely there’s―”
“I wanted to have you accompany her from the get go,” Phaidra interjected quietly. “The Chosen of Regeneration will be on the path to her end, so I want a woman to accompany her, of whom she can confide in.”
“Her... end?” Raine muttered, and Colette flashed her a smile.
Seeing that smile made Kratos realize Colette truly had understood her fate as a Chosen. That’s likely why she was always so polite and warm.
“The Chosen undergoes a series of trials, and in doing so becomes an angel. After becoming an angel, she’s taken in by Cruxis, and there loses her life.”
Raine’s entire face stiffened. On the contrary, Colette kept a gentle smile on her face and nodded.
“By sacrificing the Chosen’s life, the world will be regenerated.”
“I... I can’t believe this...”
Kratos closed his eyes hearing them talk.
This conversation likely happened among the Chosen’s lineage each time the World Regeneration began. Though this wasn’t the full truth.
The Chosen doesn’t exactly “die.” She becomes a vacant, living corpse, and Martel takes over her body. From there, the Chosen herself ceases to exist and Martel takes her place. If this doesn’t happen, the Chosen is simply killed. Either way, the Chosen is doomed to a horrible fate. Kratos’ job was to lead her to that doom.
A demon. That’s what he was―a demon. He was neither angel nor human, just a horrible, terrible brute. Despite this, he knew that if the Chosen―if Colette succeeded and let Martel take over her body, the world would be saved.
“Professor Sage, please. I’d like you to come with me, and then return home to tell Lloyd and everyone else about my journey. You can tell them that I became an angel, and I’m living happily by the Goddess Martel’s side. I think that’d be better than them knowing I’m dead.”
“Colette...”
Raine desperately tried to hold back her tears at Colette’s words.
“I’m so sorry to ask something so hard of you, Professor...”
How would that boy react if this strong, kind Chosen were to disappear? The boy who had the same name as his son popped into Kratos’ head.
Chapter 1: Part 5 of 6
Botta’s report was incredibly irritating to Yuan. How embarrassing it was to have to send out a whole squad just to kill a 16 year old girl, and still manage to shamefully come back having failed to do that. He could maybe understand if they had just felt remorse for having to kill an innocent girl, but it wasn’t that. They had simply failed to do their job at all. How pathetic was that?
Though in a way, he couldn’t blame them given the circumstances.
Kratos Aurion had appeared. He was Yuan’s friend, as well as his biggest foe. It’s true that Botta likely wouldn’t hold a candle to him.
Yuan lost count of how many times he’d let out a deep sigh, and tossed the documents he was holding onto the desk.
It was frustrating to be stuck in Welgaia at a time like this. Though it was thanks to his position that he was able to swiftly get so many leads on what the Chosen of Regeneration was doing. He was stuck getting insider leads, but for someone who doesn’t like meticulous planning ahead, this was incredibly suffocating to Yuan.
There you are, getting mad again. There’s no need to stress so much. Just take a deep breath.
He felt as if he heard the voice of a woman he once knew.
Yuan gave a bitter smile. It was exactly times like this that required a clear and steady head.
Anyway, typically speaking, it would be unfathomable that Kratos would be at Iselia. Yuan was pretty sure Kratos wasn’t there by choice. That was a cursed, horrid land where Kratos lost his family. Even should he descend down to earth, that one area was the last place he would want to go.
There was only one person who would be able to order Kratos to do something against his will.
Mithos Yggdrasill. This was all likely part of his ruse. Yuan felt ashamed at his own inability to foresee this. He knew that this Chosen had a high chance of succeeding and that Yggdrasill would likely take whatever measures needed to ensure her success, but he never expected that he’d dispatch Kratos in order to do so. To Yggdrasill, Kratos was both the human who had betrayed him, as well as the very seal that holds back his biggest trump card. If by some chance Kratos were to die, Yggdrasill himself would fall.
Perhaps Yggdrasill doesn’t believe that “some chance” will come to pass. If so, the faith he places in Kratos is almost akin to a religious devotion, in a similar vein to the love he holds for his older sister, Martel.
The ringtone to his office’s communicator rang. Yuan hit the switch on the speaker system, as if it was the most irritating thing he’d ever do in his life.
“What do you want?”
“Lord Yuan. It is I, Pronyma of the Desian’s Five Grand Cardinals.”
“So you wish to speak about the World Regeneration. Very well then.”
Shortly after, Pronyma appeared in Yuan’s office. She bowed, and Yuan started to speak.
“So the time has finally arrived.”
“Indeed it has. The Tower of Salvation has appeared in Sylvarant, as I have seen with my own eyes.”
“Is that so. Then the Chosen is likely to embark on her journey soon enough. Speaking of,” Yuan continued on while keeping himself composed, so as to not raise suspicion, “have you finished your meeting with Kratos?”
Despite being one of Cruxis’ top men, Yuan hadn’t been informed that Kratos was down helping the Journey of Regeneration. Kratos is Sylvarant’s overseer. If he was down on earth, that would mean someone else is controlling the Desians. Depending on who was in charge, that would change how Yuan would have the Renegades operate. He needed to pry this information out of Pronyma.
“Did you not hear of what Lord Kratos is doing? It seems Lord Yggdrasill sent him down to earth on a mission.”
There was bewilderment in Pronyma’s words.
“...No, this is the first I’ve heard of it.”
Yuan responded to her, feigning ignorance, which prompted her to tilt her head in confusion.
“Perhaps news is simply coming slowly to you because you are the overseer for Tethe’alla instead. I heard Lord Yggdrasill sent him as a bodyguard for the Chosen.”
Yggdrasill has no doubt about this Chosen becoming Martel’s vessel. He’s probably just keeping information tight in order to make sure absolutely nothing can go wrong. There’d be no other reason why Yuan would be kept this in the dark.
“...Lord Yuan, do you truly see no issue in Lord Kratos being a bodyguard?”
“What are you implying?”
“Nothing really. It’s just that when I heard that Lord Kratos had descended onto Sylvarant, that past incident sprung to mind...”
“I see.
Yuan glanced down at the map of Sylvarant and rested his elbows on his desk, exhausted.
It’s been 70 years since Kratos defected from Cruxis. The event had been a complete and utter surprise to both Yuan and Yggdrasill. Despite a number of quarrels, they had been under the impression that Kratos was going to support Yggdrasill in working towards his Age of Lifeless Beings. But unbeknownst to anyone, Kratos’ heart had made a quiet shift away from following Yggdrasill. He descended onto Sylvarant and seemingly disappeared. It was decades until Cruxis was able to find him again. When they finally did, Kratos had a woman by his side―his wife, Anna.
Anna was held in a human ranch as an Exsphere host body―a test subject who would grow an Exsphere in her body to produce a Cruxis Crystal, as part of the Angelus Project. However, she escaped from the ranch with the Cruxis Crystal still growing within her. Kratos had assisted her in doing so. The two of them wandered about Sylvarant aimlessly, as if looking for something, and Cruxis pursued them relentlessly.
It was during this time that Yuan, as the leader of the Renegades, secretly got in contact with Kratos. The two of them―rather, their family was staying in a small abandoned fishing hut by the seaside. When Yuan visited, Anna wasn’t found within the building that was falling apart.
---
“So this is where you’ve been living,” Yuan asked. Kratos―who was on night watch―lifted his head. His Cruxis Crystal had been removed from his hand. The light from the fire flickered against the battered boards of the hut’s wall. Strung up by pillars with rope was a cloth that Yuan didn’t recognize the purpose of.
“Yuan. Have you come to kill me?”
“...No. I came here as your old friend.”
“...Is that so.”
Kratos lifted up the pot and poured its contents into a cup. It was a very pleasant-smelling coffee. Yuan removed his cape and sat across from Kratos.
“Where’s Anna? It’s not safe for a woman to be wandering about at this hour.”
“She’s on the beach. Noishe is with her. Our son wouldn’t stop crying, so she brought him out so the sounds of the waves would calm him.”
“Son? You have a son?!”
Kratos nodded and handed Yuan a cup of coffee.
“He’s three months old.”
Yuan was dumbfounded and looked up at the ceiling of the hut. That weird looking cloth he saw hung up was a diaper. The is the man who was once a world-famous captain of the knights. For some reason, thinking about this made Yuan sad.
“I can’t believe this. Do you even understand what kind of position you’re in?”
“I’d like to believe I do.”
“What were you thinking? Having an infant around will only hinder you when you’re constantly on the run.”
“...You’re not wrong about that.”
A smile crawled on Kratos’ face and Yuan let out a sigh.
“What is your aim right now, anyway?”
“The same thing you’re trying to do. I want to stop Mithos and his Age of Lifeless Beings.”
It’s true that Yuan was operating as the Renegades in secret. Such a thing only made him more acutely aware of how hard it was to go against Yggdrasill’s operations.
“What exactly do you think you can accomplish all on your own?”
“I am alone, you’re right, but I have a trick up my sleeve that you don’t.”
This was true. Kratos possessed the one and only thing that Yggdrasill feared. Kratos was capable of disabling the Eternal Sword―the very thing that had allowed Yggdrasill to seize control over the entire world.
Long ago, Mithos Yggdrasill had won over the trust of the Summon Spirits and been adored by them. The Eternal Sword was granted to him by Origin as a sign of said trust. However, surely the King of the Summon Spirits wouldn’t approve of how the world had been split in two, as it still currently is. Therefore, Yggdrasill sealed Origin away. He used Kratos’ mana in order to do so, and Kratos would need to die in order for the seal to be undone.
“Your trump card costs you your very life. How do you plan to work around that?”
“That’s where you come in. I have an idea.”
Kratos stared at Yuan with determination in his eyes. Yuan stared back at him.
“My plan is to kill you and get Origin to recognize me as the Eternal Sword’s master. Are you saying you’ll give me your life?”
“Yes, after I land a lethal blow on Cruxis.”
“A lethal blow? Such as?”
“...I’m going to kill Mithos.” Kratos gulped down his coffee. “Once things are settled, you can have your way with undoing the seal on Origin.”
Yuan was speechless.
Killing Mithos―the weight of those words was not lost on Yuan.
He was a friend of theirs who they had spent months―years together with. He was the disciple to Kratos’ teacher, and at the same time, he was like family; they had such a warm bond between one another. Yggdrasill’s older sister―Martel―had entrusted Yggdrasill to Kratos. And even if Kratos did defeat Yggdrasill as he claims, he will perish along with him.
“Kratos... We have spent far too long simply twiddling our thumbs. We had simply tried to overlook the fact that Yggdrasill―no, that Mithos’ light no longer flickered as it once did. I know you feel the same way I do.”
Kratos gave no response. The hut fell silent, making the sound of the flames flickering feel even more prevalent. From a distance, the sound of a lullaby could be heard. It was Anna.
“Was having a family what finally turned you to determination?”
Kratos set his cup down and stood up. He was likely going to see Anna.
“...When the time comes, I’m going to have my family escape to Iselia. That village has the non-aggression treaty in place, after all.”
“Does she know about your plans?”
“...No. Not a thing.”
“And you’re just fine with keeping her in the dark?”
Yuan stood up as he asked this. He wasn’t actually looking for an answer. Words weren’t needed for Kratos to express affirmation. That’s just the kind of man he was.
---
“...I doubt we have anything to worry about.” Yuan spun around to face Pronyma and crossed his legs. “What matters is that he did come back. He even pledged his allegiance to Lord Yggdrasill.”
“Do you truly believe so?”
“Hmph. I see women are doubtful no matter the race. Kratos... has changed. Losing his family caused him to cast off his shell, becoming a mere husk of what he once was. What exactly do you think a husk is capable of doing?”
“...You are correct. I was too abrasive in my words, wasn’t I? I do ask for your forgiveness.”
“It’s no matter. Traitors are to be doubted. I do have to ask though, if Kratos is down on the Journey of Regeneration, who is it that’s controlling the Desians?”
“That would be me. I am to control them and report everything to Lord Yggdrasill.”
Pronyma had confirmed what was the worst possible scenario.
“...I see. Then there’s nothing to worry about.” Yuan tried his best to hide his internal conflict from Pronyma and gave her a nod. “Then let us discuss what is to become of Tethe’alla post-World Regeneration.”
Yuan slipped Pronyma the documents he had gathered. As she was distracted examining them, Yuan started to plot a way to bring about Yggdrasill’s demise.
Chapter 1: Part 6 of 6
Walking through the forest at night overwhelmed Kratos with a sense of deja vu. This was the first time Kratos had ever walked down this road, that was for sure. And yet the scenery itself was familiar.
That was 15 years ago. Dashing earnestly through the forest at night, chasing after his wife Anna and his son Lloyd. No matter how many he took down, enemies just kept popping up. It felt as if an entire lifetime passed before he finally caught up to Anna and Lloyd.
“Genis, why are you coming along?”
Walking in the front was Raine, who was speaking to her younger brother Genis who was trailing behind her. Hearing this snapped Kratos back to reality.
This wasn’t the same forest as back then. It was close, but it wasn’t the same place. What he’d seen was a mere illusion, prompted by some small obscurities lining up.
Deep within this forest lies the house of a dwarf. Raine claimed the dwarf was Lloyd Irving’s adoptive father. Colette wanted to say goodbye to Lloyd tonight, since they’d be setting off so early in the morning. Knowing the fate of the Chosen, it was only right they let her. This was her final farewell, after all.
Kratos surveyed the forest with a complicated feeling in his chest. Iselia Forest was familiar to him, and there was a boy here named Lloyd, who even had the same last name as his wife Anna―Irving. Things lined up too perfectly for him to simply dismiss it as all just being a coincidence. It’s not like Kratos had seen his son’s corpse with his own eyes. He wanted to hope that such a miracle had actually occurred. Simultaneously, a part of him begged that such a miracle didn’t occur. Either way, he was terrified of whatever the truth was.
“R-Raine, you’re scaring me.”
Genis shivered and hid behind Colette, who was walking beside him. Kratos couldn’t help but snicker at how he and Genis got scared at the same time.
“Wh-What’s so funny, mister?”
“...Nothing, ignore me. However, I think fear is something you feel from deep within your own heart. Perhaps you feel guilty about something, and that’s why Raine’s voice scared you?”
As if hitting a bulls-eye, Genis gulped.
“Genis. Did something happen? Your clothes do seem awfully dirty. Don’t tell me you got up to some sort of mischief?”
“N-No way! I was just, um, doing something with Lloyd, and...”
“Don’t tell me you got him involved too.”
“I-I said, I didn’t do anything bad! Geez! Can’t I just do stuff without you having to know everything? It’s none of your business!”
“...Fine. This forest is dangerous though, you know. I didn’t want you coming along.”
“It’ll be fine, Professor. Kratos is with us!”
Colette said this so innocently that all Raine could do was shrug her shoulders.
“You’re not wrong about that. Having a mercenary with us is reassuring, but...”
Raine stared at Kratos. At this, Genis also looked up at him.
“Mister, are you going with Colette tomorrow too?”
“I am.”
“Wow. Hey, how long do you think it’ll be until the world is regenerated?”
“Who can say?”
“I’ll do my best to come home as quickly as I can!”
Colette made a pose triumphantly. Genis grabbed at the end of Colette’s skirt and furrowed his eyebrows sadly.
“...Okay. We’ll all be waiting for you.”
They continued up a small hill, and the sound of a small stream came into earshot. In between the trees, a light could be seen. The dwarf’s house was close.
With his heightened hearing, Kratos could hear the sound of Lloyd and a man who sounded like a dwarf arguing.
“You didn’t let the Desians see your Exsphere, did you?”
Kratos felt as if a stake had been driven into his heart. He stopped in his tracks and shut off his hearing.
He’d seen that Lloyd had an Exsphere during the quarrel in front of the temple. But what did he mean by it being an Exsphere he had to hide from the Desians?
He wanted to know, and he also really didn’t want to know. He felt completely torn between the two options and bit his lip. While Kratos stood there completely spaced out, the rest of the group had already approached Lloyd’s house. It seems they’d finally also heard the argument from inside the house. They were standing in front of the door, looking at one another. Kratos approached while suppressing his hearing to the normal human-level. Even then, he could clearly hear Lloyd and the dwarf arguing. A shiver ran down his spine.
“...That Exsphere is your mother’s keepsake. The Desians killed your mother in order to take it from her.”
“...They did?”
“I told you about how I found you at the cliff near the ranch, right? Your mother was still conscious at that time, so she explained everything. There’s no doubt about it.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?!”
That was his limit. Standing behind the others, who were bewildered, Kratos shut his eyes and turned off his hearing entirely. He couldn’t bear to hear another word.
There was no doubt about it. He was... Kratos’ lost hope.
He sensed a person approaching. Kratos opened his eyes to see Lloyd standing there, looking at them all rather awkwardly. Kratos adjusted his hearing to be the normal level once again, and the boy’s voice filled his ears.
“Oh...let me guess...you heard that just now?”
“I’m sorry, because of me, you...”
For some reason, Genis was apologizing to Lloyd over what happened. Kratos wondered why, but that was the last of his worries right now. Kratos studied Lloyd’s house while taking shallow breaths so that nobody would notice. It was a wonderfully built two-story house. Dwarf’s typically live in caverns, so this was likely built for Lloyd’s sake. There was a bench, a flower bed, a clothesline...
As Kratos’ eyes scanned the surroundings, he spotted a stone monument in the garden. His eyes immediately went to study the stone’s engraved words.
Here lies Anna Irving.
Kratos’ face stiffened.
“Lloyd, let’s go up to the terrace.”
“Sure.”
Lloyd went to follow Colette inside the house, and Kratos uttered without thinking.
“This gravestone...”
“Huh?”
Lloyd stopped and turned around.
“Whose gravestone is this?”
“Ah, you heard, right? It’s my mom’s.”
“Anna...hmm... Is your father alive?”
Kratos wondered if his voice was quivering as he asked this. He swallowed. If Lloyd remembered anything from when he was an infant, then maybe...
“...I don’t know. But Dirk is my dad.”
It felt like all of the energy drained from Kratos’ body. He couldn’t tell whether it was from disappointment or relief.
“...Yes. That was a careless thing to ask. I’m sorry.”
One thing was clear.
Lloyd―his son that he failed to protect was alive and well.
Kratos felt as if he had finally regained the life he lost 15 years ago.
These are unused files from the game, and were ripped by someone on Nico. The designs for the outfits were featured in an old magazine.
Both girls are voiced by Ami Koshimizu.
Fenimore is wearing blue, Thyra is wearing green. Fenimore uses Crystal Eres, while Thyra primarily uses Iron Eres (those pink wings are her teriques).
Many of their eres seem to be derived from eres used in the game. From what I picked up: Magical Cure (Cure), Magical Force (Dark Force), Magical Fire (Fire Ball), Magical Ice (Ice Wall), Magical Nation (Indignation), Magical Blizzard (Blizzard), Magical Beam (Tractor Beam), Magical Star (Shooting Star), Magical Dasher (Ground Dasher), Magical Wave (Tidal Wave), Miracle Howling (Bloody Howling).
Take Miracle Dust with a grain of salt. The eres is really called ミラクルダス, which didn’t match up with any eres in the game from what I know. “Dust” was the best I could come up with.
The art, translations and editing on this video were all done by me.
[Translation] Kratos of the Expiation: Chapter 1 parts 2-3
This update brings us to page 28/317. As I mentioned in my prior post, please think of this as a first draft translation.
Starting with this post, I'll be linking to a playthrough (both dubbed and subbed) for those who wish to watch along to the corresponding game cutscenes as they read.
Dubbed / Subbed (video picks the wrong choice, here's the choice in Japanese)
Chapter 1: Part 2 of 6
It has been 15 years since Kratos last descended onto earth.
Long ago, Kratos betrayed Cruxis and deflected from the organization. He had since then rejoined Yggdrasill’s side, but only on the condition that he wouldn’t be allowed to descend onto earth as he pleased.
Northwest of the Tower of Salvation lies an area thick with trees. Along the shoreline, at the foot of a small mountain, a village can be seen. It’s Iselia, which was known to be the headquarters for the Church of Martel. This is the place Kratos set off to visit.
The entire world has its watchful eye on Iselia. This is due to the fact that the Chosen One was born within its hold, of whom would set off on the Journey of World Regeneration, saving the world from destruction. On the Chosen’s 16th birthday, she is to receive the oracle from an angel of Cruxis and set off on her journey. Today is that very day.
Thinking of the phrase “World Regeneration” brought back harsh memories for Kratos. It was as if a pain pierced his heart. However, there was nothing Kratos could do at this point. He had become completely void of any way to fight against Mithos. In a way, maybe that was for the best. Even if the path there wasn’t pretty, so long as the world would be regenerated, then―
The sound of people fighting grated Kratos’ ears the second he looked at the plateau to his left. He has a heightened sense of hearing. The range of which he can pick up sounds is expanded, and he is able to hear things with clarity that are not normally able to be processed by the human ear. The same is true for his vision. By focusing his attention on something, he is able to see things far away, down to their very texture. Thanks to this, he’s able to tell that there’s a rather intense battle happening atop the plateau.
Kratos took a deep breath before spreading a radiant blueish-white light from behind his back. It glistened and swayed, like the shimmer of hot air. Protruding from his back were wings of condensed mana which allow him to fly. A circulation of his bodily mana takes form and is expended from his body in the form of radiation.
Kratos’ body lifted into the air, and he beelined it towards the plateau. Below him, he could see a cluster of corpses spread about. They were all priests of the Church of Martel. It seems a scandal unbefitting the Day of Prophecy has taken place here.
Atop the plateau lies the Martel Temple. A fight was breaking out there. Kratos landed at the base of the plateau without a sound, put his wings away, and dashed up the stairs towards the temple.
What he found in front of the temple was a band of infiltrators that seemed familiar, and a group of kids who were picking a fight with them. It was immediately clear to him that the kids were at the disadvantage.
“Man, this guy is really tough!”
One of the boys had floundered about in his stance, and the enemy took advantage of that. The giant man he was fighting was swinging around an iron ball above his head, and brought it down to strike the boy.
In the nick of time, Kratos put himself in between the iron ball and the boy, unsheathing his sword to strike at the weapon. He cut the chain that held the ball in a flash, rendering the weapon useless.
“Huh? Who are you?”
“Get out of the way.”
Kratos ordered the boy to stay put and closed the gap between himself and his opponent. He leaped towards him and thrusted the tip of his sword towards the man’s throat.
“Are you the rats I was told to exterminate?”
“Rgh...”
The large man froze and awkwardly turned his gaze towards his superior. That was enough of an answer for him. Without hesitation, Kratos plunged his sword deep into the man’s neck, and then pulled the blade out as he kicked his body backwards. Using the recoil he hopped back, as a rain of blood poured onto the spot he had just been standing.
“I never thought you’d show up.” The man’s superior stood on the other side of the pool of blood, glaring at Kratos. “Retreat for now!”
At that order, all of the soldiers left in a hustle. The remaining survivors carried the corpses of their fallen allies and skillfully scampered down the stairs of the plateau. Kratos shook his sword to fling the blood off of it and sheathed it.
I see, so it’s just as I heard. This Chosen is a perfect match. That must be why the “rats” are making their move.
As the enemies dispersed, the children who had been discouraged all of a sudden perked up. He kept his back turned to the teenagers who were being their typical, noisy selves, and an old woman approached him. He could feel an air of refinement from her. He could immediately tell she wasn’t just any ordinary old lady.
“How can I ever thank you for saving the Chosen?”
At this, Kratos turned his head to look at the children. The silver-haired one seemed to be in his early teens. He used magic during the battle, so he must be either an elf or a half-elf―Kratos found the latter more likely. He felt something off about the boy in the red outfit, but it was probably nothing to worry about. In any case, both of them are boys, so it’s not either of them. The Chosen of Regeneration would be a girl.
“...I see. So this girl is the next Chosen.”
Kratos shifted his gaze towards the blond-haired girl, who the two boys were guarding. When the girl met his gaze, she seemed startled for a second, but then innocently smiled at him. He wondered if she was aware of the fate set before her. Kratos frowned, and the girl’s face suddenly lit up.
“That’s right! I have to go accept the oracle!” The girl rushed over to the old woman, continuing on with a dignified voice. “Grandmother, I’m going to undergo the trial now.”
“What trial?” asked the boy in the red outfit.
“The monsters, I assume. An evil presence radiates from inside this chapel.”
He wasn’t lying. The temple was normally under a holy presence, but he could sense monsters lurking about. Since Kratos was pretending to be a mercenary, he figured flaunting this knowledge might prove useful. He needed to show off a little so they’d let him guard the Chosen.
As expected, the old woman seemed impressed by his analysis and turned to face him.
“Yes, that is correct. The Chosen is to receive judgment from heaven. But the priests that were to accompany her fell at the hands of the Desians.”
Kratos’ mouth twitched at the word “Desian.” I see, so the rats are doing a good job at hiding who they really are. But what good would killing the priests do if they just left the Chosen alive anyway? It seems like their leader’s habit of never being able to do anything right rubbed off on his subordinates.
“Then I’ll take on the job of protecting Colette.”
All of a sudden, the boy in the red outfit cut in between Kratos and the old woman. So the Chosen’s name is Colette. Kratos couldn’t believe how ridiculous the request the boy made was. He was probably self-taught, but the way he wielded his dual blades was hard to watch. Kids can really have way too much confidence sometimes.
“Lloyd? ...I would be uneasy with just you.”
Hearing this, Kratos’ entire body jumped. He whipped his head around to look at Lloyd, this time really studying his features.
The image of his lost baby son popped into his head. It was as if the memories he had tried so hard to bury came bursting out the door of his recollections.
Fifteen years ago, he had a family. It was him, his dearest wife Anna, and their son, Lloyd.
But his son is dead. By all means, he should be dead. He was 3 at the time, and had he survived, he would be the same age as the boy he sees here, but...
“Your name is Lloyd?”
“Yeah, but who are you to ask for my name?”
Lloyd gave Kratos a sharp look.
Fifteen years had passed since then. There’s no way he’d know for sure. Children grow fast, and their faces totally change. And Lloyd was only 3 at the time; there’s no way he’d even remember him. Really, he had no proof that this boy was his son, Lloyd.
As if to escape Lloyd’s gaze, Kratos turned back to the old woman. His mission took priority right now.
“...I am Kratos, a mercenary. As long as you can pay me, I’ll accept the job of guarding the Chosen.”
The old lady sighed and nodded.
“...Under the circumstances, I have little choice. Please be of service.”
“It’s a deal, then.”
Kratos nodded back at her. That was a relief. Now he could guard the Chosen. That’s the most he could do. He started walking alongside the Chosen, Colette.
“W-Wait! I’m going, too!”
Lloyd ran after them.
“Lloyd, you’ll only get in the way. Be a good boy and wait here.”
Hearing Kratos’ rejection, Lloyd’s face bubbled with anger.
“What did you say?!”
“Did I not make myself clear? You’re a burden. Go home.”
As if to prevent Lloyd from running his mouth further, the Chosen, Colette piped in.
“Um... Mr. Kratos, would it be okay to take Lloyd along, too?”
“But...”
“Please. I get nervous when Lloyd’s not around.”
There was a warm smile behind Colette’s words, and Kratos sighed. He figured the Chosen always stuck up for Lloyd like this. Well, it’s not like the monsters in the temple were that bad anyway.
“...Do as you wish.”
Kratos said this with his back turned to them and made his way towards the temple’s entrance. World regeneration can’t even begin until the first trial is cleared. And the Renegades will likely become a hindrance along the way. He really wanted to get this first trial over with, quickly.
“...Let’s go, Genis!”
“What?! I’m going, too?!”
“Of course!”
Kratos heard Lloyd and the silver-haired boy―Genis, apparently―bickering behind him.
He let out another sigh. Such a bustle brought back some memories of long, long ago.
“This isn’t a field trip, you know.”
While trying to conceal how pleased he was at the nostalgia he was experiencing from overhearing them, Kratos entered the temple.
Chapter 1: Part 3 of 6
The base of Cruxis, Derris-Kharlan, is a massive comet. The central part of the comet houses the residential area, Welgaia, as well as Vinheim, Mithos’ castle. It is rumored that a part of the facilities are recycled from when the ancient elves lived there, but the details are not fully made clear. Even among the Angel Class, only a tiny portion know the truth behind it, so there is no way that Pronyma―who is of the Desian Class―would know about it.
Holding such a massive celestial body in place above the earth would normally be impossible. What makes the impossible possible is a sword known as the Eternal Sword, which the Summon Spirit Origin gifted to Yggdrasill. This sword is capable of manipulating both space and time, so Yggdrasill used it to both split the world in two as well as hold Derris-Kharlan in place. Pronyma admires him, honoring him as such a magnificent person.
Though “respect” on its own doesn’t convey the magnitude of the feelings she holds towards him. Perhaps “affection” or even “yearning” fits the bill better. She finds Yggdrasill so awe-inspiring, and even finds herself attracted to him.
Half-elves are viewed as heretics just for existing. Humans fear them for their outstanding powers, while elves abhor them for having human blood. Among all of the people who live on earth, half-elves are considered the race that nobody loves; they’re considered the people in the middle, and are oppressed.
Pronyma was once a victim of such oppression. She was ridiculed, abused, and recruited as a weapon for battle due to her abilities. Had Yggdrasill not saved her from such a fate, she likely would have met her end on the battlefield, never seen as more than a weapon. Yggdrasill is a savior in Pronyma’s eyes, and he is her hero for trying to make a world for half-elves to live in. She would do anything if it meant helping him. Being used by him is enough to make her happy.
Pronyma is currently working as one of the Five Grand Cardinals, which commands over the Desian Class.
Cruxis is made up of two classes: the Angel Class, who are given hi-Exspheres―Cruxis Crystals, and the Desian Class, who are given regular Exspheres instead. The Desians operate to terrorize the people while the angels instill an offering of peace to them via spreading the word of the Church of Martel. Between the both of them, they have full control over the hearts of mankind.
Those in the Desian Class are given all sorts of jobs. They always operate in the declining world. By doing so, the people in the declining world will pray for salvation, while the people in the prospering world will fear their eventual decline. This setup ensures that both worlds turn their prayers to and rely on the Church of Martel.
Just recently, the Tower of Salvation appeared in the declining world, Sylvarant, marking the beginning of World Regeneration. Though describing it as “appearing” is a tad misleading―the tower is always there, it’s just hidden behind a sort of shield so that people in the declining world can’t see it. To ensure that the two separated worlds aren’t sucked up into the dimensional rift between them, there are two points in which the worlds hold contact with one another. One of these is the Tower of Salvation. The top of the Tower of Salvation is connected to Derris-Kharlan, and it’s used to allow the angels and the Desians to communicate with one another.
What made the tower visible is that Sylvarant's Chosen of Regeneration had embarked on her journey to become Martel’s vessel. Pronyma needs to hold a meeting with an administrator in Welgaia in order to move the Desian Class into action. This is just a practice that’s held every time a Journey of Regeneration begins, but to Pronyma, it means something more. It’s an exciting time, where she is able to closer visit the place where Yggdrasill resides.
Pronyma used the transporter to teleport from the Tower of Salvation to Welgaia. However, the angel that was normally there to give her the order was nowhere to be found.
“I was under the impression I was to receive orders from Lord Kratos.”
Pronyma inquired this to the gatekeepers by the teleporter, and one of them replied to her.
“Lord Kratos is currently on Sylvarant on a mission. I regret to inform you that you will not be able to meet with him.”
“Lord Kratos is down on Sylvarant?!”
Pronyma couldn’t help her face from warping with fury.
“What is the meaning of this? He is a traitor, who deflected from us 70 years ago. Mi... Lord Yggdrasill may have forgiven him, but to think he would be permitted to go down to earth!”
“Not another word, Pronyma.”
“...I know. It is not my place as one in the Desian Class to speak poorly of one of the Four Seraphim.”
Still, Pronyma couldn’t accept this. Sylvarant was where Kratos fled to when he betrayed Cruxis so long ago. When he was eventually accepted back into Derris-Kharlan, he was forbidden from going back down there.
Pronyma never liked Kratos. He’s the only human among the Angel Class. Him being a human was irritating enough, but he’d also taken advantage of Yggdrasill’s trust and betrayed him without warning. He disapproved of the Age of Lifeless Beings and left the organization. In the end, all he’d accomplished was finding a lover, having a child and playing make-believe at having a family. All he did was run away from reality. The damage he did to Yggdrasill from his silly game of playing house was immeasurable. Pronyma saw his suffering up close, and due to this, she started to seriously distrust Kratos.
“Pronyma. The messenger has arrived.”
A gatekeeper called to her and Pronyma turned to look at the central part of Welgaia. Amidst the soulless looking angels silently floating about, she saw a messenger angel headed her way. But it wasn’t one of Kratos’ messengers. Based on the color of the band on the arm, it was one of Yggdrasill’s.
“On Lord Yggdrasill’s orders?!”
The unexpected development had Pronyma’s heart pounding out of her chest, and she took a deep breath to calm herself.
Pronyma wasn’t in a position that allowed her to see Yggdrasill very often. The last time she had seen him was when Kratos shamelessly came back 15 years ago.
Pronyma was determined to not let Yggdrasill suffer like that again, and she vowed to do whatever it took to ensure that.
[Translation] Kratos of the Expiation: Prologue-Chapter 1 part 1
This begins my efforts to translate the Tales of Symphonia novel, Shokuzai no Kratos, written by the game's scenario writer, Takumi Miyajima.
Some disclaimers:
I have other projects I'm working on alongside this, so I won't make any promise to get this translated in a timely manner, or that I'll finish it at all (though in a perfect world, I would love to; I had a lot of fun translating this first part!). If I do the whole thing, I'll share my original document, which will have an edited version of the text you'll read below. Think of this as a first draft.
I've never translated a novel before nor am I much of a creative writer, so I apologize in advance if it's an awkward read. I focused heavily on making sure Miyajima's words got across as intended, but given Japanese novels are written differently from English ones, I don't want to put too many words in her mouth here.
The book has 7 chapters and a prologue and epilogue, but as each chapter is really long (about 40 pages each), I'll be sharing the book in its smaller, also numbered parts. So, this is the prologue and part 1/37. My word processor says this alone is around 3300 words.
I want to give a huge thank you to Kevan33 for providing me with scans for this, which allowed me to translate it so much easier.
Without further ado, here's the summary and character introductions, and then the story itself!
Summary
Long ago, Mithos, the hero, brought about the end of the Ancient War in the Holy Ground of Kharlan. As a result, the world was split in two―as Sylvarant and Tethe’alla. However, the worlds exist akin to a waning hourglass, with one of them prospering and the other in decline. It has been 4,000 years since the end of the Ancient War, and now Sylvarant is on the path to ruin, as it has run low on its life-sustaining mana. It is in these circumstances that Kratos will descend unto Sylvarant and have a fateful, unexpected reunion! This is a side story which tells Kratos’ side of the story, who was a key character in the original game. The feelings he’s hidden in his heart will finally be revealed to all!
Cast
Kratos Aurion: This story’s protagonist. A traveling mercenary and remarkable swordsman who was hired to protect Colette on her journey. His true identity is one of the Four Heroes who ended the Ancient War 4,000 years ago, as well as an angel of Cruxis―one of the Four Seraphim.
Lloyd Irving: A young man from the village of Iselia. His grades in school are poor, but he’s quick-witted and good at making the right decision on the fly. Due to certain circumstances, he accompanies Colette on her Journey of World Regeneration.
Yggdrasill: The leader of Cruxis and one of the members of the Four Seraphim. He is Mithos the Hero who brought about the end of the Ancient War, as well as the person who split the world in two, orchestrating this system the world currently runs by.
Yuan Ka-Fai: Leader of the Renegades, which opposes Cruxis. He was one of the Four Heroes and is one of the Four Seraphim.
Martel Yggdrasill: Yggdrasill’s sister. She died 4,000 years ago when humans betrayed and killed her.
Genis Sage: A best friend of Lloyd and Colette. One of the smartest people in his village. He uses magic.
Raine Sage: Genis’ sister. She’s the only teacher in Iselia, so everyone calls her Professor.
Colette Brunel: Sylvarant’s Chosen. She leaves her hometown to go on the Journey of World Regeneration.
Zelos Wilder: Tethe’alla’s Chosen. He hangs around with Lloyd’s group as a spy for Cruxis.
Prologue
The boy introduced himself as Lloyd Irving.
We met in the small, remote village of Iselia. Back when the Sylvarant Dynasty held its rule, it was a prospering village deemed as the headquarters of the Church of Martel. Now it’s but a desolate village, with such a tale only to be seen as an attraction at best.
There were a number of things that led to this state. What brought about the fall of the Sylvarant Dynasty was a decrease in the world’s life-sustaining mana. This led to environmental changes, poor crops, and eventually poverty to the people. Iselia was not the only place that was affected by these changes. The land of Sylvarant―once famed as a kingdom of its own right―slowly slipped down the path of desolation.
What spurred this series of events was a group known as the Desians. The organization, rumored to consist primarily of half-elves, is known to kidnap people from all over the world and place them in institutions known as human ranches. While it’s unknown to the common folk what takes place in these institutions, fear is struck in the hearts of those who see the Desians, as it is fabled by the Church of Martel that the end of the world is coming should they lurk around.
Yes; Sylvarant is on the path of desolation. Within these circumstances, there exists the promised land of Iselia, which is the only place in which salvation may be brought about. The hope for this world is being fostered within Iselia’s land.
The sound of grass being trampled from far away could be heard. It was such a quiet sound, unable to be picked up by human ears.
Kratos Aurion slowly opened his eyes. Deep within the forest, the distant shadows of the leaves shook.
Are you coming, Lloyd?
Thinking of him, Kratos found himself oddly content. A sense of relief washed over him, that finally, the end was approaching. He felt elated, though could not place a finger on why. He had regained his sense of hope, which he had been convinced was long gone. However, the important step in achieving said hope was yet to come.
The footsteps grew louder. At this, all of the forest dwellers collectively fled in response. They could tell that within this tranquil forest, something big was about to happen.
The air seemed to turn tense as a mass of figures approached. A group of eight―all being different ages and genders―approached with stern looks on their faces. The one leading the pact was Lloyd.
The boy’s name seemed ordinary enough, but to Kratos it held deeper meaning. “Irving” was the surname of his late wife. “Lloyd” was the name of the child Kratos thought to have lost.
Lloyd and his friends were on a journey to carry out what they believed to be world salvation.
I wonder if they've brought about salvation yet?
No. The end hasn’t even begun yet.
Kratos rose and approached Lloyd and his friends, in order to see their “salvation” through to the end.
Chapter 1
Part 1 of 6
It’s a wonder just how many people would believe it if they were told the world had been split into two. Many would likely laugh it off, claiming it to be a fairy tale. The land seems unsifted, and there’s no crevices to be seen after all. Nobody would dare suggest the moon in the sky is actually another planet, would they?
Even a fairy tale would require an allegory to hold its basis.
The truth of the matter is that the world had been split in two. The dimensional rift had been cut through, pushing the planets into an orbit. The two worlds exist on a plane together, never to see or touch the other. Despite this, the two worlds do in fact coexist alongside each other. One of these worlds is, for convenience, known as Sylvarant. This world was ruled by the old Sylvarant Kingdom and its allied nations. The other is Tethe’alla. Like with Sylvarant, this world too was ruled by the kingdom of Tethe’alla, and got its name as such.
“These two worlds, as well as our planet of Derris-Kharlan, are ruled by Lord Yggdrasill.”
The angel known as Adol was explaining the structure of Cruxis to a group of newly awakened angels. Kratos was watching them through a monitor, and shook his head exhaustedly.
This was a ritual he had seen far too many times at this point. Over the course of 4,000 years, here on Derris-Kharlan, he had watched as a number of living beings known as angels were born. No, perhaps that’s not the right way to describe it―he had watched as many people had undergone a transformation to turn into the lifeless beings known as angels.
Thankfully, the number wasn’t too high. A tool known as the Cruxis Crystal was required to turn people into angels, of which there weren’t many to spare. With them being so scarce and precious, only selected individuals were allowed to become angels. From there, the angels would undergo special training and become soldiers, fighting to support Cruxis.
Kratos was one of those angels himself. He had a different position than the other angels, however. He was famed as one of the Four Seraphim, the highest rank within Cruxis, and operated directly under the world’s leader―Mithos Yggdrasill.
“Through the Church of Martel, our job is to guide the people of both Sylvarant and Tethe’alla. This does not only apply to half-elves, but extends to elves and humans alike. We will guide them down the proper path, to one day make our Age of Lifeless Beings a reality. A great weight lies upon all of your shoulders.”
Not a single person was moved by Adol’s words. At first, lifeless beings―rather, angels―have their emotions almost entirely suppressed. It takes great strength and time to gain control over those emotions once more. There are some who go the rest of their lives never regaining theirs.
“Lord Kratos.”
An angel appeared on his projector―one with white wings. Kratos instantly identified him as an inexperienced angel. When a person turns into an angel, numerous functions of their body undergo a change. One of these is adjusting the distribution of mana in the body to produce wings, allowing them to pull them out as needed in order to fly. However, if one uses their wings too much, their bodily mana materializes the wings and makes it a permanent part of the body. One of the key functions of turning into an angel is being able to control various bodily functions, though the reality of it is that many are unable to control them properly. A large number of the angels within Cruxis have wings like the man Kratos sees here.
“What is it?”
“Lord Yggdrasill has summoned you.”
“...Understood.”
The messenger angel bowed and disappeared. Kratos turned off the video on his monitor and left his office.
A throne of darkness, suspended in the empty sky. What you’ll find in the deepest part of Derris-Kharlan―far beyond Welgaia, where Cruxis’ angels live―is Vinheim. This was where the castle of Yggdrasill, the man who split the worlds into two and ruler of both, resided.
As Kratos stepped towards the throne, Yggdrasill leaned on the armrest as a calm smile crawled onto his face.
“You’ve come, Kratos.”
That languid voice of his was the same as ever. It was the same as it was when Kratos deflected 70 years ago. Though the light in his green eyes shone differently than normal.
“Kratos Aurion, reporting for duty.”
Kratos stepped closer to the throne and kneeled in front of it. This exchange of formalities was something he had done in submission to the man over the course of the past 15 years.
“There’s no need for such formalities. I called you here today to talk about our past.”
At this, Kratos’ leader―rather, the leader of the entire world―Yggdrasill suddenly rose to his feet.
“Do you remember the day we first met, Kratos?”
As Kratos nodded, the man famed as a ruler effortlessly changed his form. His once tall figure shrunk in the blink of an eye, and his limbs shrunk with it.
“It was in the imperial capital of Tethe’alla. I was still a child, who knew no fear and who truly believed in the goodness of humanity. Since the worlds had yet to be split, the two countries ravaged in a revolting, long-lasting war.”
What stood before Kratos wasn’t the beautiful young man who was a ruler. It was a petite 14-year-old boy.
Seeing this transformation always horrified Kratos. What he feared wasn’t Yggdrasill, but instead the lifeless beings known as Cruxis Crystals, which allowed the body to transform in such a way.
When the elves in ancient times moved from Derris-Kharlan to the earth, they first planted the Giant Kharlan Tree―the source of mana―and then brought along many crafts and techniques. One of those was the material known as Exspheres. However, over the course of 5,000 years, the knowledge of their intended use and what they were originally made for became lost to time. All that was left was the knowledge that they were advanced beings. They became known as a thing that could protect its user and elevate their abilities to the maximum. Such a thing was then turned into weapons of combat during the Kharlan Wars, which occurred 5,000 years ago.
What brewed was an intermittent yet vicious conflict between Sylvarant and Tethe’alla. In order to get the upper hand, both sides developed magitechnology based weapons, and research developments led to Exspheres finding new use cases. Cruxis Crystals were developed in order to allow soldiers who equipped them to become even stronger and turn into angels. Those who equipped Cruxis Crystals would undergo a physical, battle-ready transformation into an angel, allowing them to also manipulate their hearing, vision, and sense of pain at will. On top of this, those with a strong compatibility with the crystals would be able to control their internal clock at will.
The ability to change one’s internal clock―what a terrifying thing that was. It almost felt as if people had reached into a god’s domain.
“What’s wrong, Kratos?”
Yggdrasill tilted his head at Kratos, whose face was warped with agony.
“Watching me change form surely isn’t that surprising. Or does it hurt to see me in this form?”
Kratos cast his eyes downward.
It’d be a lie to deny such a thing. The young boy in front of him now looked exactly like the Mithos Yggdrasill he had traveled with so long ago. Some part of Kratos tried hard to separate the two in his head―Mithos, the young boy who worked tirelessly to save the world and was famed as a hero, and Mithos, the young man who fell into despair and cast away his humanity in favor of playing a poor imitation at god.
This was pure sophistry. Kratos knew this. However, it’s all he could manage to give himself even a little peace of mind. He didn’t need to slip further and make any more mistakes.
“I see. So it does hurt you. If you really feel that way, you surely won’t betray me again, right?”
He said this in a fondly-remembered tone of voice, and it felt like something was stabbing Kratos’ heart.
“Back then, you resigned as a knight for the Tethe’alla Kingdom and joined up with us. It was you who said you’d make a place where all of us half-elves could live in peace, and that to that end, your power was ours to use however fit.”
“...Indeed I did say that.”
“Then surely you know where I’m going with this. The Age of Lifeless Beings I’m creating will rid all of the discrimination half-elves face. It’ll be a utopia where everyone can live in peace.”
Facing the ground, Kratos debated on whether or not to voice the words that were forming deep in his throat. Mithos paid it no heed and continued on.
“Soon, Sylvarant’s Chosen will receive the oracle.”
At this, Kratos snapped his head up. Yggdrasill smiled at him, now in his angel form.
“This Chosen of Regeneration is a 99.999999999% match. This is even closer than the Chosen Spiritua was. This time, we’ll succeed. My sister will finally be revived.”
The revival of Yggdrasill’s sister―Martel Yggdrasill―held a lot of meaning. The reason the world was still split into two was all for Martel’s sake. One huge mistake made 4,000 years ago changed everything.
When the elves planted the Giant Kharlan Tree on this world, mana brought forth lifeforms and completely changed the nature of the planet. Mana was used to power magic and magitechnology, and before long, mana itself had been overused. This overuse led to the fountain of all life, the Giant Kharlan Tree, withering.
“We were only ever fighting to save the Giant Kharlan Tree. We got our hands on the Great Seed, and were going to plant it to bring forth a new tree. But of course, humans wanted to hog the mana all for themselves, and they killed my sister, who was protecting the seed...”
Mithos’ tranquil face warped with hatred and disgust.
“But I’m so nice that I’m allowing those vermin to live. In fact, I’m such a nice guy, I’m even inviting them into my Age of Lifeless Beings. I’ve given them the compromise of a lifetime, Kratos. Martel exists as part of the Great Seed. The Great Seed is Martel herself. If I was any meaner, I would never share the mana from the Great Seed with those disgusting humans. But I’ve gone ahead and split the world into two, so that they can share the mana that comes from it.”
“Thanks to your system, one world is always suffering, while the other is prospering.”
“That’s what the Chosen is for. The Journey of Regeneration is one that reverses the flow of mana. When one world weakens, the mana from that world flows to the other. It’s like an hourglass. This is all we can do to keep our precious supply of mana from running out completely. You said you were on board with this, did you not?”
“Yes, as a temporary solution―”
“Oh, and it is temporary, I assure you. I already promised you―when my sister is revived, I’ll return the world back to normal. When she has a new body, there will be no need to protect the Great Seed as I am now. I’ll reunite the worlds into one and geminate it, allowing the Giant Kharlan Tree to grow. Then, my discrimination-free Age of Lifeless Beings will be born on earth...”
Mithos sat down on his throne, now in his child form. The throne was far too large for such a tiny body. Realizing this filled Kratos with a strange sense of sorrow.
“This Journey of Regeneration is not allowed to fail. If it does, we’ll lose the vessel for Martel’s soul, and this will spring us into another indefinite time frame of trying to make another. If that happens, the joined world you wish for so badly will be a long, long way off. So nobody is allowed to get in our way. Not even those rats.”
“You refer to the Renegades, I presume?”
“Yes. They camouflage themselves as Desians and do all sorts of things. You know of them?”
“I’ve received reports of them infiltrating all of the human ranches and stealing Exspheres.”
“Such a slacker, aren’t you, Kratos? Rats are to be exterminated.”
“I am sorry.”
“It’s fine. What they do matters little to me. Their tendency to kill Chosens is pesky, though. Therefore, I want you to escort this next Chosen for me. Protect her, guide her, and help her through the angel transformation as smoothly as possible.”
“I’m the overseer of Sylvarant, though. If I were to go on the Journey of Regeneration, Pronyma would have to be the one to put the Desians into motion.”
“I will handle that myself. Protecting the Chosen is our top priority. Surely you know this. Following my orders is what will allow you to see your dreams come true.”
To return the world to its proper state―this required fulfilling Mithos’ wish of reviving Martel, and it was the correct path to take. No; perhaps he had just lost the will to choose another path. Kratos had no means of defying such a path.
prguitarman
germansingergirl
areudirty
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
romaincrisis
dailybridgerton
gamechangershow
