Ow!
Why you little...
You little turd! You think I can't reach you up there?
Hey! How long are you gonna keep picking on him?!
It's only natural for the prey to be killed by the predator.
Huh?
Just let it go.
But he's toying with him!
Quit arguing and give me a hand here, you heartless jerk!
I will not let you use me as a stepping stool.
No matter what.
I TOLD you, you could stand on top of my back.
Hi guys! Pleasure to meet you.
You can use my back if you'd like.
You're a pretty generous guy. Unlike this grouch.
My name's Rygart. Who're you?
The name's Hodr.
Nice to meet you, Hodr.
Alright then. I'll take my shoes off.
It's alright. I don't mind.
I was about to give this uniform a much-needed washing anyway.
Sorry. Would you rather I piggybacked instead?
Nah. That would be rather awkward for both of us, so no thanks.
You ready?
Yeah.
Don't you dare!
Hey, that's a baby Black Owl.
He'll slowly start turning black.
You sure know your birds.
Rygart.
Yeah?
The man you just stepped on is the heir to the throne of your nation.
What did he just...
Y-Your Majesty, I offer you this bird and beg for your forgiveness.
Unbelievable. You don't even know your own King's name.
Just shut up.
Tokubetsu na Mono wa
This world has
Nani mo Nai Kedo
nothing worth noting
Sono Te ni Tsukamu ni wa
But we have plenty of love
Juubun Sugiru Ai o
on our hands
Shinjiru Mono o
Those who
Motte Iru Mono wa
have faith
Yuruginai Ai no Tame ni
will act on behalf
Tsuranuku Omoi o
of their unwavering love
Unmei ni Tachimukaeru Nara
If I could fight destiny,
Kono Subete Kakeru Omoi de Yuku
I'd act on all of my feelings
Book Three Scars from an Assassin's Blade
Zess! You know the conditions for surrender, right?
The conditions?
There are two conditions.
Both of which involve the vested privileges of the royal family.
Hodr is a generous king.
He even risked causing conflict among the nobles over allowing ordinary citizens to hold office.
The terms should be more than reasonable.
Is there something else to this?
Why did you get involved, Rygart?
He should be well aware of our military's power.
Why won't you just surrender, Hodr?
Judging from our remaining ammunition stores, we can afford to fight one more battle.
Shall we proceed as planned?
Yeah. We'll make a third strike on Binonten, then retreat to the border.
Cleo...
Do you feel alright?
Yes, sir. I'm okay.
Cleo.
During the Krisnan war of independence, they slaughtered civilians near the borders,
hacked off the limbs of our captured soldiers, and sent them to us.
Now they're building favor with Orlando, and threatening this continent's peace once again.
They are savage, despicable people.
I'll fight them until I draw my last breath.
Lee told me not to bring my emotions into battle, but I WILL bring down the Black Golem.
I'll take over night watch duties. Please rest assured.
I-I said I'm fine!
I never said anything...
History lessons sure have changed from when I was in school.
I was taught the same things as her.
History books are rewritten with the changing of the times, after all.
At any rate, classroom lectures are worlds apart from the battlefield.
Quit dragging your asses!
Aim for their ladder sweepers!
But General, attacking them would mean sacrificing our own forces!
Then think of another way!
General Hoeckel!
Hm?
Wha--
He's what?
Borcuse... is on the move...
Pay attention, Rygart.
This multi-layer armor was made from leftover medium-strength armor plates.
While it's equipped, the Delphine's combat capabilities are reduced by 80 percent.
By gripping the lever tightly, you can disengage the armor.
Just watch your timing.
Also, about that strange display.
Oh, you mean this one?
When the red bar reaches the end, you'll be rendered immobile.
And it requires approximately 24 hours to recover functionality.
The operational time limit for strenuous use is roughly...
How long?
Huh?
How much time?
Between ten and thirty minutes.
I don't really believe you have the capacity to kill though.
I've already killed two people.
You're mistaken.
It's not as if you yourself took their lives.
No, I'm not wrong.
Back then, I wanted the enemy to die from the bottom of my heart.
Or else I'd wind up dead instead.
What if you were fighting Zess?
Huh?
Could you fight him with that same mentality?
Zess... There's no way I could beat him.
There isn't a single man capable of beating him.
Zess! Zess!
The drill instructors would wail on students in mock battles to blow off steam.
But even a team of four instructors couldn't defeat Zess.
Rygart.
One of our scouts has informed us of the enemy's movements.
We're commencing the operation. Are you ready to go?
All set.
Let me say this for your own good.
It is far more difficult to capture an enemy than it is to kill them.
Capturing a soldier involves three times the effort and three times the danger.
If you wish to save the life of an enemy soldier,
remember that you'll lose three of your own in the process.
That's all I wanted to say.
Delphine, commence operation.
Ready to sortie.
Just stay out of General Baldr's way, Un-sorcerer!
Queen Sigyn, please stand back!
Pick up the pace, Cleo!
Yes, sir!
Stealth isn't necessary from this point.
Don't worry about leaving footprints!
Affirmative!
Cleo...
Yes, Captain Zess?
Have you been sweeping twice to hide your steps so far?
Y-Yes...
You idiot! Southern Krisna's soil is softer!
Didn't I tell you to sweep at least three times?!
We're trapped!
We're surrounded by enemy forces!
Abort mission! We're retreating!
There's an opening at 7 o'clock.
Erekt! Secure our escape route!
I'm sorry!
This isn't necessarily your fault, Cleo.
Anyway, let's get moving!
Argath and I will guard the rear!
Sir!
Let's go, Cleo!
Yes, sir!
General Baldr, the enemy's retreating!
They figured it out already?!
Earlier than I anticipated. Regardless, all units commence attack!
Cleo!
I'll buy some time! Go help Cleo!
Two kills already?!
He's so fast!
The Killer Golem is here!
Damn you! Are you saying our ambush forces aren't worth your time?
You're too focused on Captain Zess!
Can you move, Cleo?
I'm alright.
They're closing in on us...
Okay, let's move!
Looks like we managed to break free.
Badlands...
We'll regroup at point nine.
Roger!
What the hell IS that?!
Two... three... four... enemy units.
How should I handle this?
If you wish to save the life of an enemy soldier...
Captain Zess, let me defend the rear!
What the hell?!
Fall back, Argath! Do not engage him!
You'll get yourself killed!
He's dead... He's dead, right?
Don't take it personally.
The fact that you're here means you feel somewhat responsible...
Me, responsible?
I don't blame myself one bit!
I never even saw Dan's face!
Everyone, scatter!
Captain, please retreat!
I'll break through that armor.
Cleo, give him cover fire!
Sir!
Shoot, Cleo!
Roger!
It's like a fortress is charging right at us!
This guy hurts.
It must be Zess.
Shit, he's concentrating his fire.
He's trying to tear off my armor...
It can't take much more!
I'm out?!
What ridiculous height!
Captain Zess!
Rygart!
Get back, Erekt!
He moves so fast...
That's him!
Erekt...
Yeah, it's him alright. The Black Golem!
The Black Golem?!
Zess!
Rygart!
If I destroy his rifle, I can save him!
Alright!
Once you get away from the Captain, I'll turn you into a beehive, Black Golem!
How could I have done something so stupid?
I held back because I was fighting Zess.
If I don't do something, they'll waste me the second I land!
If Rygart gets too far away, Erekt and Cleo will kill him!
I have to be the one to do it!
Rygart!
Zess?
Hey Zess!
ZESS!
Enemy reinforcements...
Cleo, this is your final order!
You're to retreat to the border alone.
That's an order from your superior, got it?
Get going, Cleo!
Cleo!
Everyone's been killed...
Lee, Argath, everyone from Irios...
They've all died at the hands of the Black Golem!
Cleo, are you listening? I said retreat!
I won't!
Cleo!
You son of a...
Two hostiles sighted! Two units down!
One is the Delphine!
Watch your fire! Make sure you don't hit Rygart!
Erekt, I'll draw their attention.
Take the opportunity to get Captain Zess out!
I can't do something so delicate.
Please...
There's no way it could go that smoothly in this kind of situation!
And besides, what's gonna happen to you?!
You damn idiot!
Target sighted! Fire!
A pressure gun?
Shit! Left side, don't break formation!
T-This guy's insane!
Captain...
I have to remove the armor carefully,
or else the Captain will get crushed!
He's still alive!
General, please get back--
I can't believe you're all panicking over a single unit...
Cleo!
Erekt!
I've recovered the Captain! Let's get out of here!
Roger!
Let us handle this, General!
You aren't going anywhere!
Chase them down! Don't just rely on your guns!
Fly, Artemis!
Shit! This thing's range is ridiculous!
Keep firing!
Great job, Cleo! Put some distance between them!
General Baldr, it's almost out of range!
You damned fool!
Erekt!
Cleo!
We made it!
Don't underestimate General True's troops!
Another unit?!
Erekt...
Go on without me.
Please... save Captain Zess.
Forgive me, Cleo!
Enemy unit captured! The other has escaped!
What happened to Zess?
Fortunately for you at least, he made a dashing retreat.
I see.
It's finally over.
Right now, the National Defense Force is fighting off Athens' main forces.
And even if they can repel them, General Borcuse is on his way.
Rygart...
It's only just begun.
I see...
Come on, start walking!
How was I, Father?
You were wonderful.
I'm looking forward to next month's All-Federation String Recital.
Master...
You have a visitor.
I knew it. It's the Colonel!
Do you like it?
Very much. It's quite delicious.
Like he could've said no!
Father!
Oh yes, I hear you've been frequenting the mess hall these days, Colonel Ios.
Is it because of some lady friend?
Is it?
N-No, of course not!
I just enjoy being able to talk with my men.
Calm down. I was just kidding.
Is that so?
So the situation on the front lines is grim.
If Krisna manages to ally with Orlando, they'll become our biggest threat.
I sympathize with Secretary General Loquis.
Secretary General Loquis has sought your reinstatement more fervently than anyone.
Additionally, he's aware of your heroic deeds during the siege of Assam Castle.
He also testified to your innocence during your Federal Court Marshall.
And at the same time, he has transferred full command of the Krisnan subjugation forces to you...
...General Borcuse.
Understood.
I will topple Krisna.
Father, Colonel...
You're leaving for the battlefield again, aren't you...
Sorrow's just part of life.
I'll return unharmed like I always do.
So don't you worry, Leda.
I'll be there for your recital.
Along with the Colonel, of course.
Isn't that right, Colonel?
Yes, sir!
Colonel, how's my Hycherion?
We figured out a way to transport it and sent it to Irios for further repairs.
And my men?
They're assembling in Irios.
Excellent.
Rygart!
Are you sure you don't need to rest?
I'm okay.
I just have a killer headache, that's all.
He's the Black Golem's pilot...
The one who injured Captain Zess, and killed Lee and Argath.
You filthy savages!
I'd rather die than be humiliated!
You barbarians!
Heavy Knight 1st Class Narvi, you played a major part in the prisoner's capture.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.
With all due respect, General Baldr, our squad contributed absolutely nothing to the capture.
To take credit for doing so would be to disgrace the reputation of this nation's Knights.
Thus, I feel that I am not qualified to participate in this discussion.
Well said, Narvi!
Spoken like a true knight of this kingdom!
Therefore, we shall excuse ourselves from this meeting!
Let's go, Narvi!
Sir!
Getting information out of the prisoner is of the utmost importance.
However, at the same time, we must exercise extreme caution when dealing with her.
Rygart, your input is very important as well.
Rygart!
Yes?
What should we do with our prisoner?
Why not just release her to Athens?
Indeed...
Pardon me, General.
There's a chance she may commit suicide. Would you please let me handle this matter?
She may prove useful in refitting the new Golem.
Please, sir.
So you want me to master this thing in a week, huh?
W-What do you say? The only person capable of piloting it besides yourself would be Lady Narvi.
Get rid of these shackles and I'll pilot whatever you want me to.
It sure feels nice to be relied upon.
A new squad centered around the Delphine is being formed.
It's been suggested that you enter under the command of their captain.
I might lose my temper and accidentally shoot my comrades.
You mind?
No matter what they do to me, I won't say a thing.
If it comes down to it, I'll just smash my head into the walls until I die.
Please... Come inside.
This is the torture chamber?
These are my private quarters.
It's a little messy, but please bear with it.
A little?
I am the wife of Krisna's king, Sigyn.
What's your name?
Cleo.
Damn! I told her my name!
The king's wife... That makes her the queen!
Cleo Saubraffe.
This is the crest of the famous House Saubraffe, yes?
We didn't find anything suspicious, so I was permitted to return it to you.
I can tell that you treasure it dearly.
She's so beautiful... and gentle.
Not at all like a barbarian princess.
But I'm still an enemy soldier.
I won't be fooled so easily!
I'll pour us some tea.
I don't know what you're up to, but I'm not going to tell you anything.
Cleo, you're welcome to stay here in this room.
Of course, I cannot allow you to leave.
I would also like to have a private discussion regarding things like Zess and your new golems.
I intend to treat you as a guest as long as you stay here. You'll be fine even if you don't wish to speak.
You're being quite soft on me...
The Krisnan forces are not used to dealing with prisoners.
Now then, I'll begin the questioning.
You singlehandedly brought down an estimated five golems.
Yet miraculously, none of the pilots were killed.
Did you purposely avoid killing them?
If such sophisticated maneuvers are possible with a golem as complex as yours,
then you must be an extremely capable sorcerer.
But I wonder... Does that make you a model soldier?
There you go.
What's wrong with her?
She's an adult, yet she's so frail...
I can't believe there's someone weaker than me!
Don't move!
You've shown me great kindness, but unfortunately...
Stand up.
Remove your garments too.
I told you to disrobe.
C'mon, eat it!
What's the matter? Eat!
What's your problem? Just eat your food.
Whoa, I see your proud animal spirit hasn't been completely broken!
Hey! Where ya goin'?
He'll come back when he gets tired.
You mean when he gets hungry.
Rygart.
Yeah?
That prisoner girl... Apparently she's only 12.
12 years old?!
Well...yeah.
What's with that body of hers?
Is she seriously 12 years old? No way!
That's ridiculous.
What did Athens do to her body?
Sorry, man.
Hm?
I dropped Gram's food.
Don't worry about it.
Goodnight.
Call the guards inside without making a fuss.
Do you really think you can escape to the border by yourself?
Don't talk.
That's the Black Golem's pilot...
Cleo...
Hey man, what're you tryin' to pull?
You're a little heavy, you stupid bird!
How about you GET THE HELL OFF?!
What's your deal?!
Try that again and I'll break your damn wings!
You've really put on weight, pal.
I guess "grown" would be a nicer way to put it...
Do you remember when you were a little squirt?
Well, a birdbrain like you probably can't remember.
I used to take care of you all the time.
So did Zess.
Old Captain Serious, Zess, used to help out a lot.
At first, he was so clumsy that he nearly dropped his poker face.
But he was the first who offered to care for you.
Do you still remember him?
He used to show off and let you perch on his shoulder.
Man, I nearly cracked up.
But then again, everyone was too scared to actually laugh at him.
'Cause there was nobody tough enough to beat him.
Zess can't possibly lose...
Maybe... if he had taken you home with him...
Agh, why am I spilling my guts to a dumb bird?
Why did Zess...
Hey, you're--
What?!
There aren't any rounds...
Freeze!
Forgive me, Cleo.
I'm terrified of guns. I can't even shoot one.
I thought it was strange that I was able to take your gun so easily.
You went easy on me, didn't you?
Walk.
OW! You little--
I did try to fight you off, though.
Your claws are digging into me, you little bastard!
Korekara no Sekai ni wa Dare mo Inai
There is no one in the future
Koe Dake o Senaka ni Kanjite
Hearing voices only from behind,
Miwataseba Daichi ni Saku Hito no Negai
I look up to see wishes blooming in the land
Fumitsubusu Mono o Sagase
I seek out the ones who try to stomp on them
Mamorenai Yakusoku Dake wa Shinai Keshite
because I never make promises I cannot keep
Hokori Takaki Yume Kagayaki Korosanu Youni
They're proud dreams, so I'll make them shine brighter
Kakaeru Kodoku no Tsuyosa Inochigake no Mirai
while bearing lonely strength for the irreplaceable future
Furimukazu ni Susumu Beki da to
"Don't just turn around and move forward"
Kimi ga Yubi Sashita Kanatae to
You pointed me toward the horizon I needed to follow
Hashiridashite Kigatsuitanda
I began to run and noticed too late
Omoi wa Tsunagaru Tabi Kieru
that feelings die when they connect
Futatabi Aeru Hi no Tame ni Ima o Ikiru yo
I will live in the present for we may meet in the future
Dare mo Inai Kaze no Naka Hitori de Samayou Toride
Wind blows with no one in sight, and I wander lost in this stronghold
Dare ka Ite mo Onaji Koto Samayou Basho wa Majiwaranai
Even if there were others, I still wouldn't wander into their wandering
Furimukazu ni Susumu Beki da to
"Don't just turn around and move forward"
Kimi ga Yubi Sashita Kanatae to
You pointed me toward the horizon I needed to follow
Hashiridashite Kigatsuitanda
I began to run and noticed too late
Omoi wa Tsunagaru Tabi Kieru
that feelings die when they connect
Futatabi Aeru Hi no Tame ni Ima o Ikiru yo
I will live in the present for we may meet in the future
ALIVE SERIOUS AGE
Alive in this serious age
110... 111!
Wow, they just keep coming!
To our people, we're on a mission to punish the puny, conniving nation that's hiding behind Orlando.
Is that truly how other nations see us, General?
Are you having some personal doubts about this conflict, sir?
If you consider international affairs as personal, then yes.
I haven't made this public, but our quartz mines are beginning to run dry.
Even counting our emergency reserves, we've probably got another ten years.
We've got to find more abundant lands no matter what the price.
This is the only option we have left...
At the risk of sounding arrogant, I support the invasion.
Since their country's defeat at Assam, Orlando's pacifist faction has gained significant influence.
Because of that, I highly doubt they'll get involved.
This kind of opportunity comes only once every 50 years.
I trust you, the man willing to play the villain for his country's sake, more than anyone.
Athens' future is in your hands, General Borcuse!
Fight for your friends, your family, and the very peace of this continent!
All forces, move out!
Preview
We will crush Baldr.
And then this war will be over!
No big deal. He's already dead anyway.
Just think of it as demolition work.
I have to do it!
I have to become a murderer!
Book Four The Land of Disaster
A
If he acts the least bit suspicious,
kill him without hesitation!