act13side

It's been a while. What can I do for you?

I...

'I've let you down.'

But, those words do not escape his lips.

McKee's hand seems to be fumbling about in midair, as if trying to buy some leeway for his chagrin.

But in the end, he gives up.

...I hope you enjoy the finals.

–– (Ancient language) The young hunter sets out on his Khaganquest ♪

–– (Ancient language) From dreams he goes, towards the shores of gold ♪

–– From dreams he goes, towards the shores of gold ♪

A halberd in hand, stained red with blood of kin ♪

Drowning in the bright moon's sorrow ♪

Until the black night paints over his vision ♪

Until a tower of bone stands erect in his heart ♪

Until hemlock chokes his hazy home ♪

O, the hunter is bound to flame by ashes ♪

O, the hunter's soul sleeps in the eye of the spring ♪

From the lighthouse did the longbow loose ♪ But with its arrows of bonfires and dawn ♪

Upon the dead has the bone urn been splashed ♪ But the father still waters white cocoons under the tree ♪

We made it! But, it's so crowded! Though you could've guessed that just from what was on TV.

Ah!

Amiya, hold my hand.;Stay close to me. Don't get separated in the crowd.

Okay.

Over here, Doctor.

Nightingale, you should be careful as well.

Right now, it's exactly 8 o'clock in the Grand Knight Territory! Welcome to the 24th Grand Finals of the Kazimierz Major! As always, it's your old buddy Greatmouth Mob here!

After countless hardships and struggles, after countless victories and defeats, Kazimierz will, tonight, crown yet another champion after three long years!

Don't expect much sleep in the land of Kazimierz tonight! A new hero and a new legend will be born!

Countless eyes are on us from all over the world! Knight enthusiasts from Columbia, Victoria, Leithanien, you name it, all are paying rapt attention to tonight's match!

And tonight's match, yes, in a single night, will shatter countless records! The number of concurrent viewers! The total amount of traffic! Single-day sales!

––But that's not all! The most, most, most, most important thing of all... are the knights! Take a good look, every single one of you lucky spectators! Tonight, even the Minoan goddess of war will have to concede!

For the first time in over two decades, two champions will clash in the grand finals!

Two champions! Two of the greatest knights Kazimierz has ever seen!! Anybody lucky enough to be here to witness this historic event—make sure to etch every moment of this night into your memory!

Because from now on, you all will be a part of the greatest moment in the history of the Kazimierz Major!

The two contenders for the championship require no introduction! But rules are rules, so I've got to waste a few of your precious minutes! First, let me introduce you to––

The defending Champion of the Major, 'Kazimierz's Blood-Red Chalice,' the Blood Knight of the Crimson Chalice Knightclub –– DIKAAAAAAIOOOPOLIIIIIIS!

A suit of crimson armor emerges from the shadows and takes its place beneath the light.

The hero has no flashy moves. He simply stands in the arena, feeling the temperature of the soil and the humidity of the air.

The Blood Knight lifts his head slightly. He can hardly see the night sky from beneath the blinding array of light.

The Blood Knight! The Blood Knight!

The Blood Knight! The Blood Knight! The Blood Knight!

The Blood Knight. He is the one who created a path to knighthood for the Infected?

I had no idea... he was this kind of warrior.

Just listen to those deafening cheers.

Shining, he's the one they call their hero?

Even if we know very little about him, I can't deny that he is a hero.;......;Even if he stands in Nearl's way, I can't deny he's a tough opponent.

And on the other side!

The young legend! The heir of a great hero! Bearer of a thousand glories and former occupant of the Throne of Champions, only to be exiled in the blink of an eye! A tragedy in the hearts of countless people!

But none of that matters now! She is the youngest champion in the history of the Major, the quickest to achieve the rank of Grand Knight, an independent knight who rose to the highest honor in the land––

The legend on everyone's lips... now walks before us once more! Please welcome the light-bringing pegasus, the Radiant Knight––MAAAARGAREEEEEET NEEEAAAAAAAARRRLLL!!

Two Infected, two champions, two Grand Knights! This match will be one for the history books! A matchup so exciting your heart might leap out of your chest!

It's now my pleasure to announce...

The deciding Grand Finals of the 24th Kazimierz Major! BEGIN––

––NOW!!!

Wh-What's going on?! The Blood Knight suddenly took off his helmet! This usually only happens after the match is decided––!

You...

The Radiant Knight. I'm very glad you've made it here.

Thank you.

A lot of people do not understand your choices, but I do.

You wish to become a beacon. You know that you alone cannot tear down this era–– And if you could, it would be meaningless.

Therefore, you cast your own light forth to illuminate a path forward for others, in the hope that those who are forced to kneel will straighten their backs, to let the oppressed choose their own destinies.

Your dedication is most honorable, Radiant Knight. From your eyes, I cannot see even a speck of the so-called dust of ideals.

Many heroes do strive to act out of justice, but do it too hastily, in a way that is only self-serving.

No, I was surprised.

After I returned to Kazimierz, I met a number of knights who still held onto their faith.

They haven't lost themselves to modernity. From them, I can still see the embers of glory flickering.

Virtue will always exist. This city is not so rotten to that extent, but––

––Virtue alone cannot change this era.

On this decadent knights' stage, there is only one thing I want to prove.

That even now, true knights still exist.

That beauty, honor, and justice... still exist here––

––Indeed, those things, that spirit, are like gems. You illuminate those gems, and wait for others to pick them up again.

That is your greatest limitation, Margaret.

Dedication, sacrifice, and fighting for justice are of course noble and righteous. For this, I admire you.

But these things, the spirit of knighthood, may not be enough to save this complex era.

You handed a pickaxe to the weak and taught them to break down walls of stone. But you never taught them how to build a new home.

Or rather–– You never told them: While they can choose a new path, there are many different paths they can take.

Nngh––!

The Blood Knight suddenly launches the first attack! In terms of range, the Radiant Knight's swordspear should undoubtedly have the advantage! But right now–– Wait a minute!

It's Blood Arts! After the axe swing, he's immediately following up with a spear of blood from his left hand––?!

(She blocked it––?)

I'm not done yet!

Guh!

A burst of light! It's the Radiant Knight's Arts! In the opening moments of the match, it's an Arts against Arts showdown! I can't see what's going on, but the two are clearly already going at it hard!

What precise Arts control, and to throw it out so instantly... Unbelievable.

This couldn't have been achieved through ordinary training... No, there's no way you can learn skills like this from the arena...

Is it military training? Fighting rampaging beasts on the wastelands?

I can say this for sure, Margaret. You now shine like the sun in the sky.

––In every duel you fight... Against the Nightzmora, against the Candle Knight... Are you always this calm?

Look at you. This is the first time I've seen your expression on the battlefield––

You—

My expression?

Much less burdened than I expected, Blood Knight.

I've given it some thought as well. If I returned to the arena only to see decadence and decay, whether or not I'd be shaken.

But now, I am firm in my beliefs.

Though we should probably put that conversation aside for another time.

Agreed.

The eyes of the two knights meet.

The power beneath their armor roils restlessly, strong convictions flaring in their hearts.

Now is not the time to talk about the future.