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The only thing I need of my enemies is for them to be strewn across the ground.

Then you're in luck. You've got a whole army of opponents right in front of you.

You're the only one in this crowd worthy of being my opponent.

Degenbrecher shakes her head, sighing as if offering an immutable truth within her opinion.

Sharp looks at the woman before him, and for some reason, is reminded of his friend Stormeye, a fellow elite operator.

Stormeye would've been very happy to face an opponent like her.

But to him, whether mingling with the army here, or dealing with Degenbrecher, all of this is just a part of the job.

It's a shame, an enemy's respect doesn't do much for me either.

I dislike glory, but you don't seem to care about it at all.

Nothing personal. It's just business.

Just business?

Doing business requires professionalism. Only an amateur would bring personal feelings to the job.

There's nothing worth bragging about when it comes to my combat abilities. It's just one of my tools to get the job done.

Hahaha, I like the way you think.

I've always despised self-righteous challengers, pumped up on their skills or ideals.

And, without exception, I crushed them all underfoot.

I have heard of your feats as The Black Knight.

A Leithanian who cannot use Arts, rendering all dignity and pride worthless before your greatsword.

Where is that greatsword, by the way?

Waving something like that around in this unsophisticated place would only scare the natives, so I decided to switch weapons.

Not that it matters what I use, though.

Degenbrecher flourishes the blade in her hand, and in the blink of an eye, the wind and snow itself seem to cleave in two.

As for me, I was promised victory.

Sharp bends forward slightly, placing his hand on the hilt of the standard-issue knife at his waist.

Degenbrecher notices a familiar scent from him.

Back when she was in Kazimierz, only a few people gave off this same scent.

The scent of war.

Do you come from the Court of Sargon?

That was my previous employment.

Never thought you'd be able to identify Sargon swordsmanship.

I have little interest in Arts. But when it comes to weaponry, I couldn't forget anything, even if I wanted to.

No wonder they called The Black Knight a natural-born warrior.

Natural-born?

Hmph.

Do you know how long it took to go from 'a Leithanian who can't use Arts' to 'a natural-born warrior?'

'Click.'

The shield in Sharp's hand reveals a crack.

Though there are several wounds on Degenbrecher's body, she seems not to notice them.

Do you have no sense of pain?

If growing up, the only waking sensation you knew was pain, then you too would be used to it.

How about you? How many times have you danced with death?

Everyone I knew who even thought of counting didn't survive long in battle.

I heard that The Black Knight, despite being a three-time champion, was exiled from Kazimierz and hunted for refusing to work with the General Chamber of Commerce, eventually disappearing beyond Kazimierz's borders.

So?

Once a symbol of refusal to bow to authority, now a conspirator's bodyguard taking part in the usurpation of a country.

I don't pass any moral judgments. I just can't help but to feel a bit let down.

I thought a Rhodes Islander of all people would understand Enciodes's ideas.

Understanding is one thing. Acceptance is another.

Actually, I think the Doctor understands Enciodes well.

I'm not going to defend Enciodes or myself. It's too much of a hassle, and also unnecessary.

See for yourself what he wants with your own eyes – if you survive, that is.

After a great many struggles, Ensia finally reaches the edge of the cliff. She can scale it easily, but the sound of a nearby conversation makes her freeze.

Everything's gone to shit down there, and everything's gone to shit up here too.

Yeah. I can't believe the Great Elder went down like that, and now Arctosz is rampaging his way up here.

I was under the assumption that the worst was over, but now I have no idea what's going to happen next.

I didn't really think there'd be peace anyway, but now that things have gone south, I feel a little guilty.

Guilty? Why?

Since we entered the Vine-Bead Court, the Lady–– Err, the Saintess, has clearly taken the reins.

Since the Great Elder collapsed, the entire Vine-Bead Court has fallen in line with the Saintess.

And below the mountain, Sir Enciodes has taken complete control.

When you put it that way, it all makes sense, huh. The Saintess controls the mountain, and Sir Enciodes controls everything below.

Borrowing your words, I have no idea what's going to happen next.

We're just underlings anyway. There's no point thinking too hard about it.

Yeah, you're right. Why even bother?

Let's make two more rounds. Maybe we'll get called down the mountain by then.

Sis...

Hey! What's that?!

The granary is on fire!

What?! Someone go put it out, hurry!

Heh, piece of cake.

Madame, you certainly have a unique way of doing things, though that's to be expected...

The hell are you trying to say?!

N-Nothing, it was a compliment.

Hmph. I'll pay for them to rebuild the granary after we're all done here, but for now, we're on urgent business!

Stop dragging your feet! The fire's got their attention, so go rescue Yucatan! The place is right ahead!

Yes, Madame!

...Kjarr.

I'm here, Saintess.

During the ceremony, I recall that when I happened to spot you in the crowd, there was a hooded figure next to you.

That's right.

I've heard that this person is a guest from Rhodes Island invited by Enciodes. A guest known as the Doctor.

But now, that individual stands with Arctosz, fighting against Enciodes.

...Nothing escapes you, Saintess.

How did you come to know this person?

By chance, when I was heading down the mountain to deliver your letter.

...I'll take your word for it then.

Why did this question suddenly grip your thoughts?

I would like to meet this person.

Huh?

Though I don't know exactly why, the Doctor stands in direct opposition to Enciodes.

I want to know exactly why.

I no longer doubt what I must do, but I am afraid that I made up my mind too late.

There are some things I must fight for.

About that... You needn't worry yourself.

Why not?

Because the Doctor's emissary is right behind you.

Huh?!

Sis!

Ensia... I suppose I've finally started hallucinating.

Snap out of it, sis! You're not hallucinating! It's me, your sister, Ensia!