act17side

Irene.

Yes, maestro... I mean, sir!

You seem distracted.

I... I'm fine.

Gran Faro is a tiny town, so small that most maps don't even bother to list it.

But this is a request from Lord Carmen himself, and it involves Dr. Kal'tsit and those Ægir.

I know, sir. I—

If you still haven't found your answer, I will not give you permission to join the mission.

I'd already made up my mind when I first decided to follow in your footsteps and become an Inquisitor.

Yes, before you even knew the question. An answer is worthless if it cannot explain what you see and hear.

Don't die a worthless death, Irene. You know what we're fighting against. And you must find your own answer.

I—

...Yes, sir.

Lady Kal'tsit.

Gladiia's tone does not change, but her footsteps reflect her mood.

A blink of the eye, and she is by Kal'tsit's side.

Good work, Gladiia.

The Inquisition didn't do anything to you, did they?

The fact that Iberia has not yet sunk into the sea is proof that they still retain a shred of humility and vigilance.

You found a way, as promised.

Yes. However...

Even if Iberia is willing to let go of their fears, what about Ægir?

What about you?

If this temporary cooperation is necessary to help us return to the ocean... so be it.

Finally, an Ægir with some sense, right? Like the waves themselves, like the rays and texture of the sea.

Hello there, special Ægir. I believe you've already met our other members?

Yes. You're also a member of AUS?

Alty, bassist. Nice to meet you.

How are things outside?

The cultists are out in force, but individually they're rather weak.

My Hunters can take care of everything.

The Inquisition will only work with us once we've taken care of the problems in Gran Faro.

Then there's no time to waste.

Gladiia raises her lance.

At the same time, she senses that something is not right.

There, among the Sea Terrors... but how could it be...?

Kal'tsit here.

Dr. Kal'tsit! Their goal is—

...Elysium?

What's the matter?

One of our operators is in trouble.

Something lurks here.

As we discussed, Alty, the members of AUS can stay ashore.

We'll handle this as quickly as possible.

Sure, we can wait.

And we'll be happy to provide some BGM for your campaign.

...Too weak.

They keep coming. Buying time?

Or spreading... something.

I must find the leader.

—Gkh—!

Specter.

...Hm?

Ah... Skadi. Long time no see.

Something the matter?

...Are you alright?

I'm fine, just a little tired.

Yes... We're fighting, right? The scent of the ocean... reminds me of home.

But, home? My home... huh...

Gkh—!

The sea.

The scent of the sea grows stronger. Are we home, Skadi? Is this the way home?

...It will be, Specter. Laurentina. I promise.

Tell me then... what's that before my eyes?

What?

A figure strides down the street, humming a tune.

The streets are a mess in the aftermath of the panicking townsfolk, but it hardly bothers Frost as she plucks at the air and imagines music.

Hmph!

(Slithering sounds)

The Sea Terrors keep away from her. No, they ignore her. Is she... playing an instrument?

Does it sound nice?

I don't know.

Then ask.

Wait!

*pant*... *pant*...

(Did I shake him?)

Dammit?!

Was it when we first met? No, he didn't even touch me.

Those documents must be destroyed, Iberian.

Obey, and you may keep your limbs. Attached, if you prefer.

(Shit, he's fast...)

Weren't your friends only burning them because there wasn't time to save them all?

With your skills, you could just as easily have taken them yourself. So why the need to burn them?

'Friends?'

The man growls from the bottom of his throat, a sound born of humiliation.

We are not 'friends.'

Then what?

It doesn't concern you. Surrender the documents, and leave this place.

Whether you're with the Inquisition, or with another country...

(He stopped.)

Yes... you've always been sharp.

The mysterious Ægir gazes into the distance.

'Friends.'

(Ægirian) We may be bound by blood, but you must stay away from Ægir for now.

Elysium evades the attack, but it's immediately clear why he managed to.

The sword's aura rips the charred papers to shreds, sending the splintered truth drifting into the wind.

Crap—

(Ægirian) They cannot return to Ægir just yet. Allowing everyone to act on their own will only accelerate the destruction.

(Ægirian) Even though Ægir has already chosen the path of self-annihilation.

No more Sea Terrors approach.