act7mini

Apologies, I had no intention of declaring that name. I only hope that these myths of Minos may spread to Sargon as well, such that we can come to understand each other better.

You should save those words for the next visitor from Sargon passing by.

*Sniff*... Fine. It seems that besides wishing you well, there is nothing else we can do for you, traveler from Sargon.

I will gift you this working compass.

Though you know not where you are going... You must continue moving onwards. That is the only goal you have now, and the only way to escape your suffering.

To move onwards is a choice, one most miraculous. I believe that you will receive much help on your journey, traveler.

When the next kindly person appears, one who can devote their energies to you, one who can save you from the most dangerous of mountains, one who can help you escape the clutches of Death... You may make your choice then, or even decide to accompany them.

Hey, watch out, priestess. What if those sufferings you just mentioned really happened to her?

The things you say are oddly profound, at times.

Forget it... it doesn't really matter.

Maybe the destination of this journey is the journey itself.

I will pray for you, young lady. The road you tread stretches far, very far indeed.

You are a warrior. A brave, persevering warrior. Your bravery is etched on your weapon, etched on your limbs, etched in your very soul itself.

Though your eyes are hazy now, a strong rain will wash it all away and your vision will be clear once more.

I apologize for not being able to devote myself to the task of earning your trust. We all have the same, more important things to do.

I'm still suspicious of you.

You, me, and that adorable Sarkaz warrior. We are all on a journey without a destination, struggling and suffering to move onwards for the sake of our souls, even as we seek that one thing we must experience, that most important thing——

To find a place for ourselves.

Hey, time to change shifts.

Right.

Hey, Sarkaz.

What?

Shouldn't you tell us your name by now? Or do you really want to go by 'Sarkaz'?

A name's just a name. You call your priestess 'Goddess'. She calls herself 'Priestess Pallas'. Does that really make her so?

Whatever. Though, after we win this war, the only name you'll be leaving to the legends would be 'Sarkaz' then?

Hah, let's see if we even survive! You're pretty confident, Minoan!

(It's not really important whether I'm hailed as a hero in history.)

(As long as I'm a Sarkaz, as long as I'm treated as a Sarkaz no matter what I do...... It's not too bad to be fighting alongside heroes.)

Hmm?

Priestess Pallas, what are you doing here?

Ah, Mister Sarkaz.

Don't call me that. Why are you standing night watch? Did something happen?

Not something to mobilize the masses, I hope.

It's just that today's events have been weighing heavily on me. I have had an urge to come here, to find the answers I seek.

What, are you still thinking about that Sargon Kuranta soldier? What's so special about her?

No, it's exactly the opposite. She's normal through and through.

She's normal, yet she hurries along, as if running away from some evil spirit while keeping everyone at arm's length.

She does not seem predisposed to such behavior. I would presume that a great change has occurred recently, one that has left her despondent.

Mister Sarkaz, what do you think could have happened?

No idea. I don't share your interest in going through people's life stories.

I only need to know what you're doing here. You act as if you want me to do something, while also looking like you're just loitering around. Tell me what's on your mind, mercurial 'Goddess'.

Shh.

(Grabs his blade)

Who's there?

It's just as you said, Mister Sarkaz. It's difficult to discern one's heart, and my fateful encounter with our Kuranta visitor was sadly lacking in depth.

Even so, you and I have witnessed her fragility——Her fortitude is bent and broken, and she is at her most vulnerable right now. There isn't much we can do for her, with a good breakfast being the greatest courtesy we can confer.

Even so, even so. That poor Kuranta soldier. Her only pursuit right now, is the power to grasp her own fate. To choose a destination of her own, or to end it on her own terms.

No matter what, she possesses the same goal as ourselves. To search for freedom, that is our mission.

Try as I may, I am unable to imagine how vile it must be, that evil spirit behind the loss of her freedom. I never believed I would face such a saddening scene.

Ah, 'Mister Sarkaz', do you weep for such a tragedy?

As things are now, perhaps I should make my warning clear in advance, so that the approaching battle will reach a more direct conclusion——

Malign one, you are different from the earlier traveler. Your body reeks of the stench of blood and evil. You have a cruel plan, and the target is one much weaker than you.

You wish to carry out a murder, a hunt, a dirty plan to brag about, upon this holy land of Minos. This, I will never allow.

Without warning, a shadow leaps out of the dark night and rushes towards the Minoan priestess.

In an instant, his attack is blocked by an opposing blade.

The attacker immediately falls back.

Stand aside, my kin. This obnoxious priestess who keeps rambling on about inane topics annoys me.

It seems that you didn't understand her words, which is to say you don't know why she's so unhappy right now.

I have my own task. I believe it should have nothing to do with you.

She seems to want to stop me from finding a 'Kuranta soldier.' I can see that she's been anticipating a battle since before I tracked the clues here.

Since she wants to protect my target, she must die. What are you doing here then?

I'm working as a soldier, helping the Minoans here.

Ah, we are not enemies then. We both have a job to do, so let's go our own ways.

Is that witch's life part of your responsibilities?

That's not something you need to think about.

Indeed. Every swing of my blade has a price, and I have no reason to waste my energy here.

——Unless, that absurd speech of hers has displeased me. Maybe I want to drag her horns along, to point a faster path to that Kuranta soldier.

I haven't guessed wrongly, have I? Witch.

What an uncultured and ill-manned beast.

You view yourself as a dirty blade and refuse all counsel. Is that really the case?

*spits* That's enough. Kinsman, I have no quarrel with you. Close one eye and leave, if you know what's good for you.

The assassin prepares to strike at the priestess. However, the mercenary steps in front of her, not moving an inch.

Oh, what's this? You're a Sarkaz, do you really think that you'll be treated as an honored bodyguard, with nothing but the blessings of the Minoans?

Nothing to do with the priestess. I just think that you've lived a really sad life.

Don't tell me you've never done such things. Frankly, you're no match for me.

Nay, ruthless intruder, wicked pursuer. It is because of that blind arrogance of yours that you will lose.

Heroes do not await death meekly. Moreover, heroes do not stand aside as monsters chase their prey about.

Blinded by money and power as you are, you have already forgotten how shameful it is to persecute and kill.

Whatever you say. If you really have the stuff, I'll stop after cutting off one of your horns.

To be honest, I think my talents are being wasted on a simple deserter. Wouldn't I get a nicer reward if I brought back a Minoan head?

Since you have cursed and insulted me so, I no longer hold the slightest bit of remorse for that devil-bewitched heart of yours.

For the sake of that Kuranta traveler's safety, I will not let you leave alive, cruel assassin.

Pitiful, tragic Sarkaz warriors. Your once chaotic hearts are no longer the same. You have each stepped on vastly different paths.

There's only one ending for Sarkaz. Salvation does not exist. Just shut up, witch. Here I come——

This battle in the dark night was never recorded in the annals of history.

Some souls continue running, becoming ever purer in their journey of life.

In time, they will shine with the brightest light.

In time, these sparks of light will gather about the traveling Rhodes Island, becoming a glorious blaze that moves ever onwards.