Only a little further until we reach the Demon Ragruvord.

What was that persistent demon Shusui all about?!

He's gotten in our way so many times, I don't even know how many detours we've had to make so far!

Yeah, he was a really strong demon.

Hmph, giving up already?

Ha ha ha. I guess I am a little tired.

However, it seems like he only attacked us to test our strength.

But, that being said...

It really is no wonder why the gods abandoned this land, with demons as powerful as that roaming around.

I know, right?

Ever since we came here it's been one surprise after another.

Ivris...you seem, more cheerful since we got here.

Of course, I mean...we're actually in Ishgria!

Here, my sister can't really... U-Um, I mean, I was just thinking about how much freedom we have here...you know?

We haven't come here to play around, exactly.

We have direct orders from Lord Karna Masta to follow.

You should take this more seriously.

I know that... I do!

Orders are orders! I get it!

Oh! Colt, stay still for a second, please.

I want to pet the catlike creature near your leg.

Huh?

Aww... It got away.

Seriously, you guys...

Ha ha ha.

You two sure have as much energy as ever.

Are you okay, Claire?

It seems almost like you've been bracing yourself for something since we got here.

...... You noticed, huh?

I'm more nervous than usual, even I think so.

It's just, a direct order from Lord Karna Masta...

...in which failure is not an option.

It would be much easier for me if I could just happily go along with it, like you and Ivris.

I know how you feel.

Not to mention it's a mission in to the unknown realm of demons, "Ishgria."

Even I'm...

...... Thanks, Claire.

Huh?

The reason I can happily go along with it...

...is because I know that you are all watching over me.

It makes me feel safer.

So, thank you.

......

It's not like you to say something like that at all. Look at poor Claire, she doesn't know what to say!

I-It really isn...

If that's the case, though, you should get it together a little more...

...so that Claire can relax a bit more, too!

Ha ha ha. I think I've got it pretty together already.

Honestly...

Now that you mention it, Fadahl is awfully late coming back from scouting ahead.

I bet he's taking the scenic route.

Are you trying to change the subject again?

He won't waste time, he's not you after all!

He he...

...thanks. I feel a lot better.

......

What's this I sense...?

It isn't just the Demon Ragruvord.

There's one more... another demon with the same power close by.

I can feel it coming from the Shadowlight Temple...

Our orders explicitly state to suppress the Demon Ragruvord, but...

...this is something we cannot ignore.

There's no telling if they might attack from behind and trap us while we're doing battle with Ragruvord!

...... We were right to bring soldiers.

Before I decide anything, I'll return and go over our strategy with the others.

Guardian of Meirith...bestowed with the Divine Armor.

Who's there?!

I am a servant of the gods. I have come to relay a message.

A message from the gods?

You grow insolent.

Y-Yes!

My message for you is this...

We have confirmed that there are dissenters who wish to cause harm to Holy Emperor Karna Masta.

To the Holy Emperor?!

They have already begun putting a plan into action, aiming to overthrow him.

Your duty as Guardians of Meirith is to protect the Holy Emperor Karna Masta.

I will open a gate especially for you to return to Grand Gaia at Needle Coast.

Return with haste, and guard Karna Masta with your life.

...... Understood.

But, what of our mission regarding the Demon Ragruvord?

That thing is also planning to invade Grand Gaia!

I was told it was of utmost importance to quell this threat as soon as possible...

I am but a messenger.

My duties are solely to pass on orders, that is all.

......

And I have done just that, you now know about the dissenters who intend to harm Karna Masta.

......

I realize that Lord Karna Masta...

...should be my first priority now that I know he is in danger.

But at the same time...the demons here still need to be dealt with!

Darn it! Think Fadahl! Think!

......

In any case, I should report this information back to the others.

It still wouldn't be too late to make a decision after I've told them.

Dissenters are planning to harm Lord Karna Masta?!

...... I definitely feel a strange and powerful magic force coming from the general direction of Needle Coast.

It seems strong enough to open a gate.

Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go, Sis!

Wait, Colt.

We can't just leave the Demon Ragruvord to have its way with these lands.

But we can't ignore any demons planning to bring harm to Grand Gaia at the same time, either.

The whole reason we came here was to suppress the Demon Ragruvord...

Well then, let's take care of the demon here first.

After that, we'll rush back to aid Lord Karna Masta!

......

Will it really be so easy to just "take care" of a demon...

...that Lord Karna Masta himself ordered us to suppress?

Grh...

...... One more thing, the messenger who appeared before me said...

...they would open a gate especially for us, but didn't say anything about how long it would be open for.

It's safe to assume there's no guarantee it'll be open for long.

A gate that bridges Grand Gaia and other realms...

...holding a gate like that open would quickly exhaust even the strongest magic.

What should we do...?

......

Fadahl, you already have a plan in mind, don't you?

Tell us.

...... You saw right through me.

I was thinking it over on my way over here...

...and I think it would be best if we split into two groups.

No actually, three groups would be better.

The first group will stay here and continue the mission to suppress the Demon Ragruvord...

...and one will return to Grand Gaia to aid Lord Karna Masta.

...... What about the third group?

That group will be the troops, acting on our orders.

During my scouting trip, I began to suspect that there may be another demon here.

We will give them the task of defeating that demon.

Don't you think that's a little dangerous?

Yes, but I'm prepared to take that risk.

As it is, we currently only have a few hands at our disposal.

Of course, I will be sure to tell the soldiers not to push themselves too hard.

Essentially, they're only buying time until Ragruvord is defeated.

......

I guess...we have no other choice.

They are also servants to Lord Karna Masta, after all. Let's have them get prepared.

Before that, we have another problem...

Yes, the problem of how we're going to split up.

Who is going to stay here and continue the mission, and who is going to head back to Grand Gaia?

......

......

Fadahl, you've...already got an idea of who you want to go where, right?

Tell us what you think.

No, I still haven't quite made up my mind.

All I can tell you is, I think it'd be for the best if Quaid and I were in different groups.

Also, if I may, I would like to be in the group that returns to Grand Gaia.

If somebody is planning to harm our Holy Emperor, then I want to mete out justice with my own hands.

Sis! Let's go back to Grand Gaia!

We are Guardians of Meirith. It is our sworn duty to protect the Holy Emperor.

Yes...but...

......

Or, no...you're right.

Fadahl, Colt and I would like to return to Grand Gaia with you.

Which means Diana and Ivris are to remain here with Quaid...

...and carry on the mission of suppressing Ragruvord.

Are you two okay with that?

No problems here! If anything, I wanted to stay!

I...have my worries either way...but...

If you don't have an opinion, you might as well go with the group's decision.

Hey, Quaid!

You haven't said your bit yet!

What's going on in that head of yours?!

I...