...... So I have been defeated? And at the hands of humans...

No... What defeated me was not the mere power of humans.

That clever Mora, along with some other power...

The gods... No... These are...humans?

...... It seems I have forgotten about another human characteristic.

You humans. Remember this...

It was not you who destroyed me...

It was my ignorance and weakness which led to my doom.

Because one who controls the entirety of Rakshult like myself should not have been destroyed by humans and the like.

Hans! Are you all right?

Phew. Well, it looks like everything was wrapped up safely here.

Just what I'd expect from you, Hans. You were a big help.

After we last saw each other, things were a bit difficult...

Lord Owen did take out all the enemies at once, but after that, reinforcements arrived...

Finally there was such a great number of enemies, we decided to spread out and move on.

I realized it later, but...

...whenever enemies were defeated, even more would appear the next time.

I was dodging enemies on my way here, and there weren't that many, but...

...Lord Owen and everyone got into that terrible position, and...

Ahhh!

...... Speak of the devil.

*Cough* *cough*

Lord Owen, if you defeat the enemies, it will only bring more reinforcements!

That matters not. If more come, that is more for me to destroy.

Considering I'm here with you, won't you think about me for a second?!

Seria, are you okay?

Paris! And Hans, too!

Phew, it looks like the demon was defeated somehow.

Hans, I've got to hand it to you.

Hm, Seria... If you had not interfered, we would have made it here faster.

If I hadn't been there, even more enemies would have appeared!

Hey, Seria, so why are you with Lord Owen?

After what happened, the road I was on became swarmed with enemies...

As I was wondering what was going on, Lord Owen was suddenly there by my side...

Then, we came together in order to avoid more damage being done.

A-Ah, I see... Good work...

Well, where's Lugina?

Haven't seen him. I guess he hasn't come yet?

Yes, I figured he would have noticed this trap, and thus would have arrived beforehand...

Did he maybe run into a strange enemy again?

He's, well, he might not be a dummy, but he does get wrapped up in some strange things.

Hahahaha. Everyone seems to know him quite well.

As an old friend, I am quite happy.

Who's there?!

It is a pleasure to meet you all.

I am Bertz of the Elgaia Federation.

The Elgaia Federation?! Why is someone from the Federation here?

Ishgria belongs to no one. Surely there is no problem in my being here, yes?

Also, there are quite a variety of ways to come here.

Ah, yes. Lord Owen, the First Summoner.

......

Well, what does a person from the Federation need of us?

Hahahaha. You're just as nice as I have heard.

Summoner Seria.

And you are even more beautiful than the stories say.

Wh-What are you talking about?!

You're even beautiful when you're blushing.

What's more, Paris over there is quite the lovely lady.

I am quite jealous of my old friend.

Bertz, was it?

Don't waste time with pointless talk.

We...

Yes, of course I understand.

I, of course, have no intention to anger Lord Owen.

But I must say, you certainly met my expectations, Miss Paris.

Your speech is quite in tune with what one would expect from a member of nobility.

......

I have only come to meet with my dear old friend, but it appears he has not yet arrived.

Well then, perhaps we can have a little chat until he does.

We could even talk about the establishment of the Akras Summoners' Hall.

What I would prefer, is to ask you why you know anything of that.

Lord Grahdens!

Ah, now if it isn't Lord Grahdens.

I thought I had escaped you, but I should have known better than that.

Hm, so you had no intention of hiding your following me.

Well then, I shall be straightforward with my questions.

It was you, yes?

You are the one that fed Mirfah and Shusui that nonsense.

Yes, that's correct.

I only spoke the truth, but was there something wrong with what I said?

No, there is no problem.

Only, I had wished they would have heard it from me.

Hahaha! Oh, Lord Grahdens, you're just as I expected.

And far more interesting than I had heard.

Some other time I'd like to sit down with you and have a nice, long chat.

I have no interest in tedious talk.

Bertz, a high ranking diplomat of the Elgaia Federation, as well as a master of La Veda fencing.

Or should I refer to you by your other name, "Klauser"?

Mr. "Klauser" seems to wrap things up advantageously for himself, no what matter the situation...

I've heard that, too.

That, along with rumors of how incredibly pushy he is.

I am truly honored that you have heard anything at all about me.

However, I am nothing compared to you, who has overthrown Lord Lucius.

Please, call me Bertz.

...... By the way, Owen. Do you think you could wait a bit longer?

Hm, understood.

And could you also take your hand away from your sword, perhaps?

......

Darn, I can't do this!

Hans! Where the heck are you?!

That's the voice of someone who can't tell what's going on...

Ugh...

So you're all here!

Hans! Looks like you defeated Mordlim somehow.

Hm, you should thank me, though.

I mean, you beat Mordlim because I stopped Shusui.

You fought Shusui?

Yeah, for some reason that jerk decided to get in my way.

But, well, Shusui wasn't my enemy anyway.

So, you defeated Shusui.

Ah, well, not exactly. He, well, I made him run away.

H-Hey, stop that! I didn't lose!

Hahahaha. You haven't changed at all, Lugina.

B-Bertz?!

What are you doing here?!

Now, now, is that how you talk to a dear friend you haven't seen in ages?

Wait, you two know each other?

Yes, we trained under the same master and are great friends.

Sorry, but you should probably pick better friends.

Well, the both of you, I guess.

Shut up!

We merely have unfortunate ties. He's no friend of mine!

Anyway, Bertz! Answer me!

What are you doing here?!

Well, Lugina, I came to see you.

Huh?

You can quit it with your act.

Your duty is complete. Come back to the Federation.

Wh-What do you mean?

Don't be tricked by him! He's been like this forever.

How cold.

There is no one who is as fond of you as I am.

What...

I said, don't get the wrong idea!

Hans! Say something!

Hahahaha. Fine.

For now, since my work is complete, I do request you allow me to take my leave.

I look forward to the day we all meet again.

Oh, and before I forget, Lugina.

Since your mission is complete, why not tell everyone your real name?

The name which proves you as the strongest of the La Veda fencers, "Zelban."

Huh?!

Don't make me repeat myself. I don't care about inheriting that name.

Hahahaha. Did you say that? You'll have to remind me of the details back at the Federation.

Well then, farewell for now.

......

......

Pft, do you all really believe what he says?

Well, it all sounds about right for you.

Although, I do suppose the Zelban part was a bit surprising.

Sigh, the names people use don't matter.

I want to be known throughout the world as "Lugina."

Well, whatever. It doesn't really matter what you do.

Whichever name you use, you're still going with us, right?

Yeah, of course. I'm not done with my mission yet.

Isn't that right, Summoners of Old?

Correct. Continue working on your task.

Of course.

You know there isn't a more capable Summoner than me in the entire Summoners' Hall.

Hans! You're also being pretty quiet.

Bertz showing up really makes me feel like the Federation is going to try something.

You're an easy target. Use your head.

Well then, Owen. I believe we should be going.

We know Mirfah's location and the identities of those who filled his head with nonsense.

All that's left is for us to tell Mirfah our thoughts.

Humph, do as you please.

I merely take the sword to those who interfere with my plans.

Ho ho ho. Yes, I suppose that is true.

......

Hans. You look after Karl.

Since you're here, I will not worry about him and continue moving on.

Sigh, everything is a big mess.

Hans! You'd better not forget!

Your goal is to save Tilith!

Well, I don't think you need me to say anything...

B-But whatever, you know!

Hey, come along, Paris!

S-Seria, wait just a moment!

Hans, I don't really have the right to tell you this, but...

...try not to think too much.

As long as you keep doing what you feel, I'm sure that you will make the right choices.

So, just keep moving forward. We'll take care of everything else.

Haha. What a wonderful look on your face.

Just seeing that right now made joining the Akras Summoners' Hall worth it.

Well then, on to the next location.

Even if only to get Lady Tilith back one day sooner.