Hans...!

Hans! Wake up already!

Tilith... Tilith's in trouble!

Tilith, hold on! Hans's here!

Hans...

I'm so glad...you're alright...

Urgh...ahh...

Lady Tilith, don't strain yourself!

I'm...I'm alright...

You did it...

As expected...of my...most treasured Summoner...

Urgh...

Tilith!

Hans! Can't you do anything?

Karl, Paris, Lugina! Anyone, somebody save Tilith!

Grr...

Tsch...

......

Seria...I'm okay...I'll be...right back to normal soon...

So...just for a little bit...let me...rest...

Ilia! Can you hear me?!

Lend me your strength! To save this goddess who gave everything she had...

...in order to defeat Karna Masta!

She can't die here!

Ilia?!

Urgh... Ohh...

Tilith?!

Seri...a?

Eep, Seria, ow! That hurts!

That's what you get for making me worry! Just put up with it!

Wahhhh, Hans, help me!

...but why me?

A warm light enveloped me...then...

Ilia saved you.

Using the last of the power she had left...

The last of her power?

Ark...what does that mean?

...it's fine.

Ilia always cared more for others than she did for herself.

That was what made me want to protect her...

Ark...

Tilith, you don't have any room to talk, either.

She's right. During Karna Masta's final attack...

...if you hadn't protected us all, we'd probably be dead now, Lady Tilith...

You always do crazy things and sacrifice yourself...

Thank you for everything, Lady Tilith...

Tee hee, I promised Hans that I'd protect everyone, after all!

But that doesn't get us anywhere if you die too!

...don't you know how worried I was?!

Seria...I'm sorry...

Don't apologize! You didn't do anything wrong!

It's all our fault for being weak, and forcing Tilith and Ilia to do what they did...

Seria...

It's true that we're all still weak, on our own.

But we were able to bring down Karna Masta by working together!

Let's just enjoy that fact for now.

If we don't, then it's disrespectful to Ilia and Ark, who saved us.

Don't worry about it. We're relics of the past.

Saving you all, who live now, was what Ilia wanted, too.

I'd be happier as well if you just enjoyed having defeated Karna Masta.

......

Ark...thank you...

But let me ask just one thing, before I start enjoying anything.

Tilith, can you sense old man Grahdens and Owen's presences?

...Karl, I'm sorry. I can't sense their powers...

Oh...

B-But wait! A lot of demonic presences have vanished too...

...so maybe...

...no, I'm sure of it. They're both all right!

Yeah, you're right.

There's no way those geezers would die so easily.

Everyone, good work.

Bertz...

For you to truly defeat Karna Masta...

...is just what I'd expect of the agents of the Akras Summoners' Hall, and the goddess, Lady Tilith.

And Ark, the Oracle Knight...

...I must say, that immense power is terrifying, speaking as someone living in the same era as you.

What are you getting at?

Please, don't make that scary face.

I only came to express my gratitude to all of you, nothing more.

Gratitude...right...

That, andit also seems that you can still use summoning, doesn't it?

How do you know? We haven't tried anything yet.

I tried it myself. While it's only a little bit, the truth is that I can use summoning, too.

Being sly again, I see...

I just hadn't had a chance to tell you.

But hadn't you heard already, from Lugina?

Lugina, why didn't you tell all of your beloved comrades?

Did you decide to hide it on my account?

I just didn't need to.

Whatever you are, it's none of our business. That's all.

He he, was that really all?

......

Anyway, let's leave it at that for now.

So, everyone. Why hasn't summoning vanished?

Aren't you curious?

Not really.

We can continue using summoning. That fact is enough on its own.

Ha ha ha, how very like you, Seria.

So, this is all me talking to myself, now. If you're not curious, please just plug your ears.

In the Elgaia Federation I am a member of, we have continuously monitored the actions of the Akras Summoners' Hall...

...and calculated that they would eventually battle with and defeat Karna Masta.

Thus, we predicted several outcomes that might unfold after that happened.

One matches the current situation, in which summoning does not vanish even after defeating Karna Masta.

......

Actually, this situation seemed comparatively likely next to others...

...and as for why, we debated what might happen afterwards many times.

Will you hear me out on what we discussed?

You'll tell us even if we tell you to shut it anyway, won't you? So hurry up and say it.

Thank you.

So, given that you have told me to proceed.

My dear friends...

...Karna Masta created summoning. All of you are aware of that fact.

No idea how you know all this, though.

He he, don't you find a man more appealing when they have an air of mystery?

Whatever, just keep talking.

Then I will continue.

According to our investigation, Karna Masta created summoning...

...but the source of its power seems to lie somewhere else.

Somewhere...else?

Indeed. In another location.

But I don't know anything about a location like that.

It's only natural that you do not, Lady Tilith.

The location is a world other than this one. "Another world," if you will.

Another world, as in the other worlds we hear about all the time?

Yes. Another world with a different culture than this one.

What do you all think of this other world?

"It's a world with a convenient power in it," that's probably the extent of your awareness of it, am I correct?

You are not wrong, but there is more.

More...

In our investigations...

...these other worlds were split off by Karna Masta's immense power...

...when he fought to rule this world, long ago.

A world that was once unified, split into many separate worlds.

Those are the other worlds.

And the source of summoning's power lies in those other worlds.

That is the conclusion we reached in the Elgaia Federation.

That's an impressive story...

But how did the Elgaia Federation gain that information?

And, if your conjectures are correct, why are you telling us?

Surely you must be aware that after this, I'll be returning to the Empire.

Yes, I know, Miss Paris. Personally, I think that is an extremely unfortunate decision.

And on account of it, I cannot tell you my source for the information used to make these connections.

While I have personal relationships with all of you, I am first and foremost an agent of the Federation.

An agent of the Federation, huh...

......

Now then, as for my reason for telling you all of this...

It's simple.

Because it's unfair!

Unfair?

That's right!

It's likely that the Empire and the Summoners' Hall will learn of this, as well as the Federation.

When that happens, all of these factions will spring into action in search of that power.

I don't mind any of these factions seizing dominance...

...but for all of you that have worked so hard toward my objectives thus far...

...I felt you had a right to just enough information to let you envision the near future.

We didn't defeat Karna Masta on your behalf.

I don't know anything about your objectives either.

My objective is very simple.

I simply wanted to return control over the three worlds of Elgaia, Grand Gaia, and Ishgria...

...to human hands, and take it out of the hands of gods and demons.

I desire to create a structure that will keep it that way, well into the future.

This world was originally ours, and I will see all other beings return to their original worlds.

That's all.

What are you talking about, with control and original worlds and so on?

You will understand soon.

You are all already waiting in the wings of the next stage.

Why don't you just tell them already, instead of going on like that?

Lord Grahdens! Lord Owen!

You're both alright!

Ho ho ho, we're not so easy to kill.

Well, it did get rough for a bit, and we let a few demons slip past.

......

Everyone, you all did very well.

Allow me to thank you, not as your Elder, but as a single Summoner myself.

You don't need to thank us...

I'm just so glad...

...to see you're alive... I really am...

What, did you think we had died? Am I so old that you worry about me?

I do worry!

Of course I worry...

Yes, of course... Sorry... I can see that.

A-Anyway, it's fine. We both made it through alive.

Yes... That we did...

Karl... Lord Grahdens...

Lord Owen! I was worried about you, too!

Hmph, you have no reason to worry about me.

But I di...

I said you do not need to worry!

Eep...

That's our Lord Owen...

Still, I'm really glad you're both okay!

Indeed, it is truly wonderful that you are both well.

Now, shall we return to the original subject we were discussing?

Yes. There are many things I want to ask you.

Please, ask away!

I will answer anything, to celebrate your victory!

Well, then. How will the Abel Faction react?

Ah, the Abel Faction! Oh, my, my...you are well-informed!

As for the Abel Faction's next move...

...that's a secret!

Why, you...

But Lord Grahdens, what is the Abel Faction, to begin with?

The Abel Faction is ostensibly a research organization within the Elgaia Federation...

...that studies otherworldly technologies.

Lugina?

......

But as an organization with the immense power of "otherworldly technology," it goes beyond the Federation's control...

...and secretly exerts its influence all over Elgaia.

Just as the Akras Summoners' Hall takes actions beyond the bounds of a national organization publicly...

...the Abel Faction moves the same way in the shadows.

Very few even know of its existence. Excluding a very small number that are close to the inner circles of political power, that is.

Paris, you knew the name at least, didn't you?

Y-Yes... I heard a bit from Lord Eriole...

But how did you know that?!

That's because Lugina once belonged to the Abel Faction too, in the past.

Along with his dear friend, me.

That's why you knew so much about otherworldly ruins and relics...

I thought it was odd. You don't seem like you'd be into that...

Tsch, that doesn't matter.

The bigger problem is that name coming from an Elder Summoner's mouth...

...and this guy not denying its existence.

In short, there's no need to hide it anymore, is there?

This otherworldly power source for summoning...they'll make moves to go after it now, won't they?

Lugina, didn't I just tell you? It's a secret.

However, as I also just said...

...the immense power is the source of summoning.

The top ranks of the Elgaia Federation and Randall Empire will be aware of that, too...

...and are beginning to take all sorts of actions.

All in order to reclaim the leadership role in Elgaia that the Akras Summoners' Hall seized.

We do not hold a leadership role in Elgaia, though.

Humility, from one of the most influential Summoners of Old in all of Elgaia...

Now, I'm going to have all sorts of things keeping me busy, so the time has come for me to leave you.

Everyone, please try to let your strength recover for the next battle!

Especially you, Hans...

...you will be of particular interest to every organization there is.

Do try to refrain from any strange behavior if at all possible.

A single word or gesture from you could start a war, after all.

War...

The wars with gods and demons are over!

Terrible wars between humans will come next!

Bertz...you're such a...

Lugina, next time I won't be as soft on you as I was this time.

Even if you pretend to cooperate, you're not getting any more information from me.

Tsch, I know that.

......

Ultimately, the gods' decision long ago may have been correct.

After all, these are the results of humanity bringing down the gods and demons and winning freedom...

......

What is the deal with him, anyway?!

He totally rained on our parade after our big victory!

You have nothing to worry about.

That was probably just his way of taunting us.

That creep Bertz was actually jealous.

He was jealous of how we defeated Karna Masta without taking any losses.

By his estimates...

...he wanted to see the power of the Summoners' Hall reduced even more, to prepare for the next battle.

Or he intended to really savor taking action after we had all been eliminated.

He's horrible through and through...

But you really must be old friends, to see through him that well.

Does that make you two like Karl and Hans?

I already told you it wasn't like that! I've just known him a long time.

But I have my own thoughts on this, as well.

I don't feel right letting things continue to go his way like they have.

You're making a face even more spiteful than Bertz's...

Lugina, what do you intend to after this?

Hah, I'll just do something that will irritate him even more.

I'll build up the power of the Akras Summoners' Hall!

Hey, Summoners of Old, grant me more authority! I'll give you the power to fight the Abel Faction!

Lugina, is that your true objective?

To create a power able to battle the Abel Faction?

What would you do if it was?

Nothing at all. That has always been our intention.

Lugina, I am naming you director of the Otherworldly Investigation Division.

Your division's structure and requirements are at your discretion.

Of course, this is also true of the deployment of combat detachments.

I will speak to the administration and Warlon on the topic.

Hah, that's a good decision.

Just leave it to me.

I'll make sure the Abel Faction doesn't get any ridiculous ideas ever again...

...along with the Federation and the Empire, of course.

Lord Grahdens...are you sure it's okay to give Lugina that much authority?

He could be a Federation spy.

Seria, there's no need to worry about things you don't even really believe.

Well...

Or would you like to help Lugina manage his division, as well as keep an eye on him?

No, I have other things I want to do, so there's no time for me to hang around with him.

I felt it very sharply in this battle.

I need to become stronger...strong enough to enforce my own will... That's what I felt.

Seria...

So, I'm asking you...

Lord Owen! Please train me!

I refuse!

I won't let you refuse!

I refuse!

You can't!

I refuse!

...I will get you to train me, even if I have to ask Master Cait.

Ugh...

Ho ho ho, that's true.

Master Cait trained Seria, if I recall correctly.

Owen, are you sure you can refuse a request from Cait?

Hmph...fine.

But Seria, I will show you true hell.

So much that you will regret this decision.

That's exactly what I want.

Lord Grahdens, Lord Owen, I have decided to quit the Summoners' Hall...

...and return to the Randall Empire.

I do not know what sort of action the Empire will take in the future...

...but with the will to persevere that our battles so far have taught me...

...I will prevent war from breaking out.

I absolutely will not allow a war that affects innocent people.

Ho ho ho, that is extremely encouraging.

Paris.

As of this moment, you are dismissed from the Akras Summoners' Hall.

You are now free.

Thank you very much...

That said, please come back to visit any time.

Lord Grahdens...

Maybe during summer when you can wear less, if possible.

I will do my best in the Empire...

Old man Grahdens, I'm going to stay in Ishgria a bit longer.

I need to talk with Barion some more, you see.

And I'm concerned by Liomerg, too...

I see. Well, then be sure to tell Lord Barion...

...that I'll be coming to see him, eventually.

Yeah, I'll tell him.

Ark, what will you do now?

I'll try searching this land for Ilia, again.

But...

I really can't believe that Ilia vanished with all of that.

I think that was one of her lies, in order to avoid holding me back any more.

Ark...

True, it might be a small chance. But I have plenty of time.

Even if Ilia tells me not to, I'll keep searching.

Then we'll help you!

I can't allow that.

Why not?!

Your next battles await you.

You who live now need to fight for your futures.

I think having just me tied up in the past is plenty for everyone.

......

Don't look at me like that.

Thanks to all of you, I'm much more free of the restraints of the past.

From here on it's my personal problem. Let me do this.

It'll be okay!

I'm sure Ark will definitely be able to save Ilia!

After all, he's tried so hard for so long up till now!

That's true.

Ark, I'll be praying for you to be reunited with Ilia.

Thank you...

And Hans, let me know when you guys are in trouble again.

I'll help you out, anytime and anywhere you need me!

Ha ha, Hans, looks like you've found another reliable ally.

Good luck, Ark!

Thank you. Tilith, take care of humanity from now on.

Yep! Leave everyone to me!

So Tilith, what will you do next?

There's no need to maintain the seal anymore, right?

Yeah! I'm free now!

Thanks to Elder Grah and Little Owen...

...there's no real need to protect the seal on Ishgria, either.

So I'm going...

You're going?

I'm going to the beach with Hans!

What?!

Th-The beach?

Yeah, to the beach!

We've always promised we were going to!

Right, Hans?

Hey, Hans!

Are you taking time off when everyone's planning to work for our futures?!

Oh, did you want to come too, Seria?

In that case, both you and Paris should come with us!

I'm not going! I will not!

Well, then maybe I should...

Do you think I'm going to give you the time to?

H-Hey, Owen, hold on!

I deserve a little bit of time off, too!

You need to work.

Ha ha, he's right.

If you don't keep working, Gramps, you'll probably feel your age all at once.

Even you're against me, Karl...?

But really, Hans, what will you do from now?

I know, Hans! Let's take our time and travel together!

I want to visit all kinds of places with you, without any fighting.

Even in Grand Gaia and Ishgria...

...I bet there are all kind of wonderful sights that we didn't get to see on this journey!

That sounds nice, too.

Hans, you truly did splendidly.

It might be good to travel next, in order to widen your perspective a bit.

And I envy that Tilith will accompany while you do.

Hans, I'm proud to have fought by your side.

When we meet next, I want you to see how I've grown.

I'll be looking forward to seeing how you and Lady Tilith have grown by then, too.

We will definitely meet again.

Just you watch, Hans!

While you're off hanging out with Tilith...

...I'm going to get even stronger than you are!

So...when we meet next...

...you have to fight me! You've got that, right?!

Hmph, Hans is far too low of a goal to set for you.

Hans, grow stronger.

If you do not, there is no point in me training Seria.

Understand? That's an order.

That's right, Hans. You've got to get stronger for me.

You're a member of the new organization I'm starting, after all.

There you go just deciding things for yourself again...

Hans, you really should just give it to him straight.

Tell Lugina you don't want to fight alongside him.

Shut up! You stay out of this!

No, you shut up!

You just keep tossing out invitations, it's time you start noticing when they're being ignored!

Huh?!

He he, Hans...

...I'd be happy if you helped me out in the Empire, after your trip with Lady Tilith winds down.

I might be able to change them, if I had you with me.

Paris, why you...! Don't you go taking advantage of the situation!

Paris, I never expected that coming from you!

No way, everybody!

Hans is coming to the beach with me!

Ha ha, it must be hard being so popular, Hans.

We're all going to follow our own paths, but I'm sure they'll cross again soon.

So, until that day arrives, let's keep moving forward.

I'll always be your friend, after all.

Alright, now, Hans!

Where do we head first?

I'm looking forward to our first two-person adventure together in a long time!

If we're together, I know we'll find it...!

We'll find the frontier that you and I are both looking for!