Arcadia is an ancient city known throughout the world for its people and enormous walls. Most people who have heard of it eventually visit, and our heroes were among them.
Far away, outside the city, a line of people waits at the gate to enter. Guards stand watch, protecting it from intruders.
As we approach the gate, we see two girls. One wears a cloak that hides her head and face, while the other has bright blue hair and an expressionless face.
They walk to the end of the line. A guard asks to see their entry visas, and they present them. He then allows them to enter.
The two girls walk together, passing a poster that reads: {WANTED: A Kengle girl who wanders from city to city and harasses civilians. If you see her, do not hesitate to report her to the guards.}
Blue-haired girl: I'm honestly baffled. Why do they only put up posters about you when all you've done is reveal your race? Why are the Kengle hated so much?
Hooded girl: You know all of this is because of the Northern Empire and its reputation.
Blue-haired girl: Don't worry, sister. One day, they'll learn the truth about you.
The two girls move on from the poster and ask people where the Adventurers' Guild is. We then follow them to the guild.
The two girls approach the receptionist.
Receptionist: Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How can I help you?
Blue-haired girl: Hello. I'm Kurohashi Sally, and this is Higawara Sara. It's nice to meet you. Could you create guild memberships for us?
Receptionist: Of course, but I'll need half an hour of your time.
Sally: No problem. Come on, Sara.
Sara: All right.
The two girls walk with the receptionist, whispering to each other.
Sally: Why are you so quiet with me?
Sara: No, it's nothing.
Sally: Don't worry. This will all be over soon.
Sara: I hope so.
The two girls arrive at a huge crystal, with a selection of weapons beside it.
Receptionist: Please choose a suitable weapon, place it on the crystal, and channel all your energy into it so we can measure your abilities.
Sara chooses a sword, while Sally chooses a bow. They place their weapons on the crystal.
The weapons' shapes and colors change into strange new forms.
The girls pick them up and stare at them in amazement.
Sara: These weapons... they're strange. Is this what they're supposed to look like...?
The guild receptionist stares at the weapons in shock.
Receptionist: I'll buy three copies of each weapon from you. Each copy will be worth one hundred gold coins.
Sally: What? Why? Are these weapons really that important?
Receptionist: Weapons take on different colors according to their owners' magical, elemental, physical, and karma-based powers. When someone becomes strong enough to use their special skill, their weapon changes and evolves to suit its wielder. It gains special abilities that make it unique, and such weapons sell for a great deal of money.
Sara: What could we buy with two hundred coins?
Receptionist: You could buy a house, a female slave to serve as a maid, or a male slave for guard duty—and you'd still have about seventy gold coins left.
Sara: Whaaaaat?!
Sally: That's incredibly expensive.
Sara: A house...
Sally: Or servants...
Sara/Sally: And seventy more coins!
Sally: (coughs) ...Could we make more copies of them?
Receptionist: Yes, but it takes a great deal of power. People also dislike selling copies of their weapons, even if those copies aren't at full strength.
Sara and Sally discuss it between themselves before answering the receptionist.
Sally: We'll sell just one copy of each weapon, which should be worth around one hundred gold coins.
Receptionist: Agreed. One moment, then. I'll prepare the contract and everything else you need for the guild.
Sara: All right. We'll wait, miss...
Receptionist: Emily. Call me Emily. Oh, and by the way, Lady Sara, you'll be given Rank C, while you, Lady Sally, will be Rank D.
Sally: Emily, you said we had a great deal of power, so why are our ranks so low?
Emily: I'm truly sorry, but that's guild policy. No newcomer can be assigned a rank higher than C without first advancing within the guild. However, you can rise through the ranks by completing plenty of missions, and you can accept any mission ranked B or lower.
Sara: Excuse me, but where can we find missions?
Emily: You'll find them on the request board. For now, good luck with registration, and I hope you can start taking missions soon.
Sara/Sally: All right, no problem.
The two girls sign the contract.
Emily: Here you are. These two necklaces work like identity cards, and you can also use them to receive money.
Sara: Thank you.
Emily: You're welcome. Have a nice day.
The girls take their necklaces and leave the registration area for the main hall, looking for missions on the request board.
Sally: Which mission should we choose?
Sara: I don't know, but the reward needs to be large enough for us to rent an apartment—or at least a hotel room for now.
Sally: What about this one?
*Mission: Secure the road for merchants and collect monster corpses. \\ Reward: 25 large silver coins and 70 small silver coins (each additional corpse adds 2% to the reward). \\ Title: (*\*\*\*\**):*
Sara: Honestly, it doesn't look bad.
Sally: All right, let's take it.
Sara reaches for the mission notice, but her hand collides with someone else's.
Sara looks up at him.
He's a boy of about seventeen, accompanied by two others: a younger boy and a girl who looks about sixteen.
Sara: Oh, sorry.
Boy: Huh? It's fine. You can take it.
Sara: What? No, it's yours.
Boy: No, we can choose another mission. Most of us are Rank A. By the way, I haven't seen you around before. Are you two new here?
Sally takes the notice and says: Yes, we arrived recently and have only just registered.
Sara: By the way, we haven't introduced ourselves. I'm Sara, and she's Sally. What about you two?
Boy: My name is Magma. The girl is Sakura, and the little guy is Sunny.
Sakura: It's nice to meet you all.
Sunny: Hello.
Sara: It's nice to meet you, too. Oh, by the way, would you like to join us for this mission?
Sally/Sakura/Sunny: What?!
Magma: Hey, I like the way you think.
Sally: What are you talking about? Didn't you say we chose this mission because we needed the money? If they help us, we'll have to split it five ways.
Sara: Keep your voice down.
Magma: Hahaha, don't worry, young lady.
Sally: I'm fifteen and a half!
Magma: We won't take any money. We just want to train little Sunny before his coming-of-age ceremony.
Sara: What?! No, you can't do that. You have to take at least some of the money.
Magma: No, no, trust me, we don't need it. All we want is to practice against a few monsters.
Sara: No, you have to take at least thirty percent of the profits.
Magma: Twenty percent is the most we can accept.
Sally: Deal. Sara: ):<
Magma: All right, then. Take the notice to the receptionist, and the mission will be registered on your necklaces.
Sara: (sighs) Fine. I don't have a choice.
The group heads to the reception desk to hand Emily the mission notice.
Emily: Welcome back. How can I help you?
Sally places the notice on the desk. “We'd like to take this mission.”
Emily: All right, as you wish. I'll need your necklaces for a moment.
Sara/Sally: Okay.
The two girls hand their necklaces to Emily. She places them on a device resembling a crystal. The necklaces glow faintly, then go dark. Emily returns them to Sara and Sally.
Emily: I've registered the mission on your necklaces. Come back when you're finished to turn it in and collect your reward. Good luck!
Sara: Thank you.
The two girls return to Magma and his group.
Sara: We're done. Shall we go?
Magma: All right, let's go.
The group sets off to begin the mission, but a huge man with a broad grin interrupts them.
???: Huh? Where are you all going?
Magma: Get lost, Roger, and leave us alone.
Roger: Do you think you and your team can get away with this—with these two weak girls? Do you think you can protect them from all those monsters?
Magma: You...!
Sally: Do you really think we're that weak?
Roger: Obviously! Just look at yourselves. With those frail bodies, even Sonic Skulls would be a challenge for you.
Sara: Then let's compete. If we win, you'll leave us alone.
Roger: Hmm, not a bad idea. But if I win, you'll both join my team. What do you say?
Sara: Fine, womanizer. I'll go first.
Roger: All right. What kind of competition?
Sara: Let me think... How about arm wrestling?
Roger: Huh? Arm wrestling? I thought you'd choose something more intellectual or something that required brains.
Sally: You talk a lot about your physical strength, even though you're human.
Roger: Look who's talking! The Baliets are physically much weaker than humans.
Sally: We'll discuss that once we start killing things. For now, let's get your competition underway.
Some guild members set up an empty table for Roger and Sara to compete at.
Each of them gets into position, placing an arm on the table.
The contest begins. Roger pushes Sara's hand slightly toward the table.
Roger: Hahaha! Not bad for a little girl.
Sara: And you're not bad for a human. It's strange that you don't use any assistance, like magic.
Roger: Fool! Aren't you too weak to use magic?
Sara: You talk about your body as if you were Kengle or a dwarf. Now let me turn the tables.
Sara's hand starts advancing, pushing Roger's hand farther and farther down.
Fatigue begins to show on Roger's face.
Roger: (sighs) You're not bad at all. In fact, you're the best opponent I've faced so far.
Sara: (sighs) You haven't seen anything yet.
Roger comes close to losing, and both of them look exhausted.
Roger: No, no! I'm not going to lose that easily.
Roger's hand stops, then begins pushing back.
Sara thinks: How is he doing this? He's not using magic, yet he's still resisting.
Then she says: You know, I won't lie. I'm impressed. (sighs) But I'm sorry.
Sara: My sister and I aren't going to join a womanizer like you, so I have to win. Forgive me, but I'm going to use all my physical strength.
Sara suddenly uses all her strength, slamming Roger's arm down onto the table and winning.
Roger: I... I lost? H... how?
Sara: Honestly, I won't deny it. You're really strong for a human.
Roger catches his breath, then begins laughing—loudly and hysterically.
Roger: Hahahaha! All right, all right, I lost. But we're not finished yet.
Sally: Right. There's still one more challenge to decide.
Roger: Exactly, but I'll choose the next challenge.
Roger draws his enormous sword.
Roger: I'll swing my sword, and you have to block it. What do you think?
Sally studies the sword carefully, then says: All right, if that's what you want.
They all leave the guild to begin the challenge.
Sally: Wait. Before we start, could you give me any sword or dagger?
Roger: All right, no problem.
Roger gives her a short, gleaming sword with serrated edges.
Sally studies it closely.
Sally: It looks brand-new, or maybe you don't use it.
Roger: I use it against soft enemies without bones or scales, like slimes and creatures like them.
Sally: All right. Honestly, it looks excellent—at least to me.
Roger: You think it's good? Use this little blade against boneless creatures. It's weak, and I don't want to damage my own sword on them.
Sally: I suppose everyone has their own preferences. Get your sword ready. Let's begin.
Roger gets his sword ready.
Roger: Give me the signal when you're ready.
Sally prepares herself.
Sara: Are you sure about this, sister? It looks dangerous.
Sally: Don't worry, sis. You know me well.
Sara: All right. Good luck.
Sally turns to Roger.
Sally: All right, I'm ready.
Roger: Fine. Get ready.
Sally takes a certain stance. Roger raises his sword and brings it down on her with all his strength. Sally strikes back. Their swords collide with a brief flash, and the spectators stare in shock.
Roger opens his eyes and sees that his blade has bent in half. Sally's weapon is damaged too, but it hasn't shattered.
Roger stares in disbelief.
Roger: H... how? My sword is bigger and stronger, and—
Sally: Simple. Your sword is stronger and more durable, but you've used it so much that it's developed many cracks and deformations. At the right angle and in the right place, a blade can withstand more than one strike. My sword, on the other hand, is still new, which makes it much sturdier. And because of its sharp serrated edges, it can inflict critical damage if you strike at the right angle.
Roger: B... but how did you figure all that out? And how did you manage to strike at the right angle?
Sally: Your advantage, humans, is your intelligence despite your physical weakness, and your ability to create advanced things that seem like magic using easily available tools and resources. We, on the other hand, have heightened senses and sensitivity—like other demi-humans—with superior touch, sight, and reflexes, among other things. That answers your earlier question, you arrogant human.
Sara and Magma's team go over to congratulate Sally on her victory. Roger begins clapping, then laughs.
Roger: Hahaha! All right, all right, I lost. I'll leave you alone this time.
Sara: Wait, that's it? I thought you'd be angry.
Roger: Why would I be angry? I'm Rank A, so I earn more money and fame than most people anyway. Besides, I'm a good sport.
Sara: (surprised) Well... I didn't think you were actually that bad.
Sally: Come on, girl. Let's go. We shouldn't keep Magma's team waiting any longer.
Sara: Oh, right. I forgot. Let's go.
Sara and Sally set off with Magma and his team to begin the mission. Along the way, they start chatting.
Magma: I really didn't expect that.
Sara: What do you mean?
Magma: You defeated a Rank A adventurer, one of the strongest people in Arcadia, even though your ranks are relatively low.
Sally: You know that rank reflects how many missions you've completed for the guild, not how strong you are.
Besides, you know we're new to Arcadia.
Magma: Still, defeating someone in Rank A is no small feat.
Sally: He was strong, but foolish, too. Relying on physical strength without a weapon or magic puts you at a serious disadvantage.
Magma: I think I understand.
Sara: Honestly, I didn't expect Roger to be such a decent person.
Magma: Roger might be a womanizer, but he's not malicious. He's a good sport, and he's kind to people, and...
Sally: We get it. He's a good man, but he's a womanizer with flaws.
Magma: Exactly. Oh, we've arrived.
The group finds themselves on a road to the north. A group of monsters stands ahead of them, including Mini Slimes.
Sara: Mini Slimes?! They weren't mentioned on the mission notice.
Sunny: Strange! They're not common creatures around here.
Sara: You seem to know a lot about monsters.
Sunny: I study monsters to learn all their weaknesses, so we can kill them more effectively and quickly without damaging their bodies.
Sara pats Sunny on the head.
Sara: Well done, kid.
Sunny, shyly: Th-thank you.
Sally: Anyway, we should notify the guards after we finish this mission.
Sakura pats a slime.
Sakura: We have to report these adorable little creatures?!
Sara: Of course. We need to report them before they grow.
Magma: Grow?
Sally: Slimes don't have a lifespan or a fixed physical age. They grow every time they eat anything organic, becoming stronger and stronger.
Sunny: They also reproduce very quickly and can hide anywhere underground. If any Slime Kings appear, they'll cause enormous problems. Literally... literally.
Sally: Sunny means one of them can grow to be five meters tall.
Magma: All right, let's start hunting.
The group readies their weapons and begins hunting monsters. After a long time, the sun starts to set.
Sally: That's monster number 175.
They rest and inspect the bodies.
Magma: I think that's enough. By the way, how many monsters does the mission require?
Sara: Let me check...
Magma: What? How many?
Sara: Seventy monsters in total.
Magma: Wait, that's less than half of what we've collected!
Sara: I'm really sorry. D;
Magma: (sighs) Well, it can't be helped. Let's head back to the capital.
The group returns to Arcadia and enters the Adventurers' Guild.
They meet Emily and begin speaking with her.
Emily: Welcome back, everyone. How are you?
Sally: We brought the corpses, and please notify the guards that there are Mini Slimes around.
Emily: Slimes?! Right away. Just a moment.
Emily goes to one of the knights assigned to the city's night watch.
Emily and the guard speak, then exchange a military salute. The guard runs off toward one of the camps.
Emily returns to the reception desk and continues the conversation.
Emily: Sorry to keep you waiting, and thank you for reporting this. Now, how many corpses did you bring?
Sara: 175 intact corpses.
Emily: (in shock) H... h... how many?! (sighs) All right. That means almost double the money.
Sara: Hehe. Most of them were Mini Slimes, and they weren't that strong. It just took us a long time.
Emily: B... but—
Sally: I don't think it was anything special.
Emily: Ah... (sighs) If you say so, Lady Sara. Here is your reward, and I hope you have good luck and a nice day.
Sara: Thank you for your kind wishes.
Sara looks around at everyone in the hall.
Sara: Everyone, drinks are on me!
Everyone in the hall cheers: YAAAAAY!
Roger appears behind Sara and Sally and puts his hands on their shoulders.
Roger: Hahaha!
Sara: You literally scared me half to death!
Roger: Let's hear it for our two newest members! ...Wait, what were your names again?
Sally: I'm Sally, and she's Sara.
Roger: Everyone, give it up for Sara and Sally!
Suddenly, the ground begins to shake.
Sara: I-is this an earthquake?
Sally: No, it's not an earthquake. Something's coming from underground.
Sara: U-underground?! Where?
Sally: From the south.
Sara: Wait, that means...
Sally: Yes. This attack was planned.
Sara: That thing came from the south while the army was heading north. Whoever planned this is trying to draw the army away from the real danger.
???: Oh no... it's happening again.
The ground shakes violently once more, then begins to split apart. Something emerges from beneath it: a gigantic, armored black serpent, making a deep, rumbling sound.
Sunny: What in the world is that thing?!
Sara: Wait, don't you know?
Sally: It's completely unknown to us.
Magma: You mean it's a snake, right...?
Sunny: No. Those scales, the armor, and the sounds are all dragon-like.
The serpent smashes through the city walls, storms inside, and begins destroying buildings. Many adventurers try to fight it.
Sara: That damned thing needs a plan. A reckless attack won't work. Listen—
Roger suddenly appears, injured and bleeding, interrupting her.
Sara: You came just in time, Sir Roger.
Roger: What?
Sara: All right, everyone. Gather as many people as you can and evacuate them.
Roger and the team head to the rooftops, rescuing everyone they can and guiding them toward the city's outskirts.
Sara looks at the people they have rescued or helped.
Sara: Hurry! Take your children, parents, and wives and get out of the city. I'll deal with that serpent.
Young townsman: What do you mean, “Go, we'll handle it”?
Sara: I have a plan that might work. We'll carry it out while you go somewhere sa—
Young townsman: Go somewhere safe? We're adventurers and citizens of Arcadia! We won't let that worm take our home from us. We'll die protecting it, won't we, everyone?!
The people of Arcadia shout: ABSOLUTELY!
Sally: Fine, you idiots. Go ahead and throw yourselves into danger.
Sara: All right. Having you here will make things easier, but it won't guarantee success. Here's the plan...
We shift to the center of the city. The giant serpent is destroying everything as if searching for something. Then Roger's voice rings out.
Roger: Hey, you filthy worm!
The serpent looks at Roger.
Roger: Yes, I'm talking to you, one-eyed snake! Or is your one eye not working properly?
Giant Serpent?: A foolish little boy. All he does is provoke someone stronger than himself.
Roger: A talking snake.
Giant Serpent: Either you're just an idiot, or you're bait for someone else. I'll end this quickly from a distance to avoid any risk.
The giant serpent opens its mouth, and a green glow begins to shine inside it. Sara shouts from behind the serpent.
Sara: Hey, you worm!
The serpent turns to look at her. As soon as its attention shifts toward her, Sara shouts:
Sara: Magic squad, it's your turn! Now!
A group of mages led by Sakura emerge from around the serpent, raising their magic staffs. Each chants a spell, and they all finish in unison:
Mages: Bind my target and prevent it from moving!
The attack begins. The serpent is bound so completely that it cannot move a single muscle—not its tail, neck, or jaw. Magic and elemental power hold it in place as it struggles with all its might.
Giant Serpent: You tricksters! When I break free, I swear I'll—
Sara: Archers, swordsmen, tamers! It's your turn! Everyone, now!
Adventurers emerge—archers, swordsmen, tamers, and anyone else who can fight. They have one goal: win and live, or win and die trying.
They stab, wound, and freeze the serpent for one purpose: to protect their home. After several failed attacks, its hard scales gradually weaken until they begin to crack. The adventurers finally manage to wound it, and it begins to feel pain.
The serpent senses that it is in danger. It twists and struggles with all its might until it breaks the binding around its mouth and lets out a deafening roar.
Giant Serpent: THAT'S ENOUGH!
It begins breaking all the restraints holding it.
The adventurers start to panic, until Sara calls out:
Sara: That's enough, everyone. Thank you for your efforts, but now it's our turn.
Sara begins climbing the serpent's body as it struggles to resist.
Sara: Come on! Try to restrain it, even if only for a little while!
The mages and archers try to immobilize it with spells and volleys of arrows.
The serpent tries to fire its green beam, but they stop it.
Sara reaches its head and tries to drive her sword into it, but the blade is too weak and breaks.
Sara grows tense as she searches for a solution. Suddenly, she spots Magma and his enormous sword.
Sara shouts at the top of her lungs: MAAAAAGMAAAA!
Magma looks at Sara.
Sara: Throw me your sword!
Magma: Are you sure about your plan?
Sara: I think so.
Magma: All right. Take it!
Magma throws the sword toward Sara with all his strength, and she catches it as it reaches her.
The weapon transforms into a blend of Sara's sword and Magma's greatsword.
Sara raises the sword vertically, its blade pointing downward,
She thrusts it into the serpent, saying: Go to hell, and never come back!
The sword pierces the serpent's head as it writhes in pain.
Then it stops moving and falls to the ground, dead.
The tyrant has been defeated, and peace returns to the city.
The townspeople erupt in cheers.
Sara climbs down from the serpent, exhausted and struggling to catch her breath. The townspeople cheer her and Sally: “Long live Sara and Sally! Long live Sara and Sally! Long live Sara and Sally!”
Sally: At last, you've received the recognition you deserve. Doesn't it feel wonderful?
Sara wipes away tears of joy.
Sara: Yes. It's better than I ever imagined.
The townspeople help the girls down, and Roger and Magma's team congratulate them.
Sakura: Honestly, I don't really know what to say to you, but...
Sunny: You were truly amazing.
Sara: What? No, not that amazing.
Magma: Not that amazing? You literally saved everyone in Arcadia!
Sally: But I'm still just an archer.
Sara: But you came up with most of the plan. Magma, we killed that serpent with your sword. Sakura, we restrained it with your magic. And Sunny, your knowledge helped us discover the Naga's weakness: its head.
You all did an amazing job. Everyone who helped restrain, weaken, or kill it did wonderfully. You should all be proud of yourselves.
Magma: There's something I've wanted to say for a while, and this is the perfect moment.
Magma extends a hand toward the two girls.
Magma: Would you like to join us? We're the Golden Exploration Team.
Sara, overjoyed: Absolutely!
Sara raises her hand to shake Magma's, but before she can, she notices something—a huge shadow has suddenly appeared.
Sara looks up and sees the serpent raising its head, preparing to bring it down on Sunny.
Sara runs as fast as she can and shoves Sunny aside.
Sunny falls to the ground and sees the serpent coming down on Sara.
But Sara resists, using all her strength to hold the serpent's head up.
Magma rushes in and strikes the serpent hard, knocking it away from Sara.
Magma: Are you all right?
Sara: H... how?
Magma: What?
Sara: How is this possible? I'm sure I struck it right in the brain. What did I do wrong?
Serpent: Fools! When a Hydra's head is cut off, it multiplies, and a Naga can regenerate every part of its body.
The serpent's head separates from its body. Two new heads grow from the body, while the old head grows a new body and tail of its own. Then it roars:
Serpent: Arcadia, this is the end for you! Surrender, or I'll destroy the entire city, including—
Before it can finish, a spear flies into the old head's eye.
The serpent screams in pain.
Serpent: AAAAAAAAAH! Which son of a b— threw that spear at me?!
The city's knights appear. One of them calls out:
Knight: Hey, you foul-mouthed worm! How about cleaning up your language a little?
Sally: Where have you useless knights been? Didn't you know that this snake was attacking us?
Knight: You think this is our fault? We were told there were low- or mid-rank Slimes—not three Royal-class creatures!
Sally: Three Royal-class creatures?
Sunny: But that's impossible. Slime Queens are always solitary and easy to identify. Three suddenly appearing in the same place is almost impossible.
Sara begins piecing things together. The low-rank Slimes appeared in the south; the Slime Queens appeared when the guards arrived; and when the guards went after the Slimes, the serpent appeared. This looks... planned.
Sara: Arcadia wasn't the real target... the attack was only part of the plan.
Everyone falls silent.
Magma: What do you mean?
Sara: The serpent didn't attack the city at random. It was searching for something specific. But what?
Sunny: Sorry to interrupt, everyone, but things have gotten worse. We have two serpents instead of one.
Sunny: Sorry to interrupt, everyone, but things have gotten even worse... We now have two serpents instead of one!
Silence falls for a few moments.
Sara: ...All right.
She looks at the two serpents.
Sara: That means cutting off its head won't kill it.
Sally: It'll just make it multiply.
Magma: Great... as if one wasn't enough.
Sakura: Is there anything we can do?
Sunny stares at the two serpents for a moment, then his eyes suddenly widen.
Sunny: Did it say... Hydra?
Silence falls.
Sara: I think so. It said, “Fools! When a Hydra's head is cut off, it multiplies, and a Naga can regenerate every part of its body.”
Sunny studies the two serpents.
Sunny: I've heard a legend about a creature like this.
Magma: A legend?
Sunny: Yes. They say a warrior was once given an impossible task: to kill a monster known as the Hydra. When he cut off one of its heads, he discovered that two new ones grew in its place.
Sakura: Did he manage to kill it?
Sunny: Not easily. He realized he had to stop the wound from regenerating, so he burned the place where the head had been severed immediately after cutting it off.
Sunny falls silent for a moment, then looks at the two serpents.
Sunny: That means fire doesn't just weaken it...
Sara: It also prevents the severed part from regenerating.
Sunny: Exactly. Heat destroys the living tissue at the cut, preventing the body from rebuilding the missing part.
Sally: Then the rule is simple.
Sally raises her bow.
Sally: Cut off the head... then burn the wound immediately.
Magma: What's the problem, then?
Sunny looks at the two serpents as they prepare to attack.
Sunny: We have to do both things quickly. If we delay, the new head will start growing.
Magma: Then we won't give it the time to do that.
Sara: All right, I have a plan. I'll distract the two-headed one. When I give each of you a signal, do exactly what I tell you. Understood?
Everyone shouts enthusiastically: Understood!
Sara tries to lure the two-headed serpent away from the people. Then she stands before it and looks at it confidently.
Sara: Come on, snake! Weren't you talking so much a moment ago? Or did we accidentally cut your tongue off along with your neck?
Both heads stare at her—not with anger, but with the gaze of a predator that has found its prey.
Sara thinks: What's with that look?
Sara: What? Did I upset you? Fine, whatever... At least try to talk or insult me before you atta—
Suddenly, one of the serpent's heads lunges at her at incredible speed.
Sara: Wait, wait! Weren't you supposed to tal—
The serpent opens its mouth and swallows her.
Everyone falls silent.
Magma: ...
Sunny: ...
Sakura: ...
After a few moments, Roger speaks.
Roger: D-did it really eat her?
Sally: Yes.
Magma: Was... that part of her plan?
Sally: I don't think so.
Inside the serpent:
Sara opens her eyes.
Sara: W... what happened?
She realizes her current situation.
Sara: Damn it. All right... this wasn't part of the plan. But something's strange. That look and sudden attack... it acted like a wild animal. Wasn't it just supposed to split in two, or what?
Suddenly, she feels a burning sensation. Some kind of liquid is surrounding her.
Sara realizes what it is.
Sara: Damn it, how long have I been in its stomach?! I have to move quickly before I'm reduced to a pile of bones.
Sara takes a deep breath.
Sara: All right. I didn't want to use this attack, but it looks like I have no other choice.
She struggles to draw her sword and shouts:
Sara: From the heart of the heavens, awaken your light!
Sara begins glowing with brilliant golden light and cries out:
Sara: ...SOLAR BURST!
We see the scene from outside the serpent. The people stare in shock as the creature suddenly swells around its stomach. A massive explosion follows, tearing apart the serpent's lower body and leaving it in charred pieces.
The one-headed serpent stares in shock as its two-headed counterpart is blown apart, leaving only the shared neck and its two heads.
It bites away the charred section, and the two-headed serpent begins to regenerate slowly.
Sunny: The inside wasn't damaged by the explosion...!
Sally: And now it's regenerating.
Sunny: Exactly! It seems the Hydra's body is made of layers, and each layer can rebuild missing parts as long as it hasn't been completely damaged.
Magma looks at the serpent.
Magma: So Sara's explosion wasn't enough.
The smoke suddenly clears, and a girl with long blond hair and a crown shining like gold emerges. It's Sara. She walks out unsteadily, breathing heavily and leaning on the sword in her hand.
She lifts her head.
Silence falls briefly.
Sunny looks at her, and his eyes widen when he notices the crown above her head and the eight-pointed star pattern in her pupils.
Sunny: ...A Kengle.
Sakura: What?!
Sunny: She's the girl from the poster!
Some townspeople step back, whispering among themselves.
Townsman: A Kengle?!
Another: She's the wanted girl!
Sara looks at the people and realizes her hood has fallen away. Shocked, she lowers her head slightly.
Then, with a hopeless smile, she says:
Sara: Yes... I'm a Kengle.
Before anyone can say anything, the ground shakes violently, and the other serpent lets out a thunderous roar.
Magma: We'll talk about this later! The monster isn't finished yet!
The serpent charges toward them.
Roger grips his sword and steps in front of Sara.
Sally looks calmly at everyone.
Sally: I told you... she's Sara. She hasn't changed.
Sakura tightens her grip on her staff and looks at Sara.
Sakura: We'll talk later... but right now, we have a monster to kill.
Sara smiles.
Sara: I was hoping you'd say that.
Everyone turns to look at the two-headed serpent as it slowly regenerates.
Sara: I understand now.
Magma: You might want to explain.
Sara: The two-headed serpent is a split-off copy. It's just a hungry animal, so it won't be difficult to handle. The other one, though, is the mastermind.
Sakura: What makes you say that?
Sara: The two-headed one is erratic, impulsive, and slow to regenerate, unlike the other.
Sara continues: The other one watches... and chooses when and where to attack. It even intervenes when someone gets a chance to kill them.
Magma: Then we should target only the original and—
Sara: No.
Magma: What are you saying?
Sara: No. You all deal with the two-headed one. I'll handle the other.
Voices rise around her as some of the townspeople shout in protest.
Townsman: What are you doing?! Get back!
Another adventurer: Don't act as though you can do anything you want! You'll put everyone in danger!
Woman: Let the stronger fighters handle it!
Sara stops walking.
She tightens her grip on her sword, then turns toward them angrily.
Sara: Enough!
Everyone falls silent for a moment.
Sara: Just minutes ago, you were shouting our names in celebration because we stood against this monster. Now, when I try to do the same thing, suddenly you all know how I should fight and plan?!
Some people recoil at the force of her voice.
Sara: If you have a better solution, step forward and tell me!
She points toward the serpent.
Sara: But standing here shouting while a monster is about to destroy your city won't save anyone!
The crowd falls silent.
Sara glares at them.
Sara: Whether you trust me or not, I'm going to fight it. Anyone who gets in my way will be turned to ash.
She turns toward the serpent and raises her sword.
Sara: And when this is over, you can hate me as much as you like.
The serpent suddenly raises its head and opens its mouth.
Sara: What now?
A brilliant green light gathers inside its mouth.
Serpent: DISAPPEAR!
A massive green beam shoots toward Sara.
She leaps aside, and the beam passes her, destroying several buildings behind her.
Sara: A beam that huge...?!
Serpent: Did you think being this large meant I was slow?!
Sara: No, but I was hoping you'd be less annoying.
The serpent coils around the rubble and opens its mouth again. This time, a thick green mist pours out and spreads through the area.
Sara: Poison?!
She holds her breath and jumps onto a nearby building.
Sara: I won't be able to get close if it keeps doing this.
Serpent: Then come closer... and find out for yourself what happens.
Sara: Clearly, you love talking.
The serpent lunges at her, and she jumps away at the last moment.
Suddenly, part of its body disappears underground.
Sara: What?!
Her eyes widen. Before she can move, the serpent emerges from the ground behind her, trying to swallow her.
Sara leaps over its head at the last moment, then dashes away.
Sara: It can burrow underground, too...!
Serpent: And you're still discovering my abilities one by one.
Sara: Don't worry. I'll find your weak point soon.
The serpent raises its body, and its scales begin to glow.
Sara: What's that light?!
Serpent: Take a good look.
Sharp yellow rays shoot out from between its scales in several directions.
Sara darts between the rays, some of which pierce the surrounding buildings.
Sara: Those aren't just scales...
Serpent: I told you to retreat.
Sara: And I told you I wouldn't.
The serpent charges again. Sara retreats, then bursts forward at incredible speed.
Sara: All right... my turn.
She rushes at it and strikes with her sword, then continues attacking rapidly from several angles.
Serpent: Fast... but can you keep it up?
Several scales fall from its body.
Serpent: Aagh!
It turns toward her angrily and strikes her with its tail.
Sara tries to dodge, but the blow catches her partially and sends her flying backward.
She wipes the blood from her mouth.
Sara: Oh... that was a powerful hit.
Serpent: That was just one blow.
Sara looks at her sword.
A fierce heat spreads through the blade, which begins to glow gold.
Serpent: What are you doing?
Sara: I've discovered something new about this sword.
The serpent charges at her, but Sara leaps over it and strikes directly at its chest.
She drives her sword into one of its scales.
Serpent: Aagh!
Sara quickly pulls her sword free and jumps backward.
The spot where she struck glows intensely.
Sara: And now...
Sara: From the heart of the heavens, awaken your light... SOLAR BURST!
The point of impact explodes from within in a concentrated blast, forcing the serpent violently backward.
Smoke rises from the wound.
Sara: I have to admit, this sword really is amazing.
But when the smoke clears, the serpent is still standing.
It looks at the wound, then at Sara.
Serpent: A good attack.
It smiles menacingly.
Serpent: But it won't be enough.
Sara's expression changes.
Sara: It's not over yet, is it?
Serpent: It's only just begun.
The serpent opens its mouth again.
Serpent: Now... I'll show you the difference between us.
Green energy begins gathering in its mouth as Sara tightens her grip on her sword.
Sara: Then let's see which of us is still standing at the end.
The serpent lunges at Sara, and she barely manages to evade its jaws.
Sara: Damn it! It won't give me a chance to attack!
The serpent suddenly disappears underground.
Sara: Again?!
She pauses and looks at the ground.
Sara: You won't surprise me the same way twice.
The serpent bursts out of the ground directly beneath her, but Sara jumps aside before it can hit her.
Serpent: You were too confident.
Its scales glow again, and yellow rays shoot out around it.
Sara moves quickly between the rays, then charges straight toward its neck.
The serpent tries to strike her with its tail, but she jumps over it and drives her sword into one of the scales on its neck.
She repeats the same spell: Solar Burst.
The wound glows, then erupts in a concentrated explosion.
Serpent: Aaaagh!
Several scales fall from its neck.
Sara notices something strange inside the wound.
Sara: Wait...
She moves closer and sees something resembling cords extending through its body.
Sara: What is that?!
Sara cuts away some of the scales with her sword, exposing more of its neck.
Suddenly, she hears a muffled human voice.
Strange voice: Get away!
Sara recoils for a moment.
Sara: A human voice?!
The serpent attacks her fiercely, as though trying to protect that part of its neck.
Serpent: Don't go near there!
Sara freezes for a moment, then narrows her eyes.
Sara: So you're hiding something there!
Sara dashes forward at full speed and strikes the side of its neck.
The scales open farther.
A human hand emerges from inside its neck.
Magma: What the hell?!
Sara grabs the hand and pulls its owner out with all her strength.
Man: Let me—
Sara: Shut up, and I'll get you out!
She drags him out of the serpent, and he falls to the ground. She pulls him out of the serpent, and he falls to the ground.
As soon as he is free, the serpent stops moving for a moment.
Everyone stares at the man.
Sunny: He's... human!
Sakura: He was inside the serpent?!
The man raises his head, his face filled with terror.
Sara: You.
She looks from the serpent to the man.
Sara: You were controlling it.
The man says nothing.
Magma: Is this guy human?
Sara angrily addresses him.
Sara: You filthy rat! If this weren't my city, I swear I'd cut you into a thousand pieces and roast them.
Sara climbs down, bringing the man with her.
At last, the immediate fear is gone—but the sorrow remains.
Sara hears the voices of the people around her.
Townsman: She's the Kengle from the poster!
Another: Arrest her!
Sara looks at the faces surrounding her.
Only moments ago, they were chanting her name. Now some of them look at her with fear and hatred.
She slowly lowers her sword.
Her expression changes.
Sara: ...
She looks at her hands, then at the crown on her head.
She tries to smile and encourage herself.
Sara: Come on. This isn't the first time. Surely we can succeed next time. At least we saved the people.
But she cannot keep the smile on her face. Tears fill her eyes as she thinks: Who am I trying to fool? No city, country, or even tiny village would ever accept me.
Sara: Even after everything I've done... it still isn't enough.
She lowers her head.
Sally approaches without a word and embraces her.
Sara sobs bitterly.
Sara: I only wanted... to live like everyone else.
Her eyes glisten with tears.
Sara: To enter a city without being hunted... to fight alongside others... to have a place where I belong.
She closes her eyes for a moment.
Sara: But it seems that was a foolish dream.
She clenches her fists, trying to stop herself from crying harder.
Sara: Maybe I should never have come here, or traveled to all those countries in the first place. Maybe everyone would be better off if I just disappeared.
Sara remains in Sally's arms, tears streaming down her face as the voices of the crowd echo around them.
Sara: Maybe... it's better if I disappear again.
Silence falls for a few moments.
Then Roger's voice comes from behind her.
Roger: What a stupid idea.
Sara slowly raises her head and looks at him with tear-filled eyes.
Sara: What...?
Roger walks toward her and points to the destroyed serpent behind him.
Roger: Have you forgotten what happened just a few minutes ago?
Roger: This girl stood before a monster capable of destroying Arcadia and risked her life to save people she didn't even know.
Roger: This girl stood before a monster capable of destroying Arcadia and risked her life to save people she didn't even know.
He looks back at her.
Roger: Do you know what I saw?
He pauses for a moment.
Roger: I didn't see a Kengle.
Sara's eyes widen.
Roger: I saw a foolish, stubborn adventurer who nearly died trying to save everyone.
He chuckles softly.
Roger: And I respect people like that.
Sara lowers her head again, but her sobbing begins to ease.
Magma steps forward.
Magma: So do I.
He looks at Sara.
Magma: When we first met you, we knew nothing about you.
Magma: We didn't care about your race or your past. We saw someone asking us to help with a mission, and then we saw a fighter and a leader who saved an entire city.
Sakura steps forward, too.
Sakura: To me... you're just Sara.
Sunny comes closer.
Sunny: And I owe you my life.
Sara looks at him in surprise.
Sunny: So... I can't believe everything you did would become meaningless just because there's a crown on your head.
Sara wipes away her tears and looks at Magma, Roger, Sakura, and Sunny.
Sara: But... people hate the Kengle.
Roger answers immediately.
Roger: Some people do. Not everyone.
He points to himself.
Roger: And I see no reason to hate someone who saved my life.
Then he puts a hand on Magma's shoulder.
Roger: And this guy won't let anyone bother you, anyway.
Magma: Don't speak for me.
Roger laughs.
Roger: I knew you'd say that.
Sakura: I think we're all in agreement, then.
Sunny looks at Sara.
Sunny: Are you really going to disappear now?
Sara is quiet for a moment.
Then she looks at Sally, who is still in her arms.
Sara smiles through her tears.
Sara: ...I don't know.
Magma smiles.
Magma: Then don't decide right now.
He holds out his hand and continues:
Magma: Come with us, and we'll worry about the rest of the world later.
Sara looks at his hand, then smiles.
Meanwhile, the fighting among Arcadia's people continues, while Magma stands holding the man who controlled the serpent.
Suddenly...
Sally's expression changes, and her eyes lock onto something in the distance.
She spots something moving at tremendous speed toward Magma.
Her eyes widen.
Sally: Magma! Move!
Magma turns toward her, but doesn't understand what she means.
Magma: What—?
In the next instant, Sally rushes toward him at full speed.
She shoves him out of the attack's path.
Magma crashes to the ground as the attacking object passes right in front of him.
Magma: Sally?!
Silence falls.
Sara stares at her sister, frozen in place.
Sara: ...Sally?
Sally struggles to stand and looks at her right arm.
She pauses, realizing that her right arm has been severed and lies on the ground.
Sally: Looks like... I wasn't fast enough. This really hurts.
Sara's expression changes from shock to panic.
Sara: Sally!
She runs toward her, but Sally drops to one knee.
Magma: Why did you do that?!
He looks at Sally in shock, then at the man he had been holding.
Magma: The attack was aimed at me... but... why? ...And how?
Sally raises her head toward him.
Sally: You would've been the one who got hurt.
Magma falls silent.
In the background, shock spreads among the people.
Townsman: Where did that attack come from?!
Sunny: I didn't see anything!
Sara, frightened and furious, stares toward the place the attack came from.
Sara: Who did this...?
Suddenly, the voice of the man who controlled the serpent rings out.
Sara approaches him and threatens him.
Sara: What have you done, you damned bastard?!
Man: Did you really think pulling me out of the serpent would mean this was over?
Man: It's only just begun.
The man looks at everyone with a wicked smile, while Sally remains injured and Magma stands beside her.
Man: The Southern Empire won't stay silent after just one attack! You don't even know—
Unknown voice: That's exactly why you should stop talking.
The man suddenly goes silent.
Man: What...?
Suddenly—CRAAASH!
The serpent controller takes a powerful blow to the head and collapses unconscious.
Magma steps back as everyone turns toward two young men who have suddenly appeared behind the man.
Magma: Who are you two?!
One of them bends down, examines the serpent controller, and then lifts him off the ground.
The other steps forward calmly.
Traigan: Greetings, people of Arcadia. My name is Traigan, Supreme Commander of the Southern Empire's army.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
Townsman: The commander of the Southern Empire's army?!
Sakura asks tensely: What is he doing here?
Traigan looks at the other man.
Traigan: And this is Dragon... my younger brother, my aide, and my right hand.
Dragon bows slightly, then asks Traigan:
Dragon: What should we do with him?
Traigan: Carry him until we return to the Empire.
Traigan steps forward while the people of Arcadia watch him warily.
Townsman: Are you the one who sent that man?
Traigan stops.
Then he gives a faint but terrifying smile.
Traigan: Yes. I ordered him to attack Arcadia.
Silence falls, followed by angry shouts.
Sara, shocked: W... what?
Traigan: I ordered him to attack Arcadia.
The angry voices grow louder.
Man: So you're responsible for everything that happened?!
Woman: We nearly died!
Roger: I haven't trusted you since the moment you appeared.
Sara raises her sword and stands in front of Sally.
Sara: Why?
Traigan looks at the two serpents.
Traigan: I wanted this city reduced to ruins. I also wanted to search for certain things here and seize your resources—especially your precious mine.
Sara's eyes widen.
Sara: Destroy... an entire city?
Traigan: I wanted to search for certain things here and seize your resources—especially your precious mine.
Magma grips his sword angrily.
Magma: What do you think the people of Arcadia are? Are we insects to you?
Traigan calmly looks at him.
Traigan: Less than that. You're fragile obstacles that need to be destroyed.
Roger takes a step forward.
Roger: It looks like you want to die. I could tear you to pieces.
Traigan doesn't back down. Instead, he laughs.
Traigan: Calm down. If I'd truly wanted to destroy Arcadia, I wouldn't have sent just one soldier. Besides, I'm in a good mood today, so don't ruin it—or you'll lose your head.
He then looks at Sally and Sara.
Traigan: Still... the outcome was interesting.
Sara clenches her fists.
Sara: Don't look at her.
Traigan studies her crown and the star pattern in her eyes.
Traigan: I didn't know a Kengle would get involved. You weren't part of the plan, Kengle. Sara, if I'm not mistaken?
Traigan looks around once more, then sighs.
Traigan: I have to admit... Arcadia was stronger than I expected.
The townspeople look at him with fear and suspicion.
Traigan continues: I sent a man capable of controlling a monster this powerful, expecting your defenses to collapse quickly.
Dragon looks at the remains of the serpent.
Dragon: He should have succeeded.
Traigan turns toward him.
Traigan: It seems your report was a little too optimistic.
Dragon: No... our opponents exceeded expectations.
Dragon's gaze shifts toward Sara.
Dragon: This girl in particular.
Dragon steps closer and looks at Sara.
Dragon: The Kengle... she wasn't accounted for.
Sara clenches her fists.
Sara: I never wanted to be part of your plans in the first place.
Dragon falls silent, then looks at Sally.
Dragon: And losing an arm—something that could have been prevented if its owner hadn't been so foolish.
Sally: If you think I'll give up because of that, you should reconsider.
A faint smile appears on Dragon's face.
Dragon: Interesting.
Traigan looks at him in surprise.
Traigan: I've never seen you praise anyone before.
Dragon: I didn't praise her.
He raises his head toward the people of Arcadia.
Dragon: I was saying that you didn't collapse as we expected.
Sara angrily interrupts.
Sara: Is that why you attacked the city? Because you wanted to test us?!
Dragon looks at her.
Dragon: That wasn't the reason for the attack.
Everyone falls silent.
Dragon turns toward Traigan.
Dragon: But it became one of the results.
Traigan steps forward.
Traigan: And for that reason... I'll give you a chance.
Magma: A chance?
Whispers spread among the townspeople.
Traigan continues: Arcadia will become part of the Empire's territory, and in return, you'll receive the protection and resources of our army.
Dragon looks at the wreckage scattered around them.
Dragon: And instead of rebuilding everything yourselves, the Empire will take care of it.
One of Arcadia's residents steps forward angrily.
Resident: After attacking our city, you expect us to join you?!
Traigan: Do you have another choice?
Dragon: Refusing the offer won't change what we've seen today.
Resident: And what have you seen?
Dragon: A strong city... but one unprepared for a sudden war.
Dragon: One loss nearly divided your people between fear and anger. If we'd sent an entire army instead of this man, you wouldn't be standing here discussing terms with us.
Magma raises his weapon slightly.
Magma: Is that a threat?
Dragon: No. It's a final warning.
Everyone falls silent for a moment.
Traigan steps closer and looks at Sara.
Traigan: By the way, Kengle Sara... isn't your refusal a little strange?
Sara asks in confusion: What do you mean?
Traigan looks at the crown above her head.
Traigan: The Kengle Empire is an official ally of the Southern Empire. Shouldn't we be cooperating? Some might even say you ought to support our offer.
Sara glares at him.
Sara: Who said I belong to the Kengle Empire?
Traigan: Aren't you one of its people? I swear, you look remarkably like its ruling family.
Sara: Being Kengle by race doesn't mean I belong to their Empire.
Sara continues: I'm not one of their soldiers, I'm not responsible for their alliances, and I don't work for them. I'm just a traveler searching for a home.
Traigan looks at her with interest.
Traigan: So you're separated from your own people in every way?
Sara lowers her gaze for a moment.
Sara: I didn't choose to be born Kengle. I was simply unlucky when I was born.
Traigan falls silent.
Sara: So don't use your alliance with the Kengle Empire to make me agree with you.
A slight smile appears on Dragon's face.
Dragon: A clear answer.
Traigan: Very clear.
Traigan turns to the people of Arcadia.
Traigan: And I'm not asking Sara to decide on your behalf. She's not this city's ruler.
Sara hesitates.
Sara: And I'm not even a resident of Arcadia.
She looks at the townspeople.
Sara: The Duke is the ruler. Where is he?
Resident: He's away at the moment.
Sara: So I have no right to accept or reject the offer on behalf of this city. They can decide for themselves.
One resident raises his voice.
Resident: We will not join you!
Another: Arcadia will never become part of your Empire!
A woman: Leave our city!
The voices of refusal grow louder.
The people: Leave! Leave!
Dragon looks at Traigan.
Dragon: The answer is clear.
Traigan looks at Sara.
Traigan: And is that your opinion as well?
Sara takes a deep breath.
She looks at the destruction, then at Sally and Magma's team.
Sara: Of course. We won't join an Empire that begins its friendship with us by sending a monster to attack our city.
The square falls silent for a moment.
Traigan stares at Sara.
Traigan: All right... it seems you've chosen your path.
He slowly turns away while Dragon holds the serpent controller and lifts him onto his shoulder.
Dragon: Brother?
Traigan stops at the city gate.
Dragon: Shouldn't we give them more time?
Traigan turns to him.
Traigan: Do you think they need it?
Dragon looks at the people of Arcadia.
Dragon: No. It seems they've made their choice.
Traigan heads toward the gate, then stops and turns to everyone.
Traigan: Remember this moment well. Today, I came to you with an offer... Next time, I can't promise that an offer will still be on the table.
Dragon looks at Sara.
Dragon: And next time... you may not have someone among you who can change the outcome of the battle.
Sara's expression changes.
Traigan turns toward Arcadia.
Traigan: Because if I return... I won't come alone.
He continues: Farewell, Arcadia.
Traigan walks out of the city.
Dragon follows, carrying the serpent controller, but pauses for a moment.
He looks back at Sara.
Dragon: Prepare yourself, Sara. Difficult times lie ahead.
He turns and follows Traigan.
The people of Arcadia remain standing amid the destruction.
Magma: Does he think we'll accept his threat?
Roger: I doubt it.
He looks at the destruction.
Roger: But he wouldn't threaten a city this size unless he could follow through.
Sara silently watches the gate, then clenches her fist.
Sara: Then we must prepare before he returns.
Suddenly... BOOOOM!
The ground shakes violently.
Everyone looks up at the sky. A huge silver figure is flying above the city, then lands near the gate.
Dust fills the air.
Sara takes a defensive stance in front of Sally.
Sara: Stay behind me. *No, not again. If there's another attack, we won't be able to withstand it.*
The cloud of dust slowly clears, revealing a massive dragon covered in silver scales that reflect the sunlight.
Then the dragon's body begins to change.
Its wings fold away, most of its scales disappear, and its shape gradually transforms into a human form.
A tall, noble-looking man stands before them, with a few draconic features still visible.
A resident cries out: Duke Silver!
The people of the city erupt in cheers.
People: Duke Silver has returned!
Sara watches him cautiously but remains in front of the severely injured Sally.
Silver first looks at the ruined city.
Silver: My goodness. Have I been away that long?
Then his eyes move to Sally.
His expression changes slightly.
Silver: What happened to her?
Sara answers immediately.
Sara: She was injured in an attack by the Southern Empire.
Silver takes a step closer.
Sara steps back as well, keeping herself between him and Sally.
Sara: Don't come any closer.
Silver stops.
Silver: I won't hurt her.
Sara: As if I'd believe you that easily.
Silver falls silent for a moment, then looks at Sally.
Silver: Her condition is serious.
Sara says nothing.
Silver: I need to take her to the palace for treatment.
Sara: No. We'll find a doctor.
Silver: Where? Most of the healers in the city are busy treating the injured.
He looks at Sally again.
Silver: The palace has fully equipped doctors, and I can get her to them immediately.
Sara holds Sally closer.
Sara: You won't take my sister away from me.
Silver looks at her calmly.
Silver: I understand why you're refusing, but I can't let fear cost her life.
Sara looks at Sally.
She is pale and struggling to breathe.
Sara: Sally...
Sally tries to speak.
Sally: Sara...
She pauses and struggles to breathe.
Sally: Let's... go.
Sara's eyes widen.
Sara: What?
Sally: I... don't need treatment. I'll be fine.
Sara shakes her head.
Sara: Don't exhaust yourself talking.
Sally looks at her.
Sally: I trust you.
Then she closes her eyes and begins to lose consciousness.
Sara cries out: Sally?!
There is no answer.
Sara begins to panic.
Sara: Sally!
Silver tries to approach.
Sara immediately raises her sword.
Sara: Don't touch her!
Silver stops.
He looks at Sara for a moment, then speaks calmly.
Silver: I won't do anything against your will.
Then he looks at Sally.
Silver: But every moment we spend here could make treating her more difficult.
Sara hesitates.
She looks at Sally, then at Silver.
Sara: ...
At last, she lowers her sword.
Sara: Take her.
Silver steps forward and carefully lifts Sally.
Sara immediately follows him.
Sara: I'm going with her.
Silver: I never said otherwise.
Silver turns to Sara.
Silver: But before we move, there's something you should know.
Sara looks at him.
Silver: I don't know you. You appeared in Arcadia on the very day the city was attacked in a planned assault. You're Kengle, and the attack is connected to the Southern Empire.
He looks at her crown, then into her eyes.
Silver: So I'll be cautious around you.
Sara doesn't defend herself. She only looks at Sally.
Silver: That doesn't mean I'm accusing you, but I won't ignore the circumstances surrounding us.
Magma steps forward.
Magma: Lord Silver, Sara isn't an enemy.
Silver looks at him.
Silver: I didn't say she was.
Roger: But she saved Arcadia.
Silver: I know that.
Sakura steps forward.
Sakura: Then why are you treating her like a criminal?
Silver shakes his head.
Silver: Because she isn't a criminal. But neither can I let her wander freely around the city before I understand who she is and how she's connected to what happened.
He looks at Sara.
Silver: You'll remain under surveillance.
Sara: I don't care. Just treat her before it's too late.
Silver: That's what I'll do.
One of the guards approaches.
Guard: To the dungeon?
Silver looks at him.
Silver: No. Don't treat her like a prisoner.
He then looks at Sara.
Silver: But she'll remain under guard until the investigation is over.
Magma steps forward.
Magma: We're coming with her.
Roger: Me too.
Sakura: We won't leave her alone.
Silver looks at them.
Silver: No, but I'll need you later.
Then he turns to Sara.
Silver: You may stay with your sister until we reach the palace.
Sara nods.
Sara: All right.
Silver carries Sally toward the palace.
Sara walks right beside him, followed by the guards.
Before entering the palace, Silver turns to one of the guards.
Silver: When we arrive...
He pauses, then looks at Sara.
Silver: Arrest Sara.
Sara looks at Sally first, then at Silver.
She doesn't argue. She doesn't care what happens to her now.
All that matters is her sister.
She continues silently behind Silver until they all reach the palace.
Sara speaks to Silver.
Sara: Please, take good care of her. She's the only thing I have.
Silver: I will.
He then orders the guards to arrest Sara and take her to the interrogation room.
After Silver orders the guards to take Sara to the interrogation room, they lead her through the palace corridors. Silver heads in the opposite direction, carrying Sally toward the treatment room.
But before Sally disappears from Sara's sight, she opens her eyes with difficulty.
Sally: Sara...
Sara stops for a moment and turns toward her.
Sara: I'm here.
Sally: Don't... do anything stupid.
Sara looks at her silently for a few moments, then gives a faint smile.
Sara: Honestly, I can't promise that.
Sally: I knew you'd say that...
Sally closes her eyes again, and Silver continues without saying anything.
One of the guards remains beside Sara.
Guard: Aren't you afraid of what will happen to you?
Sara: A little.
Guard: And yet you aren't trying to escape?
Sara looks toward the place where Sally disappeared.
Sara: Because there's something more important than me right now.
The guard falls silent for a moment, as though he hadn't expected that answer.
At the end of the corridor, Silver pauses and looks at Sara from a distance, then at the guards.
Silver: Don't hurt her.
Guard: Yes, sir.
Silver continues toward the treatment room, while Sara keeps walking toward the interrogation room.
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
# Well, well, well
...
Honestly, I'm not sure what to say.
First of all, hi! I'm crimson zzz.
Yes, the author of the story.
Before anything else, I want to thank you so much, dear reader, for making it this far.
Lumine and Umbra Eclipse has been my dream for years, and this chapter is the first step toward making it come true.
I know you're probably cursing me and saying, “Why did I keep reading this far?” But hear me out.
I wanted to clarify a few things before we continue the story in Chapter Two.
**1.** I won't include anything that goes against my values or my religion.
No homosexuality, blasphemy, nudity, or any agenda of that sort.
Now, ask yourself: Are you reading my story for enjoyment, or because of some unhealthy lust?
I'm the one writing this story, and I'm the one who decides how it will unfold.
**2.** I accept criticism, not bullying or insults. If you want to criticize my work, you're more than welcome to. But if you just want to insult me, then... well, I enjoy watching children and idiots bark like dogs. >:)
**3.** I support fan art, fan stories, and creepypastas, unless they're promoting a particular lust or agenda.
Agreed? ...
Okay, agreed.
All right, a special thank-you to all these people.
...
...
...
...
...
All right, that's it.
Thank you for reading. Goodbye!
Stay tuned for the next part. Sayonara.
in other place in nowhere
Wkhlj: Sbcr wkqgi... blr unokhn hkqn cjsnqnrscja sblj C nxmnosni. Obcgi: Ykt rnnh sk qnlggy lihcqn cs. Wkhlj: Ynr... C sbcjf C ik. Wkhlj: Nvnqysbcja cr hkvcja rsqljangy, lr ce nvnjsr blvn unatj sk alsbnq kj sbncq kwj. Obcgi: Lji ik ykt sbcjf sbcr cr sbn cjsnjini mlsb? Wkhlj: Wbnj sbn schn okhnr... ykt wcgg un sbn kjn wbk fjkwr sbn ljrwnq. Obcgi: Uts ykt olj mqnicos wbls wcgg blmmnj glsnq, olj's ykt? Wkhlj: Blvn ykt ekqakssnj wbk ykt lqn slgfcja sk? Obcgi: Ykt blvn gcvni ekq ucggckjr ke ynlqr... rk ykt olj mqnicos wbls wcgg blmmnj. Wkhlj: Nxlosgy... C blvn gcvni ekq ucggckjr ke ynlqr, lji C blvn rnnj oktjsgnrr nvnjsr qnmnls sbnhrngvnr cj iceenqnjs wlyr, wbcob cr wby C olj mqnicos hljy ke sbn mlsbr sbcr wkqgi hly slfn. Obcgi: Sbnj ykt fjkw wbls wcgg blmmnj? Wkhlj: Jks nvnqysbcja. Wkhlj: Ce C fjnw nvnqysbcja, C wktgi jks wkjinq wbnsbnq sbcr cr sbn cjsnjini mlsb. Obcgi: Rk nvnj ykt ik jks fjkw sbn njicja? Wkhlj: Jk... uts C olj rnn hkrs mkrrcucgcscnr. Wkhlj: Lji wbnj sbn schn okhnr, ykt wcgg un sbn kjn wbk fjkwr wbcob kjn wlr okqqnos. Obcgi: Lji wbls wcgg wn ik jkw? Wkhlj: Jksbcja... wn wcgg kjgy wlsob. Wkhlj: Gns nvnjsr okjscjtn, lji sbny wcgg sngg tr sbnhrngvnr wbnsbnq wn lqn hkvcja lgkja sbn cjsnjini mlsb. Sbnj rcgnjon engg ekq l enw hkhnjsr. Lesnq sbls, sbn wkhlj rlci olghgy: Wkhlj: Wn blvn okhmljy. Lqn ykt qnliy?