Afterdream

Iwona's hurt. Bad... But she'll live.

Iwona...

(Dejected clicking noises)

She's the one who fought most like a warrior... She stood firm to the very end.

Justyna and Plastic's gone to deal with Platinum... We have to hurry and help them!

No need. She's gone.

We aren't so rusty that the two of us can't take her on. She's not that strong.

Where's Justyna...?

......

Today's matches must continue as normal. Is that understood?

We've made sure the Major competition venues are fully operational.

Good. Keep the spectators calm. Tonight's match must go off without a hitch.

Remember. It's not just the audience. After all that ruckus, the directors will be paying keen attention to this event.

If we perform well, we'll all get hefty bonuses. If not...

Understood!

And I appreciate your efforts, Mob.

Don't mention it! I'm honored to commentate tonight—

I suppose it goes without saying, but pretend as though nothing had happened last night.

Of the four events tonight, the match between the Radiant Knight and Nightmare Knight would undoubtedly be the hottest one.

However... After the Infected instigated an incident of such scale... the Board of Directors isn't very keen on letting the Radiant Knight continue her streak.

So... they want the judges to disqualify her?

We'll make a decision as the competition evolves, but you must 'convey' to the audience how reasonable it is once the judges make the call.

As for the Blood Knight, we've already sent someone to work this out with the Crimson Chalice Knightclub. We should come to a decision on that matter soon.

As for the matter on hand... the Radiant Knight and Nightmare Knight... They're just two maniacs.

Understood! I'll head off and prepare for the match!

......

What's the matter? You look pale.

Darksteel disappeared after the blackout. All three of them.

This is still confidential, but several of K.G.C.C. executives were assassinated during the blackout...

Things are hectic at the crime scene. All evidence points to the Infected, but... I don't think it was them. The Infected aren't that good.

As we speak... something terrifying is slowly unfolding.

You mean...?

Yes.

The Armorless Union has betrayed us.

Batbayar, do you always have so much free time on your hands?

Look who's talking!

Aren't you a titled Major knight? You have no training grounds. You don't have so much as a home. Do you seriously wander the streets of the Grand Knight Territory day in and day out?

When a hunter loses his way in the forest, he will naturally provide for himself and build himself a wooden shed.

You are standing in one of the greatest cities of the world right now...

—City!

The city... is a symbol of weakness.

Right after this civilization conquered barbarism, they built their tall towers here.

In these towers, humanity is no longer necessary.

What are you even on about...?

Kawalerielki has warriors worthy of fighting. Here, they have warriors worthy of my trust.

Yet they are all resisting this city. The obedient are frail. The rebellious are eternal.

This is a symbol of civilization's corruption, Knight. We must return to those times of blood and glory.

Son... You're living in the past.

I live in glory.

That era is not yet behind us, and I hope to experience it tonight.

Well, I've got no more to say to you, then. Margaret will win.

She has the scent of a hero...

I only hope her talents have not been eroded by the hustle and bustle of this era.

Welcome to the Kazimierz Major, and welcome to tonight's Kazimierz Major!

As the events continue, we're getting bigger and bigger audiences joining us here in the arena!

I'm honored to announce today that the cumulative spectator count and the total prize pool have once again pushed to the highest numbers in the history of the Major!

There's no doubt Kazimierz has a bright future ahead!

Can't I go to the arena to watch the match? Margaret should have gotten some tickets, no?

Silly girl. Do you want to be attacked by the Armorless again?

Ugh...

We're openly standing up against the Armorless Union... Do you know what that means?

We have to keep a low profile. If we're going to fight them, we might not even be able to stay in the Grand Knight Territory.

Honestly... I really have no idea how things turned out this way.

......

Hmm... If this isn't...

Czarny's lackey, huh...?

Hello, Sir Tytus.

You can sit.

Becoming a spokesman has really lifted your spirits, hasn't it?

Not at all...

You were given those orders in such a perilous situation. Did you not find it all strange, under those circumstances?

Mr. Czarny left in such a hurry... There were a lot of things I never had the chance to ask him.

Do you want to ask him?

I...

I'm somewhat well connected with the K.G.C.C... If it pleases you, I can help you find out where Czarny was exiled.

......

Don't get the wrong idea. Losing to the Radiant Knight again proved to me that I'm not the Tytus Topola who defeated seven knights with one hand anymore.

Before I retire, I have to curry favor with you spokesmen... What's that look for?

To tell the truth, I never expected this from a man of your caliber. You're the core of the Blade Helmet Knightclub, once a top 4 hopeful, and a candidate for the title of Grand Knight...

I never imagined you would entertain the idea of retirement yourself.

You are so... prideful in the arenas... I thought you would...

It's not easy to be a competition knight, Malkiewicz. Outside the arena, we're no different than you, and we need an exit strategy.

I'm plenty satisfied just to be able to fight this far with all four of my limbs intact.

The times for ideals are over, Malkiewicz.

In tonight's match, not only will we get to see two of the biggest names in the tournament duking it out, but we have two independent knights facing off. We haven't seen a spectacle like this in years!

No corporate sponsorship! No knightclub training or support! If they need their helmets polished and weapons sharpened, they have no one to rely on but themselves!

Yet they both stand here today in the arena. And one of them is a former champion! All eyes are on our champ, eager for her return!

Please welcome the young legend, the champion from the Nearl family, the Radiant Knight, MARRRGAREEEEET NEAAAAARRRLLLLLLL!

......

And on this side, the descendant of a race left on the pages of the history books, a rare Kuranta, war-god scions who flay the years past—

We could go through the entire history of the knight sports and find no one with purer blood, purer horror, and purer might than him!

Now, here comes the lone wanderer from the grasslands, the last Kheshig, Nightmare Knight TOLAAAAAAAAA!

......

What's this?! The Nightzmora's horn! The match is off to a fiery start! Will the champion fall to the ancient race?! Will this new conquest be cut short by the Radiant Knight?!

Let us—

Radiant Knight.

Ohh? Nightmare suddenly slammed his spear into the ground. W-What is he doing? Is he saluting his opponent?

I've been waiting for this moment... for far too long.

Kazimierz's knights have been a disappointment.

I've heard of you from Master Vogelweide, Nightmare.

What are you seeking?

I am seeking my fate, pegasus.

All who belong to my ancient race must set off on a Khaganquest when they come of age...

None of us know what awaits us during our Khaganquest, but it is only when our journey is at an end that our lives have truly begun.

Whether we fight fierce beasts or visit foreign lands, a Nightzmora who finishes his Khaganquest will know its meaning by the journey's end.

Then, we become plumules of terror itself, spreading fear as we make our way across the lands.

Only by knowing the world will we know our destiny.

Have you found your Khaganquest's meaning yet?

Not yet, Pegasus. The road ahead... is like a forest shrouded in fog.

I truly hope that you will be my meaning.

Come.

Are you Plastic's... Szewczyk's family?

Who are you?

I'm... a knight. A friend of his who's a knight.

Have you... been mistreated in any way at all?

Mistreated? I'm not sure I follow...

That day, a knight in white told me that Szewczyk was killed by an enemy he made in the arena.

After that, she brought us here, and we've been hiding ever since.

I got this from Szewczyk...

Oh! This is the wood carving I gave him.

Where is he? Is he doing okay?

I'll take you to him.

Let's make a deal.

As long as you can promise me that you will never again make an enemy of the Armorless Union, I can tell you where your wife is.

What...?

And you, Fartooth. Convey this to everyone in Pinus Sylvestris:

There's been some issues within the Armorless Union, even I noticed.

No one wants to be used for no good reason. That obviously sucks...

Unbelievable.

Can you alone represent the will of the entire Armorless Union? I mean, you may be Platinum—

But I'm still only middle management, huh?

Yeah, that's the deal... Most of the Armorless were hired by the K.G.C.C. I'm only here to manage things for them... and no one can stop the Board of Directors's plans.

Still though, wouldn't things be a lot easier for you if us middle managers stopped doing anything?

After all, the Board has been pretty angsty lately, and our new recruits kinda subpar...

......

What's that? It was the Armorless who took out the power?

Roy even wrecked the server room and laid the blame on us.

Is the Armorless Union... trying to shake off the Board's control?

Grr...!

So we've been used, right from the start?!

Our fight... our sacrifice... all of it—!

(Dejected clicking noises)

Sorry...

No.

After the Candle Knight rescued me, I ran into Ioleta.

—The Grand Knight?! You met the Grand Knight?!

Ahaha, she's a little younger and kinder than she seems on the papers and TV news.

She agreed to give us all... the legal status we wanted. Our deal still stands.

Ashley, do you have the chip?

Of course...

But, as things stand right now... the public thinks the Infected are the blame for everything that happened...

Sona, does this 'legal' status actually... mean anything anymore?

......

Words can't describe how I feel right now—

No doubt all of you are already familiar with the Radiant Knight's strength, but look at Nightmare Knight! See the stunning techniques this warrior of yore has in store for us!

This is just unbelievable! Neither of them are using any serious Arts. This is a contest of pure combat and weapon prowess!

This is more over-the-top than any action blockbuster I've ever seen. Look at their lightning quick moves, their powerful slashes! It's only been ten minutes, but the whole arena's already absolutely stunned!

Look! Check out Nightmare Knight's moves! He's on the same level as the champions!

I knew he'd be worth keeping an eye on! I spent four hundred on him!

What an extraordinary match.

I've never seen anything like the way the Nightzmora wields his weapon.

It's like the campaign knights' techniques, but also not quite the same... Hm...

What's the matter, Left-hand Knight, sir?

Looks like we have an unexpected guest in the audience... The rumors from the other day are true, then.

What do you mean—Ugh—!

It's my first time to watch the Major up close like this...

It makes me want to vomit.

And what's so revolting about this, Liam?

......

I see. I know your answer now.

In that case, from your point of view, what do you think of these two knights in the arena, the Nightzmora and the pegasus?

I have to admit... their techniques are beautiful.

The Nightzmora may not be a battle-hardened veteran, but a certain obsession has driven him to become a true warrior.

As for Margaret... Hmm...

What's wrong?

I thought your eyes on this would be sharper than mine, Grandmaster.

She's far too different... from what she used to be.

Haah...

Hff—

The exhilarating exchange of blows has ground to a halt! This is the first time the storm of battle has paused!

Don't these two need to breathe?! Are these moves even possible for mere mortals?!

Beautiful swordsmanship, pegasus.

Likewise.

You... excite me.

Did you know? According to legend, the Khagan once lost to a pegasus with golden blood, in his younger years.

I'm curious... Is there really a Kuranta in this world with golden blood in her veins?

Sorry to disappoint, but the blood on my face is red.

Warmup is over, Radiant Knight.

You live up to your name. And so—

—Let reality give way to me.

—

......

...(Ancient language) The young hunter sets out on his Khaganquest ♪ From dreams he goes, towards the shores of gold ♪

(Ancient language) A halberd in hand, stained red with blood of kin ♪

......

Hah!

—Ugh!

Wh-What just happened?

Some kind of Arts?! He used some Arts, and everyone in the arena is feeling a—uh, sensation, I guess!

But! With a single step, Nightmare Knight roused up a blast wave that slammed right into the artificial boulders!

What a fierce strike! The Radiant Knight had no choice but to fall back!

A strike that pushes back a champion! A strike that dispels her light! Even the most radiant of lights cannot stop the Nightzmora's conquest!

There's no applause...

Everyone's immersed in... these emotions.

That strike...

Did you notice something?

Any other knight... would be dead by now.

Uhh...?

He's doing this for real.

......

He's the real deal...

Just a lost child.

Poor kid.

What's going on?

(What?! So sudden? You sure? Uhh...)

This just in! The Arts that Nightmare Knight just used have been deemed an adverse effect on our audience members and judges!

This is a clear violation of Articles 3 and 7 of the Major's rules!

'Competition knights may not harm or threaten the safety of the persons or property of the audience' and 'Competition knights may not in any way interfere with the judges' ability to make subjective rulings!'

(Dammit, this is way too much of a stretch! Couldn't they have at least picked a better time?!)

This match is now over—! So—

—Come!

Light...

Gather round.

W-What's going on?! It's like the knights didn't hear our ruling!

The match is over! Separate immediately and wait for the judges!

Hah!

—!

Ah! What beautiful swordhand!

In the blink of an eye... Right before my blade could slice your skull, you countered my attack...

You've witnessed death. You've witnessed cruelty. You tremble in the face of neither fear nor me!

...Huff...

Strong opponents and insurmountable difficulties do not frighten me.

On the contrary, the paralysis and degeneracy this city shows even right this moment are much more terrifying than you.

Somebody, stop these two! Pull them apart!

Modern Kazimierz is indeed sickening—

—Come, let fear open the eyes of these spectators. Show them just what it is they are watching.

That's enough.

—What?

I said: that's enough.

The match is over...

......

It's you... The Blood Knight.

Who could have known?! No one could possibly have anticipated that the one who would finally put a stop to this unstoppable battle would be—!

'Kazimierz's Crimson Goblet', the hero, Dikaiopolis! It's not an easy name to remember, but be sure not to take your eyes off this—

That's the champion of the Kazimierz Major, undoubtedly the most popular of them all, the god of war from Minos! THE—BLOOOOOOOOOD—KNIIIIIIIIIGHT!!

(Man, thank goodness he showed up. Guess I put on a decent enough show today? Hey, one of you, go check on the spokesman and tell me how he's reacting!)

Dikaiopolis... A Minoan name. So he's the Infected who took the title three years ago.

This is my first time seeing the Blood Knight fight in person too... What a potent aura.

Hmph...

......

Whoa! The Blood Knight leaped into the arena! And he's walking toward our brawling contestants!

It's been years since Kazimierz has seen something like this!! Two champions! We have two champions on the same stage! What a sight to behold!

Of course, of course! The man standing on the other side isn't exactly your average Józef either, having just demonstrated his immense strength. What's more, that's Kazimierz's last Nightzmora we're talking about—

This here, everyone, is a million dollar marvel! Do not ever forget this moment! This is one for the history books!

You... another champion...

Your next opponent is me, Nightzmora.

......

And my next opponent is you.

......

Hah... hahaha... I sense you imply I will lose to you.

Absolutely.

......

How will a phantom who lives in the past possibly defeat me?

You, Infected, I look forward to the day I fight against you.

Do you think you can just walk away?

—

–––Hraagh!

Nightzmora, you should understand that you can only instill fear in those who live in the 'present'.

(He managed to deflect that strike from such an angle...?)

We will meet on the field.

......