The Radiant Knight

In any case, this'll make your weapon both lighter and sharper!

Hah, used just about everything in my shop to boot.

You have my assurances, this is the best sword– err, lance? Right, swordspear, that we've ever made.

The sword you won your first championship with was the second best. And that warhammer you took with you was the third best.

Thank you.

Hah, don't mention it!

Zofia, these are all the records I've found on the Blood Knight's matches.

Good. Time is of the essence.

Margaret, we have to go into this fully prepared. Margaret?

......

Thank you... All of you, for supporting me.

This may well be our final mission, Monique.

Yeah, I know.

Are we really going to attack the Radiant Knight?

The Board is still split. We'll have Platinum do the dirty work.

And Darksteel also authorized the attack? Why? After this is over, why would we still be concerned with the Radiant Knight?

I don't know. Maybe Darksteel felt threatened by the Radiant Knight... Since the Board is on the same page, that works out nicely.

They're already wary of us. Until Darksteel gives us the signal, we would do well to avoid exposing ourselves.

In any case, let's just pray that the Blood Knight can defeat the Radiant Knight. That'd make things a whole lot easier for all of us.

Who do you think has a better chance of winning?

It's hard to say...

I, I'm going to be the commentator for the finals? Me?!

The numbers don't lie, Mob. You are now one of the top tournament commentators. Congratulations.

Additionally, you've been a part of the Nearl sisters' story since Maria. The Board of Directors also sees this as a selling point, and hopes to work with you more.

Have you seen the latest issue of 'Knights Illustrated?' You've been dubbed 'The Voice That Walks With the Light.' You're now a household name.

R-Really?!!

And lest we forget... Your bonus will be credited to your account tomorrow. There will be something else for you, after the Major.

Does that mean I'll finally be able to bring my parents to the Grand Knight Territory?

Of course. You could buy them a huge villa, if you want.

...tickets... to the finals?

Rhodes Island's help has been instrumental to this year's Kazimierz Major. We've learned much from you in terms of dealing with Oripathy.

The winner of this year's Major will be decided between the Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight—a final match between two Infected.

As such, I believe that Rhodes Island should be there to watch this unprecedented final match.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, those two Sarkaz ladies over there are quite close to Margaret, yes?

Thank you for your generosity.

Nearl... She'll win, right?

You'll have to see for yourself, young lady.

So we have four tickets...

You have to come with me too, Doctor!

And naturally, I'll have to come along to ensure Doctor's safety.

That leaves us with two...

I really want to see Nearl's dazzling performance, but the medic team is kind of tied down...

But! Doctor, Amiya, you two should go for sure!

And if Shining and Nightingale go as well, that makes four!

I can't just leave the medic team like that.

The Major is about to end anyway, so there aren't as many people who need treatment!

Besides, didn't the Doctor do a wonderful job for the Infected here? I imagine the situation will be pretty stable for a while–

If I were in Nearl's shoes, I'd be heartbroken if none of my friends came to support me during the finals!

Hehe, you have a point.

Liz, do you want to see Nearl's victory?

Mhm...

Okay.

Doctor, Amiya... Please allow us to join you.

The finals are between the Blood Knight and the Radiant Knight

No matter who wins... the next champion will be one of us.

The Area 0 conspiracy has been brought to light, and the one behind it has stepped down. The Adeptus Sprawiedliwi has promised you asylum, and you can start your life anew.

It really is a fairytale ending, huh?

......

––But that's not really the case, is it?

Looking at today's news, discussions about the Infected continue. The Armorless can be dealt with. The K.G.C.C. can be dealt with. But how can we deal with the public's fear of Oripathy?

You fought against the K.G.C.C. and the Union. But the latter is just a group of sellswords, and the former is the foundation of modern Kazimierz.

Flametail Knight, Sona.

Is this all it takes?

............

Something's been on my mind recently, Toland. Since you aren't from the Grand Knight Territory, you might have a better sense of this than we do.

Can we really improve the lives of the Infected just by defeating the K.G.C.C. and the Armorless Union?

Honestly, can we even really defeat the K.G.C.C.?

A Minoan clad in blood-red armor! A warrior from the frontier of storms, a Forte of boundless might!

Put your hands together fooooor... independent knight... DIIIKAAAIOOPOOOLIIIS!!!

Oi, Minoan, your name is too hard to remember!

Cave the other guy's head in! I believe in you!

...... (Exhales)

Let the match–– BEGIIIIIN!!

...Listen, Minoan. You're an Infected.

We've managed to hide it, and you've been able to scrounge up a bit of recognition in the underground arena.

Now there are several knightclubs in the Grand Knight Territory that are interested in you... This is a prime opportunity to make a lot of money.

As long as you get noticed by one of those big-name knightclubs, we're gonna go to the moons, I tell you!

But! There's no way they would let an Infected become a knight. In a small pond like ours, we might be able to hide it, but once we go to the Grand Knight Territory, it'll be too risky.

So what's your plan?

So! We pretend to sign a contract, then have you compete a few rounds and make some quick cash. Then we'll have you get 'injured' and withdraw from the tournament...

As for the official medical documentation, I'll try to grease some palms. We've gotta coordinate this thing perfectly! Right, Di–– Err...

Just call me 'Minoan.'

No need to remember my name.

For your sake, you really should change your name to something strong and powerful-sounding, and easy to remember. Even a stage name is fine. You get me?

Let's get going! Onwards, to the Grand Knight Territory!

Unbelievable! Who would've expected this newcomer to take down Whitemaple Knight?!

Look at that blood-red armor and that deadly crimson edge! He condensed his blood into a mighty weapon that even a swift and agile competitor like Whitemaple Knight could not evade!

Incredible strength! Awe-inspiring physique! Exceptional situational awareness! All in a sensational-looking package that is sure to sell!

There's no need to wait for the judges! Without a shadow of a doubt, the winner is–– Blazingaxe Knight!

*Pant*... *Pant*...

......

Pffft––

Th-The Major?!

Did you forget what we–– *cough* *cough*... Too many people here...

No way! Absolutely not! Do you remember how the previous champion ended up leaving Kazimierz?!

...Margaret Nearl, the Radiant Knight?

Yes, her! Born into a long line of heroes! The youngest champion in history! But did any of that add up to anything?

One sentence – 'She's an Infected,' and she's expelled from Kazimierz. The entire Nearl family, gone like dust in the wind.

Don't joke around like that. We need to behave ourselves and––

Sir, are you Blazingaxe Knight, Dikaiopolis?

I am.

Oh, and who might you be...?

Are you... his manager?

Haha, something like that.

Ahh, wonderful. How fortunate.

My name is Czarny, and I'm a spokesman for the General Chamber of Commerce.

...The Crimson Chalice Knightclub?

Yes... A knightclub established specifically for you.

You are an Infected. But when it comes to managing public opinion, I always prefer dredging to blocking.

What do you think about this title? 'Kazimierz's Blood-Red Chalice.' This will be your iconic advertising slogan.

A chalice, huh. Such an elegant image doesn't suit someone as rough and unrefined as me.

Don't say that.

As for the other members... It might even be possible to make an entire order of Infected knights. But that would depend on what happens next.

Why would you go out of your way to do this? Aren't ordinary people afraid of the Infected?

That's why 'ordinary people' never amount to anything.

Then, if the Infected can become knights, why was the Radiant Knight exiled?

How did the spectators feel about that?

I do believe... that's where I come in, Dikaiopolis.

The second Infected knight to cut his way through the Major! From Minos, Dikaiopolis! Over the last two years, 'Kazimierz's Blood-Red Chalice' has become a household name!

Blazingaxe Knight's meteoric rise in both rank and popularity has been impossible to deny! His blood-red armor, his raw, visceral strength! He is, without a doubt, a true knight!

Next, let me introduce you to his opponent for this round... independent knight Viviana Droste––

The... Blood... Knight?

Yes. The Knights Association has just issued your official title.

Your proposal... a path for the Infected to gain official entry into the tournament, has been great reference material. As we speak, the Board is moving to make it a reality.

You and your Crimson Chalice Knightclub may well be the pilots for this new program. At the same time, this is also a declaration to all the Infected in Kazimierz that we have not given up on them.

Hopefully, this can keep the Infected problem from boiling over.

Spokesman, will the Infected still face discrimination, even after becoming knights?

Unfortunately, they will. I can say this with near certainty.

No matter when or where, people will always dread this disease. If you want them to change their views, you must resort to radical methods.

If it's just the disease, there's nothing wrong with being afraid of a disease.

But the Infected are also victims, and Infected knights are still knights.

Being a victim is also a part of the disease. As for the status of knighthood... Do you still not understand?

......

The medical community has never stopped researching Oripathy, but... progress has been too slow. The general view is that Oripathy cannot be understood in our current theoretical framework...

However, the good news is the Board of Directors is at least willing to meet with you and discuss your suggestions.

Alright...

Come join my knightclub.

You... You're the champion?!

Come with me, and we can live a normal life.

But... we aren't that strong...

I don't need you to accomplish anything special... For them, just having me is good enough.

......!

Ahaha... I thought I was going to get exiled, and die alone in the wilderness...

But now, not I still stay in the city, and I can even stay in the same knightclub as the champion––

I'll lay down my life for you! Thank you! Thank you so much!

You are our saving grace, Blood Knight! Long live the Blood Knight!

Long live the Blood Knight!

...Let's go.

You came here to get a glimpse of the Blood Knight?

Just a glimpse is enough.

We still have to follow our own path.

This is unbelievable! Can you believe your eyes?!

Because I sure can't! The Radiant Knight has suddenly entered the fight! The Knights Association that let it happen! Oh my god, I, this—

I've never seen a situation like this in all my years of commentating! Though I don't know how the National Council will react, it doesn't change the fact that they won!

......

So that... is the Radiant Knight...

For what reason... did you come back?

This place is always bustling.

Congratulations on making the finals, Sir.

The deciding battle between you and the Radiant Knight will be upon us soon. Afterwards, the championship ceremony will be held here, and the champion will personally memorialize the victory––

––But, as you are the champion, this should all be familiar to you.

The Major grows in size and scope each and every time. I don't like the bloated tournament formats and awards ceremonies you've tacked on.

Sorry about that.

Has the portrait of the Radiant Knight been hung back up?

Yes. The Knights Association has reaffirmed the Radiant Knight's status, and she has been reinstated as Kazimierz's champion.

...May I ask you a question?

Of course, spokesman.

You and the Radiant Knight are both Infected. What do you think of her?

She is a magnificent failure.

Oh?

Her defiance. Her willpower. Her formidable abilities. In these areas, she is magnificent.

But because she accomplished nothing with all that... she is a failure.

To demonstrate her conviction, or to maintain her glory, she allowed herself to be exiled, dragging her entire family down.

Was she really able to protect even a single person?

You don't seem to see eye-to-eye with her?

These are two separate questions, spokesman.

Does she need me to see eye-to-eye?

......

The finals! Now this is a matchup worth the money!

The Blood Knight versus the Radiant Knight... I can't even imagine what kind of match this is going to be!!

My, oh my. So this is Kazimierz's famous knights' banquet? I must say, it indeed lives up to its reputation.

What kind of battle will we see between these two knights?

Haha, the land of the knights always has some surprises up its sleeves, madam. All we need to do is wait and see.

Just half an hour until the round starts!

We've got a ton of spectators. Hey, use Section C as a guide for how to lead people in! Fill up Section I last!

Ah! Sorry, Sir, it's just too crowded––

Don't worry.

Are our preparations complete? Good.

Remember what Malkiewicz said. Regardless of whether or not the Radiant Knight wins, add that line into the final announcement.

Rhodes Island? They came to watch the match too? I see, under the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi's name... That's fine.

Pay utmost attention to security. Also, keep an eye on the movement of the campaign knights.

—

Um, spokesman? Your further instructions?

Sorry... Give me a moment.

...Madam Droste.

McKee.

It's been a while. What can I do for you?

I...

......

...I hope you enjoy the finals.

......

–– (Ancient language) The young hunter sets out on his Khaganquest ♪

–– (Ancient language) From dreams he goes, towards the shores of gold ♪

......

......

We made it! But, it's so crowded! Though you could've guessed that just from what was on TV.

Ah!

Okay.

Over here, Doctor.

Nightingale, you should be careful as well.

Right now, it's exactly 8 o'clock in the Grand Knight Territory! Welcome to the 24th Grand Finals of the Kazimierz Major! As always, it's your old buddy Greatmouth Mob here!

After countless hardships and struggles, after countless victories and defeats, Kazimierz will, tonight, crown yet another champion after three long years!

Don't expect much sleep in the land of Kazimierz tonight! A new hero and a new legend will be born!

Countless eyes are on us from all over the world! Knight enthusiasts from Columbia, Victoria, Leithanien, you name it, all are paying rapt attention to tonight's match!

And tonight's match, yes, in a single night, will shatter countless records! The number of concurrent viewers! The total amount of traffic! Single-day sales!

––But that's not all! The most, most, most, most important thing of all... are the knights! Take a good look, every single one of you lucky spectators! Tonight, even the Minoan goddess of war will have to concede!

For the first time in over two decades, two champions will clash in the grand finals!

Two champions! Two of the greatest knights Kazimierz has ever seen!! Anybody lucky enough to be here to witness this historic event—make sure to etch every moment of this night into your memory!

Because from now on, you all will be a part of the greatest moment in the history of the Kazimierz Major!

The two contenders for the championship require no introduction! But rules are rules, so I've got to waste a few of your precious minutes! First, let me introduce you to––

The defending Champion of the Major, 'Kazimierz's Blood-Red Chalice,' the Blood Knight of the Crimson Chalice Knightclub –– DIKAAAAAAIOOOPOLIIIIIIS!

......

The Blood Knight! The Blood Knight!

The Blood Knight! The Blood Knight! The Blood Knight!

The Blood Knight. He is the one who created a path to knighthood for the Infected?

I had no idea... he was this kind of warrior.

Just listen to those deafening cheers.

Shining, he's the one they call their hero?

And on the other side!

The young legend! The heir of a great hero! Bearer of a thousand glories and former occupant of the Throne of Champions, only to be exiled in the blink of an eye! A tragedy in the hearts of countless people!

But none of that matters now! She is the youngest champion in the history of the Major, the quickest to achieve the rank of Grand Knight, an independent knight who rose to the highest honor in the land––

The legend on everyone's lips... now walks before us once more! Please welcome the light-bringing pegasus, the Radiant Knight––MAAAARGAREEEEEET NEEEAAAAAAAARRRLLL!!

......

......

Two Infected, two champions, two Grand Knights! This match will be one for the history books! A matchup so exciting your heart might leap out of your chest!

It's now my pleasure to announce...

The deciding Grand Finals of the 24th Kazimierz Major! BEGIN––

––NOW!!!

......

......

Wh-What's going on?! The Blood Knight suddenly took off his helmet! This usually only happens after the match is decided––!

You...

The Radiant Knight. I'm very glad you've made it here.

Thank you.

A lot of people do not understand your choices, but I do.

You wish to become a beacon. You know that you alone cannot tear down this era–– And if you could, it would be meaningless.

Therefore, you cast your own light forth to illuminate a path forward for others, in the hope that those who are forced to kneel will straighten their backs, to let the oppressed choose their own destinies.

......

Your dedication is most honorable, Radiant Knight. From your eyes, I cannot see even a speck of the so-called dust of ideals.

Many heroes do strive to act out of justice, but do it too hastily, in a way that is only self-serving.

No, I was surprised.

After I returned to Kazimierz, I met a number of knights who still held onto their faith.

They haven't lost themselves to modernity. From them, I can still see the embers of glory flickering.

Virtue will always exist. This city is not so rotten to that extent, but––

––Virtue alone cannot change this era.

On this decadent knights' stage, there is only one thing I want to prove.

That even now, true knights still exist.

That beauty, honor, and justice... still exist here––

––Indeed, those things, that spirit, are like gems. You illuminate those gems, and wait for others to pick them up again.

That is your greatest limitation, Margaret.

Dedication, sacrifice, and fighting for justice are of course noble and righteous. For this, I admire you.

But these things, the spirit of knighthood, may not be enough to save this complex era.

......

You handed a pickaxe to the weak and taught them to break down walls of stone. But you never taught them how to build a new home.

Or rather–– You never told them: While they can choose a new path, there are many different paths they can take.

Nngh––!

The Blood Knight suddenly launches the first attack! In terms of range, the Radiant Knight's swordspear should undoubtedly have the advantage! But right now–– Wait a minute!

It's Blood Arts! After the axe swing, he's immediately following up with a spear of blood from his left hand––?!

—

(She blocked it––?)

I'm not done yet!

Guh!

A burst of light! It's the Radiant Knight's Arts! In the opening moments of the match, it's an Arts against Arts showdown! I can't see what's going on, but the two are clearly already going at it hard!

What precise Arts control, and to throw it out so instantly... Unbelievable.

This couldn't have been achieved through ordinary training... No, there's no way you can learn skills like this from the arena...

Is it military training? Fighting rampaging beasts on the wastelands?

I can say this for sure, Margaret. You now shine like the sun in the sky.

––In every duel you fight... Against the Nightzmora, against the Candle Knight... Are you always this calm?

Look at you. This is the first time I've seen your expression on the battlefield––

You—

My expression?

Much less burdened than I expected, Blood Knight.

......

I've given it some thought as well. If I returned to the arena only to see decadence and decay, whether or not I'd be shaken.

But now, I am firm in my beliefs.

Though we should probably put that conversation aside for another time.

Agreed.