By Kjeragandr

Enya...

Kjarr...?

What should I call you... Kjarr, or Kjeragandr?

Oh you... Surely you haven't forgotten?

Kjeragandr is what the people of the past named me.

But Kjarr? Kjarr shall always be head maid to the lady Enya.

...

While I can't say it's entirely unexpected, I am still pleasantly surprised you managed to find this place in the end.

I was really worried about you, Kjarr...

I didn't know where you went, and the people were terrified after the Catastrophe struck. I had no choice but to go on the Pilgrimage as the Saintess.

I went by many places... before ultimately discovering these ruins atop Mount Karlan.

Did you say... you went on the Pilgrimage? In this season? You... You idiot!

Well...

Ah, forgive me. As a maid, I should not speak to the Saintess in such a manner.

Enya... I'm just glad you're alright.

Kjarr...

Those visions I saw just now, were they the Kjerag of the past?

They were. Those were my memories.

Memories of when I walked the land alongside the people countless years ago. The tale of how the Kjerag of then became the Kjerag of today.

You are here in the forbidden land of Kjeragandr's body, and so through her eyes, you may witness history a thousand years past.

I'm... in Kjeragandr's body?

How should I explain it... You started in my arm and crawled your way into my chest.

This lake... Is it an illusion?

Is this the Heart of Karlan?

The Heart of Karlan is actually the name of this lake. What you see is how it was a thousand years ago.

At the time, in the depths of the mountains, there was a lake that remained unfrozen year-round.

Desperate wanderers discovered this precious source of water, and here they took root and multiplied. In time, they came to see it as a heart.

'The heart pulsed, and Karlan's flesh began to grow.'

And so the people built an altar here, so that they may honor the miracle that Kjeragandr blessed them with...

I saw the statue in the ruins. It was huge, exquisite.

Completely unlike the statue by Lake Silberneherze that we referenced ancient texts for. Was it something only people who have seen the real 'you' could have made?

What... are you, Kjarr?

Hooh... Now that's a question and a half. What a headache...

A very, very, very long time ago, I only knew that my body was massive, no different from the mountains and rivers themselves.

The land once teemed with my kin. Before that darkness descended, they already had names assigned to them by beings of the past.

'Feranmuts', 'children of the planet', 'lords of the land'...

In comparison, I am not that much older than your most ancient civilizations.

If you were to ask me, I prefer to see myself as a form of life. Really, I much prefer the name Kjeragandr.

Unfortunately, I am not what the people crave. I am not a 'god' who has power over all.

But they still treat you as one. They believe in the commandments you have given, and ascribe everything to you, good and bad.

And those Saintesses, they...

That was not my intention.

I once went to sleep for a time, but apparently, my departure terrified the people. As they tried to search for me, to rouse me, they became lost.

I sealed this place away, in the hope that the people would forget this terrible mistake of the long past.

I know that, of course I do!

You're not some evil, sinister spirit who would smile in the face of innocent girls freezing to death...

I am not the god the people need... nor have I ever given any commandments.

I am nothing but another one of the lives born upon this land, born without rhyme or reason. How could I possibly have any wise words of survival to pass on?

But when I took the form of man and walked among you, I discovered to my surprise that though your people are frail, you possess an innate, near-instinctual power.

One that allows you to help one another, to overcome all difficulties and survive upon this dangerous land.

In your language, this power is known as 'virtue'.

So... that's how it all came to be...

It was not I who taught you, but rather, it was you who taught me the meaning of life.

As for the name of Kjeragandr, and the form that represents Her, those are creations of men.

But I do not believe them to be lies. The name of Kjeragandr is how the power you wield manifests itself. Nothing more.

I think... this is the Kjeragandr you seek.

'And so She said: my path is, in the end, your path...'

People tried to confirm Her appearance, but ultimately, they were only attempting to see clearly who they themselves were.

But the paths people walk are for the most part not level roads. Most of the time, they are like confused burdenbeasts, circling about the same place, over and over...

The people of Kjerag once brought you back among us, and so our faith was steadied...

...

Kjarr... Will you come back?

Enya...

I think... I can't stay by your side, this time around.

...But you promised me.

You told me that you wouldn't just leave all of a sudden, that She wouldn't simply spirit you away...

Enya... Listen to me, Enya.

I'm afraid I have to break my promise this time... but I never meant to lie to you. Never.

You are my friend. Out of countless years and countless people, my one and only friend.

I wanted to accompany you forever, until the end of your days... I even thought I would be the one left behind, to endure our separation.

But... what happened?

What could possibly have happened to force you to leave?

There is no such thing as an eternal union. Parting is simply a matter of time.

And my time has come... That is all.

...

I just didn't want the day to come so quickly.

Things happen at their most suited hour.

You are unlike the other children who call out my name. You are not some helpless girl waiting for my answer as you are pushed about.

...I started out the same as them.

But now, you walk the path of your own choosing.

You were able to find the solution in your own heart. You have braved great trials I know nothing of, experienced great danger I could not help you with. And now, you stand before me.

You are my Enya. My sweet, sweet Enya.

You are the little burdenbeast who managed to jump the fence. You have a heart that resists all discipline and a bright, witty mind. You are the first Saintess to come pray with resentment and bitterness in her heart.

Go, Enya.

...But where?

Go drive away the last of the darkness, and usher in a new tomorrow.

...

...

...Drive away the last of the darkness, usher in... a new tomorrow.

Not even asking me my opinion before giving this to me... You know I don't like taking the spotlight...

You're just so willful...

AHHHH—!

Thank goodness, you're finally awake!

Did I... pass out?

You did! Both of you did when Enya touched the statue. You've been out for about five minutes.

I didn't think it would be that short a time...

Did you... see it?

I did!

I had a terrible nightmare. I was chasing down some game, when my illness suddenly got a lot worse. My entire arm turned to stone...

But then I saw someone who looked a lot like Kjeragandr, and she cured me in my dream.

Then she comforted me, telling me the stone disease isn't Kjeragandr's punishment, and that I'm not a bad girl...

Saintess! Could she have... been Kjeragandr Herself? We... We found Her, right?

We did. That must have been Kjeragandr you saw.

What are you two talking about? How come I'm the only one who didn't see anything?

Don't worry about it.

She simply gave each of us the answer we needed.

Enya... I...

Maybe... Maybe I need to revise my hypothesis and calculations.

If it wasn't a special vein of ore that protected Kjerag from Catastrophe for a millennium... Add to that all we've seen in this cave...

Though I still can't bring myself to believe in things like Feranmuts, which are completely incompatible with our scientific system...

But... having eliminated everything false, then the only possibility left must be the truth, no matter how absurd it may be.

Enya, could you tell me...?

The Kjeragandr you saw... What was...?

...

I can't explain what the Kjeragandr in our hearts is, in scientific terms...

But as a scientist, how could you possibly fear the unknown?

I would never—

Kjeragandr might not be something completely incompatible with science.

Perhaps you have discovered a little corner of a field that science has yet to set foot on?

...Oh, shoot.

What is it?

When we were climbing the mountain, the Catastrophe warning went up another level.

Basically, within the next three hours, there's a seventy-two percent chance Kjerag will be hit by a second Catastrophe.

Enya, we need to go and tell everyone to evacuate right away—

We won't make it in time...

...I still have one last thing I must do.

Wait, where are you going—

I saw...

I saw Her, and Her footprints in the snow...

I was... an unforgivable, faithless man... all along...

...

...I once endured the tangling of love and pain alongside a friend, as we waited for daybreak to wash over the mountains.

The road we walked was far longer than the road leading up Karlan.

You...

I still remember her. The girl who would ask me to teach her, even when it came to darning clothes.

How the living should be saved, how order should operate... You did not know, but She... was also learning from you.

She watches all you do. She wishes to walk with you, whether you walk down the right path or the wrong.

She never meant to deny you.

...

Her Saintess has heard your confession, and in Her name, absolves you of your sin of disbelief.

By Kjeragandr, you walk with Her.

I must admit, I once looked down upon you, and upon Kjerag.

That battleship behind you is the result of over a decade of painstaking nation-building.

Although I am not entirely sure why you changed your mind on keeping your 'secret weapon' here concealed...

But no matter. If one were to survey the entirety of Terra, how many people who could do all this would one find?

You have earned my praise, Silverash.

I thank Your Grace for your approval, but as I see it, what is more regretful is that...

If Victoria were still the mighty empire it once was, you would not pay much heed to the profit you could extract from a measly speck such as Kjerag.

Who would have thought the prediction that arrogant youth gave during that one banquet would become so dangerously accurate?

In the end, there are none who can save Victoria from its misfortunate decline.

Though it is not hard to see where history's river is taking you, to change its course requires the hand of fate on your side. There is pride to be had in your foresight.

I have never been scornful of your talent. In all truth, I have had my fair share of wondering how things would be now had I kept you in Victoria back then.

Would you be a general with the name of Caster, or perhaps a famed marquis? A future where... I would not have curtailed whatever achievements you acquired.

Regardless of the details, it would have been much better than the situation we find ourselves in now.

If this is what Your Grace truly believes, then I hope there is still the opportunity to accept such an invitation.

Oh, don't make that sort of joke, or I might just start expecting it.

Haha...

I presume you have exhausted all the words of rancor in your heart to curse my dastardly cunning?

I never had any in the first place. If you lose the wager, you must pay. This is the most basic of preparations any player of this game would have made.

Besides, you are simply here to retrieve the profits you are owed from the many years of trade between Victoria and Kjerag.

But no matter. I must thank you for coming here in person today to sign this agreement with me. You will be giving Kjerag a priceless opportunity.

Haha... A priceless opportunity?

Let us return to the topic at hand. You being here must mean you agree to all contents of the pact.

All contents? I am afraid not... I must dissent with the agreement's particulars.

Oho, you still wish to bargain, even at this hour?

Alright then, let's hear it. Which clauses do you disagree with?

I know you intend for Caster and Kjerag to start a joint mining program, so that you may partake in forty percent of the extraction of Kjerag's minerals, including Originium and Oriron.

By my reckoning, this number could be increased to eighty percent.

Oh...?

Kjerag has ample mineral wealth, enough for the development of both our nations.

Victoria will offer mining equipment and specialist training to Kjerag as a means of aid, and we are more than happy to welcome in the workers and technology consultants you send.

However... we will, from now on, not allow a single Victorian soldier to pass our borders.

...

Ah, yes, the one clause regarding 'the distribution of mineral extraction profits between Victoria and Kjerag as dictated by equal negotiation'. I have my issues with that as well.

Kjerag shall have complete and absolute sovereignty over all resources within our borders. Victoria has no right to interfere.

In regards to Victorian aid, we give our thanks. Victoria shall enjoy preferential prices for all commodities Kjerag sells her.

Naturally, the aid you have offered shall be repaid in equivalent value, so Victoria must import a sufficient amount of goods from Kjerag on an annual basis—the amount of which shall also be decided by Kjerag.

Don't be like this, Enciodes.

Such unreasonable demands ill behoove one conceding defeat.

'Conceding defeat'? I do not recall ever uttering such words during my time aboard the Gloriana.

Hah.

Why exactly do you think I would agree to your revisions? You've lost your mind.

I have faith that you will agree.

...What in the...?

This is the bargaining chip I have brought with me today.

I am terribly sorry. We are of the belief that using military force to dictate a bilateral agreement is hardly reasonable.

But this may be the only form of negotiation you are willing to accept.

What was that?!

Who's firing at us?!

It's that battleship! Dammit, there's only the one, how can it have that much firepower?!

No, that's not it!

It looked like the cannonfire came from the mountains!

Keep them coming!

Keep those hands moving, don't give the Victorians a chance to breathe!

You there, big guy. Can't you load these shells any faster?

On it, ma'am!

You shouldn't be moving about so much, Rus. You need to mind your health—

Shut it!

Enciodes stashed some lovely little things up here in the mountains, and I finally have a golden opportunity to play with these new toys!

On my order! Aim at Caster's flagship, then fire!

Let them get a taste of Kjeragandr's protection!

Madam Sciurus, the mission Sir Enciodes entrusted us with was intimidating Caster's fleet. Please keep in mind that he is still aboard the Gloriana.

If you do not follow the plan, I shall be forced to stop you.

I know, I know... Sheesh, can't even take a joke.

These are the secrets my sister and Enciodes had been keeping quiet about this whole time.

You really are something, Weiss. The Victorians were scouring the mountains for Enciodes's arsenal, but they never would've expected it was right in front of their eyes, in our logistics vehicles.

I can't believe she'd hide this even from me... Ratatos, the next time I see you, I'm going to—

This was the most... crucial mission Sir Enciodes gave me.

These weapons... Their scale, their very existence, is Kjerag's greatest secret. Even now.

We still need to keep quiet about them. Our biggest trump card is that the Victorians have no idea how much military power we have.

We need to keep Caster's judgment off-balance.

Nobody can really say what would happen if her fleet really did take one step forward, after all...

I am well aware of the situation right now. You don't need to explain it to me bit by bit.

Ratatos... This time, make sure you take care of yourself...

(Whispers) Your Grace, we still have no way of confirming the artillery's whereabouts.

We have informed all ships to enter defense mode—

No need for your report. All you need to know is that, at this very moment, there are enough large-scale cannons in Mount Karlan to shred the entirety of your fleet.

All your ships are within range.

...You think two shells is enough for me to believe you have the power to annihilate my fleet?

D5, east, two hundred meters.

...

It seems there is no need for further proof.

Surely this weaponry is not the product of your own research?

Which of them has been helping you, Gododdin? Normandy?

Is that really such an important question right now?

You may cut off Kjerag's connections to our allies, but we have our ways of finding new ones.

Such painstaking effort just for your opening...

Merely tactics we were forced to use.

With such limited time, Kjerag's military development had no choice but to pursue another specialization.

Even if we were given another ten years, I fear Kjerag would still be unable to muster up a fleet that could stand against yours.

But it seems your formidable vessels have made you forget that the battlefield is not only a clash between warships.

Kjerag only means to defend ourselves, and we have no intention of robbing other nations of their coin. So compared to high-speed battleships, we went for a more suitable option.

Our mountains form a natural barrier. When lined with artillery, they serve as a natural shield, an aegis you have no hope of breaking.

But when all is said and done, if you had not prematurely treated these 'negotiations' as a surrender, you would not have fallen into such passivity.

Hmph...

Then... You are determined to open hostilities with me today.

Hardly, hardly.

Just as how your fleet did not come here with intent to wage war with Kjerag, my goal today is simply to facilitate a discussion.

I too have prepared an agreement for you. It contains various clauses on things such as tariffs between Victoria and Kjerag and our joint mining projects. You may look over it now.

Once you have signed it, Kjerag will be happy to escort you back safely to Victoria.

You think you can threaten me like this, child?

Too radical a stance at the negotiating table will only serve to betray your lack of confidence.

If I call your bluff and order my ships forward, then things will get ugly.

It would be an incredible shame.

I had considered this possibility before I came to these talks.

It's just that, if people far in the future were to discuss how the Duke of Caster and some insignificant nobody died fighting each other in the snow, why, that would certainly bring shame to the Caster name, perhaps even all Victoria.

But in Kjerag? If I am gone, there are countless others who will do what I would have done. They will continue developing Kjerag until she has become a nation none can sneer at.

...

I know that accepting such an unfair agreement must also be a difficult choice for you.

I can give you half an hour—but know this. For every minute you hesitate, all energy prices mentioned in the agreement will increase, just a little. A condition Victoria cannot refuse.

This is the price you must pay for trampling across our land.

Ah!

There's... There's just... so much blood...

Degenbrecher!

She needs emergency treatment. You got any more bandages here?

I... I'll go find some!

Degenbrecher... How did you get so hurt?

She held off seventeen Trilby Ashers by herself. She's something, alright.

The enemy's retreated for now, so my team will take over guarding this place from her.

But there's still so many Victorian soldiers out there... What will you...?

I'll keep going until my mission is complete.

You...

More people are going to get hurt...

Is something going on outside again?

Let me reconfirm: orders are to... carry out a frontal assault on the Vine-Bead Court?

Assault the Vine-Bead Court and rescue the abducted Victorian citizen.

...And capture Ratatos, who might be carrying key military secrets of Kjerag.

...Acknowledged.

...

All hands, load live ammunition.

We storm the Court.

You...

Before you is holy ground. None may enter as they please.

Please leave.

If you don't wish to be harmed, then let us through. That is an order.

Are you... refusing?

You have obeyed your orders in coming here. So too, do we obey Kjeragandr's commands as we do the same.

Let us follow our hearts, and do what we must do.

If... you can still hear my voice.

If you are still the merciful Kjeragandr who loves all men who live here...

My beloved Kjeragandr, this is the last time... I ask that you hear my prayer.

I have asked countless times what made Kjerag Kjerag, what made us the way we are.

Your existence might not be the answer to this question, but it is still a... small miracle, one to rejoice in.

I want to believe that the things you left upon this land are blessings, not shackles.

Throughout the centuries, you have accompanied our civilization as it grew, as a loving and wise teacher.

And centuries from now, the people of this land will have the power to move mountains and touch the sky, yet they shall still praise your name.

We will remember your kindness. We will thank you for your companionship. We will leave the cradle of your protection.

I ask that you allow me to be your vicar, so that I may protect Kjerag one last time.

This is my... final prayer...

A Catastrophe alert?!

That's some good timing. We only just installed this warning device, and it's already coming in handy!

We need to inform the government to evacuate people right away... Oh no, the danger level—

The alert... stopped all of a sudden?

But how...? This steep drop in Originium energy fluctuations... Are the monitors broken, or...?

By Kjeragandr...

...

Why do you wish to jump?

All my life... I have lived a lie.

I should have been Her servant... but I deceived Her. Deceived myself.

It was my arrogance, my impiety, that led me down this undignified and evil road.

I cannot... forgive myself. All I can do is end this sinful life.

But if this is how you go, all the snows can do is bury your body. They can't cover up your mistakes.

No confession comes too late. You need only repent in your heart, and you will be reborn.

You know, I can't quite recall... Kjeragandr, is that what She said?

As Kjerag's most knowledgeable elder, there is still much you can do, right?

You...

Is this... a miracle...?

Just this once, Enya... From now on, everything really is in your hands.

Sorry. When the time is right, I'll come see you.

This is your final warning. This operation is not targeted at Kjerag's civilians. Please leave immediately!

If you refuse to cooperate, we cannot guarantee your safety.

I'm... the 'hostage' you said you were going to rescue.

The people of Kjerag never abducted me. In fact, it was Victorian agents who trapped me in there, trying to destroy the evidence I have of Victorian operations in Kjerag. They even harmed the people trying to protect me.

All the evidence, that evidence you want so badly, is hidden somewhere you cannot touch. If you make any further moves, it will be immediately released to the public.

If you still want to silence me, then do as you will.

But these crimes you have committed on sovereign Kjerag land, under the banner of 'nobility'... You will never be able to cover them up.

We're not any sort of superior civilization. We're just better at cheating and swindling.

Just stop it already... This farce.

You...

Time is short.

I am afraid that things will not turn for the better, if you delay.

What is Your Grace's decision?

I am suddenly reminded of something you once said...

I could never imagine what sort of power a united nation might possess... Is today the day I get to experience it for myself?

What you see is but one minute aspect of it. If you ever have the chance to deepen your understanding of her, I believe you will be very much pleasantly surprised.

In truth, this is a topic I only fully understood long after I left Victoria. Perhaps it can also answer the question you posed me.

Why once-great empires become feeble, and how poor lands can stand tall.

A nation's government, its institutions... Whether its leader is the Lord of Lions or Parliament, whether Saintess or the Clans.

These are important things to consider, yes... but the crux shall forever be the people.

Just as a great navigator cannot hope to lead a hole-pocked flotilla forward, no leader can change the fate of a nation using solely their own strength.

You say that, yet your words do not agree with your actions.

Were you not prepared to change the destiny of all Kjerag with your own two hands?

I believe in the people who live upon this land. People of faith.

I know you have devised all sorts of means to confirm if the mysterious power of the famed Kjeragandr truly does protect Kjerag.

What you see, what blocks your way, is indeed Kjeragandr's might.

Haha... You are the same as you ever were.

Still so full of mettle, so eager to display yourself... Impressive.

This little gamble of yours has managed to get the better of me... But this time, I will not let you off easy the way I do with mediocre men.

And so—

...Huh?

What... is that?

Your Grace... Our intelligence indicates that this 'Kjeragandr' has already vanished from Kjerag.

But we cannot confirm what is causing this phenomenon in the sky.

What should we do, Your Grace?

I had wanted to see this gamble through...

But unfortunately, they have added one last weight to the balance, and we cannot stop the scales of victory from pointing their way.

What more can we even do?

Sound the retreat.