Realm Trial

Arakawa

Otakemaru

So this is Arakawa... It’s truly a beautiful place, just as Mt. Suzuka once was.

Otakemaru

My old friend, please forgive me.

Suzuka Gozen

Where are we now?

Worldly Aoandon

We’re in Arakawa, Otakemaru’s first stop on his attack on the capital.

Suzuka Gozen

The stream that flows into the sea...

Suzuka Gozen

I can see from the river and the gentle slopes that this must be a peaceful place like Mt. Suzuka.

Suzuka Gozen

Blood?! Has the battle started already? Where is Otakemaru?!

Meanwhile, on the distant battlefield.

Kujira

How come there’s only a few of you? Is Lord Arakawa a coward now?

Kingyo

Big guy is no coward!

Seimei

Don’t fall for his tricks.

Seimei

He was clearly chasing the spirits of Arakawa, yet he didn’t make any moves despite what he said. He must be trying to lure Lord Arakawa out.

Kujira

Surrender yourself and hand over Lord Arakawa. The war will be over soon.

Seimei

If you’re so afraid of Lord Arakawa, why are you invading us?

Kujira

We need to take precautions, and on the other hand... I don’t want Young Master to feel awkward.

Seimei

I’m afraid I have to refuse. Besides, you’ve been fighting for quite a while, I can tell from your wounds. We can defend against you, right here, right now.

Kujira

I’m used to death. I, Kujira, never flinch.

Hakuzosu

I’m here to help you, Master Seimei! And as for you, I hate monsters who kill the innocent most of all!

Suzuka Gozen

They look so strange. They have a reckless excitement and a lingering and vicious will to kill in their eyes...

Suzuka Gozen

This is a side to the spirits of my Mt. Suzuka that I have never seen before.

Worldly Aoandon

They say the sea monsters under Otakemaru’s command are great fighters who do not fear death. Not even defeat can lower their morale.

Suzuka Gozen

They’re risking their lives with the way they battle. Are they under the control of Uminari?!

Suzuka Gozen

I can’t believe he’s doing this to his own allies...

Worldly Aoandon

He let them lose themselves in illusory passions and die in a place far from their homeland.

Suzuka Gozen

You’re the Queen of All Tales, yet you speak the harshest words.

Worldly Aoandon

I’m simply stating the facts.

Suzuka Gozen

Why would Otakemaru allow Uminari to control the minds of his allies? How could he tolerate such acts?!

Worldly Aoandon

Speak of the devil. He’s here.

Seimei

You’re losing ground. You’ve already lost.

Otakemaru

It’s still too early to claim victory!

Hiromasa

The commander in chief is bold enough to show himself. The sea monsters will scatter if we defeat you, I assume?

Otakemaru

I show myself because I’ve seen what you’re capable of. You pose no threat to me.

Otakemaru

People of Mt. Suzuka! On my command, charge!!!

Kingyo

Big guy, where are you...

Shichinin Misaki - Kumo

Damn, I almost beheaded that little fish.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Humph.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

I, Lord Arakawa, am here. How dare you puny sea monsters think you can wreak havoc in this place!

Waverider Lord Arakawa

How dare you intrude upon my Arakawa! Prepare to meet your doom!

Otakemaru

Leave. I’ll deal with him.

Waverider Lord Arakawa engaged in a fierce battle with Otakemaru. Thanks to the arrival of Lord Arakawa, Sealand’s attack began to lose momentum.

Otakemaru

Again, again!

Otakemaru

Fighting you is the only way I can experience this thrill!

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Hehe, the way I see it, your attack is a feeble joke, and you’re just confused!

Otakemaru

You will never understand what this battle means for the people of my Mt. Suzuka.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

I only know that this blade was given to me by a very important friend of mine.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

The spirits on Mt. Suzuka have strong tempers. They won’t follow the orders of sea monsters. Just like Sealand-forged.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

“The rivers and the sea will eventually converge.”

Waverider Lord Arakawa

You’ve said this before!

Otakemaru

That friend of yours must already be dead.

Otakemaru

All you need to know is that I won’t stop until I conquer Arakawa!

Hakuzosu

We have to help the people of Arakawa retreat while Lord Arakawa holds the leader of the sea monsters back.

Kingyo

Humph! If only I were stronger, I’d be able to...

Kanihime

Don’t try to run away while our Young Master is battling! Stop!

Worldly Aoandon

......

Suzuka Gozen

I’ve never seen Otakemaru with any friends before.

Suzuka Gozen

I can’t believe it’s here, at this moment, that I meet his friend for the first time.

►Battle
►Later

Hakuzosu

Letting such a small kid join the battle? How ruthless can you get!

Kanihime

Don’t you ever speak badly of the Young Master! Take this!

Seimei

She looks like a little girl, but she has a sharp crab claw. You’re not so bad yourself, to keep on fighting this long.

Seimei

What is your name?

Kanihime

Kanihime, my name is Kanihime.

Seimei

War only brings disaster. Do you really mean to hurt people, Kanihime?

Kanihime

I don’t want to hurt anyone or be hurt by anyone!

Seimei

Is that so? Then this has to end now. I must seal you away.

Kanihime

*Cough*... *Cough*... Young Master...

Hakuzosu

Does he have unlimited power?!

Kanihime

He has been protecting us at the front line. This time, I will protect Young Master!

Hakuzosu

Enough! Your body is too worn out to take part in any more battles! Stop fighting!

Kanihime

When Young Master declared a war against the land, I was worried.

Kanihime

I’m worried that the humans and spirits in the land will bully him...

Kanihime

So, even though I’m weak, I will stand with Young Master to bear some of the burden!

Kanihime

Don’t you belittle me and the will of the Sealanders!! Stay out of the way, onmyoji!

Worldly Aoandon

So it seems that not all the sea monsters were bewitched by Uminari. Some are fighting of their own will.

Suzuka Gozen

What is this fool girl talking about? “Will of the Sealanders?”

Suzuka Gozen

It means nothing when compared to the lives of your family.

Worldly Aoandon

Really? Then what would you do if you were in Otakemaru’s shoes?

Suzuka Gozen

I... I would probably take my family and leave Mt. Suzuka.

Suzuka Gozen

As long as everyone is alive, we can always find a new home, even if it means we have to wander the sea.

Worldly Aoandon

Alas, not everyone is like you, able to simply cut off their bond with their homeland and put it all behind them.

Worldly Aoandon

Now that you’re seeing what Otakemaru experienced, can you truly understand him?

Suzuka Gozen

......

Otakemaru

Keep it coming, Lord Arakawa!

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Heh, you never get tired do you?

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Shorty, help them retreat...

Kingyo

What?

Waverider Lord Arakawa

I said fall back!

Kingyo

No! If I have even one last bit of energy, I will fight until I can fight no more!

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Turn around and take a look at our people.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Don’t forget the true duty of Lord Arakawa is to protect his people. The people of Arakawa.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

Now go. The sea monsters won’t catch up with you as long as I’m here.

Kingyo

Big guy, that’s so unfair...

Suzuka Gozen

Fair enough.

Hiromasa

Lord Arakawa! You’re wounded!

Waverider Lord Arakawa

I can hold the ground alone, you better leave with shorty over there.

Hiromasa

Don’t overdo it. Even if you could fend off Otakemaru’s attack, how do you hope to deal with the whole Sealand army to come?!

Yao Bikuni

My cleansing spell can deter the corruption on your wound, although not much.

Yao Bikuni

I have a deep bond with the sea, let me stay with you. They’re also the enemies of the capital, aren’t they?

Hiromasa

She’s right. We won’t leave you behind!

Otakemaru

Oh? Did Arakawa just admit defeat? Am I correct?

Otakemaru

If so, my army will raze the area and catch the retreating spirits in just a few days.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

You can say whatever you want about me, I only want to protect their lives.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

I admire you as a powerful spirit, but I don’t agree with your meaningless killings.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

All that lies behind you is blood and bones, yet behind me stand my people. How could you possibly win?!

Waverider Lord Arakawa

I alone am enough to stop you all!

Otakemaru

Give up, my friend.

Waverider Lord Arakawa

With my soul, I create this field! There’s no way for you to come one step closer!

Suzuka Gozen

Tsk!

Worldly Aoandon

What are you doing?

Otakemaru

Onmyoji of the capital, stay out of this! You can’t possibly win against me!

Yao Bikuni

I don’t care. I’m not here to take you down.

Yao Bikuni

All I need to do is stall you.

Otakemaru

Then face your doom!

Yao Bikuni

Hehe, it would be nice if you could grant me my death.

►Battle
►Later

Otakemaru

The field of Arakawa is now shattered.

Otakemaru

My friend.

Otakemaru

My wish is not to rule Arakawa.

Otakemaru

To complete my plan, I have to take this place.

Otakemaru

But I promise you, when this is all over, I will return Arakawa to its master.

Worldly Aoandon

In the battle of Arakawa, Lord Arakawa fought alone against an army.

Worldly Aoandon

The reinforcements from the capital slowed down Sealand’s attack. But their help was limited.

Worldly Aoandon

In one decisive moment, Lord Arakawa infused his soul into Sealand-forged and used it to create a great field.

Worldly Aoandon

In the days that followed, he managed to lure the Sealand armies into the whirlpool and trap them while retreating.

Worldly Aoandon

Thanks to him, the spirits retreating from Arakawa managed to survive, and the people living near the capital had time to prepare.

Suzuka Gozen

I...

Worldly Aoandon

You acted out of impulse and saved Lord Arakawa from this realm. Yet, you still couldn’t change how the story evolved.

Suzuka Gozen

I know.

Suzuka Gozen

I just thought the way he looks while helping that little goldfish looked familiar.

Suzuka Gozen

I didn’t want to feel helpless anymore. I knew it was just an illusory realm. I simply couldn’t help taking action.

Suzuka Gozen

I won’t do it again.

Suzuka Gozen

I’ve already missed everything.

Suzuka Gozen

All I’ve done is ruin everyone’s determination.

Worldly Aoandon

If that’s what you think, let’s keep watching.

Otakemaru

Although we let the onmyoji of the capital go after the battle in Arakawa, we know how capable they are.

Otakemaru

Heian-Kyo poses no threat!

Otakemaru

Let’s just keep moving!

Mt. Septem

Otakemaru

Mt. Septem? What a strangely shaped mountain.

Kujira

Young Master! There are human civilians living at the foot of the mountain. The Demonship can’t get closer, how...

Otakemaru

Let’s keep doing what we’re here to do.

Otakemaru

But it’s their home...

Kujira

Young Master...

Otakemaru

Don’t worry about it. Let’s just keep moving!!

Mt. Gloom

Otakemaru

The shrouding miasma is making this place practically as dark as night, even though the sun is up. Are we in Mt. Gloom?

Otakemaru

This kind of place always reminds me of our Mt. Suzuka...

Otakemaru

Let’s place the magic circle and leave. The Ominous Land is up ahead!

Ominous Land

Otakemaru

The Ominous Land... Is that the place where the great spirit Tamamonomae lives?

Otakemaru

I thought I had a fierce fight ahead of me. But apparently Tamamonomae is not here.

Otakemaru

Mt. Suzuka is blessed!

Mt. Oe

Worldly Aoandon

After leaving Arakawa, Otakemaru took down the Ominous Land, Mt. Septem and Mt. Gloom and left magic circles there, to be used in blood sacrifices.

Worldly Aoandon

Now they’re about to attack the impenetrable place —

Suzuka Gozen

The entrance to the Demon Domain... Mt. Oe.

Worldly Aoandon

That was a splendid battle.

Suzuka Gozen

Splendid...

Worldly Aoandon

Apologies for my word choice.

Otakemaru

The end is close...

Worldly Aoandon

Based on the marching route of Otakemaru, the capital deduced that he was going to form a magic pentagram using the places around the capital.

Worldly Aoandon

Otakemaru used his artifact to hide the magic circles. So even though the capital knew his next move, they failed to stop him.

Worldly Aoandon

You could say that Mt. Oe is the last line of defense against Otakemaru’s attack on the capital.

Suzuka Gozen

The battle is sure to be fierce.

Suzuka Gozen

What’s that crowd down by Mt. Oe. A human army?

Worldly Aoandon

They’re the armies of the Minamoto Clan from the capital. In this battle, the humans surprisingly allied with the spirits to face their common enemy.

Otakemaru

We’re finally here at the last blood sacrifice location. It won’t be long before we can return home.

Otakemaru

I will put an end to the demon boss of Mt. Oe myself.

Uminari

Young Master, Mt. Oe is easy to defend but hard to conquer; and they have allies from the Minamoto Clan on their side. I’m afraid we can’t take it by force.

Otakemaru

Mr. Uminari, please be cautious. I will save more strength for the moment when your plan works.

Uminari

Young Master, take time to rest and rejuvenate. The Demon Boss will be taken down by the demons themselves.

Suzuka Gozen

Themselves how?

Worldly Aoandon

Here it goes.

Shuten Doji

Ugh, the air’s been stinking of salt since the moment those Demonships landed. Even my wine tastes bad now.

Shuten Doji

The armies of the Minamoto Clan have gathered in Mt. Oe. Looks like they’re using us as bait.

Shuten Doji

Leave the Minamoto Clan aside. It was really reckless of Sealand to land their ship on the mountaintop.

Shuten Doji

Follow me, my demons.

Otakemaru

As expected, though the spirits of Mt. Oe are powerful, they don’t fight well in the water. That made it difficult for them to resist our raid.

Otakemaru

Although we should keep an eye on those weapons of the Minamoto Clan, they should pose no threat to us, since they have to keep Mt. Oe in check.

Otakemaru

If Mr. Uminari’s plan is successful, we’ll be able to capture this place and perform the last blood sacrifice.

Otakemaru

What’s that?

Shuten Doji

You really do like to act as you please!

Otakemaru

And judging by that red mop of yours, you must be the demon boss Shuten Doji.

Otakemaru

Then allow me to behead the Demon Boss again!

Ibaraki Doji

You filthy pirate, don’t you touch Shuten Doji.

Ibaraki Doji

Go back to your pirate den if you don’t want to lose your life.

Otakemaru

Hehe, I’ll cut off your other arm, Ibaraki Doji.

Otakemaru

You have no advantage against me, yet still you throw your life away like this. If that is what you want, then I’m happy to grant you your death!

Minamoto no Yorimitsu

Hehe, presumptuous of you to assume it’s me who’ll be dying today.

Minamoto no Yorimitsu

Go, Onikiri!

Onikiri

I don’t need your orders, Minamoto no Yorimitsu! I act on my own!

Otakemaru

How come the land spirits are behind us now? How come they move so fast in the water?

Otakemaru

Has Mt. Oe joined forces with the Minamoto Clan?

Worldly Aoandon

The Minamoto Clan has joined forces with Mt. Oe, forcing Otakemaru to retreat.

Suzuka Gozen

They’re on the north side of Mt. Oe. Could falling back to there be part of some plan he’s devised?

Worldly Aoandon

You’re right.

Hakuzosu

Waaah! What’s that?! Tsunami!

Suzuka Gozen

To be able to summon sea water on such a large scale... What kind of power does Uminari possess?

Worldly Aoandon

Uminari summoned a tsunami and scattered the forces of the Minamoto Clan and Mt. Oe. The next act took place on the mountaintop of Mt. Oe.

Worldly Aoandon

Before they scattered, Shuten Doji ordered the spirits to head for the Demon Throne at the top of the mountain.

Worldly Aoandon

Uminari placed a field trap near the Demon Throne and managed to trap the spirits on the mountaintop.

Suzuka Gozen

So that’s what he meant by ‘The Demon Boss will be taken down by the demons themselves.’

Shuten Doji

What’s going on? Was I dead?

Shuten Doji

How did I die here? Was I too careless?

Shuten Doji

This is unfair... I can’t die now, not like this.

Shuten Doji

Mt. Oe, my demons, those who I failed to save, my unfinished revenge...

Shuten Doji

I... must... stand up!

Otakemaru

Heh, it looks like the king of Mt. Oe isn’t so powerful after all!

Otakemaru

My head’s been cut off and I’m lying on the ground like a slaughtered lamb.

Shuten Doji

Damn you, Otakemaru, you bastard!

Shuten Doji

*Cough*... *cough*... The ones over there... Ibaraki Doji? And Onikiri?

Onikiri

Now, Ibaraki Doji, you will join Shuten Doji in hell!

Ibaraki Doji

Unforgivable... This was unforgivable!

Ibaraki Doji

Shuten Doji, I know I’m too weak to save you a second time. But I promise you that you won’t walk the roads of the underworld alone.

Ibaraki Doji

Even if it means I can’t escape from the field trap today, I’ll bury you all with Shuten Doji!

Shuten Doji

Why are they fighting with illusions?

Shuten Doji

The water trap... the mind control... It’s all the spells of that warlock Uminari!

Shuten Doji

Cough, I have to wake Ibaraki Doji and Onikiri up! We can’t panic now.

Shuten Doji

What is it? This hurts so much! Voices are flooding in my head...

Shuten Doji

My head enclosed in a box, the clashing of blades, the shouting... The sound of bells... bells!

Shuten Doji

No, I’m not dead. That man over there saved me.

Shuten Doji

Urgh, I have to get up!

Shuten Doji

I can’t let them get the better of me with a fake near-death experience! How dare they play around with this hard-won life of mine?

Ghost Illusion

Shuten Doji, come to hell with us! You don’t deserve to be a demon boss!

Shuten Doji

But you’re right, although they’re illusions, I failed to protect Mt. Oe.

Shuten Doji

Sorry, brothers, I have more important matters to attend to tonight!

Shuten Doji

After that, I’ll treat you all to a new drink for the road!

Shuten Doji

Come out, Lord of Mt. Suzuka!

Otakemaru

That’s just what I’ve been waiting for, Demon Boss of Mt. Oe.

Otakemaru

Defeating you as you are now will be a truly worthy victory!

Shuten Doji

Bring it on, Otakemaru!

Worldly Aoandon

Shuten Doji understood how Uminari’s field worked and fought hard to survive in his spell. But he couldn’t hold it for long.

Suzuka Gozen

Using despicable spells to send families to die. This is not the Otakemaru I knew.

Suzuka Gozen

The key to end this is...

Onikiri

Damn it... Don’t you run! Wait!

Onikiri

...it keeps appearing before me, yet when I swing my blade, it disappears. Why?

Onikiri

Where are you, Minamoto no Yorimitsu?! Why don’t you come out and fight me?!

Ghost Illusion

You unscrupulous bastard. We all died because of your betrayal. How are you going to pay for your sins?!

Ghost Illusion

Give back everything you stole!

Onikiri

You’re right...

Onikiri

The arm holding this blade, this dying life... none of them belong to me.

Onikiri

How can I stop here, when I haven’t paid any of it back?

Onikiri

This sound... like flowing water... No, it’s the blood pact...

Onikiri

I see... So what I saw was just an illusion...

Onikiri

That’s... Shadow Slash!

Uminari

As I expected, Blade of Minamoto, you found me first. Even though you’ve found me, it’s already too late.

Black demon force enveloped the blade Onikiri had stabbed into the field. Cracks started to appear on the blade.

Onikiri

Urgh... It hurts so much! It feels like burning fire...!

Onikiri

But this pain is nothing compared to my hatred.

Onikiri

I’ve been craving this moment; this bone-splintering pain and this burning determination!

Onikiri

I’ve been craving the moment I could return everything that doesn’t belong to me!

Onikiri

Die!!

With a loud crack, the whole field shattered. Onikiri’s blade was shattered along with it, breaking into fragments that fell into the water.

Onikiri

*Cough*... *cough*...

Onikiri

My demonic arm, my body, my blade... They’ve all been broken to pieces...

Onikiri

Everything that doesn’t belong to me is gone.

Onikiri

But... why... As my life slipped away, I could feel the bitter taste of unwillingness.

Onikiri

It’s as long as my blood pact, but burning strongly. And the moment it hit the bottom, it was snuffed out.

►Battle
►Later

Worldly Aoandon

The toughest blade of the Minamoto Clan, a blade that could cut through anything, finally shattered on the battlefield.

Suzuka Gozen

He shattered the field single-handedly. What a stubborn man...

Worldly Aoandon

Thanks to Onikiri, the others managed to escape from Uminari’s spell.

Worldly Aoandon

But it was already too late. Otakemaru completed the magic circles as everyone was scattered by the tsunami.

Suzuka Gozen

The spell that had shrouded Mt.Oe disappeared into thin air.

Suzuka Gozen

It can be used to read a target’s mind and manifest their worst fear.

Suzuka Gozen

Uminari, what has happened to you over the years...

Shuten Doji

That loud crack: was it the water trap breaking?

Shuten Doji

Wait, it’s Onikiri... and he’s disappearing?

Otakemaru

Still worrying about others, Shuten Doji?

Otakemaru

Face your doom!

Otakemaru

Bring it on, Demon Boss of Mt. Oe! A thrilling battle awaits us both!

Shuten Doji

As long as I can protect Mt. Oe, I’m willing to be burnt to ashes!

Shuten Doji

It’s like a flame was ignited in my chest. Rage, unwillingness, regret... all burning in my insides.

Shuten Doji

However, the determination to put an end to all this is burning strongest of all.

Shuten Doji

I want this unquenchable flame to burn away every last bit of my hesitation!

Shuten Doji

I’m giving all I have to this flame!

Shuten Doji

I’ll use it to burn anything and anyone who tries to stop me!

Demoniac Shuten Doji

Now you will have the honor of seeing my full power.

Otakemaru

Humph! Again!

Demoniac Shuten Doji

Your illusions, your fields, and your Mt. Suzuka are nothing before me!

Demoniac Shuten Doji

Standing behind me are millions of demons of Mt. Oe, both dead and alive.

Demoniac Shuten Doji

How could I possibly lose?

Suzuka Gozen

!!!!

Otakemaru

What’s going on?!

Otakemaru

My sea monsters and my Demonships are being burned to ashes...

Otakemaru

People of Mt. Suzuka, fall back now! Stay away from the flame!

Otakemaru

Why are you still attacking?!

Otakemaru

Don’t throw your life away like that. We’ve already done what we came here to do!

Uminari

Hahaha...

Otakemaru

Mr. Uminari?

Uminari

Surround them! And kill them!

►Battle
►Later

Ibaraki Doji

What’s going on with Uminari?!

Demoniac Shuten Doji

His Inner Demon Field was broken. He’s probably been taken over by his inner demons and gone totally crazy.

Demoniac Shuten Doji

This doesn’t look good. The broken blade of Onikiri is still stuck in his demon force.

Otakemaru

Mr. Uminari, Mr. Uminari!

Suzuka Gozen

He’s been possessed by his inner demons.

Suzuka Gozen

The moment Uminari dabbled with forbidden magic... No, from the moment the contamination appeared in Mt. Suzuka, there has been no turning back.

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru, this is not the journey you imagined.

Worldly Aoandon

Apparently he thought otherwise.

Demoniac Shuten Doji

Otakemaru, you lost.

Otakemaru

Damn it, Mt. Oe’s demon flame is stopping Mr. Uminari from recovering... We must leave.

Otakemaru

We’ve lost a lot already in the battle against Mt. Oe. If we keep on fighting like this...

Kujira

Are you alright, Young Master?!

Kujira

I failed to arrive in time when you were fighting Shuten Doji...

Otakemaru

I’m fine.

Kanihime

But your wound, Young Master...

Otakemaru

I’m fine. Just keep focused on our future plan.

Otakemaru

Our next destination is the capital.

Heian-Kyo

Worldly Aoandon

Sealand lost nearly seventy percent of their forces to the attacks of Mt. Oe and the Minamoto Clan.

Worldly Aoandon

Otakemaru lost his chance to attack the capital directly, since his main force was neutralized. This bought time for the capital.

Worldly Aoandon

The fierce battle in Mt. Oe awoke the Mountain God. Seimei took the chance and awoke Ungaikyo.

Suzuka Gozen

The artifact that created the illusions on the Demoniac Feast...

Otakemaru

The time for rest is over. Let’s go!

Otakemaru

We’ll be on our way home when we take down the capital.

Otakemaru

All this is for Mt. Suzuka.

Worldly Aoandon

The weather is changing. A storm is coming.

Suzuka Gozen

The capital in your realm looks a bit different from what I remembered.

Worldly Aoandon

Care to elaborate on the difference?

Suzuka Gozen

Is it because I already know how the story ends that I’m sensing something unusual?

Suzuka Gozen

Is this the mirrored capital that artifact mirror created?

Worldly Aoandon

Yes. Seimei created a mirrored capital with Ungaikyo and stood guard while the great spirits went to the places where Otakemaru placed magic circles.

Worldly Aoandon

Arakawa, Mt. Septem, Mt. Gloom, Ominous Land, Mt. Oe... and the capital.

Worldly Aoandon

The pentagram created by the Sealand forces during their invasion was broken by the combined forces of Heian-Kyo.

Suzuka Gozen

So where is Otakemaru at this moment?

Worldly Aoandon

He’s coming...

Otakemaru

Kujira, report our progress on the frontline.

Kujira

Young Master... We’ve received no news from the frontline.

Otakemaru

Have we lost all of them... The capital is heavily guarded, as expected.

Otakemaru

Small units are moving out of the city. Kujira, what are your thoughts on this?

Kujira

They’re spreading out their armies when they should be standing guard in the city. I’m afraid they could have laid a trap in Heian-Kyo.

Otakemaru

You read my mind. Forget about those civilians. On my order, keep moving!

Otakemaru

We should sneak into the city and catch them off guard before they have a chance to activate their traps.

Otakemaru

Keep advancing. We will fight for our home until the end!

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru, what exactly Mt. Suzuka means to you?

Suzuka Gozen

Have you ever look back...

Otakemaru

Really? You’re the only one guarding the center of the circle?

Otakemaru

Looks like you underestimated Sealand’s strength!

Seimei

No, that’s not true. I alone am enough for you.

Seimei

Plus, isn’t it too early to draw that conclusion?

Otakemaru

Hahaha. Let’s face it! Your protection and your struggles are meaningless!

Otakemaru

The war is over! The spiritual power of this land now belongs to Mt. Suzuka!

Seimei

......

Otakemaru

This can’t happen! I’ve placed the magic circles in five locations. But how... Could it be...

Seimei

So, you’ve noticed... I was planning to take you down here...

Otakemaru

Everything is just an illusion! You lured me in deliberately... just to buy yourself some time!

Seimei

You have already lost.

Otakemaru

You can’t stop Sealand, even if this is true!

Otakemaru

I only need to activate the pentagram with the spiritual power of the Jade of Yasakani again, and everything you’ve done will be in vain!

Seimei

The five forces that left the capital earlier have returned. You’ve been battling non-stop since you landed and have suffered many casualties.

Seimei

I don’t believe you will stop, but right now, you still have a choice.

Seimei

Lay down your weapons and the war will be over.

Otakemaru

Onmyoji Seimei, you know I won’t do that. Why even bother asking me to surrender?

Otakemaru

I understand your perseverance and I respect your resistance.

Otakemaru

But right now, the reason why we’re here is not to understand each other. War is the only solution!

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru...

Suzuka Gozen

Was war the only solution?

Otakemaru

To take back our Mt. Suzuka and to restore my home to how it used to be.

Otakemaru

We can’t lose this war!

Otakemaru

Everything we did was to get our home back.

Otakemaru

Since I’m no more than an evil monster in your eyes, I’ll show you what real evil is!

Otakemaru

Bring it on, Heian-Kyo!

Otakemaru

Damn it...

Seimei

Stop it!

Otakemaru

No, it’s not over yet...

Otakemaru

The future of the people of Mt. Suzuka depends on this...

Otakemaru

When they decided to come here with me they’d already forsaken their lives!

Otakemaru

Because we have nowhere to return!

►Battle
►Later

Otakemaru

I only need to sacrifice myself to activate the magic circle again...

Worldly Aoandon

Unfortunately, he failed.

Suzuka Gozen

I... I know. Even if he managed to take down Heian-Kyo, he couldn’t save Mt.Suzuka.

Uminari

I hope you can make Heian-Kyo your new territory and rebuild our home here.

Uminari

If you’re not here, everything will be in vain!

Otakemaru

Uminari, you...

Seimei

It’s all over. You must pay for Sealand’s sins.

Otakemaru

I started this unlawful war and I should end it myself...

Suzuka Gozen

......

Uminari

Young Master!

Kanihime

Young Master... Young Master!

Kanihime

You promised me that we would return together...

Seimei

......

Worldly Aoandon

This is how the story ended. What do you think?

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru...

Suzuka Gozen

You fool...

Worldly Aoandon

And you know what happened next.

Worldly Aoandon

Did you get what you came for?

Suzuka Gozen

No...

Suzuka Gozen

But maybe it’s because we were separated for too long, or... we were born different.

Suzuka Gozen

It’s not for me to refute his thoughts and his actions... but I don’t agree with him.

Worldly Aoandon

So what do you want to do?

Suzuka Gozen

After seeing all this, there’s only one thing I want to figure out.

Suzuka Gozen

I have to meet Otakemaru again!

Suzuka Gozen

There’s something that can’t be cleared up until I speak to him in person.

Worldly Aoandon

Hehe, that’s more like you.

Suzuka Gozen

Ever since I came back from the Sanzu River, things have been chaos. And each time, it’s over before I’ve even had a chance to react.

Suzuka Gozen

For me, it’s only been a month since I last saw Otakemaru.

Suzuka Gozen

I can still remember clearly the look on his face and the words he said when we bade each other farewell.

Suzuka Gozen

But I just realized that in reality a few centuries have passed.

Suzuka Gozen

That silly boy who grew up with me...

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru, the most important person to me, is gone.

Worldly Aoandon

......

Suzuka Gozen

The funny thing is, the moment I realized this, fear crept up inside me.

Suzuka Gozen

I became afraid.

Suzuka Gozen

That farewell, centuries ago, might have been the last chance I ever had to see him...

Worldly Aoandon

And this is how the story ends.

Worldly Aoandon

The shards collected are enough to make a scroll. Do you want to take a last look?

Suzuka Gozen

Let me take a last look at him...

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru...

Worldly Aoandon

This is what had happened.

Worldly Aoandon

Are you giving up?

Worldly Aoandon

If you don’t open the next chapter, the story could stay at this ending forever.

Suzuka Gozen

No...

Suzuka Gozen

If I did that, he would despise me.

Suzuka Gozen

He would be furious and refuse to call me his sister.

Suzuka Gozen

(Even though I entered the story again, I failed to find the lead to the soul of Otakemaru. Where is it exactly?)

Suzuka Gozen

I must thank you, Queen of All Tales.

Worldly Aoandon

Hehe, no trouble at all. Plus, I might have gotten exactly what I wanted to see.

Suzuka Gozen

What?

Worldly Aoandon

The realm is growing, and stories give birth to new stories.

Worldly Aoandon

Don’t feel you must rush to leave. You might find what you’re looking for in the realm.

Suzuka Gozen

What do you mean?

Suzuka Gozen

The realm is still here. What’s going on?

Worldly Aoandon

It seems that it was worthwhile for me to have walked so many places.

Worldly Aoandon

Stories are intertwined. Reality and illusion are mutually dependent. By adding characters who weren’t intended to be in the original story, a new tale presents itself...

Worldly Aoandon

A new ending. Or a new beginning.

Suzuka Gozen

What? What are you talking about?

Suzuka Gozen

The realm is being distorted. Where are we going?

Suzuka Gozen

I know this area of sea... Are we...

Worldly Aoandon

Impressive.

Suzuka Gozen

Is this a replica of Mt Suzuka in the realm? No, it’s... Mt. Suzuka today.

Suzuka Gozen

I’ve heard how Mt. Suzuka was contaminated from Uminari, but...

Suzuka Gozen

What exactly happened in the past two hundred years?

Suzuka Gozen

(Looks like the images I saw from that artifact were not illusions after all.)

Suzuka Gozen

(I must pay a visit to Mt. Suzuka before going to the Sea of Eternity!)

Worldly Aoandon

My guess was right.

Worldly Aoandon

Your presence marks the beginning of a new story.

Suzuka Gozen

Have you seen so many stories that you’re unable to tell them apart from reality, Queen of all Tales?

Worldly Aoandon

You’re in a story, yet you failed to realise it.

Suzuka Gozen

Oh, really? What about you?

Suzuka Gozen

Planning to hide in your realm and be a storyteller?

Worldly Aoandon

Why would I? I have so many things to look forward to.

Worldly Aoandon

I expect to see a new beginning.

Worldly Aoandon

And I’m full of curiosity as to whether the endgame will lead to a new ending this time.

???

......

Suzuka Gozen

Otakemaru, I will find you.