UUu

When Raphael came to, he saw a round window in his hazy vision. Beyond the window was the clear, unobstructed sky.

Sky? Am I on the ship?! R-, right, the Prisma?!

This must be inside Special Envoy Theodores exclusive ship, which the Holy Knight Order had used to be their mobile fortress for the operation. Raphael remembered the countless light bullets the Prisma unleashed against Rochefort, one of which headed for him.

Ah, Raphael! Thank goodness, youre finally up!

Are you feeling well? Are you hurt anywhere??

Eris and Ripple were in the room, seemingly watching over him.

I am okay. All thanks to the two of you covering for me my deepest apologies.

If anyone, it was the two Hyrule Menaces who were in a worse state. Ripple was riddled with bandages on her neck and arms, while Eris had an eye patch over one eye.1

At the time, both Eris and Ripple threw themselves over Raphael, protecting him from Prismas attack. Hence their injured state, in contrast to Raphael being safe and sound.

Its fine. Us Hyrule Menaces are sturdy, yknow? Itll heal in no time at all!!

Indeed, theres no need to beat yourself over it. While these look intimidating, were only covering up the wounds so that we dont discourage others. They dont interfere with our movements whatsoever.

Thank you very much. If I may ask, how long have I been out?

Id say, seven days?

I suppose.

Seven?! A Prisma is on the move, and yet I have been neglecting my duty for that long! Whats the situation since then?!

The Prisma is heading toward the Royal Capital. It doesnt seem to be moving quickly, so were keeping an eye on it from a fixed distance.

So far, the Prisma hasnt run into any large towns, so there shouldnt be that much damage

I see. However, you told me before that a Prisma is basically a Prism Flow given body, wont the Prisma endlessly create Magic Stone Beasts that may overflow into the surrounding area, attacking villages and towns in hordes?

Yes, that is a real threat. Thats why the Holy Knight Order is breaking up into smaller platoons to take down the Magic Stone Beasts that are reaching settlements, under the direction of His Highness Wayne and Special Envoy Theodore.

I seebut, do we even have enough numbers?

That fronts good too. For now, that is You can say that we have a reinforcement of sorts?

What reinforcement, Lady Ripple?

The Ironblood Chain Brigade. Apparently, they are helping us cull the Magic Stone Beasts Prisma produced.

The Brigade?! Is that.okay?

Better use what we can, especially now! Thats what the Prince and the Special Envoy decided. I am feeling complicated, but I am of the same opinion. Our casualty wasnt low with what the Venefiques did to us, and the Holy Knight Order is short on hands

I see. In that case, relying on them seems like a good idea Glis and Rani told me that the Ironblood Chain Brigade also has a Hyrule Menace of their own. Also, Leon is with them too

Yes, he is

Thats why its fine. Our fight is only starting!

Ripple, who was always cheerful and encouraging no matter the time, invited a smile from Raphael.

Yes, Lady Ripple! Speaking of which, what happened to himRochefort?

Dunno! We were blown away by that attack and hadnt seen them since. I dont even know where the Venefian forces are!

With how careless he was using the weaponized form of their Hyrule Menace, that mans fate is sealed! I think their forces returned to their home base after they lost their general.

I see Just, why would he do something so suicidal

I cant understand it either. He didnt even seem to be in the right frame of mind

The guy was something else. Who knows, maybe it was one of his blind rampages that provoked the Prisma!

Why did the Hyrule Menace bless him with her power in the first place? Weaponization cannot take place unless it is done with a united heart

Do you think the Hyrule Menace shared the same will as that man?

She didnt seem the part, though?

She was already weaponized by the time I came to you, so I dont know any better

Same with me. How is she like, I wonder?

Her name is Lady Arles, and shes a beastfolk like you, Lady Ripple However, unlike you, she is somewhat somber and reserved

Hang on, is that a jab on me? Are you saying Im thoughtless and carefree?

N-, no! Thats not what I mean! I always thought that every beastfolk is bright and joyful like you, so

Everyones different, you know? Ah, I see so thats why! It was telepathy!

? What do you mean?

You know, when we went to check on the Prisma, didnt I say there was a voice only I could hear? That was a telepathic message this Arles girl sent me. Since were both beastfolks, we could send messages to each other!

A special ability amongst the beastfolks?

There was an incident where a trap was set upon Ripples special ability that made her endlessly summon beastfolk Magic Stone Beasts, but Essentially, that ability was an ability to communicate between beastfolks.

Yep! It didnt cross my mind, since I thought I was the only beastfolk left. To think theres another beastfolk Hyrule Menace!

So, you heard Lady Arles voice? What did she say?

She told us to run away it sounded as if she was really concerned about us.

So, Lady Arles was against that guys Rocheforts actions?

Yeah, I think she was

I cant understand

Raphael hung his head, shaking it slightly.

Huh?

Whats wrong?

Then why!? Why was Rochefort able to weaponize Lady Arles? The strongest power should only take form when two hearts unite as one! I just cant understand how someone whos so concerned about Lady Ripple, can have the same will as Rochefort?

Two hearts united as one, that doesnt apply only when they have the same will, you know

Right However, that is a much sadder thing, right? Im sure this Arles girl is still young And I mean not on the outside, but on the inside.

Speaking so, Ripple patted her chest. She implied what lay deep inside there, the heart.