"The Nabata Desert. A wasteland of scorching sun and frigid nights. It rejects human life. Any careless enough to enter its embrace is doomed to wander lost. Uther, the marquess of Ostia, spoke of a living legend… Guided by his words, Eliwood heads straight into the desert." David said.
"Speaking of deserts…you gonna be okay, David?" Hope asked. "We all know deserts aren't an environment you're comfy in."
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine." David said.
"Still, I can't help but wonder what this Living Legend business is all about." Raine said.
"Uther was probably talking about the archsage Athos." Hector said.
"Athos? Hey, Ishihara. Wasn't that one of the eight heroes that you mentioned brought peace to this world centuries ago?" Cheetah asked.
"Now that you mention it, yeah. It is him. The Archsage Athos." David said.
"Yeah. While the legend happened 1,000 years ago, there are some who say Athos is still alive, even my brother says so. He wouldn't just send us out on a wild goose chase." Hector said.
"I can actually believe that Uther is sending us in the right direction. If there's a chance Athos is alive, we have to take it." Hope said.
"Seems we're not the only ones out in the desert." Eliwood said as they saw a group of bandits surrounding a young sage.
"He needs our help." Lyndis said.
"We're all in agreement then, let's go!" Glimmer said as the company headed off to help the sage in need.
"You will stay back!" a voice boomed as a large man got in front of those who don't normally fight.
"Who the heck are you supposed to be?" Eddy asked.
"I'm Hawkeye, defender of the desert." the man said.
"Why are you keeping us back?" Glimmer asked.
"For starters...you were going to run in even when you cannot fight." Hawkeye said. "Besides, guests should not be fighting here."
"Guests? What are you talking about? We're with those guys too." Kaede said.
"And since when does a desert need a defender?" Jexi said. "Also...when he means guests...I think he was talking about everyone including them."
"What makes you think we can't fight here?" Sachiko asked.
"It's not that you can't. It's that I would take all the fighting for you." Hawkeye said cutting down a few bandits with a single axe swing.
"Whoa, now that is strong." Francisca said.
"He's a Berserker. That class does tend to be...overpowered." Sheer said.
"Whatever the case, it looks like he's on our side, and I'm glad he is." Glimmer said.
"Definitely. He is the protector of the desert after all." said the sage who had been attacked as Hawkeye finished the last of the bandits. "Thank you for the protection."
"Erm… Your welcome. Although we didn't actually do much." Francisca said.
"We're just looking for a Living Legend." Hector said.
"Is that right? Then we share a common destination. Hawkeye, we should be going with them." the sage said.
"Agreed." Hawkeye said as they led the group towards a large silver castle that stood before them.
"Whoa, this place is huge, and shiny!" Bow said.
"I've brought them." Hawkeye said as they entered to see an elderly man.
"Ah, welcome children of Roland and visitors from beyond this world." said the old man.
"Are you...Athos?" David asked.
"Yes but many choose to simply refer to me as Archsage." Athos said.
"Do you know why we are here?" Jexi asked.
"I do. I am aware of what is happening. Though keep in mind knowledge alone may not help you in this fight." Athos said. "Your next destination...you should go to the Shrine of Seals...in Bern."
"Bern?" Adora asked.
"It's a country that borders us. We don't know that much about it to be honest." Eliwood said.
"Well then, I guess this is not only a mission, but a pioneering expedition as well. An Uncharted land, not known by the other countries." Ibuki said. "I'm excited! Let's get going to Bern right now!"
"Take Hawkeye with you. He'll be a welcomed ally for you all." Athos said.
"Thank you. We'll be off soon. Towards Bern and hopefully...to the end of the Black Fang." Eliwood said.
