Mother, father... No! Don't go! Please! Stay here! Stay with me!

"Haah!"

Luna shot up. The sun shone down on her brightly, causing her to reflexively shield her eyes. She surveyed the area she found herself in, which was mostly made up of grass. In front of her was a lit campfire, surrounded by small stones, and to her left was a large stone with a purple-haired boy sitting atop it.

Who is... Oh, it's him. The man who saved me.

Luna began to relax. Her heart still felt heavy, and she knew why.

...Why, Ilias? What did we do to deserve this?

The girl looked up into the sky. Her parents had always been devoted followers of the Goddess, and so had she.

So, why!? Why did they have to die!?

"Luna?" Luka called out. "Are you okay? Your face is red."

Luna looked away. The hero looked at the little girl. "...I understand, you know? I get what it's like to lose your parents." He said.

...I bet he's lying. He's a liar, like everyone else, just like Ilias.

-! What am I doing!? How could I even think that about her? Ilias, please forgive me.

Luna's thoughts were interrupted when a certain smell reached her nose.

...What is that?

She turned around to see a pot above a campfire. From it emanated the greatest smell she had ever had the pleasure of experiencing. She approached the pot, careful not to step too close to the fire. Inside was some sort of stew.

"Want some? I made enough for both of us." The older boy said. "It's rabbit stew." He explained. Luna nodded eagerly.

"Here, if you want some more, just ask." He handed the girl a small wooden bowl along with a spoon.

"Th-Thank you," Luna said timidly. She took her portion, finished it in less than a minute, and then asked for more.

"Sl-Slow down! Geez, you remind me of someone else..." Luka said. But even so, he made no effort to stop her. While she didn't look to be quite starving yet, she was certainly very hungry. So, he let her eat as much as she wanted. He could just have what was left.

After finishing her meal, Luna thanked him again. The hero stood up and motioned for her to take a seat in the spot where he had been sitting. As she did so, he took his cape off the floor and squeezed it dry. After making sure it was no longer wet, he put it on.

"Well then, we should head out. Do you know where the nearest settlement is, Luna?" He asked.

"Hmm, San Ilia is a while away. It'd be a few days of walking from here." She explained.

"Huh? San Ilia is still here? Really?" Luka asked.

"What are you talking about? Of course Ilias's centre of worship is still standing! It's the one place no monster could hope to destroy!" Luna said with pride.

Luka still looked a bit confused. "Y-yeah, of course. What was I thinking?"

Is San Ilia really that old? I had no idea it was so ancient. That's great. It'll be a good place to get some information about this world. I could also pick up a thing or two for travelling.

"So, where is San Ilia from here?" Luka asked.

"Hmm, I think it's—" Luna pointed her finger towards where the sun would always set, then left, then down. "Over there. There should be a path there anyway, so we can just follow that."

She pointed southwest of here. Then we really must be on the border, like she said earlier.

"Alright, let's get going. You ready?" Luka asked. The girl nodded. "Oh, it's going to be a long walk. Do you not have any shoes?" He asked. Luna looked down in shame and shook her head.

I see... They must've been quite poor. When I was a child, my father had earned enough money from his Ilias Kreuz ventures to support us long after his passing.

And after Mother died, I had to rely on it to live. Unlike me, however, this girl was not blessed with that.

Luka kneeled down and looked at her feet. "Hmm, well, I can try to make a pair. Either that or I could carry you." He suggested.

"I can walk on my own!" She responded, causing the hero to laugh a little.

"Alright, alright. I'll make something; wait here." He said. Luna walked over to the rock from earlier and waited on it. After a few minutes, he returned.

"Here, let's see if these fit." He said. Luna kicked her feet up as he put the makeshift shoes on. They were more like sandals, really, and were made of fibre and wood.

To the girl's pleasant surprise, they were quite well made. She thanked the man and jumped off the stone. Luka took her hand as they began to descend the hill.

When we get to San Ilia, I'll have to find a new home for Luna, I'm sure someone there will take her in. I can't bring her with me; it's far too dangerous for a little girl.

Afterwards, I'll start to look for a way back home.

Tamamo No Mae gazed at the imposing doors before her, their dark metal etched with intricate symbols of monsters and, most importantly, the Fateburn family crest.

After a brief moment of hesitation, she mustered her courage and pushed forward, the magical doors granting her passage.

"Greetings, Tamamo No Mae. What brings you here?" The Dark Goddess Alipheese inquired.

Tamamo kneeled respectfully. "I've come to report, Mother," She replied, and Alipheese encouraged her to rise.

"Intriguing. You left your work in the Noah region for this news. Why the urgency?" Alipheese questioned.

"An unexpected event transpired in Gelon," Tamamo began. She concealed her emotions behind her fan, a long-standing habit.

"Ah, the kingdom you and your sisters attacked. Go on," Alipheese prompted.

"While dealing with Gelon, a violet-haired boy appeared. We fought, and he survived, using an elemental technique 'Serene Mind' to evade my attacks. His strength surpassed a normal human's many times over," Tamamo explained.

"A strong human, no doubt a hero of Ilias," Alipheese mused.

"No, he was not baptised. Moreover, he wielded an angelic sword, unusual in design and power. The weapon held at least a hundred angel souls. When he struck me, it drained my power. I believe the sword was forged by a seraph or an ancestor," Tamamo elaborated.

"Curious. How did he acquire such a weapon?" Alipheese pondered. "Did he steal it from an angel, perhaps? I know none of you made the blade, so it must've been Ilias's doing."

"It is possible. He claimed to be an independent hero. I intend to send my kitsune after him to capture and interrogate him. He should provide valuable information," Tamamo shared.

"Very well. When you do capture him, bring him to me. I wish to meet this so-called hero personally," Alipheese ordered.

"Of course. On another note, Gelon is little more than a ruin now, and our war efforts continue to proceed favourably," Tamamo reported.

"Within another year or so, we may be marching on Heaven itself."

"Well done. However, remain cautious of Ilias and her power. The Daystar still poses a threat, and the same can be said for the Sword of Heaven." Alipheese warned.

"We remain vigilant. And Saja believes Ilias might be weakening," Tamamo added.

"Keep in mind the events of the Battle of Vrimor. Don't underestimate them. Never again." Alipheese cautioned.

"I haven't forgotten. I'll ensure we're prepared, something like that battle will never happen again." Tamamo said.

"Good. You're dismissed. Rest in the castle tonight if you wish," Alipheese offered.

Tamamo nodded, taking the offer. She bowed, then left. Alipheese watched as the kitsune left, contemplating the unique circumstances.

A young hero with a strange angelic sword, who was not baptised and had an affinity for the element of water. This is most unusual.

Tamamo said he was an independent hero, though. Perhaps he could prove useful in the war. I'm sure we could think of a few ways to convince him...

As Alipheese leaned back on her throne, her silver hair flowing, she weighed the potential of this hero. It was true that he could be helpful in the war, once properly trained, that is.

Well, unless the angels get to him first. Even then, he should not prove an issue for my daughters. And if he did join us, and if he did help win the war, I'm sure we could find a proper reward for him. Perhaps even...

Luna's a surprisingly fast walker. At this rate, we'll be there by tomorrow.

The path to San Ilia was a long one. It had already been more than twelve hours since they began walking. Luna needed to take a few breaks during that time, but they were still making steady progress.

It's getting dark now. I should set up camp soon.

Luka looked over at the young girl who he was escorting. He had decided to let her wear his cape around her, to prevent her from getting cold.

"Luna, I think we should stop now," He suggested. The girl nodded. They took a left into the woods, and once they found a clearing, the Hero got to work, setting up camp.

Some dry wood, a couple of stones...

"Ahh! Help!" A girl screamed.

Luna!?

Luka turned back to the clearing. There he saw his companion cowering in fear, and he immediately ran over. "Luna, what's wrong?" He asked. She looked up at him, then pointed at something. He turned, his eyes resting on a blue, somewhat transparent figure.

Oh... This is bad.

"Hey, boy. What's with the girl? I didn't even do anything." She said. The intruder was a monster—specifically, a slime girl. She was as blue as a sapphire, and also had light blue eyes. Her body jiggled as she spoke.

"Oh, she's–" Luka looked down at Luna. "It doesn't matter. Why are you here?" He asked.

"Am I not allowed to say hello? I was just walking by when this girl screamed at me." She explained, trying to seem as innocent as possible.

Luna stood up as they spoke. She hid behind the hero's back as the monster stared at her.

"Luka, why are you talking to her?" She asked. "Just kill her! Before she attacks us!"

...Does she really think there's no other way?

"Boy, I was just going to walk by, but... You look quite tasty." She said. "Say, why don't you come over here with me? I'm sure your sister wouldn't mind waiting."

Sister? Oh, I guess it would look like that.

"No thanks," Luka said. The slime did not look surprised, only disappointed.

"I see. Fine then. I was just looking for some fun, but if you're going to act like that, then I can clearly see I'm not welcome." She complained as she stormed off. Luka was surprised.

Huh? Did she just... give up?

But, that's... Impossible. I always have to fight them.

Strange. Very strange.

"Luna, she's gone now," He said. The girl peeked around his leg to confirm the fact. Once she made sure, she went right back to waiting for Luka to be finished.

The hero shook off the strange encounter and returned to setting up the camp. He was finished not long after. The two of them were sitting across from each other, with the campfire between them.

Luka looked at the girl as he cooked. She was being oddly silent. He was in the middle of making an omelette, with the main ingredient being Quail eggs, as Luka had found some in a nest when they were walking.

Unfortunately, he had no salt. For the moment, he was thankful Alice was not here. Otherwise, well, he wouldn't be able to walk for a while. She never held back during her punishments...

"...Why did you let her go?" Luna asked quietly. The hero stopped cooking for a second as he tried to form a response.

"She hadn't done anything wrong. Why would I attack her?" Luka asked. "If we did that, we'd be no better than the ancestors." He explained.

"...She only didn't attack because she knew she'd lose. She could tell how strong you are; I'm sure of it." She said. "If you were any weaker, I'm sure she would've."

"I won't say that's impossible, but... We can't just assume that, can we? She was clearly just hungry." Luka said. "They didn't choose for human energy to be their food source, you know?"

"So? They don't have to kill us in the process. And even if they did, why do they destroy our homes too? Why do they get so much pleasure from hunting us down?" Luna asked.

...Luna...

"I understand. You're thinking about your parents, aren't you?" Luka asked. Luna slowly nodded. "...What they did to them was... I get it." He said.

"...What happened to your parents? You said they were dead too?" She asked. Luka nodded.

"Yeah, that was a while ago now."

"How? Was it from a monster as well?" Luna asked.

"No. I used to live in a place called Iliasville. It was on the Ilias continent, on the southern side. It was... well, there were nicer places to live. I never really understood why my parents chose to live there, but they did, so I can't really change that now.

"Anyway, Iliasville was very... xenophobic," Luka said. Luna tilted her head in confusion. "Oh! It means when someone treats others differently because of their race or culture."

He continued. "My father wasn't at home much. He was too busy running a terrorist group called Ilias Kreuz." Luka explained. "They're dissolved now, but they killed many in their time. They targeted monsters in particular—even children."

"Humans who were actively interacting with monsters were also killed. After many years, my mother managed to convince him that it was wrong. In short, He basically turned his back on the group, and his best friend, the second-in-command, and he killed him for it." He explained.

"...But, how was it wrong?" Luna asked, confused. "They deserve to die."

...This is going to take a while, isn't it?

"You're wrong, Luna. They killed many monsters who hurt nobody—innocent people, innocent children." Luka said.

"Anyway, on to my mother. She was... Well, she used to be a fighter, and quite a talented one at that. After many years of fighting, she left the group she was in. After many more years, she found my father. She said it was love at first sight." He reminisced, smiling.

"Eventually, they made me. This was all before Marcellus quit Ilias Kreuz. When he died, my mother was left to care for me on her own. We were both treated as outsiders in the village. Eventually, she got sick. I... did my best to help her, but she died nonetheless."

"After she died, the plague spread to the other residents. The population shrank, and I became one of the most senior residents. Many years later, I set out on a journey, but that's a story for another time." Luka said.

"Is that what you're doing now?" She asked. The hero took a second to respond.

"No, my adventuring days are over. Once I get you somewhere safe, I'll look for a way home." He said, handing the girl her portion. She thanked him.

After they were done eating, Luna asked another question. "Who did your mother kill?"

"...Monsters." He said.

"So they were both followers of Ilias?"

"For the most part. It's getting late, Luna. We'll talk more about this another time." Luka said.

"...Okay." She responded. "Goodnight." She said.

"Goodnight."

Luka watched as she went to sleep. He put the campfire out and looked up at the stars.

I'm around a thousand years in the past, and I'm alone. If only I still had the spirits with me, they would-The spirits! They're still around! Salamander said that they were alive during the Great Monster Wars, so that means that I can get their help!

The closest one to me right now is either Undine or Sylph, but I can't just turn back now. So Sylph it is, but will she even form a contract with me again? Last time it was because I was trying to bring coexistence. This time I'm… I'm not sure.

I still just want to get home, but a true hero wouldn't–No. I wouldn't abandon the humans here, I'm sure Luna is far from a rare case. If I'm going to find a way to get home, I can at least help others where I can.

After confirming his new goals, Luka slept for the night.

Huh? What was that?

Luna was awoken by the sound of rustling leaves in the night. She rubbed her eyes and looked around her. She saw nothing but darkness, at least at first.

Was it a critter or something?

"Hello, little one." A girl said. Luna screamed out in shock.

"Ahh! Who is... It's you." She said, backing away from the Slime Girl.

"Yeah, that brother of yours just looks too nice to pass up." She said. "How about you just stay out of my way, alright? It's not like you have a choice, anyway."

Brother? Does she mean... N-No, She'll kill him, won't she? Luka...

Luna turned to where Luka was sleeping. He was lying down on the grass.

"Alright, I'm going to get to work then. Heh, you can watch, if you want." She said with a giggle. The girl watched in horror as she approached the still-sleeping Luka.

No! Luka, wake up!

The slime girl walked right next to the hero's sleeping body. Just when she was about to touch him, the boy jumped away.

"What the? How did you..?" Without a single word from Luka, he drew Angel Halo. Luna looked at his face. His eyes were still closed, but he was glowing, for some reason. "What the hell? What even are you?" The monster asked.

Before the Slime Girl could continue her question, Luka spoke. "Neris... you're too old to still be sleeping with us..."

...What?

The Slime Girl now looked very confused. "Who the hell is Neris? What are yo–" Her sentence was interrupted when the hero had moved, and the girl looked at her chest.

"...Oh." She said. Then her upper body fell forward. Her other half collapsed in on itself, and the girl began to turn into a puddle. After a few seconds, she was completely sealed.

Luka, after a moment of being idle, returned to where he was sleeping. Luna rubbed her eyes once again to make sure she wasn't seeing things.

... I'm going back to sleep. I'll ask him about it in the morning.

"Luna, wake up," Luka said. "C'mon, it's morning."

Argh... So bright...

Luna slowly got up. They did the usual, as they had done once before. Once Luka finished making breakfast, she asked him a question.

"Luka, last night, that Slime Girl attacked." She said. Luka looked surprised. "When she tried to... get on top of you, you jumped out of the way. Then you cut her with your sword, and went back to sleep." She explained.

"Oh... yeah, that's normal," Luka said.

"...What?"

"Ah, well. It's a power I have. I'm... I've practised magic before, and it protects me while I sleep. My old travelling partner told me about it once. Apparently, I did it multiple times. She found it funny and only told me long after the fact." Luka explained. "Anyway, we should get back on the road."

"...Alright." She said. And thus, the two set off.

Luka knows magic? No wonder he was able to stand up against Tamamo No Mae.

"There it is, Luka! San Ilia! The city known for its immense faith in Ilias!" Luna said excitedly. The hero smiled as she ran ahead of him. He looked up at the huge kingdom. The walls were high and intimidating. The famous San Ilia Holy Knights manned them, along with archers and mages. Luka caught up to the little girl as they approached the gate.

"Halt. What brings you to San Ilia?" The guard asked.

"I'm here to find a new home for us." Luka motioned towards Luna. "We lost our parents in the recent attack on Gelon." He explained.

"I see... I'm sorry to hear that, young ones. I've heard tell of the damages." He said. "Do you have any identification? And, do you follow Ilias?"

"...Yes, me and my sister here are both servants of Ilias. And we lost our identification in the raid. We only took what we could." He explained. The guard looked at his counterpart, who stood beside him. He shrugged, and the man sighed.

"Alright, don't tell anyone about this. Go on through, but listen, cause any trouble in there, and I'll make sure you regret it." He said.

"Got it," Luka said.

The two entered the city. "Luka? Why did you say you were my brother?" She asked.

"It was just easier," He said.

"You shouldn't lie, you know. Mother taught me that." Luna said.

"Ah, your mother was right, of course. Still, there are some times when we have no choice." He explained. Luna shrugged, dropping the topic.

The main street they walked on had shops and houses all along it. At the very end, a castle could be seen. Banners of Ilias were found everywhere in the city. Humans walked around, and Luka noted that there were more than he was used to. San Ilia seemed to have quite a large population. Luna looked around in wonder.

"Amazing... Look at all these other followers, Luka! I bet everyone here is a fellow servant!" She said happily. Luka smiled, not because of what she said, but because she looked happy.

That's good... She should be fine here. I just need to find someone who'll take her in.

"Luka! Let's go there!" She said. She pointed towards a large congregation that was taking place in the centre of the city. A man on a stand was saying something, and a crowd below him was listening.

"Alright. Sure." Luka said. The two approached the crowd and began to listen. From here, Luka got a closer look of the preacher. He wore a white robe with golden outlines, combined with a crest with angel wings on it.

"And that is why all monsters must be destroyed! They are a blight on all of us! Ilias demands we fight them. Not because she has some insatiable bloodlust, no. She tells us to do it so we can protect ourselves! You've seen it for yourselves! Monsters do nothing but rape us, kill us, or eat us alive! Ilias is the light which guides us to rid the world of the darkness that is monsterkind!" The preacher said.

"Remember her commandments! One! Thou shalt not have intercourse with monsters. Two! Be dutiful in your prayers. Three! Point your sword at the Goddess, and thou shalt cry. Four! Thou shalt not rely on other gods. Five! Thou shalt not disgrace the Goddess. These commandments guide us on how we should live our lives! Ever since the goddess created us, she has never led us astray! We are her children, and we must do her bidding!" The preacher finished.

...I can't believe I used to believe in all of that.

Luka turned to his side and looked at Luna. She was listening carefully to the man's speech.

Is she going to make the same mistakes so many others have made? Can I save her from it? Is it too late?

Once he was done preaching, Luna and Luka walked away from the crowd. He asked around for anyone who might take the girl in, and somebody suggested the local church. Once he got there, he spoke to the priest.

"Excuse me, father, I was wondering if this church would take care of this young follower from Gelon who recently lost her family?"

"Oh? A refugee from Gelon? One of the few—not many have survived that attack. Well, sure, we can take her, but this city may not be safe for long. Those damnable spawns of the Dark Goddess are creeping ever closer." The priest said in anger. "And you? Are you planning to join us as well?"

"No, I'm already a... Hero of Ilias. I plan to travel to the forest of spirits after this." Luka said. "And that would be far too dangerous for her." He explained.

"The forest of spirits? But only monsters reside there, why do you need to go?"

"I've heard tell of a human who got lost there." He said. "I'm going to go look for them."

"Ah, very good. I hope you find them, but be careful; that forest is dangerous. They say the ancient spirit of wind resides there. She's known for killing any human who comes near, choking the very life from them."

...I don't think Sylph would ever do that. It must be more propaganda against monsters.

"I see. I'll be sure not to linger then. Anyway, Luna, will you be alright here?" Luka asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Thank you for saving me, Luka. I'll never forget it." She said.

"Now, little one, let me show you around. I think you could help around in the library, sorting books and whatnot." Luna eagerly nodded. Luka smiled as the two walked inside the temple.

The temple was a grand structure with high ceilings and intricate carvings on the walls. Luna was in awe as the priest led her through the halls, pointing out different rooms and their purposes. They passed by a room filled with shelves upon shelves of books, and he explained that it was the library where people could come to read and learn.

Luna's eyes widened with excitement at the thought of being able to help out in such a place. As they continued their tour, he introduced her to some of the other members of the temple, each one kind and welcoming. As they reached the end of their tour, the priest turned to Luna with a smile. "Welcome to your new home," he said warmly. "Someone as cute as you will be a great addition. Now then, we'll have to get you some new clothing..."

Outside of the temple, Luka stood, watching Luna walk around.

Don't mention it, Luna. You have nothing to thank me for. It's a hero's duty, after all.

Luka turned around and walked away from the temple. He thought about what the girl said last night about monsters.

I wish I could tell her how wrong she is, but I can't. Her home, her family, and everything else she knew were destroyed by monsters, and her religion taught her to despise them, I can't blame her for her hatred. But I will put an end to this, I'll stop this cycle of hatred, and end this war.

Humanity must be saved, neither Ilias nor Alipheese would be good rulers, they've shown that with their actions thus far. Neither care for humanity. Alipheese lets her monsters destroy and rape humans, while Ilias tried to eradicate them all together back home. I can't let either side come out on top.

Luka walked down the street and looked for an Inn. As he did, he heard a group discussing rumours.

"Did you hear about the storm south of us? They say it hasn't let up at all recently. Rumour is, a monster is causing it." One said.

"I heard that too. Apparently, some think it was even one of the famed Lilith Sisters." Another responded.

"I hope not. It's scary to think they could be so close."

Luka walked past the group. He decided that after contracting with Sylph, he would learn more about this storm. It reminded him of the one Alma Elma created long ago, and the hero could not shake off the sense of déjà vu.