Miles from Melromarc, under a sky full of stars, Atreus's party, Ren's party, and Rishia halted their frantic flight, the sounds of their own breaths heavy in the stillness of the night. Exhausted, they collapsed onto the damp earth, ragged breaths escaping their lips as their legs trembled uncontrollably, feeling as if they had turned to jelly.

'I'm pretty sure we're far from Melromarc now,' Rino said, panting.

'We must be,' Raphtalia said. 'I don't think I've ever ran that hard before in my life…'

Atreus wiped the sweat from his eyes, before he turned to Ren and his party, raising in eyebrow.

'Hey, Ren,' he said. 'Why'd you help us?'

Ren turned to Atreus, his expression cold and calculating as he folded his arms.

'The princess was in danger,' he said, glancing at Princess Melty. 'I had to protect her.'

'I'm pretty sure we were doing fine protecting her on our own,' Vandri said, flaring her nostrils at him.

'No, Vandri. I believe it's more than that,' Mimir replied. 'Do you think we're innocent after all, Ren?'

'Maybe.' Ren sighed and unfolded his arms, lowering his head. 'For some time, I genuinely believed that the three of you were guilty of the crimes you were charged with. But…Seeing you confront Motoyasu and Myne back at Melromarc, and seeing how Myne was acting, made me start to think otherwise. And seeing Myne try to kill Melty, when she would've otherwise tried to protect her…How is that not suspicious?'

'So now you think we're innocent?' Vandri said snarkily. 'Are you attempting to compensate for Loki and Kratos after all that has happened?'

'I still do not know the full story,' Ren said. 'But if Loki and Kratos are both innocent of the crimes they were accused of, then I will try to make amends. Until I get the full story, I will hold off on judgement.'

'Sounds fine by me,' Atreus said, slowly nodding.

'So, what now?' Ren asked.

'We are heading to Siltvelt to find the Queen, North East,' Kratos answered. 'The Queen will keep Melty safe.'

'Then we will accompany you there.'

'Sounds good. It would probably be best we travelled separately. I don't think people will take well to seeing us two travel together. They'd probably think I had brainwashed you as well. For now, though, we'll get some rest.'

'Sounds like a plan.'

The group set up a campfire for the night, and both parties sat around the flames, eating dinner. Ren and his party members mostly kept to themselves, not talking to Atreus's group. Atreus turned and was surprised to see Rishia sitting amongst them.

'Hey,' he said. 'I remember you. Aren't you that green-haired girl that was part of Okaya's party?'

Rishia looked up from the flames, glaring daggers at Atreus.

'Yeah,' she said slowly. 'I was.'

'She's the one who saved me and Drífa from Akkeri,' Rino said. 'We are grateful for her interference.'

'Well, thanks. I'm Loki.'

'Loki,' Rishia repeated, then nodded. 'I am Rishia. It's a pleasure to meet you.' Atreus gestured to the other members of his party.

'This is my Father Kratos, Mimir, Raphtalia, Vandri, Rino and Drífa.'

'Nice to meet ya, lass,' Mimir said.

'Nice to meet you,' Raphtalia said.

'Pleasure to make your acquaintance,' Vandri said.

'Nice to meet cha!' Drífa said.

'It is a pleasure to meet all of you,' Rishia said, making a small smile. 'I assure you, I am not your enemy, just because I was with the Bow Hero.'

'Excuse me, lass,' Mimir said. 'But we noticed you and Okaya's party at a tavern, at the Northern Territory. I couldn't help but notice that you looked terrified.'

'Yeah, as if you didn't wanna be there at all,' Atreus said.

Rishia let out a sigh, squeezing her eyes tight.

'Oh, if only you knew,' she said slowly. 'The things Okaya has done. The hell he and his party has put me through…'

'Seems like he didn't treat ya very well,' Vandri said.

'You have no idea,' Rishia replied, her eyes widening.

'Do elaborate,' Mimir said. 'If you feel comfortable, that is.'

Pausing to gather her thoughts, Rishia sighed and gently closed her eyes.

'It all started…Two months ago,' she began. I lived with my parents, who were both nobles, south of Melromarc. As a young child, I idolised the Bow Hero, seeing them as an icon of justice. For a long while I had longed to journey with the Bow Hero. So when the Bow Hero himself came upon my home, asking if I wanted to join him on his adventures, I had thought I was dreaming. He had appeared so kind, so charismatic. I practically leapt at the chance and joined the Bow Hero. Oh, how I should've known the hell he and his party would put me through.'

'What did he do?' Raphtalia asked. Rishia shuddered, dreading to recall those horrific memories.

'He…He hurt me,' she explained, softly. 'Okaya and his party. Every day he and his party members would torture me. Every. Single. Day. It was like I was a plaything, something for them to take their anger out on.' She sighed, slowly shaking her head.

'And yet, I stuck around. I can't really explain why. I guess… A part of me was hoping I could change him. So, I stayed by his side, hoping to change his behaviour for the better.' Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

'But…I was naïve and stupid. Okaya wouldn't listen to me. He refused to heed my word. None of them did. He appeared to be changing, but would always return to his old behaviour. I had faith that his trial for trying to hang the prince would finally reform Okaya.'

'From the looks of things, that clearly didn't happen,' Mimir said.

'No, no, it did not happen,' Rishia replied. ' And then, one day, he finally crossed a line.'

'What happened?' Rino asked.

'It happened before the Wave…After Okaya's trial,' Rishia explained. 'I had gotten word that my parents were both concerned about me, so I snuck away from Okaya's party. While I was visiting them, however, Okaya's party tracked me down. I guess they knew the first place I would've gone had I snuck away. Okaya wasn't happy with me. He told me I was bad for sneaking away, and that I needed to know my place…'

Tears formed in Rishia's eyes as she betrayed a sob, shuddering.

'They killed them. Okaya and his party. Murdered my parents right in front of me. They laughed at me as I cried over my parent's bodies. And Okaya…He just stood there…Smiling at me…And those eyes…They looked dead. As if…As if he wasn't even there. As if he wasn't even human.'

The entire group listened intently to Rishia's story, eyes widening in horror and disgust.

'That's…I can't even imagine…' Rino said, horrified.

Rishia sighed, closing her eyes and bowing her head.

'I thought I could rein him in. He seemed so kind-hearted. Even when his worse traits came out, even when he and his party were hurting me, I thought I could change him. By remaining loyally by his side, I thought I could turn him into the hero he was always meant to be, redeeming him. I was wrong. I was so very wrong. Okaya is a monster, a demon without regrets. The goodness that I saw in him was only a facade. The Bow Hero is nothing at all like the legends.'

'That's so cruel!' Raphtalia said. 'You did not deserve such horrid treatment from him!'

'Yeah!' Atreus said. 'It's messed up what Okaya put you through! You deserve better than that!'

Rishia looked at the group, betraying a small smile.

'Thank you,' she breathed. 'It's nice to have someone support me.'

'Now that you're free from Okaya, what are your plans now?' Mimir asked.

'Well, judging that I have nowhere else to go,' Rishia replied, 'I figured I might journey with you all for a while, if you're okay with that?'

'Of course,' Atreus said. 'We'll be travelling to Siltvelt early next morning, so make sure you rest up, okay?'

'Alright. I hope you find my skills in combat to be satisfactory, Shield Hero.'

'There's no need to call me the Shield Hero, Rishia. Just call me Loki.'

Rishia let out a soft giggle, smiling.

'Very well then…Loki.'

'Alright, let's rest up. We got a lot of travelling to do tomorrow.'

'Yes!'

'Yes, Mr. Loki.'

'Of course, Loki!'

'Way ahead of ya!'

The group fell asleep for the night, anxious about what lay ahead of them come morning.

With the first light of dawn, the group awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and rustling leaves and then departed. Ren and his party, choosing a different path, travelled separately from Atreus's party, their own route winding through a dense forest. Atreus and his party, wary of capture, stuck to the rough, overgrown paths, avoiding the sight and sound of any towns they passed. Eventually, they found a land inhabited by Demi-humans, observing it from the bordering woods.

'Wow, there's so many Demi-humans here,' Atreus observed.

'Sure are, lad,' Mimir replied.

'Hey, I know this place!' Melty said, her eyes gleaming.

'What do you know about this region?' Kratos asked.

'This is the Seyaette Region,' Melty explained. 'I know the Lord of this region! The lord here is an ally of my mother, and a pro-demi-human activist! He's a good man; If we go to him, he'd gladly provide temporary lodging for us. Although, sadly, it appears he's the last of his position.'

'What do you mean?' Atreus questioned.

'Before the Waves struck, the Lord of this region tried to make both humans and Demi-humans get along,' Melty explained. 'However, after the First Wave, my father shunned and banished him, along with other pro-Demi-Human nobles who sided with him, to the more remote places in Melromarc. I've heard he's been having a difficult time since.'

'What does that bastard King have against Demi-Humans?' Mimir inquired.

'Beats me,' Atreus replied. It was then that he noticed Raphtalia looking towards the region, looking glum.

'Raphtalia? Are you alright?' he asked.

'My family…Their village was in the Seyaette Region,' Raphtalia explained.

'I heard…That after the First Wave, rioters badly hit the region,' Melty replied.

'That's…Because it was,' Raphtalia said softly. 'After the First Wave, a mob of Melromarc's Soldiers attacked the village. They showed no mercy to any of us. They abducted and sold many villagers into slavery; I was among them. They swiftly killed anyone who tried to resist. The bloodshed that occurred that day still plagues my dreams.'

A shudder ran through Raphtalia as she recalled that tragic day, a single sniffle escaping her lips amidst the chilling memories. A low grunt escaped Kratos' lips as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his silent sympathy palpable. Melty let out a shaky sigh, her head dropping as if weighed down by sorrow.

'Raphtalia, I am sorry,' she said.

'But it wasn't your fault, Melty,' Raphtalia replied.

'Yet, as royalty, we had the potential to do a lot more to help. Instead, we did nothing. I swear, I will ensure justice is served to these soldiers after this is over!'

Raphtalia smiled, a single tear coming to her eye.

'Thank you, Melty,' she said softly.

'Maybe we should have a talk with the Queen about this slavery thing, right father?' Atreus said.

'Aye, lad,' Mimir said. 'So, this Lord you speak of, where is he?'

'We must be cautious,' Kratos said. 'We do not know if we can trust him.'

'You are indeed correct.'

The group spun around, their eyes wide with alarm, as a shadowy figure emerged from the dense bushes. Kratos held his axe, poised to fight should the need arise. Tall, slender, and handsome, the man had long blue hair. His outfit consisted of a luxurious robe and golden spectacles. A bright smile lit Melty's face as she stood before the man, her eyes sparkling.

'It's been too long, hasn't it, Reichnott?' she asked.

'Princess Melty, how pleasant it is to see you again,' the man said, kneeling to ruffle Melty's hair. 'You may call me Van Reichnott. I am the reigning lord of this region, and a wonderful friend of Melty's.'

'So you're the Lord she was talking about,' Atreus said. 'My name is Atreus. This is my Father Kratos, Mimir, Raphtalia, Rino, Drífa, Vandri and Rishia.'

'It's a pleasure to meet you all,' Van Reichnott said. 'However, this is no place for a chat. Why don't you come over to my house, and we can talk more there?'

'Sounds good. Lead the way,' Atreus said. The group followed Van Reichnott, their eyes wide with awe as they gazed upon the imposing structure of his house, its massive stone walls stretching high above them. There, they painstakingly explained everything that had transpired, leaving no stone unturned.

'I see,' Reichnott said after they finished explaining. 'So after escaping Melromarc's forces, you made your way to my domain. Is that right?'

'Yeah,' Atreus said. 'We're currently heading to Siltvelt, where the Queen is. There, we plan on performing our Class-Ups, since the King was dumb enough to ban us from it.'

'Well, you two must be exhausted from your travels. You may rest up here for a while, if you'd like. I'll have my maids serve you dinner.'

'Thank you. We'll stay here for the night, and then we'll had out early tomorrow morning.'

The group ate dinner that night, before they were led to their beds. As they prepared for bed, Atreus sat on his bed, gazing out the window at the moonlit landscape.

'Ya know guys…This all still doesn't sit right with me,' Atreus said.

'How come, lad?' Mimir asked, resting on a nightstand.

'Well…' Atreus turned to the others. 'Those knights that kidnapped Melty…They seemed too obvious, wouldn't you say? The way they turned on her was so sudden. They were supposed to be protecting her.'

'Indeed, lad,' Mimir replied. 'The lads were practically waving red flags, weren't they? It's not like the Queen would pick such a dubious lot by accident, is it? I've heard she's quite sharp.'

'Yes,' Rino said. 'If the Queen is indeed as capable as they say, it's highly unlikely that these…individuals would slip through her vetting process. Especially with the Shadows being as pervasive as they are.'

'The Shadows see everything, do they not?' Kratos asked. 'They would know of betrayal before it bloomed.'

'That's a fact,' Vandri said in a deep, calm voice. 'Though that would also mean that the Queen either knew or allowed this. If the Shadow was supposed to look after Melty, she could've stopped those knights from capturing her.'

'So…The Queen let them try to hurt Melty? Why?' Atreus asked.

'Aye, that's where the pickle truly lies, isn't it?' Mimir said. 'Why orchestrate such a risk to her own flesh and blood? Unless…'

'Unless it served a higher purpose,' Rino concluded. 'A purpose that involves us.'

'The Shadows asked us for help,' Atreus added. 'Despite our…history with the royal family. If the Queen knew about this and still sent us…'

'Are you saying that the Queen set us up?' Raphtalia said, wide-eyed. 'That she put her own daughter's life in danger just to use us?'

'The gods are always looking for pawns,' Kratos said, his gaze fixed on the horizon. 'I would know.'

'It reminds me of Odin,' Atreus said, his fist clenched tight with long-held resentment. 'Always a manipulation behind every "miracle".'

'Indeed, just like the Allfather,' Mimir replied. 'Always playing his games of chess. Putting pieces in place. If the Queen intentionally placed us in this position to become a tool, to control our actions…'

'Then the Queen's not much different from him, is she?' Atreus asked. Kratos grunted in agreement.

'No better.'

'But…Surely, Queen Mirellia wouldn't do something like that, would she?' Raphtalia asked.

'Do not let a well-acted performance fool you, Raphtalia,' Vandri said, her voice calm, but with an undertone of warning. 'A clever predator hides its claws. Especially those of a Monarch.'

'Aye, even a beautiful bird can carry a wicked talon,' Mimir added. 'One should always keep an eye on those with power over us, especially those who are too eager to help.'

Atreus looked around the group, his face set in a grim expression.

'We need to be careful,' he said. 'If the Queen is anything like Odin was, then we'll be in serious danger. This path is going to be much more dangerous than we anticipated, not because of the Waves, but because of the people on the top. When we get to Siltvelt, I'd much like Mimir, Father, and I to have a long discussion with the Queen. We can't let her turn us into her monsters.'

'Aye, or take someone we hold dear,' Mimir replied.

'Right. It's gotten late. We shall sleep. We've got a big day tomorrow. I'd like to leave early in the morning.'

Heads bobbed in unison as the group silently agreed, each member subsequently retiring to their beds, the collective exhaustion palpable in the quiet room. Exhaustion finally claimed them, and sleep overtook them before long, their breathing slowing.

'Hey, what's going on down there?'

The sounds of a disturbance outside woke Atreus. He quickly got out of bed, rushed to the window, and peeked outside. Awakened by the commotion, the others joined him too. Below, a large, overweight noble and two knights were seen arguing with the servants. Raphtalia's tail fur rose, her eyes widening in recognition as her hand instinctively tightened on her sword.

'Raphtalia? What's wrong?' Mimir asked.

'Idol Rabier,' Raphtalia said, gesturing to the fat noble. 'He… He was my previous master… He tortured me during my time as a slave…'

'I see,' Atreus replied, nodding in understanding. The group watched, their faces etched with worry, as Melty was led away by two knights, their armour gleaming in the sun, onto a waiting carriage, with Idol Rabier following close behind. They watched as the carriage, a cloud of dust billowing behind it, disappeared down the road.

'Why would Melty give herself up to Idol?' Rino asked.

'Beats me,' Vandri said. With a sharp cry, Drífa spun around, intending to run out the room, but Atreus's hand shot out to stop her.

'Drífa, wait!' Atreus said.

'But it's Mel!' Drífa whined. 'She's in danger! We have to save her!'

'We can't act recklessly, Drífa!' Atreus said. The door burst open at that moment, and a maid entered, sweating and out of breath.

'Van Reichnott has been arrested for harbouring the Shield Hero,' the maid explained.

'Arrested?' Rishia asked.

'What has happened?' Kratos asked.

'Idol Rabier came to the region with several knights, believing that we were harbouring a fugitive,' the maid went on further. 'The knights made a mess of the house in search of us and had attacked a few of the maids. Melty offered herself up for Idol if he agreed to leave the house alone. She is currently being escorted by Idol to his mansion.'

'Crap, that's not good,' Mimir said.

'Master! We need to save Mel, please!' Drífa pleaded.

'Drífa's right,' Raphtalia said. 'There's a high probably that Melty is in grave danger. We must save her. And…There's another thing I must do, as well.'

'Such as?' Atreus asked. Raphtalia closed her eyes gently.

'Rifana,' she said softly. 'She was my friend. She was Idol's slave as well, alongside several other slaves.'

'Alright lass, we'll save her and the Demi-Humans, right lad?' Mimir said.

'There's no need. Rifana's long dead,' Raphtalia said. 'I just… I just need to collect her bones. She deserves a proper funeral, not being left behind in that basement…'

Raphtalia's eyes welled up with tears. Atreus gave a slow nod, his eyes conveying sympathy and understanding.

'Alright,' he said. 'We'll go. We'll save Melty and collect Rifana. If there are any Demi-Humans alive down there, we'll save them as well.'

A small smile played on Raphtalia's lips, her eyes brimming with tears.

'Thank you, Mr. Loki,' she said.

'Yay! Thank you so much, Master!' Drífa said, jumping for joy.

'Alright, we should get going right now. If Melty's in danger like you say, Raphtalia, then we shouldn't waste time.'

'Let me come with,' Rishia said. 'I believe you'll find my magic to be of immense help.'

'Alright then. Let's go!'

The others nodded, a flurry of motion as they quickly gathered their equipment and followed Atreus out the door, the sounds of their gear clinking together. They burst from the building, the cold air hitting their faces as they ran after the swiftly departing carriage, determined to save Melty.

As night fell, the group finally reached Idol Rabier's domain, the air growing cold and still. Resembling a giant castle, a tall, thick stone wall, surrounded the structure its surface rough and uneven, hinting at centuries of weathering. Nearby, Atreus and Co. could see a large mob furiously pounding at the door, the rhythmic thudding shaking the very foundations of the building and a cacophony of angry shouts filling the air.

'Hey, what's going on over there?' Atreus asked.

'It looks like some of the Demi-Humans we saw back at the region,' Rishia said. 'I guess they didn't take Van Reichnott's arrest very well.'

'Aye, seems like he means a lot to them,' Mimir said.

'If we revealed to them that Loki is the Shield Hero, they could come to our aid,' Rino suggested.

'No, I don't want innocents to get endangered,' Atreus said. 'We'll have to get in quietly. Drífa, can you get us over that wall over there?'

'Sure thing, Master!'

Avoiding detection, the group crept to the manor's side. With everyone on her back, Drífa leaped incredibly over the wall, landing heavily on the other side. Several soldiers on patrol, their eyes wide with shock, stared at the group before drawing their weapons.

'Intruders!' One of the guards said.

'Vandri, Rino, Drífa, Rishia and Ingrid, you guys can go wild and take care of those soldiers,' Atreus said. 'Father, Raphtalia, to me!'

'After them!' the soldiers shouted, as Atreus, Raphtalia and Kratos split off from the group, several soldiers chasing after them. Ingrid flew at the soldiers, a blur of motion, her blade flashing as she cut them deeply, effectively cutting them off from pursuing the trio. The sounds of steel on steel and pained shouts filled the air. Several soldiers, their faces etched with terror, attempted vainly to defend themselves as Vandri, a blur of motion, flew through the air, her blade singing a deadly song as her wind magic tore them apart. Surrounded, Rino and Rishia fought back-to-back, their staves raised as they unleashed devastating magic on the soldiers.

'Aqua Blast!' Rino shouted as she fired a blast of water from her staff, taking out several soldiers.

'First Water Shot!' Rishia shouted, for firing a large ball of water at a few more soldiers, taking them out in a single shot.

'Wow, Rishia, your Magic is powerful!' Rino complimented.

'Thank you, you are quite strong yourself,' Rishia replied. Nearby, Drífa's furious charge echoed through the area, the sounds of crumbling masonry and terrified screams accompanying her destructive path as she smashed through walls and trampled any unfortunate soldiers that got in her way.

'Meeeeeel!' she said loudly as she slashed through several soldiers, cutting them down, their blood staining her claws.

Atreus and Kratos followed Raphtalia, the polished floors gleaming underfoot as she hurried them through the echoing manor, determined to reach Melty before it was too late.

'Are you sure you know where're you're going?' Atreus called out.

'Yes,' Raphtalia called back. 'I've memorised the whole place. I have a good idea on where Melty could be.'

'We shall follow,' Kratos said.

The group kept running. A sudden halt in Raphtalia's stride; before her, an old, decaying staircase plunged downwards, a musty smell rising from the unseen depths below. She froze, her breath catching in her throat, as she stared down the seemingly endless staircase, a wave of despair washing over her. Kratos and Atreus worriedly stood beside her.

'Raphtalia, what is down there?' Kratos asked.

'Th…The Basement,' Raphtalia said softly, tears beginning to form in her eyes. Atreus, feeling her distress, gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

'Our priority now is saving Melty,' he said softly. 'We can come back later.'

Raphtalia hesitated, a flicker of doubt in her eyes, before giving a slow nod.

'Alright…'

The trio pressed on, the weight of the air heavy in their lungs as they navigated the endless, echoing hallways, Raphtalia leading them toward the upper floors of the manor, cutting down any soldiers that got in their way. They soon came upon a door; muffled voices drifting from within. Listening carefully, Atreus, Kratos, and Raphtalia recognised the speakers as Melty and Idol Rabier.

'Hey, they're in here,' Atreus said, peering through the keyhole. He saw Melty and Rabier inside.

'What is going on down there?' Melty asked. 'Why are they protesting?'

'Oh, just some pests lying around, nothing to worry about,' Idol Rabier replied. 'Speaking of annoyances, I do believe it's time for you to tell me where the Shield Demon is.'

'I've told you several times before, I don't know where he is.'

Idol Rabier made what sounded like a chuckle. Atreus saw a door open, and two soldiers dragged Reichnott inside. Melty stood back, shocked.

'R-Reichnott?!' Melty said, appalled. Reichnott looked as if he had taken a severe beating, with bruises lining his face. Rabier grabbed Reichnott roughly by the hair, forcing him to look Rabier in the eyes.

'Where is the Shield Demon?' Rabier shouted. 'Tell me now!'

'I do not know what you're talking about,' Reichnott said calmly. 'The only Shield I know is the Shield Hero.'

Rabier's fist connected with Reichnott's gut, a sickening thud echoing as Reichnott doubled over, groaning in agony. Mumbling under his breath, Rabier turned to Melty, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

'As you can see, we're having a hard time getting him to cooperate. I'd much rather avoid getting rough with you as well.' A deep chuckle rumbled from Rabier as he lumbered toward Melty, causing her to stumble backward in alarm. Despite her brave façade, it was clear she was terrified.

'However, as a humble servant of God, it is my sacred duty to punish anyone who sides with the Shield Demon,' he said, grabbing a whip and eyeing it maliciously. 'I have been offered, you see, a large sum of money for getting rid of the Shield Demon. This is nothing personal, my dear. I'm just fulfilling my duty.'

Melty backed up into a corner, terrified, as Rabier prepared to strike. Atreus turned to the others, nodding.

'Alright, we go,' he said. Kratos grunted and unleashed a furious kick, sending the heavy oak door flying from its frame with a deafening crash and a shower of splinters. The door crashed into Rabier as he spun around, the impact throwing him to the ground in a painful heap. Raphtalia, her sword gleaming, and Kratos, his axe at the ready, charged into the room. The two soldiers, clutching Reichnott, lunged at them, only to have their heads swiftly chopped off with brutal efficiency by Kratos. With a grunt, Rabier tried to scramble to his feet, only to be met by Raphtalia's swift kick to the face, the impact ringing in his ears as he tumbled back down, her sword now pointed menacingly at his chest. Terror filled Rabier's eyes as he looked up at her, sweat plastering his hair to his forehead, blood trickling down his nose.

'Reichnott!' Melty exclaimed, rushing toward the fallen Von Reichnott. Entering the room, Atreus approached Reichnott to assess his injuries.

'He took a beating,' Atreus declared. 'But he's still standing. Nothing a small healing cannot fix.'

Atreus muttered healing incantations, his hands glowing softly as he worked to mend Reichnott's wounds, while Raphtalia's furious glare burned into Rabier, the silent intensity of her hatred palpable. Terror seized Rabier; his gaze lifted to hers, his body shaking uncontrollably.

'I-I beg you!' Rabier pleaded. 'N-no, please! Spare my life, I'll give you anything!'

Raphtalia snarled as she pressed the tip of her sword to Rabier's throat, making him turn pale.

'So many Demi-Humans begged for their lives just like that,' she said. 'But it wasn't enough! Not for you! My pleas fell on deaf ears!'

'Wh-what are you even talking about?!' Rabier said.

'You don't remember me, don't you? My name is Raphtalia. Following the destruction of my village, I was enslaved by you. Months you held us in that deep, dark basement, my friends and I, torturing and killing us. You did all that and now you're begging for mercy?!'

Rabier's eyes widened in recognition. He trembled, fear racking his whole body.

'Y-you…' he said. 'Y-you were one of my slaves?! One of this damn Demis?! Y-you would have all died had it not been for me! I saved your lives!'

'Keep your mouth shut!' With a guttural scream, Raphtalia's foot connected with Rabier's face, the impact echoing through the air. Rabier's eyes widened in terror as he looked up at her raised sword, the glint of steel reflecting the fear in his eyes.

'No, please!' Rabier said. 'I'm sorry! I-I'll apologise! I'll do what I can to make it up for you, I swear! Just let me live, please!'

'You think I can forget the atrocities you committed?' Raphtalia said with a snarl. 'Not till I die! I will never forget what you've done!'

'No, please!'

'Raphtalia!' Kratos shouted, holding a hand out. Raphtalia stopped mid-swing, causing Rabier to cower. 'You do not want this!'

'You can't stop me!' Raphtalia said, glaring at Kratos. 'This scumbag took Rifana away from me, and he…I swear, he will not live to see the sun rise! I will have my revenge! You don't know the things I went through!'

'I know your pain, Raphtalia,' Kratos said soothingly. 'I know what it is like to suffer. To have a yoke around my neck. I know what is it like to lose everyone, and everything. And I became…' He closed his eyes, taking a breath.

'Raphtalia,' he said softly. 'I too walked the path of vengeance. And it only bought me more pain, more ruin. This path you go down, vengeance. It will not bring you peace. I know.'

'He's right, Raphtalia,' Mimir said. 'Taking vengeance won't bring you the closure you seek.'

'It's true,' Atreus said, turning to her. 'You've grown strong. And not just with your sword.'

For a moment, Raphtalia stood, conflicted, a whirlwind of emotions battling within her. Then, with a sigh, she lowered her sword.

'You are a terrible man,' she said. 'I will never forgive you for what you've done. But, if I kill you, then I will become no better than you are. So, I will let you live. That way, you can atone for the crimes you have committed in this place.'

Rabier stared at her, his exasperation evident. Then, a wicked grin splitting his face, he chuckled.

'Heh, you stupid girl,' he said, to which Raphtalia frowned. With a sudden movement, he drew a blade from his cloak.

'Damn Demi, now you die!'

With a snarl, Raphtalia parried his wild swing, then thrust her sword into his stomach. Falling to the floor, Rabier cried out in pain while Raphtalia loomed over him. A look of terror filled Rabier's eyes as he looked up at her.

'No wait, please!' Rabier pleaded.

'I gave you a chance. You did not take it,' Raphtalia said, pure rage in her eyes. 'And I will not give you a second chance!'

In a rage, Raphtalia grabbed onto Rabier's head, her fingers digging into his scalp as she began to pull, her knuckles white with fury. Rabier screamed in agony, a high-pitched shriek that echoed through the chamber, as Raphtalia slowly began to pull his head off. Kratos watched, his hand outstretched, a cold sweat clinging to his skin as terror gripped him.

'No. Stop!' Kratos yelled out pleadingly. He, Mimir, Atreus, Melty, and Reichnott watched in horror, their eyes wide, as Raphtalia, with a burst of terrifying strength, tore Rabier's head clean off; his face a mask of fear and agony, blood spraying everywhere.

Kratos stood frozen in horror, his eyes wide as he stared at Raphtalia, the silence amplifying the pounding of his heart. For a single, heart-stopping moment, he saw a younger version of himself reflected in Raphtalia's eyes, clutching Helios' severed head, the image stained with the lingering scent of blood and the weight of a terrible deed. His mouth hung open, a silent gasp escaping as he stood at a loss for words. With a snarl, Raphtalia hurled Rabier's head away, the impact leaving a sickening thud as it rolled across the floor.

'Raphtalia…That was…' Mimir said, horrified. Raphtalia only glared at them.

'Forget it,' Raphtalia said. 'He would not accept my mercy, so I gave him none. He got what he deserved. Let's just go save the others.'

'I… Very well,' Atreus said. Hesitantly, the group trailed behind Raphtalia, the weight of their silence heavy in the air as they left the room. A shiver crawled up Kratos' spine as he looked back at Rabier's severed head, the metallic tang of blood thick in the air. He let out a shudder as he slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the empty hallway.

They met up with the rest of the group, out in the courtyard. The numerous corpses scattered about made it obvious that the battle had been incredibly violent. Vandri was busy wiping the blood off her blade when she saw Atreus, smirking.

'Welcome back,' she said. 'I take it the rescue went well?'

'Yep,' Atreus replied.

'Rabier… Is dead,' Raphtalia said softly.

'Rabier had planned on killing Melty, but we stopped him,' Atreus explained as he gestured to Melty and Reichnott.

'Good. That bastard got what he deserved,' Vandri said, smirking. Drífa's joyful leap ended in a tight embrace of Melty, the happy sounds of their laughter echoing through the air.

'Mel! You're okay!' Drífa said excitedly.

'I'm okay, Drífa,' Melty replied, smiling as she returned her hug.

'So that's it then?' Rino said. 'Melty is free now. Shall we continue on?'

'Not yet,' Atreus said. 'There's still something that needs to be done.' He turned to Raphtalia. 'Lead the way,' he said softly. Raphtalia nodded, a determined glint in her eyes, and turned, leading the group down the stairs into the basement.

The basement was dark and damp; the smell of decaying meat and feces hung heavy in the air, a nauseating miasma clinging to the damp stone walls. A wave of nauseating stench hit the group, forcing them to cover their noses to avoid vomiting. Horrid memories washed over Raphtalia, each one a physical blow, and though she quivered, she pushed herself further into the dark, echoing basement. She had to do this. For Rifana.

The sight that greeted them as they opened the heavy metal basement door was horrific. Most of the Demi-Humans Rabier kept were dead, their decaying bodies emitting a foul stench that filled the air. Save for a small few, who huddled together, trembling in a dark corner, their breaths held tight as the door creaked open.

'N-no,' stammered a young boy, his dog-like ears twitching, clutching two other Demi-Humans—a cat-like male and a dog-like female—close. 'Please, Master, don't hurt us!' The words were choked with fear, barely a whisper.

'You are safe,' Kratos said, kneeling in front of them. 'Rabier is dead. He cannot hurt you anymore.'

With tears streaming down their faces, the Demi-humans looked up at the towering figure of Kratos, their fear palpable. Kratos gently wiped away their tears with a thumb, feeling the dampness on their skin.

'H-Honest?' A dog Demi-Human, female, said.

'Honest,' Atreus said, kneeling beside Kratos. 'I'm the Shield Hero. We came here to save you. Can you give us your names?'

'K-Keel,' the dog Demi-Human said.

'Nariko,' the cat Demi-Human said.

'W-Wyndia,' the female Demi-Human said.

'Alright, Keel, Nariko and Wyndia, I'm going to treat your wounds, if you'll allow it.'

'O-okay.'

The three Demi-Humans stood perfectly still, their breaths held, as Atreus muttered healing incantations, his hands glowing with healing magic, mending their wounds. Kratos turned and saw Raphtalia kneeling in a dimly lit corner, the rough stone cold beneath her knees as she carefully gathered scattered herbs. Brushing herself off, she stood and turned, revealing a pile of bleached white bones.

'Are those…?' Kratos asked. Raphtalia nodded.

'Yes. Rifana. Or what's left of her,' she replied softly, tears beginning to form in her eyes. Kratos put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

'I am sorry,' he said. 'If we had known…'

'There was nothing you could've done to save her. She died long before you and Loki came here,' Raphtalia said. 'At the very least, I can give her a proper burial, like she deserves.'

Kratos nodded silently. After what felt like an eternity, Atreus completed the healing process for Keel, Nariko, and Wyndia; the warmth of his touch still lingered on their skin. A warm smile spread across Van Reichnott's face as he took their hands, his touch soft and reassuring.

'My name is Van Reichnott,' he introduced himself. 'The region I come from is friendly to Demi-Humans. Allow me to take you to my home, where you'll be safe.'

The three looked at him with skepticism. Atreus smiled as he knelt beside them.

'You can trust him,' he said. 'He'll take care of you.'

Keel squirmed a little, then nodded, looking Atreus in the eyes.

'Thank you, Shield Hero,' he said. 'We are forever in your debt.'

'Don't mention it.'

'Shall we go, now?' Van Reichnott said. With a nod from each of the three Demi-Humans, Reichnott guided them out. Raphtalia let out a soft sigh, a smile on her face.

'It's over. Finally,' she said.

'Aye. We accomplished something tonight, haven't we?'

'Yes,' Rishia said, smiling. 'We did.'

'Sure did,' Atreus said. 'I'm proud of you, Raphtalia. Real proud. You've grown stronger than when we first met.'

'Thank you,' Raphtalia said. 'All of you. I wouldn't have been to do this without you all. You made me the person I am now.'

'Shall we continue onward then?' Rino asked.

'Yes. There's nothing left to be done here. Let's go.'

With a collective nod, the group filed out of the dimly lit basement, the echoing sound of their footsteps their only company. Raphtalia paused, gazing into the dark abyss, before she sighed and rejoined her companions.