Now, go.
Do your work for me.
A hospital again?
Oh, looks like you're awake.
Doctor, am I...
It is truly unfortunate,
but both had to be removed completely.
So I can find out how
to get back to my world by going to the capital?
Were you even listening to what I said?
I said there's a possibility.
Still, there's a possibility, right?
Yeah.
The light that we saw when you used that weapon...
That was definitely the glow of Alma Energy.
And remember how you first fell from the sky?
You might have come from Olvidia.
Ol...?
Olvidia, the legendary continent
that was lifted into the skies by the Ixions
a long time ago.
Ah yeah, the castle in the sky. I know that one.
It's destroyed when you say "Bals!" right?
I don't know if Bals would break it,
but there's a deep connection between
the Ixions and Alma Crystals.
So those people were the first
to start using the Alma Crystals, huh?
How did you know? You're right, but...
I just had a feeling that it would be like that.
It's common.
Oh.
You're so cute!
Oh no, it's so cute!
It's rare for a wild animal to get so close to people.
It's a pretty stupid animal if it's
looking up at Kon instead of me.
All right, guys, we're in the middle of our journey.
Let's keep moving!
But...
Listen, sis, we have been entrusted with
the mission to reach the capital as soon as possible.
We don't have time to deal with this kind of critter.
But we can't just leave this little—
That's the kind of half-hearted
humanism that ruins wild animals!
Why don't you understand that that kind of irresponsible,
fleeting kindness ultimately breeds tragedy?!
But maybe this one's hungry.
And after that?
Do you intend to take care of it until it dies?
Well...
In the animal kingdom, as always described by the
special animal channels and animal documentaries...
Yes!
It's the harshness of the wilderness!
The law of the jungle!
Survival of the fittest!
A bear that was abandoned by its parents because it was too weak!
A seal that was relaxing on the beach
is suddenly eaten by an orca!
The weak will be eaten!
That's the law of the wilderness!
I have no idea what you're talking about!
What are you getting so heated for?
I'm trying to say just one thing.
Don't get involved with this creature!
Go away!
Go back to the wilderness!
What are you doing?!
You were mistaken if you thought that getting
all cuddly with humans would get you something.
It's best for it to live on its own in the wilderness.
Let's go.
Did you hear about Erec-sama?
I heard he's going to take a leave from his position for a while.
That's no surprise, considering what happened.
There are a lot of rumors going around.
Some say he's going on a medical leave for a while,
others say he was forced to take responsibility
for losing a Chariot.
I'm worried.
He was beaten twice by the same opponent.
So the psychological damage is greater than the physical damage.
All we can do is believe in him and wait.
That's the current mission of our special brigade, Incognito.
I wonder what's going on.
Why did he get so worked up?
It was cute.
Not sure, but it looked like he did have a reason.
Though I doubt he would answer if we asked him.
I wonder what it's doing now.
Oh well, no use worrying about it.
Time to sleep. I hope I have a nice dream.
Can't breathe...
I was supposed to have a nice dream.
Why am I being tortured by such a heavy nightmare?
What happened?!
Oh, you followed us all the way here.
Why aren't you more concerned?!
Take that thing out already!
Now I know why I had that heavy nightmare.
Why don't you take it?
This is my room!
It must have taken such a liking to you
that it followed you into your room.
I didn't ask for this!
Well, being liked by an animal isn't anything to brag about.
If this looks like bragging to you,
you must be really stupid!
Sainglain, what do you think?
Well, I think its cu—
This is bad!
This thing is bad!
It's a mysterious little critter!
What are you talking about?
I don't care if you believe me or not,
but please, just take it out!
There's no need for that.
Come here, little one.
Hey, sis...
I'll take responsibility.
I will take care of this little creature.
Totally out of the question!
I will not have it!
Why are you talking like a mother?
Let me warn you.
Pets are only cute in the beginning.
They get big quickly and then
you don't know what to do with them.
I'm not saying this out of malice.
Take it back to where
we found it before you get too attached.
No!
I told you that I won't have it!
And you know, you're always like this!
The turtle, the goldfish, the chick,
in the end it was always your mother who took care of them!
Again, why are you talking like a mother?
I don't care what you say, my mind is made up.
Don't you worry, I'll take care of you.
Why do you lower your voice for that?
Are you done now?
No, not yet.
I didn't think I'd have to say this,
but it looks like I'll have to do it.
Hey, sis.
Isn't your most important mission,
that is, protecting the princess, going to be affected by
you being infatuated with that animal?
That's...
We are the princess's servants,
I don't think I have to spell out what the most important thing is.
In the past, there was a great hero called Arthur.
He was a true master with the sword,
and he had an absolutely brilliant mind, as well.
Using his sword and tactics so novel
they could be called tricks,
he survived countless deadly encounters
and saved many of his comrades.
As much as his allies relied on him as the Fang of St. Piria,
his enemies feared him.
It is said that Arthur, survivor of myriad battles,
one day uttered:
"I really like cats."
The hell is that?!
When I remembered that,
I realized that we can't even begin trying to
protect the princess's safety if we can't protect this little life.
You're so cute!
You just love pets!
And did we really need that story?
And what's with the muscle freak loving pets?
Aren't you trying too hard to make your character interesting?
Two versus one.
Wait, I'm not done...
Shut up already.
I've had enough of your whining.
The discussion is over.
What now?
Anyway, that thing's dangerous!
I'm telling you, it's like shacking up with an unknown monster,
so don't do it!
Don't take it personally.
It might surprise you, but I do not dislike rewarding my servants.
Oh yeah? Well then I've got an idea, too.
Beast, I'm sorry, but I'm
an amazing hunter with a Hunter Rank of 161.
I know all about the hunt.
Excuse me.
Welcome!
I'd like some tinged meat and a pitfall trap.
Oh, and a barrel bomb and...
What are you doing?
Uh, just preparing for hunting.
Beast, my Hunter Rank is 161.
My skill with the Mega Bug Net is unrivaled.
I'll slam you into the bottom of an Item Box!
What are you doing?
Uh, just gathering some supplies.
I'm an amazing hunter.
I have memorized all the recipes.
I'll have you afflicted with Garo
and Adrenaline at the same time!
What are you doing?
Uh, I was just cooking a little.
I see, you eat it first, then.
Well, that's...
So, I've been getting reports
that you've been acting suspiciously,
and I've seen it myself.
Please explain yourself.
What am I supposed to explain?
Why do you hate this guy?
Originally it followed us because it took a liking to you.
Isn't that right?
A knight is required to not only be skilled with the sword,
he also needs to be noble and well mannered.
And on top of that...
I can't fathom why
anyone could hate such a cute little being!
All right, I give up. I'll tell you
the truth about myself.
I actually have a pet allergy.
Pet allergy?
Allergy?
What's that?
Simply put, I don't feel good
when that thing gets near me.
But that's...
I see, I understand now.
But you seem fine despite that.
Who gave you permission to get on my head?!
Damn you!
You stupid animal!
Ow!
So you were lying.
What is it with you?!
Do you understand what we're saying?
I feel like you're messing with me!
You're the one messing with us, you idiot!
Enough of your foolishness.
This matter is now cl—
Please wait, princess.
You must have a reason.
I can't believe that you'd do something like this
without one.
Ah yes, I believe it was a full moon that night
and the crabs in the buckets were really noisy...
Be serious.
This was back when I was still a kid.
I was caught in a sudden downpour
and I was getting soaked
trying to get home quickly on my bike.
When I was passing in front of a thicket,
I heard a faint noise from it.
The noise was really faint and was
almost completely muffled by the sound of the rain.
Thinking back, I don't know how I noticed it.
But back then I definitely heard it.
I felt like it was fate.
That I had to save those two lives.
I mean it's true, right?
You can't just pretend you didn't see anything
when you hear those desperate cries.
That's why I took the two cats back home.
I desperately tried to convince my mother and
got permission to bring the two cats into our house.
But...
What happened?!
Were you traumatized because someone in your family objected
to having them and told you to put them out again?
No.
Don't tell me...
Don't tell me something happened to those two!
No, that's not it either.
Then what happened?
Thanks to my desperate pleas,
those two were allowed to enter our household.
They had overly healthy appetites and
grew bigger and bigger without getting sick.
So what was the problem?
There were a ton of problems.
I looked after them as much as time permitted.
And still...
Those two never liked me for some reason!
How dare they do that
to the one who saved their lives?!
What?
Since that time I've sworn
that I'll never get involved with cute animals ever again!
Well, so, in times like these,
are we supposed to offer our condolences?
By the way, they are still happily part of my family!
That's no reason to be mean to this guy.
She's right.
Kon, you were wrong.
But this is a chance.
A chance to correct your mistake.
My mistake?
That's right.
You still have time. If you're willing, that is.
Open your heart.
Then I'm sure it'll respond.
My heart...
If you feel that it's cute, then I'm sure...
I'm sorry for what I did, beast.
I... I was wron—
Ow!
Let go, you! Ow!
Damn you! Damn you! Damn you!
You little...
I will not
forgive
you!
Easy now.
That's way over the top for such a small animal.
You guys stay out of this.
This is a fight between men, him and me.
Is it really that kind of problem?
We don't even know if it's a boy or a girl.
Shut up, stay out of this!
Hey, beast! This is a fight between you and me!
If I win, you'll get out of my sight!
If you win, don't ever show yourself in front of me either!
That's not right.
You should at least make a compromise if you lose.
Shut up! Like I'd lose to this thing!
All right, fine, if I lose, I'll do whatever you want.
Sainglain!
Yes!
Surge, my Alma!
Kon!
Oh no!
Not bad...
I won't hold back anymore!
Die, die!
Hold back?
He was serious, definitely dead serious.
Kon, enough already!
Shut up and watch!
Ow!
I'll kick your ass!
You fell for it!
This is it!
It's over.
Well, everything got settled nicely in the end, right?
Nicely? Everything's crap.
Being a sore loser is a disgrace for a knight.
We got a new friend. We should all be happy, right?
I won't forget this.
I'll eat you one of these days!
Erec-sama!
Where are you going?
Variation?
You need a ride, right?
Next Time
After being wounded in my battle against DT,
I returned to my hometown for some rest.
There, an old friend was waiting for me.
And an evil conspiracy...
I, Erecpyle Dukakis, accept your challenge!