Chapter 06 - The Leader Lklein Manni: (Around that same time, in the Asheria Federation.) [In the Asheria Council Hallways...] Amiya Rai: So you’re actually leaving, Rao. Rao Nyx: Please don't try to stop me, Lord Amiya. Rao Nyx: I have no intention of kneeling to anyone but you. And I refuse to watch you kneel to anyone else, either. Amiya Rai: It cannot be helped. Euro was chosen as leader by democratic vote. I honestly believe he was the right choice too. Rao Nyx: I wanted it to be you. Everyone from Rai thinks the same. Amiya Rai: This isn't the Kingdom of Rai anymore. This is the Asheria Federation Council, small nations banded together to resist the Empire. Amiya Rai: The leader was chosen by the will of the people. Selfishness doesn't get to override that. The decision can't be reversed. Rao Nyx: I know that. That's exactly why I'm leaving. Amiya Rai: That is a shame. We've known each other for so long, Rao, I truly loved you. Amiya Rai: I’ll miss something about that awkward, stubborn side of yours. And how remarkably good you are at fishing... Rao Nyx: Lord Amiya. I have just one request. Amiya Rai: Of course. I’ll grant as many requests as you want, Rao. Rao Nyx: I intend to travel the world and gather an elite force of warriors worthy of your name. Amiya Rai: Warriors worthy of my name... And what do you intend to do with them? Rao Nyx: Once Euro sees such a mighty army at your back, he will surely step down and hand the leadership over to you himself. Amiya Rai: Huh? Don't go off wandering the world for something like that. Rao Nyx: "Something like that"... This matters a lot! You're the King of Rai, and- Amiya Rai: Okay, okay. Being the leader isn't about rank. It's not about who's stronger or weaker, either. It's a matter of representation. Amiya Rai: In other words, it comes down to trust. Euro is trusted by everyone. I trust him too. Rao Nyx: I don't. Amiya Rai: Don't sulk. The Federation will do just fine with him as a leader. I believe everything will fall into place. Rao Nyx: You're far too relaxed about all this! You used to carry yourself with more dignity, like someone truly born to rule! Amiya Rai: I'm better suited to being second in command, I prefer chiming in from the shadows with advice rather than being the one in the spotlight leading everyone. Amiya Rai: Things are easier for me this way. Though they’d be even easier if you stayed by my side. Rao Nyx: I made up my mind. Amiya Rai: Ah, I see. Well then, I'll look forward to your souvenir of mighty warriors. Amiya Rai: One can never have too many strong blades around, after all. Rao Nyx: Then, I'll take my leave. Amiya Rai: I'll be lonely without you. Rao Nyx: Farewell, Lord Amiya. Rao Nyx: Take care of yourself. Amiya Rai: ........... Amiya Rai: He's really gone... Rao sure is a stubborn man. Amiya Rai: If he truly cared about me, I'd have been happier if he'd just stayed by my side. Especially when everything’s about to get harder... Federation Soldier: Lord Amiya! Amiya Rai: What is it? Federation Soldier: Lord Euro is nowhere to be found... Amiya Rai: Oh dear. Has our esteemed leader wandered off somewhere again? Amiya Rai: Honestly, what a hopeless man. I suppose I’ll go find him myself. [At the Asheria Federation's Bazaar] Customer: Old man! Trade me some food for this ring. Customer: ...Just between you ‘nd me, it's a ceremonial ring from that small kingdom that fell last month. It's worth an absolute fortune. Food Vendor: Not interested. Gold or silver only. Customer: What's your problem?! Can't you see the size of this thing?! . Candle Vendor: The world will end, swallowed by darkness. But only those bathed in this holy candle's light will make it to heaven. Customer: Give me one. Aren’t wer lucky...we’ll find our way to heaven. Customer: Give me one too! I won’t have to fear darkness anymore. I can finally feel safe... Euro Gallu: ........... Euro Gallu: ...Is there truly nothing left that can save this world? Man: Give it back! Give it back to me! Euro Gallu: Hm? Woman: Bandits! Bandits are here! Bandit Leader: As of this moment, this bazaar belongs to us! Hand over everything you've got! Bandit: Coins! Gold, silver, food, all of it! Woman: Please, give it back! That's the only food I have for my children...! Man: The Federation Council is right next to this bazaar! Aren't you afraid of them?! Bandit: Afraid of them? Don’t make me laugh! The world's ending anyway! Emperor, leader, who even cares about that... Euro Gallu: Well said. In that case, I'll be your opponent. Bandit Leader: You?! Who the hell do you think you are?! Euro Gallu: Euro Gallu, Leader of the Asheria Federation. Bandit: Euro Gallu?! Bandit: We should run...! Euro's bad news! Nobody's ever seen him lose a fight! Bandit Leader: Hmph... Then today's the day that changes! I'll grind him into the dirt! Euro Gallu: Heh, that's the spirit. Euro Gallu: Come at me. Bandit Leader: Rraaaaah...! Euro Gallu: Hah...! Bandit: He's swinging that huge blade like it weighs nothing...! Bandit Leader: Ngh...! Bandit Leader: Waaah...! Euro Gallu: You said you weren't afraid of anything. Bandit Leader: ...! Yeah! I'm not afraid of a damn thing! Kill me if you're gonna do it! Euro Gallu: Then fight alongside me instead, against the darkness that's destroying this world. Bandit Leader: What...? Euro Gallu: A man with a build as fine as yours, wasting away stealing food from children…Do you actually want to live this hollow life? Bandit Leader: You bastard...! Euro Gallu: Don't be angry. I understand this broken world forced you to become bandits. Euro Gallu: But don't give up. The world hasn't ended yet. Euro Gallu: If you're going to fight, fight for the children's future. Bandit Leader: ........... To be continued...