Liberi Reader

...'Fear neither hardship nor darkness.'

These excellent saplings... must take root and grow in this poisonous land.

Perhaps we made the wrong decision after all, Nearl...

Grandmaster...

The General Chamber was unable to figure out our objective.

Naturally... They must've assumed that we came here to topple them, opportunistically, to consolidate the power of the Adeptus.

And of course, they'd be correct. The Adeptus Sprawiedliwi has taken over the supervision of Area 0, and the General Chamber must be made to pay.

But the businessmen will never understand... just how far we're willing to go for the sake of that girl, Margaret.

'Fear neither hardship nor darkness.' That has long been the motto of the Nearl family.

But these words have also been inscribed on the swords, spears, and shields of the nearly thirty members of the Silverlance Pegasus Knightclub.

During that war, in the midst of that hopeless battle, mired in that pitch-black swamp, Kirill Nearl vowed to save every last besieged knight.

They were without supplies, their communications cut off. The combined army's artillery division and tactical unit were searching for them.

Nearl only convinced seven knights to take part in the rescue operation. Before they set off, each of them engraved those words on their shields: 'Fear neither hardship nor darkness.'

Seven knights set out, but forty-one returned.

But, of the original seven knights, only Kirill and I remained.

But the two of you saved over thirty comrades.

And also... brought back everyone's shields.

'Fear neither hardship nor darkness.' After that night, all forty-one inscribed those words. On their swords, their armor, their staves, their shields.

After that, we broke through on the east.

And when you regrouped with the knightclub again, only seven knights were left once more.

Just as heaven willed.

But three thousand enemies were wiped out, and the shields of those forty-six knights, all bearing the coats of arms of their respective families, were returned to Kazimierz. Not a single one was left behind.

Daybreak over the Golden Prairie. Every single campaign knight knows this battle well, Grandmaster.

We salute you!

The Armorless Union wants to harm the children of the Nearl family?

Hah. I wonder if they have enough forces in their reserves.

––What an explosion! The Arts wrapped around our two competitors came into contact, causing a huge blast!

The first to appear from the smoke–– is the Blood Knight! The Blood Knight's been repelled! He's holding his axe in his other hand now–– not his dominant hand! Did his arm go numb from the impact?!

On the other side–– Margaret's supporting herself using her strange swordspear! Without a doubt, the Blood Knight came out on top in this last exchange––

Kuh...!

––The Blood Knight is charging again! Does the Radiant Knight have time to react?!

—!

What...?!

Too bad, but I'm one step ahead of you.

Your movements... There's no way skills like that could've been tempered in this playground.

Who did you fight for during your time in exile? When facing an attack, your first instinct is not to evade and counterattack, but to withstand the blow.

A knight's duty is to defend, even if it means giving her life.

Is it now?

You are not the type to speak lightly of life and death. Show me then, just what life and death mean to you!

What a dazzling display of close-quarters combat––! After the Radiant Knight repelled the onslaught, the two seem to locked in a never-ending melee–– Wait, it's not that simple!

––A huge pool of blood is appearing beneath the two combatants' feet! It's the Blood Knight's trap!

(Minoan) Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Exsanguination, to me.

––As if I'd let you!

What?! You severed the resonance with your Arts...?

–––Hraagh!

What a turn of events!! The Blood Knight was trying to control the Radiant Knight using his Arts, but was unexpectedly rebuked! With a hack and smash of the Radiant Knight's swordspear, her opponent has fallen to the ground!

This is the first time in the Major that the Blood Knight has been forced to his knees! I'm sure everyone heard that thunderous impact! Just how much damage did our defending champion take?!

You should have been able to easily take a blow like that.

......

(It's a sweeping strike–– but his swing is too erratic!)

......!

Urgh—

What... incredible strength...

......

That last blow of yours... hit me hard.

How do you like this then?

Go get 'er, Blood Knight!

Stay away from him! Finish him off with your Arts, Margaret!

Knights really are popular, aren't they?

Everyone is in position.

My dear Monique, would you imagine how nice it would've been if we never formed the Armorless Union, but instead became knights?

......

How are things for Platinum?

I almost feel bad for her.

It's a spear of light! Wait, no, that's the Blood Knight's axe–– it's covered with an aura of blood! But, the Radiant Knight dodged–– Wait, it's a feint! The Radiant Knight's swordspear–– Whew...

I... I have no words to describe what's going on right now! I've never seen such fierce fighting! I'm afraid even an instant replay wouldn't clear it up for us––

Jealous, Tytus?

......

The Blood Knight... is very powerful.

I thought... there weren't any Infected who could have such a commanding presence...

I never thought this city could cultivate an iron will like that.

Nearl always told me Kazimierz had forgotten the meaning of glory.

This city always gave me that impression. Grandstanding, superficial. Mired in an unfathomable depth of consumerism and commercialism.

But...

But the people living in this city, every person still fighting to survive... They are all driven on by the conviction in their hearts.

Nearl was right. That glory, those virtues... will never be forgotten.

Huh? Isn't that...

Margaret––! You can do it!!

This is no ordinary match. Don't you think our cheering is a bit too ordinary?

It's the thought that counts. Not like Margaret can hear us with how big the crowd is.

Why don't we keep our eyes peeled for the Armorless Union instead? Even if the old bigwigs of the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi let us come, who knows if the Union is still hiding out there?

Margaret––!! Take him down!

Margaret––!

The audience's cheers were always only meant for their own ears.

Even if Margaret can't hear them, as long as she remembers that people are supporting her, she will not fall.

Does that mean she's...

A Nearl... Margaret's little sister, Maria.

Just as Margaret said, everyone eventually came together, right?

......

...Uhh...

(Is the referee still keeping score? No? O-Okay then...)

Radiant Knight!

—!

Hraaagh––!!

Splendid! You're the only one who could withstand this attack head-on!

Likewise... What kind of power is this...

Margaret's swordspear broke?! I went through so much effort to reinforce it!

The Blood Knight's strength is beyond doubt... but he's also lost his weapon!

Now both of them... are unarmed...

......

...Marvelous...

This is the first time... I've ever felt that the knight competitions... could bring real joy.

Oh?

I recall my hometown. Those white buildings surrounding that pristine, blue lake.

At the end of the road was a row of blue fences, with a pot of jasmine flowers placed there.

Minos is a beautiful place, Blood Knight.

Many knights fight for wealth. Some, for fame.

But we, the Infected, only fight for survival.

Every match I win, I live a day longer. Another day to spend in the dumps. It's not easy.

What about you, Radiant Knight?

You are much stronger than I imagined... What have you been through?

......

Oh! Nearl is looking over at us?

It seems so.

You can do this, Nearl!

Margaret! You've got this––!!

Margaret, you'd better not lose! I swear, if you end up losing––!

Hahaha, it doesn't matter, as long as they have a good rumble.

You bet. It's been so long since I've seen anyone like that Margaret. It's making my hands itchy, old timer.

(Smiles silently) ......

...Tragedy.

I've seen an entire city crumble beneath a Catastrophe. The Infected, slaughtering innocent civilians, stacking their bodies high and burning them as a warning.

I've seen bounty hunters torment the poor and downtrodden for sport, parents selling their young children for uncontaminated food and water.

I've seen unimaginable tragedy I could never imagine in Kazimierz. However, I also met a group of people... clawing their way forward through that suffering.

I am not alone, Blood Knight.

And yet, after seeing all that, you still chose to come back to Kazimierz, to reclaim your narrow-minded ideals?

...Yes.

......

Then, you are no longer narrow-minded.

This is my last strike, Radiant Knight.

Come. Let's settle this without any further delay. Thinking about anything else... is a right reserved only for the victor!

So, will the Blood Knight win, and make things easy for everyone... or will the Radiant Knight win, and we get our hands dirty?

Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?

Never thought I'd get to watch the finals on a big screen from the side of the street. What a metropolitan life, hmm?

Teams 3 and 4, wait for instructions by the entrance.

Team 5, enter the arena and mark Rhodes Island. Team 6, mark Maria's group.

The Nearl family has a tendency to produce the most incredible, and the most stubborn people.

Wouldn't you agree, Młynar?

......

......

Always feels to me like... it doesn't matter who wins.

(Clicks quietly)

This is a duel between knights.

The Blood Knight and the Radiant Knight... they are shining paragons.

But, that's not where our battles are. The things we want can't be found there either.

They opened the way for us... and we must keep fighting.

The two combatants, now without their weapons, are now condensing their Arts to have one last showdown!

What a lengthy struggle! After the light fades, who will be the first to fall?!

......

......

I...

......

The Blood Knight... is at his limit.

This is a tribute, Kazimierz.

A hero has risen.

...Nngh!

...Radiant Knight.

How long will you remain in Kazimierz? Will you continue... to kindle this land's lighthouse?

When I returned to my homeland––

––I already steeled myself, to never run.

...Good.

Come. We shouldn't leave any regrets behind.

Right.

I'm sorry, Dr. {@nickname}.

This duel... won't have any meaning.

......!

...Salute... Salute the Blood Knight.

...Salute! Our hero!

...Knight.... Knight...

...It's your win, Radiant Knight.

......

No! What are you doing? The winner... should not be propping up the loser...

*cough*... There is no loser here, Blood Knight.

......

W-W-We have a winner!!

The one left standing at the end–– No, more accurately, the Radiant Knight is holding up the Blood Knight! The Blood Knight... can't stand on his own!!

The panel is still tallying up the score, and until now, their scores were neck-and-neck! But, based on what we just saw–– if the Blood Knight is unable to continue fighting, then––

Then, without a doubt––

––The champion of Kazimierz's 24th Special Knight Tournament... is none other than––

...THE RADIANT KNIGHT! MAAAARGAREEEET NEAAARRRRLLL!!!

––Execute the plan.

The various teams are moving to strike. The special detachment has entered the arena, targeting Maria Nearl and Whislash Knight.

While the crowd is in chaos––

What a deafening roar of applause.

I really do envy the knights' popularity.

There are some knights who aren't as popular.

It seems like you have some other reason for saying that?

The old knight-lords always remain at the very top. Frustrating, isn't it?

How curious. I wonder what kind of lives you bounty hunters lead to be able to mingle with the knights?

Ursus artillery destroyed our town. We became a pack of hunters in need of prey to survive.

One rainy night, we hunted a wild mangler until dawn, only to discover that a 'knight' had long snatched up our prey.

Oh, that seems like an interesting story.

He was a decked-out princeling, all glittering and gold, pretending to use the rain to wash off the blood on his face. So we asked, what would a knight be doing all the way out here.

Wanna guess what he said?

What?

He said, 'I'm not a knight yet, just a wanderer.' Then he asked us, 'Who were you again?'

......

Grr.

Oh my, Monique, when'd you decide to fly in? I thought your part of the operation was quite some distance from here.

And what's more, you even got hurt.

Cut the crap, Roy. Either call the thing off, or come help me out over here.

......

Now what kind of wind would be able to blow our own 'wanderer' back here?

......

Heh. 'Wanderer,' huh? At the time, I thought to myself, why the hell are you playing dumb?

So this is what I said back to him––

––'Standing before you is Kazimierz's strongest bounty hunter.'

Radiant Knight! Radiant Knight! Radiant Knight!

A few months ago, what analyst could've predicted this outcome?! That our champion would be the Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl, after suddenly and shockingly returning to the arena?!

Now, let your cheers fill this arena! The prize pool for today's competition has reached an unbelievable amount!

It's no exaggeration to say that the Radiant Knight's legendary experience has scored her enough wealth to rival that of an entire corporation!

Even the General Chamber of Commerce will be here today to make a huge announcement to everyone!

To our wonderful friends in the arena and those watching from home! The Knights Association officially confirmed yesterday that they will hold a champion's press conference tomorrow. But right now, there's a truth we must share with all of you!

Six years ago, the Radiant Knight was exiled by the Knights Association for 'concealing her status as an Infected!' But today, the Radiant Knight's name has finally been cleared!

Her exile was the result of a criminal conspiracy! The scoundrels bought off the Knights Association and forcibly expelled the Radiant Knight from the country on false pretenses!

Yes indeed! Here, as a representative of the Knights Association, the National Council, and the General Chamber of Commerce, I solemnly announce to the entire audience––

––that all accusations against the Radiant Knight are hereby dropped! The Radiant Knight, our great champion, is not an Infected!

Doctor!

Wait... Doctor, did you purposely...

'If you deny your own heart, and conceal the truth from the world, there is no glory to be had.'

Before Nearl left Rhodes Island, the Doctor told her about the possible consequences.

Even if the K.G.C.C. does not take this as a threat, Nearl... will eventually call upon Rhodes Island to be her notary.

For the sake of–– Wait, wait...

......

Why now of all times to come clean? Goddammit, the K.G.C.C. is trying to get the Infected to turn on each other!

This is bad. They're trying to make it look like the Radiant Knight doesn't represent them, and that their champion lost––

...To make it seem as if... my sister... lied to everyone.

Wh-What's going on? Is Margaret not Infected?

......

In order to protect the young and energetic Margaret, Old Nearl purposely had her exiled.

She was exiled... because of Grandpa?

Even Margaret herself did not know about this. She truly believed she had contracted Oripathy during the competitions, and even came to terms with it.

But Oripathy is not something that can be hidden forever. After this many years, she must've discovered the truth long ago.

...Margaret...

(Now's our chance. Go, go!)

Stop right there!

Ugh! What–?! What just knocked my dagger––?!

You worthless–– I'll handle this!

The Armorless?! Maria, watch out!

Huh?

...Despicable cutthroat.

—?!

Gah! You did that with just your hilt?

Damn you––!

Innocent people will get hurt here.

I'd prefer you not disturb the peace.

This one's mine!

Urgh!

Th-Thanks, Shining...

Hey, what's the meaning of this?! The Radiant Knight isn't Infected?!

I... What kind of sick joke? I thought this whole time... she was fighting for the Infected! But all along, she...

Could it be that the Radiant Knight was lying to us?

......

You've been made a pawn.

I realized it shortly after leaving Kazimierz.

Oripathy is like a curse, and yet my body... showed no signs of it.

The rest fell into place soon after that. My grandfather had me leave Kazimierz, all for the sake of protecting my rash and impetuous self.

The General Chamber of Commerce will not relent until the 'Radiant Knight' is no longer a thorn in their side.

...*cough* *cough*... *cough* *cough*...

Here, lean on my shoulder.

Many thanks.

If not for the worsening of your condition, I well could've been the one to lose this match.

There's no point saying things like that... Do you think I fought my way here just to use my Oripathy as an excuse?

No.

The Infected will not trust you.

They are very wise. They did not let you spread your prestige among the masses. They set you up to be the villain.

Do you also think of me that way?

Me? Hah......

An Infected who fights for the Infected, or a normal person who fights for the Infected... Which is more noble?

Some people do understand this principle, but, public opinion will ignite their extremism... The days you spend here will not be pleasant.

It would seem that this news has already caused quite a stir–– Oh my, the panel has come to its final decision: the Radiant Knight's victory is well-deserved––!!

Tonight, Kazimierz will crown a new champion! In two hours, the Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl, will enter the annals of history at the Wall of Champions!!

But don't go anywhere, because tomorrow, we'll have our grand closing ceremony! You won't want to miss it!

...Dikaiopolis.

What?

A knight belongs where there is glory to be had.

Of course. If you really wanted to give them a slap across the face, you could just ditch the award ceremony...

No, that would just be running away. Same as how I ran from Kazimierz back then.

So... what's your plan?

We'll go together.

......

Hah... Hahaha... Interesting.

It'd be my honor.

Next, a few words from the host–– Wait, hold on! Something's happening down there!

The Radiant Knight is ignoring the host! She... she's helping the Blood Knight up and heading for the arena's exit!

What's the meaning of this?! Does the Radiant Knight plan to share the championship with the Blood Knight?!

Damn you... Trying to virtue signal now that your lies are out in the open?!

Drop the act already, Radiant Knight! Traitor to the Infected!

––that all accusations against the Radiant Knight are hereby dropped! The Radiant Knight, our great champion, is not an Infected!

What...?

The Radiant Knight... isn't an Infected?!

......

............

J-Justyna, are you alright...?

Yeah, I'm just... shocked.

Did the K.G.C.C. make that up?

No.

It's not difficult to frame a normal person as an Infected, but it is virtually impossible to hide an Infected.

So, the Radiant Knight isn't an Infected...

Then why... Why has she been fighting for us all this time?

Monique! The Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight have left the arena! Do we go after them?

...Monique? Hello?

––Wh-What's going on? What happened in the arena?

Grr... They weren't kidding when they said three was enough. Practically snapping my arrows like toothpicks...

D-Did he seriously cleave that pillar with just a swing of his sword? Those pillars have to be made out of cardboard or something, right?

Calm down, we're out of our depth here. Let's back up for now and regroup with the main force.

The only weakness of the 'Silverlance Pegasi' is their stubborn adherence to tradition. They won't have any other tricks up their sleeves.

What?! What's going on?! Someone's attacking the Wall!

(The Armorless Union?! They would dare to launch an attack when the audience hasn't even left yet?!)

Everyone, p-please don't panic! Security! Yes, security will make sure you get to safety––!

––I thought the knights of the Nearl family were supposed to be all shiny and glowing.

......

Seriously though, Młynar. Why stick your nose where it doesn't belong? You aren't even a knight, and if you plan to stay in the Grand Knight Territory, you know better than to anger the K.G.C.C.

...Ten years.

Huh?

I worked for ten years, and not once did I ask for a leave over personal matters.

In other words... Right now, I am legally entitled to three months of vacation.

......

Gah... Stop scurrying around, you pesky bounty hunter.

Haha, Młynar Nearl on vacation? That's a perverse joke if I've ever heard one.

––One more thing, Roy.

Huh?

......!

Whether or not we're knights... is not for you to decide.

Haha, then who does get to decide?

Kazimierz has no right to dub me.

Are you still able to walk?

I'm fine... But more importantly, have you thought about what doing this means?

I'm just reclaiming the title of 'knight' from them.

L-Look, isn't that the Blood Knight and the Radiant Knight?!

Are they going to walk to the Wall of Champions like that?! Hey, c'mere and take a picture, quick!

What's the situation?

We can't reach the two Lazurites... The Radiant Knight and Blood Knight are slowly moving towards the Wall of Champions exhibition hall.

......

......

Spokesman... The Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight are headed for the Wall of Champions together, and the Board of Directors is very unhappy about this development...

Have the Armorless stop them. Otherwise, they'll be branded as enemies of the K.G.C.C.

This is for their own good.

Understood. Oh and a letter for you that came in this morning.

A letter?

Yes. According to the Messenger, it was signed 'Your Friend.'

Just leave it over there. I'll see you later.

Hm? All right then...

Dr. {@nickname}... I'm sorry, but this is all I can do for you.

Forgive me. Forgive me for not even daring to read your letter.

Maybe only after you've left the Grand Knight Territory... will I have the right to respond to it.

......

Has this road... always been this long?

You're wounded, so we're walking slower.

......

Look! Look over there!

Block the road!

Radiant Knight, Blood Knight, there are countless crossbows pointed at you. All we ask... is that you turn back right now.

Those are the orders we got from the K.G.C.C. We do not wish to have to strike down our two champions.

It seems... that our pilgrimage ends here.

Go. My head has already been bowed in defeat for a long time. I will let them know––

Who's there?!

(Excited clicking noises)

You're––

What are you looking at, Armorless scum?

––Enemies! The Infected are attacking! Fiiiiire!!

Your bolts won't reach our champion, Armorless.

Try this on for size!

The Infected are here!! Call for backup––

What?! Our comms are cut off?

A perfect shot.

......

It's you...

This would be our second official meeting, right? Our two champions.

If we find the time, I'd love to get autographs from both of you––

But for now, keep moving forward. Just follow this road down to the end, right through the city.

This is the greatest of causes.

Pinus Sylvestris again? Looks like the campaign knights still haven't shown up.

Wandering into a nice, wide-open space like that is just begging to get sniped––

Don't move.

......

Let them go, Platinum.

Requesting backup! Requesting backup!

Roy, we can't be wasting any more time.

Grrr... Look for a chance to retreat. I'll stop them.

...Be careful.

What'cha mumbling about over there?

......

Haha... Well, well... hasn't this turned into a pain in the ass.

We're in position––

Sona, there's no end to these Armorless goons! We'll be in trouble if this drags on!

Hey, come help us out, you bunch of louts!

......

Tsk... What a bunch of cowards.

Iwona, behind you!

—

Are you okay?

Maria!

I'm here to help!

It's Maria Nearl! Get them––!

Keep your hands off her.

Kowal, you ready over there?!

Way ahead of you!

You should've stayed in your nursing home... Surround them!

What's going on? Why's my weapon shaking?

Heehee... I wonder why?

The Radiant Knight's actions are a slap across the face to the K.G.C.C.

Is this the rest of the Union? What about the two Sarkaz knights?

W-We haven't seen them... since the last time they tried to assassinate Nightzmora...

Forget it. Get out there and back up our forces. We MUST stop the Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight.

Even if you have to kill them–

McKee.

......!

Just leave them alone, won't you?

Teams 7 and 8 are in position.

We've got a lot of witnesses, more every minute, but we have to do it anyway. Get ready to take the shot on the Grand Knights–

...That's...

The 'Silverlance Pegasi!'

......

......

Margaret.

That voice! Uncle Liam?

You've...

Even now, you intend to stay your path?

Soldiers are a part of the country.

Soldiers carry out duty, not justice.

I've already told you this.

Indeed, I cannot lift an Infected through the entire city.

......

Heed my orders.

Escort the Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight to the Wall of Champions exhibition hall.

A single road.

So many people, so many events, all converging alongside you.

How it reminds me of you, back in the day.

Report the Radiant Knight's current position.

Monique! Thank goodness, we finally got through to you––

Hurry!

Yes ma'am! They'll reach the Wall in about ten minutes–– a Silverlance Pegasus squad is escorting them. We can't make a move!

I'll snipe her. I'll only get one shot at this.

Once my position is exposed... the Silverlance Pegasi can strike clear through a building.

You must draw their attention.

Roger!

Madam Grand Knight.

Oho, if it isn't little Amiya. Come here. Have you enjoyed your stay in Kazimierz?

Mhm...

We managed to solve a lot of problems, all thanks to the Doctor.

Without Rhodes Island serving as mediators with the General Chamber of Commerce, the situation in Area 0 would not have been resolved peacefully. You have my thanks.

It's what we do.

And you must be Dr. {@nickname}? Several companies suddenly started submitting applications regarding Area 0 to the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi, giving us ample 'grounds' to conduct an investigation.

Was this also your work?

Did Gravel did a good job?

......

Oh, of course!

She helped us a great deal!

Then maybe it's time for her to leave the nest and hone her skills elsewhere.

But that's a discussion for another day. As for these two Sarkaz... You go by Shining and Nightingale, right?

I'm listening.

It's not often that Sarkaz visit these halls... Go meet the Radiant Knight. She needs people she can rely on.

Go.

Did you need a hand, Nearl?

You... You're...

...'The Fourth Arrow,' huh?

That's too bad.

Sarkaz, what relationship do you have... with the Radiant Knight?

Companions.

Go, Nearl.

Right.

Welcome, Margaret, Dikaiopolis.

...The Grand Knight...

I've never seen this place... without flashing lights and a sea of reporters...

They didn't have the guts to push through the campaign knights to conduct their interviews.

Just for tonight... the Wall of Champions belongs only to the knights.

Never has that sounded more ironic.

This exhibition hall predates the existence of the knight competitions. In the past, this place was a museum that preserved the relics of those heroes...

That was a long time ago.

......

You still haven't changed your mind, right?

That's right.

Margaret, you...

Very well. Just like I couldn't convince your grandfather back then... Come, come closer, and let me have a look at you.

Kirill's granddaughter is all grown up now... It's uncanny how much you take after him. He... would've been proud.

What you seek to do goes against the flow of the times, Margaret.

You don't need the privilege of the military, of nobility, or of competitive fame.

This is only your beginning, young lady. Even after all these twists and turns, you've only just begun your tumultuous journey.

It's almost dawn.