The Eye of Iberia. It's been a long, long time since I last set foot here.
Saint Carmen
Countless soldiers from the Penal Battalion laid down their lives here. And when the Seaborn finally broke through our defense line, countless engineers died in vain inside the lighthouse.
Saint Carmen
Before our last ship was swallowed, we fled. For every ten men who left home, hardly one returned.
Saint Carmen
But now, behold.
Saint Carmen
Light!
Carmen's voice trembles for the first time in an eternity.
Kal'tsit stares silently out into the center of the distant reef. A massive lighthouse illuminates the entire sky, as bright as the day.
Kal'tsit
I don't see the ship.
Saint Carmen
That is a good sign. It proves they found what they were looking for.
Saint Carmen
Let's proceed. As long as this light is not extinguished, we will press forward.
The Sea Terrors gather around the main door, wandering, spinning.
Carmen's eyes sweep into the distance. They follow a line of the charred corpses of these abominations the entire way, their remains vanishing with the wind.
Saint Carmen
The Sea Terrors do not feel fear.
Kal'tsit
But they do know how to seek advantage and avoid disadvantage. Their base instincts have taught them to hunt cautiously.
Saint Carmen
...They have been taught fear. These creatures may not know what a country is, let alone laws and morals.
Saint Carmen
But they have learned to fear the High Inquisitor. They have learned to fear everything we have built on top of civilization.
Saint Carmen
Dario!
Kal'tsit
......
Kal'tsit does not say anything.
She can see. She can see a strange ring on a patch of fluorescent ground.
Charred corpses are stacked high into a mountain. The deaths of tens of thousands of their kin had imprinted a new behavior upon the Sea Terrors—
—Do not approach the lighthouse.
A feeble flame still flickers. It was originally a great bonfire.
Before the Sea Terrors had perished in a tide of death, there was nothing flammable here at all.
At the heart of the flame stands a single man. He lifts his lantern and leans on his sword, just as he did when he learned to stand guard in his youth—motionless.
We have three minutes to mourn the death of this soldier. Once the flames go out, nothing will stand between the Sea Terrors and their nest. They will swarm this place.
Kal'tsit
Also, I didn't see the girl. At least his disciple survived.
Saint Carmen
Are there no higher-level Seaborn here?
Kal'tsit
Doesn't seem so, for the time being.
Saint Carmen
Their numbers are nothing to be feared then.
Kal'tsit
'For the time being.'
Kal'tsit
We ought to find a more permanent solution. The Eye of Iberia was built by Breogan. It has the potential to become the hub for establishing a link with Ægir.
Saint Carmen
Assuming they were able to find the ship... Wait, hold on.
Saint Carmen
Who reactivated the Eye of Iberia? Neither the Ægir nor Dario should've had any experience with this.
*pant*... *pant*... Th-The control panel is fine...
Jordi
Phew, I'm totally worn out...
Mon3tr
(Hums curiously)
Jordi
Hwaaaaah—!
Jordi
Y-You're—
Kal'tsit
...I must admit, you've surpassed my expectations.
Kal'tsit
You managed to re-light the Eye of Iberia by yourself, restoring at least thirty percent of its functionality.
Kal'tsit
You did this, alone. Under these conditions.
Jordi
You... You're the one Mr. Elysium mentioned. Oh!
Jordi
Wh-What about Mr. Inquisitor?! He's been fighting for his life down there this entire time and I, I didn't dare get close to him since I wouldn't be able to help anyway, so all I could do was keep an eye on the control panel here...
Saint Carmen
He made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jordi
What...?
Saint Carmen
But by no means was it in vain. He sacrificed himself for his faith, and as such, will now live on forever.
Saint Carmen
He died heroically as an Inquisitor, as a vindicator of Iberia. His ideal self shall be forever enshrined on the coasts of Iberia.
Saint Carmen
And then there is you, Ægir. You have defended the purpose of his sacrifice. You have persisted all this time, and never given up.
Saint Carmen
You've done well.
Jordi
I-I never got to talk to him much, but... he... *sob*...
Jordi
Um... what about Gran Faro? What's going to happen to my home?
Saint Carmen
...I usually don't answer every question from the general public.
Saint Carmen
But for now, I don't intend to lie to you. Gran Faro will soon be under the management of the Penal Battalion. The citizens will all come under their unified control, and contribute to the construction of frontline checkpoints.
Saint Carmen
Also... Thiago died at the hands of heretics.
Jordi
No!
Jordi
H-How could this happen? Uncle Thiago, is he really—?!
Saint Carmen
He had long been aware of the Church of the Deep's cultists, yet turned a blind eye to them. His cover-up thwarted the plans of the Penal Battalion, and delayed our ability to send support here.
Saint Carmen
Even if he'd escaped death, he would not have escaped me, child.
Jordi
......
Jordi collapses limply onto the ground.
He feels numb and exhausted. He feels like the single string supporting him through everything that happened, long worn thin, had suddenly snapped.
Jordi
Uncle Thiago... Why?
Kal'tsit
...Mon3tr, guard the entrance.
Mon3tr
(Obeys cheerfully)
Saint Carmen
Can you confirm where the Stultifera Navis was last seen?
Jordi
......
Saint Carmen
Dame Kal'tsit.
Kal'tsit
Not that far. And the last signal came less than forty-eight hours ago.
Saint Carmen
What...?
Saint Carmen
She's still able to send signals?
Kal'tsit
Breogan helped the Iberian royal family construct lighthouses and fleets. Why, if not for restoring a connection to his homeland?
Kal'tsit
Be it the Eye of Iberia or some transponder hidden in a corner in the Stultifera Navis, they all use the Ægir's technology without reservation.
Kal'tsit
Of course, all of this assumes that the Seaborn haven't already destroyed the ship or turned it into their nest.
Carmen's eyes silently follow the direction of the light extending towards the horizon.
The Stultifera Navis cannot be seen by the naked eye. The ocean is too expansive, and what's not too far for a ship is still a cruel joke to those on land.
The weary saint once again shows his age. His lips quiver, as if innumerable thoughts are crossing through his mind.
No, we'd be better off waiting here. The waters are restless, and the Seaborns' scents swirl together. There's probably more than just one.
Specter
......
Specter
Did you hear something, Skadi?
Skadi
What? No, I didn't.
Specter
I see.
Captain Alfonso
What have you done to this place?!
Captain Alfonso
You, Ægirs, how'd you get in here?
Captain Alfonso
I was the only one with the key, and when the ol' deadbeat kicked the bucket, I threw it into the ocean! It's been fifty years already!
Skadi
If this is the power source for the vessel, wouldn't locking it up mean giving up hope?
Captain Alfonso
The ol' deadbeat was the last engineer we had. When he died, we had nobody left who could fix the ship.
Captain Alfonso
To make matters worse, we were already tangled up in the Seaborn, and couldn't get away. Didn't need anyone rocking the boat on my watch.
Captain Alfonso
But answer me! How'd you find this place?!
Specter
Breogan. The captain followed the clues he left, which led to Iberia, then here.
Captain Alfonso
You people... you know the shipwright?
Specter
Nope, not at all. I've always been more into the arts anyway.
Specter
But it really shouldn't come as a surprise. To return to Ægir, we must follow the trail of the Ægir—
Specter
—What's this?
Captain Alfonso
Ah, you've even gotten your hands dirty digging up some of Breogan's personal belongings... Hasn't Ægir ever heard of respecting people's privacy?
Specter
......
Skadi
What does it say?
Specter
Breogan's experiences on land. A travel log, I guess?
Skadi
Is this what the Captain's been looking for?
Specter
No clue. Why don't you ask her yourself?
Gladiia
...Just a small part of it.
Captain Alfonso
Returning empty handed, eh?
Ulpianus
It disappeared.
Ulpianus
Furthermore, the reason we didn't chase any further is because there were signs of other Seaborn nearby.
Ulpianus
They came here following distant scents and the calls of their kin.
Ulpianus
Now, I don't mind skipping straight to the slaughter. But we should resolve the problem of this ship first.
Captain Alfonso
You dare treat my Iberia as a prize to be taken?
Gladiia
This ship is the only way for us to return to Ægir. And only it can contact our cities.
Gladiia
As for the issue of repairs, perhaps I might be more qualified than a handful of backwards Iberians who know little of Breogan's technology.
Gladiia
I can't pass up this opportunity, even if we must resort to force.
Skadi
......
Specter
......
Captain Alfonso
Two against four, eh?
Chief Mate
(Howls vigilantly) —
Ulpianus
Three against three.
Skadi
...Captain?!
Ulpianus
Not so fast, Gladiia.
Ulpianus
Don't forget what I said.
Gladiia
...You never gave me a reason to give up on returning to Ægir.
Ulpianus
I'm telling you, you don't know what it's like there now.
Ulpianus
The Seaborn have never taken the initiative to attack our cities unless their nests and living spaces were threatened. Each act of slaughter, each act of destruction, has been fueled by the Ægir's degeneracy.
Ulpianus
They thought we were dead. They lost contact with us. The blood of the Seaborn flow within us.
Ulpianus
In all our long years of battling against these enemies, we finally have a prime opportunity.
Gladiia
And you think these few acts of 'degeneracy' have nothing to do with the scum we fight? Even if left alone, the Seaborn's living spaces will grow like a tumor until the entire ocean is devoured.
Ulpianus
This and that are two separate issues.
Ulpianus
Neither of which can be solved by heading home, rejoining the army, and marching forth once more.
Ulpianus
Why don't we try thinking outside the box this time?
Gladiia
So you've chosen to listen to those lowly beasts, to walk with them, to understand them.
Ulpianus
They call us their kin, but what do we know about them? Far too little.
Ulpianus
I can hardly even understand what I've seen myself. Until we've obtained definite answers about their gods, everything we do is uselessly groping around in the dark.
Skadi
What are you talking about, Captain?!
Skadi
You... You and the Seaborn... How do we know you're still on our side? Why do you have to...
Specter
Every Hunter who thought they could get something out of the Seaborn has ended up disappearing.
Specter
Of course, you should understand that better than me.
Skadi
Their whispers... resonate... They will invade your mind. Those are not your thoughts!
Ulpianus
...Skadi.
Ulpianus
That's... also a separate issue. I'll let Gladiia give you the specifics.
Ulpianus
Ship captain, escort them away.
Captain Alfonso
I was just thinking the same thing, Ægir.
Gladiia
...What a pity.
Skadi & Specter
......
Stillness. Silence. Hunters long separated always seem to have the least pleasant of reunions.
Something squirms in the hearts of Skadi and Specter. The chief mate hesitates, its wounds still aching.
Swords are drawn, bowstrings stretched taut.
Quiet.
Too quiet.
Wait, how is this possible? The rushing of the waves, the howling of the wind, the creaking sounds of the hull being torn open by Seaborn—
They all become distant.
Inquisitor Irene
Hunters!
Inquisitor Irene
Th-The ship is sailing!
Captain Alfonso
Nonsense, Old Iberian. Just how many years do you think—
Inquisitor Irene
No, I swear it's true! Something's pushing the ship, and... it might've been pushing the ship the whole time we were chasing after the Seaborn.
I don't hear anything at all. After so many years of the waves washing against us, why...?
Captain Alfonso
Everything, is just like that day...
Chief Mate
(Cowers in pain and suffering)
Captain Alfonso
Garcia! Ugh... My hand, it's shaking... Damn it, if I didn't need it to hunt, I would've lopped this thing off a long time ago.
Captain Alfonso
What's the meaning of this, Ægir?!
Gladiia does not answer.
She imperceptibly reaches for her neck. The scales, the part of her that do not belong to her, are resonating with something.
Gladiia
The scent of the Seaborn... The smell of the ocean, it's all gone. Look outside. It's way too peaceful.
Gladiia
How could this be?
Captain Alfonso
Haah... What's going on? Why's it so quiet?
Captain Alfonso
...Wait.
Captain Alfonso
Did you hear that? What was that?
Captain Alfonso
Was there something—
Inquisitor Irene
'The ocean sank into an unprecedented silence. Anomalies appeared across the shore, as violently ebbing tides and irregular waves heralded the coming of disaster.'
Inquisitor Irene
'All sounds were smothered. From waves crashing against the shore to the chiming of city clock towers, all noise faded away.'
Until the voices of the people all disappeared as well.
Until the wind was stilled.
The Profound Silence came without a sound.
Inquisitor Irene
Impossible, it's just like in the Inquisition's records. Are we facing... another Silence?!
The dark clouds know not when to dissipate, but she, who has lost the concept of time, finds a sea of stars in the sky.
She can finally hear that voice.
The voice that calls out to her.
Specter paces around the deck, and Ulpianus casts her a concerned glance for just a moment.
Specter
You and the captain have a keen sense of smell. Can you sense any Seaborn around us?
Ulpianus
No, right now, there is little difference between here and the land.
Ulpianus
Even though we're clearly floating out at sea. It's disconcerting.
Ulpianus
I'll head the other way to see if we're really being pushed by a current.
Specter
...See you soon.
Specter
O starry sky.
Specter
This is the first time in many years I've seen the stars so clearly.
Specter
I had forgotten so many things. I forgot my home, was used by others, and what finally saved my life and awakened my memories was the part of me I hated most.
Specter
Accepting that I'm a freak actually wasn't as hard as it sounds. That's what makes me unique.
Specter
The one, final thing I am unable to let go of... is my home.
Specter
But have I really returned? Is this place on the sea's surface really Ægir? Is this still my home?
Specter
Just because Gladiia never said it doesn't mean I wouldn't realize. It wouldn't be the first time rifts have grown between Hunters, but between us and Ægir? We've been separated by the shore for too long.
Specter
...I remember something else.
Specter
When I was little, I once went with my parents and grandparents to watch the stars on the ocean's surface adorn the sky, on a day much like this. Even the most beautiful pearl geode couldn't compare to that splendor.
Specter
In retrospect, even after I became a Hunter, I was always leaving my home again and again, but never reaching anywhere else.
You're a graceful one. Did Amaia teach you that as well?
Seaborn
It was just her request. A memento.
Specter
I suppose that means you'll be paying back both of our debts?
Seaborn
...Ah, before her death, Amaia entrusted you to me. I will make use of your life. I will also fulfill your requests.
Seaborn
Amaia thanks you. She said I should help you. Because of you, their work was able to take another step forward. Their 'research' and 'ideals' have all advanced greatly.
Seaborn
I can talk to you about Ishar'mla. I can take you back to Ægir. I can share with you where our kind are, and how they are doing. I can name your clansmen who are trying to become one with us.
Seaborn
Amaia begged me to help you. Only through helping you, will you accept us as kin.
Specter
...Hah.
Specter
In that case, my first request is...
Specter
Stop singing. I want to hear the wind of my hometown.
Seaborn
Very well.
In an instant, the wind and the waves return to Specter's ears.
Just as the sound of the first waves splashing against the deck rings out clearly, Ulpianus's giant blade is already poised above the Seaborn's head.
Ulpianus
Die.
Ulpianus
What—?! It managed to block? —Nngh!
Specter
Ulpianus!
Seaborn
A sufficiently heavy blow. Our kin in the ocean will welcome his unconscious form. They will take him back to our nest, where we will spend time becoming one with him.
Seaborn
As for this floating box... it has been used to house our kin who have not yet adapted to the sea. But most of them died, and the rest have refused to become one with us.
Seaborn
Therefore, it is no longer needed.
Specter is unable to see the Seaborn's movements, but like a piece of garbage being swept aside by a pedestrian, the once-glorious cannon mounted on the ship vanishes in the blink of an eye.
A few seconds later, an enormous splash in the distance reveals where the steel construct had gone.
Specter
(How did it manage to slice off that cannon? With its tail?!)
Specter
Shit—
Specter's eyes are unable to follow.
Whether shaken by the ease with which Ulpianus was repelled, or distracted by the sound of the metal cannon being sliced through, Specter is easily struck and sent crashing into the deck.
She was unable to see the attack at all.
Seaborn
Come, let us return to the sea.
Seaborn
Whether to hunt, or to communicate, or to evolve, we must all return to the sea.
Inquisitor Irene
Halt!
Captain Alfonso
You trying to take apart my ship, you monster?!
Captain Alfonso
Garcia!
Chief Mate
(Roars) —!
The chief mate charges at the Seaborn.
But before even laying a finger on that elegant being, the chief mate's movements suddenly freeze.
Kin. This is kin.
I am attacking my own kind?
Chief Mate
Guh...?!
Seaborn
What a paradoxical being. You have consumed many of our kin, yet many more go hungry. You ought to feed them.
Seaborn
Turn into nutrients, and nourish our kind.
Captain Alfonso
Garcia!
Captain Alfonso
What are you doing to my chief mate?!
Captain Alfonso
—Ugh!
Captain Alfonso
Gaah... Goddamnit!
Chief Mate
......!
Captain Alfonso
Don't worry, I'm alright... *cough*.
Chief Mate
......
Chief Mate
Alfonso...
Captain Alfonso
What is it...?
Captain Alfonso
Wait, hold on, what?! Garcia, you—
Chief Mate
Alfonso.
Chief Mate
Today is... the last day... of our voyage.
Chief Mate
All these years... I... always treated myself as... a monster. Easier... that way.
Chief Mate
I know. If I die... you'll be lonely... and then you'll die. You shouldn't... die... so I'm... worthless.
Chief Mate
Today is the last day... of our voyage.
Chief Mate
I... I think I already... feel kinship towards it.
Captain Alfonso
No! No!
Captain Alfonso
Garcia! You can still talk! You're still yourself!
Chief Mate
No.
Chief Mate
Time... is up. The Stultifera... will soon sink. The fluorescent sea has already started... to corrode the ship.
Chief Mate
I—
Chief Mate
—Will fight to the death, as an Iberian. I will never... accept it as my kin.
Seaborn
......
The Seaborn has already bent down.
It looks hardly any different from the greatest chief mate Iberia has ever known.
Garcia nudges the shining crown sitting atop its head.
Chief Mate
(Iberian) My beloved... Remember... your duty.
Captain Alfonso
......
Chief Mate
(Roars) —
Seaborn
You are not fighting me, Garcia.
Chief Mate
Graaaaah—
Seaborn
You are fighting we many inside your heart. You are on this ship, but you thirst for the sea.
Chief Mate
Urgh— Hraaaagh—
Seaborn
But it doesn't matter.
Seaborn
Become sustenance, and nourish our kin. Or, become one with us.
The Chief Mate's body is punctured, blood gushing out like a spring.
The Seaborn tosses Garcia overboard into the ocean, like chucking out bait.
It gazes from above, noble and impassive, like an inviolable eikon.
Inquisitor Irene
What... What just happened?
Inquisitor Irene
How could it so easily—
Seaborn
Human, kin, and all living things in between.
Seaborn
Amaia wishes to correct you. And thus, it shall be done. I simply welcome back my kin, and welcome back Ishar-mla.
Seaborn
Protect the lives of our kin. Then, return to we many. 'Return home.'
Gladiia
Shark.
Skadi & Specter
—
Gladiia effortlessly steps forward, casting off the gentle beckoning from behind.
In the space of a moment, Skadi, who had been standing behind her, and Specter, once again returning to battle, react in sync and brandish their weapons at the Seaborn.
As the fastest of the group, Gladiia would improve the synergy between the three if she slowed down a bit—but she had already lost the capacity to stay calm.
Seaborn
......
It dodges. Or more accurately, it simply takes a step forward, but its speed is sufficient.
It has its eyes only on Skadi.
Seaborn
There are many among us who wish to see you. Ishar-mla. Ishar'mla.
Skadi
—!
Seaborn
Our kind awaits you. We await you. We hope you will answer our call.
Gladiia
Filth, is there no end to your arrogance?
Gladiia whirls her lance at the Seaborn, but it does not evade. It is run through, its body easily lifted and smashed down into a deep pit.
