|
Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Event cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the plot and characters. View these tabs at your own discretion. |
False Heroes/Story
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Event | Story | Gallery |
False Heroes - Opening
Albert attends a meeting about Levin's reconstruction. When the king shows up and shows signs of wanting to avoid Albert, Lord Galia points out the knight captain's connections to Yurius, slayer of the former king. After the meeting, Albert goes out to town and sees the Celestial Eye in the sky.
D.O.P.E.: I believe it's about time. Let us commence our regularly scheduled meeting.
Inside Saint Lethan Castle of the Kingdom of Levin, the Disaster Operations Planning Executive addresses the room.
He speaks of the measures being taken to reinvigorate the kingdom as the lords and other leaders listen.
D.O.P.E.: That concludes my report on the current state of affairs.
Mallow: Thank you for the thorough account. It appears that everything is progressing as planned.
Mallow, prominent figure and lord over the castle's surrounding areas, gives an amicable smile.
D.O.P.E.: Indeed, the buildings destroyed by the criminal Yurius are almost fully restored, and life has returned to normal for the people, more or less.
Albert: (Criminal...)
Yurius: Hahaha!
Albert: (How many months have passed since then? I'll never get used to hearing it...)
Galia: Impressive work, I must say. You've carried on well, despite the sudden disappearance of your predecessor.
Galia, another prominent figure and lord over his own region, speaks with clear sarcasm.
D.O.P.E.: Well... part of the credit goes to the aforementioned predecessor. Criminal he may now be, Yurius was passionate enough to lay the foundation for future work.
D.O.P.E.: He made sure to clearly explain the details of his restoration plan and share all his documents while I served under him as assistant executive.
Galia: Oh? You mean to say that the restoration plan you pushed for is actually the work of a wanted man?
D.O.P.E.: W-well...
Mallow: Now, now, Lord Galia. Though I understand how you may be feeling on the matter...
Mallow: A sudden change in direction will only serve to confuse our citizens. Besides, the current executive is the one who deemed it appropriate to continue without deviation.
Mallow: If the kingdom is recovering apace, then that decision was the correct choice. We should be praising the man, not reprimanding him.
Galia: Indeed... I concede that you speak sensibly.
Albert: (So Yurius conveyed his ideas to his subordinate... No wonder.)
Albert: (Seems like he made sure our country would be fine, even without him here too.)
Albert: (It's like he knew for sure that he'd be gone one day. Did he have everything predicted when he told me he had measures in place to take his own life?)
D.O.P.E.: Y-you are too kind, Lord Mallow.
Mallow: I merely give credit where it is due. Have some faith in yourself.
Mallow: But that is enough chatter on the subject today. Let us turn our attention to the kingdom's finances.
Mallow: Captain Albert, would you care to enlighten us on the status of our knights deployed in foreign lands?
Albert: Of course. We did as suggested in the previous meeting...
Albert: Our knights were reorganized into different squadrons and dispatched continuously to serve in other countries. I am pleased to report that they have performed well.
Albert: They have grown more capable with the experience, which helps greatly in keeping our towns and cities safe with the influx of new tourists.
Mallow: I have heard many of our youth are inspired to become knights themselves after witnessing their increased presence and performance.
Mallow: As they well should. Our kingdom regains the dignity once lost to our name with every knight that garners strength and fame.
Albert: The fame should keep drawing more and more tourists. With their patronage strengthening our coffers, we can use the money to improve our country even further.
Galia: Levin's famed grape wine should see an increase in demand alongside the tourism. Not an unwelcome result, I must say.
Mallow: Haha, we owe everything to the hero who saved Levin.
Albert: Please. The Sky Knights have come so far because of the people that comprise its ranks—
???: I'm sorry for interrupting... Is it all right for me to enter?
Mallow: Why, if it isn't our newly appointed king. Please do come in, Your Highness.
New King of Levin: Greetings, and pardon the intrusion. Is everything proceeding well?
D.O.P.E.: I-indeed, they are. Rest assured, Your Highness, that there is nothing for you to be concerned about.
New King of Levin: I see... If there are no issues, then...
Albert: Pardon me, Your Highness... But I've noticed you've been making quite a few visits to our meetings of late.
Albert: Is there something you would like to share? We would be more than willing to listen.
New King of Levin: ...!
Ah, Sir Albert...
Ah, Sir Albert...
New King of Levin: U-um... I'm afraid I don't have anything in particular to speak of.
Mallow: There is no need to be so nervous. You are in civil company.
Mallow: We understand that you came to check in on us out of concern.
New King of Levin: I-indeed... But...
Mallow: Haha, I promise that only the finest and most qualified are in attendance. You can leave matters in our capable hands.
New King of Levin: I do not doubt that... Very well, I shall take my leave.
With a meek tilt of his head, the king walks out of the assembly hall.
D.O.P.E.: Th-that was quite nerve-racking. His Highness has dropped by a lot recently, hasn't he?
Mallow: I imagine he feels a measure of responsibility regarding the disappearance of our wanted criminal.
Mallow: Presumptuous as it may be for me to say, I believe I know His Highness well enough considering we have been acquainted since he was a young child.
D.O.P.E.: I see... We'll have to do our utmost not to betray the faith that he's put in us.
Galia: Speaking of betrayal...
Galia pointedly directs his gaze in Albert's direction.
Albert: Is there something you want to say?
Galia: Do not pretend to play innocent. His Highness was so frightened that he couldn't even look your way.
Galia: He isn't the only one wary of you either, former confidant of the criminal Yurius.
Albert: ...
Mallow: You need not raise your hackles so, Lord Galia. His Highness trusts Captain Albert from the very bottom of his heart.
Mallow: If he did not, he would have never granted Captain Albert an order of merit recognizing him as the hero of our country.
Galia: Is that right? I was led to believe that was merely for appearances' sake.
Mallow: In any case, we are still in assembly. Such a conversation, should you wish to continue, can be held after this meeting has concluded.
Galia: Very well.
Albert: (Trust from the king...)
After the assembly concludes, Albert walks through town looking for lunch, but his search is quickly interrupted.
Playing Child 1: "Tyrant, this is the end for you. You have nowhere left to run!"
Playing Child 2: "The people won't be silenced any longer. Prepare yourself!"
Playing Child 3: "Agh... Foudre! Astros! You shall pay for this transgression!"
Albert: (The Saint Lethan Tales... Still as beloved as ever.)
Playing Child 1: Huh?
Playing Child 1: Oh! It's Foudre! Look, guys, he's here!
Playing Child 2: Foudre!
Albert: Hey, kids. That's a nice sword you've got there!
Playing Child 1: Mom bought it for me after I told her I wanted to be a knight! It's made out of wood, but it's still cool, right?
Playing Child 2: Can you do that thing you did last time? Please?
Albert: Heh, all right. But just once.
Mimicking the great hero Foudre, Albert raises the Skyblade into the air and proudly recites two lines from memory.
Albert: "A tyrant like you has no right to wear the crown after terrorizing our people and staining the kingdom's good name!"
Albert: "The Skyblade shall deliver your judgment!"
Playing Child 2: Whew! Actual lightning!
Playing Child 3: Oooh! So cool! Just like the real Foudre!
Albert: Heh... Good enough? I've got somewhere to be, so—
Playing Child 2: Where's Astros? Isn't he with you?
The other children's eyes go wide as the name leaves the little girl's lips.
Astros—Saint Lethan Tales' other hero who Yurius was likened to.
Playing Child 1: Why're you asking about him? He's the bad guy who killed the king.
Playing Child 2: Can you not be a hero if you kill a king?
Playing Child 3: Stupid! The king wasn't a tyrant! Killing him obviously makes you a bad person!
Albert: ...
Man in White: This is the controlling apparatus.
Bulky Man: How do you use it?
Man in White: Point it towards the dark essence serving as the receiver. It will respond accordingly.
Bulky Man: Got it.
Bulky Man: For the glory of Levin...
Large Mass: ...!
Playing Child 2: Hmmm, I don't get it! We call him Astros because he's a hero, right?
Playing Child 3: Like I said, the story about Astros being a hero is a lie!
Albert: All right, kids, remember what happens after the tyrant's defeated? The heroes' parade comes next.
Playing Child 3: Oh yeah, I forgot! I'll be the citizen that goes to greet the heroes!
Playing Child 3: "Hail Foudre! Hail Astros!"
Albert: ...
Albert: Hm?
Albert: Watch out!
As lightning flashes overhead, the unexpected appearance of a looming figure casts a shadow.
Albert: Don't tell me that's...
Playing Child 1: Waaaaah! It's the Celestial Eye!
Playing Child 2: Heeelp! It's super scary!
Albert: (I should've already defeated it with (Captain) and crew. How is it here?)
Albert faces the Celestial Eye—a cataclysmic power that once devastated Levin.
Like a bolt out of the blue, there is no telling what will happen when it strikes.
False Heroes - Chapter 1: My Friend - Episode 1
In hopes of uncovering clues about the Celestial Eye's appearance, Albert steps into the research facility once used by Yurius. However, he hits a dead end. The crew and the three sisters of the Levin Knights show up shortly after.
Albert: Yeowch!
Albert: Whew... Should've brought a stepladder. Can't really reach that top shelf by myself.
A few days have passed since the Celestial Eye appeared in the sky. It remains where it spawned, unnaturally silent and still.
Albert now searches through Yurius's research facility, hoping to find the reason for its sudden return.
Albert: (The Celestial Eye was a prison made to seal away primal beasts. It was known as the Astral Void Lacrima when it had a primal beast captured inside.)
Albert: (Despite appearances, both the Eye and the Lacrima are essentially the same thing.)
Albert: (One of these documents pertaining to the Lacrima might provide a hint as to why the Eye showed up...)
Albert: But I've found nothing so far.
For many years, the Kingdom of Levin coveted two secret treasures: the Skyblade and the Astral Void Lacrima.
During the previous king's reign, Yurius sought to perform research on the two Astral-made objects and put them to use.
But the king refused to grant Yurius permission, as Yurius was his illegitimate son and thus unworthy of his attention.
Albert: (Even though he couldn't lay his hands on the real deal, Yurius decided to gather every book he could find on the Lacrima.)
Albert: (I can still remember it clearly, the way he'd passionately tell me about his theories on primal beast cores and the Lacrima's Sky Map piece.)
Albert: (He always wrote down his hypotheses and ideas. Those notes have to be somewhere.)
Albert: (The current planning executive made sure this research room was undisturbed, so...)
Albert: ...
He sits down in Yurius's old chair and folds his arms across his chest.
Besides the desk in front of him, bookshelves line the walls of the room.
They are packed end to end with books, except for one single shelf that sits curiously empty.
Albert: (My first thought was that the current executive might've taken a few books to use for his restoration plans, but...)
Albert: (That wouldn't explain why there isn't a single book on the Astral Void Lacrima in this room.)
Yurius: I can't allow that dark power to consume me ever again.
Yurius: I haven't found a way to liberate myself yet. But I am a researcher. I will find something.
Albert: (You took them, didn't you? So you could do something about that primal beast power inside of you.)
Albert: Yurius...
His sigh echoes in the empty room.
More than ever before, he keenly feels the absence of his friend's intellect and companionship.
Albert: (What would you be doing if you were in my position?)
Albert: (If only you were here now... But wishful thinking won't get me anywhere.)
???: Captain, I need to speak with you about something. May I enter?
Albert: Mina? Sure, come in.
Mina: Pardon the intrusion.
Vyrn: Heya, Albert!
Lyria: It's been a while!
Choose: Nice to see you again!
Albert: Vyrn? Lyria? (Captain)! What are you three doing here?
Mona: Hey, don't forget us! We tagged along too!
Mena: Levin's three strongest sisters, reporting for duty!
Mina: Settle down, everyone! We're not here to fool around!
Albert: What in the world...
In the blink of an eye, the room's gloomy silence is replaced with rowdy cheer.
False Heroes - Chapter 1: My Friend - Episode 2
The crew, called to Levin by Mina out of concern for Albert, learns of how Yurius was in exile for murdering the previous king. Everyone can tell that Albert is trying his best to keep a cool facade as he goes on to explain the problems Levin currently faces.
Albert: Mina, mind telling me what exactly is going on?
Mina: Yes, sir. I noticed that you were spending all of your time in this room after the Celestial Eye appeared.
Mina: Seeing you give up sleep to search for a solution made us consider what we could be doing to help...
Mina: So we sent a letter to (Captain) and crew asking for their assistance, as they proved to be a great boon during the last disaster our country faced.
Mona: Geez, she says it like it's no big deal, but lemme tell you... She couldn't focus on anything while we figured stuff out!
Mena: Yeah, she was so distracted that she broke, like, three dishes and wore her clothes inside out in public...
Mina: Excuse me! Captain Albert does not need to know those details!
Vyrn: Basically, Mina was freaking out over Albert while you two sent us the letter, huh?
Lyria: Hehe, they look out for each other just like their family motto says to do, right? "When trouble calls, three sisters answer!"
Albert: I think I understand the gist of it. Sorry to make you worry, Mina.
Mina: It's all right... I'm simply doing my part as acting captain.
Vyrn: It'd honestly be more surprising if you weren't worried about that Celestial Eye. Sure gave us a scare when we were flyin' over.
Lyria: What's been going on in Levin? We were really worried when we heard that Yurius disappeared too.
Albert: Where do I even start...
Albert: Do you remember the disaster that happened before—when the Celestial Eye first appeared and Levin almost ceased to exist?
Lyria: Yes. A primal beast was released from the Astral Void Lacrima and it possessed Yurius...
Lyria: The empty Lacrima became the Celestial Eye and shot a beam of light at the center of Levin.
Albert: Correct. We beat the Eye, and you, Lyria, managed to bring Yurius to his senses and restore him to his normal state.
Mena: No matter how many of his tentacles we cut off, they'd grow back right away. It was seriously gross!
Albert: Putting that aside... We thought Levin to be saved.
Albert: After that, Yurius and I devoted our time to restoring Levin, but there was still a big problem we had to address.
Mina: The crime that Yurius committed...
Albert: Though he was influenced by the primal beast, Yurius took the previous king's life...
Albert: The king who also happened to be his father. Regardless of reason, it was by Yurius's hand that he died.
Albert: That's why I made up a fake set of tales. In them I painted Yurius as an innocent party who was dealing with the Celestial Eye—completely unrelated to the king's death.
Albert: I'm not proud of what I did. But it was the only way for Yurius to become the executive in charge of rebuilding our country.
Albert: Everything went fine until somehow Levin's lords spread word that the tales were a complete lie.
Albert: Yurius, Mina, and I came to be suspected as traitors to our country, and the new king ordered our executions.
Vyrn: Your what now? For real?
Mona: That whole fiasco was super fishy... Nobody in charge would listen to what anybody had to say, including the knights...
Albert: As we faced the unfolding situation, Yurius approached his limit.
Albert: Or, at least, he made it seem that way. He transformed in front of the citizens and made a show of running rampant.
Albert: Then he declared himself the king killer and left the country. As for us... We were spared execution and awarded medals for protecting the people from him.
Lyria: So that's what happened...
Vyrn: And Yurius has been missin' ever since?
Albert: Nobody's seen hide or hair of him. I found nothing when I searched for him too.
Albert: He made me a hero... Entrusted me with protecting our country in his place.
Albert: He risked his life so I could be where I am now. It wouldn't be right of me to bring him back here even if I knew where he was.
Vyrn: This is one heckuva mess...
Albert: It's certainly not pretty, I'll agree. But at the very least, Levin's restoration is proceeding smoothly.
Albert: I know I'll be able to find a way to deal with the Celestial Eye after a little more research. So really, there's no need for you all to worry—
Albert: Ouch!
Mona: If a tingle like that is enough to make you flinch, then you must be pretty tired, Cap'n.
Vyrn: No way we wouldn't be worried after a story like that...
Lyria: Albert, we want to help. Please, won't you tell us everything?
Albert: I guess since you're already here... Might as well keep you in the loop.
Steeling himself, Albert divulges the problems plaguing Levin to the crew.
False Heroes - Chapter 1: My Friend - Episode 3
Mina suggests that they consult Yurius directly for advice on dealing with the Celestial Eye. Relying on Lyria's ability to sense the primal that has attached itself to Yurius, Albert goes off with the crew in search of his friend, leaving command of the Levin Knights to the sisters.
Albert: Our country faces the threat of the Celestial Eye once more, as you've already seen.
Lyria: And you don't know why it's back...
Vyrn: That weird sparky shield surrounding it ain't good news either.
Albert: We've never seen a protective covering like that before either.
Albert: It might be the reason why the Eye hasn't attacked yet.
Albert: Though there's no telling when it might start. The sooner we deal with it, the better.
Mina: The Sky Knights are working with a survey team to look into the Celestial Eye, but haven't met with any success despite their combined efforts.
Albert: They can't do anything except observe from a distance with that shield in the way.
Mona: Of course they've tried whatever else they could think of, but they're having zero luck.
Lyria: There's actually something I noticed about the Eye when we flew by it...
Lyria: It's a lot quieter compared to before, almost like it's biding its time and gathering strength.
Albert: Gathering strength...
Vyrn: You can tell somethin' like that? What, is the Eye some sort of primal beast?
Lyria: It isn't, but it feels a tiny bit like one... Like it's only legs instead of a whole body...
Vyrn: Just the legs? The heck?
Mena: So long as it's a primal beast, couldn't Lyria do something about it? Similar to how she turned Yurius back to normal!
Lyria: I can't! It doesn't respond to me no matter how I reach out to it, and I was only making an example with the legs comparison...
Mena: No good, huh? And here I was hoping it'd actually work.
Albert: If Yurius were here, he probably would've figured out what to do with this information...
Mina: I'm of the same sentiment. He was our country's leading expert on the Lacrima, as well as the Eye.
Mina: Perhaps seeking him out and asking for his expertise would be the most efficient course of action.
Albert: But we don't know where he is.
Mina: Not at the moment. That's why we asked for the crew's help.
Vyrn: How do we come in?
Mina: Yurius houses the power of the primal beast once sealed inside the Lacrima.
Mina: I'm hoping Lyria will be able to sense that power, much as she does other primal beasts.
Mena: Who needs hunting hounds when you've got Lyria! You're brilliant, Sis!
Mona: Mena, don't tell me you sent the letter to them not knowing that...
Vyrn: I get the reasonin', but Yurius ain't in Levin anymore, right? There's no telling how far away he is, and if Lyria can even find him...
Lyria: Oh! Hold on! I sense the faint presence of another primal beast besides the Celestial Eye!
Mena: Really? Can you tell if it's Yurius's?
Lyria: I'm sorry, but it's too far away for me to say...
Mina: Levin isn't a country with a primal beast protecting it, which means that presence can only be...
Albert: There's no guarantee it's him, but it's worth a shot.
Albert and Mina exchange determined nods.
Mina: We are fully prepared to look after the Sky Knights in your stead, Captain. Please go find Yurius.
Albert: I suppose that would be the fastest way to find a solution to our Eye problem. Thanks, Mina.
Albert: Sorry to be a bother, (Captain), but could we take your ship to where Yurius might be?
Albert: The other knights will ask too many questions if I try to take a Sky Knight airship.
Choose: You're always welcome aboard!
Albert: I owe you one, (Captain). Once this is all over, I'll pay you back.
Vyrn: Hehe, time to head out then!
Albert: Mina. Mona. Mena. I leave the knights in your capable hands.
Three Sisters: Yes, sir!
Yessir!
Course set, Albert and crew leave to find their missing friend.
False Heroes - Chapter 1: My Friend - Episode 4
Lyria's sensory ability leads them to the Grim Basin. When the Grandcypher catches fire from the stormy weather, tentacles wrap themselves around the ship and drag it to a nearby island. Albert, who had fallen off the deck, awakens to find Yurius standing before him.
Vyrn: So, Lyria... You sure this is the right direction?
Lyria: I'm certain, even though the map says we're going...
Albert: Toward the Grim Basin...
As Albert and crew stare uneasily at their map, thunder roars continuously outside the ship.
Albert: Since the very beginning, Levin was called the island of thunderclouds because of its proximity to the Grim Basin.
Albert: I'm used to thunder, but this is my first time actually coming here...
Vyrn: When crossing skydoms, we've never taken the route near Levin 'cause the weather's always crazy there.
Lyria: The Sky Map pieces gave us a way through the Basin, but it wouldn't have been able to change the weather...
Vyrn: Huh... You know what I just noticed? There ain't any islands in this direction. You tellin' me Yurius is floating on air?
Albert: I doubt it... You see, he found a really old map when he was gathering information on the Astral Void Lacrima.
Albert: On that map, there were islands near the Grim Basin that were used as battlegrounds during the War.
Albert: I don't think any of them made it onto our maps because nobody lives on them.
Vyrn: Off-the-map uninhabited islands, huh? Sounds like the perfect place to hide.
Vyrn: What do you wanna do, (Captain)?
Choose: Full speed ahead.
Lyria: The presence I'm sensing isn't far now.
Choose: Maybe we should rethink this...
Lyria: B-but we're so close to the presence I'm sensing!
Lyria: What if it's actually Yurius? We should at least take a look!
Remembering the trouble that Albert's country is in, (Captain) takes a deep breath and consents.
Continue 1Albert: I'm sorry for putting us in danger. If there's anything I can do to help, just say the word.
A flurry of activity takes the ship as everyone aboard prepares to brave the coming storm.
Albert: Watch out for the falling rocks!
Vyrn: Still no sign of an island in this mess?
Lyria: I-I can tell we're getting closer! We're almost there!
The group clings onto the ship's deck, peering out in search of their target.
A whirlwind of rocks and lightning impede their efforts as they draw closer to the Grim Basin.
Albert: (Has Yurius really been living in a place like this? I almost don't want to believe that Lyria's leading us the right way!)
Lyria: Just a little further...
Lyria: I see it! That dark shadow over there!
Albert: An island! Excellent job, Lyria! Yurius has to be...
Vyrn: It's too early to celebrate! That lightning just hit our back propeller!
Albert: This wind will spread the fire and set us ablaze! (Captain), we need to put it out!
(Captain) spares a moment to nod, then dashes across the turbulent deck.
???: ...
Meanwhile, a lone figure on the island gazes up at the approaching airship.
???: Inhale...
???: Haaah!
Lyria: Eek! What just rocked the ship?
???: ...
Albert: Something's wrapped around the mast. Could it be...
Lyria: Ahhhh!
Choose: Grab on!
Gripping Lyria firmly by the hand, (Captain) clings onto the edge of the ship alongside Albert and Vyrn.
The group holds on for dear life as the ship hurtles inexplicably toward their destination.
Albert: Don't let go! Just hang on!
Albert: ...!
Albert: Yuriu—
Albert: Ah! Where... Did we land on the island?
When Albert wakes, he finds himself prone in a damp grassy field.
A quick glance around reveals that their ship had crash-landed, and the impact sent him flying from the deck.
???: Heh... That was very nearly a complete disaster.
Albert: Yurius...
Yurius: ...
None other than his missing best friend stands before him.
As the tentacles emerging from his back writhe and wiggle like snakes, Yurius's lips curl into a grin.
False Heroes - Chapter 2: Forgotten Island - Episode 1
Pleased to see the crew, Yurius shows them the vineyard he's been cultivating on the island. Albert is pleased to see that he's doing well.
Yurius: Long time no see, my friend. I must admit, I never expected you to drop in on this remote location.
Albert: You definitely picked a scenic place to hide in, that's for sure.
Albert: How have you been?
Yurius: All right. Better than you at the moment, at least.
Yurius extends a hand and lifts Albert to his feet.
Albert: Those tentacles... You're the one who brought our ship to the island, aren't you?
Yurius: I didn't think your ship would go down with a single propeller out of commission...
Yurius: But you were headed in an inconvenient direction, so I had to interfere.
Albert: Inconvenient?
Lyria: Yurius! There you are!
Yurius: Hello. Did you have any trouble putting out the fire?
Lyria: Not at all! It was very easy since the watering hole was nearby!
Vyrn: I'm honestly impressed you managed to spot our ship through the gunk in the skies.
Yurius: I heard Lyria's voice calling out to me first. Startled, I went outside to check and managed to catch sight of you in the clouds.
Yurius: I knew no ordinary travelers would find an unmarked island like this one, but I had considered the possibility of Lyria using her powers to find me.
Lyria: It was Mina's idea! I was a little worried you might've been too far for me to sense, but I'm glad we found you.
Yurius: Hm... I see.
Albert: Then you placed the ship near water to prevent the spread of fire. Good call.
Yurius: While that was one reason... I was also worried about the vineyard.
Albert: Vineyard?
Yurius: Yes... I created one when I came here. Would you like to see it?
Yurius: We've arrived. It's not much to look at, but it's a vineyard I can be proud of.
Lyria: Wow! There's so many little grapes everywhere! I wonder what they taste like.
Albert: Did you make the trellis system too? Nice handiwork.
Yurius: I based the design off of what I remember from my visit to the vineyards... Oh, that one needs adjusting.
Vyrn: Gah! Is that a tentacle!
Yurius: Sorry for startling you. One of the knots was coming loose.
Albert: Are you in the habit of using tentacles instead of your arms?
Yurius: They're convenient. I can spawn as many as I need, and they're strong enough to move rubble.
Albert: I had a feeling you were doing fine on your own, but I didn't think you'd get set up this nicely.
Yurius: Home is where you make it, after all. The weather isn't too awful in the middle of the island, and mountain grapes and herbs grow naturally here.
Yurius: I'm actually making wine out of the grapes, and am eagerly awaiting the day that it's ready.
Albert: You've even got alcohol on the way...
Yurius: The island lacks any other luxury items, so I had to make do. By the way, my friend...
Yurius: Have you brought any wine as a housewarming gift? It's been many months since I last had a drop.
Albert: Heh... You haven't changed a bit, friend.
Yurius: And neither have you.
A refreshing breeze blows by as the two reunited friends grin at one another.
False Heroes - Chapter 2: Forgotten Island - Episode 2
In his underground quarters, Yurius serves the crew mountain grape juice. While (Captain) and others go off in search of parts to repair the Grandcypher, Yurius offers Albert solutions in dealing with the Celestial Eye.
Yurius: This is where I've been living. Unfortunately, I don't have any chairs, but you're welcome to sit wherever you like.
Lyria: So there are underground rooms on this island. Did you build this place too?
Yurius: No, this was built before I arrived. I imagine it was some sort of bunker or research facility during the War.
Yurius: It hadn't been used in a long time when I came along, though it's still a nice place to keep out the rain and wind, and ferment my wine.
Yurius: I also conveniently found cooking and eating utensils stored away.
Yurius: All things considered, I've been living a rather civilized life.
So speaking, Yurius fills a couple cups with liquid from a wooden crate.
Yurius: This batch hasn't fermented yet, so it's suitable for your consumption. How about it? Would you like some mountain grape juice?
Lyria: Oh! Are you sure? Thanks!
Lyria: Gulp...
Lyria: H-huh? This is...
Albert: Very sour.
Yurius: Hehe, as natural as it gets. It really makes you appreciate the selective breeding that goes into creating the wine we drink.
Vyrn: Sheesh... Is this what you've been livin' off of?
Yurius: Luckily not. Usually I dry the herbs I find and turn them into soup. I'll go get some right now if you like.
Lyria: Thank you.
Albert: (I never would've imagined him living like this back when we were in Levin...)
Albert: (He looks healthier than before. Maybe a solitary life on an uninhabited island suits him.)
Yurius: Ah, before I forget. There's a room at the end of the hallway where scrap wood is stored.
Yurius: I believe some of it should be suitable for airship repairs if you would like to take a look.
Lyria: Really? We should definitely go check, (Captain)!
Nodding, (Captain) follows Vyrn and Lyria out of the room.
Albert: You seem to be enjoying yourself.
Yurius: Hehe, can you blame me? It's been a while since I've had the pleasure of company.
Albert: Right before you disappeared, you were just pretending to lose control, weren't you?
Yurius: I was... Though it wasn't easy to keep my power in check and still appear enraged.
Albert: You had everyone fooled at the time, including me.
Yurius: Then even those sharp-eyed lords were none the wiser, yes?
Albert: Sure, but... One of these days, your clever tricks are going to give me an actual heart attack.
Yurius: Haha... I'll take that as a compliment.
Albert: Have you had any migraines since? Your skillful use of tentacles suggests otherwise, but I'd like to be certain.
Yurius: They lessened in frequency, then disappeared altogether after I left Levin.
Yurius: No matter how many tentacles I extend now, I exhibit no signs of yielding control. It's as if my days of rampancy were merely a bad dream.
Albert: Life is full of surprises. I suppose that means you don't need to shut out your power anymore.
Yurius: Yes... Perhaps.
Cup in hand, Yurius takes a seat in front of Albert.
Yurius: So, what sort of disaster in Levin brought you here?
Albert: Should've known nothing would slip by you...
Yurius: When Lyria mentioned Mina being involved, I could tell. You're at your wit's end trying to solve a problem alone, so she guided you to outside help, like always.
Albert: I can't deny it. Truth is...
Albert relays the sudden appearance of the Celestial Eye in the sky above Levin.
Yurius: The Celestial Eye materialized out of the blue?
Albert: Thankfully, it hasn't hurt anyone yet. Do you have any idea why it would come back?
Yurius: Hm... I can't say I do.
Yurius: Information regarding the Eye is scarce at best, and its true nature is completely unknown.
Albert: Its true nature... That reminds me. Lyria talked about what she sensed before we traveled here.
Lyria: It isn't, but it feels a tiny bit like one... Like it's only legs instead of a whole body...
Yurius: The legs of a primal beast...
Albert: That, and she pointed out that the Eye might be gathering energy while it floats there. Any ideas on that?
Yurius: Well, taking into account this is Lyria's intuition at work...
Yurius: The Astral Void Lacrima is a primal fragment, which would explain why it shares similarities with a primal beast.
Yurius: I believe I explained it to you once before that the Lacrima could be broadly categorized as either a Sky Map piece or a primal beast core.
Yurius: If we assume it to be in the core category, then the Lacrima would possess potent self-restorative functions.
Yurius: Any injury sustained would be completely healed by the next day. It is similar to how a primal beast will go into a dormant state and heal itself.
Albert: So what you're saying is that the Celestial Eye could perform that same self-restoration?
Yurius: A reasonable conclusion, given that the Eye is only different from the Lacrima in shape. They should fundamentally still be the same object.
Yurius: If my hypothesis is correct, and the shield around the Eye is an indication that it has gone into a dormant state, then I may have a solution.
Yurius: The shield should dissolve once the Eye has finished healing, allowing for outside interference.
Yurius: Once it has, you need only use physical force it to put a stop to it, like you did once before.
Albert: Hmm. With the shield out of the way, we should be able to take care of it with minimal casualties.
Yurius: Aside from the buildings. The citizens, at least, can be evacuated beforehand.
Albert: A solid plan. I knew I could count on you.
Beaming at Yurius, Albert takes a sip out of his steaming cup.
False Heroes - Chapter 2: Forgotten Island - Episode 3
While reminiscing about the past, Yurius recalls the humiliation he suffered in Levin and is hit by a head-splitting migraine. The primal beast in him grows in power, and he is unable to contain the rampage. Albert tries to call Lyria for help, but Yurius has him wrapped in tentacles.
Albert and Yurius continue chatting long after their cups grow cold.
Albert: Talking with you like this... Feels like we've gone back in time, before everything happened.
Yurius: Nostalgic, isn't it? The only that's missing is a bottle of Levin's finest wine.
Albert: Now I really wish I'd brought something to share.
Yurius: Heh... By the way, how are the restoration efforts going? Proceeding without trouble, I hope?
Albert: Smooth as can be. The southwestern hot spring town is developing well, and the number of tourists visiting grows by the day.
Yurius: I'm relieved to hear it. I sponsored the initial development, so I've been curious to know how it was doing.
Albert: I don't think you've got anything to worry about. You taught your previous assistant well, and now he's doing fantastic as executive.
Yurius: He has trouble with more abstract ideas, but he's particularly meticulous where it counts. No one else is more fit for the position.
Albert: I'll say. You couldn't have picked a better successor. Honestly, your penchant for foresight is so good it's scary.
Yurius: Heh. If only it had been good enough to prevent my anomalous figure from being exposed and save me from exile.
Albert: W-well...
Yurius's sharp, yet accurate retort leaves Albert at a loss for words.
Yurius: It's not like you to grow quiet. What happened to the grumbling I'm used to?
Albert: As if I have any right to. It's my fault that you had to play the bad guy.
Yurius: I wasn't playing. I am a bad person.
Albert: As if! You sacrificed everything so that Levin could heal and move forward.
Albert: Levin needed you, but I was powerless to help you...
Yurius: You believed me to be necessary...
Yurius: Regardless, there was nothing you could do. We were between a rock and a hard place.
Yurius: The foolish citizenry and lords would rather tear each other to shreds than do anything productive...
Yurius: Rngh... Gah... Argh!
Clutching his head in pain, Yurius screams in anguish.
Albert: A migraine? I thought you said they'd gone away completely!
Yurius: They did... Argh! What timing...
Yurius: But this level of pain should be nothing to worry about.
???: Are you certain about that? If you ask me, you've missed a vital detail.
Yurius: (No... Not you!)
???: Oh, you wound me! I am you, and you are me, you know?
???: Or did you think putting me out of your mind was a real solution?
???: Too bad, so sad. I haven't gone away. Can't very well get rid of yourself, after all!
Yurius: Rgh... Argh!
Albert: Is it the primal beast that's hurting you? I can go get Lyria to help!
Yurius: No need to fret, my friend. This will be over soon...
???: You're certainly not wrong about that. You can't shut me out any longer.
???: Thanks to how much you used your tentacles, my power has grown tenfold, and now you can't resist me!
???: Why don't we let loose our power once more? Enlighten all the ignorant fools back home and get rid of everything holding us back!
Yurius: Wheeze... Pant...
Albert: Where are you going?
Yurius: Just for... a little rest...
Albert: Yurius!
Yurius: Gah... Argh!
Albert: You're as pale as a ghost! I'm getting Lyria! Just stay put!
Yurius: Don't leave me, my friend.
Albert: What?
Yurius: What are you doing? If you're going to go, then you'd best hurry...
Albert: (The presence I'm sensing, it has to be...)
Albert thinks back to the day that Yurius was completely swallowed up by his dark power.
Yurius had screamed for Albert to both kill him and leave the Astral Void Lacrima alone—as if his personality had split into two.
Immediately wary, Albert draws the Skyblade and points it at his friend.
Albert: Which one of you told me not to leave? Answer me!
Yurius: You need to go. There's no time...
Yurius: Don't go, my friend. Don't leave me alone.
Albert: (The first command was yours, wasn't it?)
Albert: I'm getting Lyria! Just hang in there!
Albert: Ah!
Right as Albert turns for the door, a single tentacle shoots out and wraps around his sword-wielding hand.
Yurius: A shame that you were too slow to act despite seeing through my lie.
Yurius: Why don't we have a little chat, my friend?
Albert: ...!
Anguish and pleasure color Yurius's expression as a frightening number of tentacles emerge from his body.
In Albert's trapped hand, the Skyblade shines in ominous warning.
False Heroes - Chapter 2: Forgotten Island - Episode 4
A Yurius gone mad snatches the Skyblade from Albert and asks why it will not judge Albert for his lie. When brought to his senses by Lyria, Yurius takes off and asks the crew to never come back to the island. Meanwhile in Levin, Lord Mallow is plotting behind the scenes to activate the Celestial Eye.
Yurius: Ehehe... Ahahaha!
Albert: Tch!
Using his free hand, Albert shocks the tentacle wrapped around his arm and slips free.
Albert: I've got nothing to say to you! Let me go!
Yurius: Then go... If you can!
Albert: Huh?
Even more tentacles burst forth to surround Albert on all sides.
Albert: There's so many... Even more than last time!
Yurius: Life on this island is quite perilous, you see. I danced with death many times while defending myself from the Grim Basin's monsters.
Yurius: The obvious solution, then, was to research and strengthen this power. Aren't the results marvelous?
Albert: Marvelous? You told me the dark side of your powers weren't consuming you!
Yurius: I didn't lie... I truly didn't have a single migraine until now.
Yurius: But your arrival brought back memories of my humiliation and allowed my strengthened powers to spill forth!
Yurius: How will you take responsibility for that, I wonder? Will you kill me? Slaughter me on an island without witnesses?
Albert: ...!
Yurius: And even if it were to completely take control of me, I have measures in place to take my own life.
Yurius: I can't allow that dark power to consume me ever again.
Albert: (It's true that he was ready to part with his life, but that was to protect Levin's citizens.)
Albert: (There'd be no meaning in letting him die alone on a deserted island!)
Albert: ...!
Yurius: What's wrong? Attack me! Or is your Skyblade just for show?
Albert: (He'll use his dark powers to retaliate if I make a move, and that might set off the measures he put in place to take his own life...)
Albert: (So how do I get out of this? If only I knew what those measures were...)
Yurius: How disappointing. I had hoped the Thunderswift Lord would have proved to be a more useful research subject.
Albert: Damn it!
The Skyblade slips from Albert's grip as his limbs are completely bound by tentacles.
Yurius retrieves the blade and points its tip at Albert's throat.
Albert: What are you doing?
Yurius: Why don't we try a different experiment? Let's see how the Skyblade reacts when directed at its wielder...
Albert: What's the point of a twisted test like that!
Yurius: Simple curiosity. I've been interested in learning the answer for a while now.
Yurius: You, a justice-loving warrior of lightning who preaches truth, have lied to your country about the death of my father, the king.
Yurius: Yet the Skyblade has not judged you for that crime. What could possibly be the reason for such a contradiction?
Albert: That's...
Yurius: Granted, it was a white lie for the sake of our country. Some might even call it a decision worthy of a hero.
Yurius: But a crime is still a crime, and it must be judged.
Yurius aims the blade at Albert's heart, a mad smile stretching his lips.
Yurius: Theoretically, it should obey the command of its user. But what of the loyalty to its master? I wonder if the Skyblade is capable of taking your life.
Albert: Stop! Don't make the same mistake twice, Yurius!
Yurius: Be at peace, my friend. It matters not if you perish. I will absorb you regardless, as yours is a power hard to come by.
Yurius: But we have dallied long enough. You shall serve as a great sacrifice, Thunderswift Lord. Now submit to this trial!
Vyrn: Yikes, he really is goin' nuts!
Choose: Lyria, hurry!
Lyria: Okay!
Lyria: Please, stop! No more!
Yurius: Gah... You think your power is enough to hold me?
Yurius: Cease this... Immediately!
Yurius: What?
Yurius: Don't you dare touch him!
Yurius: Aaaagh!
Under the combined force of Lyria's interference and Yurius's emotions, the dark power is sealed away.
Yurius falls to the ground as his features return to normal.
Albert: Yurius!
Yurius: Pant... Wheeze... I'm fine now... Sorry for that...
Yurius: I've made a fine mess of our reunion, haven't I?
Vyrn: How can you joke at a time like this? Do y'know how worried we were?
Lyria: If only we'd been here sooner... We were busy transporting stuff to the ship when I sensed something wrong.
Yurius: Don't fret—you came soon enough. Without your help, I doubt Albert and I would be here right now, and for that, I owe you my thanks.
Albert: ...
Albert: Yurius... Be honest. Am I the reason you lost control?
Yurius: You've done nothing wrong. I simply gave into the primal beast power within.
Albert: But I brought up the memory of your unfair treatment in Levin. Was that the trigger?
Yurius: Even if that was the case, this episode was not your fault.
Yurius: I came to this island to find a way to separate myself from the primal beast, but I was unprepared for the challenges of living in a wild land.
Yurius: I was helpless without the tentacles. Thus I ceded to temptation and used the primal beast's power.
Yurius: My transformation into a true monster is a consequence of my weakness, and my weakness alone.
Albert: I should have come for you sooner...
Yurius: And done what, exactly? We would have ended up in the same situation either way.
Yurius: I managed to put Levin out of my mind these past few months because I was so frantic in my efforts to survive.
Yurius: I'm willing to bet that was the reason my migraines disappeared. Meeting you at any point would have served to bring those memories back.
Albert: ...
Burdened by an invisible weight, Yurius pulls his body up and drags it toward the door.
Albert: Where are you going?
Yurius: There is something I must do, and so I take my leave.
Yurius: Feel free to use this room until your ship is repaired. Monsters shouldn't bother you here.
Yurius: Once you're finished... Leave as fast as you are able, and promise me you'll never return.
Yurius: I don't wish to hurt you again...
Albert: All right... I understand.
Yurius: I'm happy I was able to see you, my friend.
Albert: Me too... Friend.
Without a single glance back, Yurius stumbles out of the room.
Not a single person moves while his unsteady footsteps fade away.
That evening, a man in white enters a cellar beneath Levin's castle for a secret meeting.
Man in White: That concludes my report of the current situation.
???: Excellent work, though I suppose I should expect nothing less than expediency from the former Erste Empire's leading researcher on dark essence.
D. E. Researcher: I can't take all the credit. The man in charge of controlling the apparatus was a quick study.
D. E. Researcher: But now that that business is concluded... What of my reward?
???: You need not worry. The money to cover your younger sister's medical expenses is already on its way to your home.
D. E. Researcher: Is that so? Thank you very much! My sister owes you her life—
D. E. Researcher: Huh?
A man in black appears from the shadows and restrains the researcher, placing a cold blade against his throat.
D. E. Researcher: What... is the meaning of this?
???: My apologies. Caution is prudent in matters of secrecy, you see.
???: You asked me to cover your sister's expenses, and so I have, but no such promises were made on behalf of your safety.
D. E. Researcher: You think that gives you the right to—
???: I thank you for your excellent service. The research documents you left in my care shall be put to good use.
???: Well then, clean up this mess, won't you?
Waving at the man in black, he languidly walks away.
D. E. Researcher: Wait! Lord Mallow, please!
D. E. Researcher: Hack...
Mallow: Heheheh... Everything is proceeding as planned.
Mallow looks up at the Celestial Eye hovering in the sky, his expression lacking a single hint of guilt.
Mallow: Once I have made my proposal to His Highness at the right timing, the only problem left is the captain of the Sky Knights.
Mallow: Rushing will only result in failure. I shall wait until he has shown me a crack in his armor...
He strolls down the empty street with upturned lips.
In the distance, an ominous thunder rumbles under the pitch-black sky.
False Heroes - Chapter 3: Shadow of a Hero - Episode 1
Upon the crew's return to Levin, the werewolf knight Jeno—who's been loyal to the royal family for over two centuries—reports to Albert on his investigation into the Celestial Eye. Albert learns from Mina about the new king's upcoming birthday party and decides to attend.
Lyria: Are you sure about this?
Albert: Yeah... I have nothing more to say to him. Let's go.
Lyria: All right... We should prepare for takeoff, (Captain).
With the ship in flying shape, the crew departs from the isolated island.
Though they keep their eyes on the fading land, Yurius never once resurfaces from his underground lair.
Albert parts with the crew, then goes to report to the Sky Knights.
Mina: Captain Albert! You've returned.
Mona: Welcome back! How was your meeting with your best friend?
Albert: It... We met. I got the information we need to deal with the Celestial Eye.
Mena: Nice! He's still got our backs no matter where he is, huh?
Albert: ...
Mina: Um, Captain? Did something happen while you were there?
Albert: Yeah, you could say that...
Mena: What? Did you get into an argument?
Albert: Not exactly. Rather than an argument, it was more...
Albert: Sorry. I'm not trying to keep this a secret, but I'd rather not talk about it.
Mena: I'm pretty sure those two things are mutually exclusive...
Bulky Man: Captain Albert, I have my report.
Mena: Eep! A wolf?
Mena: Arghaggha! What was that for, Mona?
Mona: Shhh! Shut it!
Albert: Jeno? I assume this is about the investigation on the Celestial Eye.
Jeno: It is. My survey team made several observations while you were away...
Jeno: The Eye is steadily repairing what is thought to be damage from the previous incident, and grows brighter with mana by the day.
Albert: (Yurius was right... That shield is protecting it while it heals.)
Albert: Good work. Keep watching it, and stay a safe distance away from the shield.
Jeno: Yes, sir.
Mena: He can talk? Why are you guys acting like this is normal? Is he a person?
Mina: Oh, I completely forgot. Your squadron hasn't had a chance to meet him yet.
Mona: He's a werewolf—a rare type of humanoid. He worked as a prison guard while the previous king was still alive.
Albert: When the knights were reorganized to be sent out to other countries, he was put under our command.
Mina: He's served the Levin royal family for over two hundred years. No other knight is more devoted to the royal family than him.
Mena: Excuse me, did you just say two hundred? How old is he?
Mona: Not sure. All I know is that werewolves live a long time.
Albert: I haven't had too many chances to interact with him either, but he approached me directly when the Eye appeared and asked to join the survey team.
Albert: So I appointed him leader and asked him for daily reports on the Eye. He's performed brilliantly thus far.
Mina: Just between us, I have heard that he was disliked by the previous king because he did not fit the image of a genuine knight.
Mina: I would wager that is the reason he hides his face when he goes outside. Most people believe him to be an impressively sized Draph.
Mena: Are you for real? Draphs are big, but not that big! His head almost touches the ceiling!
Albert: The point is, he's as much a knight of Levin as any of us. I would appreciate it if you would show him the respect he deserves.
Mina: By the way, there's a matter that was decided while you were away...
Albert: What is it?
Mina: It is regarding His Highness's birthday party, and whether or not it will be hosted with the Celestial Eye looming overhead...
Mina: After a lack of movement on the Eye's part, it has been decided that the party will continue forward with heightened security.
Albert: All right. Will you be able to attend then?
Mina: Yes, sir. I have made preparations to do so.
Mona: Mena, we're off duty that day, right? Wanna kick back and relax with (Captain) and the crew?
Mena: I'm totally down! We should invite them over!
Albert: I'd be grateful if you did. It would be a shame to have them leave after only visiting for business.
Mona: Roger that! They'll be in good hands!
Decisions made, they finish the necessary paperwork and return to their respective posts.
False Heroes - Chapter 3: Shadow of a Hero - Episode 2
At Mallow's urging, Albert speaks to the king at the party and gives a speech before everyone. He promises to lead the kingdom to greatness, despite telling himself that deep down he is no hero. The Skyblade responds by striking him with lightning.
A few days later, the king's birthday party commences in the banquet hall of Saint Lethan Castle.
Albert and Mina stand off to the side with drinks in hand, observing the visiting nobles.
Albert: It's a lot more crowded than I thought it'd be... It's like nobody cares there's a floating menace waiting in the sky.
Mina: Indeed. There are even visitors from our neighboring countries as well.
Albert: Perhaps it's because of everything that's happened of late—with the death of the former king, the disaster the Eye unleashed, and Yurius's disappearance.
Albert: Everyone must want to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate something good.
Mina: That would be a reasonable guess as to why this party is happening at all despite the threat outside.
Mallow: Why, if it isn't Captain Albert and his acting captain. Are you both enjoying the party?
Albert: Greetings, Lord Mallow. We are.
Mallow: I must admit, the arrival of the Celestial Eye had us at a loss...
Mallow: It is a blessing that the celebrations today were not postponed.
Albert: I feel the same. Rest assured, the Sky Knights will deal with the Celestial Eye when the time comes.
Mallow: Heheheh... We are counting on you.
Noble: It was an honor speaking with you, Your Highness. May you continue to guide the Kingdom of Levin down a path of prosperity.
New King of Levin: Yes, of course... I appreciate the kind words...
Nearby, the king wears an awkward, polite smile as he greets another noble.
Mallow: It is about time for me to give my own congratulations to His Highness.
Mallow: Captain, would you care to leave this corner and join me?
Albert: But His Highness...
Mallow: The rumors that he mistrusts you are merely lies generated by those who are jealous of your position.
Mallow: His nervous behavior can be attributed to the fact that he is face-to-face with the hero of Levin.
Albert: As much as I would hope that's the case...
Mallow: Look, an opportunity has presented itself. Go ahead. I will follow after.
Urged by an insistent Mallow, Albert and Mina present themselves before the king.
Albert: Your Highness, may I wish you a happy—
New King of Levin: O-oh... Sir Albert!
Mina: ...
Albert: Your Highness, I hope you are having a very pleasant birthday.
New King of Levin: Ah... Thank you very much.
The king lowers his eyes, unable to look Albert in the face, and shifts uncomfortably on his feet.
Albert: (Not to say that Lord Mallow lied to me, but... The king is obviously avoiding me.)
Mallow: Heheheh... Happy birthday, Your Highness.
New King of Levin: Lord Mallow! Thank you for coming today!
Mallow: You have grown immensely as of late and done a valiant job of governing despite its difficulties. I can only hope I have been of some assistance in these trying times.
New King of Levin: Oh, please. Your help has been invaluable!
Mina: (How is his reaction to Lord Mallow so vastly different? This is inexcusable!)
Albert: Pardon me, Your Highness, but I should take my leave now...
New King of Levin: Ah, Sir Albert! Please wait! I—
Mallow: Captain Albert, His Highness was wondering if you would like to say a word or two to the attendees.
Mallow: You were waiting for an opportunity to ask, weren't you, Your Highness?
New King of Levin: Huh? Um... Yes, I suppose. If it wouldn't be too much trouble to ask for a small speech...
Albert: It would be my honor to oblige.
With a smile, Mallow leaves to speak with the event organizers.
Everything is quickly arranged, and before long, Albert stands in front of all the partygoers.
Noble: A congratulatory address from the hero of Levin? How curious.
Albert: ...
Albert: I am Albert, captain of the Sky Knights, and I am honored to have been invited to celebrate His Highness's day of birth!
Albert: I speak to you with the full understanding that the days and months prior have been filled with pain and suffering for Levin and its people.
Albert: However, those events are but a single chapter in our country's noble history! We have proven that we can weather any storm and emerge to prosper, time and time again!
Albert: As the hero of Levin, I will protect the path to glory that His Highness has chosen for us—this I swear!
Albert thrusts the Skyblade into the air alongside his declaration. Thunderous applause follows as every person in the room claps and cheers.
Mina: (Excellent work, Captain...)
Noble: Glory to Levin! Bring prosperity to us all, hero!
Albert: (To call myself a hero... It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.)
Albert: (I hid the truth, failed to protect my friend, then caused him pain by dredging up those memories.)
Yurius: You, a justice-loving warrior of lightning who preaches truth, have lied to your country about the death of my father, the king.
Yurius: Yet the Skyblade has not judged you for that crime. What could possibly be the reason for such a contradiction?
Albert: (You were right, Yurius. Everything I've done has been contradictory to the person I believed myself to be.)
Albert: (I am no hero...)
Noble: Oh my. What was that?
Albert: (The Skyblade's reacting to something! And that crash of thunder...)
Albert: ...!
Mina: Captain Albert!
False Heroes - Chapter 3: Shadow of a Hero - Episode 3
At the house of the three sisters, the crew learns about the Saint Lethan Tales, a story of Levin's Glory Age 200 years ago, that warns of the kingdom's downfall. They head out and make for the castle when lightning clouds start gathering around it.
A little while before Albert's speech, (Captain) and crew pay a visit to the sisters' home.
Mona: So that's what happened between Yurius and Albert... No wonder he looked so down.
Mena: I can't blame Yurius for not wanting to remember his life in Levin. Saying he was treated badly doesn't even cover the half of it.
Lyria: I can understand how he feels. Before I was a part of (Captain)'s crew, I was kept in a research facility...
Lyria: Sometimes I dream about my life there, and I get so scared and can't sleep after... It really hurts to remember stuff like that.
Mena: You had it pretty rough too, didn't you? A good gal like you deserves a lot of head pats! Take this!
Lyria: Ahaha! That tickles, Mena!
Though Lyria smiles under Mena's playful ruffling, her eyes betray a hint of sadness.
Eager to change the subject, (Captain) picks up a nearby book and reads the title.
Choose: The Saint Lethan Tales?
Vyrn: The story about those two heroes of Levin? We talked about this the last time we were here, right?
Mena: Sure did!
Continue 1
Vyrn: Saint Lethan's the name of Levin's castle, right? What's this book got to do with that?
Mena: It's a story about two heroes that saved Levin a long time ago.
Continue 2Mena: Captain Albert's often compared to the hero Foudre, while Yurius is likened to the hero Astros!
Lyria: I remember a lot of kids pretend playing as Foudre and Astros when we were in town!
Mona: The kiddos all started doing the make- believe stuff right when Captain Albert and Yurius were named heroes for saving Levin from the Eye...
Mona: Strangely enough, they kept at it even after everything about Yurius came to light.
(Captain) and Lyria open the book and flip through its pages.
Lyria: I can see why. It's a pretty cool story about two heroes defeating an evil king!
Mona: There's something a lot of people don't know about that story though.
Mena: Really? What else can there be besides "yay, the evil king is gone"?
Mona: See, that's exactly the issue.
Mona: Foudre and Astros were real people that existed in Levin...
Mona: They lived about two hundred years ago, during the "Glory Age" of Levin.
Mona: The Saint Lethan Tales were meant to warn against the abuse of royal power, but now it's just a kid's story about heroes.
Vyrn: Huh, I had no idea. Guess it makes sense though. Most people would rather not concentrate on that part about offin' their king...
Mena: The Glory Age, huh? I've heard about how great it was, especially from the older folks.
Mena: "Everything was better back then! Levin's gone to the dogs! It's outrageous!"
Mona: They do say that at times. But if you ask me, our current Levin with the hot springs and vineyards is pretty nice too.
Vyrn: Y'know, ain't it kind of a bad idea to compare Albert and Yurius to the tales' heroes?
Lyria: Foudre and Astros did get rid of their king... And considering not much time has passed after everything with Yurius and the previous king...
Mona: You noticed, huh? In the past, we actually had a ban on comparing people to the heroes.
Mona: But the one who made the comparison this time around was the new king, so everyone assumed it was fine.
Mena: The king was responsible?
Mena: No wonder it spread like wildfire.
Vyrn: This new king of yours sounds like a weird guy.
Mona: I haven't spoken with him myself, but I know he's a lot different from his predecessor.
Mona: You'd think he'd be a nice, bookish guy since he likes reading tales, but then he went and suddenly ordered the knights to execute Albert and Yurius...
Mona: I really don't know what to make of him, and I definitely have no idea what he's thinking.
Mena: Same here. I'm still upset that he even tried to execute Mina when everything was going down.
Lyria: Oh my gosh! That scared me...
Mena: Ahaha, relax! That's an everyday sound here in Levin!
Mona: That's weird though. We weren't supposed to have any storms brewing today...
Mona opens the curtains and gazes up at the night sky through the window.
Mona: That's a lot of storm clouds forming out of nowhere... And all of them above Saint Lethan Castle.
Mena: What in the world? This sensation I'm feeling... It's really similar to when Albert uses the Skyblade.
The moment (Captain) and crew peek out the window as well, multiple bolts of lightning strike the castle.
Mona: I've got a bad feeling about this... Mena, we need to head for the castle!
Lyria: Is it okay if we join you?
Mena: You don't even need to ask! Let's go!
The skies above rumble with fury as lightning bolts continue to rain down on the castle.
False Heroes - Chapter 3: Shadow of a Hero - Episode 4
A great commotion takes over the great hall as the Skyblade attacks Albert, who understands that he is being judged for his lie. The crew shows up to help him pacify the weapon.
Noble: Eep!
Mina: Get as far behind me as you can!
The banquet hall is the picture of chaos as the Skyblade calls down a hail of lightning.
With Mina at the helm, the knights do their best to guide the party attendees to safety.
Skyblade: ...
Albert: Skyblade, what's wrong? Why are you doing this?
Albert: ...!
Albert: (It's aiming only for me... Which is good news for the other people here, but why is it targeting me?)
Yurius: Yet the Skyblade has not judged you for that crime. What could possibly be the reason for such a contradiction?
Albert: Don't tell me... You decided to finally judge me for my lie?
Skyblade: ...!
The Skyblade unleashes another lightning strike as if to answer his question.
Albert: ...!
New King of Levin: Lord Mallow, what is going on?
Mallow: I haven't the faintest idea. Best get as far away as you can, Your Highness. It would not do for you to be harmed in any manner.
A surge of lightning emerges from the Skyblade, swelling into the shape of a person that fixes a firm gaze on Albert.
Albert: (What... Why does it look kind of like me?)
Mona: Captain Albert! Mina! Are you okay?
Albert: Everyone! Good timing. Mind giving me a hand?
Lyria: Oh my gosh, the Skyblade's sparking an awful lot!
Albert: It's only aiming for me, so you should be safe.
Albert: So I'll draw its attacks away while the rest of you take it down!
Mina: Yes, sir! We'll get this cleaned up in no time!
False Heroes - Chapter 3: Shadow of a Hero - Episode 4: Scene 2
Even after calming down, the Skyblade unleashes another bolt of lightning at Albert as if rejecting him. Not wanting to make matters worse, the king announces that this is simply the great hero Foudre's way of testing Albert's worth. He plays along with the king's story, allowing the situation to finally settle down.
Mina: Is it over?
Albert: Looks like it.
Albert: Agh!
Albert reaches down to grasp the fallen Skyblade.
But the moment his fingers touch its handle, the blade rejects his touch with an electric shock.
Lyria: What? Why did it do that?
Mina: I don't know, but at this rate...
Mina gives a pointed glance at the party attendees fearfully watching the scene unfold.
Albert: ...
A cold sweat runs down Albert's neck. The repercussions would be severe if he is blamed for endangering a room full of domestic and foreign leaders.
Noble: What is the meaning of this? Would you care to give an explanation?
Albert: I...
New King of Levin: It was Foudre! Foudre was putting Sir Albert to the test!
Noble: Huh? Foudre? From the Saint Lethan Tales?
New King of Levin: E-everyone else saw the figure behind the Skyblade, right?
New King of Levin: That had to be Foudre, the wielder of the Skyblade two hundred years ago! I'm certain of it!
Vyrn: Erm... Isn't that a bit of a stretch?
Noble: Now that you mention it, it had to be him! He was trying to see if Albert was worthy of being Levin's hero!
New King of Levin: Yes! The Skyblade possesses many powers unknown to us, so it is entirely possible that the will of its previous owner resides inside it!
Mallow: Haha, this is true. His Highness must have the right of it, which means we have borne witness to a newfound miracle.
Absurd though the concept may be, many begin to throw their support behind the king's proclamation.
Albert: (I don't have a choice... I need to follow along!)
Albert: (I... can withstand this! At least for now!)
Albert: Unexpected though it was, I've passed Foudre's test, and he has come to recognize me as a hero!
Albert: Glory to Levin! Let lightning tear apart the storms clouding our nation and guide us into a new age!
New King of Levin: ...!
Mallow: ...
The hall erupts into applause as Albert lifts the Skyblade high above his head.
Mina: (Captain...)
Mina, however, watches quietly as Albert's hand quivers near imperceptibly around its handle.
False Heroes - Chapter 4: Uncovered Truth - Episode 1
While Mina dresses Albert's wounds in his office, he laments how his lie drove Yurius into a corner. In the meantime, Mallow convinces Jeno that the Skyblade has abandoned Albert and that the Celestial Eye's activation is part of the king's plan, then asks him to steal documents pertaining to the Skyblade from Albert's office.
Albert: Argh!
The Skyblade slips from Albert's fingers the instant the group returns to the office. He clutches his sword-wielding hand, trembling in pain.
Mina: Captain! Was it hurting you the whole time?
Albert: Yeah... Couldn't let anyone catch wind of what was happening, so...
Albert reveals his hand, skin a ghastly red from the burns.
Mina: I'll get the first aid box!
Mina wastes no time in retrieving the box and seeing to his wounds.
Mina: This is as much as I can do. You'll need to visit the infirmary tomorrow for proper treatment.
Albert: Got it.
Sigh... Looks like I won't be able to use the Skyblade for the foreseeable future.
Sigh... Looks like I won't be able to use the Skyblade for the foreseeable future.
Mina: ...
Approaching the Skyblade, Mina rests a finger on its grip.
Mina: It's not shocking me... Is it only targeting you then?
Albert: Guess so.
Mina: Do you have any idea why?
Albert: I'm probably under judgment for lying to all the partygoers about being a hero.
Mina: You believe the Skyblade deemed you unworthy?
Mina: But you've been acting the role of hero for a while now, and all for the sake of the citizens.
Mina: They truly believe you to be a real hero, so why...
Albert: Why haven't I been judged for my lies?
Mina: Huh?
Albert: Yurius asked me that. He pointed out that I've been living a life of hypocrisy.
Mina: Are you referring to the tale you spun to hide Yurius's crime?
Albert: Yeah.
Mina: But that... That was a necessary measure for our restoration efforts. Yurius consented to it as well.
Albert: I'd say he was more convinced to consent, rather than anything else.
Yurius: The people are under the impression that I'm a hero.
Yurius: Am I lying to them? Am I betraying them?
Albert: You're not! Everyone is watching you.
Albert: Yurius. Stop looking at the past and face the future.
Albert: We promised to build a better kingdom. Do you remember, my friend?
Yurius: I do. And we did. I'm sorry I let myself get so weak.
Albert: Sometimes Yurius would get this dejected look on his face, but I turned a blind eye and told myself it was for the greater good.
Albert: After all, how else were we supposed to protect him and keep the restoration efforts going?
Albert: I happily went along with my life, not thinking twice about it... I'm the worst.
He slams his bandaged fist against the wall.
Mina: ...
Mina: (And that's why you've convinced yourself that you should be judged by the Skyblade...)
At a loss for the right words, Mina can only watch in silence as Albert hangs his head in frustration.
Elsewhere...
Jeno: I'm here, Lord Mallow.
Mallow: Sir Jeno, I appreciate you coming. Please, sit down.
Jeno: I'll stand, thanks. What's this about?
Mallow: The Skyblade has forsaken Sir Albert.
Jeno: What are you talking about?
Mallow: You heard the thundering earlier, I'm sure. It was a declaration of its judgment against him.
Mallow: Of course, he claimed that the Skyblade's show of force was a test from the great hero Foudre.
Mallow: Not a single soul believed such a fairy tale. His Highness was particularly distressed at this turn of events.
Jeno: Sir Foudre was an aloof man who interacted with very few people... It's doubtful he'd bother with a test, even if his will was instilled in the blade.
Mallow: Heheheh, I knew you would understand, given that you were acquainted with the man two hundred years ago.
Mallow: It is apparent to me that Sir Albert is not fit for the position of captain, especially given the favoritism that the previous king treated him with.
Mallow: More pressingly, he is incapable of responding to the new king's wishes for a return to the glorious strength our kingdom was once known for.
Jeno: But...
Mallow: You are more than aware of how foolish the late king was.
Mallow: He sent you to the dungeons as a guard because of his narrow-minded view of what an ideal knight should look like.
Mallow: His decisions have led our kingdom on a path to ruin, forcing our new king to spend much effort in correcting our path.
Jeno: Enough! I won't hear any slander against the royal family. The late king was my master as much as the rest.
Mallow: This is true. My sincerest apologies.
Mallow: However, surely you recall how, from a young age, His Highness often requested that you regale him with tales of the kingdom from two hundred years past.
Mallow: His obsession with the Saint Lethan Tales is but a product of his desire to return Levin to its former state of glory. Isn't it our duty to see this dream to fruition?
Mallow: For that matter, none is more fit to wield the powers at our disposal and lead our efforts than you who have witnessed the Glory Age firsthand.
Jeno: So that's why you want me to become the new captain and use the Celestial Eye.
Mallow: Indeed, for it is the wish of His Highness himself.
Jeno: ...
Mallow: I heard from His Highness that you originally came to our kingdom as a part of an exhibition.
Mallow: The king of Levin at the time could not bear to see you trapped in a cage, and so he purchased you and set you free.
Mallow: Henceforth, you became a knight and served the royal family for over two hundred years, correct?
Mallow: Do you not believe now is the time to repay your debt to the royal family?
Jeno: It is the way of the world for glory to fade as time passes. But if His Highness wants to oppose this, then I will obey.
Mallow: Heheheh, an answer befitting of the royal family's devoted knight.
Jeno: What do you intend to do though? Captain Albert still claims to be a hero, even without the Skyblade on his side.
Mallow: His Highness already has a measure in place to deal with that issue, though there is another problem.
Jeno: What is it?
Mallow: It shall be necessary in the future for you to become the Skyblade's new wielder.
Mallow: However, there is much unknown about the blade, given its Astral origins.
Mallow: To that end, I would like you to find and gather documents related to it.
Jeno: So you want me to sneak around like a thief again.
Mallow: Please. It is for His Highness's sake.
Jeno: ...
Where can I find them?
Where can I find them?
Mallow: I would imagine they are stored in Sir Albert's office, but the library and research facility are also possibilities.
Jeno: Understood.
With nothing else to say, Jeno departs.
Mallow: Heheheh... Now to wait for the pieces to fall into place.
Mallow cackles alone in the dark, musty cellar.
False Heroes - Chapter 4: Uncovered Truth - Episode 2
Yurius visits an Astral research facility on his solitary island in search of a solution to his primal rampage conundrum. He sees a vision from the time of the War as experienced by Destructio, a parasitic primal beast. Because its Astral masters never returned to release Destructio from its cage, it stewed in complete darkness for hundreds of years.
Yurius: Now to finally proceed.
After removing the rubble blocking the passageway, Yurius retracts his tentacles and walks forward.
Yurius: (I should have never let my guard down around these unpleasant appendages, no matter how much I believed I had control.)
Yurius: (I cannot afford to point a blade at my dear friend ever again. And to ensure I don't, I need to find a way to prevent those lapses in control.)
The island he chose to seek haven in is both the remnants of a battleground from the War, as well as the location where the Skyblade and Astral Void Lacrima were discovered in.
He searches through the island in hopes of finding a way to restrain the primal beast inside of him.
Yurius: (Is this a research facility?)
Yurius: (I have never seen such apparatuses and instruments before. Astrals must have used this space.)
Yurius: (The large cage over here... It has seen a considerable amount of abuse. What could have been inside?)
The cage is larger than the span of his arms, while the bars are warped beyond repair. Unconsciously, he reaches out to touch it.
Yurius: Agh! Wh-why...
He falls to his knees as an abrupt migraine splits his head.
Yurius: (Strange... The migraines should only occur when I'm incensed or irritated.)
Yurius: (What was that just now?)
Tentacle: ...!
Yurius: (The tentacles are reacting, which means that the migraine is because of the primal beast—)
Yurius: Gah... Aaaaghhh!
Mysterious Man: The inspection brings good tidings. It is on its way to being of practical use.
Mysterious Woman: So our efforts creating it weren't wasted then. The results of amplifying its destructive impulses are spectacular.
Yurius: (Who's speaking? What's happening to me?)
Yurius: (What is this awful feeling? I can't think... My body feels like it's burning up...)
Mysterious Man: Even a powerless primal beast can be useful on the battlefield once it is sent into an artificial rampage. It's exactly as I predicted.
Mysterious Woman: But the cost of doing so is quite high. Are you sure this is practical to implement?
Mysterious Man: If we develop its core to always be in a state of rampancy, then I see no issue. We can name it "Fury" or something of the sort.
Mysterious Woman: Interesting suggestions on both accounts. I see no issue with the name, at least. It rolls off the tongue.
Yurius: (So hot... It hurts...)
Yurius: ...
Mysterious Woman: Running wild again? You're a troublesome one, increasing the destructive impulses of both yourself and your host like this.
Yurius: (I can't speak... and my hand... No, my head? My entire body...)
Peering out of the cage and into the reflection of a glass bottle, Yurius sees a mass of writhing tentacles.
Yurius: (Is this the memory of the primal beast? If so, then these people are Astrals...)
Astral 1: Hmm, it is able to remain parasitic for an ample amount of time, but proves to be unstable when separating from its host.
Astral 1: Not that it matters. The hosts are disposable, and the beast cannot inflict significant harm on itself. It won't be destroyed easily.
The Astral grabs a familiar-looking blade, then opens the cage.
Astral 1: Destructio, come here.
Yurius: (Is he talking to me? Agh... I can't control my body...)
Astral 1: Here we go!
Yurius: (Agh! That's... the Skyblade!)
Astral 1: Marvelous! It's improved since the last attempt! To think it was my brilliance that created a blade that can absorb and repurpose a primal beast's power.
Yurius: (Agh... Arghh!)
Astral 1: And now it grows still. Excellent. It will be easier to manage this way.
The Astral waves his hand, and a large shadow falls over him.
Celestial Eye: ...
Astral 1: Seal it away.
Yurius: (No!)
Astral 1: Erm, which island in Port Breeze are we sending the research documents to?
Astral 2: How many times do we have to go over this? It's Treetop Isle.
Yurius: ...
In the sea of darkness, Yurius senses that the primal beast was regularly returned to the Celestial Eye.
Sealed within, it would not be able to escape no matter how much it raged and struggled.
The Eye, in essence, was a much sturdier cage than the metal one it had been trapped in previously.
And when its Astral masters never came back to release it, the primal beast stewed in complete darkness for hundreds of years...
Only to see the light again after taking Yurius as its new host the day that Albert split the Astral Void Lacrima open with the Skyblade.
False Heroes - Chapter 4: Uncovered Truth - Episode 3
Yurius learns that the primal beast was placed in a situation very much like his own. In a twisted show of sympathy, he finds a self-destruct device and attempts to use it but fails—due to a restriction placed by the Astrals who created the device. As he screams out going half-mad, he realizes that the revival of the Celestial Eye is part of an insidious plot.
Yurius: Wheeze... Pant... Is it over?
Waking on the floor of the research facility, Yurius picks himself up and wipes the sweat off his brow with his sleeve.
Yurius: (Destructio... A primal beast that amplifies the impulse for destruction in its host.)
Yurius: (I just witnessed its past... and the emotions it felt.)
Yurius: (Its actions were completely dictated by violent instinct, devoid of logic.)
Yurius: (But that's not the only thing I've learned.)
Yurius: (It was forced into a role, driven insane by it, then abandoned like an object...)
Yurius: An experience I can relate to...
Yurius was the illegitimate child of the previous king—unfit for royalty despite the royal blood that flowed through his veins.
Though a duke adopted him, he was shunned as an unwanted child, loathed and terrorized by everyone around him.
Yurius: Sigh... It's disgusting, really. Astrals and skydwellers both are selfish creatures.
Yurius: More importantly, I finally understand the true nature of the primal beast. I am one step closer to finding a way to deal with it...
Yurius: Still intend to dispose of it? And here I thought you'd spare your fellow tortured soul.
Yurius: ...!
Destructio?
Destructio?
Yurius: (But that can't be right. The primal beast lacked the sanity to form words, which means this has to be my...)
Yurius: Are you trying to be cold and heartless like your father and those Astrals?
Yurius: Surely you're capable of some shred of sympathy, considering you know what it's like to be shunned, hated, and abandoned.
Yurius: (So he still appears even though my dear friend has departed this island.)
Yurius: (But I'm accustomed to this behavior. Ignore it. There is no point in listening.)
Yurius: Upset, are we? Understandable. Most people would be after finding out they have more in common with their enemy than they believe.
Yurius: Ignorance is bliss, as they say. Could you live with yourself, knowing what you do, if you cut the beast off?
Yurius: (Don't think about it... Don't think about anything...)
Yurius: Listen to me, Yurius.
Yurius: ...!
Yurius: The moment you accepted its power, you were recognized as a bona fide monster, the same as itself.
Yurius: Seeing your dear friend again only confirmed it. You will end up destroying everything you care about because of the darkness deep inside you.
Yurius: This can only end in one of two ways: either you destroy the kingdom you hail from and live, or you die and let that kingdom live on.
Yurius: (Don't think...)
Yurius: (Don't think. Don't think. Don't think!)
Yurius: Augh!
Yurius: Why hesitate? There is nothing more valuable than your own life.
Yurius: Let loose and bring destruction to your home, all while being choked by pleasure and ecstasy.
Yurius: No? You would rather defy your fate? Then use your power. Destroy the wretchedness plaguing your country. I'm sure I don't need to enlighten you on the method.
Yurius: Don't... think...
The weight of sin and pain sits heavily on his shoulders as the unrelenting voice speaks. He reaches out for help in the empty room, but no one is there to save him.
Alone, he is powerless against the cold feeling taking hold of his body, his breathing and heartbeat growing erratic as despair sets in.
Yurius: Why... How did things come to this?
Between the hands cradling his head, a trickle of tears slides down his cheeks.
He knows not whether they stem from the pain in his head or the misery in his heart.
Yurius: (Destroy the wretchedness... I suppose we were both assigned the role of destroyer, weren't we?)
Yurius: (Aid me with your power, Destructio. We will put an end to everything.)
Yurius unconsciously places a hand on his stomach.
He feels the lump protruding from his lean muscle—the self-destruction device he had swallowed, set to go off in a worst-case scenario.
Yurius: ...!
It has been days since he last stepped into sunlight, but he takes no heed of the brightness as he bursts into a sprint.
Legs wobbling with every step, he slides to a stop in the meadow next to his vineyard.
Yurius: Aaahhh!
Yurius: Pant... Gasp...
Yurius: (Condition number one for the device to activate: succumb to the dark power inside.)
Yurius: Muahaha! Hahahahahaha!
Yurius: (Number two: lose my sense of self through overwhelmingly violent impulses.)
Yurius: Power! All the power! I shall destroy all that is wretched!
Yurius: (And condition number three...)
Yurius: Augghh! Aaaahhh!
Yurius: I can't draw out any more power... Does it not work if I myself am a target?
Yurius: Urk...
His tentacles finish writhing about. The vineyard is in a state of chaos, trellis system broken beyond repair and roots gouged out from the dirt.
Crushed grapes stain the ground with a dark red, their juices bursting from a ripeness now ruined.
Yurius: (So the Astrals did seal away its ability to end its own suffering! But there is a way around it. If I cannot trigger it, then...)
Yurius: I still have... my homeland.
Yurius: How could I forget? I need only exact revenge on the kingdom that tortured me without end!
Yurius: Muahahaha! You're a fool, Albert! The Celestial Eye was never the true threat!
Yurius: I am the one who will bring calamity and ruin! The Celestial Eye is nothing but suspended matter without myself to command it to fire!
Yurius: Without... someone to command it to fire?
Growing quiet, Yurius directs his gaze toward the skies above Levin.
Yurius: (That's right... The Celestial Eye doesn't act without orders. It is a tool that requires a wielder to function, just like the Skyblade.)
Yurius: (So how has it revived itself? And who has been commanding it from the shadows this entire time?)
An icy chill rushes through him, bringing him back to his senses.
Yurius: ...
Yurius: It appears that there is yet a task I must see to its end.
Clouds start to roll in from the Grim Basin, covering the skies leading to Levin.
They flash and rumble with thunder and lightning—a familiar and almost comforting commotion to Yurius.
False Heroes - Chapter 4: Uncovered Truth - Episode 4
Jeno shows up before Albert and points out that the Skyblade has rejected him. Albert explains to the crew that his public announcement about the Skyblade entering a state of slumber was indeed a lie. He goes about his duties, pangs of guilt still eating away at him.
Lyria: There you are, tyrant! We finally have you!
Vyrn: This is the end, villain!
Mena: Grrr... I still have one more trick up my sleeve!
Mena: Eat this! Hundred Thunderbolt Attack!
All Four: Whoooa!
Mena: Hahaha!
Mona: Zappy zap!
Mena: Augheurgha! Mona, don't actually shock me!
Playing Child 1: Ahahaha! What was that noise you just made?
Playing Child 2: So weird! Ahahahaha!
Mina: What are you two doing? What happened to your patrol?
Mena: Gah! Mina? I can explain! We're not goofing off, I swear!
Mina: What part of this is "not goofing off" exactly?
Lyria: I-I know it looks bad, but Mena and Mona really were going through their patrol!
Vyrn: These kiddos were looking for someone to play the part of the tyrant, so we decided to help out.
Mona: Protecting everyone's smiles counts as protecting this town too, right? So you can't say we were skimping out on knight duty!
Mina: While I won't say that you're wrong... Could you explain why there are so many extra roles then?
Playing Child 2: They're important! Miss Blue-Hair is Astros's squire and the lizard is Foudre's apprentice!
Mona: And I'm a wandering magician and (Captain)'s a knight.
Mina: Goodness... How many more heroes do you intend to add to the story?
Albert: (Heh... Good to see everyone's as cheerful as ever.)
Despite the many issues looming over their heads, Albert is relieved to find his friends in good spirits.
Albert: How are things going, Mina?
Mina: Captain Albert... Are you sure you should be out and about already?
Albert: Yeah, I'm pretty much fully healed and ready to get back into the swing of things. Sorry for making you worry.
He gives an enthusiastic pump of his fist, but his friends quickly notice that a standard-issue knight blade hangs at his waist instead of the Skyblade.
Playing Child 2: Oh! Foudre! Do the sparky thing again!
Mona: Sorry, kid, but Foudre's got a secret meeting to attend with Mina. Why don't we do something else?
Playing Child 1: A secret meeting? I wanna come too!
Mena: Sorry, no can do! They need peace and quiet to take down the evil king! If they fail, he'll come and snatch you guys after!
Playing Child 1: Awww... Fine! We'll play with you then!
Albert: Sorry about this, Mona. Mena.
The two sisters shoot him confident winks and wave his apology away before herding the children to another area.
Mina: Judging by that sword, the Skyblade has yet to return to normal, I take it.
Albert: As much as it pains me to admit...
Albert: But it's fine. I can still do my work as captain without it.
Jeno: Captain Albert.
Albert: Jeno? Do you need something?
Jeno: ...
Jeno: Guess it's true. You really were rejected by the Skyblade.
Mina: What...
Albert: Nothing of the sort has happened. It's lying in a dormant state in order to unlock a new power within itself.
Jeno: Is that the tall tale you're spreading around this time?
Albert: ...
Jeno: Now I'm beginning to understand why His Highness is resorting to the methods he chose...
Mina: I will not tolerate such thoughtless words against our captain!
Albert: Mina, it's all right.
Mina: But...
Albert: Jeno... You're free to believe what you like. I won't force you to change your mind.
Albert: But as one of our esteemed knights, I would prefer you not start anything that might cause concern among the people, especially in public.
Jeno: ...
As you say.
As you say.
Jeno: Regarding the Celestial Eye, it's nearly fully restored. It won't be long now until it's functioning.
Albert: Got it. Keep watching over it for the time being.
Jeno: ...
Vyrn: Who was that grumpy guy?
Albert: One of Levin's knights. I wouldn't think too badly of him. He was speaking the truth.
Albert: I wasn't being honest about the Skyblade's current state.
Vyrn: Again with the lies...
Albert: Yeah... The Skyblade will never forgive me at this rate.
Continue 1
Lyria: Um... Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Jeno a werewolf?
Albert: You're familiar with werewolves?
Vyrn: Yeah, we've got one aboard our ship, but he doesn't get out much.
Lyria: They're from North Vast, and there's not many of them, if I remember correctly. How did Jeno arrive in Levin?
Albert: I don't know the details, but he's been here for a long time, I think. Since he was a kid.
Mina: He is as much a citizen of Levin as the rest of us. I can only hope that he'll one day be free to walk around without concealing his features.
Lyria: I hope so too. I love how nice and fluffy werewolves are!
Albert: Well then, it's about time for me to resume my patrol. Are you heading back, Mina?
Mina: Yes, sir. Take care of yourself out there.
Continue 2
Lyria: He's a really big Draph, isn't he? I've never seen anybody that tall before either.
Albert: (So the crew hasn't run into any werewolves before. It might be best to keep quiet about that for now.)
Albert: Well then, it's about time for me to resume my patrol. Are you heading back, Mina?
Mina: Yes, sir. Take care of yourself out there.
Continue 3With a wave, Albert makes his way alone down the lively street.
False Heroes - Chapter 5: Hidden Plot - Episode 1
On the outskirts of town, Albert bumps into the new king, who explains that he knows Albert and Yurius have always done right by the kingdom. Pleased that they were able to have this exchange, the smiling king returns to his castle, escorted by his knights.
Albert: Hm? Isn't that...
New King of Levin: No more audiences... Please... I'm so tired...
On the outskirts of town, Albert finds the king muttering dejectedly at a wall by himself.
Albert: (Is he out here without an escort? Of all the reckless things...)
Albert: Your Highness.
New King of Levin: Y-y-y-yes? I swear I shall return right away!
New King of Levin: Oh! Sir Albert?
New King of Levin: Sir Albert!
Albert: That is my name. What in the world are you doing here?
New King of Levin: U-um... Well... A lot of people started visiting after the birthday party...
New King of Levin: I would like to say I came out for a breath of fresh air... But I also ran away in equal measure.
Albert: Whatever the reason, it's not safe to be out here alone. You should take a guard with you always.
New King of Levin: I know that you're right.
New King of Levin: But after being approached by so many people to sign paper after paper, meet with person after person, and wear outfit after outfit...
New King of Levin: I really wanted to be alone.
Albert: (So this is what the king is like... He's more timid than I thought.)
Albert: I understand how you must be feeling, but please do take more care from now on.
New King of Levin: Right... My apologies...
With downcast eyes, the king hugs a copy of the Saint Lethan Tales close to his chest.
Albert: The Saint Lethan Tales... I see you really do love the story.
New King of Levin: Oh... Yes! I never tire reading of Foudre and Astros's adventures!
New King of Levin: It's amazing how much you and Sir Yurius resemble the two heroes!
Albert: I-is that so... I am humbled by your compliment.
New King of Levin: Ah! My brother would be furious if he heard me talking about this again...
New King of Levin: I'm sorry, please forget I said anything about you two!
Albert: Please calm yourself, Your Highness. I won't tell anyone.
New King of Levin: R-right... I'm calm. The very picture of it.
The king takes a deep breath, placing a hand over his chest.
Albert: (He doesn't seem like he'll head back to the castle any time soon. What to do...)
New King of Levin: Excuse me... Sir Albert?
Albert: What is it?
New King of Levin: I realize this is well after the fact, but... I truly am sorry for the execution incident.
He bows low in sincerity, with his book still clutched to his chest.
New King of Levin: I meant to apologize far earlier. I just couldn't find the right timing.
Albert: So you didn't harbor a deep hatred of me...
New King of Levin: I would never! The only feeling I harbor is of deep admiration! I aspire to follow your example!
Albert: You... do?
New King of Levin: And yet, by the time I came to my senses, I had already signed the warrant for your execution.
New King of Levin: I couldn't bear to remain silent on my error, even though we were lucky enough no one died in the end.
Albert: Everyone makes mistakes. We can consider it water under the bridge.
New King of Levin: As nice as it would be to forget, I need to ensure another such blunder doesn't happen...
New King of Levin: But I'm useless when it comes to committing thought to action. When I peek in our assemblies, I'm unable to utter a single word.
New King of Levin: Why, oh why, was I the one chosen to inherit the crown?
Albert: Is there a specific reason you've been trying to join the assemblies?
New King of Levin: After the execution incident, I happened upon Sir Yurius's documents regarding his restoration plan.
New King of Levin: It was well thought out, full of care and consideration. I was more certain than ever that a person like him would never try to harm our country.
Albert: ...!
New King of Levin: That is when I knew I had to learn to think for myself and not just follow the opinions of others.
New King of Levin: But I am not clever like Sir Yurius, nor skilled with a blade like you.
New King of Levin: I am completely incompetent as king, unable to make decisions without the aid of my younger brother and Lord Mallow...
Sighing deeply once more, the king begins to flip through the worn pages of his book.
Albert: Your Highness, what do you think of Yurius?
New King of Levin: ...
New King of Levin: Though our mothers are different, he is still my older brother. I have heard accounts of his fame ever since I was young.
New King of Levin: There is no one else in the royal family who can compare to his intellect, and I have always secretly admired him for it.
Albert: Do you feel the same way even now?
New King of Levin: I...
New King of Levin: He is guilty of regicide... It shocked me to the core to learn that he killed our father.
New King of Levin: Before then, I had convinced myself over and over that our father's death was an accident.
New King of Levin: But it wasn't an accident. It was murder, and the perpetrator was Sir Yurius!
New King of Levin: Why did he do it? They were father and son! How did such a tragedy happen?
Albert: ...
New King of Levin: I knew the answer, deep inside. As much as I didn't wish to admit it...
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius was hated by Father. With the way he was treated, it would've been more surprising if he didn't want to kill him.
New King of Levin: That was how much he had suffered.
Albert: You believe that his actions can be excused then?
New King of Levin: No... A crime is a crime, and it can't be simply waved away... Not for either side.
New King of Levin: Lord Mallow was with Father in his last moments, and he told me that the king cursed Sir Yurius until the very end.
Albert: Lord Mallow was with the king when he passed?
New King of Levin: Yes. Lord Mallow has looked after me since I was young, so he was inside the castle that day.
New King of Levin: He went to pay Father a visit before heading home, only to find Sir Yurius spearing him with tentacles in the throne room...
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius then promptly left, but Father still clung on to life a little while longer.
New King of Levin: I'm sure you know what followed after. You were there that day too.
Albert: (So that's how the lords found out what truly happened.)
Albert: (I thought for certain that the king died immediately after, but to think he was still breathing...)
New King of Levin: I'm sorry. I hadn't meant for our conversation to touch upon this subject.
Albert: It's all right. I suppose this means you realized from the beginning that I had hid the truth.
New King of Levin: Only when I was informed of it right before I signed the warrant for execution. But this country needs heroes. I won't fault you for what you did.
The king looks down at an illustration of Levin's legendary heroes inside the book.
New King of Levin: Did you know that Foudre and Astros were also slated to be executed for regicide at first?
New King of Levin: The people, finally free of the tyrant that had oppressed them, forced the execution order to be retracted and made them heroes.
Albert: I had no idea that was part of the original narrative.
New King of Levin: Hehe, Sir Jeno told me how the events truly happened.
New King of Levin: It made me consider how right and wrong are not so easy to determine. I have to be able to think and judge for myself...
New King of Levin: Ah! No one can know I've been thinking about these things! I'll be scolded again!
Albert: I promise I won't tell anyone. It's actually rather admirable that you want to stand on your own two feet. What are you so afraid of?
New King of Levin: I-I... Surely you can see the issue. I am completely incompetent as king.
New King of Levin: I'm helpless, childish, and indecisive. It really should have been my younger brother who inherited the throne.
New King of Levin: No one wants to hear such a sad king complain about matters that he knows nothing about.
Albert: I don't believe that to be true at all. As king, your words have power.
Albert: It was you who first compared Yurius and I to the Saint Lethan heroes, correct?
New King of Levin: Ah, that... My younger brother was furious when he heard...
Albert: It didn't take long at all for that idea to spread to everyone in the kingdom. That is what you are capable of in your position.
Albert: You can decide what kind of king you want to be. If you hold your head high and say what is truly on your mind, the people will listen.
Albert: Because it is you, and no one else, that wears the crown.
New King of Levin: But what if I do something wrong?
Albert: As arrogant as it might sound... it'll be my duty as a knight to stop you.
New King of Levin: Just as Foudre stopped the tyrant, I see.
New King of Levin: As expected of Levin's hero. I feel like a weight's been lifted off my chest.
Albert: (Me, a hero... Sorry to say the Skyblade's judged that lie for what it is.)
Levin Knight: Your Highness! There you are! Several esteemed guests have come seeking an audience. Your presence is requested at once.
New King of Levin: Ah... I've been found... All right, I'll be right there...
New King of Levin: Sir Albert, thank you for listening to me. I truly appreciate it.
Albert: I should be thanking you, Your Highness. It was an honor to learn more about you.
The king gives Albert a bright smile before following the knight back to the castle.
False Heroes - Chapter 5: Hidden Plot - Episode 2
Yurius shows up before Albert and explains that the Celestial Eye has been revived artificially, while presenting evidence that Jeno may be responsible. Since Albert is currently unable to use the Skyblade, their only recourse is to catch Jeno in the act.
Albert: It's about time for me to head back too.
???: Excellent advice from none other than the Thunderswift Lord himself.
Albert: I know this voice anywhere...
Yurius: ...
Eyes wide with surprise, Albert watches his friend walk into view.
Albert: You came back? Are you not worried about losing control anymore?
Yurius: By a stroke of luck, I discovered the true nature of the primal beast and was able to develop a method for dealing with it.
Albert: You did? What did you come up with?
Yurius: We have more pressing matters to talk about. I can't stay here long, so I would prefer we settle matters swiftly.
Yurius directs his gaze toward the Celestial Eye hovering in the sky.
Yurius: It occurred to me that there's another issue besides the revival of the Celestial Eye—a much more concerning one.
Yurius: Before I came to see you, I went to check the research facility and your office.
Yurius: Mina and the others assisted me, and we discovered that all documents relating to the Astral Void Lacrima and the Skyblade have vanished.
Yurius: That is when I knew for certain that a person working against Levin was responsible for reviving the Celestial Eye.
Albert: I don't understand. Weren't you the one who took the documents in the research facility?
Yurius: Don't be ridiculous. They were stolen by one of the knights.
Yurius passes Albert a small bottle filled with tufts of fine fur.
Albert: What is this?
Yurius: Evidence found in the facility and your office. It is unmistakably werewolf fur.
Albert: That can't be... Are you saying Jeno's responsible? But he's leading the survey team for the Eye—
Yurius: And how did he come to obtain the position? Wasn't he the one that insisted on it?
Albert: ...!
Yurius: He has been serving the royal family for two hundred years, so no one would have doubted his intentions.
Albert: What do we do then? Confront him ourselves?
Yurius: That is the plan. With the Skyblade by our side, we can pry the truth—
Yurius: Mm? My friend, where is the Skyblade?
Albert: About that...
Albert explains the circumstances that prevent him from wielding the legendary sword.
Yurius: Is that so... It seems my careless words have hurt you more than I imagined.
Albert: You only pointed out the truth. This is my fault, not yours.
Yurius: Still, I am sorry.
Albert: You don't have anything to apologize for. More importantly, we need to figure out what to do about Jeno.
Yurius: Without the Skyblade, I'm afraid our only choice is to catch him in the act.
Yurius: The Celestial Eye can only be controlled by something imitating Astral power, like dark essence—and every method I can think of requires aid from outside our country.
Yurius: We must act under the assumption that he is working with others.
Albert: All right. Sounds to me like we've got some observation to do.
Yurius: Then I leave the knights to you, while I keep watch elsewhere.
Albert: You're staying to help? You're a wanted man, you know.
Yurius: No one expects a criminal who ran away to still be within the area. It shouldn't be difficult to conceal myself.
Albert: While that's true...
Yurius: Worried I might not be stealthy enough for the job? You do remember that you are the one prone to head-on confrontation, don't you?
Albert: That isn't what...
Albert: Fine. Since you made the trip here, I may as well take advantage of your presence.
Yurius: Heh... It seems you've learned your lesson on trying to solve everything alone.
Albert: That's because I trust you more than anyone else.
Albert: But seriously, be careful. Don't do anything reckless.
Yurius: The same goes for you. I shall contact you later.
Quick as can be, Yurius slips into a dark alley devoid of other people and walks away.
False Heroes - Chapter 5: Hidden Plot - Episode 3
While trailing behind Jeno one night, Albert and Yurius are ambushed by a pair of assassins. They deal with the matter and, having lost track of Jeno, decide to lie in wait for him instead.
Jeno: ...
Albert: He's keeping a careful eye on his surroundings. That's pretty suspicious, if you ask me.
Yurius: Let's follow him.
Jeno, done with his knightly duties for the day, heads into a nondescript alleyway with a curious book in hand.
Albert and Yurius carefully follow him from a distance...
???: ...
Unaware of the figures following them in turn.
Yurius: (He's almost reached the edge of town. What could he possibly...)
Albert: Yurius, behind us!
Yurius: ...!
Heeding Albert's warning, Yurius dodges away in the nick of time.
Yurius: (My hood!)
The moon is high in the sky when his hood falls, exposing his face completely to his assailant.
Man in Black 1: If it ain't the wanted man Yurius!
Yurius: ...
Man in Black 1: This is just perfect. My employer'll be mighty happy if I snag you too!
Albert: Yurius, be careful! These guys are no joke if they're able to sneak up on us!
Yurius: Right you are.
With narrowed eyes, the two friends draw their weapons and each choose an opponent to face.
Albert: Raaaah!
Man in Black 1: You're a pain even without the Skyblade, huh?
Yurius: ...
Man in Black 2: Heh!
Man in Black 2: I expected a little more from the man everyone's after!
Yurius: I never claimed to be skilled at the sword.
Tentacle: ...!
Man in Black 2: Gah!
Yurius: Though only a fool would underestimate me for it.
Man in Black 2: Freak!
Albert: So who wants to be judged by lightning first?
Albert fixes the two men with a deadly glare, his hand glowing with menacing sparks.
Man in Black 1: Tch... Retreat!
The two men, realizing that they are at a disadvantage, disappear into the night as suddenly as they had come.
Albert: Who were they?
Yurius: If you want the most logical conclusion, then I believe they were assassins hired to take your life.
Albert: They were here to kill me?
Yurius: I had an inkling that this would happen sooner or later after I discovered that the documents were missing.
Yurius: What I didn't realize was that Jeno's fur was a lure. I should have been more cautious.
Albert: Are you saying he's in league with assassins?
Yurius: Doubtful. Jeno is a knight, much like you, who would face his opponents head-on.
Yurius: Someone is pulling the strings above him and those assassins.
Yurius peers over in the direction they last saw Jeno, but the hulking knight has long since left the scene.
Yurius: It seems we've lost track of our quarry.
Yurius: If my theory is correct, he'll have continued down this road, unaware of the assassins on our trail. We should be able to track him down without issue.
Yurius: Do you think you can keep yourself hidden when we do?
Albert: Sure, but shouldn't you be the one hiding?
Yurius: The assassin saw my face, and I assume he will report my presence to his employer. There's no meaning in hiding any longer.
Albert: Still...
Yurius: Think of this as my way of making up for your lack of the Skyblade, my friend. I promise I will be fine.
Albert: If you say so... All right.
Without another word, Albert cloaks himself in the shadows.
False Heroes - Chapter 5: Hidden Plot - Episode 4
An interrogation on Jeno reveals that he's being manipulated by Mallow—the mastermind behind everything. Yurius and Albert vow to rebuild the kingdom together once they've exposed Mallow for the criminal he is.
Jeno: (Handing over documents is simple enough... But can I really become the master of that blade?)
???: So even the dog of the royal family isn't above underhanded methods.
Jeno: You!
Yurius: It has been a while, Jeno. Devoted as ever, I see.
Jeno: Yurius! Why have you come back, criminal?
Yurius: I shall be the one asking the questions.
Tentacle: ...!
Tentacles shoot out from Yurius and wrap themselves tightly around Jeno's body, trapping him firmly in place.
Jeno: Agh! Graaaagh!
Yurius: They only tighten if you resist. Obey, and you'll come to no harm.
Jeno: Gah... What do you want?
Yurius: I have three questions that need answers. Once you give them to me, I'll let you go.
Jeno: Spit it out then.
Yurius: First question: are you responsible for activating the Celestial Eye?
Jeno: You dare blame me? I'm part of the survey team! I'm trying to find out who activated it myself!
Yurius: I would forgo the lies, please. I already have evidence implicating you.
Jeno: Hmph! If anyone's lying here, it's you! You don't have any proof!
Yurius: Such vehemence. Unfortunately...
Yurius: You absolutely reek of dark essence.
Jeno: What? It shouldn't have any sort of smell!
Yurius: Discerning odd scents is no difficult task for me, joined as I am with this primal beast.
Yurius: But your response is telling enough of your guilt. It shouldn't have any smell, hm?
Jeno: ...!
Yurius: Heh... Let us move on to the second question. Who ordered you to activate the Eye?
Jeno: I'm not telling you anything!
Jeno: Agh!
Yurius: I believe you should before I snap your arm.
Jeno: Do it if you have the stones to.
Yurius: I would rather not. What say we turn this into a guessing game?
Yurius: There is only one person you would be willing to risk your life for. Is the new king responsible for your actions?
Jeno: Tch!
Yurius: Thank you for your honest answer. Last question: where do you receive your orders?
Jeno: ...
Yurius: Still silent? Very well.
Yurius: If the new king is your master, then it will be faster to confront him directly.
Yurius: For a kingslayer like myself, I can't promise he'll walk away unscathed.
Jeno: You scoundrel!
Yurius: Finally feel like answering now?
Jeno: There is an old cellar nearby. That's where I always get my orders.
Yurius: Does the king give them to you face-to-face?
Jeno: Lord Mallow does. His Highness is busy. I haven't spoken with him since he ascended the throne.
Yurius: I see. Thank you for answering me so quickly. As promised, you're free to go.
Jeno: Abhorrent villain! This is where you die!
The moment he is freed, Jeno swipes at the tentacles.
But new ones immediately replace the number that fall.
Jeno: What...
Yurius: This is the power of a primal beast. You cannot hope to best me by yourself.
Yurius: You should leave while you still can.
Jeno: Tch... Don't think this is over!
Yurius: Phew...
Heaving a relieved sigh, Yurius completely retracts the tentacles, and they vanish from sight.
Albert: When did you learn how to do that?
Yurius: Right now, actually. Haha, a job well done, was it not?
Albert: Your legs are shaking.
Yurius: Merely trembling from adrenaline, that is all.
Albert: You pushed yourself far too hard. What would you have done if you lost control right now?
Yurius: Always with the scolding... I told you I already developed a method for dealing with it.
Yurius: Besides, we acquired the information we needed. We should be celebrating, not bickering.
Albert: All right. So we learned that the Celestial Eye was His Highness's doing.
Yurius: Not quite, my friend. Lord Mallow is the mastermind behind everything.
Albert: What do you mean? Jeno just said it was His Highness who gave him his orders.
Yurius: Consider that Jeno's devotion to the royal family is genuine. He would not do something that would endanger them, except for one reason.
Yurius: He is being deceived by orders he believes are from the king. That is why he continues to obey them.
Albert: And you think Lord Mallow is the one giving the orders? He's been looking after His Highness since he was a young boy though.
Yurius: I thought of the same possibility... But I believe that is the wrong interpretation.
Yurius: Lord Mallow, for the purpose of one day using the king's influence to his own ends, befriended the son first in line for the throne.
Yurius: Being extremely reserved and averse to politics, the new king is the perfect puppet, wouldn't you say?
Albert: So what does Lord Mallow hope to gain from all this?
Yurius: I'm not certain, but his focus on the Celestial Eye gives me an idea.
Previous King: Our knights are our foundation! The symbol of Levin's glory!
Yurius: Father was obsessed with strengthening our ranks with his ideal knights.
Yurius: Others besides myself would have wished to utilize the Astral Void Lacrima and Skyblade instead, and he would have opposed them all.
Yurius: Now that he is gone, it's the perfect chance to obtain permission from the new king and put our country's precious artifacts to work.
Albert: I see...
Albert: You don't seem surprised to figure out that Lord Mallow is the culprit.
Yurius: I have had time to analyze the events that occurred when we were abruptly sentenced to an execution.
Albert: Lord Mallow! I beg you, tell the new king we're innocent.
Mallow: Captain Albert... I'm very sorry, but there is nothing more I can do...
Mallow: The king has just delivered his sentence...
Yurius: I should have been suspicious of him from the start. He was, after all, the one who set the lords on us.
Albert: ...
Yurius: Heh... The self-serving lords and obedient king are all so despicable.
Yurius: This country will go to ruin if we don't rise to the occasion. I now know exactly what it is that I need to destroy.
Albert: What are you going on about?
Yurius: Nothing. Just a personal issue of mine. Pay it no heed.
Yurius: My friend, what do you intend to do about Lord Mallow?
Albert: Officially accuse him of his crimes and let His Highness know everything we've learned.
Yurius: Lord Mallow will cover his tracks faster than his crimes can be uncovered, and you'll fall under judgment for false accusations instead.
Yurius: He is a sly man who requires no less than the full might of the Skyblade to pin down.
Albert: But I can't use the Skyblade...
Yurius: I know. However, you won't face him alone.
Yurius extends his hand with a smile.
Yurius: Are you ready to smite the villain and restore peace to our country?
Albert: Heh... You intended to do this the moment you came back, didn't you?
Albert: You're really something else. People had the right idea, comparing you to Astros.
Albert takes the extended hand and gives it a firm shake.
Albert: Yurius, once this is all over, won't you join me in restoring Levin again?
Yurius: You know as well as I do that a kingslayer has no place here.
Albert: When I spoke with His Highness the other day, he told me about how much he admired the plan you made for the restoration efforts.
Albert: He understands how much you care about Levin.
Yurius: ...
Albert: I'm sure there's a chance we could convince him to let you come back...
Albert: No, I'll definitely convince him to! It may not happen right away, but I'll make sure of it!
Albert: Please, Yurius. Let's revitalize our country together.
Yurius: ...
Albert: Yurius?
Yurius: Sorry... I needed a moment. I thought I must be dreaming, you see.
Yurius: If you're that insistent, then I have no reason to refuse. Let us work together, my friend.
Albert: Yeah!
A fire in their eyes, they squeeze their hands tight for another vigorous shake.
False Heroes - Chapter 6: All Laid Bare - Episode 1
(Captain) and company decide on a plan to expose Mallow's misdeeds. Though Albert is still rejected by the Skyblade, they are still able to spend the next few days setting up their plan. Meanwhile Mallow realizes Yurius has returned and seeks the new king's permission to use the Celestial Eye.
Yurius: Hello, everyone. You arrived quite quickly.
Lyria: You really came back to Levin! I almost can't believe it!
In the morning, (Captain) and crew had received a request from Albert.
He asked them to follow the presence of Yurius's primal beast and meet with him.
Yurius: Your help is truly invaluable, Lyria. I assume the news of my return has spread like wildfire in the kingdom?
Vyrn: It sure has. We walked past a ton of knights in town lookin' through every abandoned building they could find.
Yurius: I'm glad to hear it. They should spare no effort hunting down a criminal that murdered their king.
Lyria: Um... What exactly did you need from us? We heard that you had a plan in mind.
Yurius: I wrote a list of instructions down in this letter. Once you return, please read it away from prying eyes and do as instructed.
Yurius: I have another letter for Mona and Mena as well. Once everyone has finished their tasks, please follow the presence of my primal beast and find me again.
Yurius: I get the feeling I may be changing locations often, given the state of things.
Lyria: All right, you can count on us!
Vyrn: We're doin' all this to take down that Mallow guy, right? Bet Astros would be proud of a crazy strategy like this!
Yurius: Heh... I intend to exert myself to the last breath to be worthy of the comparison.
Yurius: One more thing. You must refrain from making any direct contact with Albert and Mina until the plan is finished.
Lyria: Huh? But why?
Yurius: The assassins that came after Albert saw myself in his presence.
Yurius: Our best chance to triumph against Lord Mallow relies on concealing our advantages, and Albert is already being observed.
Yurius: It's safe to assume that, as his acting captain, Mina is also under the same scrutiny. Therefore you should contact them only through Mena and Mona.
Lyria: Okay! (Captain), let's go!
While the crew go around accomplishing the tasks Yurius has assigned them, Albert remains in the Sky Knights' main base.
Albert: The people have to be evacuated into the castle before the Celestial Eye fully awakens. Do we have the district distributions decided?
Mina: Yes, sir. I have a list of squadrons and a map of suggested divisions.
Mina: ...
Albert: Worried about Yurius?
Mina: Yes... He didn't share the particulars of what he is doing, nor how he is doing.
Albert: I understand how you're feeling, but we have to act like everything is normal. The plan will fall apart if we're found to be suspicious.
Mina: I can only hope Mena and Mona aren't struggling to fulfill their role...
Mena: Knock, knock, big baddie Yurius! Stop hiding and come play with us!
Mona: Looks like none of the other knights are here. Guess we've successfully infiltrated Lord Mallow's secret cellar.
Mona: Time to find all the evidence that we can get our hands on, just like Yurius told us to!
Mena: Don't mind if I do!
Yurius: Hm... Our strategy will hinge heavily upon how the citizens react.
Yurius: Heh... A shame that psychology is outside my area of expertise.
Levin Knight: Damn it, the door won't open! Kick it down!
Yurius: Found me already, have they? It's as if they've never heard of the concept of a break.
New King of Levin: Y-you... ran into Yurius?
Mallow: I did! He attacked from behind while I was on my evening walk!
Mallow: Oh, what a terrifying affair it was! I would have perished were it not for my escort!
New King of Levin: Really...
Mallow: The horrors do not end there, Your Highness! That criminal was joined by none other than Sir Albert!
Mallow: You are aware, of course, that those two share a deep bond tried and true!
Mallow: The captain guided the criminal back into our borders! Your Highness, you must immediately call for their execution!
New King of Levin: ...
New King of Levin: (He is wearing the same expression as he did when telling me the truth of Father's death.)
New King of Levin: (Surely he must be exposing the truth once more. I should listen to him. And yet...)
Albert: You can decide what kind of king you want to be. If you hold your head high and say what is truly on your mind, the people will listen.
Albert: Because it is you, and no one else, that wears the crown.
New King of Levin: (Oh, Sir Albert...)
Mallow: You need not worry, Your Highness! The rest of us will deal with the details.
New King of Levin: B-but... surely it will be difficult to catch someone like Yurius.
Mallow: I assure you that will not be an issue while we have the Celestial Eye at our disposal.
New King of Levin: What do you mean?
Mallow: I do apologize. I intended to speak with you on this matter much earlier.
Mallow: The one responsible for reviving the Celestial Eye is none other than our loyal knight, Sir Jeno. I aided him in this endeavor.
Mallow: With it, we can easily overpower the dark power that rests within the criminal!
Mallow: Please, Your Highness! You need only sign this decree allowing the use of it. Time is of the essence!
Mallow: Soon, the villains that encroach on our nation will be reduced to dust!
New King of Levin: ...
Yurius: Things could get troublesome if he makes the first move. If I'm to turn the tide...
Lyria: Pant... Gasp... Yurius! We have the information you asked for!
Yurius: Thank you, Lyria. Let us see.
Yurius: The disappearance of a former dark essence researcher?
Vyrn: I checked in with Siero. Word is he sent a huge sum of money to his family before goin' missing.
Lyria: Mona and Mena said they found dried blood in the cellar they searched.
Lyria: A lot of influential lords passed away lately too, and all of them had some sort of connection with Mallow...
Yurius: An obvious conclusion can be made, but nothing that can serve as concrete evidence. He's quite the crafty opponent.
Yurius: Hmm... We'll have to take a risk and give Mina a role. Once night falls, please come pay me another visit.
Lyria: Okay!
Albert: (The date for the confrontation has been decided, and Yurius has given me my orders via letter.)
Albert: (He's outdone himself, and I can't let him be the only one putting in the effort.)
Albert: (It still won't let me get close...)
Albert: Hey, Skyblade, why won't you forgive me for my lie?
Albert: You helped me when I was ignorant of my hypocrisy. So what changed?
Skyblade: ...
Albert: I take it your silence means I have to figure this out myself.
Yurius: Is this as far as our story goes? I suppose the puppet king needs another push before he finds his spine.
Tentacle: ...
Yurius: Heh, growing worried, are you? Don't be. I am determined to see this through.
Yurius: To think I would be speaking to you of my own volition... The final hour must be drawing near.
He pets the tentacle once and watches as it retracts itself, seemingly satisfied.
Yurius: Now then... When the fated day arrives, will it end in imprisonment or freedom?
He gazes up at the Celestial Eye as it glows ominously in the night sky.
False Heroes - Chapter 6: All Laid Bare - Episode 2
A mass evacuation begins as the Celestial Eye activates. Yurius shows up in his tentacled form and pretends to defeat Albert, baiting Mallow and Jeno into using the Celestial Eye. The new king soon shows up and requests that the attack on Yurius stop at once.
A few days later, Albert announces to the kingdom that the Celestial Eye is set to attack at any moment.
The Sky Knights filter out through the town and begin to evacuate the citizens into the castle.
Mallow: Captain Albert, your time would be better spent aiding the youth instead of an old man such as I...
Albert: While your kind words are appreciated, we cannot allow your safety to be compromised, my lord.
Mallow: If you insist, then I cannot refuse. You are too kind.
???: Pardon me. You dropped your handkerchief.
Mallow: Oh my, how considerate of you to—
Mallow: Ah! Y-you're...
Yurius: Heheheh...
Yurius: Muahahaha!
Levin Citizen 1: Eek! It's the king killer!
Manifesting his dark powers, Yurius reveals himself to the panicking populace.
Albert: It's not safe here! Please stand back!
Mallow: Thank you very much. I shall leave this in your capable hands.
Yurius: Well, well, well. If it isn't the hero of Levin.
Albert: You may have gotten away last time, but this time you'll pay for murdering the king!
Albert: Raaaah!
Yurius: Haaaaah!
Albert: We're not done yet!
Levin Knight: He's transformed! Support the captain!
The gathered knights do their best to hack away at the tentacles and approach Yurius.
Yurius: I have no business with bootlickers!
Levin Knight: Gah!
But the knights are unable to cross the mass of never-ending tentacles.
Levin Citizen 2: Sir Albert! Take down that monster!
Levin Citizen 1: Sir Albert!
Both knights and citizens recognize that only Albert is capable of facing the threat that stands before them.
Jeno: ...
Among the ranks of knights, Jeno watches Albert's performance in silence.
Albert: Haaaaah!
Yurius: Hahaha! As expected of my archnemesis!
Yurius: But this is nowhere near enough to quell my hatred! To quench my thirst for blood! I shall have my vengeance!
Albert: Aaaaghh!
Albert: What...
Albert's sword snaps with his next swing, worn from the force used to cut through the tentacles.
He faces Yurius with half a blade in hand.
Levin Knight: Is the Skyblade still out of commission?
Levin Citizen 1: That can't be! How are we supposed to defeat a monster like that without it?
Albert: I need another sword...
Albert: Argh!
Devoid of obstacles, Yurius's tentacles wrap themselves easily around Albert's body and lift the knight high into the air.
Yurius: What fun it has been. However, without the Skyblade, you stand no chance against me!
Yurius: This is the end for you, hero!
Albert: ...
Albert is launched into a tumble across the paved ground. He goes completely limp once he rolls to a stop.
Levin Citizen 2: What do we do? Somebody, anybody, help!
Yurius: Muahahaha! Cry and lament your helplessness! Curse the destiny that brought you here! Your lives are all forfeit!
As he laughs, Yurius sends his tentacles thrashing after the running citizens.
Mallow: (Hm... What a farce this is.)
Mallow: (I assume he made a show of defeating the people's last hope to goad me into using the Celestial Eye.)
Mallow: (Very well. If that is what he wishes for, then he shall receive it.)
Mallow: Jeno, now is the time.
Jeno: Understood.
Jeno pulls the dark essence from his pocket and starts to walk over in Yurius's direction.
As the dark essence glows, the Celestial Eye starts to flicker, its shield of lightning slowly coming apart.
Albert: (There it is. Now for the next step.)
Albert: (Yurius will fight Jeno and grab the controller from him. Once he has, I'll get up, take him down, and capture him.)
Albert: (Mina and the others should bring His Highness over with the new decree then, and we can arrest Jeno and Lord Mallow.)
Albert: (Once all the people are evacuated, we'll meet up with (Captain) and crew, destroy the Celestial Eye, and send it to the bottom of the skies.)
Albert: (I still don't like that I have to hurt Yurius for this plan to work, but...)
Yurius: "The plan's success hinges heavily on the emotions of the people. We cannot, under any circumstance, reveal that we are working together."
Yurius: "You know full well the power of regeneration this primal beast has, and how it extends to me as well."
Yurius: "A cut here and there will not kill me, especially when you do not have the Skyblade. So please, attack me with your full might."
Albert: (I have to do this. It's too late to turn back!)
Jeno: Kingslayer, I hope you remember our quarrel isn't over. Face the judgment of the Celestial Eye!
Yurius: And there is the dark essence serving as the controlling apparatus. I'll be taking that!
Jeno: Hmph, is that all you've got?
Mallow: (So his goal was the device. I suppose it would serve as proof of our connection to the Celestial Eye.)
Mallow: (However, you have made one grave misstep, for I have already secured the king's permission to use it!)
New King of Levin: I... signed the permission form.
Mallow: A wise decision, Your Highness. The kingdom shall know safety and security.
Mallow: (No one can go against the king. Oh, I cannot wait to delight in your expressions once you learn of your foolishness!)
Jeno: Ah!
Yurius: I told you before, didn't I? You cannot hope to defeat me by yourself.
Restrained by countless tentacles, Jeno is unable to resist as Yurius plucks the controlling device from his hand.
Albert: (My turn!)
Albert: Sorry, but I'll be borrowing this!
Levin Knight: What? Captain!
Albert leaps to his feet, grabs the nearest knight's sword, and rushes toward Yurius.
Albert: Raaaaah!
???: Stooop!
Albert: Huh? Your Highness?
New King of Levin: Pant... Wheeze... Gasp...
Mina: Your Highness!
New King of Levin: I'm sorry! I'll apologize as much as you want, so please, no more, Sir Yurius!
Yurius: ...!
Mallow: ...?
The king slides to a stop in front of Yurius, his arms spread open as if to impede him from further violence.
Every onlooker in the area goes still at this unexpected turn of events.
False Heroes - Chapter 6: All Laid Bare - Episode 3
Seeing the new king show up, Yurius returns to his normal form. Jeno takes this opportunity to seize him. The king implores that Yurius be let go, believing that Levin needs him. As Yurius suddenly loses himself, Mallow urges the king to execute him and Albert with the Celestial Eye for their crimes, but the king believes the true criminal to be Mallow.
Levin Citizen 2: Your Highness, please step away! You are putting yourself in danger!
New King of Levin: I-I will not retreat! I need to speak with Sir Yurius!
Yurius: I know not why you stand before me, but this kingdom is doomed indeed if its king is foolish enough to invite death unto himself.
New King of Levin: I heard that it was Sir Albert that brought you back to Levin.
Yurius: ...!
New King of Levin: That is when I knew I had to speak with you, no matter what.
New King of Levin: I-if you wish to exact revenge on anyone, then let it be me! I offer my life as king!
New King of Levin: But if you're here to save our country, then... L-let me help you!
As the king quivers and bows his head low before Yurius, the surrounding citizens grow uneasy with the newly revealed information.
Levin Citizen 2: Sir Albert brought the criminal back here? Does that mean he's betrayed us?
Levin Citizen 1: If that's the case, what's with all the fighting? What is actually going on?
Yurius: ...
Mena: Uh-oh, things aren't looking so good.
Mona: Guess this explains why His Highness got that look on his face when he heard Yurius was back...
Mina: I can't believe he left the castle by himself and gave us the slip through a secret passage...
Albert: (Now that the plan's been derailed, what do we do next?)
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius, I swear I am not trying to trick you. Please believe me!
Yurius: (This is a rather unexpected development... Perhaps another one of Lord Mallow's schemes?)
Yurius: (If Albert is seen as an enemy of the kingdom, then all will have been for naught. Our only way out now is to admit to our deception and negotiate.)
Levin Citizen 2: He turned back to normal!
Yurius: Your Highness, I—
Yurius: Argh!
Jeno grabs Yurius by the collar and raises him into the air before he can get close to the king.
Albert: (What?)
New King of Levin: Sir Jeno!
Jeno: Letting your guard down around him is a mistake! He has been sneaking around, trying to interfere with your plans, Your Highness.
Jeno: You can speak with him all you like once he's locked away. I refuse to let another tragedy strike the royal family!
Yurius: Let go of me! Are you truly this blind to—
With his other hand, Jeno wraps it closed around Yurius's neck and squeezes with unrelenting force.
Jeno: Silence! I should strangle you now, criminal!
Yurius: ...
Yurius desperately grasps at the hands around his neck, dropping the controlling apparatus for the Celestial Eye in the process.
Albert: That's enough! He'll die at this rate!
Jeno: That's the idea... This way he won't escape execution a second time!
Jeno: Experience the pain of death! Know the suffering of the king!
Levin Citizen 2: Kill the kingslayer!
Levin Citizen 1: Make him pay for his crime!
The onlooking citizens raise their fists and chant, fanning the flames of rage.
Albert can only watch, helpless, as his countrymen curse their would-be savior.
Albert: (What can I do? How do I save him?)
Mallow: (Heheheh... Their plan has ended in spectacular failure.)
New King of Levin: S... S...
New King of Levin: Stay your hand, Sir Jeno! Sir Yurius is indispensable to Levin!
Jeno: ...!
Yurius: Gasp! Wheeze... Cough...
Levin Citizen 1: He is? What are you talking about, Your Highness?
Levin Citizen 2: He killed your father! Why are you sparing him?
New King of Levin: I am fully aware of what he did, but Sir Yurius's crime is one that the entire royal family should be judged for.
New King of Levin: It was Father who planted the seed of hatred within him, after all. The rest of us are just as accountable for growing it.
New King of Levin: We will atone together, which is why Sir Yurius will not be executed so long as I live!
Yurius: What... are you saying...
Jeno: But, Your Highness, if you do that...
New King of Levin: I agonized over this since the very beginning! But I... I was too cowardly to talk about it with anyone!
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius should be welcomed into the royal family! He should be given the crown to lead our kingdom!
New King of Levin: I know that he... He would make a far better king than I!
Albert: What?
Chaos erupts in the crowd as the king finishes his series of shocking declarations.
Levin Citizen 1: Your Highness, please reconsider! You can't simply let him get away with murder!
New King of Levin: I will not take back my decision! Not on this!
Yurius: (He wishes to spare me? Atone alongside me?)
Levin Citizen 2: Did you forget that your father is dead because of him? Levin will fall to pieces with a murderer as king!
Yurius: (Do not pardon me for such a foolish reason!)
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius truly cares for our country! Levin would be nothing without him!
Yurius: (If you do, I will forget the reason I have returned for!)
Yurius: Agh! Augghhhh!
Jeno: What are you doing?
Yurius: Ngh... Aaahhhhhh!
Yurius yowls in agony, clutching his head. In an instant, his expression changes, and countless tentacles sprout out of his back.
New King of Levin: Eek!
Albert: Get away from him!
Jeno: Argh!
Albert lunges forward, blasting Jeno away with an electric shock, to knock Yurius to the ground. He hovers the point of his sword over his friend.
Albert: You said you had it under control!
Yurius: And so I did! I utilized a meager portion of my true potential!
Yurius: I see clearly now what we must destroy! Our power shall be unleashed! Hurry and bring us to the final stage of our story!
Albert: What in the skies are you going on about?
Yurius: Urgh... Do not fret. The experiment is going as planned.
Albert: ...?
Mallow: For a brief moment, it appeared His Highness's courage gave birth to a miracle, but a murderer is a murderer through and through.
Mallow leisurely sidles up to the king's side and gestures at Yurius.
Mallow: Your Highness, you can see for yourself the grotesque limbs that were responsible for robbing your father of his life.
Mallow: They attempted to take yours but a moment ago. There is no sense in keeping a murderer alive.
New King of Levin: No sense in keeping a murderer alive...
Mallow reaches down to pick up the controlling apparatus, then holds it out to the king.
Mallow: Hesitate no longer, Your Highness. Sentence the criminal and his accomplice to the execution they deserve.
New King of Levin: And what of your crimes, Lord Mallow?
Mallow: What?
With a shaking hand, the king points accusingly at Mallow.
The situation takes yet another unexpected turn.
False Heroes - Chapter 6: All Laid Bare - Episode 4
As initially planned, Mina presents a royal decree that Mallow is to be arrested for the crime of unauthorized use of the Celestial Eye. Feeling that he's out of options, he directs the Eye at the king. Yurius jumps in front of the blast to take the damage. But before it hits him, Albert's wish to protect his friend allows him to regain control of the Skyblade, and he repels the blast. They meet up with the crew later and take to the skies to stop the Eye.
Mallow: Pardon, Your Highness? Why do you point your hand at me so?
New King of Levin: I learned, moments earlier, that you stand accused of a grave crime. Tell me: did you rob countless people of their lives to activate the Celestial Eye?
Mallow: Hahaha, what a ridiculous notion! Me, a murderer? The accusation is as false as it is absurd.
New King of Levin: Well... You've reacted just as Lady Mina said you would.
New King of Levin: Calmly denying the crime without a single change in expression...
New King of Levin: Killing is such a daily occurrence in your life that you do not bat an eye at the thought of it.
Mallow: ...!
Mina: (The topic has returned to the Celestial Eye.)
Mina: Mona. Mena. We're sticking with the original plan. Are you ready?
Mona & Mena: Okay!
Exchanging nods, the sisters move to stand beside the king.
Mina: Lord Mallow, we received a new decree from His Highness.
Mallow: A decree?
Mina: The unauthorized use of the Celestial Eye—a source of calamity and fear for our people—is prohibited.
Mina: Yet it has been used at the cost of innocent lives and the royal family's good name.
Mina: Under suspicion for the above crimes, Lord Mallow is hereby under arrest.
Mallow: ...!
New King of Levin: There you have it.
Mallow: W-wait a moment! I do not understand! How could you, without even consulting me...
New King of Levin: I am sorry, but there has been something bothering me for a long while.
New King of Levin: You took care of me since I was young, so I blindly assumed I could trust your every word.
New King of Levin: But because of that, I sentenced Sir Albert, Sir Yurius, and Lady Mina to death!
New King of Levin: I should have never complied with such an act, no matter the circumstance!
Tears of intense regret spill down the king's cheeks as he voices his frustration.
New King of Levin: That's why I decided I needed to think for myself and gave my own decree.
New King of Levin: If you think I am mistaken, then submit yourself to an investigation and prove your innocence! Please!
Mallow: But just the other day, you yourself gave me permission to use the Celestial Eye! Or did you rescind that decision too?
New King of Levin: I didn't. Please look carefully at the signature on the permission sheet. You will find that the spelling is slightly mistaken.
Mallow: ...!
Jeno: What? Let me see it!
Jeno: It's true. It's off.
New King of Levin: I'm sorry for the underhanded method, but I was too cowardly to speak my true feelings on the matter...
New King of Levin: To be honest, I was troubled when I heard your request. The Celestial Eye is a formidable weapon that would greatly enhance our military might.
New King of Levin: But the idea terrified me. Too many people have already died, and the thought of more bloodshed is sickening...
New King of Levin: We cannot allow the use of such a weapon, especially not when it requires the sacrifice of innocent lives!
The king wipes the tears from his eyes and places his hand over his heart.
New King of Levin: The Levin that I envision is a bustling city of trade, selling wine and hot spring tickets! Not a military state stained with blood and tears!
New King of Levin: We do not need the Celestial Eye to prosper! It should be banished, never to bring tragedy again!
Albert: (Your Highness...)
New King of Levin: (This is how things should have been... I found my courage because of you, Sir Albert.)
The king gives Albert a tear-stained smile.
Yurius: I had predicted that Lord Mallow would secure permission to use the Celestial Eye.
Yurius: The plan was to take the controller from him and show the people how dangerous of a weapon it was. The entire country would then oppose its use.
Yurius: But we would not have prevented Lord Mallow from deceiving everyone into believing the king wanted such power.
Yurius: We owe the king our thanks.
Albert: We sure do.
Levin Citizen 1: Um... Pardon us, Your Highness, but what exactly is Lord Mallow being accused of?
Mona: Good question. Allow us to explain the details to everyone!
Shuffling the papers in their hands, Mona and Mena read out a list of Mallow's dubious dealings.
They reveal the murders of various researchers and opposing lords, as well as the assassins hired to kill Albert.
As the citizens hear the story of truth penned by Yurius, their faces grow pale with horror.
Levin Citizen 1: But... How could Lord Mallow do such things?
Mena: Oh yeah, one more thing! Jeno's responsible for activating the Celestial Eye, right?
Mena: Turns out Lord Mallow was lying to him the whole time about it being His Highness's idea!
Jeno: He did what? You tricked me!
Mallow: I did not! Everything was for His Highness's sake!
Jeno: Enough lies! His Highness wouldn't have purposefully ruined his signature otherwise!
Jeno turns from Mallow to the king, quickly changing from rage to repentance, and throws himself to the ground in a deep bow.
Jeno: My most sincerest apologies, Your Highness. I am the one who activated the Celestial Eye. Please, put me in a cell where I belong.
New King of Levin: It's all right. I heard that you were deceived from the beginning, so you are guilty of no crime.
New King of Levin: I know that you are faithful above else. If you wish to repent in any way, then please lend me your strength.
Jeno: Yes, Your Highness!
Mallow: Sigh... How troublesome it is to hear these falsehoods spread without proof.
Mallow: My countrymen, you cannot let yourselves be misled so easily. I am no murderer. His Highness is the one being deceived.
Levin Citizen 2: You say this, but the king has already issued a decree...
Levin Citizen 1: Besides, you were actually trying to use the Celestial Eye a moment ago! Ah, I'm shaking just thinking about it...
Mallow: Y-you would call me the liar instead? Why?
Yurius: (You know the reason better than anyone else.)
Yurius: (The people of Levin are not swayed by evidence, but personal misgivings and fear, as well as the king's words...)
Yurius: (Their fear of the Celestial Eye is still fresh in their minds. Utilizing it is child's play.)
Yurius slowly lifts himself off the ground and stands upright.
Yurius: My friend, now that everyone is distracted, could you bring me somewhere private?
Albert: Good call.
Just as Albert moves to help Yurius, a shrill shout pierces the chaos.
Mallow: You ignorant imbeciles!
Celestial Eye: ...!
Levin Citizen 2: Ahhhhh! It's the Celestial Eye!
Mina: Relinquish the controlling apparatus!
Mallow: Stay away from me!
While Mallow raises the dark essence above his head, the Celestial Eye shines ominously in the distance.
New King of Levin: Lord Mallow, I beg of you! Do not use the Eye!
Mallow: Be quiet, you dunce! You should have behaved like the good puppet king that you are!
Yurius: And now his true nature comes to light. How unsightly...
Mallow: You are one to talk!
Mallow: Peace-obsessed buffoons... Can you not see why I brought the Celestial Eye back?
Mallow: It was once the treasure of our kingdom, the Astral Void Lacrima. In other words, it is our right to use it! Our military might would become unparalleled!
Mallow: The royal family does nothing while our country declines! Glory will return to Levin only by conquering our neighbors with the Eye's power!
New King of Levin: You can't seriously mean that!
Mallow: Ha! What would a spineless king like you know? Pay attention! This is what it means to lead!
Yurius: ...!
Albert: Yurius!
Yurius: "In case the situation takes a turn for the worse and the Celestial Eye is activated, I will transform and use myself as a shield against it."
Yurius: "My tentacles can revive and withstand at least two attacks. In that span of time, please deal with whoever is controlling it."
Yurius: "We have no other methods to guard against its beams of light—not while the Skyblade is unavailable to us."
Albert: (Why am I always leaving the hard jobs to Yurius?)
Albert: (Skyblade! Skyblade, listen to me! If you can hear me, please lend me your power!)
New King of Levin: Sir Y-Yurius?
Yurius: Agh... Need to make it in time...
Mallow: Taste the pooooweeer!
Albert: (I won't let him suffer alone any longer!)
New King of Levin: Huh?
Albert: ...!
Yurius: The Skyblade has returned?
Thunder roars from two directions in the sky.
The first comes from the beam of light, while the second emerges from the Skyblade.
Though the sword sat in his office but a moment ago, it now rests firmly in Albert's hand, having defended them all against the Eye.
Albert: (Of course. I should've noticed a lot sooner.)
Albert: (It wasn't that I hated lies. It was that I couldn't see through them and left my friend alone to suffer.)
Albert: (That's why I learned how to detect them in the first place. Lies born from ill will can only make people suffer.)
Albert: (What I should have been going after was the evil at the root of them. There's no need to judge the lies used to protect.)
Albert: (No more hesitation. We'll save our home together, my friend! Skyblade, lend me your aid!)
Mallow: Hmph! Just because you defended against the first, does not mean you will succeed against the second! Fire!
Celestial Eye: ...!
Mallow: What? Why won't it fire?
Albert: Lord Mallow, drop the controller and put your hands up.
Albert points the Skyblade, crackling with electricity, at Mallow.
New King of Levin: Look, above!
The sky that was once clear now grows gray with storm clouds.
Mallow: So it is you who stands in my way at the very end! I should have dealt with you sooner!
Albert: I'll only say it one more time. Drop the controller and surrender!
Mallow: Are you daft? This is the key that will restore Levin to its former glory! Everything I have done, I have done for our country!
Albert: Oh yeah? The only one who asked for that kind of glory is you!
Albert: I have had enough of your lies!
Mallow: Auugghhhh!
A bolt of lightning strikes Mallow directly. In the blink of an eye, he sinks unconscious to the ground.
Lyria: Sorry! We noticed the Celestial Eye was acting strange, so we came early!
Yurius: No need to apologize. Your timing couldn't have been better. Everyone, let us board!
Mina: Yes, sir!
Albert and friends quickly hop onto the Grandcypher that had appeared from below.
As soon as everyone hits the deck, the airship speeds off toward the dangerously glowing Celestial Eye.
Jeno: They're going to deal with the Eye! We'll give them back up! Prepare the ships!
Levin Knight: Yes, sir!
New King of Levin: (Please be safe, everyone!)
Celestial Eye: ...!
Mena: Whoa, this thing's way angrier than the last time we pummeled it!
Yurius: It has gathered a lot of energy from both electricity and dark essence. I imagine its very makeup is changing.
Yurius: It also seems to have commandeered the dark essence receptor for its own use. The controlling apparatus won't work on it anymore.
Albert: Either way, sounds to me like we just have to get there as fast as possible and stop it.
Yurius: Heh, you're not wrong.
Yurius: We have reached the final act of our plan—destroy every blight that plagues our kingdom!
False Heroes - Ending - Episode 1
Yurius destroys both the Celestial Eye and the Grandcypher's gasbag, then activates his self-destruct device. As the ship loses altitude, (Captain) and Albert jump onto the Celestial Eye to save Yurius. Seeing how far they're willing to go for him, Yurius changes his mind and pierces his body to take out the self-destruct device. It goes off shortly after.
Celestial Eye: ...!
Lyria: We did it! No more light beams to worry about anymore!
Mona: That's right! All that's left is to get this thing on the ground and clean it up.
Yurius: Unleash... the beast...
Albert: Yurius, what's wrong?
Yurius: Agh... Aaahhhhh!
Albert: What are you doing?
Yurius: (Condition one: transform. Condition two: enough rage to forget myself.)
Mina: Yurius? Why did he jump?
Yurius: (And lastly... Condition three: use my power to unleash a heat ray.)
Yurius: Haaaaahh!
Lyria: Oh my gosh! B-but why?
The attack that Yurius fires hits not only the Celestial Eye, but also the Grandcypher's gasbag.
Yurius: Hahaha! A perfect shot! The plan was a resounding success!
Albert: Yurius! What are you doing? Explain yourself!
Yurius: Accomplishing the objective I originally came back to do.
Landing on top of the burning Celestial Eye, Yurius points down at the light emerging from his stomach.
Albert: Don't tell me that's the suicide device you were talking about!
Yurius: It is a very powerful explosive—one that could have ignited the stored energy within the Eye and hurt the people below.
Yurius: That is why I had you and everyone else fight it first to disperse that energy.
Albert: Everything you did was so you could prepare to use that bomb?
Yurius: Exactly. If my calculations are correct, the explosive's special material should put my tentacles into a dormant state, while blowing the Eye into pieces.
Albert: So you came back to die? What happened to rebuilding our home together?
Yurius: Ah, the promise we made the other night? It was a lie of course.
Albert: Are you serious?
Yurius: It's a good thing you didn't have the Skyblade earlier. My plan would have failed otherwise.
Albert: Why, you...
Albert: Are we losing altitude?
Yurius: Thank you, my friend. I will finally be able to wipe the slate clean.
Yurius: No more Celestial Eye. No more mistreated primal beast. No more unwanted royal child...
The Grandcypher sinks steadily downward, the damage to its gasbag too great for the ship to overcome.
Yurius watches his departing comrades with a relieved smile.
Yurius: (Good grief, I thought I pushed myself enough to lose complete control...)
Yurius: (The explosive takes much longer to go off when I only lose half my senses, unfortunately.)
Yurius: (Heh, I wonder how frightened they were when my cruel lie exposed them to danger. A lasting last impression it was, I imagine.)
Yurius: (Whatever the case, the plan is nearly complete. I need only wait a little more...)
Yurius: ...
Yurius: (Destructio... What do you think? Have we lived a fulfilling life after performing the roles that were forced upon us?)
Albert: Please, Yurius. Let's revitalize our country together.
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius is indispensable to Levin!
Yurius: ...
Yurius: (It was all too little, too late...)
Choose: You're not allowed to die on us!
Yurius: (Captain)?
Albert: I'm here too!
Yurius: Albert?
When Yurius turns to face the voices of his friends, he finds them standing atop the Celestial Eye with him.
Yurius: Did you two jump off the ship? Have you lost your minds!
Albert: I should be asking you that! You and your insane suicidal plan!
Albert: (Captain)! Cut off every tentacle attached to the Eye! Don't miss a single one!
Choose: You got it!
Albert and (Captain) climb onto the menace, chopping and slicing the tentacles they run into.
But for every one they do, Yurius sprouts another and wraps it around the Celestial Eye once more.
Albert: Stop with the tentacles, Yurius!
Yurius: No, you stop! Leave this place before you are caught in the explosion!
Albert: There wouldn't be an explosion to worry about if you just shut that thing off! You're smart—I know you can do it!
Yurius: You ask the impossible! Once it has been activated, there is no—
Yurius: Gah... This sensation is...
Lyria: Please... Live and come back to us!
Yurius: Enough! Do not interfere!
Albert: The tentacles aren't reviving as fast! (Captain), now's our chance!
As Lyria hampers Yurius's regeneration abilities, Albert and (Captain) speed up their chopping efforts.
Albert: A plan to kill himself, he says! You lied about our promise like it was nothing!
Albert: Why do you never talk to anyone about your problems? You can't just decide everything by yourself!
Yurius: What good would talking have done? You would have opposed me either way!
Albert: Of course I would've! We're talking about your life here!
Albert: I can't believe you had us help you with a suicide attempt! What kind of person uses his friends for that?
Albert: I've had enough! We're getting you out of here, and you better have a good apology waiting when we do!
Yurius: I'd like to see you try!
Yurius attempts to seize hold of his friends and return them to their slowly sinking airship.
But their nimble movements combined with Lyria's help makes the task unfeasible.
Mina: The fire is extinguished, but we're still losing altitude. We should head for the port before we crash!
Vyrn: What about (Captain) and the others?
Lyria: I can't keep it up if we go any farther... Ah!
Mena: Lyria, you okay?
Mona: Those three are so far now... I don't know what they're going to do even if they manage to pull Yurius off.
Jeno: Acting Captain, withdraw immediately! We'll pick them up!
Mina: You came to help? All right, we'll leave them to you!
Albert: This is the last one! (Captain), grab onto him!
Together, the two captains take hold of Yurius's hands and pull with all their might.
Albert: (I obtained power from the Skyblade so I wouldn't be fooled by your lies a second time! I swore I wouldn't let you down again!)
Albert: (You aren't dying on me, you hear! I won't leave you behind! I'm saving you, whether you like it or not!)
Yurius: Selfish...
Yurius: So selfish! You have no idea how I felt about returning here, and yet!
Albert: Just a little more! On the count of three!
No matter how much they pull, Albert and (Captain) struggle to lift Yurius away.
In the next moment, the light coming from Yurius's stomach grows rapidly more intense.
Albert: Damn it! There has to be a way out of this!
Yurius: (You are all so selfish... And so am I.)
Yurius: (I steeled myself for the worst, but now I cannot bear to let go of these hands grasping onto mine.)
Albert: He just budged a little! Keep pulling, (Captain)!
Yurius: (I have had... enough!)
Yurius: Arrggghhh!
As Yurius screams, a single tentacle reaches out and bores into his stomach.
A shining black crystal emerges from the blood that follows.
False Heroes - Ending - Episode 2
Yurius wakes up in the infirmary and has a chat with the new king, offering him advice on how to present himself better at council meetings. After the king leaves, Yurius and Albert promise to each other that they'll never try to sacrifice themselves for the greater good again. Albert swears to his friend that he will not regret his decision to continue on living.
Albert: Yurius!
Mena: Shhh! He's right over there.
Yurius: Zzz...
Mena points at the resting Yurius, his entire body wrapped in bandages.
Albert: Are we in Saint Lethan Castle? How did we get here?
Mina: Do you not remember?
Mona: We only watched from afar, but it was a pretty crazy affair.
According to the sisters, Yurius removed the explosive from his stomach and shoved it into the Celestial Eye.
Once that was dealt with, he grabbed (Captain) and Albert, pulled them close, and leaped in the direction of Jeno's ship.
The explosion went off and sent out a terrible shock wave, but Yurius managed to stick the landing while cushioning his friends from the impact.
Albert: Unbelievable... So we barely got hurt because Yurius covered us.
Wrapped in a few bandages, (Captain) gives a nod.
Vyrn: That bomb thing had a crazy kick—split the Eye totally in half.
Mona: Gives me the shivers just thinking about how he had it in his stomach the whole time...
Albert: He did say that it had enough power to theoretically send his tentacles into a dormant state.
Albert: Bet he was aiming to die without burdening someone else with that primal beast... He always plans ahead.
Lyria: Yurius's injuries were really awful, and the doctors said that he might not make it at first.
Lyria: But the primal beast miraculously closed the wound in his stomach, and now he's in the clear.
Albert: I see.
Albert: Sigh... What a reckless idiot.
Yurius: Are you talking about yourself? Because if not, you should be.
Albert: Yurius, you're awake!
Yurius: I am... Though I had intended to close my eyes and never open them again.
Albert: Cut it out with that sort of talk! Do you know how many times you gave me a heart attack?
Yurius: I suppose I did put you in grave danger. I really am sorry about that.
Albert: That's not what I'm referring to, and you know it!
Yurius: You wanted an apology, didn't you? How I wish matters could be settled with words...
Yurius: I came home to die. Pretended to torment the people. Revealed the horrifying nature of my twisted self.
Yurius: And yet I live. The road ahead will have me suffer unending disgrace...
Albert: That's still better than dying!
Mona: Captain, I get where you're coming from, but you should consider how Yurius is feeling too.
Albert: I know. I know, but...
Albert: Sorry, my head's still a mess after everything that's happened.
Albert clenches his fist in barely contained frustration.
Yurius: My friend...
Yurius: I truly am sorry. For everything.
Albert: No, I should be the one apologizing. It was selfish of me, forcing you to live...
Yurius: It is because of your selfishness that I found the will to act before the explosion consumed us.
Albert: Really?
Yurius: Really. So thank you.
Albert: Right back at you then... Thank you for choosing to live, Yurius.
New King of Levin: Oh! You're awake!
Albert: Your Highness! Have you come to visit?
New King of Levin: Yes. Um... Am I intruding though?
Yurius: Not at all. Please, have a seat.
New King of Levin: If you're sure... Pardon me then.
The king sits down on the offered chair.
New King of Levin: I'm relieved to see that you're doing okay. I heard your wounds were awful.
Yurius: Not to sound ungrateful, but why have you come out of your way to visit?
New King of Levin: Ah, um, well... There is something I wanted to tell you.
New King of Levin: The sentence on your head was officially just rescinded.
New King of Levin: Many people were opposed to the decision, but I intend to continue on until they see things my way.
Yurius: Is that right... You truly intend to pardon my crime then.
New King of Levin: Do you... not want me to?
Yurius: Why is Your Highness going to such lengths for my sake?
Yurius: You've seen my monstrous side. Didn't you find it frightening?
New King of Levin: I was terrified, yes, especially when you transformed right after I finished speaking...
New King of Levin: But none of that changes that you are a hero who has given everything to restore Levin.
New King of Levin: Our country cannot afford to lose any heroes, including you.
Yurius: A hero, am I? Despite my bloodstained hands?
New King of Levin: I have some idea of how Father treated you.
New King of Levin: At the time, I simply pitied your position, pretended nothing was wrong, and left things as they were.
New King of Levin: I am guilty of my own sin... To think I can even say that I admire and respect you...
Yurius: You are overthinking matters. I killed our father—no more, no less.
New King of Levin: I want to atone anyway.
New King of Levin: It should have been you that ascended the throne, but Father...
Yurius: Is that why you proclaimed that I should take your place?
New King of Levin: Y-yes. The country would be better off with you at the helm, rather than someone like me.
Yurius: I'm afraid I can't agree. Even your storybooks would not have a tentacle-bearing king.
Yurius: Besides, have you not found your courage to face reality and do what is right?
New King of Levin: While that might be true, I've mostly just made everyone angry...
Albert: ...
Albert: Yurius, while you were away, His Highness started to join in on our regular meetings.
Albert: He's been having a tough time speaking his mind though. Do you have any advice for him?
Yurius: Let me see...
Yurius: If I recall correctly, His Highness declared that he wishes to turn Levin into a grand and cultured trading ground.
Yurius: It's certainly a spectacular dream—one that values the future of the country.
Yurius: I am certain the people recognize your devotion to Levin to be true. Hold your head high, and make your remarks without fear.
New King of Levin: But how do I know if I am saying and doing the right thing?
Yurius: Good ideas require good foundations. That is where data analysis plays a crucial role.
Yurius: I can teach you about my methods for gathering materials if you like.
Yurius: It is very time-consuming otherwise, as the proper techniques can save quite a lot of time.
New King of Levin: I-if you wouldn't mind, I would be honored to learn!
Yurius: Then I hope you're prepared to never try and cede the throne to someone else again.
Yurius: You are the king, and you have a duty to your people.
New King of Levin: Right... I have to make sure I do my job properly.
Yurius: ...
Yurius's expression twists in slight pain.
New King of Levin: I-I apologize for taking up so much of your time.
New King of Levin: Sir Yurius. Sir Albert. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for bringing Lord Mallow's deeds to light and destroying the Celestial Eye.
New King of Levin: I am overjoyed to be standing here with two heroes by my side. May you both rest well.
Yurius: Your Highness.
New King of Levin: Y-yes?
Yurius: I am sincerely sorry for ending our father's life.
New King of Levin: I... Part of the blame lies with me, so...
Yurius: Everyone has made excuses for me by blaming the primal beast or the king.
Yurius: But it was I who could not resist the power and used it.
Yurius: I took a life, and I can never give it back.
Yurius: For that... I can only offer my deepest apologies.
New King of Levin: The effort you put into the restoration plans has already shown me the type of person you really are... so I understand.
Yurius: Once my wounds are healed, I would ask that you permit me to properly apologize to the kingdom as a whole.
New King of Levin: Only if you let me join you. This is the fault of the entire royal family...
Yurius: Thank you for your consideration.
New King of Levin: Sir Albert, could I ask you to assist as well?
Albert: Of course you can. Once I explain everything to the knights, you'll have our full support.
With a grateful bow, the king excuses himself from the infirmary.
Yurius: ...
Albert: I'm sure glad we managed to speak with His Highness.
Yurius: It seems that I'll have to teach him not to hold important conversations in the infirmary, before showing him how to handle data.
Albert: Heh, guess so. You ready to get more rest?
Yurius: That sounds good to me.
Mina: Then the rest of us will leave you to it. May you sleep well.
Mina herds (Captain) and the others out the door, and the infirmary grows quiet.
Albert: ...
In the silence, Albert picks up the Skyblade and watches it gently glow.
Yurius: You were the picture of a storybook hero when you used the Skyblade to stop the beam of light.
Albert: Oh, cut it out. It was your strategy that got us that far—as intricate as the work of the hero that once saved Levin.
Yurius: Even the part where I tried to commit suicide?
Albert: Don't joke about that.
Yurius: Heh... I was merely working toward my own goal. It certainly was no heroic deed.
Albert: Same could be said of me. The only thing on my mind when the Skyblade came back was saving you from being beamed.
Yurius: His Highness would despair if he heard us talking now.
Albert: Heroes belong in storybooks anyway.
The Skyblade in his hands remains idle, as if in agreement.
Yurius: Levin might just be able to change after all.
Albert: With a king willing to improve, the people have a chance of following suit.
Yurius: I suppose it is our duty to watch over these changes and look after the young king, family-related obligations not withstanding.
Albert: Heh, feel like restoring our home together then?
Yurius: Considering I still have a home to return to? I do believe so.
Albert: ...
Albert rises from his bed, then points the tip of the Skyblade at Yurius.
Albert: If we're going to do this together, then I've got a question that needs answering.
Yurius: Are you trying to threaten me? Or is this some sort of strange induction ceremony?
Albert: Call it a trial by Skyblade. Can't have you lying to me again and all that.
Yurius: Haha, how frightful. Very well, what is it?
Albert: Never, ever, make another plan that involves sacrificing yourself. Can you promise me that?
Yurius: Trying to prevent me from dying, are you?
Albert: This includes not pulling another stunt like you did earlier—pretending to be a bad guy and jumping in front of the light beam.
Yurius: Hmm... All right.
Yurius: I promise, my friend.
Albert: Good.
Yurius: Will you let me borrow the Skyblade for a moment?
Albert: Sure? I don't mind.
Albert: What...
Yurius: I would like for you to make a promise as well.
Yurius: Do not recklessly risk your life like that ever again.
Albert: Well, my friend, that entirely depends on you.
Yurius: So you will make me promise, but not the other way around? How unfair.
Albert: Are you kidding me...
Albert: Sigh... Fine. I promise, my friend.
Yurius: Heheh...
Yurius: A shame that the Skyblade would not have told me truth from lie in the first place.
Albert: I wasn't lying anyway. I swear it.
Yurius: I believe you.
He returns the Skyblade back to Albert.
Yurius: I will have to find a more permanent solution to my lapses in control...
Yurius: And so I did! I utilized a meager portion of my true potential!
Yurius: I see clearly now what we must destroy! Our power shall be unleashed! Hurry and bring us to the final stage of our story!
Yurius: I think my other side realized I was targeting myself when I made the plan...
Yurius: But my experiment was a success. I can control my power if my thoughts are consumed by what it is that I want to destroy.
Albert: You were experimenting? So that's why you kept mumbling to yourself about destroying this and that.
Yurius: It was a makeshift method to ensure I stayed sane until the end of the plan, but it is good to know that I can direct the path of destruction.
Albert: While I'll agree with you there, we really do need to find a way to separate you from that primal beast.
Yurius: Heh, I do not see myself parting with it even if we do... For it is a part of myself.
Albert: You want to live with the risk of losing control for the rest of your life?
Yurius: The primal beast was not the problem... I was able to forget about my dark side the entire time I was on the island...
Yurius: There are more experiments to run... Perhaps the key to success... is tied to the prosperity of our country...
Albert: Guess we've got our work cut out for us.
Yurius: We do... indeed... together...
His expression relaxed as can be, Yurius drifts off to sleep.
Albert: Sleep well.
Alone now, Albert tucks himself back into bed and gazes up at the ceiling.
Albert: (We'll fix this place up so no one ever has to suffer like Yurius did.)
Albert: (We'll keep our promises to the Skyblade... Make sure he doesn't regret choosing to live on...)
His heart full of hope and determination, Albert drifts off into a deep sleep as well.
The End
Characters
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |