Scenario:Kumbhira - Trials and Aspirations

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Trials and Aspirations

Kumbhira awakens from a dream of her childhood, when she used to pray for the blessed might of the Divine Boar. Later that morning, she receives a letter from the priestess at the Boar Temple saying that her predecessor has returned. Kumbhira rushes home and reunites with her predecessor, who drops a bombshell: she's resuming her duties as the Divine Boar, and wants Kumbhira to step down.



In a dense forest stands an austere shrine. A young girl prays fervently in front of it.
Young Kumbhira: Please, bestow upon me the blessed might of the Divine Boar.
Young Kumbhira: I... I just need a fraction of her strength.
Young Kumbhira: So many people are counting on me... I don't want to let them down!
Mysterious Voice: Fret not, dear child.
Young Kumbhira: Huh?
Mysterious Voice: Strength will come to you in due time. You need only stay true to your path—
Kumbhira: Gasp!
Kumbhira steadies her ragged breathing. In the dim light of dawn, she stares at her shaking, sweat-soaked hands.
Kumbhira: A dream... It was just a dream.
Stretching, the Divine General gets out of bed and heads for the galley. There, she pours herself a glass of water. As she gulps it down, she ponders her dream.
Kumbhira: ...
Kumbhira: (I used to pray every day at that shrine when I was little.)
Kumbhira: (I only ever heard that voice once. In the end, I never did achieve the strength of the previous Divine Boars.)
Kumbhira is still staring into her glass when she hears familiar footsteps approaching.
Lyria: Oh! Good morning, Kumbhira!
Vyrn: You're up awfully early. You're not on breakfast duty with us, are you? I don't remember seeing your name...
Kumbhira: Oh, um. No... I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep.
  1. Did you have a bad dream?


Choose: Did you have a bad dream?

Kumbhira: Wha! Wh-what makes you think that?
Vyrn: Well, we've been traveling together for a while now. I can tell when something's on your mind.
Kumbhira: Ahaha... I guess there's no hiding it from you, is there?
Kumbhira scratches bashfully at her blushing cheek. After a moment of hesitation, she begins to speak.
Kumbhira: Actually, I had a dream about a childhood memory...
She recounts the vision she had to her friends. They nod as she describes it, listening to every word.
Lyria: That's right... When we first met you, you said that you didn't have your predecessor's blessed might.
Vyrn: All the other Divine Boars had that super strength, right?
Kumbhira: Yeah. The successors to the position usually display that might from a young age, but to this day, I haven't been blessed.
Vyrn: But you still smashed that boulder to bits at the Omencrushing, didn't you? I'd say you're plenty powerful already.
Lyria: Right! One minute the boulder was there, the next it was a pile of pebbles! It was really something!
Kumbhira: Hehe, thanks. I trained day and night to be like my predecessor. I guess in some ways, it paid off.
The former Divine Boar is said to be the strongest of those who have assumed the role.
She was blessed not only with divine might, but a free-spirited nature that drew people to her. Beloved and trusted by the villagers, she did two cycles worth of duties.
But one day, when Kumbhira was still a child, she disappeared from the village without a trace.
Kumbhira: If she hadn't disappeared, she'd probably still be the Divine Boar instead of me.
Kumbhira: Even though the blessed might of the boar grows weaker over time, she still stood above all others as the mightiest.
Vyrn: Huh? What do you mean it grows weaker?
Kumbhira: Blessed might fades with age. By the time you reach forty, it disappears completely.
Kumbhira: Once you're past your peak, you start noticing the difference.
Kumbhira: Not that I would personally know. I read every book on blessed might that I could get my hands on. That's all I could do...
Lyria: Kumbhira...
Lyria, sympathizing with Kumbhira's plight, lowers her gaze, but Kumbhira smiles brightly.
Kumbhira: Thank you, Lyria, but I'm all right. I've come to terms with the fact that I don't have the power of the other boars.
Kumbhira: I decided I'm not going to let that stop me. I'm going to fulfill this role my way.
Taken by surprise at the confidence behind her own words, Kumbhira suddenly finds herself embarrassed and shrugs.
Kumbhira: I just wish I knew where my predecessor is and what she's doing right now.
Vyrn: She sent you a letter before, right? I got the sense she was chillin' out on a beach...
Kumbhira: That sounds about right for her. I wouldn't be surprised if she's moved on and is soaking in some hot springs now.
Kumbhira: If we ever find her, there's so much I'd love to catch up on.
Hamward: Squee-squee!
Hamward chooses that moment to enter the conversation. He leaps up and down, trying to get Kumbhira's attention.
Kumbhira: Hm? A letter? For me?
Taking the missive from the piglet, Kumbhira opens it. Her eyes widen at what she reads.
Kumbhira: Y-you can't be serious!
At Kumbhira's request, the Grandcypher changes course for the Boar Temple.
Upon arriving, Kumbhira and the others begin the trek up the mountain to the temple. The Divine General looks around, reminiscing as she goes.
Kumbhira: It's been so long since I've set foot on the island. I hope the priestess is doing all right.
Vyrn: I can tell how much coming here means to ya, Kumboara. You even changed your threads for the occasion!
Lyria: That's the outfit we picked out together, right? It really suits you!
Kumbhira: Hehe, thanks. I want to show everybody back in the village how my journey's changed me for the better.
The large temple gate comes into view. At the entrance stands an elderly woman.
Elder Priestess: Welcome back, Lady Kumbhira.
Kumbhira: It's good to be back. I've missed you.
Elder Priestess: As have I. Look at how much you've grown. Your travels have done you good.
Elder Priestess: And what splendid clothes. Have you been brushing up on fashion, or did your friends help you pick them out?
Kumbhira: Oh, you know! Doesn't matter either way! Hehe, I make this look good, don't I?
Elder Priestess: Yes, you look wonderful, Lady Kumbhira.
Kumbhira and the priestess hug, basking in their reunion. After a while, Kumbhira pulls the letter from her pocket.
Kumbhira: I got your letter. I still can't believe it.
Kumbhira: "Your predecessor has returned to the village. She's asked for you to come back as well."
Elder Priestess: ...
Kumbhira: Where is she? There's so much I want to ask her... Oh, and I'd like to introduce her to my friends as well.
Vyrn: We're lookin' forward to meeting her too. This'll sound crazy, but I've got this weird feelin' that I've already met her somehow...
Lyria: Hehe, Kumbhira told us so many stories about her on the way here that we might as well have.
Kumbhira: I... I didn't... Okay, I might've gotten a little excited, but can you blame me? It's been a while.
Elder Priestess: ...
Elder Priestess: Actually, Lady Kumbhira, I'd like to talk to you about your predecessor before you go see her.
But before she can say anything else, she's cut off by an exuberant voice.
???: I see you Kumbhira!
A woman with grand horns waves excitedly as she runs full tilt toward them.
Former Divine Boar: Heeeey! It's been so long! I'm glad to see you're okay! And are those new clothes? Nice! They look fantastic on you!
Kumbhira: O-oh, um...
Former Divine Boar: I'm soooo sorry I left you holding the bag! It couldn't have been easy.
Former Divine Boar: The priestess told me how you've been working your tushy off.
Former Divine Boar: But you stepped up and did a great job! I wouldn't expect anything less from my beloved apprentice! C'mere, you!
Kumbhira: Oh... Hehe...
Before Kumbhira can react, the former Divine Boar grabs her successor and starts patting her on the head. She turns to the others.
Former Divine Boar: And you must be (Captain)! I can't thank you enough for standing by Kumbhira!
Lyria: You know who we are?
Former Divine Boar: Of course I do! You're Lyria, and you're Vyrn! There's no way I wouldn't know about Kumbhira's friends!
Vyrn: Wow, you've done your research! It really does feel like we've already met before.
Kumbhira: Geez, you haven't changed a bit—you're still the same storm of a woman, sweeping up everyone in your path.
Former Divine Boar: Ahahaha! You know me: I like to take life by the horns and rush full speed ahead!
The former Divine Boar throws back her head and laughs heartily before turning back to Kumbhira.
Former Divine Boar: Anyway, now that I'm back, I hereby officially relieve you of your duties as the Divine Boar! Thanks for holding down the fort!
Kumbhira: Right!
Kumbhira: Wait... What?
The smile slowly recedes from Kumbhira's face as her predecessor's words sink in.
Kumbhira: Hold on a second. What do you mean you're relieving me?
Former Divine Boar: Oh, did I not mention that? My bad! I'm ready to return to my duties as the Divine Boar!
Former Divine Boar: Thanks for all your hard work, Kumbhira, but I've got it from here!
The former Divine Boar smiles warmly and places a hand on Kumbhira's shoulder.
Kumbhira: Huh?
But Kumbhira can only stare, utterly shocked at her predecessor's sudden declaration.

Trials and Aspirations: Scene 2

The priestess explains why the village elder was so eager to accept the former Divine Boar's return: he has always refused to acknowledge Kumbhira, as she doesn't possess the blessed might and hasn't passed the Trial of the Boar King. Meanwhile, Kumbhira tries to accept the turn of events, but with encouragement from her siblings, (Captain), and the crew, decides to undergo the Trial of the Boar King.



Kumbhira: ...
While Kumbhira is stunned into silence by her predecessor's pronouncement, (Captain) and the others step up in her place.
Vyrn: Just hold on a darn minute! Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?
Lyria: Yeah! Kumbhira has been giving her duties everything she's got while you were gone!
Former Divine Boar: Exactly. And now that I'm back, she can give her everything to living as Kumbhira, and not the Divine Boar.
  1. But that's not right!


Choose: But that's not right!

(Captain) refuses to back down, but an elderly villager comes and stands beside the former Divine Boar.
Village Elder: This is an internal village matter. Kindly stay out of this.
Kumbhira: Wait, what are you saying?
Village Elder: Kumbhira. Surely someone as intelligent as you understands.
Village Elder: You were filling in while your predecessor was gone. Although you carried out her duties, you were never officially instated as the Divine Boar.
Village Elder: Now that she's returned, it's only natural that you would cede your place.
Kumbhira: B-but I can't just abandon my duties!
Village Elder: Then let me ask you one thing: did you ever receive the blessed might?
Kumbhira: ...!
Village Elder: Your face tells me all I need to know. We cannot entrust the village to one who hasn't even passed the Boar King's trial.
Village Elder: Even should the villagers accept you, on the pride of our village, I cannot allow you to carry on.
Former Divine Boar: Hey, let's all calm down, 'kay? Kumbhira's worked hard for the village; there's no need to get all prickly.
Village Elder: As you wish, my lady.
Former Divine Boar: All righty, Kumbhira, I'mma peace out! Kick back and enjoy a well-earned rest!
With that, Kumbhira's predecessor and the village elder head inside the temple.
Kumbhira: ...
Vyrn: What a load of rotten apples! She disappears out of the blue and puts everything on your shoulders, and now she wants you to step aside?
Vyrn: She has no idea what you've been through! None of them do!
Kumbhira: Thanks, Vyrn... But the village elder is right.
Kumbhira: The only reason I could become the Divine Boar was because my predecessor left. Under normal circumstances, I was never meant to fill that role.
Lyria: Kumbhira...
Kumbhira: I think I'll head into the village. I should check in with my family... Give them the souvenirs from my journey.
Vyrn: H-hey! Wait, Kumboara!
Kumbhira: ...!
Kumbhira runs into the forest, ignoring her companions as they call out to her.
The priestess leads (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn to her home, where she explains what's behind the sudden turn of events.
Elder Priestess: One day, the former Divine Boar showed up in the village and declared her intent to resume her duties.
Vyrn: The village elder never approved of Kumbhira, did he? That's why he was so eager to have her predecessor back.
Elder Priestess: Yes. He values tradition, you see. He considers Kumbhira unfit because she didn't pass the Trial of the Boar King.
Lyria: The elder mentioned that too. What is it?
Elder Priestess: An ancient rite that all prospective candidates must pass in order to be officially recognized as the Divine Boar.
Elder Priestess: The first Divine Boar built a small shrine. Underneath it is a cavern where a spirit beast is said to dwell. The candidate must defeat this beast. However...
Elder Priestess: The only ones allowed to undertake the trial are those imbued with blessed might, or those given approval by the village elder.
Lyria: B-but that means Kumbhira will never be able to face the trial!
Elder Priestess: It is as you say. Kumbhira was never even given the opportunity. The village elder's word holds much sway at the Boar Temple.
The priestess looks down at her hands, speaking haltingly.
Elder Priestess: Whether Kumbhira passes the trial or not, she has the blessing of the other villagers. And of course, she has mine.
Elder Priestess: But it's also true that the previous Divine Boar was without equal. The people have no reason to reject her.
Vyrn: Dang it! Are you saying we have to sit back and watch as Kumboara loses everything she worked so hard for?
A heavy silence falls over the group.
  1. I wonder how Kumbhira's taking it...


Choose: I wonder how Kumbhira's taking it...

(Captain)'s mumbled thought breaks the silence, but no one has an answer.
Meanwhile, Kumbhira's steps have taken her to a familiar place inside the forest.
Kumbhira: The boar shrine... Maybe I should offer a prayer, for old time's sake.
Kumbhira: ...
Kumbhira: (What would the old me think if she could see me now?)
Kumbhira: (Would she say I'm amazing? That I did well? Or would she be disappointed?)
Mysterious Voice: Seek, and you shall receive.
Kumbhira: ...!
Mysterious Voice: Divine Boar Kumbhira. Follow the path laid out before you.
Kumbhira: Wh-what was that?
Kumbhira's Siblings: Sis!
A boy and a girl come crashing out of the brush and attack Kumbhira with hugs.
Kumbhira: Whoa! What are you two doing here?
Kumbhira's Brother: We heard you came back! We got tired of waiting, though, so we came to find you!
Kumbhira's Sister: We figured you'd be here! This is one of your favorite spots on the whole island!
Kumbhira: Oh... You came out all this way for me? Thanks, you two.
Kumbhira: Say, did either of you hear anything just now? I thought I heard a man's voice.
Kumbhira's Brother: Hmm... Nope. I didn't hear a thing.
Kumbhira: ...
Kumbhira stares at the shrine, but is pulled away by her siblings. As they depart, she takes one last look at it before allowing herself to be led to the village.
When they reach their home, Kumbhira is greeted by her parents and other siblings. She spends some hours playing with her ten brothers and sisters.
After a while, the family members disperse, heading out to do village chores. Kumbhira is left with two of her youngest siblings.
Kumbhira: Well, what should we do next? We could play tag outside. Or maybe try a board game?
Kumbhira's Sister: ...
Kumbhira's Sister: Is it true, Sis? You aren't gonna be the Divine Boar anymore?
Kumbhira: Huh?
Kumbhira's Brother: Shh! We weren't supposed to bring that up!
Kumbhira's Sister: Why not? I wanna know!
Kumbhira: Ah... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry.
Kumbhira: But even if I step down... No, I think stepping down is what's best for the village.
Kumbhira: I mean, my predecessor is amazing. She's the most powerful Divine Boar we've ever had... And the people love her.
Kumbhira: So there's no reason for me to complain. I wanted her to come back for a long time anyway, so it all works out.
Kumbhira's Sister: Then why do you look so sad?
Kumbhira: Huh? I do?
Kumbhira's Sister: Ever since we saw you, you've had this hurt look on your face. It makes me sad too!
Tears well up in the little girl's eyes. Her brother rubs her back, trying to comfort her. He turns to Kumbhira.
Kumbhira's Brother: To be honest, I'm really disappointed.
Kumbhira's Brother: So what if the old Divine Boar is amazing? It's you I look up to. You took everything that came your way head-on, and you never flinched.
Kumbhira's Brother: Is this really what you want, Kumbhira?
Kumbhira: ...!
Kumbhira: I decided I'm not going to let that stop me. I'm going to fulfill this role my way.
Kumbhira: No... I don't want it to end like this.
Kumbhira: I'm disappointed too! I left with the crew to carve out my own path as a Divine Boar, and now that I've found it, I don't want to give up.
Kumbhira's Sister: Then don't, Sis!
Kumbhira: But that's... That's just me being selfish!
Kumbhira: If I really want what's best for the village, I'd stand aside and let my predecessor do the job—
  1. It's okay to be selfish!


Choose: It's okay to be selfish!

Kumbhira: ...!
(Captain) bursts breathlessly into the room, followed by Lyria and Vyrn.
Kumbhira: (Captain)! Lyria! Vyrn! What are you all doing here?
Lyria: We wanted to talk to you, so we let ourselves in.
Vyrn: You can tell us you're fine till you're blue in the face, but we're not okay with this!
Vyrn: We don't care what anyone says; we think you're the best boar for the job!
Kumbhira: You don't know her like I do. She's like the sun, shining brightly over everyone while I stumble around in the dark!
Kumbhira averts her gaze, hugging herself. (Captain) steps in front of her, demanding her attention.
  1. You won't know unless you try!


Choose: You won't know unless you try!

Kumbhira: ...!
Those exact words are what pushed Kumbhira to join the crew.
Kumbhira: Let me... join your crew!
Kumbhira: I want to be a worthy Divine Boar! Just like the boar before me!
Kumbhira: I'm not sure if I'll ever be good enough, but even still...
Kumbhira: That's why I want to travel with your crew and learn from you! I have to challenge myself!
Lyria: You joined us that day because you listened to the voice in your heart. You can do it again now.
Vyrn: And even if things don't work out, you've still got us. No matter what happens at the end of the day, we'll be here for you.
Vyrn: After this is all over, we can head to the ocean or the hot springs and unwind! We can think about what happens after that.
Kumbhira: ...
Kumbhira: I won't know unless I try, huh...
Kumbhira's fingers brush against her outfit; its warmth reminds her of the friends who helped her choose it. Drawing strength from them, she makes her decision.
Kumbhira: Thank you. Without you here, I would have given up without listening to my heart.
Lyria: Kumbhira...
Kumbhira: I might not be able to measure up to my predecessor, but I won't know unless I try.
Kumbhira: The Divine Boar Kumbhira isn't the kind of person to give up without a fight.
Kumbhira raises her head proudly and declares her next move.
Kumbhira: I'm going to undergo the Trial of the Boar King.

Trials and Aspirations: Scene 3

The predecessor offers to retake the Trial of the Boar King alongside Kumbhira to show who is the rightful Divine Boar. They both pass the trial by defeating the spirit beast, then duel each other to determine the winner. Though her predecessor's strength is overwhelming, Kumbhira uses finely honed techniques and observation skills to secure victory.



In the inner sanctum of the Boar Temple is a special room for the temple's guardian.
Sprawled out among the formal trappings is the former Divine Boar.
Former Divine Boar: Ahhhh... I forgot how comfy this room is for a nap!
Village Elder: Sigh... I don't suppose you'd listen if I said your behavior is unbecoming of your station.
Former Divine Boar: You know me so well!
Former Divine Boar: So, Kumbhira made a request?
Village Elder: Yes. She wishes to undergo the Boar King's trial.
Village Elder: I don't know what she's thinking. She knows very well that she cannot face the trial without blessed might.
Former Divine Boar: ...
Former Divine Boar: I don't see a problem with it, personally.
Village Elder: I beg your pardon?
Former Divine Boar: She can take on the trial with your permission, right?
Village Elder: That is true, but... You are the current Divine Boar. There would be no meaning in letting her do the trial.
Former Divine Boar: Well, what if I were to take it again?
Village Elder: I... I'm afraid I don't understand what you're getting at.
Former Divine Boar: The villagers are probably torn between whether they should follow me or Kumbhira.
Former Divine Boar: So why don't we make it easy for them by putting us both to the test?
Village Elder: You have a point... But what will happen in the unlikely event that she also succeeds?
Former Divine Boar: If it comes to that... Then we'll fight, one-on-one.
Former Divine Boar: That way, there'll be no question as to who's the true Divine Boar.
Village Elder: ...!
The Villager Elder nods eagerly, his mouth curling into a wily smile.
Village Elder: This will provide an excellent opportunity to teach Kumbhira her place. I'll get started immediately with the preparations.
After the elder leaves, the former Divine Boar gets up languidly. She stretches, looking for all the world like a self-satisfied cat.
Former Divine Boar: Well, then... Things are about to get really interesting.
The villagers gather at the shrine's entrance on the day of the trial.
(Captain) and company have also come out to give Kumbhira their support.
Village Elder: This sacred shrine was erected by the first Divine Boar to bring peace to the village.
Village Elder: On this day, in the holy caverns beneath this shrine, will the next Divine Boar be chosen. Candidates, step forward.
Former Divine Boar: ...
Kumbhira: ...
Seeing how nervous Kumbhira is, (Captain) calls out to her.
  1. You've got this, Kumbhira!


Choose: You've got this, Kumbhira!

Kumbhira: ...
Kumbhira glances (Captain)'s way and manages to return a faint smile.
Former Divine Boar: You've made good friends, Kumbhira. They helped you become the boar you are today, huh.
Kumbhira: ...
Kumbhira: Here and now, I'll show you the path I've walked as the Divine Boar.
Former Divine Boar: Oh? Then bring it.
Village Elder: The holy ground within is protected by a barrier. Only those worthy of the Divine Boar's grace may enter.
Village Elder: Proceed, if you have the will to forge ahead!
Kumbhira: ...!
At the village elder's signal, Kumbhira and her predecessor dash into the shrine.
Spirit Beast: ...!
Kumbhira: Wh-whoa... It's huge... So this is the spirit beast I have to defeat?
The spirit beast dwarfs the village houses—let alone the candidates—easily filling the cavernous space around them.
Former Divine Boar: Heya, Mister Spirit Beast! It's been a hot minute!
Former Divine Boar: Hup!
Spirit Beast: ...!
Kumbhira: Huh? No way! She took it down with one blow!
Former Divine Boar: Done and done! Guess it's just you now.
Former Divine Boar: Go get 'em, Kumbhira.
Spirit Beast: ...!
Kumbhira: I'm not going to back down!
Kumbhira: Haaaaah!
Though she doesn't possess blessed might, Kumbhira raises Recker high over her head, wielding it with grace as she battles.
Kumbhira: Hrgh...!
Spirit Beast: Grrrrooooar!
Kumbhira: I've got you now!
Kumbhira: Haaaaaaah!
Spirit Beast: ...!
Kumbhira: Pant... Pant...
As the beast goes down, Kumbhira straightens up, wiping sweat from her brow.
Former Divine Boar: Way to go! That beast was no match for you!
Former Divine Boar: Then again, you're no match for me!
Kumbhira: Heh... I figured I'd have to surpass you at some point.
Former Divine Boar: Yep! Glad to see we're on the same page. You've always been such a good student.
Former Divine Boar: Hyah!
Kumbhira dodges the punch that flies her way.
Kumbhira: So you say, but maybe I don't want to play the part of the obedient student today.
Kumbhira sets Recker gently down on the ground.
Former Divine Boar: Hm? What are you up to?
Kumbhira: You're fighting with just your fists. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't do the same.
Former Divine Boar: Excuse me? You can't be serious!
Former Divine Boar: If anything, you should be using Recker. You don't have the blessed might, remember?
Kumbhira: I know that. I know that all too well!
Kumbhira: But I still became the Divine Boar without it!
The former Divine Boar easily dodges Kumbhira's blows. There is a sharp glint in her eyes.
Former Divine Boar: I'm not going to go easy on you.
Kumbhira: I never asked you to!
With her earnest words ringing in the air, Kumbhira faces off against her predecessor.
But the former Divine Boar overwhelms Kumbhira, who can barely do more than dodge.
Former Divine Boar: Hyaaaaah!
Kumbhira: Nrgh!
A punch from the former Divine Boar pulverizes a stone wall. Kumbhira whips up her arms to protect herself from the debris.
Former Divine Boar: You were always so stubborn. Whenever I told you to take a breather, you'd double down on training.
Former Divine Boar: And this is where your path has led you. I can see how you've forged your spirit.
Former Divine Boar: But I'm afraid it's time to bring this to an end!
Kumbhira: ...!
The former Divine Boar's fist flies straight at Kumbhira's face.
A figure goes flying and lands with a thunderous crash that reverberates throughout the cavern.
Former Divine Boar: What!
Lying on the ground in a heap is the former Divine Boar.
Kumbhira immediately prepares to follow up her attack, but her predecessor raises her hands up in defeat.
Kumbhira: Pant... Pant...
Former Divine Boar: I-I can't believe it... Y-you threw me! But how?
Kumbhira: Do you know why I trained so hard? It's because I wanted to catch up to you.
Kumbhira: I wanted to be a worthy Divine Boar like you, so I'd watch you train and copy what you did.
Kumbhira: But I don't have blessed might; I can't be like you. So I found other ways to make it work.
Kumbhira: Like with the Omencrushing... By observing the boulder's characteristics, I could figure out how to smash it apart.
Former Divine Boar: ...!
Kumbhira: I know your tells like the back of my hand. Your fighting forms rely on your blessed might, so I just have to get past that and go from there.
Former Divine Boar: I see... You analyzed my movements and used my momentum against me.
Kumbhira: There's no way I could have pulled it off if your blessed might was at its peak though.
Former Divine Boar: Ohh... You figured that out too, huh? You don't miss a detail, do you?
Kumbhira: It goes without saying. I'm your biggest fan; I followed your example from day one.
Former Divine Boar: ...
The former Divine Boar picks herself up off the ground and reaches out to pat Kumbhira on the head.
Then, after reconsidering, she holds her outstretched hand at waist-level.
Former Divine Boar: You've become strong.
Kumbhira: Yeah...
Kumbhira grips the proffered hand firmly in her own.
Neither of them speak, but all they want to say is clear in their bright gazes.

Trials and Aspirations: Scene 4

The former Divine Boar announces that Kumbhira has won the right to become the Divine Boar. The joyous occasion is cut short when a foreboding light shoots out of the boar shrine, aiming straight for Kumbhira. The former Divine Boar shields her protege and becomes possessed by a being whose true objective is Kumbhira, threatening to come for her in due time.



The two emerge from the cavern. The former Divine Boar addresses the gathered crowd.
Former Divine Boar: We both cleared the Trial of the Boar King, but Kumbhira cleaned my clock in the duel.
Village Elder: I beg your pardon? What... did you just say?
Former Divine Boar: I said Kumbhira won fair and square! She's the true Divine Boar!
Upon hearing her declaration, (Captain) and company push through the crowd and tackle-hug their friend.
Lyria: You did it, Kumbhira! You really are amazing!
Vyrn: We heard a ruckus comin' from the caverns and got a little worried, but we knew you'd pull through in the end!
Kumbhira: It's thanks to you guys that I gained the strength to believe in myself! I couldn't have done it without your support.
Kumbhira's Sister: You did it, Sis!
Kumbhira's siblings latch onto her and hug her with all their might. The other villagers surround her, offering their congratulations.
Village Elder: Preposterous! This cannot stand! The long history of the Divine Boars cannot be sullied by—
Former Divine Boar: Ahaha! If anyone's going down in history, it's you, I think. You allowed her to undergo the trial, after all.
Village Elder: H-how can you be so indifferent! You do realize that you can longer bear the mantle of the Divine Boar!
Former Divine Boar: And? How's that my problem?
Village Elder: ...!
Village Elder: No... Don't tell me you planned this...
As the elder falls to his knees, the former Divine Boar graces him with a smile worthy of the sun.
Elder Priestess: I thought it was strange, but it makes sense now: you did this so the elder would have to acknowledge Kumbhira officially as the Divine Boar.
Former Divine Boar: I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe I just got bored of the gig already.
Elder Priestess: For the longest time, I wondered about your reasons for leaving the village.
Elder Priestess: I finally understand now. It's written all over your face. You wanted Kumbhira to take your place from the start.
Former Divine Boar: ...
Elder Priestess: You saw firsthand how much effort she was putting in. Nobody wanted her in this role more than you.
Elder Priestess: But so long as you remained in the village, the title wouldn't pass to her.
Elder Priestess: So you left to ensure she'd succeed you.
The former Divine Boar raises her hands in surrender at the priestess's line of questioning.
Former Divine Boar: Geez, it's like you saw right through me. You sure you're not a psychic?
Former Divine Boar: But this moment isn't mine, it's Kumbhira's. Let's keep this between us, shall we?
Kumbhira: You're kidding! You did all this for me?
Former Divine Boar: No way! You weren't supposed to hear that!
Kumbhira: Was that the truth?
Crumbling under Kumbhira's persistent gaze, the former Divine Boar speaks.
Former Divine Boar: All right, all right! Yes, I left the village so you could become the next Divine Boar!
Former Divine Boar: I kept tabs on you and figured that, by now, you'd be strong enough to surpass me. That's why I returned to the village.
Former Divine Boar: I knew you'd be fine, even if I gave our competition my all, but you still threw me for a loop when you put down Recker!
Kumbhira: So... That's what really happened...
Kumbhira: Thank you for everything. I had no idea you were looking out for me like that.
Kumbhira: You're still one step ahead of me, even now...
Former Divine Boar: Oh, please! You'll be leaps and bounds ahead of me in no time! You're going to be the best Divine Boar there ever was. That's a promise, and I'm holding you to it!
The former Divine Boar slaps Kumbhira heartily on the back, then turns her gaze to the shrine.
Former Divine Boar: You know about our ultimate predecessor, the first Divine Boar, don't you?
Kumbhira: Yeah. He was a legend who saved the world countless times and was beloved by one and all ...
Former Divine Boar: The first Divine Boar would always lead the charge, clearing a path for those who followed behind. Other boars since have done the same; we're his legacy.
Former Divine Boar: And now the torch has been officially passed to you. I'm confident you'll surpass even the first Divine Boar!
Kumbhira: Huh? That's way too lofty a goal...
Kumbhira: But, well... I guess I won't know unless I try. Right?
At that moment, Kumbhira feels a breeze emanating from the shrine.
Mysterious Voice: Divine Boar Kumbhira. You have done well to make it this far.
Kumbhira: (That voice! It's the same one I heard as a kid.)
Mysterious Voice: I have watched over you for a long time. I am pleased the time has now come.
Kumbhira: (Kept watch over me? Wait, could this be... the first Divine Boar?)
At the sound of the familiar voice, Kumbhira's expression softens.
Suddenly...
Mysterious Voice?: Hehehe... Hahahahaha!
The Two: ...!
Vyrn: What's goin' on? Why're you both covering your ears?
Former Divine Boar: Didn't you hear that laughter just now?
Kumbhira and her predecessor exchange glances. It seems like they are the only ones who heard the voice.
Mysterious Voice?: Only those who carry the Divine Boar's heritage can hear me.
Mysterious Voice?: Ahh, how I've waited for this moment!
Kumbhira: ...!
A foreboding light spills out from the shrine and begins to envelop Kumbhira.
Former Divine Boar: Kumbhira!
The former Divine Boar leaps in front of Kumbhira, as if to shield her, and is bathed in the dark light.
Kumbhira gapes in shock as the light gets absorbed into her predecessor's body.
Former Divine Boar?: Tch! Meddling girl. I've entered the wrong vessel, thanks to her.
Kumbhira: That voice... What have you done to my predecessor?
Kumbhira realizes at once that the former Divine Boar isn't herself and instinctively raises Recker.
Kumbhira: What's going on? You said you were watching over me. Was that a lie?
???: Oh, that was no lie. I watched and bided my time for you to become the perfect vessel.
???: Hrrraaagh!
The possessed body of the former Divine Boar slams a fist into the ground, causing it to split apart. Cracks form in a circle around the shrine.
The shockwave travels clear through to the bottom of the island, and the patch of land containing the shrine quivers from the instability.
Kumbhira: No... This can't be happening!
Lyria: The ground is crumbling from underneath us! We have to get away from the shrine!
(Captain) and the others jump into action, evacuating the villagers.
Amid the dust and debris, they can hear Kumbhira yelling at the mysterious spirit that's possessed her predecessor.
Kumbhira: Give her back! Now!
???: I will, in due time. I can't promise she'll be in the best of shape when I'm through with her though.
???: I need time to get used to this new form, but when I do... I will come for my rightful vessel. I will come for you.
???: Hehehe! Don't run too far, Kumbhira!
With an earsplitting screech, the ground breaks apart. The shrine dips and bobs like a cork in the water before finally separating from the island.
The villagers peer down the giant hole to see the shrine-island, now floating free.
Kumbhira and the others can only stare, dumbfounded at the power that unleashed this stunning turn of events.