Ishura (異修羅)

Yamaga Great Desert

You know our story.

Long ago, the terrifying True Demon King came to this land.

Mm-hm.

On that day, the entire population of Itarky was killed.

Our people were blessed, though, and survived.

The Great Particle Storm protected our village.

What is that... light coming from Itarky?

The Great Particle Storm is a god and not just a bunch of wind?

It is both.

God's power manifested in this world as a weather phenomenon.

And we call it the Great Particle Storm.

That god continues to protect us,

people of the Yamaga Great Desert, to this day.

Okay, but are you sure the Storm is gonna keep us safe forever?

Even someone like me?

I can't even work now that I've injured my leg.

Outside of our village, many people worship a different god.

One they call "the Wordmaker."

But that god didn't protect them from the True Demon King, did it?

Think about what that means.

Our god is far stronger than theirs.

So, would you be scared

if the Great Particle Storm welcomed you one day?

No, not in the slightest.

It took my older brother and older sister.

In the end, many go to the country beyond the storm.

What's it like there?

It's a paradise.

A hallowed place god created to deliver us from this harsh, dry country.

People there live together in peace and abundance.

- -

That's the burial mound.

The one dedicated to the storm.

Huh?

- -

No, no, no!

- -

No.

But she said that...

No, not in the slightest.

It took my older brother and older sister.

In the end, many go to the country beyond the storm.

Someone, help.

- -

Please. I'm sorry.

- -

Forgive me.

I didn't mean to...

The True Demon King has died.

The enemy of the world, that filled the horizon with fear,

was defeated by an unknown Hero.

To this day, powerful beings still walk the world in great numbers.

Unable to be subdued with ordinary strength,

these demons are known as shura.

And so, the people seek a True Hero, one who will bring peace to the world.

It is now time for such a champion to be chosen.

ISHURA

Episode 13 Mele the Horizon's Roar

Sine Riverstead

Wake up, Mele!

It's already past noon!

Quiet down, will ya?

Bother someone else, you damn brat.

So you can lie here like a deadbeat?

You can't just sleep all day!

What's your problem?

All right, let me guess.

You've been fighting with your dad again.

- No! Where's your bow? - Huh?

These idiots in the village won't stop making fun of me,

but I'm gonna show those guys.

I'll prove I can pull back this bowstring.

They won't laugh at me again.

Dang it!

- -

- -

Give it up already.

You're too young to be throwing out your back, pipsqueak.

Your bow's impossible, no one can use it.

Not true. I can.

You wish.

You're huge, but it's not like you ever train.

I bet you've never even used this thing!

You've got a lot of nerve, don't you, boy?

I just don't want you to get slaughtered.

Mele, you're going to enter those Royal Games, aren't you?

Sure am.

It'll be no sweat.

But that Rosclay guy will be in Aureatia too.

And Toroa the Awful.

He's like the evil monster in a scary story.

You've got no chance of beating those two!

- - Don't be ridiculous.

I'm the strongest there is.

You're a lazy bum who naps all day.

Rosclay is definitely stronger than you!

Even if you don't think I can beat him,

you should root for me.

If I win, I'll be rich,

and we can repair the village from all those lightning strikes.

Even replace the watermill out west!

Somebody who's already spent their prize money is never gonna win.

Well... You should at least make sure nobody breaks your dumb bow!

You cheeky little pest.

That's enough.

You should be heading on home.

It'll be raining before long.

What? The sky's clear though.

You just can't see the clouds in the distance.

Looks like we'll have a storm again this year.

Hmm.

- -

There.

- -

All right then.

Time for bed.

- -

Look, we made it to Needle Forest!

Hey! Don't fall asleep.

We're right beside you.

It doesn't hurt much, does it?

Hey, Mele!

We brought Ilieh.

She says she wants to see you.

As if I could tell you brats apart.

Can't a guy rest in peace?

Shut up!

The reason we had to come so late is 'cause she doesn't have much time left.

Aren't you supposed to be her friend? You jerk!

Is this really goodbye?

Such weaklings.

Why aren't you minians built tougher?

- Mele... -

I'm so glad you're awake.

I, uh, couldn't sleep.

I was over here counting my beard hairs like they were sheep.

I wanted to say that...

- I'm grateful. -

Our time together was so much fun.

Is that right?

Glad you think so.

- - Well...

Seeing as how you're about to bite it...

Guess I'll grant your last request.

Go on. Speak up.

Thank you.

Then I... I wanna see the stars like before.

Oh, yeah?

One last ride on my shoulder?

I love this village and I love the stars.

They're just so pretty.

- -

If you like the stars, then I'll shoot down some.

Decorate your grave with them.

If anybody else wants to take in the view, now's your chance.

I wanna go!

Of course I do.

Take me too.

Yeah, I figured as much.

It'll look like the stars are close.

But you won't know if you can grab one unless you try!

Okay.

- - Hey, Dad.

Why is Mele going to the Royal Games?

Fair question.

The truth is Mele didn't choose to enter himself.

It was the people of the village who decided he'd compete.

They're making him go?