Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World

There is a strange force that slumbers

within this planet called astral power.

It is too strong for most humanity to wield.

There are some who can harness this energy.

As a result, they are feared as witches or mages.

Persecuted by those in the Empire.

The Empire is home to many who have been harmed

by this extraordinary power.

And bordering it is a paradise ruled by

the innocent witches, the Nebulis Sovereignty.

These two nations are pitted against one another.

In a conflict that seems endless.

I'm going to bring this war to a close.

I will establish a land that is free of oppression.

And so, the crusade that will change our

world now begins.

You're wearing an armband.

Stay back!

Why would a Saint Disciple free me?

Quick. Come with me.

Take this. It's not much.

You have to run.

Raise your head.

Prisoner Iska. Age 16.

The youngest person in history to be granted

the title of Saint Disciple, and yet,

a year ago you were caught aiding

an imprisoned witch in escaping.

As such, you were stripped of your ranking.

Is that all correct?

Yes.

Today, you're being released from

this facility.

Our nation has been at war with the witches

for a hundred years.

Your crime was a treasonous one.

However.

We are providing you with an opportunity

to correct your mistake.

We have a mission for you.

Our longtime witch enemies now call themselves

astral mages.

You will be taking one of them down.

But not just any witch.

She is a direct descendant of the Grand Witch Nebulis.

Nebulis was responsible for turning our

Empire into a sea of flames in the past.

Her descendants are called "purebreds."

These foes harbor terrible astral power.

That's true.

I've battled against them many times.

Your target is the fiercest among them.

The "Ice Calamity Witch."

The "Ice Calamity Witch."

Iska. Successor of the Black Steel.

For the time being, you are free.

You will find a transit vehicle waiting to take you

to the frontlines in 17 hours.

We will provide any resources you may require.

There're three members I'd like in my unit.

Hey, Nene, what table do you want me to sit at?

We haven't gotten our order yet, Nene.

Did you put it in?

Nene!

I heard you!

Just give me a second.

Welcome, sir!

Jhin?

This is wonderful!

Did you come just to say hi?

It hasn't been that long since I saw you.

I have news.

He's been released. Make your preparations.

Wait, you don't mean that...

I do.

At zero hundred, we'll be heading to the front lines.

You're for real? The front?

Just like the morning sun, the night sky

didn't change over the last year.

It's four minutes and 30 seconds until we're set

to leave.

Jhin!

Thanks for getting a hold of everyone earlier.

It was a big help.

I'm accustomed to you giving me short notice.

Iska! I can't believe you're here!

Congratulations!

Nene, you don't have to literally jump for joy.

Oh! I think I saw the captain.

Hey! We're here!

You guys!

I'm so sorry I'm late!

That looked like it hurt.

Some things never change.

Look at you, Iska!

It's been such a long time!

Wow. I think you've grown even taller.

So, we're just ignoring that you fell.

You think?

I guess a girl like me has no hope of ever

getting any bigger.

What do you mean by "girl"?

You're too old to call yourself that.

Hey! What are you talking about? I'm only 22, you jerk!

Still, it is good to see you all!

I bet Iska's the same sweet boy he always was.

While Nene has somehow grown even prettier.

And, of course, Jhin's sharp tongue brings back

some fun memories.

My what?

Anyhow...

Defense for Humankind. Third Division.

Unit N07 is back!

Aw, yeah. Off we go!

Okay, so spill.

What kind of mission are we on this time?

Witch suppression.

That's the only thing our unit ever handles.

This job could give us some trouble.

She's a descendent of the Grand Witch.

A purebred.

You're kidding.

You've heard of the Ice Calamity Witch,

haven't you, boss?

Huh?! That's who we're after?

Uh, Iska. Is that the truth?

Yes.

Apparently the reason I was released was so I could

capture this Ice Calamity Witch.

Oh, dear.

It sounds like the Eight Great Apostles set you up.

How do you mean?

If I remember correctly,

she first appeared at the front in Yubel.

She broke through the northern line and ravaged

our troops by herself.

And that was just the beginning.

Some are saying she's the most powerful astral mage

who ever lived.

Yes.

But she doesn't know what Iska is capable of.

You're unknown.

The Nebulis Sovereignty should have no intel

on your life.

In their eyes, you don't even register as a threat.

That's right!

Iska was imprisoned right after he became a Saint Disciple.

Correct. Which means...

Their guards will be down.

The bigwigs are probably counting on that.

But still.

Relying on you after throwing you in prison?

This mage must have spooked them,

and they've gotten desperate.

It's all starting to make sense.

So, Iska.

You're really going to try to catch her?

Obviously.

It's my chance to stay free.

So if you fail the mission, you'll go back?

I'm trying not to even consider that.

I'd rather focus on putting an end to this hopeless war.

It's all I can think about.

Not only right now.

It's why I acted a year ago, too.

This weapons reactor appears to be brand new.

Yeah, I think you're right.

It's kinda strange.

They have such a huge reactor, but not many troops deployed.

Oh. I bet--

Did you guys miss me?

Whoa, that was loud!

Nene, don't surprise us like that.

The transport is all checked in. We're good.

Oh, and see that tent?

I spotted the commanding officer in there.

Word is the reactor's not finished yet.

Since there've been so many astral mage strikes lately,

most of the troops are busy defending the front

instead of finishing projects here.

I figured.

That's the reason the place seems like it's pretty deserted.

I could tell something was off.

The reactor is shaking way too much when it's up

and going.

And there's a lot of rumbling in its operating hum.

Spoken like a top-notch engineer.

That's our Nene.

Also, check out the exhaust vent.

The steam is the wrong color and smell.

The pressure unit is running, but the control ring

is just about at its threshold--

What a vicious cycle. The Empire builds a reactor.

Then the Sovereignty shows up in force to destroy it.

So we build more weapons.

The same sequence has repeated for a hundred years.

Isn't that what Master was always saying?

Whatever has triggered this war--

It's now being fueled by blind fanaticism and emotions.

It's not going to be stopped by logic alone.