Radiant

Monsters called Nemesis bring disaster.

The only ones who can fight these dangerous foes are the sorcerers.

However, the sorcerers are considered tainted beings and feared by most.

The bell!

I-Impossible!

Th-That's... Sixth Street.

Th-The armory...

The iron foundry...

The Inquisition Headquarters!

Th-The castle I built from the ground up!

Wh-Why?

Why did this happen?!

What do you think you're doing? Damn you!

Why don't I tell you a little story, then?

A sad, sad story of the past...

With Fists Like Shooting Stars -Burst-

"With Fists Like Shooting Stars."

Just about fifteen years ago,

the Inquisition took custody of some infected children

and devised a plan to make them into soldiers to fight the Nemesis.

Poucet, Hans, and Gretta...

The children were named the Defense Force,

received a warm welcome from the people of Rumble Town,

and were then thrown into the prison with heinous criminals and illegal immigrants.

Every day spent in that prison was hell,

but still, the children encouraged one another

and tried their best to live.

Then, one day...

Get out of here, Defense Force!

We don't need any sorcerers!

Get rid of those tainted brats!

Get rid of the infected!

I'm scared.

Get rid of the infected!

I-It'll be okay.

Get out of here, sorcerers!

Why do we have to go through this?

Get out of here, sorcerers!

Because we're monsters?

You kids aren't monsters.

Pay no attention to the yelling outside.

They'll get tired and stop soon.

Or if their shouting still bothers you, just do this.

You're really bad at that.

You suck! You suck!

Who are you?

My name is Oxumare.

And, here. You can have this.

Music is a great thing.

Even across different languages and cultures,

a beautiful melody will soothe the heart.

Someday, you kids will find someone to make music with you, too.

So you'd better start practicing now.

Go on, try it out.

O-Okay.

Huh?

You're about as bad at it as I am!

Oxumare's presence changed the mood in the prison, even if only a little.

But...

There was someone who didn't like the change.

Hey...

Someone gives you candy, and that's all it takes to make you fold.

You really are just like animals.

No, even less than that... You're monsters.

Just the sight of you sickens me.

Go cower in the corner of the cell, you animals.

Or else...

What's going on?

Nothing, Major Oxumare.

I was only warning them to be quiet at night.

You are Konrad, correct?

Why do you have that crossbow?

It's for self-defense in the event of an emergency, sir.

I've heard that your attitude toward immigrants and these children is problematic.

But Konrad, these children are human, just like you and me.

You say I am the same as immigrants and the infected?

Exactly.

Your inability to accept people who aren't like you is what makes you weak.

I am... weak?

Is there a problem?

No, sir. I'll be going now.

Then, that night...

That man, calling himself an ally, opened the cell

and let the children escape.

But the children were too young and naïve

to realize that this was Konrad's dirty scheme.

Awaiting the children was a hell worse than what they'd faced in the prison.

Konrad had already spread word that the Defense Force had escaped,

inciting terror in the people of the town

and instantly turning their thoughts to manslaughter.

When Oxumare came to help...

Move!

...the children had already changed.

When I was thrown back into the cell after losing my friends,

Oxumare gently took hold of me and mourned their deaths with me.

I swear I'll protect you.

But that man even looked upon that with hatred in his eyes.

Konrad had already begun forming a devilish plan.

Then, one day, some time after the breakout incident,

the thunderous roar of a sudden end...

echoed from the sky.

I-It's a Nemesis!

Help!

Run!

To the command center!

A sudden attack by a Nemesis sent Rumble Town into a state of panic.

Major, we've confirmed the appearance of multiple Nemesis.

What shall we do?

The safety of the citizens comes first.

Begin evacuation procedures.

Then should we not house the residents of Thirteenth Street here for now?

What? This is a prison!

But it would be much safer than exposing them to the Nemesis outside.

I also request permission to deploy the Defense Force.

Don't be ridiculous! She's just a child!

I cannot approve such an order!

But, sir, she is the only one who can fight the Nemesis.

If you are concerned,

perhaps you should personally take command of the Defense Force?

Major, there is no time!

Please, for the sake of our people, we need your decision!

Very well. I'll put you in charge of evacuating the citizens.

Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!

I'm sorry.

We need your power right now.

Would you please help us?

Major!

The Echo Nemesis are getting closer!

Requesting immediate orders!

All right.

Please, come.

There's nothing to worry about.

I will protect you myself.

It's my duty as an adult.

Major, I'll need you to step down now.

K-Konrad...

You bastard!

No!

Mister! Mister!

The major...

Konrad, have you lost your mind?!

Forgive me, my friend...

But I do this for the sake of this town's future.

Now, then...

Shall I have the monster die fighting the other monsters?

Or perhaps...

Run! Quickly!

What are you doing?!

Go now!

The brat!

Damn you! Just die already!

Poucet... Hans... Gretta...

Mister...

No more... What am I supposed to do?

Where am I supposed to go?

Music is a great thing.

Even across different languages and cultures,

a beautiful melody will soothe the heart.

Someday, you kids will find someone to make music with you, too.