"Lowly Demi!" With crack after crack, Idol Rabier swung his whip at Raphtalia, who took each hit as if it were nothing. Sleeves tore, and bruises formed, and yet, Raphtalia kept her approach up.

And then, when she got close enough, a single swing was all it took to knock the whip out of the filthy hands of Rabier. The fat man was knocked down, immediately crawling back, fear coating his every action, his every word.

"W-wait, please don't!" He begged, flinching when a serrated sword tip was pointed under his chin.

"S-Spare me!" He stammered. After a moment of consideration, Raphtalia's sword began to tremble.

"So many Demi-humans begged for their lives just like that, but you..." You noticed a tear run down Raphtalia's cheek.

"W-wait! You lot would've died like dogs in the wild if I hadn't taken you in back then!" Rabier tried to reason with Raphtalia, to no avail.

"Shut your mouth!" She ordered, drawing a squeak of fear from the lord.

"Do... do you really think I've forgotten the atrocities you've committed?" Raphtalia raised her trembling sword. This wasn't fear causing the blade to tremble... this was a rage only present when facing down the root of your troubles. This was the same rage Naofumi shows towards Malty, the same rage you felt when striking down a furious orphan, alone on a desolate beach, in the depths of a fishing hamlet...

"I haven't! I could never forget!" Raphtalia screamed, causing Rabier to back up even more.

"I-I was wrong!" He actually got to his hands and knees, groveling.

"I'll apologize! I'm sorry!" He shouted. You grit your teeth, stepping forward.

"You..." You sheathed your weapon, a sneer crossing your face.

"Y/n..." Raphtalia lowered her blade as you got closer to Rabier, fists clenched.

"When faced by one you have abused, with friends you have killed... all you have to say is some pitiful apologies..." You lifted your foot back, about to kick Rabier, before lowering your foot.

"You truly are the lowest scum of them all... lower than a cockroach's dick!" You lifted your foot again, kicking the lord. He rolled a few times, screaming in pain.

"Y/n..." you looked at Raphtalia, who lowered her sword.

"Oh, my apologies." You took the brim of your hat, covering your eyes.

"I simply detest a coward that's only sorry about getting caught. I almost forgot that he's yours to kill." You stated, walking over.

"Kill? Y/n, what are you doing?" Naofumi asked.

"What does it look like, Naofumi? The saying goes 'An Eye for an Eye,' correct?" You asked.

"An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind!" Naofumi insisted.

"Let him learn his lesson and move on!" He continued.

"Learn? Learn his lesson?" You looked at Naofumi, picking up the lord by his shirt.

"Do you honestly believe scumbags like this are capable of learning their lesson!?" You shook the lord, drawing fearful gasps with each shake.

"Yes, I do! Vengeance isn't a reason to kill!" Naofumi answered.

"And yet you use vengeance as reason to spite the King, despite Melty offering to act as a peacekeeper between you two!" You countered. When Naofumi didn't answer, you sighed.

"Filth doesn't learn, Naofumi. Filth will simply say what needs to be said, and continue their ways as soon as you turn your back. That's why garbage must always be taken out." You hoisted the frightened lord towards Raphtalia, who looked at him with uncertainty.

"Do whatever you wish, Raphtalia. His life is in your hands. But be aware..." Raphtalia turned her eyes to look into yours as you spoke.

"You will certainly be better than him if you dirty your hands to rid the world of those like him." You told her.

"Naofumi, convince her all you want. You'll learn the futility of it eventually." You told the shield hero, walking towards the hole in the wall that Filo made.

"... Raphtalia..." Naofumi looked at you with an uncertain gaze, before turning to your apprentice.

"...will killing him help give you closure?" He asked.

"It's not just in the sword. You've grown stronger in several ways." He stated. Raphtalia stopped, clearly disputed. It was either her master, who trained and cared for her, or the shield hero, who protected her and healed her with his medicine.

"Y/n... I'm sorry." She muttered. You sighed, shaking your head.

"I will never forgive you, nor will I ever forget your devious actions..." Raphtalia swallowed, before sheathing her sword.

"But if I kill you now, you won't be able to live with the sins you bear. You wouldn't be able to atone." She stated.

"Confounded..." you heard Idol mutter. On instinct, you flicked your wrist, the Chikage appearing in it.

"Curse you!" Rabier stood, drawing a long sword to swing at Raphtalia.

"Demi's like you don't deserve to li-" he never finished his sentence before lurching forward in surprise.

"Y/n..." Raphtalia muttered your name in surprise at your speed. From Rabier's back, the blade of the Chikage dripped with his blood.

"I tried to tell you the truth of scum like this, yet you refused to hear me." You told Raphtalia. With a gurgling cry from Rabier, you twisted the blade of the Chikage, before pulling it out of his abdomen.

Blood dripped from his mouth and stomach as he tumbled backwards, against a window. The glass cracked from the weights before the shutters opened, allowing him to plunge.

"Idol!" You heard a guard shout outside.

"Lord Idol is dead! Retreat!" Another announced.

"Raphtalia, are you okay?" Naofumi walked to his companion, who stared at you, still shocked. Blood spattered against the carpet as you flicked your blade, sheathing it.

"I tried to tell you. I really did." You lamented.

"Y/n, stop it." Naofumi told you. You simply narrowed your eyes at him, before stopping yourself.

"I won't pursue an argument over this. Time is of the essence, and we can't afford to fight." You stated.

"You guys..." you looked up at the open chamber doors, where a beaten up Reichnott stood, holding his arm.

"You saved me. Thank you." He told you.

"Reichnott!" Melty ran to her friend, concerned.

"How much did they hurt you?" Without waiting for an answer, she held her hand out, which began to glow.

"First Aqua Heal..." with a blue light, Reichnott bruises began to fade.

"I suggest we use this time to run." Reichnott stretched out his arm.

"I agree, but there's something important to do first." You looked at Raphtalia, who got over her shock to nod.

It was a short journey to the courtyard, where Raphtalia led the group on a detour to a set of stairs leading underground.

"Idol kept his Demihuman slaves here, underground, and tortured them." Raphtalia revealed.

"How do you know that?" Reichnott asked, curious.

"Isn't it obvious?" You responded, looking into the darkness below.

"Raphtalia was one of them." Reichnott's eyes widened in surprise as Melty turned her face down, saddened.

"It's.. not too late to turn back, you know." Naofumi offered.

"No, I have to." Raphtalia insisted.

And with those fateful words, she began the descent into the dungeon she once lived in.

The place smelled of death and decay everywhere you turned. So many children, imprisoned here and whipped, starved... killed.

As the others went on, you stopped at the first cell, entering the barred doors. In silence, you kneeled against the ground, offering your utmost respect and sympathy to the souls that were kept here, and the lives that faded in this cell.

One by one, cell by cell, an Elder God, a being of cosmic power, bowed his head to the poor, pathetic beings that were kept here.

And then, one by one, souls that survived were uncovered. Demihuman slaves that to this day endured the endless torture, freed and held in warm arms as healing magic was used to remedy the pain.

But not even Keel, a Wolf demihuman from Raphtalia's happiest days, could remedy the pain from Raphtalia's heart when she found Rifana, her closest friend from those very same days...

...

...as a pile of bones, resting on the floor.

You held Raphtalia's shaking shoulders as she sobbed uncontrollably at the dreadful sight. You wouldn't dare force her mind to calm down. No amount of shrouds or veils laid upon her would change the reality before her. No amount of sedative would ease the pain of her lost friend.

"...stay here all you need, Raphtalia." You told the demihuman.

"I will await you outside. It's not my right to bless those who are strong enough to stand beside you." You stood, turning to face everyone else, who stood at the cells door. Without a word, you stepped through the dungeon, the silence of the dead weighing on your heart like never before.

When the others joined you, the dull mood was still hanging in the air. Raphtalia was carrying a tied sack, likely containing the remains of her friend. Reichnott, trying to be an optimist, caught sound of the shouting from demihumans outside of the gate.

"Hey, what's the noise?" He asked.

"Demihumans from your domain have been trying to storm the place. You should see them and tell them you're okay." Naofumi suggested.

"I see. That I will do." Reichnott promised. Just as he said that, blue light began to flash across the courtyard, emanating from an obelisk.

"Um... what is that?" Filo asked. You looked to the base of the obelisk, where a very bloody Idol Rabier was still alive, clutching his three heroes rosary as he chanted.

"That's guy's still alive?" Naofumi asked in surprise.

"That may be the least of our worries." You pointed out. The bottom of the obelisk began to glow a bright yellow, which quickly shifted into a sort of symbol, something of a magic circle.

"Wait, don't tell me..." Reichnott certainly recognized this, something Naofumi caught on to.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Past heroes built that stone monument to seal away a monster. Is he trying to release that seal!?" As he said this, the glyphs surrounding the obelisk dissolved into nothing as the ground around him cracked, before going up in a shower of light. Rabier began to shout in victory, before a massive, reptilian foot came out, immediately crushing him. An unfitting end for a piece of shit like him.

When the light finally died down, you could only furrow your brows in concern at the beast in front of you.

"That's a T-Rex." You stated.

"A what?" Raphtalia asked. True to your word, this massive beast was just a dark colored Tyrannosaurus Rex, covered with spines and bearing very sharp teeth. The beast wasted no time, immediately roaring, and turning to the first thing that moved, a fleeing guard. Simply it's movement led to its tail brushing against a building, leaving a dug out scar.

"This place is done for. We're leaving!" Naofumi shouted.

"Understood." With the command, the entire party turned tail, bolting away. When considerable distance had been gained, a corner was turned, where the party stopped for a moment to catch their breath.

"Is everyone okay?" Naofumi asked, no doubt referring to the freed slaves Filo and Reichnott were carrying.

"Yes, surprisingly." Reichnott remarked.

"That rotten noble!" Melty cursed.

"To think he would release that thing just to get at Naofumi!" She continued.

"No use worrying now. If any-" Your remark was interrupted by a loud boom, as air rushed behind you.

"What? How'd it find us so fast!?" Naofumi asked, shocked. You turned around, and true to Naofumi's question, the dinosaur was peering over a destroyed building, it's red eyes gazing at the group.

"You... stupid-" with a rush of air, Filo took off at the beast, thankfully without the slave children on her back. With a mighty leap, Filo unleashed a powerful kick to the head of the beast, while Naofumi changed his shield.

"You're going to fight here?" Melty asked in disbelief.

"No. We have to draw it out of the town first. Then we'll fight." Naofumi told her.

"As for how... I believe Filo may have that under control." You remarked. Looking at Filo's stomach led you to notice a purple glow, remarkably similar to the crystal she swallowed from the zombie dragon Naofumi defeated. Similarly, the beast had a purple glow in its stomach as well. Thankfully, you weren't the only one to notice this.

"I see. Then she can lure it out of town!" Naofumi realized.

"Reichnott. Take the children to safety." You requested.

"Will do." The lord responded.

"Raphtalia, say goodbye to Keel for now." You told her.

"Yes, just a moment..." She nodded.

"Filo!" Naofumi shouted.

"Alright!" With a mighty bound, Filo shifted her course to land in front of you all, and once again, the party all mounted in their usual ways. And then the command was given to go.

Wind rushed past your ears as Filo made leap after leap, jumping down mountains and through the domain of the late Idol Rabier, down a linear path that the beast followed perfectly, reducing any building in its way to rubble without so much as a pause.

"That things really locked into Filo." You noted.

"Yeah..." Naofumi agreed.

"How far are we going?" Filo asked, still running at full speed.

"As far as possible." Was the answer. And so, the last town was passed through, and Filo's running never ceased, until the trees ended with a burst, revealing a massive lake.

"This place will do." Naofumi confirmed. With a skid, Filo stopped, and everyone dismounted. Weapons were drawn, and magic prepped.

"Is everyone ready?" Naofumi asked. You simply crossed your arms, preparing your throat.

"I hardly see preparations as needed." You answered.

"Excuse me?" Naofumi looked at you shocked, before Raphtalia gasped.

"Naofumi, your Teardrop shield!" She shouted. You smirked, spreading your arms towards the coming vibrations of the ground.

"Indeed. Grant the others cover, Naofumi, then strike when I am out of commission." You told him.

"I see." Naofumi's shield morphed into his glassy one, which he hefted in front of the three ladies.

"Wait, what is-" Melty's question was answered as the beast ripped through the trees, and towards Filo.

"...heh... your time is up." With the line, you threw your head back and shouted out. A guttural scream, the very same one you used against the hags of the deranged town.

When it reached the ears of the beast, blood sprayed from all of it's orifices, and it slowed to a halt, clearly unexpecting of the sudden pain.

"And now... Filo." You let out, falling to your knees.

"Roger!" But before she could....

"Wait." Filo stopped short at Naofumi's command.

"What is it?" Filo asked. That question was answered as a dense fog began to roll in from the trees. You fell to the ground completely, paralyzed as the fog covered everything in sight.

"Y/n!" Raphtalia knelt down to pick you up. As she did so, you heard heavy footsteps. Hundreds of footsteps, all approaching.

"Filolials!" Melty cried out. From the mist, hundreds of the birds of every imaginable color burst out, forming a ring around you and the beast.

"What the hell!?" Naofumi looked around, shocked at the sight. So many, in such neat formation...

"You, of cursed blood... what brings you here?" An unknown, female voice echoed throughout the mist, putting everyone on alert.

"Who's there!?" Naofumi shouted out in surprise. In response, the winds and waves picked up, as the water of the lake surged into a sky high geyser, and from it, the single largest Filolial you had ever seen descended, landing on the ground with a mighty rumble.

When you say this thing was large, you meant it. This Filolial dwarfed even the beat you now faced.

"This beast, once thought immortal, now reduced to shreds of life. You impress me, being of cursed blood." The filolial spoke again, lifting her clawed foot over the head of the beast. With one press, she crushed the skull, ending the beast and extinguishing the glow within its chest. From it, she took a massive glowing crystal, much like the one Filo had.

With that business concluded, the being turned towards the party, her gaze landing on Naofumi.

"You are the Shield Hero, I take it?" She asked.

"Yes." Naofumi confirmed.

"I see. I have many things I wish to discuss with you. But first..." The filolial's body began to glow with a bright light, shrinking down to a more human size. The glow then faded, revealing an elegant young looking girl, with wings much like Filo. White hair complimented pink eyes, with an intricate dress covering her body, and wings just as white as the feathers of her filolial body.

"I am known as the queen of all Filolials across this world... Fitoria." She stated. You felt your arms begin to regain their feeling, gripping Raphtalia's shoulder as she helped you up.

"Fitoria... you're her?" Melty asked in amazement.

"You know the name?" Naofumi asked.

"Yeah, legends from centuries ago tell of a hero of the time who raised a filolial. Her name is legendary." Melty told him.

"So, this is that same filolial..." You stated.

"Indeed. And now that I have introduced myself, it is only correct that you all do the same." Fitoria instructed.

"Iwatani Naofumi." Naofumi was first, elbowing Raphtalia to go next.

"I'm Raphtalia." She told Fitoria.

"Oh, I'm Melty Melromarc." Melty told Fitoria.

"Yes, I remember that from before. Mel it is." Fitoria stated.

"Eh? Mel?" Before Melty could go into detail, you cleated your throat.

"And I am Y/n L/n." You told the filolial queen.

"You said you wanted to talk to me?" Naofumi asked.

"Yes, but it is a long story, and this place is not suitable, as is... someone here." Fitoria turned her judgmental gaze upon you.

"Pardon?" You finally got the strength to stand again, as Fitoria shot you a disgruntled look.

"Your cursed being is not welcome where I am to take the rest of this party. If you wish, I can send you anywhere you want. But you may not be here." She told you.

"Is that so? Well then... however, she comes with me." You pointed at Melty, who looked somewhat worried.

"Don't worry Y/n. I'll keep her safe." Naofumi promised.

"Just... meet us when you can." He told you. You sighed, shaking your head.

"Very well. Do not allow harm upon the princess." You warned. As Naofumi nodded, your body began to glow with a bright light, dissolving into mist.

"Farewell, you of cursed blood." Fitoria told you. Before anything else could be said, you were gone, your body sent away. For now, you would simply reside in the dream.

Daylight guided the Bow and Sword heroes as they traversed a mountainside, approaching a cave.

"I'm concerned how we found nothing on this Paleblood deity." Itsuki mentioned.