Map opening

Khadein is a free city.
It is not under the rule of any country, and is an independent country.
Under the ruling Archbishop are numerous high bishops, and the city is run with their co-operation.
However, because Archbishop Garnef joined forces with Durhua, in the previous war, the city was dragged into conflict and destruction.
After losing all the high bishops, Khadein was ruled by the newly elected Archbishop Wendel, who began the first steps along the road to reconstruction.
But, Wendel, in order to complete his mission from Gato, left Khadein in the care of two youths.
Marich and Ellerean…
They were both skilled youths, with high hopes placed on them.

Pre-battle

Ellerean:
Marich…
Our match is due.
Marich:
Wait, Ellerean!
Why must we fight?
We both studied under Master Wendel.
Why do you hate me so much?
Ellerean:
I became Master’s student before you, and I was stronger than you.
Yet he gave Excalibur, which should have been mine, to you.
Why, Marich?
Is it because you’re a noble of Aritia?
I was so angry.
I believed I was going to be Master’s successor…
Marich:
Is that it…?
I’m sorry, Ellerean, I will apologise to you.
However, I never once thought about succeeding Master.
I don’t hate Khadein, but I had already decided to return to my homeland upon finishing my studies.
At Aritia there is somebody that I wish to protect for my whole life…
So, that’s why Master Wendel’s successor can only be you.
Ellerean, please!
To reclaim Aritia, will you lend me your strength?
Ellerean:
Aritia!?
The country that betrayed the Akaneia Empire and, so, was invaded by them?
Why should I help them?
Our mage army has already sworn loyalty to Emperor Hardin.
Right…
So it was you…
It was you who brought the Aritian army here!
Marich:
No!!
It’s all a misunderstanding!
Ellerean:
Shut up, you traitor!!
I’m not going to listen to your lies anymore!
Will your Excalibur prevail, or will it be my Thoron?
Come! Let us find out!

Recruiting Ellerean

Wendel:
Ellerean! What are you doing?!!
Ellerean:
Oh, Master Wendel.
You’ve returned…
Wendel:
You still don’t understand my actions?
You are indeed a talented magician.
But you don’t have a caring heart, and that is why I didn’t pass on Excalibur to you.
Ellerean:
…
A caring heart…?
Wendel:
Before, I had already decided that, when the time was right, you would become my successor.
But what you’re doing now is betraying your own will…
How are you different from Garnef?
Ellerean:
You’re comparing me with the Demon King, Garnef?
Please, Master! That’s too much.
Wendel:
Listen to me…
Garnef and Miroa were both Gato’s most talented students.
But Gato saw that Garnef’s inner heart was weak, so he gave the Aura tome and Khadein to Miroa.
Driven mad by jealousy, Garnef stole the Dark Orb from Gato, and created the Maph spell.
As a result…
His heart was corrupted by the Dark Orb.
Originally Garnef was a youth with a strong sense of justice.
But his jealousy led him down the path of destruction.
Ellerean, do you understand now…?
Ellerean:
…Master…
Wendel:
That is all that I can say to you.
I hope you will understand.
You still have many things to learn, and your will is too weak.
Do you really intend on retreading Garnef’s path?
Ellerean:
…Master!
I’m really sorry, I… see my wrongs.
Please forgive me!
Wendel:
Ellerean, you should begin by letting your strength be used by others… Understood?

Versus Ellerean

Ellerean:
I will not lose to Marich.
His friends are my enemies.
Die! Thoron!!

Ellerean falls

Ellerean:
Master Wendel…

Chapter end

Gato:
Marth…
Can you hear me…?
Marth:
Ah, Gato!
Yes, I can hear you…
You’re using the power of magic to talk to me, right?
Gato:
Yes…
You summoned me?
I will share with you my strength.
What is it that you wish for?
Marth:
Gato!
There’s something I want you to tell me.
Why has Hardin changed so suddenly?
Also, what is the power that is protecting him?
Gato:
Hmm… that would be the Dark Orb.
The Dark Orb is what’s shielding Hardin…
Marth:
The Dark Orb?
What’s that?
Gato:
Hmmm… I guess I have no choice but to tell you.
In this world, there exists 5 sacred Orbs containing mysterious power.
Aside from the Light, Star and Earth Orbs that you have seen.
There is also the Life Orb and what is known as the…
Dark Orb.
The Dark Orb opposes the Light Orb, and it can greatly increase the strength of one’s mind.
It can give its owner courage, release them from suffering, and increase their ambitions and wishes.
And, during battles, it can control the enemy’s mind as well and prevent them from moving.
But, the Dark Orb is too dangerous for humans to use.
It will react with humans’ anger, disdain and jealousy causing them to increase tenfold.
Eventually it will destroy their soul and turn them into a monster.
I don’t know how Hardin obtained the Dark Orb.
But after that… His heart was consumed by darkness.
Marth:
How could that…
Why…?
Hardin shouldn’t be such a weak man.
He should be happy for being able to marry his beloved Nina.
Why should he be jealous…?
Gato:
Your highness…
Humans aren’t simple creatures…
But regardless, as long as Hardin has the Dark Orb you cannot win.
The only thing that can defeat the Dark Orb is the Light Orb.
If you want to defeat him, you must come to me to obtain it.
Marth:
Huh? Gato, really?
With the Light Orb we can save Hardin…?
Gato:
Hmm…
If his heart has not been completely consumed, perhaps he can be saved.
But that depends on whether Hardin is really as strong-willed as you say…
Marth:
Thanks, Gato!
Please allow me to borrow the Light Orb.
Gato:
Hmm, but I have one condition.
If you can reach the Ice Dragons’ Temple, where I am, I will hand over the Light Orb to you.
But, that won’t be an easy task.
There has only been one human that has ever made it here.
That’s right… The hero Anri.
If you, like Anri, are a true hero, I will lend you the Orb.
Well, Marth.
Do you have the courage to challenge Anri’s Way?
Marth:
Yes! Of course!!
Please let me go there!
I must obtain that Light Orb!
Gato:
Then, first head directly north, across the Marmotord Desert, and then come to Thebes Tower.
I will have somebody meet you there.
Marth:
Okay, I understand.
I’ll be there for sure!!