Chapter 8: Soulful Bridge



Map opening

Soon after reclaiming Raman Temple, Marth was pursued by Akaneia’s army and headed towards Cashmere Bridge to escape.
However, after easily reaching the central islet, the Aritian army was attacked by a new foe.
“Akaneia’s army is approaching from the north.
If this continues we’ll become surrounded.”
There’s no way to go!
Can Marth and the others safely overcome this danger?

Pre-battle

Kain:
Your highness, you’re safe!
Marth:
Kain!
You’re safe as well?
Kain:
Mmm, I had to break through the enemy to get here.
But, they have already secured the northern bridge now.
Marth:
It doesn’t matter.
We’ll crush them.
Kain:
No, that’s not possible.
Hardin is being protected by a mysterious power.
We can’t touch him.
Basically, if we fight now we can’t hope to win.
You should head towards the north western fort and escape by ship to the Khadein desert.
Jeigan:
Your highness, the mercenaries towards the south are beginning to move out.
This truly isn’t the time to fight.
We should do what Kain says, and escape to the Khadein desert.
Afterwards, we can formulate a new plan…
Marth:
Really…?
Even though it’s regrettable, that’s our only choice…
Troops, we will march to the north western fort!

Turn 6 (Enemy phase)

Hardin:
Hahaha…
Prince Marth, it’s been a while.
Marth:
Hardin…
Why did you attack my country?
Why did you do it?
Even now I am still in disbelief.
Have you really changed?
Hardin:
Your highness, I am the Emperor of Akaneia, ruler of this world.
I cannot allow those who oppose me to go unpunished.
And that includes you, Prince Marth…
This disgusting world must be destroyed…
Everything in it is a mistake.
Rebels, this game is over.
You will all die here.
Troops, charge!
Slay the traitors without remorse!!

Villages

Auntie:
It seems the relations between two archers should be good.

Recruiting Banutu

Banutu:
Oh, Prince Marth.
It’s been a while since we met.
There seems to be some commotion outside.
What’s going on?
Marth:
Ah, Banutu!
I didn’t expect to meet you here.
How is Chiki?
Banutu:
That child isn’t with me anymore.
Gato took her back to the Ice Dragons’ Temple.
Marth:
Ice Dragons’ Temple?
What kind of place is it?
I’ve never heard of it.
Banutu:
It’s located in the northern icelands.
However no normal person can reach there.
Besides the hero Anri, no human has ever visited it.
Marth:
Anri!?
Then, could that place be the
“Land of Gods”
as described in the legends of Anri?
Banutu:
I’ve said all that I can say.
If you want to learn more, you’ll have to ask Gato.
Actually, could you listen to a request of mine?
My precious Fire Dragonstone was stolen by thieves.
If you can recover it for me, I will help you as best as I can.
Thank you, Prince Marth.

Recruiting George

Gordon:
Mister George!
Please wait a second!
George:
Huh? …Gordon?
Long time no see.
You appear stronger, but has your archery improved?
Gordon:
Yes, right now…
I am recognised as the finest archer of Aritia.
It was all thanks to you, Mister George, that I could become this strong.
George:
So?
Did you come all the way here so that you could duel with me?
Gordon:
Wh-what? Of course not!
This might sound silly but…
Can you come along with us again?
George:
…..
Gordon:
Please!
Mister George!!
George:
I already swore an oath to Nina, but I can’t stand Hardin.
He used his might to threaten other countries, and executed anybody who opposed him without question.
Akaneia’s army right now is just a bunch of paid savages, with no dignity of a knight.
I will draw my bow against my own country, to bring back the Kingdom of Akaneia of old.
Gordon, I hope you can pass on my thoughts to Prince Marth.
Gordon:
Thank you, Mister George!!

Versus George

George:
If you hadn’t gotten so close you wouldn’t have needed to die.
Pitiful fools…

George falls

George:
They’re such fools…

Versus Astria

Astria:
You foul traitors!
Taste the might of my Miracle Sword!

Astria falls

Astria:
Midia…

Versus Hardin

Hardin:
Rebels…
Did you come here to get yourselves killed?
I’ll show you to fear my Gradius!!

Chapter end

Jeigan:
Your highness, please hurry.
The pursuers have already arrived.
Marth:
But, everybody is still fighting.
I can’t just leave them.
Jeigan:
Don’t worry, they will all escape safely.
We will all meet up at Khadein.
Well, your highness, please get onboard the ship!