After three minutes…

Hourglass shattered just now. Dance over. Exit stage left. Break time!

Well… it should be! But then, it looks like Anna and I aren’t out of this yet. She and Saint Alyssa still stand on opposite ends, weapons in hand. As for me… my ass is still on the floor, blood in my mouth. I’d get up and say something, but the tension in the air is so thick that it’s almost… suffocating. .

Much to my relief (and Anna’s too, I bet!), the massive fucking claymores in Saint Alyssa’s grasp, vanish into the ether. Upon seeing that, I know for sure that’s actually finally fucking over. Thank fucking Rinnah!

“When the Ecclesiarch informed me of your… situation, I was most intrigued,” Saint Alyssa states gently, placing her hands together before her and bowing gracefully. “I’m sorry if I went too far… it’s been a while since I’ve had a proper chance to do so.”

“I’m always happy to help…” I say, smiling wryly at her while Anna helps me up. “It’s also been a while for me too, actually. Thanks for that.”

“That said… you wield the magic of the Devatas. How is that possible?”

“How else, my Lady? I learned it from you. Well, kinda? It’s a little… complicated.”

“The Saint Alyssa of your timeline, I presume.”

“Yeah.”

“I would ask more regarding the how and the why of it… but perhaps there is no need.”

“Why not?”

“From our dance, fleeting it was… I understand enough. You’re a Hero. Just as I was back in my day. Like all of us who’ve walked this path before you, like everyone else who’ll walk this path of ours after… you’re doom-driven.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Indeed. And I should aid you once more, yes? You and the Paladin sworn to be your sword and shield have proven yourselves worthy. More than worthy,” Saint Alyssa adds, bowing gracefully to Anna and me. “We didn’t hold back, and yet, here the two of you stand.”

“Yup. It was a pleasure,” I answer with a cheeky grin. “Right, Anna?”

“Umm…” Anna answers sheepishly, hand upon her cheek as she smiles sweetly at Saint Alyssa. “Yes, it was indeed!”

“Truly! To you, Paladin… I bestow the Holy Grail.”

“Ahh…”

The Holy Grail vanishes from the altar in a brilliant flash of light, re-materialising in Anna’s hands. It’s pretty and rustic, and it bears the wisdom, courage and strength that embodies the Paladin’s soul. That’s what the Order of Selene says!

Stolen story; please report.

“Oh my…!” Anna exclaims as she fumbles with the Holy Grail. “Umm…”

“You’ve earned it!” I declare playfully as I give her a round of applause, before moving in to pat her on her head, slowly ruffling her hair with my fingers. “And you’ve earned this as well.”

“Arisa…”

“With you and me around… nothing can ever stop us, ever!”

“Yup! Never ever!”

“Hell yeah!”

“As for you, Healer…” Saint Alyssa says, prompting us to look at her. “The Blessed Rosary will do you no good. And neither will Aura Blade, for you have already mastered it. Rather, I shall bestow upon you something else.”

In my hands, a medium-sized silver coffer adorned with diamonds materialises. It’s surprisingly light, and whatever’s inside… emanates a ton of Mana.

“You’re powerful enough to use the vestments that slumber within this chest,” Saint Alyssa adds warmly. “May they serve you well in the days to come.”

Boy, oh boy! Robes! I’d open the coffer right now and try them on, but… maybe now isn’t the best time for that. Since, y’know… I’m all bloody and sweaty, filthy… yeah. That and… stripping butt-naked in this sacred Dungeon doesn’t feel like a good idea. Just a hunch, y’know?

“Return to the Chantry, triumphant in your victory…” Saint Alyssa adds, bowing gracefully as her ethereal form fades back into the fabric of reality. “The Ecclesiarch awaits your return. As for myself… I shall take my rest. It is rather tiring, exerting oneself like this...”

“Wait!” I exclaim, causing both Anna and Saint Alyssa to look at me, the latter phasing back into reality as well. “I’ve one more question for ya, if you don’t mind!”

“Oh? Do speak freely, Hero. You’ve more than earned your right to ask me anything.”

“Yeah! You said you’re aware of my situation, right?” I ask earnestly, smiling as warmly and sweetly as I can. And uh… y’know, we could use some help with killing the Demon Lord.”

“You want me to join you on your Prophecy?” Saint Alyssa asks innocently. “Is that it, Hero?”

“Exactly! You’re really fucking strong. If you team up with Anna and me for this Prophecy of mine… I’m sure the Demon Lord’s done for!”

For a moment, I notice Saint Alyssa’s ethereal form quiver a little. Like she’s… laughing!? I don’t think I was joking, but maybe it’s because of the way I pitched my offer. Either way, much to my dismay, she shakes her head.

“Unfortunately, Arcadia is beyond my reach. Such is the nature of the seal placed upon the Land of Demons, that none of this world may enter. I’d wager that’s why the Oracle sought a Hero from another world.”

“Well, shit,” I state disappointedly. “Oh well. Was worth a shot, anyhow.”

“But umm… Arisa said I was able to join her in Arcadia, back in the previous timeline she was from…” Anna wonders out loud. “Why is that the case, Miss Alcadeias?”

“I’m not certain of the exact reason. But if I had to offer a theory…” Saint Alyssa answers as her ethereal gaze falls upon Anna, causing her to look away shyly. “It’s because you are her Paladin. Your fates are entwined, for better or worse.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Miss Alcadeias,” Anna says dutifully, taking a moment to smile at me. “I’m Arisa’s Paladin, now and forever.”

“Indeed. Together, I believe you will prevail. Even if I can’t be completely certain.”

“I’ll do my best, Miss Alcadeias!”

Saint Alyssa nods.

“To be able to travel Nisha on an adventure together… I envy the both of you,” Saint Alyssa adds wistfully, bowing gracefully one final time as her ethereal form fades away. “Cherish these memories of yours, to the end of days. Fare thee well.”

“Farewell, Lady Alcadeias,” I say, nodding solemnly as the shimmering wisps of light where Saint Alyssa once stood, disappear into the air. “Thanks for everything.”

“Goodbye, Miss Alcadeias!” Anna exclaims, waving enthusiastically. “I promise I’ll keep Arisa safe and out of trouble!”

With that, we’re done! We got what we came for, and gotten more than that to boot! And uh… it’s time to leave. Time to go home!