Izumi - Guardian Bear

'Train your strength and fortify your willpower! We are the shield that protects Never Isle!'

## Artist Credits

### CV

**CN:** 唐泽宗 (Tang Zezong)
**EN:** Shawn
**JP:**

*Izumi - Guardian Bear*

*Izumi, Commander of the Defense Force, is the unbreakable shield that protects Never Isle.*

*With my fists and shield, protect Never Isle forever!*

## Intro

'Whoa! This is Dragonium, real high-quality stuff! A commander such as yourself deserves no less!'

Inside the Defense Force Commander's office, a large box stands before Izumi and the quartermaster. Inside the box is prototype combat equipment specially given to commanders of the Defense Force by the top officials of Never Isle.

'Try it on, Captain Izumi! I'm sure you'll look great in it!' The quartermaster says, his eyes beaming at the sight of the equipment in front of him. 'There's an instruction manual. Let me take a look...'

'Hmm... Well the gist of it is, this item consists of two parts: a mechanical fist that directs the flux cannon, and an 'Aegis' shield generator that powers a defensive barrier. Seeing as it's a prototype, it is both powerful and very heavy, so you'll need to take care when using it...'

Izumi barely heard the quartermaster's words, and stood blankly at the heavy equipment in front of him. Though he had saved the Defense Force from ruin, re-united its warriors, and proven himself equal toy of the title commander, he had no intention of putting it on.

I don't deserve this...

Mira used to scold me. She'd say that I'm not decisive enough in times of crisis, that I'm too friendly with the other warriors and don't command respect... that I don't have what it takes to be a captain. My best friends, Eddie and Miles, are powerful warriors who have led Never Isle's most elite warriors in countless victories for their homeland. I, on the other hand, am just a fool in everyone's eyes. Even children call me a 'big dumb bear.' In my whole life, I haven't accomplished a thing. Whenever I have a problem, I always depend on Eddie and Miles to get me out of it. They've always taken care of me, helped me when I needed it... But I... Not only did I fail to help them, my hesitation and my weakness got Miles killed. And even though I later caught the culprits, I almost got everyone in the Defense Force hurt.

How could someone like me ever hope to be a good commander?

Suddenly, the sound of sirens cuts through Izumi's ruminations. The Shadow Army has appeared at Lake Bliss! Izumi looks at the box before him.

I can't hesitate any longer. I can't be weak any longer. I can't run away...

It doesn't matter whether I'm equal toy of my title or not, and it doesn't matter whether I want the responsibility - they are mine and mine alone!

This is my duty to my brothers, and it will be my salvation.

Izumi picks up the heavy prototype equipment: 'Gather the men, and prepare for battle! We are going to drive the Shadows from our home!!!'

### Forming a Pact

**Izumi - Guardian Bear's rarity:** SSR

**Max Epiphany without Illumination:** Level 6

The player can form a pact with Izumi - Guardian Bear by the following methods:

* Limited Summon
	+ You must own Izumi
	+ You can form a pact with Izumi - Guardian Bear by summoning him on his limited-time banner.

## Skills

### Basic

**Skill Level**
1. 119%, 24%, 24%
2. 131%, 26%, 26%
3. 142%, 28%, 28%
4. 154%, 30%, 30%
	+ If the target has any control effects, this skill grants an additional 10 Rage.

### Advanced

* Flux Chaos: A Taunt effect. While the effect is active, the character goes out of control, and automatically attacks the caster when taking action. Lasts 1 round, can be purified.

**Skill Level**
1. 207%, 41%, 41%
2. 218%, 43%, 43%
3. 230%, 46%, 46%
4. 241%, 48%, 48%
	+ After casting Flux Impact Cannon, for every enemy that is not afflicted with Taunt, Izumi will recover HP equal to current Max HP \*10%.
* **Arc Capacitor**
	+ Extends Flux Chaos to 2 rounds.

### Ultimate

* Bear's Blessing: Skill damage taken is reduced by 60%. Upon taking damage from a skill, Bear's Blessing is removed, and Oath of Protection is granted. If this effect is dispelled on its own, Izumi will recover 5 Rage. This effect lasts 2 rounds and can be dispelled.
* Oath of Protection: Reduces skill damage taken by 30%, and damage taken from debuffs by 60%. This effect lasts 1 round and can be dispelled.
* Defender's Shield: Absorbs all types of damage. Shield's HP is equal to P.DEF \*[Skill Level] + M.DEF \*[Skill Level] (Increases along with skill level; effect is multiplied by 5 times in PVP). This effect lasts 2 rounds and cannot be dispelled.

**Skill Level**
1. 76%, 76%
2. 82%, 82%
3. 88%, 88%
4. 94%, 94%
	+ Defender's Shield's shield HP increases by 20%.
* **Determined to Protect**
	+ When Bear's Blessing is removed, restores an additional 5 Rage for Izumi.
* **Unbroken Will**
	+ After Defender's Shield is removed or its shield value is reset, Izumi will recover HP equal to lost HP \*30%.

### Mastery

* Unyielding Force Field: While the effect is active, each stack increases Izumi's P.DEF and M.DEF by 2.5%. This effect lasts until battle ends, can be stacked up to 10 times, and cannot be dispelled.
* No Retreat: A Blood Lock effect; Izumi's HP cannot fall below 15%. If Izumi's HP is 15% or below before he takes action, this effect will be removed, he will obtain 5 stacks of Unyielding Force Field, and he will recover HP equal to Max HP \*35% and 45 Rage. This effect lasts until battle ends and cannot be dispelled.

## Imprint

### Basic Engraving

* Persistence Engraving (Reduce critical P.DMG by 1.38% per Engraving level)
	+ Each engraving level requires I.N. Flux - Water x120 and Gold x25,000

### Imprint Skill

The following Imprint Skill can be equipped on other Gyees and Avatars once unlocked.

## Intimacy

Izumi - Guardian Bear shares his Intimacy Level with Izumi.

### Views

Unlock views by leveling the intimacy of other gyees.

* **Mira**: Izumi is indecisive and needs to work on his management skills, but that's not important! He worked earnestly and diligently, has adhered to the Oath of the Defense Force, and has never compromised in matters of principle...just like me. The companions and brothers-in-arms that he cherishes most, like family, will give him the strength to break through the obstacles that face him. That... I do not have. It is for this reason that Izumi will surpass me as a commander.
*Mira's Intimacy reaches Lv.2 to unlock*
* **Markus**: When I see Izumi, I can't help but think about the past... The tragedy in Azria altered the fate of so many
*Markus's Intimacy reaches Lv.4 to unlock*
* **Miles - Blood Wolf**: Have you seen that big burly dude in the Defense Force? That's my brother! With me, Izumi, and Eddie on Never Isle's side, no one would dare cause us trouble!
*Miles-BloodWolf's Intimacy reaches Lv.6 to unlock*
* **Eddie - Enraged Hawk**: Izumi is my brother! To be honest, I never regarded him as an equal brother before. I would always protect him, and think of him as a scared little child who used to hide behind me and Miles. But in our darkest moment of despair, it was Izumi who took a stand. He stood before us, shielding us from the darkness! He was no longer the little boy I remembered, but an impenetrable shield protecting the island we call home!
*Eddie-EnragedHawk's Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock*
* **Defense Force Warrior**: Hey, let me tell you something! I just saw Captain Izumi go to a bookstore to buy books! Yeah, you heard that right! Captain Izumi doesn't spend his free time soaking in hot tubs and eating popsicles anymore, he reads! So if you were thinking about laughing at us Defense Force Warriors for being ignorant...don't! Captain Izumi is a man of culture now!
* **BlackFlame City Mercenary**: Huh? Collect debts? On Never Isle? No way! No matter how much they owe me, I won't go! You have any idea how much of a pain in the ass those Defense Force guys are nowadays? Send someone else, I ain't going!
* **Never Isle Aunty**: Isn't he the Captain of the Defense Force? He used to buy popsicles from me, but I haven't seen him in a while. Did something happen?

## Scripts

### Branch

**This section contains spoilers for the Branch quest. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.**

**A Day in Izumi's Life**

**-Part 1**

*Note: Complete Miles-Blood Wolf before continuing.*
*Never Isle, dorm of the Defense Force captain...*
*Izumi speaks with two Defense Force captains*
**Izumi**: Put more people on Lake Bliss patrol...
**Izumi**: We'll do our best!
**Defense Force Captain A**: It has been arranged.
**Defense Force Captain A**: I mean, given what happened...
**Defense Force Captain A**: We're at a critical moment to reforge the glory of the Defense Force...
**Defense Force Captain A**: We all know it, and we've been working hard.
**Izumi**: Thank you...
**Defense Force Captain B**: We'll keep an eye on the outside. Please rest.
**Defense Force Captain B**: You haven't slept for days. We can't afford to lose you now!
**Izumi**: Alright, I'll rest.
**Defense Force Captain A**: By the way, the commander's room has been vacated for a while now.
**Defense Force Captain A**: It's bigger and more soundproof, how about...
**Izumi**: No, I've been here for many years.
**Izumi**: I'm used to this space now.
*...*
*...*
*Many months ago, when it seemed like nothing would happen to Never Isle...*
*Izumi dreams of the past*
**???**: Feels... dangerous.
**???**: If you want honey, then stand still and support me!
**Izumi**: Be safe!
**Miles**: Eddie! Give me a stick! Now!
**Eddie**: Quick! President Albert is coming back soon!
*Whack! Suddenly, bees start coming out of the hive*
**Miles**: Ugh...damn!
**Miles**: Run! (They all run away...)
**Eddie**: Don't move! Wasps can't see very well!
**Izumi**: Don't move...
**Eddie**: Ouch! It hurts...
**Miles**: (Comes back for Izumi and Eddie) What are you waiting for?
**Miles**: Run!
**Izumi**: Don't move. Don't move. Whatever you do, don't move!
**Miles**: Run!
**Eddie**: Let's drag him away!
*A little while later...*
**Eddie**: Ah!
**Miles**: Ow, ow, ow.
**Izumi**: Don't move... If I don't move, then it doesn't hurt...
**Izumi**: Don't move...
*An alarm clock wakes Izumi up*
**Izumi**: Argh!!
**Izumi**: Oh, a dream...
**Izumi**: I thought wasps are coming after me again, and I couldn't run...
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Oh, the time! I'm going to be late!
**Izumi**: Ahhhhh!!!
**Izumi**: Calm down!
**Izumi**: First, a popsicle...
*A while later, at the dormitory of the Defense Force captains*
*Izumi starts to root through his footlocker*
**Izumi**: Hurry...
**Izumi**: Underwear, armor, Fountain Claw, socks...
**Izumi**: Where are my socks?
**Izumi**: Why are they different colors again?
**Izumi**: Ah...
**Izumi**: Never mind, I'll just grab two.
**Izumi**: I'm sure no one can see them with these boots on.
*Izumi quickly puts on his uniform*
**Izumi**: There!
**Izumi**: If I run faster...
**Izumi**: I might make it!
*A while later, on Never Isle's main street...*
*Izumi makes a mad dash towards the Defense Force HQ*
**Izumi**: Three minutes left!
*Defense Force training ground...*
*Mira stands in front of the Defense Force soldiers, frowning*
**Mira**: ...
**Izumi**: Reporting in!
**Izumi**: Mira! You're... back?
**Izumi**: I thought you...
**Mira**: Where did you think I was?
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Mira**: Look at your watch. What time is it?
**Izumi**: Six fifty-nine, sir!
**Izumi**: (Phew...Just a few more seconds...)
**Mira**: Hmm...
**Mira**: You're the captain, but you barely make it. What will the soldiers think?
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Mira**: Five extra kilometers for you!
**Izumi**: Ah...
**Izumi**: But I wasn't late!
**Mira**: Get back in line!
**Izumi**: Yes...
*Izumi takes his spot as Mira addresses everyone*
**Mira**: Morning training as usual, skirmishes are now sparring.
**Mira**: Only those with morning patrol duty are exempted.
**Defense Force Warriors**: Yes, sir!
*A while later...*
*Defense Force sparring finals...*
*After many rounds of sparring, Izumi is left to face Mira*
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Warrior A**: No one can beat Mira or Izumi.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: It's always them in the final.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Izumi is too powerful, and there was nothing I could do...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Mira was too fast, and she knocked me down before I could see her moves.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Great power versus great speed... This is a hard call.
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Ha, they don't even need to fight.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Huh? How come?
**Defense Force Warrior B**: You're new, right? Just watch.
**Izumi**: Are you sure this is necessary? I can't beat you.
**Mira**: You can do it! Just pretend I'm Never Isle's enemy.
**Izumi**: How can you be?
**Defense Force Captain**: The final starts now!
**Mira**: Take this!
**Izumi**: Hmm!!
*Mira quickly stabs just as Izumi prepares to block*
**Defense Force Warrior A**: So fast!
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: He blocked it!
**Mira**: This is not it!
*Mira uses the momentum of her attack to quickly get behind Izumi and strike a blow*
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: Aghhhhhh!
**Izumi**: It hurts...
**Mira**: Don't give up! Keep going!
**Izumi**: I give! Surrender!
**Mira**: (angry)
**Defense Force Captain**: Mira wins!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Wow! Go Mira!
**Defense Force Warrior A**: See...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: It was pretty clear that Izumi could react and defend her attacks.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: She managed to get behind him, but he probably could have endured a hit.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: You're too young.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: It's how the world works.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: How the world works?
**Mira**: (sad)
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Mira didn't look too happy, though...
*A while later...*
**Mira**: Thank you for your hard work! Stay focused on your afternoon missions!
**Mira**: Dismissed!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Yes, sir!
**Mira**: Except for you, Izumi.
**Izumi**: Oh...
**Izumi**: What is it?
**Mira**: Why did you let me win?
**Izumi**: I didn't!
**Izumi**: I've never been able to beat you.
**Izumi**: Not since a few days after you joined the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: I thought everyone knows this?
**Mira**: Why didn't you even try?
**Izumi**: I did...
**Izumi**: And I lost.
**Mira**: You...
**Mira**: ...
**Izumi**: I made you angry again.
**Mira**: That's right, I am furious.
**Mira**: You have what it takes, but you're not striving for it.
**Izumi**: Uh? Me?
**Mira**: You were there at Azria.
**Mira**: And you know that our enemies are bent on taking Never Isle.
**Mira**: Don't forget the oath you took when you joined the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: From now on, I am a warrior of the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: I am the advocate and guardian of my people!
**Izumi**: I will cast my life and flesh into an iron wall to forever protect the future of my people!
**Izumi**: The darkness is here. We are the last line of defense between it and the Gyees!
**Mira**: ...
**Mira**: You're one of the top warriors of the Defense Force, if not the best.
**Mira**: But have you thought about how we might defend Never Isle...
**Mira**: If something like Azria happens again here?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: I don't know.
**Mira**: I know.
**Mira**: I can't defend Never Isle by myself.
**Izumi**: Mira!
**Mira**: As a member of the Defense Force, you must protect everyone on Never Isle.
**Mira**: And that means we must always try to improve ourselves.
**Mira**: You're a born warrior, with talents that many would die to have.
**Mira**: Izumi... You...
**Mira**: There are those that you want to protect here, right?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Of... of course!
**Mira**: (smiles)
**Mira**: Think about it.
**Mira**: We'll spar again tomorrow
**Mira**: And I want to see you take it seriously.
*Mira leaves*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: ...
*As Izumi thinks on Mira's words, his determination grows*
*A Defense Force Warrior approaches Izumi*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Captain, how should we arrange the patrols this afternoon?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Give me a minute, I'll be right there.
**Izumi**: (Takes out comm crystal.)
**Izumi**: This is Izumi.
**Izumi**: Do you have time tonight?
*Scene - The streets of Never Isle*
*A Defense Force warrior chases after a thief*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Hey! Stop!
*Elsewhere, Izumi talks with two other Defense Force warriors about the situation*
**Defense Force Warrior**: He's small and agile, we're at a disadvantage.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Seal off the eastern market entrance and the church entrance. Don't let him enter the crowd!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
**Izumi**: I'll get them.
*They split up to catch the thief*
*The two Defense Force warriors lead the thief down a side street*
**Thief**: Ha, they can't keep up with me!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Stop! Thief!
**Thief**: Eh!
*Suddenly, Izumi blocks the thief's escape route*
**Izumi**: How dare you steal under broad daylight!
**Izumi**: Who do you think we are?
**Thief**: Oh, it's you.
**Thief**: The coward bear that hides behind his people.
**Izumi**: A coward...
**Thief**: We're going to lose Never Isle because of you.
*Izumi lunges at the thief and knocks him to the ground*
**Izumi**: I... I will protect this place.
**Thief**: Ahhhhh!!!
**Izumi**: I have to!
*The two other Defense Force warriors finally catch up*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Are you alright, captain?
**Izumi**: Take him back and lock him up for a few days.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
**Thief**: Ouch... It hurts...
**Defense Force Warrior**: There's nothing you can do to fight that raw strength.
**Thief**: I'm going to file a complaint about violence!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Shut up!
**Izumi**: (angry)
*Izumi starts to leave but the thief's comments begin to gnaw on him*
**Izumi**: ...
*Afternoon, Never Isle market...*
**Merchant**: Come check out pearls from the Sea of Storm, wood from Star Woods, and gems from the Northern Desert!
**Merchant**: Silk from Harveston! The best silk clothes in all of Luxium!
*Izumi and two Defense Force warriors patrol the market*
**Merchant**: Captain Izumi!
**Merchant**: How about some meat? You need to stay strong to protect us!
**Izumi**: Ha, you're right.
**Izumi**: But I'm on the job, and I can't buy anything.
**Merchant**: We're open late. Come back later and we'll give you and your warriors a discount!
**Izumi**: How's business today?
**Merchant**: Things have been good, so business has been just as good.
**Merchant**: Thank you for patrolling.
**Izumi**: No, don't mention it! It's our duty as the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: We're going south now.
**Izumi**: If you see anything, please let us know.
**Merchant**: Okay!
*In another part of the market, Izumi sees the Order of Equality and Eddie inspecting some cargo*
**Izumi**: Eddie!
**Eddie**: Izumi?
**Eddie**: Patrolling the market? Thank you for doing your part.
**Izumi**: Why are you here today?
**Eddie**: The Order of Equality rented several shops because we want to get into selling imported goods. I'm here to check out the renovation.
**Izumi**: You know how to renovate shops?
**Izumi**: Incredible...
**Eddie**: You don't look very good. Are you alright?
**Izumi**: No, it's fine. Is there anything we can help with?
**Eddie**: Don't worry, I'm almost done.
**Eddie**: I was going to look for you, but since you're here...
*Eddie hands Izumi an invitation.*
**Eddie**: The shop is ready, and we're having an opening ceremony tonight.
**Eddie**: I have to give a speech on behalf of the Order of Equality. Why don't you come join us?
**Eddie**: There's a buffet with endless beer, barbeque and salad.
**Eddie**: Cold beverages, and even popsicles.
**Izumi**: Free popsicles?
**Eddie**: Okay!
**Izumi**: Ah...(Drool)
**Defense Force Warrior**: (Whispers) Sir, we're still on duty...
**Eddie**: See you tonight, then.
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: I want to go, but...
**???**: Hey! Izumi!
*Miles and two Oathblades come over*
**Izumi**: Miles!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Um, the two of them in the same place...
**Defense Force Warrior**: (Whispers) This is not good.
**Miles**: Patrolling?
**Izumi**: Yep. How did your mission go?
**Miles**: The enemies were easier than I imagined, so I came back early.
*Eddie turns to Izumi*
**Eddie**: Ahem!
**Eddie**: I have stuff to do, so I'll catch you at the dinner.
*Eddie begins to leave*
**Miles**: Wait...
**Miles**: I didn't notice you.
**Eddie**: Miles... How may I help you?
**Miles**: Izumi is training with me after the patrol.
**Miles**: He doesn't have time to play house with you.
**Eddie**: Will you please stop acting like a hooligan?
**Eddie**: I don't care if it's directed at me, but you can't tell Izumi what to do.
**Miles**: No, you're the one barging in. We already made plans to train.
**Izumi**: Sorry, Eddie, we made these plans before lunch...
**Miles**: See?
**Miles**: Eddie, stop hanging around Izumi if you catch my drift.
**Miles**: He's a real man, and doesn't have time for cowards like you.
**Izumi**: That's not what I mean...
**Eddie**: Miles!
**Eddie**: Can't you be nicer?
**Eddie**: What the heck did you do out there?
**Miles**: I just killed several Mundanes.
**Miles**: I think their flesh is still stuck in my teeth.
**Miles**: If you think my breath smells...
**Miles**: You hang out with Mundanes all day, you smell worse!
**Izumi**: Stop it!
**Eddie**: You...
**Order of Equality Director**: Miles, cut it out!
**Miles**: Oh, is the birdie angry?
**Miles**: Fight me if you're angry!
**Miles**: I can fight all of you at once!
**Izumi**: This is the market, stop...
**Order of Equality Director**: I'm not afraid of you!
**Order of Equality Director**: We've been keeping an eye on you.
**Defense Force Warrior**: I knew it.
**Defense Force Warrior**: (Turns on the comm crystal) This is the patrol team, we're in the southern market area. Requesting reinforcements!
**Defense Force Warrior**: I repeat, nearby Defense Force members, assemble!
**Miles**: (Stretches) It's going to hurt, but don't cry!
**Order of Equality Director**: Bastard!
**Eddie**: (Stops their own warriors)
**Oathblades Warrior**: A bunch of cowards.
*Eddie addresses the director*
**Eddie**: Look, we're the Order of Equality.
**Eddie**: We're educated and trained.
**Eddie**: Not wild dogs that bark and bite everything in sight!
**Oathblades Warrior**: You're calling us dogs?
*Miles gestures for his warrior to stop talking.*
**Eddie**: I'm not after anyone in particular. I believe everyone in the Oathblades is educated, right?
**Oathblades Warrior**: Hmm...
**Miles**: Ha!
**Miles**: Eddie... You're bold today.
**Miles**: I guess I have to teach you a thing or two today.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Reinforcements! Now!
*Eddie speaks to Izumi, ignoring Miles*
**Eddie**: But you're still welcome at the dinner tonight after training.
**Eddie**: I have business back at the Order of Equality, so I have to go now.
*The Order of Equality leaves*
**Miles**: You! Are you really going to leave after riling us up?
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Miles**: Get out of my way!
**Izumi**: You're disrupting the market.
**Izumi**: And you're making it very difficult for me!
**Miles**: ...
**Miles**: Alright, I guess I'll let him go today.
**Izumi**: Why are you always picking fights with Eddie? Do you know how tense things get between the two of you?
**Miles**: I don't like them, that's all.
**Miles**: They're Gyees, but they hang with Mundanes all day. What the heck?
**Izumi**: Don't talk about Eddie like that.
**Miles**: ...
**Miles**: ...
**Miles**: I'll just not talk about him at all.
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Izumi**: Can you and Eddie stop fighting?
**Izumi**: We're... friends, right?
**Miles**: No!
**Miles**: Unless I'm dead!
**Izumi**: Hey, don't say that ever again!
**Miles**: Well, whenever he quits the Order of Equality and sees what the Mundanes are up to, then he can apologize.
**Miles**: And I'll... stop screaming at him.
**Izumi**: ...
**Miles**: Alright!
**Miles**: We're going back to take a shower and rest.
**Miles**: Need to wash off that filthy Mundane blood, you know?
*The Oathblades leave*
**Izumi**: Sigh...
**Defense Force Warrior**: Captain, if we don't keep an eye on Miles...
**Defense Force Warrior**: Are they going to go after Eddie?
**Izumi**: Ah...
**Izumi**: Don't worry about them. Let's keep patrolling.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*At night...*
*Izumi spars with Miles as promised*
**Miles**: Take this!
**Izumi**: Ugh...
**Izumi**: Ouch!!! It hurts...
**Miles**: Eh!
**Izumi**: It hurts...
**Miles**: Let me see...
**Miles**: ...
**Miles**: Just a bruise. You'll be fine when you take up tomorrow.
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Miles**: Anyway, training ends now.
**Izumi**: No, we keep going.
**Miles**: Hmm?
**Izumi**: I'm a member of the Defense Force, I will protect Never Isle and everyone on it!
**Miles**: What's going on?
**Izumi**: I... have to become stronger.
**Miles**: (smiles)
**Miles**: Then we will continue.
**Izumi**: ...
*Izumi gets up*
**Izumi**: Okay!
*The two continue sparring through the night*
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: (I... can't move anymore.)
**Izumi**: (My body is so heavy... I can't even breathe...)
**Izumi**: (I can't... move... at all...)
**Izumi**: (Is this all I'm capable of?)
**Miles**: Ha... Sigh.
**Grey**: Arwoo...
**Miles**: Come on, up!
**Miles**: I almost thought I was going to lose, you know?
**Miles**: You surprised me today.
**Izumi**: I'm still too weak.
**Miles**: (smiles)
*Miles taps Izumi on the shoulder.*
**Miles**: Huh?
**Miles**: What are you talking about? You're already pretty good!
**Miles**: We almost tied. In Defense Force, I think only Mira is on the same level.
**Izumi**: But I'm a Defense Force Warrior...
**Izumi**: How am I supposed to protect Never Isle if I'm not good enough? What if something like Azria happens again?
**Miles**: So that's what you were thinking during the day.
**Miles**: You came here to dwell on it, huh?
**Miles**: You're not the only one protecting Never Isle, you know?
**Miles**: There's us, too.
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Miles**: If the Shadows or the White Capes dare to set foot on Never Isle...
**Miles**: The Oathblades will take them all down!
**Miles**: If we can't, Eddie and the Order of Equality will!
**Izumi**: Both of you have been fighting out there for Never Isle and for the Gyee...
**Izumi**: I want to do something, too!
**Miles**: You're doing great.
**Miles**: Didn't you catch the infamous thief during lunch?
**Izumi**: How did you know?
**Miles**: I took a look at the paper when I came back.
**Miles**: It was on the front page!
**Izumi**: ...
**Miles**: And the Defense Force has been keeping Never Isle safe and peaceful, right?
**Miles**: If it weren't for you guys patrolling and arresting criminals...
**Miles**: Never Isle wouldn't be so lively and prosperous today.
**Miles**: And we wouldn't have a home when we come back from fighting the Shadows.
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: It's our duty as the Defense Force...
**Miles**: And... Protecting Never Isle is my duty.
**Miles**: The Oathblades would lose face if you took it all for yourself!
**Izumi**: ...
**Miles**: Stop dwelling on it!
**Miles**: You're doing great!
**Izumi**: Am... I...?
**Izumi**: I still think...
**Miles**: If not, come to the Oathblades elite wolf training!
**Miles**: We meet at five-thirty, and we run ten kilometers.
**Izumi**: Five... Five-thirty?
**Izumi**: I...
**Miles**: Just kidding.
**Miles**: Don't stress yourself out. You're doing just fine!
**Miles**: Oh, hold on...
*Miles comes back with a small box.*
**Miles**: Here, this is for you!
**Izumi**: Wait, this is...
**Izumi**: Honey ice cream popsicles from Kaigon!
**Izumi**: The ice cream that won best in Luxium five years in a row!
**Miles**: We met up with our informant in Kaigon earlier today.
**Miles**: I saw this and got you a case.
**Miles**: I know you love it.
**Izumi**: Wow!
**Izumi**: Thank you!
**Izumi**: (Opens one) Wow...
**Izumi**: Delicious...
**Miles**: As long as it's tasty...
**Izumi**: Arwoo....
**Miles**: Slow down!
**Miles**: Don't worry, they're all yours!
*A while later, in front of the dorm of the Defense Force captain...*
**Izumi**: Lalala...
*Izumi heads back to the dorm and sees Eddie waiting for him*
**Izumi**: Eddie!
**Eddie**: Izumi! Training is over?
**Eddie**: Wait, you're hurt!
**Eddie**: Ugh, Miles! Why isn't he holding back on you?
**Izumi**: Don't worry, I'm fine!
**Eddie**: Really?
**Eddie**: I'll go after him if he's bullying you!
**Izumi**: No! Why would he?
**Eddie**: That's good to know.
**Izumi**: Sorry I wasn't able to go to the dinner at the market.
**Eddie**: Don't worry about it.
**Eddie**: By the way, you looked like you had something on your mind earlier.
**Eddie**: I didn't ask earlier, but what happened?
**Izumi**: You noticed...
**Eddie**: We grew up together, you know? You were never very good at hiding things.
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Was it that obvious?
**Izumi**: Thanks, but I'm fine now.
**Eddie**: That's good.
**Eddie**: I'll be going, then. Let me know if you run into trouble.
**Izumi**: Okay!
*Eddie leaves*
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: It's so nice having Eddie and Miles...
**Izumi**: I'm a lucky man.
*That night in Izumi's dreams...*
**Izumi**: Hey, wait!
**Izumi**: Don't go home! Go to the training ground! Think about what Mira said!
**Izumi**: Think about what Mira wanted you to do!
**Izumi**: No...
**Izumi**: Stop hiding behind Eddie and Miles!
**Izumi**: Izumi!
*Izumi wakes up*
**Izumi**: Ahhhhhh!
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: That was a dream...
*Izumi looks out of the window. Everything is still dark.*
*He turns and closes his eyes.*
*But the past plays in his mind over and over...*
*And he can't fall asleep.*
**Izumi**: Ugh!
*Months later...*
*Dorm of the Defense Force captain...*
*Morning...*
*Izumi opens his footlocker and picks two socks at random. They're both white.*
**Izumi**: (smiles)
*Izumi puts on his uniform*
**Izumi**: (Checks his gear...)
**Izumi**: Time to go to the training ground with my men.
*Suddenly, his alarm clock goes off*
**Izumi**: Hmm...
*He turns off his alarm.*
**Izumi**: No more alarm from now on.
**Izumi**: It's so early.
**Izumi**: I guess I'll run a few laps around the island.
*A while later, early morning...*
*Defense Force training ground...*
**???**: S... Sir...
*Izumi berates a Defense Force warrior that just arrived at the training ground*
**Izumi**: Did you just get here? Do you know what time it is?
**Lovic**: Six fifty-nine, sir!
**Izumi**: (angry)
**Izumi**: Times are dire. As a captain, you must be a role model for others!
**Izumi**: Never again!
**Lovic**: Yes, sir!
**Izumi**: Get back in line!
*Izumi addresses the gathered warriors*
**Izumi**: The main troops of Oathblades and the Order of Equality are not here.
**Izumi**: We have to keep our eyes open!
**Izumi**: Especially our patrol around Lake Bliss. We cannot let anything slip through!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Understood!
**Izumi**: I know it's difficult for everyone.
**Izumi**: But we must endure!
**Izumi**: Remember, we are warriors of the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: We have our families, friends, and our people behind us.
**Izumi**: We are guarding the hopes and the futures for every Gyee!
**Defense Force Warriors**: We must defend Never Isle!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Those who didn't participate in the morning patrol, get into squads and spar!
**Izumi**: Get ready!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Yes, sir!
*A while later, on Never Isle's main street...*
*In a side alley, a young man argues with a rough-looking thug*
**Young Man**: Wait, that's it?
**Young Man**: That's half of what we agreed on!
**Black Market Thug**: Do you know what it's like out there? You should feel lucky that you got this much.
**Young Man**: It's not enough!
**Black Market Thug**: You'll have to pay more if you want more.
**Young Man**: What?!
**Black Market Thug**: Why are you so loud?
**Black Market Thug**: If the Defense Force catches us, you're not getting anything!
**Young Man**: Hmm...
*Two Defense Force warriors pass by*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Who goes there? Stop!
**Black Market Thug**: Run!
**Young Man**: !!
*The two men start to run away but get caught by Izumi on the other side of the alley*
**Izumi**: Stop right there!
**Black Market Thug**: Hmm...
**Black Market Thug**: What bad luck...
*The Defense Force arrest the thug*
**Defense Force Warrior**: You are under arrest for smuggling key supplies.
**Black Market Thug**: What the heck? We're on Never Isle! How is pork a key supply?
**Izumi**: Leave that for the interrogation room.
**Black Market Thug**: Hmm...
*The thug is taken away*
**Young Man**: !!
*The buyer looks dejected...*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Sir, the buyer...
**Izumi**: Why are you buying from the black market?
**Izumi**: Are the daily rations not enough?
**Young Man**: ...
**Defense Force Warrior**: My commander is asking you a question!
*Izumi quietly mutters to the angry Defense Force warrior*
**Izumi**: Don't do this...
*In a calmer voice, Izumi talks with the buyer*
**Izumi**: You know it's illegal to buy supplies from the black market, don't you?
**Young Man**: ...
**Izumi**: We're in dire times, and the Defense Force will not allow the black market to get rich now.
**Izumi**: If the black market takes control of the supplies, the lives of Never Isle residents will suffer.
**Young Man**: I know...
**Young Man**: But... my son... is not getting better.
**Young Man**: We haven't been able to eat much, and he's sick...
**Young Man**: I just want to cook him something nice.
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Get his testimony and give him a talk, then let him go.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
**Izumi**: (Whispers) And give him some meat from my supplies while you're taking his testimony.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Sir...
**Izumi**: Just do it, I can't finish the daily rations anyway.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes...
*The Defense Force warrior takes the young man away*
**Izumi**: (sad)
*At night...*
**Izumi**: H-ya!
*Izumi destroys one of the training robots on the Defense Force training grounds*
**Izumi**: Phew...
*After a few moments, the robot reassembles itself, ready for another round*
**Izumi**: Ahhhhhh!
*Izumi prepares for another attack but the Defense Force warrior, Lovic, interrupts his training*
*Lovic places a chest on the ground*
**Lovic**: Sir, the equipment that we sent to Turing for adjustments has been returned.
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: Hya!
*Izumi launches one last Bear Punch and destroys the robot again*
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: Thank you for coming down.
**Lovic**: Don't mention it.
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Lovic**: You should rest, sir...
**Lovic**: You train with us in the morning, patrol in the afternoon, and train with us at night...
**Izumi**: Never Isle is always in danger.
**Izumi**: We're all suffering.
**Izumi**: Everyone is working hard, so I can't slack off.
**Lovic**: ...
**Izumi**: What happened?
**Lovic**: (Smiles) You're... different.
**Lovic**: You used to hate training, because it was too harsh and too tiring.
**Lovic**: I remember when Mira used to yell at you.
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: I had a dream about those days.
**Izumi**: Mira... Eddie... Miles...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Anyway, back to training!
**Lovic**: Sir, Never Isle and all of us, we need you.
**Lovic**: If you keep working like this...
**Lovic**: Your body won't be able to take it.
**Izumi**: Don't call me sir.
**Lovic**: Right.
**Izumi**: I guess I'll take a break for ten minutes.
**Lovic**: Here, have a popsicle.
**Izumi**: I don't eat this stuff anymore, you can have it. I'm just going to drink water.
**Lovic**: Alright...
**Izumi**: I knew you were late because you were helping an old lady.
**Izumi**: But there was nothing I could do. I...
**Lovic**: I know.
**Lovic**: You're not just my captain anymore.
**Lovic**: You lead the entire Defense Force.
**Izumi**: That's right...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: If only...
**Lovic**: Stop thinking about that!
**Lovic**: If it weren't for you, everything would have been much worse!
**Izumi**: I know...
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: ...
**Lovic**: I'll train with you.
**Lovic**: Once you get into the zone, maybe you can forget...
**Defense Force Messenger**: Report!
**Izumi**: !!
*The messenger runs to Izumi to deliver the news*
**Defense Force Messenger**: Report, sir! The checkpoint at Lake Bliss has detected a large-scale Shadow Flux signal!
**Izumi**: Eh!
**Lovic**: A large-scale Shadow signal? They're not even trying to hide it?
**Izumi**: How many of them?
**Defense Force Messenger**: A lot! Almost two whole formations. They've even got Shadow Cannons!
**Izumi**: I knew it!
**Lovic**: Luckily, Master Turing's command equipment is here.
**Lovic**: Sir, it's time! Please focus!
**Izumi**: ...
*Izumi takes off his old uniform and equips his new Guardian Bear Shield*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Defense Force, assemble!
**Izumi**: The darkness is here. We are the last line of defense between it and the Gyees!
*Continue to Trifle - The Collapse of the Old World*

### Trifle

**This section contains spoilers for the Trifle. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.**

**The Collapse of the Old World**

In the eyes of most people, the Defense Force would be a good place to work. The work is enjoyable, there is little danger to be found while patrolling for petty thieves, and the pay is decent. As long as you can pass the physical fitness test, it can be a pretty comfy job.

**-Part 1**

*7 months ago, on Never Isle...*
*Early morning...*
*Izumi and three Defense Force warriors patrol around the isle*
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: It's still really peaceful here, as expected.
**Izumi**: Once the morning patrol is over and you've returned your equipment to the Defense Force, you can be dismissed. Get some rest!
**Defense Force Warrior A**: (Yawn) Morning patrols are the worst...
**Defense Force Warrior A**: We have to get up when it's still dark outside, but nothing ever happens so early in the morning...
**Defense Force Warrior A**: I'm so sleepy!
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Idiot! Nothing happens in Never Isle precisely because we patrol around the clock!
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Morning patrols are vital!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: That's enough! I'm going to get some breakfast. Anyone coming?
**Defense Force Warrior B**: I'll go!
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Not me! I'm going back to the dormitory to sleep.
*A young boy runs up to Izumi*
**Boy**: Uncle Izumi! Uncle Izumi!
**Izumi**: Hmm! Isn't that the Second Commander's son?
**Izumi**: Oh my! Slow down! Don't trip!
**Boy**: It's okay. I'm feeling much better after I've taken the medicine father gave me.
**Defense Force Warrior A**: As I recall...the Second Commander's son has a rare disease which caused a delay in his muscles' development. He can barely walk...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: The Second Commander has taken him to many doctors, but even the doctors from Kaigon can only slow down the disease...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: The gods have finally shown mercy on him. I suppose the Second Commander can finally relax now...
**Izumi**: What are you doing here?
**Boy**: I'm looking for father!
**Defense Force Warrior B**: We're actually on our way back to the Defense Force to return our equipment...
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Come to the Defense Force with us, then!
**Boy**: Okay!
*The warriors leave Izumi and take the boy back to the Defense Force HQ*
**Izumi**: The Second Commander's son is finally getting better...
*Izumi looks up at the sky...*
*The sky is blue and clear, with just a slither of dark cloud really far away...*
**Izumi**: What a beautiful day!
*A Defense Force warrior frantically runs around the plaza when he finds Izumi looking at the sky*
**???**: Captain Izumi!
**Izumi**: ?
**Izumi**: Lovic? What are you doing here?
**Izumi**: Shouldn't you be training at the training ground at this time?
**Lovic**: Something bad happened!
**Lovic**: We lost the fight against the Shadowcult conspiracy last night...
**Lovic**: Almost the entire Oathblades Wolf Squad was wiped out. Miles...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: What about Miles?!
**Lovic**: Miles was seriously injured. He's receiving treatment at the Kaist Church...
**Izumi**: !!
*Izumi quickly takes off*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi!
*Izumi reaches the church and finds many injured warriors being treated by the clergy*
**Izumi**: Sorry! Excuse me! Let me through!!
**Izumi**: Miles! Miles!
**Kaism Doctor A**: Stop! What are you? What are you doing?
**Izumi**: I...I'm Izumi, a Defense Force Squad Captain...I...Miles...
**Izumi**: I need to see Miles!
**Kaism Doctor A**: Stop! There are many wounded soldiers inside. Apart from senior officials of Oathblades and the Order of Equality....
**Kaism Doctor A**: No one is permitted to visit!
**Izumi**: What?
**Izumi**: No! Miles...how is he doing? I need to see Miles!
**Kaism Doctor A**: Please don't cause any more trouble at times like this!
**Kaism Doctor A**: If you really care for the injured, you'll leave! Don't get in the way of our treating them!
**Kaism Doctor B**: Somebody help! Another soldier is getting worse!
**Kaism Doctor A**: I'll be there!
**Kaism Doctor A**: See? Please don't cause trouble!
*The doctor leaves*
**Izumi**: Eh! Hold on...
**Izumi**: Hmm...
*Izumi looks around and finds two soldiers in Oathblades uniforms*
**Izumi**: This equipment...
**Izumi**: You're from Oathblades! Do...do you know how Miles is doing?
**Oathblades Captain A**: Are you... Captain Izumi?
**Izumi**: Can...can you get me inside? I want to see how Miles is doing!
*The two Oathblades captains confer with one another*
**Oathblades Captain B**: (Whispering) Captain Izumi is a good friend of Miles... Now that Miles is injured, maybe...
**Oathblades Captain A**: (Whispering) No!
**Oathblades Captain A**: (Whispering) What's the point of telling him? It'll only make him worry for nothing...
**Oathblades Captain A**: (Whispering) Captain Izumi is important to Miles. He won't want Izumi to worry about him!
**Oathblades Captain B**: (Whispering) Yeah... You're right!
*They turn back towards Izumi*
**Oathblades Captain B**: Don't worry, Captain Izumi. Miles is blessed, he'll be fine.
**Oathblades Captain B**: We're here under the Commander's order to help the Kaist Church. Leave it to us!
**Oathblades Captain A**: Don't worry, Captain Izumi. Everything is under control...
*They leave Izumi standing in front of the church*
**Izumi**: Hmph!!
**Izumi**: Hold on...
*Izumi reluctantly leaves the church*
**Izumi**: ...
*A Defense Force Second Commander meets Izumi at the bottom of the church steps*
**???**: Izumi...
**Izumi**: Second Commander...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: How's Miles doing?
**Izumi**: I don't know...
**Izumi**: The doctors at the church seem really busy...
**Izumi**: They wouldn't let me in.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Is that so...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Don't worry. Miles is strong. He'll be fine...
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Come on, go and get some rest. Try to remain calm...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I'll deal with the island's patrol and other matters!
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: That's...that's okay!
**Izumi**: Miles doesn't need me here...
**Izumi**: I can't let this affect Defense Force matters.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: It's okay. We have sufficient manpower at the Defense Force right now. We'll keep a lookout.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: No! Ever since Mira has gone, you have been taking care of me...
**Izumi**: I'm a Defense Force Squad Captain after all!
**Izumi**: (Salutes to the Second Commander...)
**Izumi**: Second Commander, I'm going to report to my duties!
*Izumi leaves*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Don't try to act tough when you're not well!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: This child...
*The commander looks up at the church*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Shadows...
*A while later, around noon...*
**Fruit Shop Owner**: Don't worry! These are the best fruits!
**Fruit Shop Owner**: They're perfect for patients!
**Izumi**: Okay! Give me a few of these...these...and these!
**Fruit Shop Owner**: Thank you! Please come again!
*Izumi heads to the church carrying a bag of fruit*
**Izumi**: I heard from an Order of Equality Warrior who fought in last night's battle that...
**Izumi**: Almost the entire Oathblades Wolf Squad was wiped out in last night's battle, with Miles as the only survivor...
*Izumi checks the contents of the bag*
**Izumi**: I hope Miles will like these fruits and supplements.
*Suddenly, Izumi can hear shouting at the church*
**Miles**: Eddie, Player, I'll see you in an hour at the Oathblades. Those Shadows...
**Miles**: Will pay the price!
**Izumi**: This voice...
*Miles is trying to leave the church while Player, Eddie and some of the Order of Equality try to hold him back*
**Izumi**: Hmm! Miles!
**Miles**: Out of my way!
*Miles pushes his way past*
*Before he can get too far, Izumi intercepts him*
**Izumi**: Miles, are you alright?
**Izumi**: I brought you some fruits and food.
**Miles**: ...
**Izumi**: Don't worry about what happened last night.
**Izumi**: Just tell me if something's on your mind.
**Izumi**: We're brothers, right?
**Miles**: Brothers...
**Miles**: Go back to your work, Izumi. I'm fine.
**Izumi**: No, I took a day off and I want to be with you.
**Izumi**: You're hurt, and you need to rest...
**Miles**: There's no time!
**Miles**: They're waiting for me to avenge them!
*Miles runs away*
**Izumi**: (surprised)
*Eddie and Player check on Izumi*
**Eddie**: Izumi...
**Izumi**: Eddie, Player...
**Izumi**: I think I made him mad.
**Eddie**: No, you didn't make Miles mad...
**Eddie**: It's just...
**Eddie**: ...
**Eddie**: Anyway, I need to get ready for the meeting.
*Eddie leaves*
**Izumi**: Eddie...
**Izumi**: I heard about what happened last night...
**Izumi**: I want to help.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (You tap Izumi on the shoulder.)
**Player**: They'll have to work it out on their own.
**Player**: There's nothing we can do.
*Player leaves*
**Izumi**: Player......
**Izumi**: ...
*Suddenly, Izumi's comm crystal rings!*
**Izumi**: Hmm...my comm crystal!
**Izumi**: (Line goes through...) Second Commander?
**Arcana Communication**: Izumi, get ready and meet at the entrance to Oathblades in half an hour.
**Arcana Communication**: You and I are going to the meeting about last night's Never Isle operation!
**Izumi**: Last night......
**Izumi**: Yes, sir!
*A while later, at the Oathblades strategy meeting room...*
*Vundo, Markus, Will, Miles, Eddie, Player, Izumi and the Defense Force Second Commander meet*
**Miles**: What?
**Miles**: Not attacking?
**Miles**: The monsters haven't settled down yet. Now's the best time to take them out!
**Markus**: Given the current situation, it's our best option not to attack.
**Miles**: Are we going to let the Shadows do whatever they want on the ruins of Azria?
**Miles**: I've seen them with these eyes! They are powerful, but not invincible!
**Miles**: If Never Isle goes all out, we can take them down!
**Markus**: What do you think will happen to Never Isle, then?
**Markus**: A river will not stop the White Capes at Crossport.
**Miles**: ...
**Markus**: Azria is completely lost. We must protect Never Isle at all costs.
**Miles**: Those blasted Mundanes...
**Markus**: I know how you must feel, Miles, but you need to...
**Miles**: I know! Shut up!
*Miles rushes out of the door.*
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Eddie**: ...
**Player**: Sigh...
**Markus**: We've already gone through the operation.
**Will**: You'll wait for your direct superiors to tell you the details.
**Will**: We just lost a battle, and the Shadows now occupy part of Azria.
**Will**: I know you must be angry!
**Will**: But I hope you will keep your anger in check and follow orders.
**Will**: Think about our people, our duty, and our mandate!
**Markus**: The victory belongs to the Gyee!
*A while later, after the meeting is over...*
*Izumi and the Second Commander talk to Markus*
**Izumi**: Commander, is it really that bad?
**Markus**: The Shadowcultists summoned three Shadow Reapers in a row to Luxium...
**Markus**: We knew nothing about the Shadow Reapers then, and we were totally unprepared.
**Markus**: Don't worry, though, everything is under control now...
**Markus**: We're gathering intel on the Shadows. Once we've figured out a way to defeat them...
**Markus**: Never Isle will attack and get rid of them!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Markus**: Since we lost a battle, there must be negative rumors around the island.
**Markus**: The people may be affected.
**Markus**: At times like this, we must rely on the Defense Force.
**Markus**: The stability of Never Isle is the foundation.
**Markus**: It's only when our home is stable that Oathblades and the Order of Equality can fight without worry.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Please don't worry, Commander!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Each member of the Defense Force will fulfill their duties!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We will patrol more frequently and enhance the control at the port to prevent malicious individuals from taking advantage of the situation!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: This will also clear the rumors, comfort the people and steady their faith!
**Markus**: Thank you for your efforts!
*As Markus leaves, Izumi tries to get out one last question*
**Izumi**: Command...
*The Second Commander, who is beside him, interrupted Izumi...*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Don't bother the Commander anymore...
**Izumi**: But...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I know; you wanted to ask about Miles.
**Izumi**: Hmmm.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Miles is fine, as you just saw.
**Izumi**: But...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: For Miles to get out from the pain of losing his brothers in arms...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The only way is to take revenge on the mortal enemy and destroy the Shadows!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: And in order for Oathblades to destroy the Shadows, the Defense Force must first defend our home.
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Come on! Let's get back to the Defense Force!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We should set out the quests for our brothers!
*At night, outside the Oathblades headquarters...*
*Izumi asks one of the Oathblades warriors about Miles*
**Oathblades Warrior**: Miles?
**Oathblades Warrior**: Miles is on a scouting quest. We only turn on our internal comm while we're on a quest.
**Oathblades Warrior**: It's no wonder Captain Izumi couldn't get in touch with Miles.
**Izumi**: A quest? But Miles' injuries...
**Oathblades Warrior**: So long as their injuries aren't severe, Oathblades soldiers will still carry on quests...
**Oathblades Warrior**: Miles is experienced. He knows what he's doing.
**Izumi**: Uh... I see...
**Oathblades Warrior**: Do you have a message for Miles?
**Izumi**: Just say...we haven't sat down for a drink and relax for a while...
**Izumi**: Let's go out when Miles have the time!
**Oathblades Warrior**: Got it. I'll let Miles know when he's back.
**Izumi**: Thanks.
*A while later...*
*Izumi tries going to the Order of Equality HQ to check on Eddie*
**Izumi**: Oh, so Eddie is also on a quest away from the island...
**Order of Equality Director**: Yea, he won't be back until at least tomorrow night.
**Izumi**: Is that so...
*Izumi walks away, alone*
**Izumi**: ...
*A Defense Force warrior finds Izumi*
**Lovic**: Izumi! I bought what you asked for!
**Lovic**: Fruits, vegetables, grilled meat, seafood...
**Lovic**: I've also brought some beer, and...
**Izumi**: Keep it...
**Izumi**: Both Eddie and Miles aren't here. They're on quests away from the island.
**Lovic**: Quests? Are they fit for quests in their condition?
**Izumi**: I trust that Eddie and Miles will do their job!
**Lovic**: But the entire team of Oathblades elites was wiped out, and Miles has always been emotional and loyal...
**Lovic**: Group Leader Eddie may not always agree with Captain Miles...
**Lovic**: But he actually really cares about Miles, doesn't he?
**Izumi**: Hmm...what makes you say that?
**Lovic**: I've always followed your lead ever since I joined the Defense Force...
**Lovic**: It's evident how close you are.
**Izumi**: Hmm...that's why I'm so worried...
**Izumi**: But I don't know what to do.
**Izumi**: I finally managed to see Miles at noon, but I said something out of line and ruined it...
**Izumi**: Sigh...
*Izumi's stomach growls*
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: I haven't had time for lunch yet, and there are lots to do in the afternoon...
**Lovic**: Miles and Eddie aren't here anyway...
**Lovic**: These are good food. Let's eat.
**Izumi**: But I...
**Lovic**: I've also got ice popsicles!
*Izumi's stomach growls again*
**Izumi**: What? Ice popsicles?!
**Lovic**: I know you're worried about Miles and Eddie. We can make plans to go out again when they get back...
**Lovic**: If they aren't back until tomorrow, you'll starve!
**Lovic**: There's so much food here. I can't finish it all...
**Izumi**: Come to my dormitory!
**Lovic**: Okay!
*The next night...*
*On the training grounds, Miles, Eddie and Player talk about the Shadows recent actions*
**Miles**: They're building a fortress, and there's a shield on the outside!
**Eddie**: Sounds like an Arcana barrier...
**Eddie**: I've never heard of anything like this before.
**Player**: Most likely from the Shadow Reapers.
**Player**: Now we know two of the Shadow Reapers' strengths.
**Eddie**: They can place powerful barriers, and they can enhance Shadows within a certain range...
**Eddie**: Looks like they're bent on occupying the Ruins of Azria.
**Miles**: Occupying?
**Miles**: Ten years ago, we made an oath in Azria.
**Miles**: I will not let them desecrate Azria again!
**Eddie**: Miles, just look at how many Shadows there are. You can't accomplish anything on your own!
**Eddie**: Will you please trust the commander?
*Miles clenches his fists tight.*
**Miles**: I know...
*Miles heads towards the training robots*
**Miles**: Grey! Two more robots, then we go to bed!
**Grey**: Arwoo!!
**Player**: ...
*Eddie turns to Player*
**Eddie**: Player, you go first. I want to be alone with him...
**Player**: Okay.
**Player**: Let me know if you need me.
*Player leaves*
*A while later...*
**Eddie**: That's another three robots down...
**Eddie**: Even if you don't care about your health, you're wasting Oathblades' resources.
**Miles**: I see how you're all cocky now...how dare you interfere with my training!
**Eddie**: Don't you belittle me!
**Miles**: What's that now? I gave your face in front of Player, and you thought you're all that now?
**Miles**: Let me teach you a lesson!
**Izumi**: Miles?
*Izumi finds Miles and Eddie*
**Izumi**: Miles, Eddie! You're back!
**Izumi**: Are you alright? Are you hurt?
**Eddie**: Don't worry, we're fine.
**Miles**: It's just a scouting quest. Don't you have any faith in me?
**Izumi**: It's not that...
**Izumi**: It's just that...
**Izumi**: Are you really okay?
**Izumi**: Your injuries...and...
**Miles**: ...
**Izumi**: Wolf Squad...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...I don't know how to comfort you...
**Izumi**: It's just...
**Izumi**: I just wish you well...
**Eddie**: ...
**Miles**: ...
**Izumi**: Hmm...I said something out of line again, didn't I?
**Izumi**: Don't be mad...
*Miles embraces Izumi...*
**Miles**: ...
**Izumi**: !!
**Miles**: Idiot!
**Miles**: I'm not that fragile!
**Miles**: Such a small setback won't knock me down!
**Izumi**: R-really?
**Miles**: When have I lied to you?
**Miles**: ...
**Eddie**: ...
**Izumi**: That's good. I've been really worried these past two days!
**Miles**: Come on. Don't worry!
**Miles**: It's getting late, and I'm tired from scouting and training.
**Miles**: We'll get out for drinks tomorrow night! My treat!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: No! My treat!
**Miles**: Okay, then I'll pick a place!
**Eddie**: It really is getting late. Izumi, you should get some rest for the patrol tomorrow morning.
**Izumi**: Okay!
*Izumi leaves*
**Eddie**: Miles...
**Miles**: Don't say a word. He may not have gone far.
*Eddie waits a bit before continuing*
**Eddie**: Why are you doing this? Izumi is our brother, too...
**Eddie**: He really is worried about you!
**Miles**: I know! That's exactly why!
**Miles**: I've already let the warriors who fought by my side down.
**Miles**: I can't let Izumi worry about me again!
**Eddie**: ...
**Miles**: Listen, don't tell him anything!
**Miles**: Izumi must stay safe and happy.
**Miles**: As for the Shadows...
**Miles**: I'll deal with them!
*Miles starts to go*
**Eddie**: Where are you going?
**Miles**: To sleep!
*One week later...*
**Defense Force (Port)**: Get in line for the Shadow flux check! Don't push!
**Defense Force (Port)**: If you feel any discomfort, let the Defense Force know immediately.
*Eddie and Player find Izumi as he and the Defense Force screen new arrivals at the port*
**Izumi**: Eddie, Player! You're back!
**Izumi**: How was it? Are you hurt?
**Player**: I'm fine, I evacuated the village before the Shadows got there.
**Player**: No casualties.
**Eddie**: The Light of Purity are now fighting the first wave of Shadows, but it looks alright for now.
**Eddie**: None of our people are hurt.
**Izumi**: Phew... Good.
**Izumi**: Why are the Shadows attacking the villages all of a sudden?
**Eddie**: Now that they have a stronghold in Azria, it's inevitable that they'd want to expand.
**Eddie**: Izumi, we have to be vigilant in checking the incoming refugees.
**Eddie**: Some might be corrupted, and some might be Shadows in disguise.
**Izumi**: Okay! Don't worry!
**Izumi**: Um, I heard that Miles was part of the operation?
**Izumi**: Is Miles...hurt?
**Player**: He has a new squad now.
**Player**: If they gave him a mission, that means he's fine.
**Eddie**: What hasn't he seen? Battles of this scale aren't going to take him down.
**Izumi**: That's good to know.
*Eddie talks to Player*
**Eddie**: It's almost time for the strategy meeting. Shall we?
**Player**: Yes.
*They leave and Izumi returns to his work*
**Izumi**: Take out your identity document, everyone! Don't push! Follow our instructions!
*A while later...*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Be quiet! Stay in line! Everyone wants to get this over with!
**Izumi**: Huh?
**Defense Force Warrior**: Hmm...why did you bite me?
**Defense Force Warrior**: Someone's trying to force their way through!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**A pregnant woman in pain**: Doctor, my stomach... Ahhh!!!
*A Defense Force Warrior holds back an old lady from getting further while two other warriors attend to a pregnant woman on the ground*
**Defense Force Warrior**: No funny business!
*Izumi check on the commotion*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Captain Izumi?
**Izumi**: What happened?
**Old Lady**: Officer, please save my daughter!
**Izumi**: Please calm down, madam. What happened?
**Old Lady**: Officer, my daughter-in-law is about to give birth!
**Old Lady**: But they won't let us go inside to see the doctor!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Izumi, we received a rigid order!
**Defense Force Warrior**: All incoming refugees must subject to a vigilant check before they can enter Never Isle.
**Defense Force Warrior**: We can't afford to miss anyone in these special circumstances!
**Izumi**: (angry)
**Izumi**: (Takes out comm crystal.)
**Izumi**: This is Izumi. Calling all members of the Defense Force nearby...
**Izumi**: Is there a warrior or priest who knows how to deliver a baby? A pregnant woman at the end of the port inspection line is about to give birth, and we need help!
**Izumi**: Is there anyone...
**Izumi**: Is that so...
**Izumi**: Okay, I got it! Please stay in your stations, brothers!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Captain Izumi, I tried to look for someone just now.
**Defense Force Warrior**: The soldiers injured from battle and refugees who are seriously hurt are already keeping the doctors and priests busy.
**Defense Force Warrior**: The priests and Arcanists who are free are helping out in the port inspections.
**Izumi**: Then bring them up here and check them first.
**A pregnant woman in pain**: Phew...Phew...ahhhh.....!!
**Defense Force Warrior**: The old lady should be fine, but given the state of the pregnant woman...
**Defense Force Warrior**: It's impossible to perform a check...
**Old Lady**: Officer, please have mercy on us and let us in...
**Old Lady**: If no doctor is available, a clean room will be enough!
**Old Lady**: My son was a city guard. He was killed by the Shadows while protecting the city.
**Old Lady**: How could we be spies of the Shadows?
**Defense Force Warrior**: We aren't only merely looking out for spies at the port inspections. We must also look out for Shadow Flux, contagious diseases, and other issues. It's vital!
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Old Lady**: Hmm...how can this be...
**Old Lady**: Isn't Never Isle a Gyee paradise?
**A pregnant woman in pain**: That hurts! Fu...ahhhh! That really hurts!
**Izumi**: The safety of Never Isle is of top priority.
**Old Lady**: My god! You bastard!
**Old Lady**: You already took my son...
**Old Lady**: Are you going to take away my grandchild now?!
**Old Lady**: If this is how it has to be...
**Old Lady**: Just take my life as well!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
*The old lady tries to run off of the port but Izumi stops her*
**Izumi**: What are you doing?
**Old Lady**: God has no mercy!
**Old Lady**: My son has already been killed by the Shadows. If I lose my grandchild as well...
**Old Lady**: I don't want to live, either!
**Izumi**: ...
**A pregnant woman in pain**: Ahhhh!!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Take them inside!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Captain Izumi?
**Izumi**: Take them inside and bring them to the church immediately!
**Defense Force Warrior**: You must stay calm, Captain Izumi. You're going against an order!
**Izumi**: The Defense Force is supposed to be guardians of the people!
**Izumi**: I can't just let them...
**Izumi**: I'll take the blame alone and face the superiors!
**Izumi**: Take them inside!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Hmm...
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!!
**Old Lady**: Thank you!
**Old Lady**: Please accept my kowtow!
*The old lady starts to get on her hands and knees but Izumi stops her*
**Izumi**: Don't! Time is of the essence. Please go inside now! All the best!
*Two days later...*
*The Defense Force Second Commander speaks with Izumi outside of the Defense Force HQ*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Do you realize what you did?
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Thanks be to Ka, the two women as well as the newborn passed the inspections.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: They didn't have the Shadow Flux, and they aren't spies of the Shadows.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: But what if they were spies of the Shadows?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The entire Never Isle and tens of thousands of Gyees were put in danger because of your compassion!
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: But they are Gyees, too.
**Izumi**: I just couldn't let the pregnant woman die with the baby inside her, not to mention the old lady...
**Izumi**: I just couldn't.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi, you're too kind.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We got lucky this time, but there's nothing the Shadows won't do!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: They will make sure of your kindness, your compassion.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You'll become a weak spot for the Shadows to break through. Do you understand?!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I made a mistake. I'll accept any punishment!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Sigh...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: If something like this happens again, between the lives of one or two people or the safety of the entire Never Isle...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You must be relentless and make the right choice!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Head back now! The Defense Force needs all the help available in these circumstances.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You'll keep your duties for now! If you make a mistake again, I can't do anything for you!
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: Second Commander...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Why are you still standing here? Go and join the patrol now!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Are you waiting for an ice popsicle?
**Izumi**: No, I'm not...
**Izumi**: Thank you, Second Commander!
*A while later...*
*Izumi meets with his Defense Force squad on the training grounds*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, what are the arrangements for this afternoon?
**Izumi**: Hmm...how did you know I'm still a captain?
**Lovic**: I can tell from your face.
**Izumi**: Sigh, my impulsiveness seems to have brought a lot of trouble for the Second Commander...
**Lovic**: But Izumi did the right thing!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Lovic**: We're the Defense Force, guardians of the people in Never Isle!
**Lovic**: Even though you went against an order, you saved a Gyee family!
**Lovic**: I'm on your side!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: Thanks.
**Lovic**: Then again, you can't be so impulsive next time.
**Lovic**: Things will get really bad if we let a spy into Never Isle!
**Lovic**: Keep your cool and you'll think of a win-win solution.
**Izumi**: Sigh... You're right.
*Suddenly, Izumi's comm crystal rings.*
**Izumi**: This is Izumi...
**Izumi**: What?!
**Izumi**: Got it! I'll take a team over there right now!
**Lovic**: What happened?
**Izumi**: The Second Commander just informed me that mass violence broke out at the refugee camp. Things got out of hand, and they need urgent help to keep the peace!
**Lovic**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: Attention everyone! Our target is the refugee camp. Let's go!
*With the swift response of the Defense Force, the refugee disorder was quickly suppressed.*
*Nevertheless, many were hurt during the conflict, and some were seriously injured.*
**Angry Refugee**: Let me go! Let me go!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Settle down! We're at the Defense Force now. Behave!
**Angry Refugee**: Why did you take me in and not them? Those bastards from the other village did more damage!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Don't worry! Everyone who has hit someone will be taken in!
*Izumi talks to one of the refugees who participated in the riot*
**Izumi**: I don't get it. Why were you so angry?
**Izumi**: You're all Gyees, and you've all lost our home due to the Shadows.
**Izumi**: You'll all live on Never Isle as neighbors.
**Hefty Refugee**: I was going to be friendly!
**Hefty Refugee**: They crossed the line! They hit our people first!
**Izumi**: Hmm, but they said you hit them first.
**Hefty Refugee**: Nonsense!
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, I don't think we'll ever find out who took the first punch.
**Izumi**: Hmm, that's no longer important.
**Izumi**: You hurt over ten people, some of which are seriously injured.
**Izumi**: Can you explain why you hit them so hard?
**Hefty Refugee**: Hmm...everything that I've worked so hard for half my life is now gone! I was already furious.
**Hefty Refugee**: I just...wasn't thinking clearly. I'm sorry!
**Izumi**: (Sigh... There's not a whole lot we can do about that...)
**Izumi**: Alright then. Before the conflict started, did you see anything out of the ordinary?
**Hefty Refugee**: Out of the ordinary...
**Hefty Refugee**: Oh! I remember now!
**Hefty Refugee**: Before the fight, a tall and hefty man was trying to provoke the crowd!
**Izumi**: Hmph!!
**Izumi**: Did you see his face?
**Hefty Refugee**: His face... I remember now!
**Hefty Refugee**: He's from the Defense Force!
**Hefty Refugee**: One of you dressed in plain clothes deliberately provoked the conflict!
**Izumi**: What?
**Hefty Refugee**: Why did the Defense Force do that? Why are you trying to shift the blame on us?
*The bearman struggles while two Defense Force warriors try to hold him back*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Hmm...he's quite strong...
*The bearman breaks away*
**Lovic**: Get him!
*A while later...*
**Izumi**: How's it going?
**Lovic**: We have him under control, but he won't cooperate.
**Lovic**: He's adamant that someone from the Defense Force provoked the conflict.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Sigh... That's enough for now. Lock him up and let him calm down!
**Izumi**: I'll ask around.
*Having questioned and investigated with those involved in the conflict and the people nearby...*
*The Defense Force didn't find any proof that someone actually provoked the conflict.*
*Therefore, the Defense Force ultimately determined that this was a general violent incident.*
*After all, everyone here left their home and came to Never Isle because of the Shadows.*
*It's understandable that they're upset.*
*Two days later, on Never Isle...*
*At night...*
*Three Defense Force warriors talk to each other about the current events*
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Have you heard?
**Defense Force Warrior A**: We lost the frontline battle again.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Sigh...it's a shame we can't go to the frontlines...
**Defense Force Warrior B**: How I wish I could kill a few of the Shadows to avenge those who sacrificed themselves!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Young man, it's good to be passionate, but the threat from the Shadows is different this time. Blunt force won't work!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: The Shadows put up some sort of shield...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Nothing could penetrate it, not even our ships' cannons!
**Defense Force Warrior B**: The Shadows are cowards who rely on witchcraft! They dared not fight us up front!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: We're at war. It doesn't matter if they fight fair or rely on witchcraft.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: They won't care what means they use so long as they will win. The Shadows aren't going to be reasonable!
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Win...
**Defense Force Warrior A**: I heard some rumors recently.
**Defense Force Warrior A**: I heard that the Order of Equality is in negotiations with the White Cape to fight the Shadows together.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Negotiations? With the White Cape!?
**Defense Force Warrior B**: That's impossible! They're the White Cape!
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Even the Order of Equality wouldn't negotiate with our mortal enemy!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: The White Cape...the enemy of our enemy...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Looks like the threat from the Shadows this time is so great that we don't have the power to overcome it ourselves!
**Lovic**: What are you all talking about?
*Lovic and Izumi interrupt their conversation*
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Captain Izumi, Deputy...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: We're talking about the recent battles...things seem pretty bad.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: But so long as Never Isle unites, we'll defeat the Shadows, right?
**Lovic**: Of course!
**Lovic**: The Oathblades and the Order of Equality will handle the frontlines. We don't have to worry.
**Izumi**: Hmm, we'll talk about the frontlines in private.
**Izumi**: The Second Commander emphasized that matters regarding the frontlines should be kept from the people.
**Izumi**: Otherwise the people will get upset.
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Yes, sir!
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Understood, Captain Izumi!
**Izumi**: Lovic, let's check on the refugee camp again.
**Izumi**: At this moment, that is Never Isle's most volatile place.
**Lovic**: Yes, sir!
*As Lovic and Izumi go to the camp, Lovic asks a question*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, are you worried about matters at the frontlines?
**Izumi**: With regard to the frontlines, I trust Never Isle, and I trust Commander Markus and General Will.
**Izumi**: I'm worried that...
**Izumi**: Eddie has barely been seen on Never Isle these two days, and he's not scouting at the frontlines.
**Izumi**: He seemed to be in contact with the White Cape.
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, are you worried that, if Miles finds out...
**Izumi**: If Miles finds out that Eddie is in contact with the White Cape...
**Izumi**: I'm afraid that they will completely cut ties with each other...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: If you are worried...
**Lovic**: Why don't you ask Miles and Eddie out to talk about it?
**Lovic**: Miles will find out about Eddie sooner or later.
**Lovic**: But if you're there, they may hold their temper...
**Izumi**: No, no!
**Izumi**: Isn't that looking for trouble? Not to mention, I have never been good at these talks.
**Izumi**: If I say something wrong, I may make things worse and cause their complete separation.
**Lovic**: The relationship they have now, isn't much different than complete separation.
**Izumi**: Sigh...
**Izumi**: Let's get an ice popsicle on the way to the refugee camp.
**Izumi**: I have a sudden craving.
*A while later, at the refugee camp...*
**Lovic**: As expected, this is Never Isle's most chaotic area.
**Lovic**: Two kids even tried to rob us.
**Izumi**: Kids like that don't know right from wrong. Yell at them and they will go away.
**Izumi**: They just lost their home, and many lost their family.
**Izumi**: They must be really upset.
**Izumi**: We'll patrol more frequently during this period and try to educate those who commit petty crimes.
**Izumi**: Give them some time to get used to Never Isle.
**Lovic**: Hmm, I'll report to the Second Commander tomorrow and ask for some help.
**Izumi**: It's getting later, why don't we...
*Boom!*
**Izumi**: Hmph!!
**Izumi**: What's that sound?
*Suddenly, a ball of fire explodes near Izumi and Lovic*
**Izumi**: That...that's the Shadow Cannon!
**Izumi**: How can a Shadow Cannon attack Never Isle?!
**Izumi**: Inform the squad! Gather now!
**Lovic**: Watch out!
*Another ball of fire explodes near Izumi, covering him in debris*
**Izumi**: \*cough, cough\*...gather now!
**Lovic**: Let's take shelter...over here!
*The Shadows' ships avoided the sentry artifact on Lake Bliss at night and surrounded Never Isle.*
*But Never Isle was able to put up a temporary energy barrier, thanks to the Arcana Nexus and an artifact called the Phantom Visage.*
*The Oathblades, the Order of Equality, and the Defense Force fought valiantly...*
*And they defeated the Shadows surrounding Never Isle.*
*However...*
*Multiple buildings are ablaze from the Shadows' attacks*
*The Defense Force try to get any civilians to safety*
**Injured Civilian**: My leg! Ahhhhhh! My leg!
**Izumi**: The building over there collapsed! Rescue the people trapped in the rubble!
**Izumi**: Go, go, go!
*Boom!*
**Izumi**: Hmm...put out the fire!
*Izumi finds a man cowering on the ground*
**Izumi**: Are you hurt?
**Izumi**: It's not safe here, let me help you out.
*Izumi is about to help him, but the wounded man glares at Izumi.*
**Wounded Man**: Get out of my face!
**Izumi**: !!
**Wounded Man**: My man... My brother... My family... All dead!
**Wounded Man**: Are you doing your jobs?
**Wounded Man**: I thought Lake Bliss was safe?
**Wounded Man**: I thought Never Isle was protected by an artifact and that outsiders couldn't find it?
**Wounded Man**: Why?
**Wounded Man**: What is the Defense Force doing?
**Wounded Man**: Without my family, without my beloved...I...I...ahh!
*The man runs away*
**Izumi**: N-no!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: No...
*Across the way, Eddie sees Izumi's distress but knows his focus must be on Never Isle*
**Eddie**: Light of Purity, help the Defense Force!
**Light of Purity Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*Likewise, nearby Miles saw the interaction but turns his attention back to a burning building*
**Miles**: Oathblades! If you can still move, put out the fire with me!
*Izumi and the Defense Force continue to help anyone in need*
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Defense Force Warrior**: The fire over here is getting out of control! Come quickly!
**Izumi**: I'm coming!
*After a while, the fires from the Shadow bombardment are finally extinguished.*
*And the injured were treated.*
*Izumi, who has been on the front line this entire time, finally gets to take a break.*
**Player**: Everyone did their best to reduce the number of casualties.
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: Finally...
**Eddie**: What the hell is going on?!
*Eddie angrily approaches Izumi*
**Eddie**: I told you to check the incoming refugees carefully to not let any Shadows in!
**Player**: Calm down!
**Izumi**: It's all my fault.
**Izumi**: If no one inside was working with the Shadows in secret...
**Izumi**: The Shadows would not have avoided our patrol and the artifacts at Lake Bliss.
**Izumi**: And they wouldn't have found Never Isle hiding behind the artifacts.
**Izumi**: ...
*Izumi lowers his head, tears in his eyes.*
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: If I checked the incoming refugees more carefully...
**Izumi**: I... I...
*Miles overhears Eddie yelling at Izumi and intervene*
**Miles**: Eddie!
**Miles**: It wasn't Izumi's fault!
*Miles taps Izumi on the shoulder.*
**Miles**: Didn't we make a promise when we just got to Never Isle?
**Miles**: You said you wouldn't cry anymore.
**Izumi**: Hmmm... I'm not crying.
**Eddie**: ...
**Miles**: Come on, it's not your fault.
**Miles**: It's the Shadows' fault!
**Miles**: Eddie, if you have time to yell at Izumi, why don't you make yourself more useful!
**Eddie**: Miles...
**Miles**: (angry)
*Miles leaves*
**Player**: ...
**Eddie**: I'm sorry, Izumi.
**Eddie**: I shouldn't have said those things to you.
**Izumi**: No, I didn't do my job.
**Izumi**: I didn't notice the spies among the refugees!
**Eddie**: Miles is right, it's the Shadows' fault!
**Eddie**: Put this out of your mind!
**Eddie**: Things will only get worse from here. We need to keep our spirits up!
**Izumi**: Okay!
*Eddie leaves*
**Player**: I'll go back to the airship and circle the Lake Bliss and Elysian River for potential escapees.
**Player**: Please contact me via my comm crystal if you need me.
**Izumi**: Okay!
*Player leaves*
**Izumi**: (angry)
**Izumi**: Evading the monitory arrays and patrol teams at Lake Bliss...
**Izumi**: With knowledge of the exact location of Never Isle...
**Izumi**: How is that even possible?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: The only loophole was the incoming refugees from three days ago.
**Izumi**: I took pity on the mother and daughter...and let them into Never Isle against the rules...
**Izumi**: The mother and daughter, as well as those refugees who came in when the port was short on personnel, are all suspicious!
*A few moments later, at the Defense Force archives...*
*Izumi pores over the entry records*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Hmm...none of the refugees seem suspicious.
**Izumi**: These are all familiar faces, and these are veterans.
**Izumi**: They will never betray Never Isle!
*Lovic approaches Izumi*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, here are the arcana detection records from the past few days.
**Izumi**: Thank you.
**Izumi**: I hope it didn't cause you too much trouble bringing them here this late.
**Lovic**: Eh, why are you being so courteous?
**Lovic**: Not to mention, the entire Defense Force must take responsibility now that there's a spy in Never Isle.
**Lovic**: Of course I'm here to help.
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Lovic**: To find out Never Isle's location, they could have installed a flux beacon which can bypass the artifacts.
**Lovic**: However, how did they get past the monitory arrays and patrol teams at Lake Bliss?
**Lovic**: The location of the monitory arrays and the patrol teams' routes are updated daily.
**Lovic**: And the arranged routes are always given to the patrol teams on the spot.
**Lovic**: Even I don't know about them in advance.
**Izumi**: Hmm, the patrolling routes and locations of the monitory arrays on Lake Bliss...
**Izumi**: They are determined during the morning discussion attended by the captains and the Second Commander.
**Izumi**: No outsider has access.
**Lovic**: Yea, how do we explain this.
**Izumi**: It's okay.
**Izumi**: Let's go through all Defense Force's arcana detection records for the past few days.
**Izumi**: It's just a Shadow spy.
**Izumi**: They will reveal themselves!
**Lovic**: Okay!
*Lovic starts examining the records*
**Lovic**: Eh! Captain Izumi! Come quickly!
**Izumi**: Did you find something?
**Lovic**: These are the arcana records from the day before yesterday.
**Lovic**: There are consecutive 5-minute invalid breaks in the monitoring records of the Defense Force meeting room arcana and the one outside the meeting room.
**Izumi**: Invalid breaks?
**Izumi**: There shouldn't be...
**Lovic**: And breaks in the two monitory arrays happened consecutively.
**Izumi**: This can't be a coincidence!
**Izumi**: Let's head to the meeting room!
*A few moments later, at the Defense Force meeting room...*
*Izumi and Lovic start to search the room*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, did you find anything?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: There's an empty cavity inside this chair...
**Izumi**: It's a voice-recording arcana crystal!
**Lovic**: Voice-recording arcana? We were spied on?
**Izumi**: Judging from the size of this arcana crystal, its energy would be drained after one and a half days.
**Izumi**: There's still a little bit of energy inside...
**Lovic**: That means the Shadows planned to attack Never Isle all along.
**Lovic**: They installed the spying device two days ago to obtain Lake Bliss's defense information for today.
**Izumi**: How come no one realized that a spy has infiltrated the Defense Force?
**Lovic**: Two days ago...
**Izumi**: Hmm...the violence at the refugee camp!
**Lovic**: Could it be...the Shadows diverting our attention.
**Izumi**: Inform the Second Commander of our findings!
**Izumi**: I'll double check all information on the incoming refugees!
**Lovic**: Yes, sir!
*Two days later, early morning...*
*The Second Commander addresses the Defense Force in the briefing room*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: With regard to the attack on Never Isle the day before yesterday, please report on your progress.
**Defense Force Warrior**: The search on the south of the island is completed. No suspicious individuals or Shadow equipment was found.
**Defense Force Warrior**: The investigation on the north is also completed with no findings.
**Lovic**: We went door to door on the east and west of the island to investigate, including the refugee camp...
**Lovic**: But we found nothing.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I see. Izumi? How's the investigation on the identities of the incoming refugees?
**Izumi**: (Shakes head...)
**Izumi**: I've gone through their identities twice.
**Izumi**: There was no faked ID, and the backgrounds of the refugees are normal.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I see.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Luckily, we closed the port swiftly.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The Shadows were clearly well prepared this time. We were caught off guard.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: If they could come up with such an intricate plan, they must have prepared an evacuation strategy.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We can't rule out the possibility that the Shadow spy might have already left the island.
**Izumi**: Dang...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The attack on Never Isle was the Defense Force's fault.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I hope you will all remember the Defense Force's manifesto, learn a lesson from this incident and work even harder to protect the people!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: By all means, let bygones be bygones. Focus on your work ahead and don't be affected by the past.
**Defense Force Warriors**: Yes, sir!!
*Two months later...*
*Humans who once hated each other were wakened up by the Shadows' cannons.*
*A cease fire agreement created at Westhold thanks to the Shadowhunters, Never Isle and Crossport had old foes join hands against a common enemy.*
*The allied forces established by the Gyees and the White Cape stopped the expansion of the Shadows.*
*At the same time, to counter emergencies, and for the Defense Force to fulfill their duties even better...*
*The Never Isle Officials commissioned Master Turing to conduct research on new weapons for the Defense Force.*
*Never Isle...in front of the Defense Force...*
*The Second Commander speaks with Izumi*
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi, are you still looking into the Shadow spy matter?
**Izumi**: Hmmm.
**Izumi**: I've checked the Never Isle's port records.
**Izumi**: That spy...I'm sure he hasn't left Never Isle!
**Izumi**: He must be on the island still!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: ...
**Izumi**: Don't worry, I won't interfere with the quests you've given us.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Sigh...using your free time to investigate...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Did you even sleep much these past two months?
**Izumi**: I'm fine.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I understand how you feel...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: But you should also accept reality.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Never Isle has entered into an agreement with the White Cape to establish an Anti-Shadow Allied Force.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The Allied Force is doing well.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The Shadow Fortress near the Ruins of Azria will soon be taken down.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The Shadows' emphasis is the frontlines. Even if the spy is still on the island, he is no longer useful.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Eddie and Miles fought hard at the frontlines.
**Izumi**: They defeated the Shadows.
**Izumi**: As for me, I have achieved nothing on Never Isle.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Eddie and Miles don't need you to do anything.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: They only need you to lead a safe and happy life on Never Isle.
**Izumi**: But I want to do something...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You are doing something. You are guarding Never Isle.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Guard the home for all of us.
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Oh right!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I received a weapon's prototype made by Master Turing.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi, why don't you put it on?
**Izumi**: Eh! That's equipment specifically designed for a commander...
**Izumi**: How...how can I possibly wear that?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Come to think of it, I'm merely a second commander myself...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: However, you're the strongest warrior in the Defense Force!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I've also seen that you've taken the investigation really seriously.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Who knows, maybe you'll become the Defense Force's commander one day!
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: Please don't make fun of me, Second Commander.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Okay, that's enough. I was changing the subject to make you laugh. I didn't expect it to have the opposite effect.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You've worked hard on the spy matter, with no regrets.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We've also enhanced the monitoring and defense for the island, as well as enforced a curfew at night so that they can no longer take any advantage.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Let me treat you to an ice popsicle, then you must have some rest!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Ok! Thank you, Second Commander!
*Two months later...*
*With the warriors fighting hard, the Allied Force was approaching the Shadow Fortress near the Ruins of Azria...*
*The Gyees and other human warriors have gathered, the airship has taken off, and the shells were loaded...*
*Another step and the humans will be victorious...*
*Izumi and Lovic patrol Never Isle at night*
**Izumi**: (Yawns)
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, we're on the nightshift today...
**Lovic**: I'm sleepy already. How am I going to get through the rest of the night?
**Izumi**: Sigh...I got too excited watching the Rupor Show.
**Izumi**: So I couldn't fall asleep at noon.
**Izumi**: But don't worry, I brought this...
*Izumi took out two bags of ice popsicles.*
**Izumi**: Let's eat!
**Lovic**: Haha, none for me.
**Lovic**: It's quite cool today. My stomach isn't as strong as yours.
**Izumi**: (Enjoying an ice popsicle) Hmm...then I'll eat by myself...hmm...
*Suddenly, many Oathblades warriors head toward the port*
*Izumi and Lovic can hear what they're angry about as they pass by*
**Oathblades Warrior**: What? Unforgivable!
**Oathblades Warrior**: Dang the White Cape, I knew it...
**Oathblades Warrior**: Head to the port now. We need to...take revenge!
**Izumi**: !!
*Another Oathblades passes by but Lovic stops him*
**Lovic**: Wait!
**Oathblades Warrior**: Brothers in the Defense Force, don't get in our way. We need to head to the port!
**Lovic**: Never Isle is on curfew at this time.
**Lovic**: Other than Never Isle Officials, no one is allowed to go out. Not to mention leaving the island!
**Oathblades Warrior**: I don't care!
**Oathblades Warrior**: Miles was tricked by the White Cape! We need to kill them all and avenge Miles!
**Izumi**: What...
**Izumi**: What did you say?!
**Oathblades Warrior**: Miles was tricked by the White Cape! We need to avenge Miles!
**Izumi**: No...
*The ice popsicle fell on to Izumi's chest.*
*Yet he didn't feel the cold...*
**Izumi**: N-no!
**Izumi**: That's impossible!
*Continue to Trifle - A Brother's Duty*

**A Brother's Duty**

The maelstrom swallowed up the wolf, and brought down the hawk. Now the sleeping bear is about to awaken...

**-Part 1**

*After the Allied Force's attack on the Shadow Fortress at Azria failed...*
*Never Isle...*
*Many members of the Oathblades and Order of Equality gather at the port*
**Oathblades Warrior**: What? Not even the lower Elysian River?
**Oathblades Warrior**: Then we'll go to the Sea of Storm!
**Oathblades Warrior**: I can't believe we lost Miles just like that!
**Order of Equality Director**: Contact the Elysianns and ask for their help in rescuing...
**Order of Equality Director**: We must find Captain Miles!
**Order of Equality Director**: Alive or dead!
*Lovic speaks with an Oathblades captain*
**Lovic**: So can the Defense Force help in any way?
**Oathblades Captain**: Thank you for your concern...
**Oathblades Captain**: But we know more about the situation out there, and we have more experience in rescue missions on the outer islands. Together with the help from the Order of Equality...
**Oathblades Captain**: We will find Miles.
**Oathblades Captain**: Please monitor the situation at Lake Bliss.
**Oathblades Captain**: If Miles comes back on his own, please let us know immediately.
**Lovic**: Of course, of course!
**Lovic**: ...
*Lovic leaves and finds Izumi still dumbstruck by the news about Miles*
**Izumi**: No, that's impossible...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, the Oathblades and the Order of Equality have set out to look for Miles.
**Lovic**: We aren't familiar with the outer islands. We'll only be their burden if we go out there.
**Izumi**: That's right, we can't cause them trouble...we can't...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, please get some rest back at the dormitory.
**Lovic**: I'll stay here and let you know if there's any news.
**Izumi**: No... No...
**Izumi**: I'll stay at the port...
**Izumi**: I'll wait for him to come back!
**Lovic**: ...
*Two Defense Force warriors approach Izumi*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Captain Izumi!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Rumors are spreading on Never Isle that there's been a complete defeat at the frontlines...
**Defense Force Warrior**: The Second Commander wants us to identify the source and suppress the rumors!
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: I see, I'll take charge.
**Lovic**: Gather all possible sources now. I'll look into it right away!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*The two warriors leave*
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, I'll get to it right now.
**Lovic**: Let me know via the comm crystal if you need me.
**Lovic**: And I'll come right back.
**Izumi**: ...
*Lovic leaves*
**Izumi**: Miles...
*A while later...*
*Player looks out over Never Isle dock*
**Player**: Sigh...
*Suddenly, flames flashed across the faraway sky.*
**Player**: Eh...that's...
*Using Sky's Wings, Eddie flies across Lake Bliss and lands next to Player*
*From the other side of the dock, Izumi sees Eddie land*
**Izumi**: Eddie! Eddie is back!
**Izumi**: Eddie must have news about Miles.
*Izumi starts to run over but notices what Eddie is holding*
**Izumi**: Hmm... in Eddie's hands, ...
**Izumi**: There's a Grey's ammo bag...covered in blood...
**Izumi**: Hmm...sniffle...
**Izumi**: No...sniffle...
**Izumi**: This can't be!
*Izumi faints from the shock*
*...*
*...*
*Izumi dreams of Miles*
**Miles**: You're my brother, and that's that. Even if you had weaknesses coming out the ears, you'd still be my brother.
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Izumi**: Miles, is that you?
**Miles**: It's just a scouting quest. Don't you have any faith in me?
**Izumi**: Thank goodness, I just knew you're okay.
**Izumi**: I just knew...
**Miles**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi!
**Izumi**: Ahhhhhh!
*Izumi opens his eyes*
**Izumi**: Where am I?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You passed out at the port. An Oathblades warrior saw you and brought you back.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Hmm! It's almost noon.
**Izumi**: I'm sorry, Second Commander. I'll get dressed right away.
*Izumi goes to his footlocker*
**Izumi**: Socks...socks.
**Izumi**: Hmm...four single socks of different colors?
*Seeing the socks in his hands triggers a memory*
**Miles**: Didn't I tell you long ago you should just get white socks?
**Izumi**: Hmm!!
**Izumi**: Hmm...
*Tears were running down Izumi's face in no time.*
**Izumi**: (Sobs)
**Defense Force Second Commander**: (Taps Izumi on the shoulder)
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Child...I'm really sorry about Miles...
**Izumi**: (Hugs the Second Commander)
**Izumi**: (Sobs)
**Izumi**: Ahhhhhh!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Sigh...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Have a good rest these two days. I'll take care of the Defense Force matters.
**Izumi**: I can't...
**Izumi**: I should get on with the patrol. There are lots to do on the island.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Don't force yourself.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Settle your emotions before heading back to the force!
**Izumi**: But...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: No buts! It's an order!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You've worked hard these past few months. It's time you get some rest.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Once you're back on your feet, return to the force and work hard!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Yes...
**Izumi**: Thank you, Second Commander.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We've fought by each other's sides for years. This is nothing.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I should get back to the Defense Force. Get some rest.
**Izumi**: Safe travels, Second Commander.
*The Second Commander leaves*
**Izumi**: ...
**Miles**: I brought you some ice popsicles! I know they're your favorite...
**Miles**: We'll get out for drinks tomorrow night! My treat!
**Izumi**: Sniffles...Miles...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry!
*The next day, late at night.*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi, you can't drink anymore!
**Izumi**: I want to! Leave me alone!
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...whoa!
**Izumi**: Out of my way!
*Izumi stumbles out of the bar but doesn't get too far*
**Izumi**: (Barfs)
**Lovic**: Hmm...
**Lovic**: Captain! You've had too much to drink!
**Lovic**: You'll hurt yourself if you drink more!
**Izumi**: Leave me alone!
**Izumi**: (Raises the bottle and chugs)
**Izumi**: Delicious!
**Lovic**: Captain! Stop drinking! Think about...
**Lovic**: Do you think Miles would want to see you getting drunk and giving up on yourself from heaven?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi! Do you think Miles would approve!?
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: (Raises the bottle and downs it in two gulps)
**Lovic**: Captain!!!
**Izumi**: Lovic, leave me alone!
**Lovic**: You're my captain! You've always taken care of me ever since I joined the Defense Force!
**Lovic**: Now that you're upset, I'll stay by your side!
**Izumi**: Hmm...you don't get it...
*Izumi shook the bottle and saw that it's empty.*
**Izumi**: It's empty. I'll...buy more...
*Lovic holds Izumi from leaving*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi!
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi! So long as I'm here, you won't be drinking again.
**Izumi**: Get out of my way!
**Lovic**: No way!
**Lovic**: Captain, what happened to Miles was unfortunate...
**Lovic**: But the Defense Force team and our brothers are still here!
**Lovic**: Even if you're not thinking about yourself, you should think about them!
**Izumi**: Brothers...
**Izumi**: My closest brother is gone...
**Lovic**: ...
**Izumi**: Out of my way!
*Izumi punches Lovic aside and leaves*
**Lovic**: Hmm...
**Lovic**: Ugh, Captain Izumi is really strong.
**Lovic**: Even when he's drunk, I can't overpower him.
**Lovic**: Phew...I must get up.
**Lovic**: If he continues to drink, he'll die...
*Lovic pulls himself up*
**Lovic**: Hmm...Captain, wait for me!
*A while later, on a small alley of Never Isle...*
*Lovic looks down an alley partially obscured by crates*
**Lovic**: Hmm...this reeks of alcohol. Izumi must have just passed through here.
**Lovic**: Is he trying to get rid of me by taking the alleys?
**Lovic**: I'm your second in command. This kind of trick won't work!
*As Lovic heads down the alley, Izumi climbs out from a behind a big box by the road.*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: I...
**Izumi**: I'm not worthy to be your captain, or the brothers'...
*Izumi shambles away*
*A while later, next to the Oathblades training ground...*
*Izumi sits in a corner next to a crate of wine*
**Izumi**: (Raises the bottle and chugs)
**Izumi**: Ha!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I always run into drunks when I patrol around here at night.
**Izumi**: In the past, I didn't understand why they would drink until they're unconscious.
**Izumi**: We would have to drag them to the Defense Force, but we couldn't get anything out of them. We couldn't identify them, and they would throw up...
**Izumi**: They were a real pain.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Yet today, I finally get it.
**Izumi**: (Chugs down a big gulp of wine)
**Izumi**: When I drink, my brain gets dizzy...and I will forget about my troubles.
**Izumi**: I'm useless after all.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I'm old enough now, and yet when I get into trouble...
**Izumi**: I choose to run away.
**Izumi**: Since we were young, you and Eddie were always there to help me.
**Izumi**: And I only hid behind the two of you!
**Izumi**: (Chugs)
**Izumi**: Come on, Miles! These two boxes of wine are my treat!
**Izumi**: It's your favorite!
**Izumi**: Come!
*A while later...*
*More and more empty bottles end up next to Izumi.*
**Izumi**: Come to think of it, we've never drunk so much together!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: I'm... really sorry...
**Izumi**: If I was the least bit useful.
**Izumi**: Those few days...if I checked the incoming refugees more carefully.
**Izumi**: If I found the Shadow spy and didn't let them out.
**Izumi**: Or if I realized earlier that the Defense Force was compromised and found the voice-recording crystal.
**Izumi**: The Shadows' cannon wouldn't have dropped on Never Isle.
**Izumi**: If the Shadows' cannon was never dropped on Never Isle.
**Izumi**: Knowing you, you'd never have worked with the White Cape.
**Izumi**: In that case, you wouldn't have...
**Izumi**: Ahhhhhh!
**Izumi**: It's all my fault.
**Izumi**: It's all my fault!
**Izumi**: It's me...
**Izumi**: I got you killed!
**Izumi**: Arrrrrrrrrrgh!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: (Wipes away his tears, and opens another bottle of wine)
**Izumi**: Miles, don't you worry...
**Izumi**: I won't run away this time!
**Izumi**: (Raises the bottle and chugs down half a bottle)
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: (Barfs)
**Izumi**: Ha!
**Izumi**: (Raises the bottle again and finishes the entire bottle of wine)
**Izumi**: Ugh...
**Izumi**: My head is spinning...I suppose I'm almost done.
**Izumi**: Once I finish the remaining bottles...
**Izumi**: Miles, very soon...
**Izumi**: I'll be with you.
**Izumi**: Over there, I won't hide behind you again.
**Izumi**: I'll stand in front of you.
**Izumi**: To protect...
**Izumi**: (smiles)
*Izumi blacks out*
**???**: Miles, you bastard!
**???**: Are you trying to leave me alone?
**???**: In your dreams!!
**Izumi**: Who is it?
*The shouting wakes Izumi up from his stupor*
*Following the voice, he sees Eddie at the port, shouting out over Lake Bliss*
**Eddie**: We haven't finished out fight!
**Eddie**: Just wait...
**Eddie**: I'll be right there...
*Eddie takes a step toward the end of the dock*
**Izumi**: Eddie!
**Izumi**: Don't go any further!
*Izumi runs to Eddie and holds on tightly...*
**Eddie**: Hmm...Izumi?
**Izumi**: What are you doing, Eddie?
**Izumi**: Hmm...you reek of alcohol...
**Izumi**: How much did you drink...
**Eddie**: It's none of your business!
**Eddie**: Let go of me, Izumi!
**Eddie**: I'm going to find Miles! Our last fight...it isn't over!
**Izumi**: Lake Bliss is just up ahead!
**Izumi**: Calm down!
**Eddie**: Calm down?
**Eddie**: I've always been calm!
**Eddie**: In the beginning, if we attacked with our entire force, we might have defeated the Shadows before they settled!
**Eddie**: Yet I was worried that the White Cape would secretly attack Never Isle. I was calm, and I refused to follow Miles' suggestion.
**Eddie**: The White Cape, the ordinary humans, they hated us from the bottom of their hearts.
**Eddie**: I was calm, and I set aside my bias. I thought the humans would unite against the Shadows.
**Eddie**: And as a result?
**Eddie**: It was my fault.
**Eddie**: I shouldn't have joined the Order of Equality.
**Eddie**: The mundanes can't be saved.
**Eddie**: If I had joined the Oathblades with him...
**Eddie**: I could have been by his side.
**Eddie**: If I weren't so stubborn about my stupid dream...
**Eddie**: Never Isle would not have entered a truce with the White Capes.
**Eddie**: And he wouldn't have...
**Eddie**: I killed him!
**Eddie**: I'm not worthy to be alive!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: ...
**Eddie**: Let go of me!
**Izumi**: Eddie!
**Izumi**: Miles is gone.
**Izumi**: Are you leaving me as well?
**Eddie**: Izumi...
**Eddie**: Leave me alone!
**Eddie**: Have a good life...
**Izumi**: No!
**Izumi**: The three of us came to Never Isle together...
**Izumi**: The three of us agreed that, once the Gyees are safe, we'll be together!
**Izumi**: Now that Miles is gone...
**Izumi**: I'll protect you! I won't let anything happen to you!
**Eddie**: Let me go, Izumi! Let me go!
**Izumi**: No!
**Izumi**: Never!
**Eddie**: (Fights hard but can't get free)
**Izumi**: (I must find a place for Eddie to calm down)
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I got it!
**Izumi**: Ahhh!!!
*Izumi carried Eddie...*
**Eddie**: Hmm...Izumi, let me down!
**Izumi**: Unless you promise me you won't try to end your life!
*In front of Player's airship*
**Izumi**: Player, Player, are you there?
**Izumi**: I need your help!
**Player**: What happened?
**Player**: (Retches)
**Player**: You reek of alcohol!
**Player**: How much did you two drink?!
*Two days later, at the Airship bridge...*
*Izumi stood in front of the Hottie Bar, listening closely to the voices inside.*
**Eddie's voice**: He was right.
**Eddie's voice**: There was only one way for the Gyees to be free.
**Eddie's voice**: He was always right.
**Eddie's voice**: It was my fault.
**Izumi**: (sad)
**Izumi**: Eddie...
**Izumi**: It's fine...
*Izumi tries to put on a brave face*
**Izumi**: It's fine...
**Billy**: Izumi!
**Billy**: Izumi...
*Izumi turns to Billy with a smile*
**Izumi**: Good morning, Billy!
**Billy**: Are you alright?
**Izumi**: Hmm?
**Billy**: Late at night the day before yesterday, after you took Eddie here...
**Billy**: You threw up for hours.
**Billy**: You were in a much worse state than Eddie at the time.
**Izumi**: I've always been healthy since I was young. I can take it, don't worry.
**Billy**: No, it's not about your health.
**Billy**: I'm a little worried about your mental state.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry to have caused you and Player trouble.
**Izumi**: But you don't have to worry anymore.
**Billy**: Really?
**Izumi**: That day, I certainly had irresponsible thoughts.
**Izumi**: But Eddie...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Eddie was in the most pain.
**Billy**: ...
**Izumi**: Eddie and Miles took care of me since I was young.
**Izumi**: I should also take responsibility for myself.
**Izumi**: I'll get better!
**Izumi**: For Eddie! For Miles!
**Billy**: Seeing how you're feeling better now, I can relax.
**Billy**: During this time, no one had it easy.
**Billy**: But we can't give up just yet!
**Izumi**: Hmmm.
**A voice inside the Hottie Bar**: No one knows your pain you're going through.
**A voice inside the Hottie Bar**: But as difficult as it is, we have to persevere.
**Eddie's voice**: Sniffles...
**A voice inside the Hottie Bar**: Miles...
**A voice inside the Hottie Bar**: He doesn't want to see you like this.
**Eddie's voice**: Urgh...
**Eddie's voice**: Hold on...
**Eddie's voice**: Hold on...
**Izumi**: Eddie...
*Izumi starts to leave*
**Billy**: Izumi? Why don't you stay for dinner?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Nah...
**Izumi**: I have Defense Force matters to attend to!
*A while later, at the Defense Force...*
*Lovic addresses his squad*
**Lovic**: You all know now how the White Cape betrayed us.
**Lovic**: Never Isle won't be peaceful during this time.
**Lovic**: Everyone, both ordinary people and the warriors, is upset.
**Lovic**: It's likely that it'll be difficult for us to do our job for a long time.
**Lovic**: Yet it's times like this that we must adhere to Never Isle's laws.
**Lovic**: That's our bottom line!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Understood!
**Lovic**: Okay, please go back to your duties.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*Everyone splits up*
**Lovic**: Sigh...I wonder how Izumi is doing.
**Lovic**: I couldn't get in touch with him since that night.
*Lovic goes about his business and find Izumi looking over the Defense Force records again*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi?
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: Oh, Lovic...
**Izumi**: I'm glad you're here.
**Izumi**: I'm going through the attack on Never Isle again.
**Izumi**: If you have time, can you join me?
**Lovic**: !! Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: Naturally, matters of the Defense Force take priority. The case on the attack has been closed after all.
**Lovic**: I have time! I'll look up the materials right away!
**Izumi**: Thank you!
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi!
**Izumi**: Hmm?
**Lovic**: Welcome back!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Strictly speaking, I'm still on leave!
**Izumi**: I'm sorry for causing you trouble that day.
**Lovic**: We're brothers. You don't have to apologize.
*The Second Commander sees the two looking over the records*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: ...
*He quietly leaves without saying anything*
*A while later...*
**Lovic**: These are all the materials available.
**Lovic**: As expected, we just can't seem to find clues about the spy no matter how many times we go through the materials.
**Lovic**: What's more bizarre is that all information suggests that...
**Lovic**: The spy hasn't left Never Isle!
**Lovic**: if he's on Never Isle, how come it seems like he's invisible?
**Lovic**: Also...why didn't he leave Never Isle?
**Izumi**: Hmmm.
**Izumi**: On the day before the attack on Never Isle, the refugee incident provided a chance for the spy to infiltrate the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: I'll ask around the refugee camp again.
**Lovic**: We've questioned the brothers at the refugee camp thoroughly.
**Izumi**: Then we'll ask again! I just know we will find a clue!
**Lovic**: Hmm!!
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: After the attack on Never Isle, the Second Commander asked me to take over the investigation on the Shadow spy.
**Izumi**: It was my fault in the beginning which allowed the spy to enter Never Isle along with the refugees.
**Izumi**: I must take responsibility!
**Izumi**: This is revenge for Miles, and for me...
**Izumi**: A redemption.
**Lovic**: !!
**Lovic**: Understood! I'll try my best to help you!
**Izumi**: Thanks.
**Izumi**: But you must fulfill your Defense Force duties.
**Izumi**: Please look out for the brothers!
*Late at night, at the Never Isle refugee camp...*
**Izumi**: Are you sure you didn't see anything during the refugee incident?
**Izumi**: Are you saying that the refugees started fighting all of a sudden?
**Young Male Villager**: I've already told you. I didn't see anything!
**Young Male Villager**: How many times do you have to ask?
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: Fine...
**Izumi**: Just so you know, if you deliberately withhold information or provide false information which leads to serious losses for Never Isle...
**Izumi**: You'll be banished, and you can't return to the island!
**Young Male Villager**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: This is your last chance. Did you tell the truth in your statement?
**Young Male Villager**: Fine...I did see something that day.
**Young Male Villager**: Someone seemed to have provoked the violence.
**Izumi**: Someone provoked it?
**Young Male Villager**: Hmm, a tall person. A hefty man who looked intimidating.
**Izumi**: A tall and hefty man?
**Izumi**: Why didn't you tell us about this sooner?
**Young Male Villager**: Hmmm, that night, two menacing mercenaries threatened us...
**Young Male Villager**: They asked us not to say anything about what we saw.
**Izumi**: Mercenary...threatened...
**Izumi**: I see. Thank you for your cooperation.
**Izumi**: Don't worry, the Defense Force will ensure your safety.
*Izumi leaves*
**Izumi**: This is the breakthrough I've been looking for.
**Izumi**: I'll speak to the rest of the refugees again and see if there are any more clues.
**Izumi**: Hmm...as I recall, the pregnant woman and that old lady should have settled down here.
**Izumi**: I wonder how they're doing now.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: If I ignored them and stayed at the port for the refugee checks...
**Izumi**: Perhaps I would have identified the spy in advance.
**Izumi**: Perhaps...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: No, I've checked their background thoroughly. They're clean!
**Izumi**: They're innocent.
*Izumi continues to walk around the camp but sees a tall figure talking with the old lady and her once pregnant daughter*
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: Is that...the Second Commander?
**Izumi**: Second Commander? What are you doing here?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Captain Izumi!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You're right on time. These two saw something during the refugee incident.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: According to the eyewitnesses' information, we found some clues.
**Izumi**: Hmm!!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: On the day before the attack on Never Isle, they saw a man provoking the others deliberately. Afterward, they were threatened.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: As I recall, five men on the island fit the description during that period.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Two Red Harbor merchants, two BlackFlame City mercenaries, and a Shadowhunters general.
**Izumi**: This is key information!
**Izumi**: Thank you so much!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You're welcome, Izumi.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: This is my duty after all.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: After what happened with Miles, I saw how much pain you're in and I didn't know how else to help you.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: However, there are many matters to deal with on Never Isle right now. The Defense Force simply can't spare anyone to handle this matter.
**Izumi**: What you did was enough, Second Commander!
**Izumi**: I'll take over from here!
*The Second Commander gave Izumi a hug.*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Do your best, Izumi!
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: Will do!
**Old Lady**: Captain Izumi, thank you for making an exception and letting us into Never Isle.
**Old Lady**: Our entire family is grateful to you!
**Old Lady**: We're also grateful to the commander for taking care of us.
**Old Lady**: Don't worry, we're doing fine. You don't have to come and check on us so often. You must be busy.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: As part of the Defense Force, it's part of our job to take care of the people. You don't have to thank me.
*With the new clues, Izumi began to investigate right away.*
*The five suspects left the island separately within a week after the attack.*
*In the days that followed, Izumi went to the Red Harbor, the BlackFlame City and the Westhold respectively to look for signs of the Shadow spy.*
*6 weeks later...*
*Never Isle, harbor...*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi!
**Lovic**: You're back! How did it go?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: (sad)
**Lovic**: Hmm, alright.
**Izumi**: I found all five of the suspects.
**Izumi**: And I asked around and investigated.
**Izumi**: However, they all had sufficient proof to show that they weren't involved in the refugee incident.
**Lovic**: What?
**Lovic**: But weren't there many eyewitnesses who saw someone deliberately provoking the violence?
**Izumi**: I don't know.
**Izumi**: I reviewed the port files and Never Isle's household registration data.
**Izumi**: Those five were really the only ones who've been to the refugee camp at that time.
**Lovic**: Hmmm, this is just odd!
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: Anyway, now that you're back. You should rest.
**Lovic**: I made a reservation, we...
**Izumi**: Lovic...
**Izumi**: I need some time alone...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
*Izumi leaves*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi!
**Lovic**: Hmm...
**Lovic**: There must be something going on with that Shadow bastard...
**Lovic**: I'll find out what happened!
*A while later, at the dormitory of the Defense Force captains*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: Why am I so dumb? Why can't I do anything right?
**Izumi**: I can't even avenge Miles.
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: I knew it.
**Izumi**: I'm so useless!
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi...
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: Second Commander...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I heard that you're back.
**Izumi**: Hmmm.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I'm sorry that things didn't go smoothly.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: At the frontline battles, the Shadow Reapers demonstrated power which we've never encountered.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The Shadows may have also used evil sorcery which we haven't seen on this spy attack to evade our investigation.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You've tried your best, Izumi.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You have become so different now. I trust that Miles will be happy about this.
**Izumi**: Miles...
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: (Sobs)
*A while later...*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Come on! Forget about past miseries, have an ice popsicle and rest.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Stay strong, as Never Isle still needs you.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Will do! I'll return to the squad tomorrow!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Good! Welcome back!
*The next day, Defense Force*
*Izumi's squad has just completed their patrols and returned back to HQ*
**Izumi**: That's the end of the patrols for the day. Thank you for your hard work!
**Izumi**: Don't forget about the morning training tomorrow. Dismissed!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*The other warriors leave*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: Thank you for helping out during this time, Lovic.
**Izumi**: Not just for the squad, but Eddie as well. Thanks for your help in the last two days.
**Izumi**: What do you want for dinner? My treat.
**Lovic**: (Whispers) Captain Izumi, I've got some idea about the Shadow spy.
**Izumi**: Eh! What is it?!
**Lovic**: (Whispers) Not so loud, Captain Izumi. It's not safe here.
**Lovic**: (Whispers) I'm not certain yet, but I'll look into it.
**Lovic**: (Whispers) Do you remember the alley where you left me behind while you were drunk the other day?
**Izumi**: Yes.
**Lovic**: (Whispers) Let's meet there at midnight.
*Lovic leaves*
**Izumi**: (surprised)
*Late at night...*
*Izumi waits at the entrance of the alley Lovic mentioned*
**Izumi**: This is the place Lovic mentioned.
**Izumi**: There are still a few minutes before midnight.
*A while later...*
**Izumi**: Hmm...it's been ten minutes.
**Izumi**: (Takes out comm crystal) I should contact Lovic.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: No answer...
**Izumi**: Hmm, what's going on?
**Izumi**: He asked me to be here at midnight and told me that he found clues about the Shadow spy.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Eh!
**Izumi**: This isn't good. Something's wrong!
**Izumi**: The Shadow spy must have realized that his cover is blown. Lovic is in danger!
**Izumi**: But I don't know who the spy is. Where will I find Lovic?
**Izumi**: I'll contact the brothers and ask for their help!
**Izumi**: No, I don't have time.
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: Calm down!
**Izumi**: I can't lose another brother.
**Izumi**: Lovic wouldn't have gotten more information than I did.
**Izumi**: If Lovic could find a clue, so can I!
**Izumi**: Think...let's think...
**Izumi**: A tall, hefty suspect orchestrated the refugee incident.
**Izumi**: But I've looked into all suspects and they weren't involved.
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: Don't panic, don't panic!
**Izumi**: Think about what Eddie would do!
**Izumi**: List out the information, list out all information!
**Izumi**: When violence broke out at the refugee camp, a lot of Defense Force soldiers were sent there to help.
**Izumi**: The only time for the spy to get into Never Isle was when we let the Gyee refugees in.
**Izumi**: But I've looked into the Gyee refugees numerous times. They were clean.
**Izumi**: The Defense Force's internal monitory arrays were interfered within 10 minutes.
**Izumi**: During this period, a voice-recording device was installed in the meeting room.
**Izumi**: Hold on, even if the soldiers were sent away, there wouldn't be any strangers in the Defense Force!
**Izumi**: Also, how did the spy know that the defense deployments at Lake Bliss are confirmed daily in that meeting room?
**Izumi**: Not to mention, Lovic said the Defense Force wasn't safe.
**Izumi**: Could it be?!
**Izumi**: No! No way!
**Izumi**: We're all brothers in the Defense Force, there's no way.
**Izumi**: Then again, the book mentioned that we shouldn't have any bias. The key lies in clues, evidence and logic.
**Izumi**: Even if it's hard to believe, it's the truth!
**Izumi**: If it's one of us, someone who can do all these things and not be suspected.
*Izumi thinks*
**Izumi**: Eh!!!
**Izumi**: N-no!
*Izumi runs back to the Defense Force HQ*
*Continue to Trifle - Familiar Face, New Responsibility*

**Familiar Face, New Responsibility**

Fate has imposed a great responsibility upon you, and you can hardly bear it. But when you stand up and begin to forge your way forward, you will find that it is the fate you chose...

**-Part 1**

*Never Isle...late at night*
*Lovic runs and hides in a side alley*
**Lovic**: Phew...
**Lovic**: Dammit, I can't believe this!
**Lovic**: There's no way I'll beat him in a fight! After all, he's...
**???**: Lovic, if you know who I am...
**???**: Then you must realize I know Never Isle like the palm of my hand!
**???**: You have nowhere to run!
**???**: I just knew you're hiding here!
*Lovic peeks around the corner*
*The spy is getting closer*
**Lovic**: Damn it!
*Lovic runs further down the alley*
**Lovic**: Ugh, I don't think there's anyway out.
**Lovic**: I can't just die here.
**Lovic**: I must find a way to leave a message for Izumi.
*Lovic frantically searches the alley but there's no way out*
**???**: Lovic, give it up already!
**???**: I'll end it quickly, since we've been brothers for years.
**Lovic**: It's a dead-end! I'm done for.
*Lovic turns around and readies his weapon*
**???**: I'm sorry, Lovic. I have no other choice!
**Lovic**: Traitor! I'll take you with me!
*Lovic is ready to strike the spy when Izumi descends from above*
**Izumi**: Lovic! Move back!
**???**: Eh!!!
**Izumi**: I can't believe it really is you.
**Izumi**: Second Commander!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi...
**Izumi**: I should have thought of this.
**Izumi**: After he was arrested, the refugee injured from the incident kept saying it was the Defense Force who provoked the violence.
**Izumi**: Why would the spy know the internal affairs of the Defense Force so well?
**Izumi**: How did the spy get in and out of the Defense Force so easily?
**Izumi**: Why wasn't there any evidence of the spy leaving Never Isle after the attack on Never Isle?
**Izumi**: Why was it that, after what happened to Miles, I was able to find clues when I looked into the refugee camp again? Such timing!
**Izumi**: A tall, hefty and slightly overweight man. This description fits the Second Commander as well!
**Izumi**: On the day of the refugee camp incident, you dressed as a civilian and provoked the violence. You then hired a mercenary to threaten the eyewitnesses not to say anything.
**Izumi**: The clues provided by the eyewitnesses when I looked into the refugee camp again... You threatened them again, didn't you?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Seeing how you've decided to look into things again, I just knew you wouldn't give up unless you found something.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: That's why I gave you the clues, and the five suspects.
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: How could you!?
**Izumi**: You're our second commander!
**Izumi**: When we joined the Defense Force, you led us in our oaths to protect Never Isle! We took oaths to be guardians of our people!
**Izumi**: Yet you created the illusion of an outsider infiltrating the Defense Force, provoked such violence and made those who were already suffering hurt one another!
**Izumi**: You even forced the family who just had a child to give false evidence for you?
**Izumi**: Oh right, I forgot. You're a Shadow spy. You've betrayed our oaths a long time ago!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: The family who just had a child... I didn't threaten them.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I have a child myself.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Seeing a child being born in such conditions. I wanted to help them.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: That day, all I did was disclose my physical information to them.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Why...
**Izumi**: You've always been my Second Commander, the one who was kind and took care of me like an older brother.
**Izumi**: Why did you collude with the Shadows?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: To help my child!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: As you know, my beloved left me with this child and died.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: This child got sick at birth. I took him all over the churches in Luxium but all they could do was slow down the disease. No one could heal him.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: He's only nine, yet he has the body of an old man. He would be out of breath from taking just a few steps, not to mention running or jumping!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: If I didn't find a way, he would only have two years left to live!
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: One day, a wandering doctor found me. I sensed the Shadow flux on him immediately.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Before he was arrested, he gave me some medicine.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I gave it to my child just to see if it'll work.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: And it obviously did.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: That's how you became a spy for the Shadows.
**Izumi**: I treated you like an older brother...
**Izumi**: Turn yourself in!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Turn myself in?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Seeing how happy he is as he runs...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I can't take that away from him!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: There's only one Shadow treatment session left.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Izumi, Lovic, get out of my way!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Go back and have an ice popsicle, then go to bed and pretend nothing happened.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Just another week and the treatment will be completed, and I'll cut off all ties with the Shadows!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: We're still brothers!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I'll take care of you like younger brothers as always!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Ice popsicles...they were my means of escape, but they solve nothing.
**Izumi**: I'm not going to eat them anymore.
**Izumi**: I'm the Captain!
**Izumi**: I must take responsibility for those who were hurt or lost their lives on the day of the attack on Never Isle.
**Izumi**: I must always take responsibility for Miles!
**Izumi**: If you won't turn yourself in...
**Izumi**: Then I must arrest you!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: No more ice popsicles? I just knew...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Ever since you looked into the five suspects, I knew this day will come.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Unfortunately, I can't back down.
*The Second Commander took out a pill and shoved it into his mouth.*
*Shadow Flux begins to surround the Second Commander*
**Izumi**: Eh, Second Commander! What did you do!?
**Defense Force Second Commander**: I...can't be exposed yet!
**Lovic**: The Shadow Flux...greatly enhanced his power!
**Izumi**: Lovic! Run!
**Lovic**: No, I'll fight with you!
**Lovic**: You can't beat him alone!
**Izumi**: No, I'll keep him busy! You get help from the Defense Force! Now!
**Lovic**: Hmm...
**Lovic**: Don't give up, Captain Izumi!
*Lovic runs*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: In my usual state, when I'm fit, I could fight Mira.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: In my current state, you don't stand a chance against me!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: You know you want to run... I don't want to attack you!
**Izumi**: (angry)
**Izumi**: I...
**Izumi**: I don't want to run anymore!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: If this is how it has to be...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Repent!
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Hyaaahhh!!!
**Izumi**: Fountain Claw!
*Izumi proved more powerful than the Second Commander*
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Hmm...
**Izumi**: (sad)
*Lovic returns with more Defense Force warriors and they surround the area*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi!
**Lovic**: Eh! Captain Izumi won! Thank goodness!
**Lovic**: Warriors, put up a blockade and prepare the Shadow Flux purification equipment!
**Defense Force Second Commander**: (Coughs) Mira actually wanted you to be Second Commander.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Now I understand why.
**Defense Force Second Commander**: If you seized the chance back then and took the fight with her seriously...
**Defense Force Second Commander**: Perhaps, none of these would have happened.
*The Second Commander falls to the ground*
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: ...
**Lovic**: (Checks the Second Commander's vitals)
**Lovic**: He's not breathing. Captain Izumi is amazing!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Lovic, inform the brothers.
**Izumi**: Take care of the Second Commander's body according to the standard procedure for handling corrupted Shadow.
**Lovic**: Understood! I've asked the brothers to prepare.
*Looking at the body corrupted by Shadow in front of him...*
*Izumi couldn't hold it in anymore.*
*The Second Commander was the Shadow mole...*
*But for years, he was an older brother who took care of him, who helped him.*
**Izumi**: Sniffles...
**Izumi**: Lovic...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: I have lost another brother.
**Izumi**: Arrrrrrrrrrgh!
*Arcana Academy, top secret meeting room in the basement*
*Izumi speaks with Vundo, Markus and Will*
**Izumi**: That's what happened...
**Markus**: ...
**Vundo**: ...
**Will**: ...
**Izumi**: I'm sorry. If only I found out sooner...
**Will**: No. Captain Izumi, you've done really well!
**Markus**: Hmm, luckily you found out in time that the Second Commander was the spy and defeated him.
**Markus**: This prevented us from a blow by the Shadows at the most critical time.
**Markus**: Never Isle owes you one!
**Will**: It's an honor for us to have a warrior like you.
**Izumi**: Eh! Commander, General, please don't say that.
**Izumi**: As a Defense Force Warrior, I was just doing my job.
**Will**: Captain Izumi, please head back and get some rest tonight.
**Will**: The Order of Equality will send a team tomorrow and help with the Defense Force's handover.
**Izumi**: Yes...
*Izumi starts to leave but hesitates*
**Izumi**: As for...the Second Commander, he...
**Vundo**: Don't worry, the Arcana Academy will handle things, including his child.
**Vundo**: The Arcana Academy tested the arcana potion provided by the Shadows.
**Vundo**: Unfortunately, it was just some medicine with anesthetic power.
**Vundo**: The anesthetic alleviated the child's pain and gave him additional power which made him looked energetic.
**Izumi**: In other words, that child...
**Vundo**: Hmmm, we estimated that he has 3 months left to live...
**Izumi**: Hmm...
**Vundo**: I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: ...
*Next day, afternoon, Defense Force, officers' room*
*Per General Will's orders, Eddie comes over to assist in the Defense Force's change of command*
**Eddie**: Vice Captain Lovic, on behalf of Never Isle, we thank you and the Defense Force Warriors for your cooperation.
**Lovic**: You're welcome. We all want the best for Never Isle.
**Eddie**: On the other hand, I'd like to speak with Captain Izumi alone if possible.
**Eddie**: It's about the outstanding matters regarding the Defense Force's handover.
**Izumi**: !!
**Lovic**: Oh, of course!
*Lovic exits*
**Eddie**: Izumi, it's been a while.
**Izumi**: Are you okay?
**Izumi**: I heard that the White Cape surrendered the Miles' murderer...
**Izumi**: And that he was executed by the Oathblades a while ago.
**Eddie**: Hmmm.
**Eddie**: But this couldn't bring Miles back.
**Izumi**: ...
**Eddie**: Then again, you don't have to worry about me.
**Eddie**: You've been sending food to me so often...
**Eddie**: I've gained a lot of weight!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Eddie**: Izumi, I'm sorry for making you worried.
**Eddie**: With him gone, I should have been the one to take care of you.
**Eddie**: Yet I...
**Izumi**: What are you talking about?
**Izumi**: We're brothers, and brothers take care of each other!
**Izumi**: In fact...you've always been taking care of me.
**Izumi**: This was the only time I wanted to do something for you.
**Eddie**: If you didn't stop me that day, I would have done something stupid.
**Eddie**: Seeing how you worked hard for Never Isle...
**Eddie**: That was how I finally let go.
**Eddie**: Thank you, Izumi!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: Eddie! (Holds on to Eddie tightly...)
**Eddie**: (smiles)
*Later...*
**Eddie**: Izumi, a while ago, the Order of Equality sent a weapon's prototype which was made by Master Turing. Do you remember?
**Izumi**: Yeah, I do.
*Izumi looks over to his right*
**Izumi**: It should be in that box.
**Eddie**: Bingo!
**Eddie**: Izumi, put the equipment on and let me see.
**Eddie**: Let me write down where it needs to be altered and I'll ask Master Turing to make adjustments.
**Izumi**: Eh?
**Izumi**: Me?
**Izumi**: But that was specifically designed for a commander...
**Eddie**: Correct! However, from now on, it's yours.
**Izumi**: Hmm, are you saying...
**Eddie**: Bingo!
**Eddie**: Taking into account that you're served in the Defense Force for over ten years, that you're the one who knows the Defense Force and its warriors the best.
**Eddie**: Not to mention, it was due to your persistence and bravery that we defeated the spy hiding in plain sight on Never Isle.
**Eddie**: For these reasons, the Never Isle Officials decided to appoint you as the Defense Force's new commander!
**Izumi**: Hmm...No!
**Izumi**: I can't...
**Eddie**: Listen...
**Eddie**: The situation out there right now is really bad. We don't have any means to counter the Shadow Reapers.
**Eddie**: Once our main attack failed, the allied force was close to breaking down. We can't stop the Shadows' expansion.
**Eddie**: On the island, people's quality of life has deteriorated to that of five or six years ago.
**Eddie**: The White Cape's betrayal seriously affected the morale among the people and the warriors.
**Eddie**: Never Isle is on a life-or-death crossroads right now.
**Izumi**: That's exactly why I can't take on such an important job!
**Eddie**: ...
**Eddie**: But you're the best-suited person here.
*Izumi turns away angrily*
**Izumi**: Eddie...
**Izumi**: I messed up. I messed it all up!
**Izumi**: If I had stayed calm yesterday and thought more thoroughly...
**Izumi**: And taken on the Second Commander by myself without asking Lovic to get the brothers...
**Izumi**: The Defense Force wouldn't have to worry, and it wouldn't have caused you trouble.
**Eddie**: Izumi, don't blame yourself.
**Izumi**: Furthermore...
**Izumi**: If I had understood Mira's intentions to begin with...
**Izumi**: If I was more reliable...
**Izumi**: The Second Commander, Miles...
**Izumi**: Those who died from the Shadows' cannon...
**Izumi**: All of these wouldn't have happened.
**Eddie**: !!
**Eddie**: Izumi...
**Eddie**: If it weren't for you, everything would have been much worse!
**Izumi**: (sad)
**Izumi**: (Takes out a letter)
**Izumi**: Eddie, this is my letter of resignation.
**Izumi**: I was going to wait until the handover and submit it to the new commander.
**Izumi**: I'm sorry...
**Eddie**: ...
*Izumi runs away before Eddie can stop him*
**Eddie**: Izumi!
*Defense Force, outside the officers' room*
**Izumi**: (sad)
**Izumi**: Sigh...
*Izumi is about to leave HQ for good when he sees Lovic speaking to the rest of the Defense Force*
**Lovic**: Brothers! Stay calm!
**Izumi**: Hmm?
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Brothers, it's time to wake up! The Defense Force is done for!
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Didn't you see? The Order of Equality is coming to take over us!
**Lovic**: What? What kind of nonsense are you talking about?
**Lovic**: The Order of Equality is only here to help with the Defense Force's handover and rebuilding of the command system.
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Rebuilding of the command system? If the Order of Equality were to become our commander...
*Izumi joins them*
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Then are we the Defense Force or the Order of Equality?
**Izumi**: Of course we're the Defense Force.
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Sigh, to be honest, we're lucky we haven't been locked up for interrogation!
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Interrogation? Why?
**Defense Force Warrior C**: Think about it, the Defense Force's commander was a Shadow spy...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: It's normal for people to think that the entire Defense Force was made up of spies!
**Izumi**: You're wrong! The Never Isle Officials weren't suspicious of us.
**Defense Force Warrior D**: That's right! I don't want to have to watch out for people attacking me from behind during battles!
**Defense Force Warrior D**: I'm joining the Oathblades in the next few days!
**Izumi**: Brothers...
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Join the Oathblades? Are you going to betray us?
**Defense Force Warrior D**: I'm joining the Oathblades to protect the Gyees. How is that betrayal?
**Defense Force Warrior D**: Betrayal...could you be a Shadow spy?
**Izumi**: Quiet, all of you!
*Everyone turns to look at Izumi*
**Izumi**: (angry)
**Izumi**: Do you still remember the oaths you took when you joined the Defense Force?
**Lovic**: It's Captain Izumi! Thank goodness...
**Defense Force Warrior A**: Captain Izumi...
**Defense Force Warrior D**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: The teammates who are standing next to you aren't only your companions in battles...
**Izumi**: They're also the ones whom we've sworn to protect!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: But...
**Defense Force Warrior C**: The Second Commander, he...
**Izumi**: The Second Commander betrayed us and everyone is shocked. I get it!
**Izumi**: I'm scared, too. Just like you.
**Izumi**: However, just because we're scared...
**Izumi**: Does it mean that we'll have to hurt those who we are closest to and doubt those whom we fought side-by-side with?
**Defense Force Warrior B**: Captain Izumi, what should we do?
**Izumi**: Patrol, stand guard, and protect our brothers! Just like before!
**Izumi**: Perhaps there are other spies on Never Isle still, perhaps they are just next to us...
**Izumi**: So what?
**Izumi**: We're the Defense Force, guardians of the people in Never Isle.
**Izumi**: Believe in your brothers, believe in each other and unite!
**Izumi**: We'll show the Shadows!
**Izumi**: We'll show them that we're Never Isle's invincible shield!
**Lovic**: Long live the Defense Force!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Long live the Defense Force!
**Izumi**: Brothers, head back to your stations. Show the people! Show the Shadows!
**Izumi**: We are the invincible shield! The Defense Force is omnipresent!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Yes, sir!
**Defense Force Warrior D**: Let's go, it's patrol time!
**Defense Force Warrior C**: No matter what, today I'll solve the problems I couldn't deal with yesterday!
*Everyone heads back to their posts*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Phew... (lets out a long sigh...)
**Izumi**: That was scary.
*Eddie catches up with Izumi*
**Eddie**: The Defense Force is always with you...
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: Eddie...
**Eddie**: I forgot to tell you just now... You can't just give your letter of resignation to me.
**Eddie**: (Takes out Izumi's letter of resignation)
**Izumi**: ...
**Eddie**: You'll have to submit it to Commander Markus, General Will or President Vundo of the Never Isle Officials.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: (Takes the letter of resignation)
**Izumi**: I...
**Izumi**: I'm willing to stay.
**Eddie**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: However! I'll only be the interim commander.
**Izumi**: I'm not worthy of staying in the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: But I can't let it collapse!
**Eddie**: That's the spirit!
**Eddie**: Find some time to try on the commander's weapon prototype and let me know if any alterations are required.
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Okay!
*Two days later, in the Arcana Academy Meeting Room...*
*Vundo, Markus and Will receive a status update from Eddie and Izumi*
**Eddie**: With the hard work of Commander Izumi and the Defense Force Warriors...
**Eddie**: The Defense Force's command system was back on track. At the same time, the various patrol and guard points around Never Isle weren't affected.
**Markus**: Great job!
**Markus**: Now we don't have to worry about the enemy taking the opportunity to sneak in!
**Will**: But there's another problem...
**Will**: Are there any spies within the Defense Force still?
**Will**: And are there any spies within Never Isle?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: General, Commander, I can assure you no spies could have entered Never Isle since the attack on Never Isle!
**Will**: That is to say, we only have to deal with the traitors within Never Isle.
**Vundo**: These inactive traitors are going to be an invisible danger!
**Vundo**: We must get rid of them!
**Markus**: However, with the current situation...
**Markus**: The main forces of the Oathblades and the Order of Equality are preparing for war in order to be ready for any sudden attack from the Shadows.
**Markus**: We don't have the manpower or the time to prepare for an island-wide investigation.
**Markus**: Not to mention, many people were already upset by the Westhold agreement with the White Cape.
**Markus**: Then a while back, the White Cape also betrayed us. Even though the White Cape surrendered the traitor and the tension was eased...
**Markus**: There are still many of those who dissatisfied with our recent actions.
**Markus**: If we conduct an island-wide investigation right now, things may get out of hand!
**Will**: Hmm...indeed.
**Eddie**: Hmmm, we can't investigate, but we can't not investigate... What should we do?
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: ...
*Eddie noticed that Izumi looked like he wanted to say something.*
**Eddie**: Commander Izumi, does the Defense Force have any suggestions?
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: The Second Commander's betrayal caused quite a stir within the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: Even though the brothers still trust each other, there are still doubts and fear in their hearts.
**Izumi**: If we conduct a thorough investigation now, it's likely to cause panic.
**Izumi**: I think...
**Izumi**: Why don't we give the warriors and the people a chance?
**Will**: A chance?
**Izumi**: So long as those who deviated are willing to cut off all ties with the Shadows...
**Izumi**: We will just leave their faults in the past!
**Izumi**: At the same time, we'll encourage them to provide intel on the Shadows to Never Isle, and those who make significant contributions will be rewarded!
**Vundo**: However, this may be against the laws of Never Isle. Those who did something wrong won't be punished, and are instead rewarded? This is against Never Isle's spirits.
**Markus**: The rules are dead, but the people aren't!
**Markus**: These are special circumstances. We should unite all available powers!
**Markus**: If we can put aside our hatred against the White Cape, why can't we forgive those who deviated?
**Will**: I agree with Captain Izumi's suggestions!
**Will**: Our relationship with the White Cape is strained. We don't have any way to counter the Shadow Reapers, and the atmosphere around the island is also tense.
**Will**: As Commander Izumi mentioned, this is the best way forward for now.
**Vundo**: Hmm...indeed...
**Markus**: Okay! We'll publish an announcement to inform the people that, for those who are willing to cut all ties with the Shadows, we will just leave their faults in the past!
**Vundo**: This should take care of most inactive spies among us.
**Vundo**: But there will be a few who won't repent. We'll have to rely on the Defense Force to take care of them.
**Izumi**: Understood! The Defense Force Warriors will always be on alert for any suspicious personnel and arrest them immediately!
**Markus**: Captain Izumi, you've done really well these past two days.
**Markus**: However, the challenge for you has just begun!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Markus**: Regarding to the betray of the Defense Force's Second Commander, our losses were kept at a minimum due to your efforts.
**Markus**: But some of the people have lost their trust in the Defense Force once they've heard what the Second Commander did.
**Markus**: That's why the Defense Force's main focus going forward is to regain the people's trust.
**Markus**: Let the people know that the traitors have been taken care of, and that the Defense Force remains the people's righteous guardians!
**Izumi**: I'll make sure we complete our task!
**Will**: Captain Izumi, Commander Markus and I will head to Crossport for a tri-lateral discussion with the White Cape Shadowhunters.
**Will**: During that time, I'll leave Never Isle to you.
**Izumi**: Understood!
*Two weeks later...*
*At the tri-lateral discussion at Crossport, the returning Miles exposed the ugly truth about General Diesel of the White Cape.*
*Yet with the persuasion from the Bishop of the Sword of Light, the Shadowhunters and Never Isle finally decided to focus on the big picture.*
*The parties signed a new agreement and established a tripartite allied force composing of Never Isle, the White Cape and the Shadowhunters.*
*Miles, who was furious, fought his way out of Crossport and disappeared into the forest.*
*Two months later...*
*Even though a new agreement was signed, Never Isle and the White Cape have long lost their trust for each other.*
*As for the Shadowhunters, they lacked experience in fighting with the Never Isle troops...*
*As a result, the seemingly powerful allied force could only tie with the expanding Shadow troops.*
*On the other hand, Miles who seemed to be uncontrolled...*
*Used himself as bait, and with the help of Eddie and the others, successfully obliterated an enhanced Shadow Reaper.*
*However, the price to be paid was immense.*
*Miles was corrupted by the Shadow and became someone like Nemesio.*
*One week later...*
*With the collapse of a Shadow Reaper, the Shadows' strength on the frontlines was significantly reduced.*
*The humans' anti-Shadow allied force finally gained victory...*
*However, it appeared that destiny wasn't siding with the humans...*
*At the Crossport White Cape base...*
*Somewhere...*
*General Diesel of the White Capes gets backed into a corner*
**Diesel**: Phew...
**Diesel**: Back off!
**???**: What's wrong, general?
**???**: Why are you afraid?
**???**: Aren't we old friends?
**Diesel**: I'm sorry! I apologize!
**???**: Apologize...?
**???**: When you betrayed me... Shouldn't you have expected this day?
**Diesel**: Fine! Tell me what you want. I'll give you everything I can!
**???**: Sure. I want your...
**???**: Life!
**Diesel**: Aghhhhhh!
**Diesel**: Ah...
**Diesel**: ...
*The next day, on Never Isle...*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Stop right there!
*Lovic and two Defense Force Warriors chase after a thief*
**Lovic**: The two of you, go to the main road and block his retreat!
**Lovic**: I'll go after him and force him to go north!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*The three split up*
*Farther away, the thief pauses, thinking he has managed to escape*
**Fleeing Thief**: Ugh...what a pain in the ass!
**Fleeing Thief**: Work's been getting harder and harder this year!
*The thief turns around and gets surprised by Izumi*
**Izumi**: Hya!
**Fleeing Thief**: Ugh... When...?
**Izumi**: You are under arrest for theft! You'll have plenty of time behind bars to confess your sins!
*People begin to gather around to see what's happening*
*Lovic leads a lady over to Izumi*
**Izumi**: (Takes the stolen bag.)
**Izumi**: Is this yours, madam?
**Theft Victim**: Yes, it most certainly is!
**Izumi**: Take a look and see if anything is missing.
**Theft Victim**: Everything's here. Thank you!
**Izumi**: No need to thank me. As a member of the Defense Force, it's my job!
**Bystanders**: Wow! He's so cool!
**Bystanders**: The Defense Force really is something!
**Boy**: Mom, Mom! When I grow up, I wanna join the Defense Force, too!
**Bystanders**: If you really want to join the Defense Force, you need to eat your veggies and meat so you'll grow big and strong!
*The warriors of the Defense Force take the thief into custody. Another job well done!*
*After the crowd disperses...*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi! Have you heard?
**Lovic**: Eddie might be coming back today!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: Eddie!
**Izumi**: Eddie left the island to try to find a way to fight the Shadows...
**Izumi**: Could it be...?
**Lovic**: I've heard that things are going well for the allied forces on the front lines.
**Lovic**: Hmm... Maybe things are finally starting to turn around.
**Izumi**: (surprised)
*Izumi's comm crystal rings.*
**Izumi**: (Answers) This is Izumi.
**Izumi**: Sure thing. I'm on my way!
**Izumi**: Lovic, the Commander's ordered me to report to the Arcana Academy for a meeting.
**Lovic**: Okay! The other captains and I will keep an eye on the Defense Force!
**Izumi**: Good.
*A while later, in the Arcana Academy Meeting Room.*
*Player, Markus, Vundo, Will and Izumi have just gathered for the meeting*
**Izumi**: (Eddie's not here...)
**Will**: Is something wrong, Commander Izumi?
**Izumi**: Huh? No...
**Markus**: Hello, everyone. Half an hour ago, General Will and I received an urgent message from Crossport.
**Will**: The so-called commander of the White Capes faction of the allied forces, General Diesel...
**Will**: Died last night in the White Capes base there in Crossport.
**Player**: Whoa!
**Izumi**: What?!
**Vundo**: Why now, all of a sudden?
**Player**: The bastard is dead. Good riddance!
**Will**: You can say that again! In the beginning, because of his influence and reputation among the White Capes...
**Will**: He evaded his well-deserved punishment.
**Will**: But now, it's because of his influence and reputation among the White Capes and the people of Crossport...
**Will**: That things took a turn for the worse when he died!
**Izumi**: So...who did it?
**Markus**: The urgent message the White Capes sent this morning asked the very same thing.
**Markus**: We were the first ones they suspected!
**Markus**: But if we really wanted to kill him, we would not have signed an agreement to form an alliance!
**Player**: The incident occurred at the White Capes HQ in Crossport.
**Player**: It was most certainly a well-planned, well-organized, and premeditated assassination!
**Player**: Your every day assassin would never be able to pull off such a hit.
**Will**: Even so, his political enemies, his former subordinates...
**Will**: Even the Shadows...
**Will**: Any of them could have planned his assassination!
**Will**: We offered to send an investigation team to assist the White Capes with their investigation, but they refused.
**Markus**: Humph! Just as well. I didn't want to go, anyway!
**Vundo**: It sounds like the White Capes couldn't care less about the assassin.
**Will**: ...
**Will**: First, they lost General Perth. Now, they've lost General Diesel.
**Will**: We may have our differences, but these people were respected among those who follow them, and we all had a common enemy.
**Will**: Now they're gone...
**Markus**: The upper echelons of the White Capes, those who hate us, are certain to take the initiative.
**Markus**: That old Archbishop may not be able to hold them off on his own!
**Player**: Which means...
**Player**: It's only a matter of time before the White Capes turn on us?
**Will**: I'm afraid so...
**Markus**: We gathered you all here today to discuss this matter.
**Markus**: On the battlefield, not only can we not depend on the White Capes for support, we need to be ready for them to stab us in the back at any time!
**Player**: Are they that crazy?
**Player**: Would they ambush Never Isle's soldiers while they're fighting on the front lines?
**Will**: It's not outside the realm of possibility. That said, we ostensibly have a ceasefire and are supposed to be fighting together.
**Will**: They probably wouldn't stoop so far as to attack Never Isle directly.
**Will**: But everything short of that is still on the table.
**Izumi**: !!
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Miles killed a Shadow Reaper! They're not unbeatable after all!
**Player**: Commander! General! Now's the time to find a way to eliminate the Shadows once and for all!
**Player**: For the past half year, all of our sacrifices, conflicts, tragedies...all our pain has been because of the Shadows!
**Player**: If we can't be decisive, and we try to defeat the Shadows by forming an alliance with others like in the Second Shadow War...
**Player**: I'm afraid we'll never defeat the Shadows once and for all!
**Player**: We must rely on ourselves - we must believe in ourselves!
**Markus**: That's right! Unity and trust is what got us Gyee where we are today.
**Markus**: That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it should always be!
**Will**: Yes! We should be able to handle the situation at the front line.
**Will**: All we need to do is stop the Shadows from expanding their influence.
**Will**: We need to put our entire focus on the remaining two Shadow Reapers!
**Markus**: I've sent some of my people to find someone proficient enough in Holy Light Arcana to deal with the Shadow Barriers!
**Markus**: We've already got some leads.
**Will**: So the Order of Equality will be responsible for developing a way to defeat the last Shadow Reapers!
**Vundo**: The Arcana Academy can help!
**Will**: Commander Izumi...
**Will**: For now, the Defense Force needs to ensure Never Isle's safety. We cannot let our plans get out!
**Izumi**: Got it!
*A while later, at the dormitory where Defense Force Captains reside.*
*Izumi updates the Defense Force captains about what he learned in the meeting*
**Izumi**: And that's what the Never Isle Officials discussed at their meeting.
**Defense Force Captain A**: Ugh... The White Capes again!
**Defense Force Captain B**: These bastards are the scourge of Luxium!
**Defense Force Captain C**: Whatever orders the Never Isle Officials give us, Commander, we will obey!
**Izumi**: This isn't an official Defense Force meeting, you don't need to be so formal.
**Izumi**: I gathered you all here today to tell you where the Defense Force will be on the day of the final battle.
**Lovic**: Where the Defense Force will be?
**Izumi**: I gave it a lot of thought after the meeting.
**Izumi**: The Shadows continue to expand their occupation of the forest near the ruins of Azria, in a silly attempt to destroy us.
**Izumi**: The Shadow Fortress in the ruins of Azria are the key to beating them!
**Izumi**: Therefore, the Shadow Fortress is where the final battle will take place.
**Izumi**: Which is to say, when the time comes, we will be the only line of defense between the Shadows and Never Isle!
**Defense Force Captain A**: Isn't that usually the case?
**Izumi**: No, this is completely different!
**Izumi**: In the past, when the Shadows have attacked Never Isle, and when we've engaged them in battle...
**Izumi**: We had the help of the Oathblades and the Order of Equality to fall back on.
**Izumi**: After all, we are responsible for defending Never Isle, while the Oathblades and the Order of Equality are responsible for launching attacks, and fending off those of our enemies.
**Izumi**: But this time, the Oathblades and the Order of Equality are going to have their hands tied at the front line.
**Izumi**: When the final battle comes, the enemy may put all its eggs in one basket.
**Izumi**: Never Isle may suffer an attack the likes of which we've never seen before.
**Izumi**: And we will be on our own.
**Izumi**: There aren't many of us, and our weapons and equipment aren't exactly top-of-the-line.
**Izumi**: I'm afraid it's going to be a tough battle.
**Izumi**: Many of our brothers may die.
**Defense Force Captain B**: Uh...
**Izumi**: So, I've called you all here today to ask for your input.
**Izumi**: When the final battle comes, I say we deal with it and defend Never Isle on our own so that all Oathblades' and Order of Equality's forces are free to be dispatched to the front line...
**Izumi**: Or do we need them to leave behind some troops to help us defend Never Isle?
**Defense Force Captain C**: An attack the likes of which we've never seen before... Hardships we've never experienced...
**Lovic**: Yeah! You're right!
**Defense Force Captain C**: Captain Izumi can do it!
**Izumi**: !!
**Defense Force Captain B**: That's right! We are the shield that protects Never Isle!
**Defense Force Captain B**: Never mind fighting abroad. This is our territory.
**Defense Force Captain B**: It doesn't matter if it's the Shadows, the White Capes, or the gods themselves! No one's going to mess with Never Isle!
**Defense Force Captain A**: I heard that Never Isle once wanted to launch an all-out attack against the Shadows while they were weak...
**Defense Force Captain A**: But they were worried about leaving Never Isle undefended, so they didn't attack.
**Defense Force Captain A**: That's what allowed the Shadows to capture the ruins of Azria, leading to our current predicament.
**Defense Force Captain A**: We figured this out a long time ago!
**Defense Force Captain C**: That's right! We've been sitting here on Never Isle while the Oathblades and the Order of Equality run around killing our enemies.
**Defense Force Captain C**: We're lucky to have this opportunity!
**Izumi**: Brothers...
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi and the Defense Force have changed!
**Lovic**: We are now united. We trust each other, rely on each other.
**Lovic**: Plus, we have the support of the people on the island.
**Lovic**: The Defense Force has never been as powerful as it is now!
**Lovic**: We are the shield that protects Never Isle, the defenders of the people... We are Gyee warriors!
**Lovic**: We all want to do our part to ensure that the Gyees win!
**Lovic**: So, Commander!
**Lovic**: Don't worry about us! We're always itching for a good fight!
**Izumi**: Brothers...
**Izumi**: Thank you... Thank you all...
*Later that night.*
**Izumi**: Wow, it's getting late.
*Izumi has just returned to the dorm when a warrior comes to deliver a message*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Commander! Eddie's outside. I think he's looking for you.
**Izumi**: Oh! Tell him to come in!
*Izumi meets Eddie at the entrance*
**Izumi**: Eddie!
**Eddie**: Long time, no see, Izumi! What a sight for sore eyes!
**Izumi**: You've really slimmed down, Eddie...
**Izumi**: You've gotta make sure to stay in shape even when you're traveling!
**Eddie**: Don't worry, I know how to take care of myself.
**Eddie**: I'm here to synchronize intel with the Oathblades and the Order of Equality.
**Eddie**: And...
**Eddie**: I know where Miles is.
**Izumi**: Whoa!!
**Izumi**: How... How is he? I heard he was corrupted by the Shadows.
**Eddie**: Don't worry, Miles is fine!
**Eddie**: I came because I was wondering if you wanted to see him?
**Eddie**: I know you've been worried about him.
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: No. The fewer people that know where Miles is, the better.
**Izumi**: Tell Miles to take good care of himself!
**Izumi**: When this is all over...
**Izumi**: I'll be on Never Isle, awaiting your return!
**Eddie**: ...
**Eddie**: Okay!
**Eddie**: When the time comes, it will be the three of us, just like old times...
*Two weeks later...*
*Everything went just as Izumi expected. The Oathblades found a way to break through the Shadow Barrier.*
*With no time left to spare, the Order of Equality developed a high-speed assault ship to fight the final Shadow Reaper.*
*The day of the final battle is nigh.*
*Player, Markus, Vundo, Will and Izumi hold one final meeting*
**Markus**: The Oathblades scout at the Shadow Fortress has given us a report.
**Markus**: A large number of troops just left the Shadow Fortress and are headed for the Elysian River.
**Markus**: The fortress is now short on troops, and their air defenses are vulnerable. We won't get another chance like this!
**Will**: The Shadows would not dispatch their troops for no reason. They must be planning something!
**Will**: Until we figure out what the Shadows' objective is, we can't act rashly!
**Markus**: Will! We won't get another chance like this!
**Markus**: The forces leaving the fortress are at the Elysian River, upstream from Elysiann. This isn't like the Shadows.
**Markus**: Never Isle is upstream from there, but Crossport still sits between us and the Shadows!
**Will**: What if Never Isle is the Shadows' objective?
**Will**: How can we...
**Izumi**: The Defense Force can defend Never Isle!
**Player**: Whoa!!
**Izumi**: General, Commander, you don't need to worry about Never Isle's safety.
**Izumi**: No matter who our enemy is, the Defense Force always does whatever it takes to protect this place!
**Will**: ...
**Player**: I believe in Izumi and the Defense Force!
**Player**: Ever since the Shadows occupied the forest near the ruins of Azria and took over that fortress...
**Player**: We've missed opportunity after opportunity!
**Player**: Many warriors have died. Many civilians have suffered.
**Player**: We cannot afford to delay any longer!
**Will**: ...
**Will**: ...
**Will**: We will fight the Shadows!
**Will**: Every able-bodied warrior in the Oathblades and Order of Equality is to depart Never Isle, Elysiann, and Red Harbor.
**Will**: We're going to get on that ship and attack the Shadow Fortress head-on!
**Markus**: I'll use the Oathblades' secret weapon to destroy the Shadow Barrier.
**Markus**: Once the barrier is down, the heavy warships should keep a safe distance and provide long-range artillery support.
**Markus**: The kill squads will attack the core of the fortress from the air and by land. Their target...the Shadow Reaper!
**Markus**: President Vundo, you put together a reserve unit using your elite arcanists.
**Markus**: If the kill squads run into any trouble, we'll need you to analyze the intel on the ground and adapt!
**Vundo**: Got it!
**Vundo**: The Arcana Academy will also leave some arcanists behind to help defend Never Isle!
**Markus**: Commander Izumi!
**Izumi**: Yes, sir!
**Markus**: We leave our home and the future of the Gyees in your hands!
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: Yes, sir!
*Continue to Trifle - The Shield of Courage and Devotion*

**The Shield of Courage and Devotion**

The darkness is here. We are the last line of defense between it and the Gyees!

**-Part 1**

*Two days later, on Never Isle.*
*Izumi has finished training against the training bots when Lovic came to deliver the new Defense Force equipment reserved for the Captain*
**Lovic**: If Captain Izumi's worried, I can help you train.
**Defense Force Messenger**: Report!
**Izumi**: !!
*The messenger runs to Izumi to deliver the news*
**Defense Force Messenger**: Report, sir! The checkpoint at Lake Bliss has detected a large-scale Shadow Flux signal!
**Izumi**: Whoa!
**Lovic**: A large-scale Shadow signal? They're not even trying to hide it?
**Izumi**: How many are there?
**Defense Force Messenger**: A lot! Almost two whole formations. They've even got Shadow Cannons!
**Lovic**: That many? And they still managed to march right past Crossport?
**Lovic**: They didn't even inform us!
**Izumi**: That's not so surprising.
**Lovic**: Luckily, Master Turing's command equipment is here.
**Lovic**: Commander, it's time!
**Izumi**: ...
*Izumi takes off his old uniform and equips his new Guardian Bear Shield*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Notify the Lake Bliss patrols to deploy their bombs and traps according to Plan 1.
**Izumi**: We're going to take as many of them out as we can before they get to Never Isle.
**Izumi**: Everyone else, form up!
**Izumi**: The darkness is here. We are the last line of defense between it and the Gyees!
*A while later...*
*Izumi and the Defense Force warriors look out over Lake Bliss*
**Defense Force Captain**: The traps are working! I can see the fire!
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Warrior**: Uh, the Shadows are charging straight through the traps.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Aren't they afraid of death?
**Izumi**: They're trying to use their massive numbers to intimidate us!
**Izumi**: Inform the arcanists guarding the Flux Nexus.
**Izumi**: Change the flux frequency of the Phantom Visage divine artifact. It'll make it harder for them to find Never Isle!
**Izumi**: At the same time, have some troops lead the island's residents underground.
**Izumi**: Use all of the brand-new underground shelters we built!
**Lovic**: Understood. I've already sent someone to take care of it. The evacuation is underway!
**Defense Force Warrior**: But even if you change the flux frequency of the Phantom Visage divine artifact, the Shadows can still find the island by doing a comprehensive sensor sweep.
**Izumi**: You're right, but it'll slow them down, and our objective is to buy time, after all!
**Izumi**: As long as we can hold out until the Oathblades and the Order of Equality take the Shadow Fortress...
**Izumi**: We'll win!
*The next morning...*
*Izumi continues his watch over Lake Bliss*
**Izumi**: ...
**Defense Force Warrior**: Report! The Shadow Fleet has surrounded Never Isle!
**Izumi**: I saw.
**Izumi**: The Shadows have more troops than we thought.
**Izumi**: They found us awfully quick.
**Lovic**: We're surrounded, Commander. The artillery bombardment will be here soon.
**Lovic**: The port is not safe. Let's pull back to the Arcana Academy!
**Izumi**: How is the evacuation going?
**Lovic**: It's only a quarter of the way done.
**Izumi**: I see... Good work, nevertheless. You've gotten hundreds of thousands of people to safety, after all.
**Izumi**: Inform the warriors and the Arcana Academy to enact Emergency Plan 4.
**Izumi**: Continue the evacuation, and activate Never Isle's energy barrier!
**Izumi**: Have the forward observation posts pull back. We're going back to the island.
**Lovic**: Yes, sir!
*Several hours later...*
*The Defense Force continues to direct the citizens to the shelters*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Don't crowd, everyone!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Leave all nonessential items behind, and line up to enter the shelter in an orderly fashion!
*Boom!*
**Panicked Spectator**: Ahh! I don't want to die!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Don't panic, everyone!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Never Isle's barrier will protect us!
*A while later...*
*The Defense Force has gathered outside of the Arcana Academy*
*Shadow artillery continues to explode against the barrier protecting Never Isle*
*Izumi and Lovic speak with Amdera and a lead arcanists about the status of the barrier*
**Arcanist**: Commander, the Phantom Visage is not a barrier generator.
**Arcanist**: It won't hold out for long under this heavy artillery fire!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: How is the evacuation going?
**Lovic**: Our warriors just reported in. The evacuation of the area surrounding Never Isle is nearly complete.
**Izumi**: Good!
**Izumi**: Arcanists! Shrink the barrier to maximize its duration. Cover the evacuating residents!
**Arcanist**: Understood! But once the barrier shrinks, the Shadows will make land!
**Izumi**: Professor Amdera, how long can your sandstorm last?
**Amdera**: With the help of the Arcana Nexus, I can control the power of the earth for a whole day, if necessary.
**Izumi**: Great! We'll just need you to hold out until nightfall, though.
**Amdera**: That won't be a problem! The sandstorm will cover Never Isle's outer area and delay the Shadow advance.
**Amdera**: That said, visibility inside the sandstorm is very low. This will affect not only the Shadows, but also our own warriors!
**Lovic**: Don't worry! We're the Defense Force!
**Lovic**: We could find our way around Never Isle with our eyes closed!
**Izumi**: Get ready to shrink the energy barrier!
**Arcanist**: Yes, sir!
*A while later...*
*The Shadow forces begin to arrive on the Isle*
**Shadow Demon**: Slaves of the Shadows! Advance! Shed human blood, and offer it to the Shadowlord!!
**Shadow Minion**: Roar!
*Suddenly, a sandstorm begins to envelope everything*
**Shadow Demon**: Huh?
**Shadow Demon**: Humph! Foolish trick!
**Shadow Demon**: They think a little sand is going to stop us?
**Shadow Demon**: Forward!
*The Shadow forces enter the city gates but Defense Force warriors make sneak attacks while hidden in the sand*
**Shadow Minion**: Rragh!!!
**Shadow Demon**: What is it?
**Shadow Minion**: Sand... There are people in the sand!
**Shadow Minion**: Rragh!!!
**Shadow Minion**: We've lost another one! We can't win this one! Run!
**Shadow Demon**: Do not run! Stay close to one another and maintain formation!!
*Izumi surprises the lead Shadow Demon and kills it in one punch*
**Izumi**: Hya!
**Shadow Demon**: Ugh... Ah...
**Shadow Minion**: No! The Envoy was killed...
**Shadow Minion**: What do we do?
**Izumi**: Brothers! Kill the Shadows!
**Shadow Minion**: Ah!
**Shadow Minion**: Where are they?!
**Shadow Minion**: Over here! Over here! The enemy is here!!
**Shadow Minion**: They're everywhere!
**Shadow Minion**: Dirt! There's dirt everywhere!
**Shadow Minion**: Ugh...we can't fight like this!
**Shadow Minion**: Retreat! Retreat!!!
*Several hours later, late at night.*
*Back at the Defense Force base on the Arcana Academy grounds...*
*Shadow cannons continue to buffet the Phantom Visage*
*Lovic stands guard outside of Izumi's tent*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Commander! Commander!
**Lovic**: Quiet! Captain Izumi hasn't slept all day. We're letting him rest for a while.
**Defense Force Warrior**: Oh!
*Suddenly, the Shadow cannons stop their relentless attacks*
*Izumi steps out of the tent*
**Izumi**: Why did the artillery stop?
**Izumi**: Where are the Shadows now?
**Izumi**: How is the evacuation going?
**Lovic**: The evacuation work is almost done. Nearly everyone's made it to the underground shelters!
**Izumi**: Good. Have our brothers seal all underground entrances except for those outside the flux nexus!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Commander, we've beaten back the Shadows again...
**Defense Force Warrior**: The Shadow ships at the front of the encirclement have begun to retreat...
**Izumi**: Retreat?
**Lovic**: Could it be? Are the Shadows giving up?
**Izumi**: No, that's not possible.
**Izumi**: The war's coming this far, and both sides are getting desperate.
**Izumi**: They've stopped the artillery fire. Their encirclement is retreating...
**Izumi**: Damn!
**Izumi**: (Opens all comms) Attention all warriors, this is Izumi!
**Izumi**: All warriors outside the barrier must immediately return to the Arcana Academy!
**Izumi**: I repeat! All fighters! Drop what you are doing and enter the barrier immediately!
**Izumi**: Enter immediately...
*A multitude of Shadow cannons fire*
**Izumi**: !!
*Fire rains down on the exposed parts of the Isle, indiscriminately harming both Shadow and Defense Force warriors*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Ahhh!!
*Izumi can only watch from the Arcana Academy*
**Izumi**: Aaaah! Damned Shadows!!
**Izumi**: I need a casualty count, stat!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*An arcanists runs to Izumi*
**Arcanist**: Commander! High concentrations of a toxic substance have been detected in the lake water on the outskirts of Never Isle!
**Arcanist**: The Shadows... The Shadows have poisoned Lake Bliss!
**Izumi**: Huh? But our water source...
**Lovic**: No wonder they had the ships at the front of the encirclement pull back.
**Lovic**: What a nasty trick!
**Lovic**: In preparation for a siege, I stockpiled enough reserve grain for the whole island to survive for two months...
**Lovic**: But there's no large-scale water storage equipment on the island. There's no way to store water. I never thought...
**Izumi**: Don't panic! Do an immediate count of all the sources of clean water on the island...
**Izumi**: And dispatch more warriors to protect the Never Isle Reservoir!
**Lovic**: Understood!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Damned Shadows...
**Defense Force Warrior**: I can't believe they've done this to our home...
**Izumi**: Carpet bombing, polluting our water source...
**Izumi**: The Shadows are testing our patience.
**Izumi**: If they knock down our houses, we can just rebuild them.
**Izumi**: As long as we are alive, as long as the people are alive...
**Izumi**: Never Isle will not fall!
*Under normal circumstances, Never Isle draws water from Lake Bliss and purifies it for immediate use.*
*As a result, the Never Isle Reservoir only holds enough water to last the whole island two days.*
*3 days later...*
*Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Defense Force Warriors and the Academy's arcanists...*
*The Shadow Minions are unable to gain control of the island, despite their constant bombardments.*
*Yet as water begins to run out, the future of the Gyees grows dim.*
*Izumi and a small strike force have defeated another group of Shadow on the streets of Never Isle*
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Lovic**: Phew...
**Lovic**: Quick! Use paper to soak up your sweat and give it all to the water resource manager for purification!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Uh... Yes, sir!
**Lovic**: I've never wanted it to rain so badly...
**Izumi**: Me neither...
**Lovic**: I wonder how the battle is going at the front lines...
**Lovic**: Even if we collect sweat and pee for purification...
**Lovic**: All we'll get is recycled water, which is not suitable for drinking...
**Lovic**: If this keeps up, in a few days, we will all fall ill...
**Izumi**: ...
*(Wipes sweat from brow)*
**Izumi**: Just hang in there as long as you can!
**Izumi**: Trust that our brothers in the Oathblades and Order of Equality will destroy the Shadow Reaper and topple the Shadow Fortress soon.
**Izumi**: They will return home victorious!
**Lovic**: You're right!
*An arcanists finds Izumi*
**Arcanist**: Commander!
**Izumi**: Oh. You're the arcanist in charge of water purification.
**Izumi**: This is a dangerous battlefield! Get out of here!
**Arcanist**: I know, sir, but a couple of residents asked me to give you this!
*The arcanist is holding half a bottle of water.*
**Izumi**: No! I can't! The island's residents don't have enough water for themselves, how could we...
**Arcanist**: I knew you'd say that.
**Arcanist**: The couple who sent over the water are also residents of Never Isle. They want to do their part, too.
**Arcanist**: Please take it, Commander!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Okay, but only this once!
*Izumi takes the water bottle, enjoys a small sip, then hands it to Lovic.*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Izumi**: Drink it! Your lips are cracked and bleeding...
*Lovic also takes a small sip.*
**Lovic**: I'll leave the rest for the warriors!
**Arcanist**: Someone else sent water to the warriors. Besides, this bottle only has enough water for two.
**Izumi**: !!
**Izumi**: See! The island's citizens are on our side!
**Izumi**: We will hold Never Isle. We must!
**Lovic**: You're right!
**Arcanist**: I need to go monitor the water purification facility. We're going to make it!
**Izumi**: Thank you!
*The arcanist leaves just as another Defense Force warrior comes to deliver a report*
**Defense Force Warrior**: Reporting in, Commander!
**Defense Force Warrior**: The Defense Force Captain responsible for guarding Never Isle's northern district has been killed in battle!
**Lovic**: What!
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: Do a casualty count, and have whichever warrior has the most experience fighting in the northern district assume command!
**Izumi**: The battle continues!
*3 days later...*
*The Defense Force continue to fight the Shadow in Amdera's sandstorm*
**Izumi**: Brothers! Drive the Shadows from Never Isle!
**Defense Force Warriors**: Kill them!
*Suddenly, the sandstorm clears*
**Izumi**: Ugh, this sandstorm...
*Back at the Arcana Academy grounds, an exhausted Amdera can't keep the sandstorm up*
**Amdera**: Oh... Commander...
**Amdera**: I'm sorry...I...
**Arcanist**: Professor Amdera!
**Arcanist**: Get someone over here! Professor Amdera has fainted!
**Arcanist**: Oh! He is suffering severe flux deficiency! Notify a doctor! He needs help immediately!!
*Izumi gets an update on Amdera in is communication crystal*
**Izumi**: Got it! We must save Professor Amdera, at all costs!
**Izumi**: All of our resources are at your disposal.
**Izumi**: You heard me right! That's an order!!
**Izumi**: (Closes comm)
*Lovic comes to alert Izumi*
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi! The Shadows' main forces have begun to land on the island!
**Izumi**: Ugh, so soon?
*At the dock, a mass of Shadow gets ready to attack led by a Giant Shadow Demon*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: The sandstorm has stopped!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Ground forces, attack!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Whoever helps take this damned island will be generously rewarded by the Shadowlord!
*Izumi quickly commands the remaining Defense Force warriors*
**Izumi**: Break formation, men! Use whatever buildings and houses you can find, it's time for guerrilla warfare!
**Izumi**: Brothers! This is Never Isle!
**Izumi**: Show these Shadows how courageous the Defense Force can be!
**Izumi**: Stop the Shadows, at any cost!
**Izumi**: For Never Isle!
**Defense Force Warrior**: For Never Isle!!!
*The Shadows' offensive was as powerful as a surging tide...*
*But even they had a hard time breaking the sturdy embankment formed by the warriors of the Defense Force.*
*Yet the tide persisted.*
*And minute by minute, warriors began to fall.*
*3 days later...*
*At the Arcana Academy's Arcana Nexus.*
*Izumi, Lovic and two other Defense Force warriors retreat into the Nexus*
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: How are your injuries, brothers?
**Defense Force Warrior**: We're fine! We can...keep fighting...
**Izumi**: Rest for a bit. You don't even have the strength to speak!
**Izumi**: The Arcana Academy's equipped with traps and illusionary arcana.
**Izumi**: This will help hold them off!
**Izumi**: Where are the others?
**Lovic**: (Lowers head)
**Izumi**: Lovic, where are the other warriors?
**Lovic**: (Shake head) They're... They're all...
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: No...
**Izumi**: Brothers...
**Lovic**: (A tear silently rolls down his cheek)
*A while later...*
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: The battle's not over yet, brothers...
**Izumi**: We are still standing, and so is Never Isle!
**Izumi**: The more ferociously the Shadows fight here, the more smoothly the battle goes for our brothers in the Oathblades and the Order of Equality.
**Izumi**: The Shadows are panicking! They're desperate!
**Izumi**: All we need to do is hold out just a little longer! Then we will win!
**Defense Force Warrior**: But... There are only so many of us left...
**Defense Force Warrior**: What should we do?
**Lovic**: There's still hope!
**Lovic**: Don't forget! Never Isle's underground is just as big as the land above!
**Lovic**: Besides, the network of underground waterways is complex. The Shadows will have a hard time fighting there.
**Izumi**: You're right, Lovic!
**Izumi**: You guys go underground. Tend to the residents. Prepare traps. We will protect Never Isle!
**Defense Force Warrior**: What about you, Commander?
**Izumi**: I will stay here and guard the Flux Nexus. I will protect the only entrance to the underground!
**Izumi**: I will buy you time!
**Lovic**: What?! You can't! Come with us! We need to stay together!
**Izumi**: The traps and illusions at the Arcana Academy won't hold the Shadows for long.
**Izumi**: If I go with you, then the Shadows will get in before we get the defenses set up!
**Izumi**: I'll stay here and buy you some time. This is the only way!
**Defense Force Warrior**: No, Commander! We can't!
**Izumi**: I know you don't want to. I don't want to, either.
**Izumi**: But, brothers, remember our mission and our responsibility!
**Izumi**: We're the Defense Force, guardians of the people and Never Isle's last shield.
**Izumi**: Ever since we took the oath, we have fought to protect Never Isle! Even if it means giving our lives...
**Izumi**: That's why...
**Izumi**: You cannot let anything get in the way of your duty!
**Izumi**: Don't let the deaths of our fallen brothers be in vain!
**Lovic**: Captain Izumi...
**Defense Force Warrior**: Commander!
*Boom!*
**Izumi**: Go underground. Prepare the defenses. Protect Never Isle!
**Izumi**: This is my last order as your acting commander...
**Izumi**: Do it!!
**Lovic**: No... Captain Izumi, no!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Let's go, Captain Lovic!
**Lovic**: No! Captain Izumi! I won't go! I won't go!!
**Izumi**: You two! Get him out of here!
**Defense Force Warrior**: Yes, sir!
*A while later...*
*The Shadow forces infiltrate the Arcana Academy and work their way to the Nexus*
*Izumi stands in the way of the Giant Shadow Demon and its large squad of Shadow warriors*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: I can tell you are severely dehydrated and physically exhausted...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Why keep fighting?
**Izumi**: I am a member of the Defense Force. I will protect our homeland!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: So you're the last standing member of the Defense Force.
**Izumi**: The Defense Force is everywhere. We are immortal!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: I admire your courage, but what's the point?
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Fine. I'll do you persistent ants a favor.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: On behalf of the Shadows, I shall liberate you from your duty!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Kill him!
*The Giant Shadow Demon commands its warriors to attack but Izumi holds his ground*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Your defeat is only a question of time.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Keep attacking!
**Izumi**: Let's do this!
**Izumi**: Hya!
*Wave after wave come to attack Izumi...*
**Izumi**: You will go no further!
*But Izumi continues to defend Never Isle...*
**Izumi**: Argh!!
*Until finally Izumi, exhausted, is on his last leg*
**Izumi**: Phew...
**Izumi**: You Shadows... Don't even think about...
**Izumi**: Uh...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Annihilation is the only thing fate has left in store for you.
*"Come! Pledge your oath!"*
*Izumi's vison fades*
*He can only think about those that put their faith in him*
**Miles**: Izumi is now a warrior of the Defense Force!
**Eddie**: Izumi! Congratulations!
**Miles**: Protecting Never Isle is my responsibility, too...
**Miles**: The Oathblades would lose face if you took it all for yourself!
**Miles**: Never Isle...
**Eddie**: Never Isle...
**Will**: Never Isle...
**Markus**: I leave Never Isle to you!
**Eddie**: When the time comes, it will be the three of us, just like old times...
**Izumi**: !!!!
*Izumi summons the will to open his eyes and stand up again*
**Izumi**: Ahhhh!!!
*A pure white aura begins to radiate out of Izumi*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Ugh... This Power... It's light... It's light flux!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Don't waste your time on him! Attack the Flux Nexus!
**Shadow Minion**: Rrragh!
**Izumi**: Not a chance!
**Izumi**: I promised Eddie...
**Izumi**: I promised Miles...
**Izumi**: I promised the generals and commanders!
**Izumi**: I will protect Never Isle!
**Izumi**: Ahhhhhh!!!
*Izumi uses the Guardian Bear Shield to generate a barrier around the Nexus, his Last Stand*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Ahh! Everyone! Tear him to shreds!
**Shadow Minion**: Rrragh!
**Izumi**: From now on, I am a warrior of the Defense Force.
*The Shadow attack the barrier but their blows are reflected back at them*
**Shadow Minion**: Ahhh!!! This shield is hot! It's too hot!
**Izumi**: I am the advocate and guardian of my people!
*Shadow continue to fall against the might of Last Stand*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Do not fall back! Death to anyone who retreats!!
**Izumi**: I will cast my life and flesh into an iron wall to forever protect the future of my people!
*The Shadow try striking all at once but they continue to lose units*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Shadow Cannons! Bring the Shadow Cannons over here!
**Izumi**: The darkness is here. We are the last line of defense between it and the Gyees!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: You bastards. Fine, I'll handle this myself!
**Izumi**: I'm ready!!
*The Giant Shadow Demon throws everything at Izumi's Last Stand*
*Finally, the barrier breaks*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Ugh... If it weren't for this light flux holding me back...
**Izumi**: (angry)
**Giant Shadow Demon**: But it doesn't matter, hahaha!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: You've reached your limit.
**Izumi**: Rraghhhhhhh!
*Izumi makes one last attempt to defeat the Giant Shadow Demon...*
**Izumi**: Hngh!!
*But the last of his energy runs out and he faints*
*As his eyes close, he can hear Eddie and Miles call out to him*
**Eddie - Enraged Hawk**: Izumi!
**Miles - Blood Wolf**: Izumi!
*...*
*...*
*An alarm goes off*
**Izumi**: What!
**Izumi**: What time is it? I've got to get my brothers ready...
**Miles**: Hey, you dolt! How many times do I have to tell you?
**Miles**: No alarms! You'll wake up Izumi!
**Eddie**: Aaaah! I forgot to turn off the timer I set for cooking!
**Eddie**: It didn't wake you up, did it?
**Izumi**: Eddie? Mi...
**Izumi**: Miles!!
*Izumi is back at the Defense Force dormitory*
*Eddie and Miles have been watching over him*
**Miles**: Why, you... You woke up Izumi!
**Eddie**: Ah... I'm sorry...
**Izumi**: (surprised)
**Izumi**: ...
**Izumi**: (smiles)
*Izumi gives Eddie and Miles a bear hug.*
**Eddie**: Whoa!!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Miles**: You're too much... Why do you have to hug us every day when you wake up?
**Izumi**: Miles, Eddie...
**Miles**: (Rubs Izumi's head.)
**Miles**: Okay, okay. We're not going anywhere.
**Miles**: Hug me like that again, you're gonna turn him to mush!
**Eddie**: What!
**Izumi**: Miles, your body...
**Miles**: I'm fine! It's just a little Shadow Flux, that's all.
**Miles**: I've got it under control.
**Miles**: But you're hurt. You'd better go back to bed and lie down!
**Izumi**: My injuries aren't a problem anymore.
**Izumi**: You can't stay here on Never Isle for too long.
**Izumi**: I still hope to spend some time with you.
**Miles**: When you put it like that, I don't know who the real patient is - you or me?
**Eddie**: Ha! You're both my patients!
**Eddie**: I'll take good care of you!
**Eddie**: (Takes out flux artifact to read the intensity of the Shadow Flux.)
*Eddie examines Miles*
**Eddie**: Luckily, your Shadow Flux intensity is below critical levels.
**Eddie**: You need to let me know when something doesn't feel right. You don't want to set off Never Isle's Shadow Flux sensors.
**Miles**: We've got the Defense Force Commander here, don't we?
**Miles**: If I go berserk, Izumi will get me under control!
**Izumi**: Huh?
**Miles**: I'm just kidding! Like I said, I've got it under control!
**Eddie**: How are you doing, Izumi? Do your wounds still hurt?
**Izumi**: I don't even notice they're there anymore!
**Miles**: Since Izumi's feeling better, why don't we take a walk around the island tomorrow?
**Miles**: I've been going stir-crazy the past two days!
**Izumi**: Okay!
**Izumi**: Speaking of which, the Defense Force will select its new members tomorrow.
**Izumi**: Could you guys help us out?
**Eddie**: Of course!
**Miles**: Don't worry! I'll put them through the ringer, one by one~
**Izumi**: Hey! Take it easy, Miles!
**Izumi**: If you eliminate too many of them, it'll only discourage the others.
*A while later...*
**Eddie**: Time to eat~
**Izumi**: Wow! This looks great!
**Miles**: (Smells the food) Sniff... Sniff...
**Miles**: It's done, already! You're going to turn Izumi's soup to mush again!
**Eddie**: You're one to talk! You're the one who nearly fed him raw meat!
**Miles**: Meh, what do you know? That's the best way to maintain the meat's tender texture~
**Izumi**: Mmm! It's good!
**Miles**: See! Even Izumi agrees!
**Miles**: You're the only one who's got a problem with it!
**Eddie**: Come on, Izumi? Why are you always taking Miles's side?
**Miles**: Ha! Izumi used to take your side in the past. My, how the tables have turned~
**Izumi**: Eddie's soup is good too~
**Miles**: Hmm... Speaking truthfully...
**Miles**: The soup is too weak today. The meat's no good either - you overcooked it!
**Eddie**: For someone who says they don't like it, you sure are eating an awful lot of it!
**Miles**: Just because it doesn't taste good, doesn't mean I should let it go to waste, right?
**Eddie**: Humph!
**Eddie**: I'm only going to cook for Izumi tonight. You'll just have to go hungry!
**Miles**: You're going to let me starve? Aren't you worried I might bite you, instead?
**Eddie**: Get out of here!
**Izumi**: (smiles)
**Miles**: What are you chuckling about, Izumi?
**Izumi**: Nothing...
*Izumi gives Eddie and Miles a bear hug*
**Izumi**: I just missed you guys, that's all...

## Audio

*Note: Skins will use the audio from the basic skin unless indicated otherwise.*

### Izumi-GuardianBear's Basic Skin

* **Butler Interactions**
	+ Before Intimacy Level 7
		- **Head**: *Fighting on the south island? Hold on! I'm on my way!*
		    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp izumi sp 1 head 1.ogg
		- **Torso**: *I... can't live under their protection forever...*
		    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp izumi sp 1 chest 1.ogg
		- **Waist**: *I'm not THAT good... Just well-equipped. That's all.*
		    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp izumi sp 1 belly 1.ogg
	+ After reaching Intimacy Level 7
		- **Head**: *No word from Eddie or Miles yet? Oh, okay...*
		    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp izumi sp 2 head 1.ogg
		- **Torso**: *I will protect our home... until you guys get back!*
		    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp izumi sp 2 chest 1.ogg
		- **Waist**: *I might be the commander now, but inside, I'm still the same old Izumi!*
		    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp izumi sp 2 belly 1.ogg
* **Skills**
	+ **Basic**: *Hiyah!*
	    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp skill 1 audio RS.ogg
	+ **Advanced**: *Fury, burn the invaders!*
	    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp skill 2 audio RS.ogg
	+ **Ultimate**: *Never Isle, never fall!*
	    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp skill 3 audio RS.ogg
* **Arrival**: *Train the strength, fortify the will. We are the shield of Never Isle.*
    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp appear audio RS.ogg
* **Display Voice 1**: *You have to get through me first.*
    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp interact 1 audio RS.ogg
* **Display Voice 2**: *This is Master Turing's lastest and gre- Woah!*
    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp interact 2 audio RS.ogg
* **Display Voice 3**: *I still remember the old time we three were together. Eddie... ah, Miles...*
    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp interact 3 audio RS.ogg
* **Hit**: *\*grunts\**
    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp SJ audio RS.ogg
* **Dying**: *I cannot... fall.*
    ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp izumi sp die audio RS.ogg