02x08 - A Boy's Feeling

[bunniefuu]

We'll return the day after

tomorrow for your decision.

I hope, for your sake,

it's the right one, Sebas.

Going out for a bit?

[BRAIN]

Yeah.

[GAZEF]

Got any money?

No, but if I need to,

I can sell an item--

Go crazy.

Thanks, Gazef. I'll try

not to spend it all.

[inhales, sighs]

[gasps]

Virgin! Lookin' for us?

[CLIMB] It's been

too long, Lady Gagaran.

[growls]

[CLIMB]

I-I mean, "Miss" Gagaran.

Better.

[CLIMB]

And you, Lady Evileye.

Guess it has been

a while. What's up?

You here to get lucky

with me, virgin?

No, nothing like that.

Lady Aindra is currently

visiting with Princess Renner.

She asked to give you a message.

Yeah? Well, spit it out then.

Right.

"We're going into

action on the double.

Be ready at a moment's notice.

We are going to hit

them where it hurts."

End message.

Is that all?

Seems like such a minor chore

for the Princess' bodyguard.

Nah. Oh, yeah!

Gazef came by earlier.

He gave me a private

lesson in swordsmanship.

Crazy, huh?

And I used the strike

you taught me!

He was so impressed that

he even complimented it!

You're kidding--he liked it?

Sounds like you're movin'

up in the world, kid.

Even so...

[CLIMB]

I know. I won't grow complacent.

I'll devote myself

to further training.

That's good and all, but listen.

That move could be

countered pretty easily.

It's time you

came up with a move

you could transition into.

Whoa.

Lord Stronoff told me

the same thing earlier!

Great minds.

Come to think of it,

you wanted somethin'

from Evileye, too, right?

Well, go ahead and ask her.

Well...

[EVILEYE]

No. Magic is beyond your reach.

[EVILEYE]

Stick to the sword.

[EVILEYE sighs]

You don't seem very convinced.

Those with talent possess

it from the outset.

Take Gazef Stronoff,

he's a good example.

Can you catch up to where

he is on effort alone?

[EVILEYE]

I'm not saying give up.

Just know what

you're up against.

[EVILEYE]

Foolish. Utterly foolish.

Those who chase after

the unobtainable

are certain to ruin themselves.

I'm well aware of that.

[EVILEYE]

You're bound for an early grave.

Think of the people

who will weep for you

should you continue.

I never thought I'd see the day.

The imp's worried

about you, Climb!

Isn't that sweet?

[EVILEYE] Keep your

voice down, muscle head!

Well, it's true, isn't it?

[EVILEYE]

Ugh.

First, gain some

magic knowledge.

Once you increase

your knowledge,

you'll be able to tell what your

magic-using opponents are after.

Then you can take the

appropriate action.

End of lesson.

Thanks.

[EVILEYE] Climb, don't do

anything to lose your humanity.

Power isn't worth it.

Right.

[EVILEYE]

Look, I get it.

When it comes

to natural ability,

humans drew the short straw

compared to other races.

In fact, many of the

legendary Thirteen Heroes

were species other than human.

Like Black Knight,

the former owner

of the cursed sword Kilineiram

now wielded by our leader.

He had demonic blood

running through his veins.

Huh. I keep

forgettin' about that.

Tell me.

Is it true, at full power,

it has enough dark energy

to swallow a nation whole,

or is that a fat

sack of horse crap?

[EVILEYE]

Where did you hear that?

I overheard Lakyus

talkin' to herself

a few nights back.

[LAKYUS] Only evil unbound

could create a dark sword

of such terrible power.

Even though I am in

the service of the gods,

keeping it restrained...

takes all that I have!

[EVILEYE]

Hm.

Then, another time...

[LAKYUS laughs] Don't

underestimate my dark power,

for it is rooted

in the purest black!

I will dominate your

flesh and unleash

my curse upon the world!

[LAKYUS grunts] Your power is

at its strongest tonight,

that's for sure.

But I will not let

you do as you wish.

I swear it!

Please, Ring of

the Holy Valkyrie,

lend me your protection!

Hey! Lakyus!

[gasps]

I'm fine; there's nothing

to see here! Honest!

[EVILEYE] Hm. As a priestess,

I guess she was embarrassed

being seen struggling

with a cursed item.

And it sounds like

those pointless-looking

armor rings weren't

just for fashion's sake.

Is Renner in danger?

C'mon, let's head to the palace!

[EVILEYE]

Don't panic!

There's nothing we can do

about this right now.

Even if we tried,

the only thing that can

stop an adamantite

is another adamantite.

[EVILEYE]

Yeah.

Oh. That reminds me.

I hear a third adamantite

class adventure team

recently sprung up in E-rantel.

Huh. That's news to me.

Who are they?

[EVILEYE] As I recall,

they're a team of two.

Their leader is Momon,

a warrior known as

the Raven Black Hero, and Nabe,

a powerful magic caster.

What? Just two of 'em?

The hell have they done

to earn adamantite class?

[EVILEYE] Well, they resolved

an incident in E-rantel

involving thousands of undead.

Then, they exterminated

the Goblin Tribal Coalition

headed northward.

Retrieved ultra-rare

medicinal herbs

from the Great Forest of Tob.

Slayed a giant basilisk.

And, as I understand it,

defeated a vampire

possessing tremendous

magical power.

Single-handedly.

Lastly, they subdued the

Wise King of the Forest

with their power and are

keeping him as a pet.

Holy hell.

These two sound awesome!

You mean...

Something like that would be

hard for you, Miss Gagaran?

I could handle

thousands of undead,

no problem, but a giant basilisk

with its petrifying

gaze and toxic venom?

No way.

Without restorative measures,

it'd be too much for me.

They are the ultimate

test for any warrior.

I know how strong Blue Rose is.

No, Miss Gagaran, there's no way

these newbies could best you!

Ha! Thanks for the praise,

kid! Let's get nasty.

I'll have to decline.

Better loosen up, or you'll

always be a virgin.

[EVILEYE]

Enough. Let's get moving.

Lakyus is expecting

us to be ready,

and I don't intend

to disappoint her.

As you wish.

[GAGARAN]

Climb.

Yes?

That sword around your hip--

it's not your usual w*apon.

No, this is just a backup sword.

There's no tellin'

what might happen.

Always keep your

main w*apon handy.

Also, do you have the

items I gave to you?

You mean those bells.

I have them right here.

[GAGARAN] Good. Keep three

healing potions on you,

just in case we need 'em.

Understood.

[EVILEYE] You'll make a

fantastic mother someday.

[GAGARAN]

Screw you, shorty.

[HORSE whinnies]

[CROWD murmuring]

[MAN A]

Punk-ass brat! You're filthy!

[grunts]

All he did was bump into him.

They'll k*ll the poor

kid at this rate.

[sighs]

What the hell?

Am I seeing things?

[MAN A] What're you tryin'

to pull, old timer?

[MAN C] Back off, if you

know what's good for you!

Let me through, please.

[gasps]

What? Ya deaf or stupid?

[SEBAS]

I'll say this once. Depart.

Make me!

--[MAN A grunts]

--[CROWD gasps]

[gasps]

[gasps]

Do not make me repeat myself.

[MEN yelping]

[MAN C]

We're sorry, sir!

[CLIMB]

Hey! Are you all right?

Thank goodness.

He's still breathing.

I've got a potion.

Here, try to swallow this.

Slowly. That's it. Good job.

You're gonna be

just fine, kiddo.

Thanks.

Sir?

[CLIMB panting]

[CLIMB panting]

Excuse me!

Is there something

you need, boy?

[panting]

Why'd you follow me, young man?

Sorry, that was

pretty rude of me.

My name's Climb. I'm a soldier.

I should've been there

to protect that kid

from those wretches.

Thanks for doing my job.

[SEBAS]

It was no bother.

Now, I must be going.

Wait a minute!

If you wouldn't mind, sir.

I'd like for you to teach me

the move you used back there.

What purpose would that serve?

[CLIMB]

I'm trying to improve myself.

To become stronger.

And after seeing your

outstanding technique,

I knew that learning even a

little of it would do just that.

[SEBAS]

All right. Show me your hands.

Sure.

They seem strong and firm.

The perfect hands for a warrior.

No. I'm afraid my swordsmanship

is negligible at best.

I think you grossly

underestimate your abilities.

Now then, may I take a

closer look at your w*apon?

Of course.

I see.

This isn't your usual sword.

How did you discern that?

[SEBAS] The number of

blemishes in the blade.

Sorry you had to see that.

I was neglectful.

Quite all right.

Besides, now I understand

the type of person you are.

The hands and w*apon are mirrors

which reflect the warrior

who wields them.

You present an extremely

favorable impression.

Thanks.

[SEBAS] One last thing--

please be honest.

For what reason do you aspire

to improve yourself?

Your desire spurred

you to chase me

and request my guidance.

While my initial

impression is that

you are a trustworthy sort.

I do wanna know why you're

seeking greater power.

Well, you see...

Because I'm a man.

Indeed. Based on your answer,

I have decided the type

of training you'll receive.

Thank you, sir!

However, before we begin,

you should know

that I don't think

you have talent.

I'll be frank.

There's a chance

you'll die from this.

[SEBAS] It depends entirely

on the strength of your heart.

If there's someone

truly precious to you,

think of them,

and you'll be fine.

Then, I am ready.

Please proceed.

You're confident you

won't die, then?

Very well, young Climb.

We'll start your

training immediately.

What, you mean right

here in the alley?

Draw your w*apon and

stand ready, please.

[CLIMB]

Right!

Hold fast to your wits, Climb.

Few have seen this,

and even fewer survived.

[gasps]

[SEBAS] I hope this isn't

the extent of your manhood.

How will you fare when

I actually strike?

[CLIMB grunts]

I suppose you'll join the dead.

[CLIMB grunts]

[SEBAS grunts]

[CLIMB grunts]

[pants]

Congratulations, you've passed.

How does it feel

to have overcome

the fear of death at your age?

[gasps]

You did well to avoid

dying of shock.

It happens sometimes.

Or a person will be prepared

to die and, as a result,

abandon their hold on life.

Um. I...

I have to ask. Who are you?

What is it you do?

If you don't mind, that is.

I am simply an old man who knows

how to handle himself,

young Climb.

Nothing more.

[SEBAS]

Now, once again--

[BRAIN]

Wait a second!

[panting]

[CLIMB]

An acquaintance of yours?

[SEBAS]

No.

I assume, he is not a friend

of yours, either, then?

[BRAIN] Sorry. Didn't

mean to startle you.

I'm a fighter.

Name's Brain Unglaus.

[CLIMB gasps]

Again, I apologize

for my interruption.

But I had to sate my curiosity.

I know your name.

You once went toe-to-toe

with Lord Stronoff

and nearly came out on top.

All right, ask whatever

you need to know.

Wait, you meant me?

Before.

How could you just stand

there and face death

without hesitation?

Uh.

I need to know.

Tell me.

That was far beyond what any

normal man could withstand.

Even I--or rather,

someone like me--

could never bear such terror.

But not you.

You held your ground.

Fought through it.

I need to know how.

Come on, I'm begging here.

Not sure, honestly.

However, it might be because

I was thinking about

my mistress the entire time.

--Your what?

--Mistress.

I don't know how, but thinking

about her made it bearable.

It helped me through.

That's all it was?

[SEBAS]

Lord Unglaus.

Young Climb's steadfast

loyalty to the lady he serves

allowed him to persevere.

When people have someone

that is important to them,

you'd be amazed at

the incredible power

they can muster.

That, more than any muscle,

is the true measure

of a person's strength.

Find something you refuse

to lose, and you, too,

can demonstrate a power greater

than you ever thought possible.

I've already forsaken everything

that was important to me.

[CLIMB]

That's fine!

I was able to do it,

and I have no talent.

It'll be no sweat for

someone of your caliber!

Strong and kind to boot.

You're gonna go far, kid.

Thanks a lot. I really

have been a fool.

If I may, Lord Unglaus.

You can drop the

"Lord" business.

Believe me, I'm nobody

a person such as yourself

needs to pay respect to.

In that case,

you may call me Sebas.

That would please me greatly.

Now then, as I was saying.

I think it would be best

if you and young Climb

left here as

quickly as possible.

It appears I have some visitors.

Whoa.

Over there, as well.

They look like they

mean business.

Poisoned blades.

Careful. I think

they're assassins.

Hopefully, I won't

get in the way,

but I can't let you

fight them alone.

I swore to protect

the peace in this city.

I refuse to go back

on that oath.

Well, damn.

Guess I'll join in

the fun as well.

[SEBAS]

In that case, I will take care

of the three reprobates

flanking us.

Please deal with the pair

in front, if you wouldn't mind.

[BOTH]

Right.

This is not your lucky day.

I'm afraid I'll be your partner

for this dance of death.

[ASSASSINS gasp]

I'd appreciate it

if you'd focus your

attention on me.

Whoa. Did you see that?

Yeah.

If someone claimed Lord Sebas

was the strongest man

in the kingdom,

I'd agree with 'em.

Even stronger than

Lord Stronoff?

Gazef and I together

wouldn't stand

a chance in hell against him.

Now. Here they come.

I'll take the one on the left.

The right's all yours.

[BRAIN]

Hey there.

I hate to ask,

but would you mind

being my training

dummy for a bit?

I'm a bit rusty.

Oh-ho. So, that's

what the story is.

[ASSASSINS yell]

You're out of practice.

Then this might be

exactly what you needed.

Opponents like this are perfect

for shaking off the rust.

[CLIMB grunts]

Don't get in deep till

you've determined his reach!

Right!

He strikes me as a man

of great character.

[CLIMB grunts]

[yelps]

Fear is an important

emotion, for sure.

But you can't let

yourself be bound by it.

If your physical abilities

aren't up to the task,

prevail with your heart.

And never forget that your mind

is the sharpest w*apon

in your arsenal.

My lord.

If I fall here, tell Renner--

Please tell Her Highness

I fought like a

warrior till the end.

[yells]

Here we go. Martial Art, Slash!

[ASSASSIN D groans]

Well done, Climb.

Not too shabby. For a kid.

They must've been following me

since I left the mansion.

I think it's fair to say they're

in the employ of Succulent.

What did you do to him?

It's a skill that's called

"Palm of the Puppeteer,"

and it appears to be working.

Now then, to interrogate him.

[BRAIN] Eight Fingers

is a relatively large

criminal society within

the kingdom, right?

[CLIMB]

It is.

Succulent's name has

come up a few times as well.

Apparently he's one

of the "Six Arms."

He's an adamantite.

I'm guessing you don't plan

to take this lying down, Sebas?

They've left me little

choice, haven't they?

The first thing I'll

do is bring down

the source of all this trouble.

Succulent will be there, too.

Best to stamp out any sparks,

before they start

a raging inferno.

I'd be grateful if you

would carry this lot

to the nearest guardhouse.

I can't back out.

I'd like to offer my sword to

the cause, if you'll have it.

And that goes for me, as well.

Unglaus has the experience

and skill to survive this,

but you might find yourself

in a bit of peril, young Climb.

If I ran away because of danger,

it would only prove

that I am unfit

to serve my mistress or country.

You're resolved to see this

through to the end, then?

[CLIMB]

Yes.

In that case, gentlemen,

there is nothing more

to be said on the matter.

I accept your support.

Prepare to do battle.

[BOTH]

Right.

[AINS] Sebas decides to

confront the establishment

that imprisoned Tuare,

one, as it happens,

that is owned by Eight Fingers

and currently protected

by Succulent of Six Arms.

[AINS]

Along with Brain and Climb,

who volunteered their aide,

Sebas prepares to climb

into a nest of vipers.

[AINS] Chapter Nine:

"Soaring sparks of fire."

What are the thoughts of men,

when faced with death?