01x03 - Meeting the King

[bunniefuu]

I found something beautiful.

I don't think I'll ever see

anything like it again.

I see.

It really was beautiful.

Is something bad going to happen?

If nothing changes, yes.

Meeting the King.

What is that thing?

What am I doing here?

No, the most pressing issue right now is

It baited my response!

You have a lot to learn still, little Arthur.

What in the world?

I'm on your side.

Wh-When you say that

E-Excuse me?

You must be hungry.

But even if you're not,

you should eat something.

If you want to be able to move

again sooner, rather than later.

Would you listen to—

You shouldn't move for now. Consider

yourself lucky for having survived at all.

U-Um

You won't get any answers

until after you've started eating.

Don't forget to chew.

You've got quite the appetite.

My Dad and Mom Do you know if they're okay?

I cannot move from here.

That said

I can see a bit further than most,

and have reach to match.

Your family is alive.

They continued their journey days ago.

They're alive?

Everyone's okay?

Thank goodness. That's such a relief!

I truly am relieved.

U-Um, thank you uh

My name is Sylvia, Arthur.

Th-Thank you, Sylvia.

What do you think I should do?

I think you know the answer already, don't you?

I won't be able to keep any secrets, then.

Well

after all.

Days passed.

My wounds healed, and I wanted to return

home as soon as possible, but

But it seems that isn't

going to happen soon.

According to Sylvia, we're on

the edge of Elshire Forest,

a place filled with wild animals and outlaws.

But she had a way to get around that.

I know you want to return

home as soon as possible,

but creating a breach in space requires

as much preparation as you might imagine.

It's good to see you moving around.

Children are meant to be lively, after all.

Sylvia never spoke of herself.

Her appearance, that of a strange monster,

was enough to have little Arthur

yelping in fear more than once.

Had she fought something? If she had,

she wasn't sharing any details.

But, in direct contrast to her appearance,

she was very warm, and kind.

You've got a mana core at your age?

Then, can you do this?

Do you know what I'm doing?

Yeah. You're using magic while

gathering mana at the same time

Like mid-air refueling, while flying a plane.

I had no idea that was possible.

Humans have many preconceptions about mana.

That leads them to make a distinction

between gathering and using it.

But apart from humans, this is very common.

The creatures called

Mana Beasts, in particular,

do this sort of thing as

easily as they breathe.

Would you like to learn how?

I would!

A question, then.

What would you like to do with

the knowledge, after learning it?

With this ability,

you will be even more powerful.

What do you intend to do with that strength?

Power greater than what I have now.

Once I have it

I would deliver death unto those who seek

to deprive me of that which I care about.

What the heck?!

You failed.

I'll not teach someone

with that look on their face.

Why not?! Isn't k*lling your

enemies what everyone does?!

It is. And that is how I become

the most powerful king.

And do you enjoy having a head full of

thoughts about k*lling your enemies?

Maybe I hit you too hard.

Does it hurt, Arthur?

No, I'm okay.

My hands could tear you to shreds with ease,

but they can also touch you gently.

Which do you prefer?

I prefer gentle.

I agree.

Rage and hatred burn so easily,

and express themselves as violence.

And in the moment, that can feel good.

But in the end, hate is all that remains.

I would rather you not use the life

that I saved for something like that.

Sylvia

For a moment, it seemed as if this

person knew everything about me.

But that shouldn't be possible.

And now, back to the question.

Arthur, when you have become stronger than you

are now, what will you do with that power?

I want to protect the people I care about.

The perfect answer.

She's close.

And I'm afraid there is nowhere

you can hide from me, Sylvia.

G-good morning, King Grey.

Goodness me! Thank you for coming, o great king.

A king in name only.

All political authority was in

the hands of the parliament.

As the nation's resources run dry

and birth rates decline,

the role of a king was to

act as an executor for w*r.

Little more than a k*lling machine.

King Grey, you are great indeed.

Through your many victories, you have

brought our people wealth and glory.

But what brings you here, today?

I am done, Marlon.

Gathering it while using it.

Once you're able to do that, Arthur, your

ability to perform magic will expand immensely.

Don't rush it. Control the mana.

There was so much I had not been blessed with.

And what I desired the most,

in order to keep winning

was control over ki.

I've got it.

Wonderful.

Arthur

What just happened?

Don't make a sound.

Who is that?

There's a resemblance to Sylvia, but

I'm impressed that you found me.

The scent of blood led my way.

Now, please come along.

I refuse.

I was hoping violence wouldn't be necessary

But so be it!

It's all right. Don't worry.

Sylvia

If you push too hard, you'll shorten

the little time you have left alive.

I could tell you the same thing!

Sylvia!

Sylvia?

This is absurd! Using this kind of

power it's going to cost you!

I don't mind. I've been happy enough.

Although I do wish it could've lasted longer.

You should really pay attention!

Not good.

Come here, Arthur.

What happened?

I used my power. Now, more importantly

What do you think? Do I look

more like a Sylvia, now?

You're a dragon, huh?

That is what humans call us.

Now, we need to hurry.

I'm sorry. The exit isn't as close as I hoped.

But it should be fine. I taught

you what you need to survive.

Little Arthur, what will you use your power for?

I want to protect the people I care about.

Then it's a promise.

But

Arthur. I have a few gifts for you.

Wrap it in that feather,

and take good care of it.

One other thing

What is this?

You'll know in time.

And that's it. Time to say goodbye.

Already?

As much of a shame as it is, yes.

I actually could've sent you home right away,

but I didn't want to.

Why?

I enjoyed living here with you, Arthur.

Sylvia!

I can't protect you with my power, can I?

After all you taught me

And I made that promise.

This was always going to happen.

Our promise doesn't apply in this case.

I was shocked at how naturally

my next words came forth.

Was it my gratitude towards

her that made me feel this way?

The time we had spent together,

did that change me?

Or maybe

I don't care if you're a dragon or a monster!

You're my family, Sylvia! I care about you!

You already have a mother.

Then you're my grandma.

Sylvia?

It's nothing. But could you call me that again?

Grandma.

Thank you, child.

I can't do this! Come with me, Sylvia!

Sylvia—

Finally decided to settle down, eh?

That couldn't have been lethal, could it?

Not someone like you, hit by something like that.

Oh, you noticed?

Was that enough?

Plenty. Thank you.

The rest is up to you.

Right. I'll take it from here.

Arthur, do you remember what I told you?

Yeah, I do.

Then you'll be okay.

But I'm sad.

True. The world is full of sorrow.

Which is why we need to turn it into happiness.

I can't do that!

It's fine if you can't, for now.

But with one step at a time

it's what I want for you.

And I know you can do it.

You were the strongest king of all.

Sylvia?

Don't let your heart fill with hatred and rage.

Please, let your new life be one

filled with light, King Grey.

Sylvia

Was it you who—

Okay, Sylvia.