﻿\setgamedatatitle("Morte_01")

\text("Risbell")
――This is where it starts.
\endtext

\text
Risbell brings the torch close to the wall.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Hmm... You're right, the material is different.
\endtext

\text
It's not like the newly dug tunnels, nor the familiar stone
walls of the ruins.
\endtext

\text
More than anything, the air is different. It's as if 'death'
from ancient times has stagnated here―a dry, chilling stench
of death―
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
As you know, most of the labyrinths in this world are said
to be relics left behind by the ancient Testa civilization.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
The underground labyrinth we use is a network of those ruins
discovered underground, connected together.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
However, the style of this place is clearly much older than
any other labyrinth―
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
And yet, it was built with far more advanced technology.
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
The Graveyard at the End of the World, huh... I wonder what
kind of people from what era are buried here?

\endtext

\text
Margaretta says this as she runs her fingers along the
labyrinth wall, carved with mysterious reliefs.

\endtext

\text
It doesn't seem like something built in the distant past.
The patterns beneath the dust and mold are as vivid as if
they were carved just yesterday.
\endtext

\text
At regular intervals, hollows are dug into the wall, some
containing weathered skeletons, some empty―

\endtext

\text
It was a passage accidentally discovered during labyrinth
expansion work. ―Immediately, undead attacked from within,
causing a few casualties.
\endtext

\text("Agri")
W-who cares who they are? As long as they just stay
asleep... Oh, waah!?

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
It's just a rat. ...Why are you so jumpy? That's not like
you.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
W-what the hell. Don't scare me like that... Wait, eek!?

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
What's wrong with you? Are you into me or something?
\endtext

\text
Startled, Agri clings to Margaretta.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
N-no! The rat! It-it-it's on the corpse...!

\endtext

\text
...In the torchlight, a rat squeaks quietly as it crawls
under the skull in a rusted helmet.

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
You're a strange one. Haven't you seen plenty of corpses on
the battlefield?
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
――According to statistics, Agri-san has never had much
success fighting undead in the past.

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
In fact... she usually runs away.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
It seems she's either bad at fighting undead, or just plain
scared of them.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
H-hey, wait a sec! I-I mean, it's not like I'm good at it or
anything...

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
...Then maybe bringing you along was a mistake?

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
No... It would be a problem if our vanguard captain kept
being afraid of ghosts forever.

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
So it's tough love, huh? I see. In that case, stop being
such a coward. Get up front and move!

\endtext

\text("Agri")
If it's a strong enemy, I'll take on anyone you bring!

\endtext

\text("Agri")
I mean, I'm just not good with this stuff. No matter what...
I had some experiences when I was a kid.

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
Anyway, hmm... this corpse doesn't seem all that old. Maybe
five to ten years, I'd say.

\endtext

\text
Margaretta kneels beside the corpse as she speaks. It's
decayed, but the armor and weapons aren't from a
particularly old era.
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
...Looks like the remains of an adventurer lured here by the
promise of treasure.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Or maybe, like me, some pervert who came chasing rumors of a
beautiful woman.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
I think only someone like you, Caym-sama, would come all the
way out here for that reason...
\endtext

\text
The Graveyard at the End of the World. Even if no one has
actually seen it, it's a famous ruin among adventurers.
\endtext

\text
A massive ossuary built in a nameless land, completely cut
off from the outside world, in the southern Balkha
Mountains.
\endtext

\text
It's said a few adventurers have managed to reach it after
crossing endless treacherous terrain, but none have ever
returned alive.
\endtext

\text
They say vast treasures from an ancient civilization sleep
there―
\endtext

\text
And one more thing. A mysterious beauty who greets
adventurers and witnesses their deaths.
\endtext

\text
They say she's an unparalleled beauty.
\endtext

\text
Naturally, what caught Caym's interest was the latter rumor.

\endtext

\text
Risbell, on the other hand, was understandably skeptical―

\endtext

\text
But now that they've dug it up, they can't just leave this
dangerous hole where undead could appear at any time.

\endtext

\text
Besides―if there really are treasures or ancient magic
items, they could become funds and power for the Demon
Lord's army.
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
But honestly, isn't this a bit much? I think my subordinates
and I could've handled it ourselves.

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
If there really are treasures left, then the defense
mechanisms must still be active as well.

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
It's a dungeon that's been considered impregnable for years.
I doubt a single party of adventurers or a small expedition
could do much.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
And now that we've got a direct passage from the dungeon
like this―
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
It's the perfect chance to send in our forces directly and
settle this legend once and for all.
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
I see. ...Still. Hah!

\endtext

\text("Agri")
U-uwahhh! Something! Something just touched my neck!

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
Hahaha. You're too easy―just blowing on you a little and you
react like that.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
Damn it... Just wait till we're back on the surface,
Margaretta! I'll get you for this!

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
I was just trying to help you relax. At this rate, you won't
even be able to swing your sword properly.
\endtext

\text("Agri")
Y-yeah, I know but... Wha―ah! I stepped on something! I
stepped on a bone! Eek...!

\endtext

\text("Caym")
...I'm starting to think we might've picked the wrong person
for this.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Yes, I didn't expect him to be this much of a coward.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
Who's a coward, you bastard?! ...Wait, ahh! S-someone's
here!
\endtext

\text
The Demon Lord's soldiers draw their weapons and brace
themselves all at once.
\endtext

\text("Agri")
No, it's not an undead! It's a woman! She's walking this
way...
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
A woman? In a place like this? Have you lost your mind?

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Wait, could it be... that woman?
\endtext

\text
Caym pushes through his companions and steps to the front.
\endtext

\text
Just as Agri said, a faint bluish-white light drifts at the
end of the corridor.
\endtext

\text
The source of the light is a bluish-white flame floating in
the air―what people call a will-o'-the-wisp.
\endtext

\text
And, surrounded by several of these will-o'-the-wisps, the
beautiful figure of a woman clearly appears.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Oh, well now―
\endtext

\text
The rumors of her being a peerless beauty were apparently
not exaggerated.
\endtext

\text
A woman clad in ominous black clothing. And for some reason,
her chest is completely exposed.
\endtext

\text
―Though the most important parts are covered by her hair.
\endtext

\text
Caym approaches, his eyes glued mostly to her chest,
grinning like an idiot.
\endtext

\text
But he stops in his tracks as he senses a presence stir
behind the beauty.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Caym-sama!
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Hmm... So this woman really is the boss of these undead.

\endtext

\text
A group of obviously powerful undead stand behind the
beauty, following her lead.
\endtext

\text
―Though they should attack any living being on sight, these
undead are being perfectly controlled by this woman.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
So you're the Queen of the Dead. I am Caym, King of Hados
and Supreme Commander of the Demon Lord's Army.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
I'll get straight to the point. Obey me―bring your entire
undead army with you.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
―If you refuse, I'll crush you by force and take you for
myself.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Caym-sama, please also negotiate for some of the treasure
and magic items. Even if she submits, we should secure a
portion of those―
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
Hold on, you two. ...That woman has been saying something
for a while now.
\endtext

\text
Huh? The two focus their attention on the mysterious beauty.
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...slowly... more... slowly... please speak...

\endtext

\text
Now that they listen, the beauty is indeed mumbling
something in a small voice.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Are you saying we're talking too fast?
\endtext

\text
The mysterious beauty nods in response.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
And why is your voice so quiet? If you're a queen, act like
one―speak up with confidence.

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
.........?
\endtext

\text
The mysterious beauty tilts her head.
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
I... don't understand... too fast...
\endtext

\text("Caym")
...Tch, damn it!
\endtext

\text
Swallowing his frustration, Caym raises his voice and speaks
slowly.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Listen up! I'm the Demon Lord Caym! Caym, got it?
Understand?
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
Yeah... Cay...m?
\endtext

\text("Caym")
That's right! I want to fuck you because you're a fine
woman. Got it?
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...?
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Caym-sama, that's a bit too much of a shortcut.

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
I... don't really understand. After all, talking to a living
human... if I remember...

\endtext

\text
The mysterious beauty gazes up at the labyrinth ceiling as
if counting the years. ...She does it for so long, it almost
seems like she's forgotten everyone else is here.
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
Four hundred... and twelve years, I think?
\endtext

\text
The soldiers murmur in shock. Even for a Brightleaf, that's
enough time to be nearing old age.

\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
If you've been holed up that long, it's no wonder your voice
doesn't come out.
\endtext

\text
Caym clicks his tongue in annoyance.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
I used to live a similar life myself...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Knowing that, I have even more reason to drag you out of
here.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
By the way, how long have you been in this place?

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
The time... I've... been here...?
\endtext

\text
When Caym nods, the mysterious beauty once again looks up at
the ceiling, deep in thought.
\endtext

\text
――Just when it seems like she's about to answer, she
suddenly starts puffing on a strangely grotesque pipe.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
Nugagagaga
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
Calm down, Caym. ...She probably doesn't understand the
'timing' of conversation anymore since she hasn't interacted
with people.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
...The dead don't get irritated, after all.
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
Oh, looks like she's got an answer.
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...If I remember... this year... it's been two thousand and
four years... I think.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
――Two thousand years!?
\endtext

\text
Everyone is stunned by the number that slips out so
casually.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Caym-sama...! If that's true, then this person is probably
the last survivor of the ancient Testa civilization.

\endtext

\text("Risbell")
I can't even imagine how much information we could get. She
probably has all the answers we're looking for in her
memory――!
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
Hmm. In that case, this woman herself is the 'treasure' of
the labyrinth.
\endtext

\text
The mysterious beauty puffs on her pipe with a soft exhale.
\endtext

\text
As she sighs, instead of smoke, pale blue souls float around
her, cackling as they drift.

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...I've forgotten... most of the things... from long ago...

\endtext

\text("Agri")
H-hey!
\endtext

\text
It was Agri who stepped forward. Until now, she'd been
hiding right behind Margaretta.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
T-tell us! ...Aren't you lonely? Spending thousands of years
in a place like this, all alone, never talking to anyone?

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...?
\endtext

\text
The mysterious beauty tilts her head at Agri's outburst.

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
I'm fine... because I have these children... with me...

\endtext

\text("Agri")
You mean these kids?! They're dead people and monsters!
There's no way they could ever replace living friends!

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...? I don't... really understand...
\endtext

\text
Agri clicks her tongue loudly. It seems she's forgotten her
initial fear, swept up in a confusing anger even she doesn't
understand.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Heh...! Looks like everyone's intentions are finally
aligned.
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
It seems so.
\endtext

\text("Agri")
Yeah, looks like it.
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
I... hmm. Well, I suppose so.
\endtext

\text
Margaretta hefts her prized battle axe onto her shoulder.
\endtext

\text
The mysterious beauty lets out a yawn at that moment.

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
Yawn... After speaking out loud for the first time in
ages... I'm tired...
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
If you want me... then come to the very bottom of this
tomb...
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...If you have complaints... then overpower me and make me
listen by force...
\endtext

\text("Agri")
―That's just what I wanted!
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...If you do, I'll grant you any knowledge you wish to
know...
\endtext

\text("Risbell")
Y-yes...!
\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
...I'll grant you anything you desire...

\endtext

\text("Caym")
O-oh...!
\endtext

\text
For the first time, the mysterious beauty shows a faint
smile, then turns her back to everyone.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Wait! ...Tell me one last thing. What's your name?

\endtext

\text("Mysterious Beauty")
―Morte.
\endtext

\text("Caym")
Morte, huh. Heh! That's a pretty sexy name.

\endtext

\text("Caym")
...I'm looking forward to seeing those two thousand years of
experience in bed.
\endtext

\text("Morte")
Me too... A Diabolica, a horned corpse... is rare...

\endtext

\text("Morte")
...I'd be happy if you died...
\endtext

\text
As if that was the signal, the ghosts and undead all let out
a cold roar at once.

\endtext

\text("Agri")
Let's go―!
\endtext

\text("Margaretta")
O-oh...!
\endtext

\text
The warriors charge forward, and the mages begin chanting
their spells.
\endtext

\text
The assault on the 'Tomb at the End of the World' was about
to begin―
\endtext