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Freedom's Dirge/Story
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Freedom's Dirge - Opening
One day, Skull and Balurga are captured by ex-members of the no-longer-existent Odajumoki, who plan to take the two to their new Allfather, Rhiogur. Skull distracts the enemy so that Balurga can escape. Meanwhile, in the mountains of North Vast, a man defeats a number of Odajumoki gangsters and looks up into the night sky.
Skull: Dammit! This blows... I didn't think we'd see those guys here!
Outlaw 1: Yeehaaaw! Hold it right there, Hollow-Skull!
Skull: Who're you calling hollow! I'll have you know that I'm a Skull with a brain—a big brain!
Just as the Odajumoki outlaws leap forward to attack Skull, gunshots sound from behind some rocks nearby.
Outlaw 1: Whoa, that was close!
Balurga: Tch.
Skull: Yo, Balurga! What'd I tell you about staying outta sight?
Balurga: Ha! I don't need you to protect me.
This is Balurga, a follower of the path to true manliness.
This path once led through Guzaletha, head of the renowned Odajumoki Gang.
When presented with an impossible test to join the gang, an expression of unyielding will resulted in the loss of Balurga's right hand—but the gaining of the title "Guzaletha's right-hand man."
However, after Guzaletha's death, it was discovered in his writings that only the person who kills Balurga would be recognized as the next leader.
Continue 1Balurga: Come at me if you dare!
Outlaw 2: Yeehaw! Who thought both Skull and Balurga would run off to the same skyfaring crew, huh? Looks like rumors were true after all!
Skull: Well, you found us! And that's gonna be your biggest mistake!
Skull: Huh?
Skull: Ack! Dammit, why do I have to run outta bullets now?
Outlaw 1: Gehehe... Too bad for you, Hollow-Skull!
Outlaw 1: Yeehaaaw!
Skull: Gragh...
Balurga: Skull!
Outlaw 3: Hyahaaa! Worry 'bout yourself first!
Balurga: Ergh...
Outlaw 3: All riiight! C'mon, boys!
Odajumoki Gang: Yeeeehaaaw!
With their new cutting-edge weapons and precise teamwork, the gangsters launch themselves at Skull and Balurga.
Unable to counter the onslaught, Skull and Balurga are in a tight spot, outnumbered and overwhelmed.
Skull: A-augh... I'm Skull the genius... I'm not about to get beat up by you lot...
Outlaw 3: Now... should we avenge the Allfather here, once and for all?
Outlaw 2: Hey, don't rush things. Let's bundle the two up and bring 'em back with us.
Balurga: Huff, huff... Where are you planning to take us?
Outlaw 1: What kinda question is that? Where else but to Allfather?
Skull: Wha... Allfather?
Outlaw 3: You bet your butts! Our new Allfather, Rhiogur.
Balurga: Don't mess with me. I thought there was only supposed to be one Allfather for us... ever!
Outlaw 3: Pretty noisy, aren'tcha... Quit yappin', you filthy traitor!
The outlaw grabs Balurga's head and smashes it against the rock wall, again and again.
Balurga: Gah! Augh...
Skull: (Crap... Balurga's a goner at this rate!)
Skull: Let's see how you like my ultimate weapon!
Outlaw 3: What?
Outlaw 3: E-eek!
The Odajumoki gangsters can't help but let out a cry of alarm.
In Skull's hand is a bundle of dynamite, waiting to be lit.
Outlaw 1: W-wait a minute! Are you serious, Skull?
Skull: You bet I am—I'm always serious! 'Cause that's what a man's gotta do to make it big someday!
When Skull begins to approach them, the men widen their eyes in fear, backing away.
Skull: Hyahaaa! You spineless lot scared of a little explosion?
Outlaw 1: Who carries that kinda dangerous stuff with 'em anyway!
Skull: Now's our chance, Skull Jr.! Go get Balurga!
Skull Jr.: Woof!
Balurga: Skull... You...
Skull: Heheh. Just leave the rest to Mr. Genius Skull here.
Skull Jr. flips Balurga onto his back with a flourish of the jaw and begins to run as Skull had instructed.
Outlaw 1: ...
Skull: None of you move a finger, got it? I could make this dynamite go ka-boom in a single—
As he confidently closes in on the Odajumoki gang, Skull accidentally trips on a rock and falls to the ground.
The dynamite flies out of his hand, making an arc in the air, and lands right in the arms of his assailants.
Outlaw 1: Oof.
Skull: Whoooo, nice catch! Pretty good for a punk!
Skull: Heheh, lucky you were there to save it, huh?
Skull: Quick, pass it back over!
Outlaw 1: All right, catch... Or not! Like hell I'm gonna give this back to ya!
Outlaw 1: Hyahaaa! Looks like the tables've turned, eh?
Skull: ...?
Skull: Oh, er... Does this mean... I'm in trouble?
Outlaw 1: You sure are, my guy. Big trouble!
Odajumoki Gang: Yeehaaaw!
Skull: Aaah!
A single man stands among the unmoving bodies of Odajumoki gang members littering the ground.
???: ...
On a stormless night, countless stars shine brightly above the snowy mountains of North Vast.
???: Will these stars bring good fortune... or the opposite?
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 1: Compass of the Heart - Episode 1
Chamux, a group of Harvins who believe in the freedom to rampage, begins to launch attacks on various kingdoms with cutting-edge weapons. The kingdoms struggle to protect themselves from the sudden uprising.
The Republic of Idelva, located in the Nalhegrande Skydom.
Its capital of Groz Island finds itself facing an insurrection of Harvins who seem to have arrived out of nowhere.
Cain: ...
Reinhardtzar: Cain...
Cain: They're partly comprised of people from Idelva who've fallen in with the group. If possible, I don't want to hurt them.
Reinhardtzar: Be realistic. It's obvious that none of those guys are planning to end this peacefully.
Cain: Rrg...
Reinhardtzar: Despite knowing that, you still want to try negotiating with them?
The group of armed Harvins standing in front of Cain's troops bursts into coarse laughter.
???: The people who can do the most always come out on top in Idelva, right?
The men continue to destroy the buildings in the area as if to prove their power.
???: Gyahaha! And if you've got a problem with that, how 'bout you try and stop us, eh?
???: Or are you too scared to stand up against the loyal disciples of Chamux?
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Chamux Disciple 2: All right, y'all! We're gonna win this for Allfather, ya hear?
Chamux Disciples: Heeeeyaaaw!
As the sound of war cries fills the air, Reinhardtzar glares at the disciples, clenching his fists.
Reinhardtzar: Time's up.
Reinhardtzar: We have to accept that there're people who only care about doing what they want in these skies—including these people right here.
Cain: I know. It's just that... I didn't want to admit it.
Cain: I can't let them cause any more harm to others. We'll suppress them in one go.
With that, Cain instructs his soldiers to march forward and engage in battle against the believers of Chamux.
Meanwhile, in the Phantagrande Skydom.
The Holy Kingdom of Lumiel also finds itself under attack from a large gathering of Chamux disciples.
Chamux Disciple 3: Bwahaha! Burn! Buuurn!
Lumiel Citizen: Quick, everyone! To the castle! We must escape to the castle!
Chamux Disciple 4: Hehehe. Anyone you think would make a nice lil' souvenir—let's capture 'em and offer 'em up to Allfather!
Chamux Disciples: Heeeeyaaaw!
Lumiel Citizen: Eeek!
Lumiel Knight: We won't let you do as you please on our land! Soldiers, forward!
Despite the absence of their captain, the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights bravely meets the oncoming wave of Chamux believers.
But with Chamux's state-of-the-art weapons and their sheer number of disciples, the battle proves to be a struggle for the knights.
Lumiel Knight: Ugh... Rise, soldiers! We must hold them back here!
Chamux Disciple 3: Heeyaw! We'll run y'all down!
???: Noble Execution!
Chamux Disciple 3: Graaah!
Lumiel Knight: That powerful slash... It must be...
Lumiel Knight: Captain Charlotta!
Charlotta: I have returned to drive away those who threaten the peace of our kingdom!
Charlotta: Everyone! It is still too soon to lose heart!
Baotorda: Now! Position yourselves once more—with our unbreakable solidarity, we the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights shall overcome this challenge!
Baotorda: It is time for us to lift our spirits high!
Chamux Disciples: ...
Charlotta is relieved to see the morale of her knights restored.
Charlotta: Baotorda, I will take over from here. In the meantime, I need you to evacuate the citizens to the castle.
Baotorda: As you command, Captain!
Baotorda follows Charlotta's instructions and begins to guide the remaining townspeople to safety. Charlotta turns to the enemy and raises her sword high into the sky.
Charlotta: I am Charlotta Fenia, captain of the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights! I shall put a stop to your wrongdoings here!
Chamux Disciples: ...
Chamux Disciple 5: Heheh... So that little lady over there's the famous Captain Charlotta....
Chamux Disciple 5: I heard she was travelin' with some skyfaring crew. Who knew we'd actually get to meet her here?
Chamux Disciple 4: All right, everyone! We'll seize the castle later—first, capture Captain Charlotta alive!
Charlotta: Huh?
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
The armies of Chamux disciples all turn toward Charlotta and rush at her.
Charlotta: Rrg...
Baotorda: Captain Charlotta! I'll be right there—
Charlotta: No! Don't mind me—prioritize the evacuation!
Charlotta: Though I do not know of their reason, if it's me that they want, then I shall buy us the time we need as a decoy!
Charlotta engages the Chamux forces fearlessly, her stalwart blade keeping them at bay as she withdraws to the outskirts of town.
Falling for her strategy, the Chamux disciples follow Charlotta out of town. However, their number is difficult for the captain to keep up with.
Charlotta: Pant, pant... Taking on this many people at once is taking... a slight toll on my stamina...
Chamux Disciple 5: Gehehe... C'mon, Captain Charlotta. Why don't you give up already?
Chamux Disciple 4: Hyahaaa!
Chamux Disciple 4: Huh? Wait, what? Where'd she go—
Chamux Disciple 4: Gwah!
Chamux Disciple 5: Hey... Look over there! On the wall!
Sevastien: I'm afraid chasing after the madam in such a manner is unforgivable.
Charlotta: Thank you, Grandbutler!
Sevastien: I'm glad to find you safe. Our opponents are not in their right minds—we mustn't act recklessly.
Sevastien: Still, this is quite the emergency. We may have no choice but to put in some effort to stop them.
Charlotta: What is it exactly that they're after, Grandbutler?
Sevastien: At the moment, all I am aware of is that the religious organization of Chamux has staged simultaneous revolts in a number of different places.
Sevastien: And it seems that innocent civilians in targeted areas are not spared from their violence.
Sevastien: It would not be wrong to call these troublemakers a threat to the skies.
Charlotta: Hmph. What scoundrels!
Sevastien: Now, madam. Why don't we rid ourselves of these rogues and call for reinforcements?
Charlotta and Sevastien turn their attention back to the Chamux believers blocking their path and take up their swords once more.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 1: Compass of the Heart - Episode 2
The Crew of Enforcers also suffers from the recent attacks. Monika sends a request for support to (Captain)'s crew. Suspecting that Chamux is connected to the Odajumoki, the crew agrees to help. Just then, an injured Balurga returns to the ship.
The Crew of Enforcers' headquarters is crowded with injured crewmates and townspeople, becoming something like a field hospital.
Monika: (This isn't just some religious group... The kind of power they have is equivalent to that of an entire nation.)
Monika: (We need to take measures to stop these people as soon as possible.)
Lecia: Monika! We've received requests for backup from several kingdoms!
Scanning the letters delivered to them, Monika's expression grows more severe with each one she reads.
Monika: It seems this religious organization that calls itself Chamux has been revolting not only here, but in other places as well.
Monika: There's a coup attempt in Idelva... They've also targeted the hot springs and wineries in Levin, the manufacturers in Valtz...
Monika: And in Lumiel they appear to be after not only its resources, but also Captain Charlotta for reasons unknown.
Lecia: I just can't believe a single, unheard-of group could've had so much power hidden under the surface...
Monika: I'm also curious as to how they did it, but now is not the time to speculate.
Monika: In any case, what we have to do is protect this place and devise something to help the kingdoms crying for support.
Monika: That said... what we do know about them has me worried.
Monika: People have taken to calling them "zealots," and that certainly describes their apparent devotion to the cause.
Disciples' Voices: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Monika looks out from the fort, glaring at the army of Chamux followers who continue to scream ecstatically.
Monika: Lecia, you know what I'm thinking, right? I believe we need the help of a certain crew.
Lecia: Yes. I'll send them a request immediately!
Vyrn: A religious group called Chamux? Never heard of 'em before.
Lecia: We never knew they existed either until we had to fight them.
Lecia: This seems to be the case for every other place that's under attack.
Vyrn: Idelva, Levin, Valtz, Feendrache, Lumiel... Aren't they all pretty strong?
Vyrn: I can't imagine anyone tryin' to start a fight with all of them at the same time...
Lecia: They have advanced weapons, high morale, clever tactics and teamwork... not to mention, an outrageous number of followers.
Lecia: Judging from these aspects, it's clear that they've been preparing for this for a while, waiting for the right time to strike.
Lecia: The most terrifying thing is their eyes—filled with madness, their fear of death non-existent.
Lecia: Even when I close my eyes and cover my ears, I can still see them so clearly, and hear their shouts in my head...
Disciples' Voices: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Lecia: Sigh... If everyone had the freedom to rampage and run as wild as they wanted, it'd be the end of the skies.
Vyrn: Freedom... to rampage?
Choose: I feel like I've heard it before...
Eustace: Odajumoki.
Choose: We'll show them a rampage!
Vyrn: Whoa there...
Eustace: That's not an entirely bad idea.
Eustace: They need to know that they're not the only ones who have the freedom to run about.
Vyrn: Wait a second! I thought what they're sayin' sounded familiar. Isn't that...
Eustace: Correct. The Odajumoki.
Continue 1Lecia: Odajumoki?
There was once a group of outlaws who went by the name of the "Odajumoki Gang" in North Vast.
It was formed under the banner of a freedom to rampage by Guzaletha, a man capable of even controlling primal beasts.
(Captain) tells Lecia the story of how the crew, together with members of the Society and Skull, had put a stop to the Odajumoki.
Lecia: I had no idea... And you're saying that this organization called Chamux is...
Eustace: Most likely related to the remnants of the Odajumoki.
Vyrn: I guess that means we better ask the actual people involved with the fiasco last time! I'll go get Skull and Balurga!
The second Vyrn disappears into the ship, Lyria comes running in a panic.
Lyria: We received an urgent letter from Sevastien! It's addressed to you, (Captain)!
Inside the letter are details on Chamux that Sevastien had found upon further investigation.
Sevastien: Although I do not know of their exact methods of doing so, the organization called Chamux has been expanding their influence by persuading Harvins to join them.
Sevastien: It may be for this reason that they have also been targeting the madam.
Charlotta: I am not interested in their idea of rampaging freely!
Charlotta: That sort of harmful doctrine is preposterous, and I will expel it from these skies myself if I have to!
Sevastien: The madam is quite outraged and has been working toward the elimination of this adverse group.
Sevastien: Due to this, we are unable to leave Lumiel as we must maintain the safety of our land and its people.
Sevastien: However, it appears that similar commotion is ongoing in other kingdoms as well.
Sevastien: We would like to establish an alliance with the other territories suffering these attacks, and we hope you'll lend us your support, (Captain).
Lecia: The Crew of Enforcers is of the same opinion as Sevastien.
Lecia: Joining together to defend against Chamux would be our best choice.
Choose: Let's defeat Chamux together!
Lecia: Thank you, (Captain)!
Lecia: Now, if only we can get more information from those crewmates you mentioned...
Vyrn: Hey! I tried to look for Skull and Balurga, but they're nowhere to be found! Anyone know where they went?
As the tension grows, (Captain) and company hear the sound of a dog barking from afar.
Lyria: That sounds like... Skull Jr.!
Vyrn: Wait... Look over there! Isn't that Balurga on Skull Jr.'s back?
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 1: Compass of the Heart - Episode 3
After hearing Balurga's story, the crew is now certain that Chamux is derived from what remains of the Odajumoki. (Captain) asks Vyrn to take care of providing support to the kingdoms in need, while the captain, Lyria, Balurga, Skull Jr., and Eustace prepare to rescue Skull. They set their eyes on North Vast, where Chamux's base is thought to be.
Worried, (Captain) and the others leap off the ship and run to where Skull Jr. and Balurga are.
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Balurga: Huff, huff... Did we make it... to the ship? Th-thanks...
Lyria: Oh no, you're terribly injured! We need to take a look at your wounds right away!
Balurga: (Captain)! Skull... He got taken by the Odajumoki...
Eustace: ...!
After receiving proper medical treatment, Balurga is able to calm down a little.
With time now to talk, the group pools their information. It seems the suspicions that Chamux is borrowing from Odajumoki ideology are correct.
Balurga: I was only able to make it back thanks to Skull and Skull Jr.
Skull Jr.: Whiiine.
Balurga: Don't worry, he's a tough guy. He won't go down so easily!
Eustace: Let's hope so.
Eustace: Who knows what they'll do in the name of avenging Guzaletha.
Balurga: Speakin' of, they were babbling on about capturing us and bringing me to their new Allfather.
Vyrn: Their new Allfather?
Lecia: That must be the person who gathered the Odajumoki members after it broke up...
Lecia: And gave shape to what they call Chamux now.
Eustace: To be able to round up those fools and make them into something equivalent to an entire kingdom's army...
Eustace: Whoever it is has quite the skill set.
Balurga: ...
Lyria does her best to keep the anxious Balurga in bed.
Lyria: You shouldn't move yet! Your injuries are serious!
Balurga: I know that! But I can't just lie here when Skull could be...
Vyrn: No problem! We'll go save him!
Balurga: No. I'm the only one going.
Balurga: Look, I appreciate the concern, but there are other places waiting for this crew's help.
Balurga: So leave Skull to me. You guys go with the Crew of Enforcers.
(Captain) tells Balurga firmly that the skies and Skull are both important.
The captain instructs Vyrn to take the lead in establishing an alliance among the various kingdoms as the Enforcers have requested.
Vyrn: You got it! Leave it to me!
Balurga: I owe ya, (Captain)...
Lyria: What will we do in the meantime?
With a serious expression, (Captain) explains that a select few will sneak into Chamux's base and save Skull.
Balurga: Skull Jr. and I are going to be included in this "select few," right?
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Eustace: Just the few of you? Too dangerous.
Balurga: Says who?
Eustace: Plus I'm not without scores to settle here myself. I'm coming with you.
Balurga: Heh, trying to take the spotlight, are we? Still, I appreciate it. Thanks.
Lyria: I don't think their hideout from before exists anymore... Where do you think we should look?
Vyrn: Yeah, they don't have any reason to live in a place as freezing as North Vast anymore.
Balurga: Actually... The gang was originally comprised of men who looked up to Guzaletha a lot.
Balurga: So they have a few sentimental ties to things related to Allfather... Well, more than a few.
Balurga: I doubt it'd be so easy for them to haul off and leave behind the place they shared with him.
Balurga: Even if they change their name to Chamux, I'd bet you they kept their hideout somewhere in North Vast.
Balurga: Whether you wanna call it devotion, stubbornness, or downright instinct...
Lyria: Then why don't we go to North Vast and take a look, (Captain)?
Lecia: (Captain), thank you for answering to our call for help.
Lecia: Stay safe, and may luck be with you on your mission.
And with that, (Captain) parts with the rest of the crew and sets off with Balurga and company to rescue Skull.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 1: Compass of the Heart - Episode 4
A man named Reizrit stands in front of Guzaletha's grave, and decides to see for himself whether Chamux's new Allfather is truly fit to be Guzaletha's successor. However, on his way to the base, he encounters an old man whose village has fallen victim to Chamux. Reizrit follows the man to the village.
In the western region of North Vast, the land of wind and snow.
At a place called Vestrfell lies the hideout of the Odajumoki Gang.
But it is only a ghost of what it used to be, with nothing but the gravestone of the man they used to call "Allfather" standing.
???: ...
???: It's been a while, Allfather.
???: What do you think of me now? Have I become the manliest of them all yet?
???: Heh heh... I can see you taunting me, asking if I'm satisfied with what I have now.
As he murmurs this to himself, the man takes out his hip flask and pours whiskey over the grave.
???: Drink up, Allfather. Don't worry about it—it's still too soon for me to drink anyway.
Guzaletha: Reizrit, my very own blood relative. I shall grant you the freedom to rampage!
Guzaletha: Become a part of my family!
Reizrit: Hrrngh...
Reizrit: (I will be the one to determine whether he is a man fit to carry on Allfather's will...)
Wiping the tears off his cheeks, Reizrit stands up again. In a single moment, the snowstorm envelops him within a world of white.
A complete whiteout.
Reizrit: ...
Reizrit: What, you don't think I have a good eye for people? Is that what you want to say, Allfather?
Reizrit: Mwahaha! Don't underestimate the ability of my mind's eye!
Reizrit: You can rest assured, Allfather. I will march forward through this blizzard, with but the compass of my own heart as my guide!
With his eyes closed, Reizrit proceeds through the world of white, his sense of direction completely dulled by the snow.
He walks forward, taking one firm step after another. Only his own footsteps in the snow can be heard among the violent howls of the wind.
???: Heh, I care not for what obstacles may stand in my path. Even when I die, I'll die falling forward... That's how a true man does it.
???: Wouldn't you agree? Great Allfather!
He raises his head and shouts into the sky—right before tripping over something and falling headfirst into the snow.
Reizrit: Aah!
Reizrit: Heh heh... This, too, proves that I am a man among men.
Elderly Man: ...
Reizrit: Huh? I was wondering what I tripped over... An old man? Hey, you okay?
Elderly Man: Brrr... Huff, huff...
Reizrit wraps his arms around the stranger and pulls him up, dusting the snow off of him.
Elderly Man: Th-thank you very much...
Reizrit: All that remains here is nothing but dreams of the past. What brings you to a forsaken place like this?
Elderly Man: A-ah...
Elderly Man: I c-came to... gather food...
Reizrit: You're hungry, huh? Unfortunately, all I have with me is this cured meat, but here. Eat up.
The elderly man reaches out and takes the meat with trembling hands, resisting the urge to tear into it. He cradles the food tenderly.
Elderly Man: I need to... bring this back... for the children in our village...
Reizrit: Gramps... What happened?
Elderly Man: The people calling themselves "Chamux"... They came to our village... and took it for themselves...
With halting speech, the elderly man explains that Chamux had taken their food, leaving the villagers with a shortage of supplies.
Facing no good choices, the man had decided to venture out into the snowstorm in hopes of finding more food for at least the young ones.
Reizrit: A survival of the fittest... I guess people are no different than beasts after all.
Reizrit: Can you take me to your village?
Elderly Man: If you get too close, you might be in danger too...
Reizrit: Fear not—the compass of my heart says it is the way I must go. That is all the guidance I need.
Without a hint of hesitation, Reizrit accompanies the elderly man back to the village where the Chamux followers have settled themselves.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 2: Old Ties, New Allfather - Episode 1
While being captive, Skull learns that Chamux has been unleashing violence on various places across the skies. He is taken to Chamux's hideout and brought to Rhiogur, the new Allfather. Delighted to see Skull captured, Rhiogur tells his followers to show Skull no mercy. Skull is beat until he loses consciousness.
Skull: Dammit, lemme go! Do you know who I am? I'm Skull, the greatest genius ever born!
Outlaw 1: You're a dirty criminal who was dumb enough to get caught, so shut up and do what you're told!
Skull: Hey, you! Hurry up and save me! Weren't we family before?
Outlaw 2: Gyahaha! Who's gonna save a dirty traitor like you? You're about to rest in pieces!
Skull: Tch. What the hell!
As he struggles against his restraints, a large fort comes into sight.
Skull: Wh-what is that humungous wall?
Outlaw 1: Heeyaw! Impressive, right? That's our spankin' new hideout!
Between the looming mountains stands a giant gate, as if the hideout was a part of nature itself.
Beyond the grand gates, the inside of the fort is teeming with Chamux believers loading weapons, ammunition, and food onto dogsleds.
Skull: What in the... You guys trying to start a huge fight or something?
Outlaw 1: Trying to start? The battle's already begun, son!
Outlaw 1: We've got ourselves in different places, makin' a scene so big that even Enforcers can't do anythin' about it!
Skull: Wha! You're joking, right?
Outlaw 2: Does it sound like a joke to you? I'm being real serious here.
Skull: Dammit... How can I get myself outta here?
Skull: Hm... Yeah! Maybe... Yep, that should work! I'll just pretend to join them and—
Outlaw 3: Once a hollow skull, always a hollow skull, huh? I can hear what you're thinking, dumbass.
Outlaw 3: But too bad for you. You ain't got time to plan your escape. The Deathmatch Dome will be the end of ya!
Skull: Deathmatch Dome? What's that?
Outlaw 1: You can basically call it a hunting ground. Once you get thrown in there, you'll get hunted by the executioner.
Skull: Whoa, whoa, wait a second! Are you outta your minds? I was a part of your family!
Outlaw 2: Family? Nah. You're Allfather's worst enemy!
At those words, the believers all stop to look over at where Skull is tied up, glaring daggers at him.
Skull: Ha... Haha! I don't mind a bit of attention.
Skull: Tch, though this wasn't exactly my idea of getting big.
Chamux Disciple 6: Cocky one, aren'tcha! I should rip ya to pieces right 'ere!
Skinny Man: Gwah!
Skull: Hey, what d'you think you're doing! What're you hurting that guy like that for?
Chamux Disciple 6: What? I'm doin' what I want, when I want, as is proper!
Skinny Man: Rrg... S-sorry...
Skull is shocked by the disciples' attitude toward the man.
Outlaw 3: That's the absolute freedom us Harvins deserve—but only if we're part of Chamux, of course!
Skull: Wha... These guys're nuttier than I thought...
When they reach the middle of the square, Skull is pulled down from the sled and shoved flat onto the ground.
Skull: Gah...
???: Hyohoho!
A peculiar laugh rings out across the hideout. The clamor of activity dies down almost immediately, not a single person daring to make a sound.
Skull: Whoa, that's creepy. Why're you all suddenly so quiet?
???: My dear family... How is everyone today?
Chamux Disciple 6: Hyaaah! Make way for Allfather Rhiogur!
Chamux Disciples: Whoooo!
All-fa-ther! All-fa-ther!
Rhiogur: We pray to the sacred spirit of Guzalethaaa!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Skull: That guy's the new Allfather?
Rhiogur: This is our chance to take what we deserve—the very skies!
Rhiogur: The fact that we were able to capture the enemy who betrayed Guzaletha—the traitor Skull—is proof that we have the sky's blessing!
Rhiogur: Surely, a new revelation will come upon us once we offer up the traitor's head to the spirit of Guzaletha!
Chamux Disciples: Whoooo!
All-fa-ther! All-fa-ther!
Rhiogur: Our enemy, Skull...
Skull: What?
A chill runs down Skull's spine when he looks into the glaring eyes of Rhiogur, taking in his distinct appearance and the look of madness in his eyes.
Skull: (What's with this guy? I feel like I'm being choked just looking at him... It's creepy...)
Rhiogur: Hyohoho! Now, let's plunge the traitor Skull into despair, shall we?
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
A multitude of believers crowd around Skull, sneering as they pummel him over and over again.
Skull: Gr-gragh...
Skull: Heheh... Rrg... You're kidding... right?
Skull: You call this despair? Gragh... 'Cause if it is, then I've got... absolutely nothin' to fear in these skies...
Chamux Disciple 8: You just don't know when to give up, do ya! Take this!
Skull: Gah!
As his consciousness begins to fade, an image of Guzaletha comes to Skull's mind.
But when Skull extends his hand toward Guzaletha's retreating back, the image disappears before he is able to reach it.
Skull: All... father...
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 2: Old Ties, New Allfather - Episode 2
Skull wakes up and finds himself in a prison cell. After hearing more about Chamux from an ex-Odajumoki member who is also being held prisoner, he realizes that Chamux disciples have all lost the ability to think for themselves, reduced to only blindly following Rhiogur's orders. Skull discovers a crevice in the ceiling of the prison and uses it to escape.
Skull: Mng...
Skull: What... A prison cell? Dammit!
Skull: They sure didn't pull their punches... Oof, everything hurts...
???: Look at you... Still gettin' yourself in trouble as always, huh?
Skull squints into the darkness, at the cell next to him from which the voice came.
Skull: Hey, it's you! You were an Odajumoki guy! Where're you doing in a jail cell?
Ex-Odajumoki: Heh, that's a question with a simple answer—I don't like that Rhiogur guy.
Ex-Odajumoki: So I said a few things outta line and got myself thrown in here. Gyahaha! Not worth it, I tell ya!
Skull: I'm glad there's still at least one person with some sense in him.
Ex-Odajumoki: Ha, who'd have thought I'd live to see Hollow-Skull sayin' a nice word 'bout me!
Ex-Odajumoki: Hey. There's somethin' I'd always wanted ask. You mind?
Skull: Hm? Sure, why not. Everyone wants to know what's in the brain of a genius like me, after all!
Ex-Odajumoki: Heh. Well, I suppose you did kill off Allfather. So you're definitely not normal, at least.
Ex-Odajumoki: Anyway, I wanted to ask—how did you... feel when you did it?
Skull: How did I feel? About what?
Ex-Odajumoki: Pfft. 'Course I'm talkin' about when you killed Allfather.
Skull: Ah...
Skull: I can't really put it into words...
Skull: Allfather really forced his idea of freedom on me without asking how I felt about it, so...
Skull: I just thought... I had to overcome it! Say no to that kinda restraining freedom, and overcome it!
Skull: And that's when... I felt like I was on fire.
Skull: I guess I kinda lost control. But after I did it, I didn't really feel... accomplished. More like...
Tears unwillingly come to Skull's eyes as he thinks about Guzaletha.
Though the freedom Guzaletha imposed on Skull ended up tying him down, the two of them had lived together as family ever since Skull was young.
Skull: I don't want anything forced on me anymore. I'm going to get my own freedom, with my own hands!
Ex-Odajumoki: So were you able to grab the true freedom you wanted after that?
Skull: Do you need to ask, ya dummy? Do these black-and-blue hands look like they're grabbing anything?
Ex-Odajumoki: Yeah, shouldn't have bothered to ask. Still... I think you've got more freedom than anyone here.
Skull: Huh? What do you mean?
Ex-Odajumoki: Those who join Chamux have given up thinking for themselves—decided to leave it to someone else.
Ex-Odajumoki: They feel good clinging to that "freedom to rampage," but it's just a puppeteer's string making them dance.
Ex-Odajumoki: Or, well, I guess for some of 'em it's just about being drunk on power.
Skull: Well, either way, I'm definitely gonna pass on becoming family with that weirdo.
Ex-Odajumoki: Heh, as am I.
???: Aaah...
Skull: Hey, is there someone else down there?
Ex-Odajumoki: Ah, yeah... He's pretty much just an empty shell now.
Ex-Odajumoki: He used to be a remarkable mercenary and champion fighter... but then things happened.
Skull: How the heck did someone as strong as him get put in a place like this?
Ex-Odajumoki: Who knows?
Skull: Hey! Big guy!
???: Waaah...
Skull: I know it's pretty scary when someone as amazing as me starts talking to you, but... you doing okay there?
Skull tries to talk to the people in the other cells as well, but all they do is quiver in fear, unable to hear his words.
Skull: Well, anyway, you can rest assured! I don't know what happened to all of you...
Skull: But genius Skull is here now, and I'm gonna get you all outta here!
Skull: ...
Skull waits for an answer, but his promise only melts away into the darkness.
Several hours later, when night has fallen on the quiet prison.
Skull: (I wonder if Skull Jr. and Balurga made it back to (Captain)'s safely...)
Skull: But it's Skull Jr. we're talking about. If he's anything like me, I'm sure he'll be fine. Haha!
Skull: (Just how long do I have to be stuck in here though?)
Scratching his head over and over again, Skull struggles to think of a good plan for escaping the dungeon.
Skull: Argh, dammit! I'm a genius! There shouldn't be anything I can't solve!
Skull: Sigh... Wracking my brain so much's got me hungry. Are they gonna give me some grub or what?
???: Squeak, squeak.
Skull: Huh?
Just as Skull sinks to the floor, too hungry to think anymore, a little creature steps into the light.
Skull: Wha? Waaah! How can something be so fluffy and cute? Hey, come over here! Come on!
???: Squeak, squeak.
Skull: Waaah! There, there! Aren't you an adorable little one!
Skull: Since we were lucky enough to meet each other today, I should give you a name!
Skull: Let's see... I know!
Skull: How d'you like being called "Skull Jr. Jr."?
???: ...
Skull: What? You don't like it? But it's such a good name!
Skull: Hmm... Okay! What about Chipsqueak? Pretty cute, right?
Chipsqueak: Squeak, squeak.
Skull: You like it? Awesome! Then from today, you'll be known as Chipsqueak. Sound good?
Chipsqueak: Squeak...
Skull: Hm? You hungry, Chipsqueak?
Skull rummages in his pocket, looking for something he can offer to the tiny animal, when he finds a piece of dog jerky.
Skull: Oh yeah, I forgot I'd stuck this in my pocket in case Skull Jr. wanted a snack.
Skull: Here, Chipsqueak. You can have this. Don't be shy!
Chipsqueak: Squeak, squeak.
Chipsqueak happily stuffs his cheeks with the jerky. Skull watches him, smiling.
Skull: Oh, shut up! Who's the culprit with the noisy rumbling stomach?
Skull: Oh wait, it's me! Oh yeah, I was just thinking about how hungry I was!
Skull: Hey, Chipsqueak. You mind sharing some of that jerky with me?
Chipsqueak: Chomp, chomp.
Skull: Come on, Chipsqueak... Please? Just a bit. Just a teeeeny bit...
Chipsqueak: Chomp, chomp.
Skull: Urgh...
Unable to stop himself, Skull reaches out to take some of the jerky from the squirrel.
Skull: Wait! Chipsqueak! Hold up!
Skull: I told you not to be shy! We're friends, right? Friends shaaare!
Chipsqueak: Squeak, squeak.
Chipsqueak slips between Skull's extended hands and runs over to the wall, climbing nimbly up to a crevice in the ceiling.
Skull: Ack, dammit! You heartless little fiend!
Skull: Sigh... I'm so hungry I'm gonna explode!
Skull: Huh? Wait a second... The ceiling looks like it's crumbling a bit.
Skull: Does that... Does that mean what I think it means? Hahaha! I am a genius! I can just smash open a hole in this ceiling!
Skull scales the wall and punches at a crack in the ceiling a few times. Finally, the rock gives in and crumbles, opening up a hole.
He proceeds to wriggle his way through the opening until he is on the other side, and one step closer to escaping the enemy's hideout.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 2: Old Ties, New Allfather - Episode 3
Arriving at the village, Reizrit recognizes it to be the place he once tried to protect when he was little. He thinks back to how he, a blood relative and admirer of Guzaletha, had come to join the Odajumoki, and remembers the time he went against Allfather's orders by trying to stop his brothers from raiding a village that had already been suffering from poverty.
The village Chamux has taken over lies in ruins, completely deserted as if it were a ghost town.
Reizrit: Hm. I feel like I've seen this village before...
Reizrit: (Heh heh... Huh. So this is what you call fate.)
Elderly Man: Is something wrong?
Reizrit: Nothing. The compass of my heart has led me to this village—that is all.
Reizrit thinks back to a time in the distant past.
Once, Guzaletha had disappeared from Rhem Kingdom and hidden himself from the public.
After some time, there was a rumor that he had gathered others to form a group called the "Odajumoki Gang."
Having always looked up to Guzaletha, this rumor convinced young Reizrit to leave his home in search of the Odajumoki.
After many trials, the boy finally reached the gang's hideout located in the unexplored land of North Vast.
Guzaletha: What... Reizrit? This is no place for someone of my own blood to be!
Guzaletha: You should be back at home, living a life of peace and tranquility! Why are you here?
Young Reizrit: Peace and tranquility? That's not the sort of life I want to lead!
Young Reizrit: I... I want to be like you and live every day in earnest, as if I'm on fire!
Young Reizrit: And someday, I'll surpass you and become an even greater man!
Guzaletha: Oho. Who knew a little brat like you could think like that too?
Guzaletha: Heh heh.... The light in your eyes tells me that the strong determination you harbor is true.
Guzaletha: Reizrit, my very own blood relative. I shall grant you the freedom to rampage!
Guzaletha: Become a part of my family!
Guzaletha: However, you are the youngest in the family. There is much to learn from your older brothers, so work hard!
His wish granted, Reizrit became an Odajumoki member.
Determined to become the man he dreamed of being, he followed his older brothers across the land, training himself in their ways.
He joined the gang's fights with nearby villages over territory. He got involved in a large dispute with an explorer ship looking for a Matzva Crab.
He even participated in a raid on one village...
But little did he know what would come of it.
Guzaletha: My sons! Thanks to your hard work, we have successfully exerted our control over almost all of the villages here on Vestrfell.
Guzaletha: However! There is still one snowy village located in the valley that continues to resist us...
Odajumoki 1: The village has resources that're real valuable, with their cultivation of marine products and everythin'.
Odajumoki 1: But they still have the guts to say that they've got nothin' to give us!
Guzaletha: So what should we do, my sons?
Odajumoki 2: That's easy, Allfather! We crush 'em!
Odajumoki Gang: Yeeeehaaaw!
That was how Reizrit came to join a band of Odajumoki members on a mission to rob the small, snowy village.
However, things at the village were different than what Reizrit had heard from the others.
Young Reizrit: Wh-what the heck is this? There's no one but women and the elderly in this village...
Elderly Man: We weren't able to cultivate anything this season, so the men of the village went out on an explorer ship to find food for us all. But they never came back...
Elderly Man: Those remaining in the village barely have enough to eat as is. Please... Please take mercy on us...
The old man begged on his knees. Behind him, Reizrit could see a little girl who looked much too thin, and a baby who did not even have the energy left to cry.
Young Reizrit: (No... We can't take any more from these people...)
Odajumoki 1: Like we care! If you don't wanna get your stuff taken, then you gotta get strong enough to defend! That's how it works here!
Elderly Man: We have no intention in going against the Odajumoki. Just please... spare us this one time...
Elderly Man: We have no intention in going against Odajumoki. Just please... spare us this one time...
Elderly Man: Urgh...
Odajumoki 1: Shut the hell up!
Paying the old man's petition no heed, the members of the Odajumoki punched him in the face, before glancing over at the trembling little girl.
Odajumoki 1: You're keepin' all your food and cash hidden, aren'tcha? It's time we dug 'em all out!
Odajumoki 2: Yeehaaaw!
Young Reizrit: Ev'ryone! Wait!
Odajumoki 2: What? The little runt got somethin' to say?
Young Reizrit: Big bro... Do we really have ter take from these people? They're not even tryin' ter fight back.
Young Reizrit: Sure, we love rampagin' as a part of the Odajumoki. But... we don't bully the weak, do we?
Young Reizrit: That's not how real men do it!
Odajumoki 1: ...
Odajumoki 2: That's their problem for choosin' not to resist, just like how we're choosin' to rampage. It's the same damn thing.
Odajumoki 2: No one's got time to sympathize!
Young Reizrit: But...
Odajumoki 1: I tell you what, Gramps. We'll let you off the hook with just food this time. So hand it over.
Elderly Man: But if we give you our food... how will we be able to survive after?
Odajumoki 1: Hell should I know? If you don't wanna die, then work harder!
When Reizrit saw how the other gang members were about to kick the elderly man again, he launched himself between them.
Young Reizrit: Ergh...
Odajumoki 1: Why, you... That kinda lame act is never gonna make you into a strong man!
Young Reizrit: You're right. Still, I want you ter spare this village. Please, big bro!
Odajumoki 1: The hell? Don't tell me you're gettin' cold feet!
Young Reizrit: E-ergh... Big bro, please!
Odajumoki 1: Are you gonna go against our orders from Allfather?
Young Reizrit: Gah... Rrg...
The villagers could only gaze sadly at Reizrit as he pleaded with his Odajumoki brothers to stop the violence.
Elderly Man: This is terrible...
Odajumoki 3: Hey, why don't we leave it at that for now?
Odajumoki 1: Wha?
Odajumoki 3: Little bro. You know very well that this means you're rebelling against Allfather, right?
Young Reizrit: I'm sure Allfather... would understand... if he knew what this village was goin' through...
Odajumoki 3: In that case, let's go straight to Allfather. You can sort it out with him then.
Odajumoki 1: Wait a second, don't—
Odajumoki 3: Our little bro here's a blood relative of Allfather himself. It's only right.
With that, Reizrit was taken back to their hideout—to Guzaletha for his judgment.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 2: Old Ties, New Allfather - Episode 4
As a result of his disobedience, Reizrit was exiled from the Odajumoki and told to only return after he has become the manliest of men. Since then, Reizrit has been training in the mountains of North Vast. A rage builds inside Reizrit when he sees the village being ravaged once again, and steps forward to defend it.
Young Reizrit: ...
Guzaletha: My youngest son... In order to attain freedom, one must not sympathize with the enemy.
Guzaletha: We cannot let them have their way! We cannot think twice about them!
Guzaletha: Don't hesitate! If you hesitate, the strong will inside you will begin to crumble.
Guzaletha: Simply follow my instructions and rampage about freely! That is all you have to do!
Guzaletha: Even if you have your doubts, once you've decided on something, you must not bend! Even if what you're doing is against your own will!
Guzaletha: All of this... is so we can attain true freedom!
Young Reizrit: ...
As the Odajumoki members looked on, Guzaletha wrapped his arms around the dejected Reizrit and pulled him close.
Guzaletha: It's because we are family that I wanted you to understand.
Guzaletha: However... I'm afraid I have no choice but to swallow my tears and rely on tough love.
Young Reizrit: Allfather?
Guzaletha: From this moment on, Reizrit is no longer part of the family.
The other members of the Odajumoki began to stir at the unexpected decision.
Guzaletha: Silence!
Guzaletha: Reizrit... It may be that your path is not the same as mine.
Guzaletha: Even so, if you wish to return to the Odajumoki, then come back when you have become the manliest of men!
Guzaletha: That is the only requirement I have for you, as someone who once was your Allfather.
Despite his harsh decision, tears filled Guzaletha's eyes.
Guzaletha: Rest assured. We will not interfere with the village you worked to protect anymore.
Young Reizrit: Allfather...
Guzaletha: Goodbye, my youngest son!
Young Reizrit: Allfather... Thank you... for ev'rything!
Reizrit bowed deeply to Guzaletha for the last time. After expressing his gratitude toward his former brothers, he exited the hideout, large tears sliding down his cheeks.
This is how Reizrit came to seclude himself deep in the mountains of North Vast, in order to become the manliest of men he dreamed to be.
Reizrit: A real man... shouldn't look back, huh?
When Reizrit and the elderly man reach the snowy valley where the village is located, they immediately notice a burnt smell in the air.
Drawing closer, they are greeted by a most disastrous spectacle. Houses have been burnt to ashes, the village reduced to nothing but the remains of a horrid tragedy.
Elderly Man: No... No... How could this be...
Reizrit: Victimizin' the weak... Is that the kind o' wild freedom Chamux believes in?
Elderly Man: Huh?
Reizrit: ...
Elderly Man: Please, wait! Do you not see what's happened here? Is this not enough warning to stay as far away as you can from them?
Reizrit: I have ter go. I've got somethin' I need ter ask 'em, after all.
Elderly Man: ...
Reizrit: Whew... Thank you fer bringin' me here, mister. Hide yerself 'til I come back.
Elderly Man: No. I will come with you.
Reizrit: ...!
Elderly Man: How can I let you—someone with no connection to our village—risk your life for us while we hide?
Reizrit: Heh heh... I like the look in yer eyes—you, too, are a true man. Very well... Then we'll go together.
The two walk down the road running through the village, not a trace of fear in their steps.
They move forward, determined to reclaim what was wrongfully taken.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 3: For or Against - Episode 1
The Chamux believers attack Reizrit, but they are no match for him. Reizrit saves the village and draws out the location of Chamux's hideout from the enemy. He heads for the base in order to find out whether Chamux's freedom is the same freedom Guzaletha once believed in.
Chamux Disciple 1: Hooold it! Who are you? A mercenary the old man hired or somethin'?
Chamux Disciple 1: Heh heh... riskin' your life in exchange for money. That's pathetic.
Reizrit: Get back.
Elderly Man: V-very well...
Chamux Disciple 1: You wanna go? Yeehaaaw! I'll put ya right into your grave!
Reizrit: Whew...
It happens in a second.
Reizrit: Bam!
Reizrit: Baaa-dum!
Chamux Disciple 1: Gwah...
Chamux Disciple 2: Urgh...
Elderly Man: O-oh, wow...
Chamux Disciple 5: He's... He's a monster!
Reizrit watches as the disciples run off together in the same direction.
Reizrit: Wherever they're running to... That must be where their boss is.
Chamux Captain: Glug, glug... Aaah!
Chamux Captain: Hey, you! Can't you see my mug's empty? Hurry it up here!
Waitress: M-my apologies...
Chamux Disciple 5: C-Captain! W-w-we're in trouble!
Chamux Captain: Come on! Can't a guy have some time off with his drink? Scram!
Chamux Disciple 9: Ah well, how 'bout we let him talk? Somethin' big musta happened for him to get this worked up.
Chamux Disciple 5: Y-y-you bet it's big! Some of our bros... They... They got pummeled right into the ground in a split-second!
Chamux Captain: What'd you say?
At the news, the captain smashes his glass into pieces, while the expressions of the other disciples at the pub quickly turn sour.
Chamux Captain: Who dared to do that? An order of knights? Or was it a skyfaring crew?
Chamux Disciple 5: Actually... It was a single man.
Chamux Captain: Say whaaat?
Just then, the door of the pub flies off its hinges as Reizrit kicks it in, making his way into the establishment.
Reizrit: Hey, Manager... This place smells of rats. I think you need better ventilation.
Chamux Captain: Yooou! So you're the one who dared to touch our brother!
Reizrit: Oof. Guess you're the cause of the odor.
Chamux Captain: Rrrgh! Get 'im, boooys!
Chamux Disciples: Yeehaaaw!
Reizrit: Whew...
Reizrit: Bam! Baaa-dum!
Chamux Disciple 5: Hraaagh...
Chamux Disciple 9: Urgh...
The squad captain is dumbfounded as his comrades fall to the ground one after another, bloodied and battered.
Chamux Captain: A-aah...
Reizrit: I need the location of your hideout.
Chamux Captain: Huh? Uh... Er...
Reizrit: The location. Now.
Chamux Captain: H-head to Vestrfell... and walk toward Cliff Mountain... I-it's n-north of theeere!
Chamux Captain: P-p-please! Spare me my life!
Reizrit: Hmph.
Reizrit: When other people begged you fer their lives, just like how you are now... did you take mercy on 'em?
Chamux Captain: Uh, well, I...
Reizrit: 'Course you didn't.
Chamux Captain: Gwaaah...
Reizrit: Heh.
Waitress: Wh-who might you be?
Reizrit: A... friend of Gramps.
Reizrit beckons to the elderly man, who had been waiting outside of the pub as instructed.
Elderly Man: Is everyone all right?
Waitress: Ah! Chief, you're alive!
Reizrit: Chief?
Reizrit: (Heh heh. So this brave old guy was the village chief from back then... Explains the bravery.)
Elderly Man: How can we begin to thank you...
Reizrit: No need. Just lead these people like you always have, Chief... and stay strong.
Elderly Man: W-wait! Can we at least have your name?
Reizrit: My name? I don't have one worth giving out.
And with that, Reizrit leaves the pub, praying for the village's recovery.
Elderly Man: That young man's face, and the way he talks... I know it.
Young Reizrit: Sure, we love rampagin' as a part of the Odajumoki. But... we don't bully the weak, do we?
Young Reizrit: That's not how real men do it!
Elderly Man: Yes... He's the boy from back then. To think he'd come back to save us a second time...
Reizrit: The freedom to rampage...
The freedom that Guzaletha believed in, and the freedom that Chamux believes in.
As a once-admirer of that larger-than-life man, it is Reizrit's duty, he thinks, to determine whether these two freedoms are truly one and the same.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 3: For or Against - Episode 2
On his way out of the enemy's hideout, Skull is tempted by a delicious smell and follows it to the cafeteria, where he sees captives being forced to work. Unable to contain his rage, Skull jumps out from his hiding place and tells the captives to escape through the hole he came from—only to discover that the gap is not big enough for anyone but a Harvin like himself to fit through. Skull is captured by Chamux once again.
Chipsqueak: Squeak, squeak...
Skull: Is this in return for the jerky? Heheh, thanks a bunch, friend. Let's make a run for it then!
Chipsqueak runs on ahead with Skull slowly crawling after him.
As he makes his way through the narrow space above the ceiling, his nose detects a waft of something delicious, reminding him again of his hunger.
Skull: Sniff, sniff. This smells like... curry.
Skull: I know I need to get out as soon as I can...
Skull: But I can't fight on an empty stomach! Which means I gotta get some food in me before I go on my way!
Tempted by the irresistible smell of food, Skull follows his nose until he is just above a room he assumes is the cafeteria.
Poking his head out from a vent, he catches sight of several people cooking as Chamux disciples stand menacingly over them.
Chamux Disciple 6: My brothers are starvin' while you're takin' your sweet time making our grub, so move it, will ya?
Skinny Man: Gwah!
I-I'll do my best...
I-I'll do my best...
Chamux Disciple 6: And you! Stop slackin' and start cookin'!
Exhausted Lady: Eeek!
A surge of anger rises inside Skull as he watches the people below him being forced to work under the watch of the Chamux disciples.
Skull: (Those guys... Stealing other people's freedom and making them work...)
Skull: (There's no way any food made from that kind of violence can taste good!)
Skull: You filthy lot don't get it, do you? Don't you know that a good dish always needs the spice of love! Haaah!
Blood rushing to his head, Skull leaps out from the vent and tackles the disciple beating the captives.
Chamux Disciple 6: Gwah! You... Skull!
Chamux Disciple 6: He's escaped! Skull's escaped from his prison cell!
Skull: You coward! You just gotta call all your friends over to back you up, huh?
Skull: Dammit... What should I do? Wait, first, all of you need to run away! Quick, get in the vent!
Skinny Man: A-ah... Right!
Skull helps one of the captives up to the vent. However, the space is too small for someone of the captive's size to get in.
Skull: Seriously? The vent's Harvin-sized? Ack, how did that get past a genius like me?
Chamux Disciple 6: Heeyaw! Looks like you really do got a hollow skull like they say!
Skull: Shut up already!
Chamux Disciple 6: Gah!
Chamux Disciple 7: Hey! Stop causin' trouble for us and stay put, Skull!
Skull: Crap... There's gotta be another place we can escape from...
Exhausted Lady: ...
Skull: Urgh... Fine, do what you want with me!
The Chamux believers take this cue to rush at Skull. They beat him until he is no longer able to move before dragging him back to the dungeon.
???: Hey. Skull.
Skull's Voice: Mngh...
???: Hey, wake up, Hollow-Skull.
Skull: You! What d'you want from me?
Chamux Disciple 7: Whoa, whoa. Chill out. It's been a while since we last saw each other, after all.
Skull: Hmph.
Chamux Disciple 7: I'll let you in on something. They decided on the date of your execution.
Skull: E-execution?
Chamux Disciple 7: Kehehe. Meaning you're gonna get torn to pieces.
Skull: Tch, no way I'm going down without a fight! I'm not gonna let them.
Skull: Hmm... Maybe I can beg this guy to give me the key for old time's sake. Yeah...
Chamux Disciple 7: Gyahaha! Your habit of blurtin' out whatever you're thinking hasn't changed a bit.
Chamux Disciple 7: But that kinda sweet talk ain't gonna get anywhere with me. Ooh, I'm so excited to tear you limb from limb!
Skull: Then at least tell me when the execution's gonna be!
Chamux Disciple 7: It's tomorrow.
Skull: Wha! You've gotta be kidding! You're gonna get rid of me just like that? What's the rush?
Chamux Disciple 7: No use asking me. Allfather's the one who decided on it.
Skull: Hah, that's no Allfather! That's just some pretender clown.
Chamux Disciple 7: What'd you say!
The disciple reaches between the bars and grabs Skull by the collar.
Chamux Disciple 7: I won't forgive anyone who disrespects Allfather.
Skull: Hmph. To me...
Skull: There's only ever gonna be one Allfather. I thought we were all on the same page!
Skull: You don't even know who this guy is. Don't go wagging your tails and begging for attention from some random weirdo!
Chamux Disciple 7: Heh, what're you talking about? We were instructed to!
Chamux Disciple 7: Allfather Guzaletha told us to go find and support our new Allfather!
Skull: What?
Chamux Disciple 7: You might wanna sit down for this, but guess what! Our new Allfather can channel the spirit of our dead Allfather!
Skull: What? Allfather's spirit? I can't believe you're actually falling for a bluff like that!
Skull: Like, I know there're... ghosts and spirits and stuff...
Skull: But Allfather... He was a man until the very end.
Skull: As if a real man like Allfather would just borrow some random guy's body!
But the disciple just sighs and looks at Skull in pity.
Chamux Disciple 7: You can choose whether to believe it or not. But I guess it can't be helped, since you weren't there at the ceremony.
Skull: I don't know what kind of spirits you're talking about, but I don't believe it. I don't believe it...
Though he says this, it is clear that Skull's curiosity has been piqued.
Skull: But, uh... Let's say this clown could somehow summon Allfather's spirit into himself.
Skull: Do you think... Allfather's doing okay?
Skull: I mean... I guess that doesn't make sense... He can't be doing okay—he's dead. And I did that to him... Why the heck am I even asking...
Chamux Disciple 7: He seemed to be doing pretty good. He was laughing, saying he was runnin' wild and free in the skies.
Skull: So... he's doing okay!
Skull: Er, I mean, I'm not believing a word of this, obviously.
Skull: I was just wondering to myself... what Allfather would think of me if he saw me now.
Chamux Disciple 7: What's there to wonder about? He'd think you're a traitor. And that you deserve to die.
Glancing at Skull one last time, the disciple breaks out into a high-pitched laugh before leaving the dungeon behind.
Skull: Ah... So, this is revenge... Well... No, but...
Skull: Wait, what am I muttering about? They're definitely not communicating with Allfather. It's not possible!
Still, Skull can't help but continue wondering about what kind of communication the leader of Chamux is claiming to do.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 3: For or Against - Episode 3
The crew arrives at North Vast and relies on Balurga to find the location of Chamux's base. Witnessing the destruction caused by Chamux's followers at the village and seeing the disciples get ready for yet another assault, the crew is more determined than ever to put a stop to the group.
A snowstorm whips across North Vast in the dark of night.
(Captain) and company arrive, stepping through the piercing cold on a mission to save their friend Skull.
Lyria: Eep... I can't see anything but white...
Eustace: That's not necessarily a bad thing. It means our foes can't either.
Eustace: Right, (Captain)?
(Captain) gives a firm nod and offers a word of encouragement to the team, promising that they'll find Skull.
Balurga: We sure will. Won't we, Skull Jr.?
Skull Jr.: Woof!
Eustace: The question is how to start from here.
Balurga: First, we head for Vestrfell where our hideout used to be.
Balurga: Their new hideout should be located in a place they're used to living in.
Balurga: We can scout out the villages in the area and narrow it down from there.
Balurga and Skull Jr. lead the group as all of them push their way through the snow, plowing a path across a sea of white.
Lyria: I was surprised to hear that Chamux had their hideout in North Vast...
Eustace: This means that when they dispatch their troops from North Vast to other countries...
Eustace: They must be risking casualties and going straight through the Grim Basin.
Eustace: I suppose you need a lot of endurance to set up your base in a place like this to begin with.
Balurga: It's true. But they can't leave this place, since it was Allfather's will to be here.
Balurga: Allfather's grave rests in Vestrfell, after all.
Eustace: I don't know whether to call that loyalty or stupidity.
Balurga: Hey, the only stupid one's Skull. Don't put me on the same level as him.
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Eustace: Don't worry. I know you're a clever one, Skull Jr.
Balurga: What! Are you saying I'm not then?
Eustace: Hmph.
Balurga: Hey! I need an answer!
(Captain) slaps Balurga on the back and flashes a comforting grin as if to say "Don't worry pal, I believe you!"
Balurga: Can't believe I'm being comforted...
Skull Jr.: Whine... Woof!
Balurga: Oh yeah, that's right.
Listen up, everyone.
Listen up, everyone.
Balurga: Past this point, there's going to be a lot of crevasses and strong winds blowing. Step carefully and keep your feet firmly planted.
Balurga: Also, we should hold hands so we don't lose each other even if we can't see anything in the middle of the storm.
Balurga: It'll all come to nothing if we get into an accident before we even reach Skull.
Eustace: ...
Balurga: Hey! Eustace! Quit pouting!
Balurga's experience and knowledge—of both North Vast and the Odajumoki—prove invaluable as the group presses on.
Water and food sources, Odajumoki customs, the necessary conditions to raise their dogs—the list of potential locations narrows.
Suddenly.
After several hours of treading through the snow, Balurga, (Captain), and the rest come across a run-down village.
Eustace: ...
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Lyria: It seems there are still people there...
However, when they enter the village, the people immediately scatter, running to hide themselves.
Balurga: Guess I don't blame them for being wary of us...
(Captain) and the others lay their weapons down on the ground to show that they mean no harm. They turn to the villagers and ask what had happened.
Elderly Woman: What need do you have of our ruined village, travelers?
Eustace: Did Chamux do this?
With tears in her eyes, the lady replies that Chamux had burned down their houses and stolen their food, while their men were tied up and taken away.
Balurga: The freedom to rampage...
Balurga: Maybe I can't talk, as ex-Odajumoki myself, but... there's nothing manly about this at all.
Lyria: Um... We don't have much with us, but please take this.
Lyria takes the food she has out of her bag and holds it out to the villagers.
Elderly Woman: Aah... Thank you! Thank you so much!
Balurga: Do you know where the guys who attacked your village came from? Where is their hideout?
Elderly Woman: We're not entirely certain where their base is located, unfortunately....
Elderly Woman: All I remember is that they came from the direction the wind was blowing before setting fire to our village.
Balurga: Much obliged—that's more than enough. Given where the mountains are around here, there's only one path that shares a direction with wind patterns.
Elderly Woman: Travelers, don't tell me you're thinking of...
Eustace: Yes. We are.
(Captain) nods and assures the woman that they'll bring back the villagers who were taken away as well.
Elderly Woman: Thank you so much!
Elderly Woman: Still, you mustn't underestimate Chamux. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.
With that, (Captain) and company depart for where the Chamux base is thought to be.
The wind rushes fiercely between the tall mountains, whistling fiercely and pushing against the crew as they make their way through the valley.
Persevering through the windstorm, they eventually are met with a different set of sounds: that of frenzied music and raucous shouting.
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Eustace: Get behind the rocks.
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Chamux Guitarist: Beeeorp!
Chamux Drummer: Bup, ba-dup, bup, bup!
Bup, ba-dup, bup!
Bup, ba-dup, bup!
Lyria shudders when she sees the people dancing madly to the music, their eyes wild and bloodshot.
Lyria: That dogsled... It's bigger than the Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jenkins we've seen before!
Balurga: That thing's definitely not normal.
Eustace: They're preparing for an attack on yet another place.
Still, the crew can do nothing but watch in frustration as the disciples prepare to leave on their next mission.
Eustace: It'll be easier for us to rescue Skull with less of those disciples at the base.
Eustace: After we get Skull out, we'll chase after these men and take care of them then.
Eustace: So just bear it for now.
(Captain) takes a deep breath, ignoring the rage building inside, and turns to continue walking down the windy path.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 3: For or Against - Episode 4
Back in the dungeon, Skull thinks back to how, despite the falsity in the family he was once a part of, he had also experienced a real kind of love from Guzaletha. Meanwhile, (Captain) and company arrive at the enemy's base. When Balurga and Lyria accidentally slip down an icy slope, the crew has no choice but to engage in battle with the Chamux disciples on patrol.
Guzaletha: Mwahaha! Well done, Skull! You are truly my son!
Guzaletha: Come, everyone. Today is Skull's birthday, Let us celebrate loud and proud! Cheers!
Guzaletha: No... You're no Hollow-Skull. You are a genius.
Skull: It's weird... how all I can think about are my memories with Allfather...
Skull had betrayed the Odajumoki, wanting to find his own freedom outside of Guzaletha's protection.
But all that surfaces in his mind before his execution is Allfather.
Deep down, Skull knows it is because, among all the falsity, he had experienced a little of a love that was true from Allfather.
Skull: Ergh... This is so not me!
Skull: It's just... I appreciated you being there for me, but I was only living with the freedom you allowed me.
Skull: I couldn't grow bigger, into the man that I wanted to be. And I couldn't stay that way...
Skull: Hah.
The frustrated man can't help but laugh at himself, realizing that he is, in the end, still just a boy who misses his father.
The snowstorm finally dies down, revealing a giant, natural fortress.
Balurga: What the heck is that...
Eustace: Even if an alliance force could make it out here, this fort wouldn't go down easily to a normal offensive.
Lyria: (Captain)! There are people over there!
(Captain) and company crouch down, peeking over the edge of the slope to see several disciples patrolling the outside of the base.
Lyria: What should we do...
Eustace: We'll take a detour around the base.
Balurga: You think we've got the time for that? Skull could be in trouble at this very minute!
Eustace: If they see us, they might call for reinforcements.
Eustace: It's obvious which option presents less risk.
Balurga: ...
Eustace: Listen carefully. From here on, we need to be on our guard for—
Balurga: Damn it!
Balurga kicks a rock in frustration.
Balurga: W-waaah!
And slips on an icy patch of snow, falling and sliding down the slope.
Eustace: ...
Lyria: Balurga! Hang in there, I'll come get you!
Eustace: Wait, Lyria! Don't follow his example!
Lyria: W-wah! Eeek!
Skull Jr.: Woooof!
Following Balurga, Lyria's feet slip on the icy surface of the snow. She starts rapidly falling down the slope.
Eustace: Why does this have to happen?
Choose: We have to save them!
Eustace: We do. Let's take out that patrol before they call for backup.
Balurga: Ack! Damn, now I've really done it...
Chamux Disciple 10: I thought I heard somethin' a-rollin' down the hill... And whaddya know? We've found ourselves some real suspicious people!
Chamux Disciple 11: What do you lot want! C'mon, spit it out!
Balurga: Uh, well... I was thinking of... maybe joining Chamux, you know? Haha...
Lyria: Please get out of the way!
Skull Jr.: Woooof!
Realizing Lyria's being there makes prevarication impossible, Balurga gives a mighty shrug.
Balurga: Ah... Haha... You two all right?
Lyria: I-I'm fine!
Chamux Disciple 11: Hey! What the hell's goin' on?
Balurga: Heh... Well, now that we've been found, guess we got no choice. You're going down!
Chamux Disciple 10: C'mon, boys! Capture the trespassers!
Chamux Disciple 11: Heeyaaw!
Eustace's Voice: Get down!
Chamux Disciple 11: Gwah!
Balurga: Nice shooting, Eustace...
Eustace: ...
Chamux Disciple 10: There's more of 'em! I don't know who these people are, but they're about to go splat!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Eustace: We can't have this ruckus get any bigger than it already is. End it quickly.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 4: Dubious Summoning - Episode 1
Once safely concealed again, the crew peer at the gate where they see a man—Reizrit—taking on the guards single-handedly. (Captain) and company use this opportunity to sneak into the base, where they see captives being made to work under the disciples' watch. Balurga and Skull Jr. split off from the group to find Skull, while the others work on securing a way out of the base.
(Captain) and company work together to take down the disciples before concealing themselves in the blizzard once more. They move to a spot where they can't be seen from the watchtower.
Eustace: Hey.
Balurga: Hm? What's with the sour look? Oh wait, that's just how you always look. Haha!
Eustace: ...
Balurga: Geez... I already apologized, didn't I?
Balurga: Besides, it doesn't look like anyone from the watchtower's seen us, thanks to the snow. We had a rough patch but we're still good.
Eustace: It's no wonder you and Hollow-Skull work so well together.
Balurga: What!
Eustace: Never let your guard down during a mission. Especially when you're at an intelligence disadvantage.
Balurga: Rrrgh!
(Captain) is about to step in when they hear an angry shout from the hideout.
Balurga: Did they find us?
Lyria: I don't think so! Looks like it's someone else.
They squint, trying to see through the icy storm.
Finally, a figure becomes visible: someone standing tall, arms crossed, in front of the colossal gates.
Reizrit: Take me to your boss.
Chamux Guard 1: Didn't you hear me? I asked, who the hell are you?
Reizrit: ...
Reizrit: If you won't let me in, then I'll just have to let myself in.
Chamux Guard 1: Hooold it. You think we're gonna let you in just like that?
Chamux Guard 2: We're the official gatekeepers. No one's allowed inside unless we say so.
Reizrit: I don't care.
Chamux Guard 2: Well, you should! Only the strongest of us get chosen to be a gatekeeper—
Reizrit: ...
Chamux Guard 1: Yo. Can't you see that my buddy's talking?
Chamux Guard 1: Look at him. Poor thing, you're making him cry.
Chamux Guard 2: I don't—sniff—need your pity. The one you should be pitying is this fool who just got himself in a lotta trouble!
Roused by the guard's angry cry, disciples rush over from the watchtower to the gate.
Reizrit: The only solution you know is violence, huh? Shows what a man of small caliber your boss is.
Chamux Guard 2: What'd you say! Ya damn pants-wettin' nose-pickin' icicle-licker! We're gonna tear you a new one!
Reizrit: The smallest dogs bark the loudest.
Chamux Guard 1: Geeet hiiim!
Chamux Guard 2: Blargh! Blegh!
Blood splatters over the guards as their fellow disciples are knocked down by Reizrit one after another. Fear overtakes the gatekeepers.
Chamux Guard 1: U-uh...
Reizrit: You're not weak. I'm just stronger than you—that's all there is to it.
Reizrit: Now, take me to your boss.
(Captain) and the others gape at Reizrit from a distance, astounded by how the man was able to defeat his assailants single-handedly.
Balurga: That guy's insane...
Eustace: From the guards' reactions, this place isn't used to visitors looking for a fight.
Eustace: We'll use the confusion to cover our infiltration.
Balurga: We're almost there... Hang on, Skull.
The crew takes advantage of the mayhem and swiftly slips into the base unnoticed.
Balurga: ...
Inside Chamux's base, (Captain) and company are shocked by the wild behavior of the disciples.
Balurga: This isn't just a gathering of outlaws like the Odajumoki were...
Balurga: They really are planning to slug it out with the rest of the skies.
Angry Voice: Pick up the pace, you lazy pigs! The cargo ain't gonna move itself!
The crew peek out from their hiding place to see people captured by Chamux lugging around supplies as ordered.
Lyria: This is terrible... How can they treat other people like that?
Balurga: Those cowards... All they're doing is bullying the weak!
Eustace puts a hand on Balurga's shoulder before any hasty acts are committed, shooting his friend a sharp look.
Eustace: Act brashly and we'll never be able to complete our mission—or make it out alive.
Balurga: But... look at them!
Eustace: Skull's rescue depends on you. I know you understand.
Balurga takes a deep breath, pushing down the surge of anger.
Balurga: What do I need to do?
Eustace: We stick out too much here. It's time to split up.
Eustace: You and Skull Jr. search for Skull's location.
Eustace: The rest of us will secure a way out of here.
Balurga: Sounds good to me. Ready, Skull Jr.?
Skull Jr.: Woof!
Balurga and Skull Jr. straighten up, determined to carry out their part of the plan.
They slip into the crowd of rabid disciples and make their way deeper into the base incognito.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 4: Dubious Summoning - Episode 2
Reizrit arrives at the throne room of the hideout, where he meets with Rhiogur. When Reizrit accuses Chamux of being a false imitation of what the Odajumoki once believed in, Rhiogur tells him that Chamux is the true form of Guzaletha's idea of freedom. Rhiogur then reveals that he is able to channel Guzaletha's spirit.
On a magnificent throne sits a golden statue.
This is the most sacred place within Chamux's base, housing what is said to contain Guzaletha's spirit itself.
Rhiogur: My beloved and respected Allfather, Guzaletha...
Rhiogur: I have finally captured Skull—the son you once loved, and the enemy who took your life.
Rhiogur: After we have convicted him of his crime, we will find Balurga and throw them both down to the depths of the sky.
Rhiogur: I will prove that I am the one worthy to be called your successor!
Rhiogur: Gehehe... Hyohoho!
Disciple's Voice: Allfather! There's trouble!
Rhiogur: Silence! My son, have I not told you before to keep quiet in the throne room?
Chamux Disciple 8: I'm terribly sorry...
Chamux Disciple 8: B-b-but it's an emergency!
Rhiogur: Very well. Speak.
Chamux Disciple 8: The thing is... someone related to Allfather just showed up at our hideout!
Rhiogur: Someone related to... me?
Chamux Disciple 8: Oh, er, I meant the previous Allfather... He's Guzaletha's relative.
Rhiogur: Tell me more.
The disciple explains that the trespasser is someone who was once exiled by Guzaletha for disobeying orders.
Rhiogur: (Whatever his purpose for coming is, it would be beneficial to keep Guzaletha's own relative close to me.)
Rhiogur: Put our guards on high alert and bring our esteemed visitor to me!
Meanwhile, in another part of the fort.
Skull Jr. is using his nose to track down Skull's location, with Balurga close behind him.
Skull Jr.: Sniff, sniff.
Balurga: Geez, just where'd they put him...
As they proceed cautiously through the base, they catch sight of several disciples leading Reizrit up a flight of stairs.
Balurga: Huh? That's the guy from earlier...
Skull Jr.: Whine...
Balurga: Sorry, you're right. We have to focus on our own mission. Come on, Skull Jr.!
Reizrit: ...
Chamux Disciple 7: Hah, I could hardly recognize ya. You were so small back then, and now look at ya.
Reizrit: Ah, that's right. I once called you my big bro, didn't I?
Reizrit: Tell me. What kind of person is that guy who's parading around as your leader?
Chamux Disciple 7: Watch it, young'un. Show any disrespect and I'll—
Chamux Disciple 12: Stop it. I don't care if you have old ties with him, right now he's Allfather's honorable guest.
Chamux Disciple 7: Tch. You're lucky this time.
Reizrit: No, you are.
Chamux Disciple 7: Why, you little...
But when the angry disciple makes to jump at Reizrit, he is quickly restrained by a lifeless-looking guard.
Unmotivated Knight: ...
Chamux Disciple 7: Damn it, lemme go! Who do you think you are, huh? You're just an unsignificant—
Unmotivated Knight: ...
Reizrit reaches out and grabs the disciple by the arm, stopping him from punching the knight.
Reizrit: ...
Chamux Disciple 7: Yooou...
Chamux Disciple 12: Allfather's waiting. Why don't you leave it at that?
Reizrit: All right.
Reizrit obliges, turning to walk through the dazzling doors and into the throne room.
Inside the room sits Rhiogur on the throne, with armed believers lined up along the walls.
Reizrit: ...
Rhiogur: Ah, Reizrit. Welcome to my stronghold.
Reizrit: So you're who they call Rhiogur, the leader of Chamux?
At Reizrit's blunt words, the disciples in the room grow visibly agitated.
Rhiogur: Be calm, my sons.
Rhiogur: If the blood of Guzaletha himself runs through this man, then he is practically our family.
Rhiogur: Now... What is it that you wanted to see me for?
Reizrit: The other day, I was attacked by some people who I believe to be ex-Odajumoki gangsters.
Reizrit: I heard from them that there was a group who called themselves Chamux.
Reizrit: And that they were committing atrocities under the pretense of a "freedom to rampage."
Reizrit: It is a doctrine similar to what Allfather once advocated. I wanted to see for myself what kind of people were saying this kind of thing...
Reizrit: And whether they are worthy of carrying on the will of Allfather. I came here to ascertain that myself.
Rhiogur: And what have your eyes shown you?
Reizrit: ...
Guzaletha: What is freedom to you? Spending your days lazing around? Gorging yourself until every craving has been slaked?
Guzaletha: Heh heh heh... Indeed that is freedom of a kind. But it is not true freedom. For are your desires ever sated with this current freedom you have?
Guzaletha: No, they are not. Because you have not grasped what true freedom means.
Guzaletha: True freedom is rampaging with abandon. Beholden to nothing except your instincts, freewheeling and running riot!
Guzaletha: But I hear you cry: such true freedom cannot be found in all the skies! And why is that?
Guzaletha: Because of those who repress freedom!
Because of those who fetter freedom!
Because of those who take your freedom!
Because of those who fetter freedom!
Because of those who take your freedom!
Guzaletha: No more, say I! Never again! Those false kings will pilfer the world's freedom no more!
Guzaletha: To all those who would threaten our freedom, I hereby expel you from the skies! And to the sky realm, I bestow freedom!
Reizrit: My eyes see Allfather's freedom... and in comparison to that...
Reizrit: Your freedom... is a counterfeit of it.
Reizrit: There are no dreams or ambitions. Yours is a freedom where you oppress the weak without a sliver of dignity or courage... A sham.
Cries of outrage can be heard from the disciples at Reizrit's words.
After some thought, Rhiogur replies slowly, his words dripping with menace.
Rhiogur: Dignity and courage... Yes, there may have been such among our men once.
Rhiogur: But it's different now than how it was in Guzaletha's time. We now stand beyond that, at the vantage point of true freedom.
Reizrit: What're you prattling on about...
Rhiogur: You think you have the right to speak for Guzaletha?
Reizrit: Unlike you lot, the Allfather I know would never—
Rhiogur: Quieeet!
Rhiogur: You are not Guzaletha. What you say is merely your own speculation!
The stinging words leave Reizrit speechless for a moment.
Reizrit: But... the same goes for you!
Rhiogur: Hyohoho!
Reizrit: What's so funny?
Chamux Disciple 8: Allfather Rhiogur can channel the spirit of Guzaletha at will, ya know!
Reizrit: Channel... the spirit of Allfather? Don't joke around with me.
Rhiogur: There is a reason why such loyal men as those of the Odajumoki worship a simple man such as myself.
Rhiogur grins, flashing his teeth like a madman. Reizrit tenses up, glaring back viciously.
Rhiogur: Fear nooot!
Rhiogur: I shall let you witness with your own eyes and ears... and talk with Guzaletha himself!
Chamux Disciples: O hallowed and beloved Allfather, Guzaletha! We lay at your feet... and ask that you show yourself to us!
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 4: Dubious Summoning - Episode 3
Balurga and Skull Jr. receive help from the captives working in the kitchen and sneak into the dungeon to rescue Skull. Skull tells the two about Rhiogur's power to channel Guzaletha's spirit and hesitates to leave, but Balurga reminds him that they have their current family—the crew—to return to. Together, they make their way out of the prison.
Skull Jr.'s nose leads them to a certain room. The two hold their breaths and slip into it inconspicuously.
Balurga: This better be the place this time—
Balurga: Wait a second! This is the kitchen! But damn if it doesn't smell good in here...
Skull Jr.: Pant, pant.
Balurga: We don't have time to chow down right now! We've got to find Skull and get him out.
Skull Jr.: Whine...
Balurga: Ugh, don't give me that look... Oh, fine. Just a bit, all right?
Lady's Voice: Um, excuse me...
Balurga: Waaah!
Balurga jumps at the unexpected voice and takes a few steps back, Vulcan Claw at the ready.
Balurga: Now that you've found us... it's lights out for you!
Skull Jr.: Woof!
Exhausted Lady: P-please, wait!
Balurga: Wha?
Exhausted Lady: You're not... a disciple, are you?
Balurga: Course I'm not! Why would you—
Balurga: Huh? Wait, you're not Chamux either. Unless they started taking non-Harvins.
Exhausted Lady: Yes, we were captured and forced to work here, you see...
The woman smiles sadly, the scratches and bruises scattered about her body speaking volumes.
Balurga: I wish I could get you guys out right now... but I'm afraid I've got something else I need to do.
Exhausted Lady: I heard you saying earlier that you were looking for Skull. Is that right?
Balurga: You know him?
Skinny Man: Yes, he tried to save us and stood up against all those disciples... but then...
Exhausted Lady: He looked like he was making his way out of the base. If only he hadn't stopped to help us... then he might have made it out safely...
Balurga: Heh. That's Skull for you.
Exhausted Lady: I know where Skull has been confined to. I can tell you the location, so please save him!
Balurga: That'd be much appreciated.
The lady takes a deep breath to calm her nerves before making her way to the dungeon, carrying food with her.
Exhausted Lady: ...
Chamux Jailer: Oooh, curry for dinner today? My favorite!
Exhausted Lady: I-I'm sorry, I seem to have left a side dish in the kitchen. I will bring it down immediately.
Chamux Jailer: What? You plannin' to starve me or somethin' while you dawdle? Hurry it up then!
Exhausted Lady: My apologies!
The lady hurries away from the dungeon. Meanwhile, unable to wait for the rest of his food, the hungry jailer greedily digs into the dish.
Balurga takes the opportunity to sneak up behind the jailer while he is engrossed in his meal.
Balurga: ...
Skull: Aaah, that delicious smell! Curry again, huh?
Skull: Dammit, I'm so hungry... I tell ya, this is a living hell.
Chamux Jailer: Hm? Who are yo—
Chamux Jailer: Gah!
Skull: Hey, what's with all the noise? What's going on?
Dizzy from hunger and fatigue, Skull shouts blindly from his cell when he hears a familiar voice.
Balurga's Voice: Hraaah! Vulcan Bite!
Skull: Huh?
Balurga: Haha, there you are, Skull! Still alive?
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Skull: Haha... I'm so hungry that I'm starting to see things now.
Skull smiles, thinking his two friends to be an illusion, until Skull Jr. licks his face.
Skull: Yeehaw! You're really here? How'd you find me?
Balurga: Come on, we don't have time to hang around this place. Let's get moving.
Skull: ...
Balurga: What's wrong?
Skull: Hang on... Before we go, there's something I have to do here.
Balurga: What? Stop talking nonsense and get going!
But Skull shakes off Balurga's grasp on his arm.
Skull: You know, I heard something about the clown who's pretending to be the new Allfather...
Skull: Everyone's saying he can channel the spirit of Allfather.
Balurga: What? That's obviously a sham!
Skull: I know that! I know, but what if... it's actually true? I can't stop thinking about it...
Seeing Skull's expression, Balurga is at a loss.
Balurga: If it turns out that he can really summon Allfather's spirit... what would you do?
Skull: I don't know. I don't know, but I just... wanna know if it's true or not!
Balurga: It's not that I don't understand where you're coming from. I get it.
Balurga: But you're a member of a crew now, Skull. You can't just go off on your own.
Balurga: (Captain) and the others came all the way to save you, instead of going to help places Chamux is attacking!
Balurga: The captain knew it was dangerous and still came to a freezing cold place like this, for you!
Skull: ...!
Balurga: The Odajumoki Gang is gone bro. It's not coming back.
Balurga: We have to forget about our family in the past... and treasure the family we have now with our crew.
Skull: ...
Balurga: So wake up, you numbskull!
Balurga swings the Vulcan Claw into Skull, knocking him into the wall with a thud.
Skull: Haha... Oof, your punch seriously stings...
Balurga: Heh. Well, have you learned your lesson? No time to whine, Skull.
Balurga: Come on. (Captain) and the others are waiting for us.
Skull: Right!
His head clear again, Skull joins Balurga and Skull Jr. in finding a way out of Chamux's base.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 4: Dubious Summoning - Episode 4
In the throne room, Reizrit watches as Rhiogur summons Guzaletha's spirit. Rhiogur begins to speak in the same manner as Guzaletha, welcoming Reizrit back into their midst. Touched by the warm welcome and encouraging words from his beloved Allfather, Reizrit is moved to tears, convinced that it is indeed Guzaletha himself.
Rhiogur: I shall let you witness with your own eyes and ears... and talk with Guzaletha himself!
Chamux Disciples: O hallowed and beloved Allfather, Guzaletha! We lay at your feet... and ask that you show yourself to us!
His eyes wild, Rhiogur lifts up the golden statue in his hands and offers a prayer to the heavens.
And soon enough, as if in answer to his prayer, the room is engulfed in white smoke, the sound of thunder rumbling from above.
Reizrit: Wh-what's happening?
Rhiogur's Voice: Hrngh... Now, come to me. Come to me... Cooome to me...
The disciples follow Rhiogur's lead and chant after him in low voices, offering their prayers over and over again.
Rhiogur's Voice: Hyaaaeee!
The next moment, a blinding light is unleashed, clearing out the white smoke. The room is completely silent.
Rhiogur: ...
Reizrit: ...
Rhiogur: Mwaha... Mwahaha!
Reizrit: A-Allfather?
Rhiogur: Our f-f-family has come together once more, taking up arms to claim what is ours. The f-freedom in your rampage moves me so.
Rhiogur: Together, we shall expel the false kings who have t-taken away our freedom and eradicate them from these skies!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Reizrit: Allfather... Is that really you?
With trembling steps, Reizrit slowly approaches the throne to ascertain for himself.
Rhiogur: Heh heh... My prodigal son. You have r-returned to us.
Rhiogur: The Odajumoki Gang m-may be no more...
Rhiogur: But you have no need to fear, for Ch-Chamux will become your new family.
Reizrit: ...
Rhiogur: Ah, but look at how you've grown. I could hardly r-recognize you. You've truly become the manliest of men, my son!
Reizrit: Allfather... I've missed you so much...
Hearing this praise from his beloved Allfather, Reizrit can no longer hold back his tears.
The eyes of the disciples around them are also filled with tears, touched by the reunion.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 5: Fatal Situation - Episode 1
The crew decide to make their escape on dogsleds with the help of the North Huskies. Suddenly, they see Skull Jr. carrying Skull and Balurga on his back as Chamux disciples run after them. (Captain) and company step in to defend their friends, but they are outnumbered. Skull and Balurga tell the others to hide while the two stall for time.
(Captain) and company look around for a possible way out of the base.
After a quick exploration around the premises of the hideout, they realize that there is no other exit other than the front gate.
Eustace: It's do or die. We have to think of something.
Choose: Easy-peasy, just take their boss hostage.
Eustace: If that was possible, we'd have already done it.
At Eustace's curt response, (Captain) gives a wry smile and tells him it was only a joke.
Eustace: Wha...
Eustace: Heh. Right, can't tunnel-vision ourselves into inflexibility.
Choose: We could take over the watchtower.
Eustace: I also thought about that—but there are four watchtowers in total, one in each direction. We don't have enough people to take them all out.
Continue 1Eustace: Which leaves us with only one other option.
Eustace: We'll have to jump off from the wall.
Lyria: Huh? But it's so high up!
Lyria's eyes widen at Eustace's suggestion. Just then, the sound of a dog's howl echoes across the night sky.
Eustace: Hm...
Eustace and (Captain) exchange looks. A plan is hatched—it's time to move.
The group arrive at their destination.
A kennel, home to many of the North Huskies kept by Chamux.
Lyria: I had no idea they had so many North Huskies with them...
North Husky: Grr...
Eustace: ...
Eustace: We need to gain their trust somehow...
Eustace hesitates before the glaring North Huskies in front of him. He turns to consult the others, only to find them getting along perfectly well with the other North Huskies.
Lyria: Hehe. It tickles when you lick my face like that!
Eustace: That was... fast...
North Husky: Rrr...
Choose: Are you okay?
Eustace: ...
Eustace: I learned a few things from getting to know Skull Jr., Camaro, and the other dogs. Just watch.
With a tender expression, Eustace steps back so he is facing the North Husky diagonally before lowering himself to a crouch.
Eustace: You're so cute...
North Husky: Grr...
Eustace tenses at the growl, but takes a deep breath and puts on a smile.
Eustace: Can I pet you?
Talking softly, Eustace slowly closes the distance and caresses the North Husky's head gently.
Eustace: Haha...
North Husky: Whine...
Lyria: You did it, Eustace!
Eustace: The North Huskies look like they'd be willing to help us.
Eustace: With the speed of their dogsleds, we should be able to go from the wall to the opposite slope without falling too far.
Lyria: ...
Eustace: I don't like introducing elements of luck into a plan...
Eustace: But the North Huskies will make it possible for us.
Lyria: Yes! This is definitely better than simply jumping off from the wall!
Just as the crew grows hopeful at the prospect of a safe escape, they hear a voice.
Disciple 7's Voice: Hyahooo! You're not gettin' away!
Eustace: That's our boys.
Skull: Dammit! They just don't give up, do they!
Balurga: If you hadn't been so noisy about getting food, they wouldn't have found us!
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Chamux Disciple 7: Heeyaw! Why don'tcha eat thiiis!
Skull: Hahaaa! You think that's gonna be enough to take us out? Think again!
Balurga: H-hey, Skull! Look where you're going!
Skull: Huh?
The three crash into a pile of cargo with incredible speed and land faceup on the ground with a loud thud.
Skull: Oww... You two doing okay?
Skull Jr.: Wh-whine...
Balurga: Still alive...
They scramble to get back on their feet but find themselves already surrounded by Chamux disciples.
Skull: Bring it on. This is what we gotta do to make it big—never stop fighting!
Balurga: You got it! No one's getting away with stealing Allfather's name on my watch!
Chamux Disciple 7: Gehehe. Well, we've got plenty of time to play with you!
Licking their lips with wild gleams in their eyes, the disciples shuffle closer and closer.
They raise their voices in unison and lift their weapons to charge.
Chamux Disciple 7: Yeehaaaw! This is for Allfatheeer!
Chamux Disciple 8: Gah!
Balurga: ...!
Balurga glances up to see Eustace positioned on top of the dog kennel nearby, gun in hand.
Eustace: ...
Balurga: Well damn, now that's two I owe him.
Lyria: Please don't push yourself, (Captain)!
Lyria: Tiamat!
With Eustace and Lyria as support, (Captain) runs toward the crowd of Chamux disciples, sword in hand.
But the foes are strong in number. No matter how many believers the captain takes down, more take their place, rendering the fight almost futile.
Skull: (Captain). Their target's—
Balurga: Me.
Skull: And me. I know you came to save us and all, but you should take Skull Jr. and run while you can.
Choose: I can't do that!
Skull: Heh, it's not like we're gonna just give up here.
Skull: I made a decision. I'm gonna come back safe and sound to my new family—our crew!
Balurga: We'll act as the decoy, so you guys take the time to get away from here, (Captain).
Skull: If you don't get out safely, we won't have a place to go back to either, you know!
Sensing the emotion behind their words, (Captain) gives a firm nod.
Skull: Heh. All right then... We're going all out for the last spurt. Use this chance to run!
Skull: Haaah! Get outta my waaay, you stupid wannabeees!
Balurga: Take this! Vulcan Bite!
Skull and Balurga hurl themselves into the sea of Chamux believers with great determination.
(Captain) uses this moment of distraction to take Skull Jr. and make for the dog kennel.
Skull: (Captain)! I'll see you later!
Skull: Don't worry. We'll deal with the Odajumoki legacy—that's our job!
Balurga: I like that look on your face, Skull.
Skull: You're looking pretty sharp too!
Eustace: There's no end to their recklessness.
Though reluctant, (Captain) and company honor their friends' request and withdraw—for now.
As soon as the others are safely out of sight, Skull and Balurga stop resisting.
Skull: Heh, I can't move another step... If you're gonna do that execution, then hurry up and get it over with!
Chamux Disciple 7: Gahaha! Now that's the spirit!
Chamux Disciple 7: We'll rip you apart this very moment!
Skull: Oh, wait, right now? Can't you... at least give me some good grub first? Shouldn't take long!
Skull: You gotta give us our... what do they call it again? Our fast meal!
Balurga: It's last, you idiot. Your last meal.
Skull: Well, whatever it is, I'm hungry as hell.
The disciples drag Skull and Balurga by the scruff to the middle of the courtyard.
Chamux Disciple 7: Allfather! We've captured Skull and Balurga!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Chamux Disciples: Whoooo!
All-fa-ther! All-fa-ther!
The believers' chants grow louder and louder until Rhiogur finally appears at the courtyard.
Rhiogur: Hyohoho! Splendid, splendid! What a wonderful day it is indeed!
Rhiogur: Familial ties are not easily broken, after all. Family will always return.
Rhiogur: Tonight, under the name of Guzaletha, I shall pass judgment upon the murderer Skull and the traitor Balurga.
Rhiogur: And by doing so, I will officially inherit Guzaletha's will.
Rhiogur: In other words! I shall rule supreme! I will finally be the ruler of all!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 5: Fatal Situation - Episode 2
Rhiogur forcefully takes Balurga's Vulcan Claw. He has the two brought to an arena called the Deathmatch Dome where they are pit against an executioner, much to the excitement of the disciples. Chained together, Skull and Balurga have a hard time fighting their opponent, but end up victorious after an excellent display of teamwork.
Rhiogur: My sons! Indulge in the food and wine! Together, let us partake in the feast!
Rhiogur: Tonight's entertainment will be a luxury we have been deprived of for a while... at the Deathmatch Dooome!
Chamux Disciples: Yeeeehaaaw!
At Rhiogur's call, the disciples play music, shout, and dance madly around the hideout.
Rhiogur: Now, where could the friends of our little criminals be hiding...
Rhiogur's Voice: It's impossible to escape from our base! Surrender now and perhaps I will spare your lives.
Rhiogur's Voice: Still... resistance is futile. Once these two are finished, next will be you! Hyohoho!
Gran is the Main Character
Eustace: ...
Lyria: Skull... Balurga...
Djeeta is the Main Character
Eustace: ...
Lyria: Skull... Balurga...
Eustace: Calm down, Lyria.
Eustace: An opportunity will eventually present itself. So bear with it for now.
Pushing down the anxiety with pursed lips, Lyria resolves to wait patiently.
Rhiogur: Well then... My dear criminals.
Balurga: Hah. You look a lot more like a criminal than we do, that's for sure!
Rhiogur: Hmph... Pitiful lassie.
Balurga: Lassie?
Rhiogur walks closer to Balurga, who is tied up with ropes.
He reaches out to stroke the Vulcan Claw on Balurga's right hand.
Rhiogur: It appears these steel talons were presented to you by Guzaletha himself.
Rhiogur: Hyohoho. What magnificent shape and strength... and look at how the light reflects off of it. Simply splendid.
Balurga: Hey, get your grimy fingers off of it, you clown!
Rhiogur: Vulcan Claw, was it? It will be a wondrous addition to my collection!
Rhiogur: Hyahaha!
Taking an axe from one of his disciples, Rhiogur turns to Balurga and swings it down on the metal arm.
Balurga: Gaaah!
Skull: B-Balurga!
Rhiogur: Hyooohoho!
When Rhiogur holds up the amputated Vulcan Claw, the Chamux believers cheer in excitement.
A disciple walks over to chain Skull's right hand to Balurga's left hand.
And soon, the two are taken to Deathmatch Dome per Rhiogur's orders.
Deathmatch Dome—an arena surrounded by a thick, barbed wire fence through which an electric current runs.
Balurga: Pant, pant... Ugh...
Skull: I'm sorry... you have to go through this on my watch...
Balurga: Nothing to blubber over, you stupid crybaby! Rub some spit on it, and this'll be better in no time!
Skull: Who're you calling a stupid crybaby! These aren't tears! It's... drool! 'Cause I'm hungry!
Balurga: Wow, you really are stupid. You could've just said sweat... Gross, dude.
Tearing off a strip of shirt, Skull uses it to bandage Balurga's right arm to stop the bleeding.
Skull: We're definitely getting outta here. No matter what happens, don't you dare give up.
Balurga: Hah, right back at you. Don't forget what you just told me.
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
The Deathmatch Dome is filled with the wild anticipation of Chamux disciples.
Skull: Ugh, look at their faces. They just can't wait to see us get ripped to shreds, can they?
Balurga: Yeah... They're all rotten, right down to the core.
Rhiogur: Let me hear you cheer louder, my sons! At long last, we have the two criminals before us...
Rhiogur: If the two of you wish to escape... then you have only one choice!
Rhiogur: You must defeat our executioner!
Just then, the gate of the Deathmatch Dome opens with immense force, revealing the large figure of a knight in a euphoric state.
Executioner: Huff... Huff...
Skull: Isn't that the guy from the dungeon?
Hey! Why're you working for a clown like—
Hey! Why're you working for a clown like—
Executioner: Hraaah!
The loud sound of a gong lights a fire within the disciples watching. Their eyes become wide and bloodshot as they raise their voices in deafening cries.
Skull: I don't have a reason to fight you!
Executioner: Graaah!
Balurga: Whoa, that was close!
Skull: Oof, thanks for that.
Balurga: Keep your guard up. We might not have a reason to fight him, but that big guy might have his own reasons to fight us.
Executioner: Dieee!
The executioner raises his spear and charges at Skull and Balurga, who are still cuffed to each other.
They muster up their energy to leap to the side, barely dodging the attack. Unable to find a way to counterattack, Skull bites his lip in frustration.
Skull: Dammit... It'll only be a matter of time before he crushes us...
Balurga: Skull. I'll be the shield and block his spear.
Balurga: Use that chance to get your hands in that armor and choke him out.
Skull: Wait a second! That's way too dangerous! No way I'm letting you act as a shield!
Balurga: The longer we dawdle, the more disadvantageous it'll be for us. We have to do this!
Skull looks down, noticing the blood dripping from Balurga's right arm. The two exchange a glance, and finally Skull nods.
Skull: You're right that we're short on time. But if anyone's gonna be a shield, it's me.
Balurga: Wait—
Skull: I'll make it so he can't think of anything but me, and you go in for the choke.
Seeing the determined fire in Skull's eyes, Balurga nods at him.
Skull: Hey, you! I get it, you gotta listen to that clown's orders. But you're still a knight!
Skull: You're swinging your weapon at two people who're unarmed and chained to each other. What kinda knight does that, huh!
Executioner: Huff...
Skull: There's not a sliver of chivalry in you! And for your information, not in me either—but that's 'cause I'm not a knight!
Executioner: ...
Skull: Aaargh, come on! Just say something, you old knight wannabe!
Executioner: Forget about... chivalry...
Skull: What's that? I can't hear you! Say it again, and in a loud voice!
Executioner: I just don't want to dieee!
Skull: Shut the hell up! How could you be so lame so loudly!
Skull: I can't believe I even bothered to listen to a dummy like you! Stuuupid!
Provoked by Skull's taunts, the executioner begins to swing his spear wildly in anger.
Skull deftly dodges each swing. Until, as if by a stroke of bad luck, he slips on a blood-slicked patch of ground.
Skull: Oh nooo!
Executioner: You're deeead!
The executioner's spear rushes straight at Skull, who remains splayed on the ground. A heavy thunk resounds.
Skull: Yeehaw! Fooled you, stuuupid!
Executioner: ...!
Executioner: Damn it... I can't... get it out!
Skull dodged the plunging spear by a hair's breadth, letting it plunge deep into the ground, planted too firmly for the executioner to pull out. The trap was a success.
While their foe tries in vain to remove the weapon, Balurga executes the rest of the plan, putting the executioner in a chokehold.
Balurga: Hraaah!
Executioner: You can't... take me dooown!
Skull: We sure can!
Skull jumps onto the executioner as well and wraps the chains tightly around the man's neck. The two pull on the chains at the same time.
Executioner: U-urgh...
Skull: More! Mooore! It's now or never!
Balurga: Haaah! Here's how! A real man does it!
Executioner: Grah...
Balurga: Pant, pant...
Skull: Yeeehaaaw! How's that, huh!
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 5: Fatal Situation - Episode 3
The next executioner Skull and Balurga face is none other than Reizrit. Recognizing Reizrit from their early days in the Odajumoki, Skull tells the man that the real Guzaletha would never instruct him to follow someone like Rhiogur. Reizrit is moved by the courage he sees in Skull and Balurga.
A blanket of silence covers the Deathmatch Dome when the spectators see that the executioner has been defeated.
Skull and Balurga breathe sighs of relief at having narrowly escaped another crisis.
Rhiogur: Hm... I suppose I should not have expected any less of the one who murdered Guzaletha. You are certainly more than meets the eye.
Rhiogur: But that was simply the preliminary trial. For now you shall face one in which the very blood of Guzaletha runs!
Skull: Hang on a second! You said we'd be able to get out if we took down that big guy!
Rhiogur: Like I said, that was merely the preliminary.
Skull: You're playing dirty! You don't have a hint of chivalry in you—you're just a coward!
Balurga: I can't believe they call this guy "Allfather."
Balurga: Are they all blind? Or so naive that they'd get tricked by a fool like this?
Despite the two's protests, however, the gong sounds once more.
The gate to the arena is pulled open—this time to reveal Reizrit, the new executioner of Chamux.
Reizrit: ...
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Balurga: Y-you're that...
Lyria: That person! Wasn't he the one who defeated all the Chamux disciples outside?
Eustace: I don't know why he's here... but those two don't have a chance.
Knuckles whitening around the captain's trusty sword, (Captain) mentally prepares to join the fray if needed.
Reizrit: ...
Skull: I can feel it... This guy's no chump.
Battered as he is, Skull steps in front of the bloodied Balurga as if to defend his friend.
Balurga: I don't need you to do that, you idiot.
Skull: Shut up! I'm a genius. Just do what I say and we'll beat this tough guy in no time...
Skull: Hm? Wait a minute... Have I seen you somewhere before?
Reizrit: ...
Skull: Wait, you're... that kid who was Allfather's relative! Uh... Reizrit, right?
Skull: Nice! So you really did come back, just like you promised Allfather!
Balurga: Allfather's relative?
Skull: Before you joined our family, there was some trouble, and well... Reizrit here got himself exiled.
Reizrit: Hm. We've met before huh?
Skull: So you became the manliest among men and came back from the mountains...
Skull: But what're you doing here?
Skull: Why're you listening to what that clown is telling you to do?
Reizrit: Let me ask you: why did you kill Allfather?
Skull: ...
Skull: I had to surpass Allfather... in order to become the big man I wanted to be. That's all there is to it.
Balurga: Surpassing Allfather's like an act of filial piety for us. You know that.
Balurga: Holding a grudge for the wrong reasons, on the other hand, isn't what a man should do.
Reizrit: Worry not, I hold no grudge. It was just a shock that someone beat me to that act.
Skull: Then what's the point of us fighting? We used to be family. We ate together and lived under the same roof.
Reizrit: Heh heh... That's right. Used to be family.
Reizrit: But now, I am an executioner, and you are a criminal.
Skull: ...
Reizrit: Allfather asked me to do this. To dedicate myself to this new family, and help it prosper.
Reizrit: And so I am here to take your lives. I've no need to ask the why!
Skull: You're Allfather's very own blood relative, aren't you? How could you still call that clown "Allfather"?
Reizrit: Heh, I'm not talking about Rhiogur. The only person whom I call Allfather is Guzaletha.
Skull: Wait, you don't actually believe the whole thing about some clown being able to channel Allfather's spirit...
Reizrit: I do. Allfather's spirit really did come. His presence was just as... no, even greater than it once was!
Skull: Really?
Balurga: Don't believe a word of it, stupid. It's obviously a lie.
Skull: A lie? Yeah... Yeah, it has to be! There's no way Allfather would be okay with a lame-o sham gang like this!
Reizrit: Until I saw him for myself, I was like the two of you. I refused to believe it was possible.
Reizrit: But then...
Balurga: I don't know what you saw or heard.
Balurga: But the Allfather I knew—he may have called himself an outlaw, but he was a proud man who had an indistinguishable fire in his heart.
Reizrit: Heh. Any more talk will be futile.
Reizrit: We who were once Odajumoki... We prove ourselves not with words, but with the strength of our punches!
Reizrit: Everything is for the sake of our new family, Chamux!
Skull scratches his head, unconvinced.
Skull: Hey... Don't you think it's weird?
Reizrit: ...
Skull: Do you really think Allfather would tell you to help that clown?
Reizrit: It's not up to me to guess what Allfather would say.
Skull: You took his tough love head on, ate that exile, and came back a man among men, didn't you?
Skull: Getting through hell and back's gotta have given you a pretty discerning eye. At least that's what I would've thought...
Skull: But nope. You came back blind!
Skull: If there was anyone to leave Odajumoki to... it would've been you, youngest brother.
Reizrit: What are you talking about...
Skull: Back then, even though you were just a bratty kid, you had the courage to disobey Allfather's orders.
Skull: You know how shook I was? I thought you'd become big even before I got a chance to. That's how impressed I was.
Skull: And I bet it wasn't just me.
Skull: I bet Allfather saw the man in you too, and that's why he pushed you away—he wanted you to grow out from under his shade!
Reizrit: ...
Guzaletha: Reizrit... It may be that your path is not the same as mine.
Guzaletha: Even so, if you wish to return to Odajumoki, then come back when you have become the manliest of men!
Guzaletha: That is the only requirement I have for you, as someone who once was your Allfather.
Reizrit: Allfather...
Skull: Well, I mean, even if you never got exiled from the Odajumoki and went on to inherit everything...
Skull: I'm sure you'd still be under me, since I'm gonna be the biggest man there ever was!
Despite Skull's injuries, the fiery emotions he feels toward Guzaletha continue to hold him up.
Skull: Well, whatever. You walk the path you choose for yourself. And I—
Balurga: We, you mean.
Skull: Whoops, sorry. Uh... where was I? Right! We're just gonna keep fighting till the very end!
Balurga: That could've been smoother.
Skull: In any case, we're not about to lose to some clown and his minions—especially not after he's smeared dirt on Allfather's name like this!
Reizrit: ...
Seeing the two's unwavering resolve, Reizrit hesitates.
Looking into Skull and Balurga's eyes, he wonders if this, in fact, is the manliness he had sought.
He begins to reconsider what Guzaletha would say about Chamux if he were still alive.
Reizrit: Skull... What do you see in the night sky?
Skull: Wha?
Skull cranks back his head to look up at the inky sky, at the tiny stars shining beyond the barbed wire cage of the arena.
Among them, he notices a single star more brilliant than the others. The star's light strikes a chord within Skull.
Skull: What I see, huh? Let's see...
Skull: I see a star that shines brighter than any other star in the sky!
Reizrit: Heh heh... I see.
The words give Reizrit the affirmation he needs to put his trust in the two.
For he knows what Skull saw was not simply any star that brought good or bad fortune, but a navigating star that will pave the way for them.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 5: Fatal Situation - Episode 4
No longer blinded by Rhiogur's lie, Reizrit uses his strength to open up a way out of the Deathmatch Dome. (Captain) and the others ride the Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jenkins they took from the enemy, and Skull and Balurga join them. Reizrit pushes open the large gates, and the crew escapes to the snowy fields outside.
Rhiogur and the disciples grow impatient when the execution they had been anticipating does not happen.
Chamux Disciple 10: What's goin' on here! Take out the criminals! Avenge Guzaletha!
Chamux Disciple 7: You're ruinin' the party here! If you're not gonna do it, then I will!
Rhiogur: Our youngest! Why do you waver?
Rhiogur: Now is the time for you to rampage freely! Show your loyalty to us!
Reizrit: Loyalty, huh?
Balurga: That guy's just a beat off, isn't he?
Skull: Yeah. It's not like we swore our loyalty to Allfather.
Skull: We looked up to Allfather, so we wanted to stay with him. That's all there was to it!
Reizrit: (Heh heh... That's right. I looked up to him. That man who was larger than life...)
Guzaletha: You should be back at home, living a life of peace and tranquility! Why are you here?
Young Reizrit: Peace and tranquility? That's not the sort of life I want to lead!
Young Reizrit: I... I want to be like you and live every day in earnest, as if I'm on fire!
Young Reizrit: And someday, I'll surpass you and become an even greater man!
Reizrit: (I can't believe I fell for such a clownish farce... I've been such a fool. An embarrassment of a lifetime.)
Chamux Disciple 10: Yo, little cowardly bro! You scared or somethin'? Yeehaw!
A torrent of taunts rises from the Chamux believers. Reizrit's lips curl into a pained smile, realizing that not a hint of affection exists in this community.
Reizrit: (If there is a spirit of the Allfather, perhaps it is Skull who truly channels it...)
Reizrit: Skull. Balurga. I was blind... but I see now.
Skull: Reizrit...
Reizrit: With this fist, I shall repay my debt to you.
Reizrit takes a deep breath. He walks over to the barbed wire surrounding the arena and stands in front of it.
Reizrit: Whew...
Rhiogur: Wh-what are you trying to do?
Reizrit: I'll say this. These fists of mine swing for others... only when I respect their spirit!
Balurga: Heh... Yeah, I get that feeling.
Reizrit: Bam! Baaa-dum!
Reizrit's roar echoes through the arena as he tears open the electrified cage without a flinch.
Skull: Wh-whoa, that's impressive...
Reizrit: Hold out your chains.
Reizrit easily breaks the chain binding Skull and Balurga, freeing both of them.
Reizrit: Now go.
Skull: What're you going to do?
Reizrit: I still have something I need to do.
Reizrit looks over to where Rhiogur is quivering with rage.
Rhiogur: Grrr...
Rhiogur: How dare you betray Guzaletha... Is blood not thicker than water!
Rhiogur: My sons! Tonight's festivity starts here! Execute the criminaaals!
Chamux Disciples: Yeeeehaaaw!
Reizrit: Whew...
Reizrit glances over his shoulder to see Skull support Balurga as the pair walk away from the arena.
Once his new comrades are safely out of range, he turns to face the incoming surge of howling believers and throws himself into the throng.
Eustace: Good job holding tight. It pays off now!
Choose: Time to save Skull and Balurga!
Lyria: Yeah!
(Captain) and company hop on their stolen Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jenkins and head to save their friends.
Eustace: Skull Jr.! You lead the other dogs and follow after us!
Skull Jr.: Woooof!
North Huskies: Woof, woof!
Chamux Disciple 12: Yo! They're trying to get away with our Jenkins! Get it baaack!
Eustace: Shut up.
Chamux Disciple 12: Eek! Gah...
The Jenkins moves forward with incredible speed, blowing past any disciples trying to stop it.
As they finally get near Skull and Balurga, Eustace begins providing cover fire to slow the chasing wave of Chamux.
Lyria: Skull! Balurga! Are you all right?
Skull: You're here...
Eustace: Get on the sled.
Eustace gestures to the other sled Skull Jr. has pulled along with him.
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Skull: Think you can get on, Balurga?
Balurga: The vacation's not over till we get back home, right? I'm not about to go down in a place like this!
Eustace: Skull. Use this.
Skull: Oh, nice! This'll be handy. Where'd you get a gun like this anyway?
Eustace: There was a ton in their warehouse. I borrowed one.
Disciple's Voice: Not so faaast, Skuuull!
Chamux Disciples: Yeeeehaaaw!
Skull: Damn! They sure don't give up...
Balurga: So what's the plan? The front gate's sealed shut.
Eustace: You see the steep stairs leading to the watchtower?
Eustace: We're going to ramp off them and jump over to the slope on the other side.
Skull: W-wait a second! Jumping off from the watchtower? Are you crazy?
Lyria: Let's put our trust in the dogs!
Eustace: It's better than dying here.
Skull: Haha, okay... You have a point. S-s-still...
Eustace: Heh. Scared?
Skull: D-don't be stupid! I'm trembling with... excitement!
Balurga: Hey, quit the chitchat! You're going to bite your own tongue off!
The two sleds speed up the stairs without a moment's delay.
Reaching the top of the steep steps, they ready themselves for the jump. It doesn't happen.
Something ahead explodes, rocking the sleds and killing their momentum.
Lyria: Eeep!
Skull: What... the hell...
Chamux Disciple 10: Thought you could get away from us? You're all goners!
Chamux Disciples: Yeeeehaaaw!
Skull: I can't believe you blew up dynamite in your own hideout...
Chamux Disciple 10: So what if our place gets a bit beat up? As long as we can rampage however we like and take you down, then it's all good!
Balurga: You're all insane...
Eustace: ...
Just as Eustace is thinking of how they can get out of their dire situation, a black shadow leaps out from nowhere and knocks out the disciples one by one.
Skull: What in the...
Reizrit: Whew...
Skull: Haha... You're one crazy guy.
Reizrit: I was just thinking how the gate's in the way of our escape.
Reizrit: Haaah!
Reizrit unleashes a war cry, the muscles on his body bulging as his fighting spirit flares up.
Using all the strength he can muster, Reizrit forces the giant gates open with his bare hands.
Reizrit: Rrrr... Haaah!
Skull: Wow...
Eustace: A "one-man army" indeed.
Once the opening is big enough for the sleds to pass through, Reizrit turns back to the crew with a satisfied look.
Reizrit: Go 'bove and beyond, my brother.
Skull: You know, I really like the way you talk. Thanks a bunch, little bro!
Balurga: Thanks, big bro.
Reizrit: Mwahaha!
(Captain) extends a hand, inviting Reizrit to join them in their escape.
Reizrit: There's something I must do.
Reizrit spins around and runs back deeper into the base, as if to take on all the Chamux still within.
Despite the urge to run after him and to save the people being held captive by Chamux, the captain resists.
Painfully aware that now is not the time to continue the fight, the crew has no choice but to leave the base behind.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 6: Fatal Situation - Episode 1
As the Chamux disciples chase after the crew, Skull thinks about how it is partly his fault that his past family has fallen prey to Rhiogur's lies as a result of Allfather's death. When Skull tells the others that he wants to save the followers, the others agree to head back to Chamux's base together.
The sleds speed across the snowy field as the angry shouts of their Chamux pursuers echo behind them.
Lyria: ...
Balurga: Thanks, Lyria. This feels a lot better.
Chamux Disciple 13: Heeyaw! Stop it right there, Skuuull!
Balurga: Persistent bunch, huh? It won't take long for them to catch up to us...
Eustace: Then we'll buy us some more time.
Skull: You got it!
Eustace and Skull position themselves and begin to shoot at their pursuers. Skull's aim fails to steady, his arms quivering.
But he continues to fight without a single complaint. Seeing Skull's bravery, Eustace gives a small smile.
Eustace: We're getting through this alive.
Skull: You bet we are!
Balurga: Nice work! Keep it up and we just might be able to lose these suckers!
Balurga's hand tightens on the reins. Just then, a loud explosion sounds from overhead.
Balurga: What the! Is that...
Eustace: Dynamite.
Balurga: Damn them!
The ground shakes violently from the explosion, triggering an avalanche that begins to billow toward the crew.
Eustace: Tch...
Skull: Switch with me, Balurga!
Skull: (Captain), stick close behind me!
Skull: All right, doggies! Whaddya say we go all ooout!
North Huskies: Woooof!
At Skull's howl, the North Huskies put on a new burst of speed just as the avalanche reaches them, now running atop the tumbling snow.
The risky maneuver is one that could only be pulled off by a denizen of these frigid lands.
Skull: Hyahaaa! This is what happens when you try to mess with me!
Balurga: Heheh, not bad!
Eustace: ...
Skull: What's the matter, Eustace?
Eustace: It appears they possess the same talent as you in steering the dogs.
Skull turns to see the disciples riding the white waves in the same way.
Chamux Disciples: Yeeeehaaaw!
Balurga: Bloodshot eyes, ghastly looks on their faces... They're practically feral.
Eustace: As bad as they are, I'm more worried about that Rhiogur figure who incited them to it.
Skull: ...
Ex-Odajumoki: Those who join Chamux have given up thinking for themselves—decided to leave it to someone else.
Ex-Odajumoki: They feel good clinging to that "freedom to rampage," but it's just a puppeteer's string making them dance.
Ex-Odajumoki: Or, well, I guess for some of 'em it's just about being drunk on power.
Skull: Those guys... only follow orders.
Skull: It's like they stopped thinking for themselves... They've lost their freedom.
Skull: I thought freedom was something you had to take with your own hands!
Balurga: ...
Skull: But the guys in Chamux are satisfied with the fake freedom that clown gave them.
Skull: Almost like how we were before.
Skull: Allfather was the same. He had us doing what he wanted to get his idea of freedom.
Skull: He dangled freedom in front of us but kept us down!
Skull: But that's not all there was to it! He took us in and treated us like family. You get me, right, Balurga?
Balurga: Yeah. He acknowledged me for who I was. I really owe him for that.
Skull: Odajumoki might've been a false family, but in a way, it was also a real one.
Skull: That's not the case for these guys though. They just rampage as if they've lost their minds!
Skull: Freedom... The freedom I believe in is not that kind of false freedom!
Balurga: Skull...
Skull: Tch. Sorry... I can't really put it into the right words.
Skull: But I'm wondering... If I hadn't killed Allfather...
Skull: All the Odajumoki guys, and all of the believers in Chamux too...
Skull: They might not have gotten tricked by that clown... and turned out like this...
Eustace: So, what do you want to do?
Skull: If it's possible, I wanna wake them up.
Skull: I don't wanna see people I used to call my brothers being used by a creep like that!
Touched by Skull's passion, (Captain) thinks for a moment.
The captain suggests that perhaps what they need to do to stop Chamux is not combat.
What the disciples need is to be freed from their fixation on Guzaletha, and discover something else that they can look up to.
Skull: (Captain)...
Balurga: I'm in.
Skull: Balurga... But you...
Balurga: Shut up. A little scratch like this isn't about to get in my way!
Lyria: I think it's a good idea! I want to help too!
Eustace: ...
Skull: Hey, Eustace. I know you went outta your way to come save us, so I'm sorry, but...
Eustace: Just be careful.
Skull: So... is that an okay?
Eustace: Our mission is over. If you want to start another, fine.
Balurga: Hah. Ya got some fire under that ice after all!
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 6: Fatal Situation - Episode 2
Back at the hideout, Reizrit bravely takes on the Chamux believers by himself. The sheer number of followers begins to overwhelm him, but he perseveres, having learned from Skull that he, too, must become independent and find his own freedom. It is then that Skull and the others return to the base.
Skull: Okay. We're gonna make a full turn, so don't get yourselves thrown off!
North Huskies: Woooof!
The North Huskies' rear legs slide cleanly across the snow as they maneuver the sled into a sharp U-turn.
The turn is so quick that it catches the Chamux disciples off guard. The disciples slide straight past the crew, unable to stop.
Chamux Disciple 13: Wait! Waaait! Why'd they suddenly turn like that?
Chamux Disciple 14: Hey, look... Are they headin' back to our base?
Chamux Disciple 13: C'mon, hurry! If they get back before us, they're gonna close the gate on us!
Skull: Come on, come on, come on!
Skull Jr.: Woooof!
Eustace: I'll take care of the gate.
Balurga: You going to be okay by yourself?
Eustace: Yes.
(Captain) and company rush through the narrow opening in the gate.
They return to see Reizrit fighting bravely by himself against a multitude of crazed disciples.
Skull: Reizrit! We're coming, so hang in there!
Balurga: Hey, don't run off on your own!
Eustace: (Captain). Lyria. I'll leave the rest to you.
Eustace gracefully jumps off of the sled and runs toward the gatekeeper's post.
With a shortage of people left at their hideout, Eustace quickly suppresses the guards and proceeds to close the gate.
Reizrit: Huff, huff...
Rhiogur: Hyohoho! I can see your fatigue is finally catching up to you!
Rhiogur: But I still cannot understand... Why did you betray us and side with the enemy?
Rhiogur: Did you not swear to Guzaletha that you will dedicate yourself to Chamux!
Reizrit: It's true. I saw Allfather in you...
Rhiogur: Then whyyy!
Reizrit: They opened my eyes! I saw how everything was a deception... I was blind!
Reizrit: And in Skull I saw a future! One to take my ideals higher!
Reizrit: Allfather... is no longer in this world.
Reizrit: I have to continue living on my own. I have to be independent and live my own life... freely.
Rhiogur: Live freely? A brat like you? After chasing after the illusion of Guzaletha for so long?
Rhiogur: Hm, hm. But never mind. Even without you, Chamux is indestructible.
Rhiogur: We simply need to carry on Guzaletha's will and fulfill our aspirations!
Skull's Voice: Don't be stupid!
Reizrit: Skull?
Skull: There's still something I need to do here, you know?
Reizrit: ...
Skull: I can't leave without punching a few holes in that clown like he deserves!
Rhiogur: Who would have thought that you'd come back to your graveyard on your own? Your stupidity never ceases to entertain.
Rhiogur: Now, my sons! Let us restart the festivities!
Chamux Guitarist: Beeeorp!
Chamux Drummer: Bup, ba-dup, bup, bup!
Bup, ba-dup, bup!
Bup, ba-dup, bup!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 6: Fatal Situation - Episode 3
Skull begins to speak to the Chamux disciples about what he believes true freedom to be. He explains that it is not simply running wild under the pretext of fulfilling Guzaletha's wishes, but to live according to one's own will and to laugh from the bottom of one's heart. His words bring tears to Reizrit's eyes and cause the believers to reflect on their own actions.
The Chamux disciples move to the deafening music, laughing madly as they surround (Captain) and company.
Skull: Man, just look at these guys' faces. Buncha weirdos.
Balurga: You gonna say that looking like you do?
Reizrit: Do you have a plan?
Skull: Yeah...
Skull: No.
Reizrit: What! You came back without a single thing planned out? You're one crazy man...
Skull: But I do have something I wanna say to all the knuckleheads here who can't think for themselves.
Skull takes a deep breath before glaring over at the disciples.
Skull: Are all of you just gonna go along with whatever this clown says? That's so lame!
Chamux Disciple 7: You dare mock Allfather? We'll rip you apart right here!
Skull: Just try! I'm not gonna run! So think of these as my last words and listen to what I have to say!
A silence follows Skull's desperate cry.
But it does not last long.
Chamux Disciple 7: Gahaha! Who's got the time to listen to a punk like you?
Chamux Disciple 15: Yeah! We're in the middle of a party here! I'll take Skull down myself!
Skull: Quiet! I'm not done talking—
Reizrit: Bam!
Reizrit puts all of his strength into his fist and smashes it into the ground, creating a large fissure in the base.
Chamux Disciple 15: ...
Reizrit: Skull has somethin' to say, so listen to him!
Reizrit: Anyone who dares to interrupt, I'll send 'em to hell right 'ere!
Overwhelmed by Reizrit's show of anger, the believers reluctantly cease talking.
Reizrit: Skull, I made a decision to put my trust in you. I believe that yer the man who'll inherit Allfather's will!
Skull: Pfft. Allfather's Allfather, and I'm me.
Skull: All of you are strong! Strong enough to take on whoever you want!
Skull: But what're you fighting for?
Skull: Don't tell me you're running around just because that weirdo told you he gave you the freedom to do that!
Skull: Picking fights with people, robbing kingdoms and people of their things, bullying the weak...
Skull: Does it really feel that good to run around like that? Is there any of the courage and freedom you all looked up to once in that?
Skull: If you think you're so much smarter than me, then why don't you think about that?
Chamux Disciples: ...
Skull: Freedom's something you have to reach out and grip with your own hand!
Feeling Skull's unwavering gaze on them, the disciples remain silent.
Rhiogur: Kehehe... Are you finished?
Rhiogur: Chamux is made up of people who gathered around Allfather Guzaletha of their own will.
Rhiogur: As long as there are false kings who rule over us and take away our freedom, the fight will not end.
Rhiogur: That is Guzaletha's will!
Rhiogur: Mere words from a worthless brat like you will not be able to stop us! Never, I say!
Skull: I came back on my own accord... because I wanted to.
Skull: Not because someone else told me to. No one's tying me down.
Skull: Floating around like a cloud in the sky. Living a carefree, fun, and exciting life while adventuring...
Skull: Going out to see things. Getting surprised by things. Make some noise, eat some good grub, sleep some...
Skull: Do you really think that freedom's about always being on edge, always charging from one thing to the next?
Skull: I don't think so. To me... freedom's about all the things that make you laugh from the bottom of your heart.
Skull: What about you guys? Do you get to laugh every day? The kind where you throw your head back and just let everything go?
Reizrit: Sniff...
Skull: What're you crying for, geez...
Reizrit: You know... That just might've gotten through to them.
Skull glances around to see the Chamux disciples looking down in hesitation.
Tears sliding down his cheeks, Reizrit isn't sure if Skull's words were able to reach the depths of the Chamux's hearts.
But he does know that they planted a seed.
Freedom's Dirge - Chapter 6: Fatal Situation - Episode 4
Rhiogur tries to win back the hearts of the disciples with his summoning act, but initially fails as Skull tricks him into revealing the sham. Still, he eventually succeeds by reminding them of the wealth and power membership in Chamux offers. Rhiogur brings out his Flaming Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jenkins and makes an attack on the crew.
Rhiogur: Hrrrgh...
Rhiogur: My sons! Do not let yourselves be deceived!
Rhiogur: Did you not hear Guzaletha's voice that spoke from within me?
Chamux Disciples: ...
At Rhiogur's sudden display of anger, the disciples remain silent and unmoving.
Rhiogur: Aaargh!
Rhiogur: Divine punishment! Divine punishment upon you aaall!
Rhiogur loses his temper and swings wildly at everyone around him.
North Husky: Whine...
Rhiogur: Grr... You mean to say the even the pups have lost the will to fight?
North Husky: Squeal!
Skull: Hey! What the hell are you doing to that doggy?
Rhiogur: Silence! Sileeence! You shall not speak, traitor!
Rhiogur: Yeeeehaaaw!
Rhiogur goes into a frenzy, wrenching a gun from a Chamux disciple and repeatedly pulling the trigger without bothering to sight any targets.
When his followers realize that they, too, are in danger, they scatter in all directions, frantic to get away.
Rhiogur: Hrrrgh... My sons... How can you let yourselves be deceived by this traitor?
Rhiogur: The only person you should be trusting is me, your Allfather... and Guzalethaaa!
Rhiogur turns to where a golden statue is enshrined and bows his head. He begins to chant.
Rhiogur: I shall let you witness with your own eyes and ears... and talk with Guzaletha himself!
Rhiogur: O hallowed and beloved Allfather, Guzaletha! We lay at your feet... Show yourself to uuus!
A ghastly look on his face, Rhiogur lifts his arm high into the air and prays to the sky.
And as if in response to his prayer, the courtyard is enveloped in white smoke as thunder sounds from above.
Skull: Wh-what's happening?
Reizrit: He's summoning the spirit of Allfather... An evocation.
Balurga: Oh good. We can finally see what the hubbub is about.
Skull: ...
Balurga: What're you getting so nervous for?
Skull: Sh-shut up!
Rhiogur: Hrrrgh... Now, come to me... Come... Come to me...
Suddenly, the believers who had remained quiet up until now join in the chant, offering their prayers to the heavens.
Rhiogur: O hallowed and beloved Allfather, Guzaletha! We lay at your feet... and ask that you show yourself to us!
Rhiogur: Hyaaaeee!
A blinding light flashes before them, dispelling the white smoke that had been hindering their sight.
Rhiogur: Whew...
Skull: Gulp...
Skull and the others narrow their eyes, eager to witness what is about to follow.
Rhiogur: Mwahaha... Mwahahaha! My sons, d-do not be deceived!
Skull & Balurga: Hm?
Rhiogur: We are Chamux, a name that has t-taken the world by storm!
Rhiogur: Every kingdom has c-come to fear us... It will not be long until they yield!
Rhiogur: S-soon... we shall reign... over the entirety of the skies!
Rhiogur: Those who suppress our freedom!
Those who restrain our freedom!
Those who rob us of true freedom!
Those who restrain our freedom!
Those who rob us of true freedom!
Rhiogur: Once we have e-expelled these fiends from the skies, we will be able to attain true freedom!
Rhiogur: There is no d-doubt in our belief! There is no m-madness in our conviction! Our f-f-faith... shall persevere!
Skull & Balurga: ...
Lyria: Huh? Um... what did we just see? Was it some sort of impression?
Reizrit: Allfatheeer...
Skull: Wha?
Chamux Disciple 15: Allfather Guzalethaaa...
Touched by the words from Guzaletha's spirit, Reizrit and the Chamux disciples break down into tears.
Rhiogur: Look up into the night sky! See how bright the stars shine! How they burn red! These f-f-falling stars will surely guide us.
Rhiogur: Lift your spirits! Together, we must expel the t-traitors that lead us astray with their words!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Rhiogur's words shake the hearts of his believers, igniting the madness in them once again.
Skull: Hehe, ha, hyahaaa! Oh, come ooon! How is that even close to Allfather?
Reizrit: ...!
Whew... That was close. He almost tricked me again.
Whew... That was close. He almost tricked me again.
Balurga: Take a good look. I told you the whole channeling thing was a big, fat lie.
Reizrit: You're right... After all, what he saw in the sky was a red shooting star... A star of bad omen!
Skull: Hey, you swindling clown!
Rhiogur: ...
Skull: Wait a second! Are you seriously ignoring me? I'm talking to you, mister pointy-hat-and-face-paint!
Skull: If you're gonna copy Allfather, at least do it with style!
Skull: You don't sound like him at all! Who is this clown!
Rhiogur: Grrr! How dare you insult my mastered impression... Unforgivable! Absolutely unforgivable!
Rhiogur: I shall send divine punishment upon you this very instant!
Skull: Your... mastered impression?
Rhiogur: Ack!
Rhiogur covers his mouth in horror.
Skull: Oho? So... was that Allfather Guzaletha? Or was that just some crank doing an impression, hm?
Rhiogur: Rrg...
Skull: You all see this? Do you really think a guy shaking in his pants like this could really be Allfather Guzaletha?
Skull: The Allfather you all love was a far greater, more respectable man than this!
Chamux Disciples: ...
Eustace: Pride comes before a fall.
Eustace: You never thought you'd get tripped up by a dimwitted buffoon like Hollow-Skull, did you?
Skull: Hey, whose side are you on anyway?
Striding out suddenly from a hidden door, Eustace tosses a broken machine and a nervous-looking Chamux disciple in front of (Captain) and the others.
Skull: What the heck's this?
Eustace: Apparently a machine to add those effects to the channeling ceremony.
Rhiogur: ...
Eustace: Well?
Rhiogur's Underling: Y-yeah... I made the smoke... and thunder... come outta this machine...
The other disciples are shaken by the sudden revelation.
Chamux Disciple 7: A-Allfather... Is that true? Did you really... trick us all into believin' a lie?
Skull: Say it loud it clear, you pretender!
Rhiogur: ...
Rhiogur casts a sad gaze at the disciples, his lips curling into a smile.
Rhiogur: My sons... Now is not the time to worry whether everything is real or false!
Rhiogur: If you continue to follow me as you have, all will be at your beckoning. Power! Money! Violence! What more could you ask for?
Rhiogur: This is our chance to finally achieve our aspirations and eradicate the enemy once and for all!
Chamux Disciples: ...!
Skull: Everyone here is someone who decided to come because they looked up to a great man like Allfather.
Skull: They wouldn't be driven by dreams as selfish as—
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Skull: Whaaa!
The believers' eyes hold not a hint of honor, burning instead with selfish desire.
Chamux Disciple 7: Sorry, Skull. Balurga. We've come this far... We might as well keep plowin' ahead at this point.
Balurga: Where's your hunger for freedom!
Chamux Disciple 15: Shut up... We're hungry for food...
Skull: Why the hell are you guys following that weirdo around!
Skull: Is it because... I killed Allfather? Did that turn you all into cowards?
Rhiogur: Take thaaat! It is your very conceit that threw your precious family down to the bottom of the abyss!
Skull: Ergh...
Balurga: I don't think so.
Balurga: No matter what happens, as long as you live, you'll always have choices to make for yourself.
Balurga: Even if Allfather's not here anymore, we're all free to choose our own path! That's the pride of the Odajumoki!
Rhiogur: Hyohoho! I suppose you are not entirely wrong. However...
Rhiogur: Following someone with power makes life easier. Many people in the world agree with this logic.
Rhiogur: Anyone can clear a path for themselves... but following it for the sake of your own ambitions is another matter. Never forget that!
Skull: Tch.
Rhiogur: Now! It is time to reveal our ultimate weapon!
Rhiogur: Behooold! My Flaming Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jeeenkins!
Chamux Disciples: Heeyaaaw!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
We are the freedom to rampage!
We are Chamux!
Chamux Disciples: Whoooo!
All-fa-ther! All-fa-ther!
Eustace: So noisy.
Eustace: Let's shut them up and get some peace and quiet.
Skull: Fine... I'll blow those rotten thoughts right outta your heads myself!
Balurga: Just think of our fists as ringing you a wake-up call from Allfather!
Reizrit: Count me in. The compass of my heart has shown me the way.
Lyria: We won't forgive anyone who steps on Skull's feelings!
Gran is the Main Character
(Captain) and company rise up to face Chamux, exercising their own freedom to fight for what they believe is right.
Djeeta is the Main Character
(Captain) and company rise up to face Chamux, exercising their own freedom to fight for what they believe is right.
Freedom's Dirge - Ending
(Captain) and company successfully take down the Flaming Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jenkins. With their leader defeated, the disciples lose the willpower to fight. The organization finally crumbles, and all the Chamux followers that had committed violent acts are promptly arrested. The crisis is resolved, and Skull, Balurga, and Reizrit decide to walk their own paths in seeking true freedom.
Gran is the Main Character
(Captain): ...!
Djeeta is the Main Character
(Captain): ...!
Skull: Haaah!
Skull: Huff, huff... We did it... That's what you get for... standing up against us...
Balurga: Don't get ahead of yourself, Skull. We took down a big one, but we're not done yet.
Reizrit: I will offer up my own life if I have to for the sake of victory. Nothing can stop this fist until my life is extinguished!
Despite the crew's victory over the Flaming Ultra Dogsled-Tank Jenkins, they are still outnumbered by Chamux.
But the spirits of (Captain) and company remain strong, their bruised bodies still poised to fight.
Skull: Hey! That new Jenkins you guys were so proud of? I blew it apart just like that!
Skull: You see the big guy I am now? I dare the bravest of you lot to come and fight me!
Chamux Disciple 7: ...
Skull: What was it again? Power and money? Violence? Guess you didn't want it that badly after all, huh!
Skull: What've you got to say for yourselves!
At last the combination of word and deed reaches the disciples, and they can do nothing but hang their heads, ashamed of their miserable selves.
One by one, they drop their weapons and surrender.
Chamux Disciple 15: Everything you've said... It got me right in the heart.
Skull: Heh...
Chamux Disciple 7: I never expected someone like you to knock the sense back into me...
Lyria: I'm so glad Skull's feelings got through to them...
Rhiogur: Hrrrngh... My sons, what do you think you're doing? You must not give up!
Rhiogur: We are one step away from achieving our dreams! So very close... Will you not follow me until my mission is fulfiiilled!
However, Rhiogur's cry is no longer able to stir the hearts of his followers, who have already lost the will to fight.
Rhiogur: Hrrrng...
Eustace: The battle has been won.
Skull: Whoa... This is some crazy stuff!
Skull: I mean, Chamux was threatening the entire sky... and I just crushed 'em! Me!
Skull: Yeeeehaaaw!
Balurga: You're exaggerating.
Rhiogur: This can't be... My followers were men controlled by madness...
Rhiogur: I am meant to surpass Guzaletha! With Chamux, a group I have gathered myself, I shall dominate these skies!
Rhiogur: I will build a land fit for capable Harvins such as myself...
Rhiogur: And then, I shall invite Captain Charlotta of the Holy Knights to be its queen. We shall reign over these skieees!
Without a moment's delay, (Captain) cuts in.
The captain flatly tells Rhiogur that Charlotta has already condemned Chamux for their selfish principles.
Rhiogur: Wha!
Rhiogur: Th-th-that must be a lie! How would someone like you know? How dare you twist Captain Charlotta's words like that—
Lyria: Charlotta is a friend of ours.
Rhiogur: Huh?
Eustace: It's true.
Eustace: (Captain)... Why don't you show him the letter we received from Lumiel?
Rhiogur: Nooo! No, no, nooo! Aaah!
Unable to take in the sudden turn of events, Rhiogur begins to shake with a deranged expression on his face.
Rhiogur: Skull, Skull, Skull, Skull... If it were not for you, the skies would have been mine...
Rhiogur: Aaah! Unforgivableee!
Skull: Alright then, let's duel. I'll... end this once and for all!
Skull: Pant, pant... Ergh... Dammit...
With his body battered and bruised, Skull no longer has the strength to even pull the trigger, his consciousness fading.
Eustace steps out in front of Skull and positions his aim at Rhiogur.
Eustace: This small fry isn't worth your effort, big man.
Rhiogur: Hyahaha!
Rhiogur: Grah...
Eustace: Sorry I stole your spotlight.
Skull: Heh, it's fine.
Eustace extends a hand toward Skull. The injured man grasps Eustace's hand firmly and expresses his thanks with a smile.
Several days later.
Monika: Thank you so much, everyone, for lending us your support. We're greatly in your debt.
Vyrn: Heheh. It's kinda embarrassin' when ya thank us like that!
Monika: Thanks to all of you, we were able to establish an alliance with the different kingdoms to put a stop to Chamux's activities and arrest the criminals.
Monika: We've also made sure that those who were being held captive by Chamux have been sent back to their own homes.
Lyria: What about the kingdoms and villages that were victim to Chamux's attacks?
Lecia: No need to worry. The residents of each place are working together to restore their towns.
Lecia: At this rate, they should be able to return to their everyday life in no time.
Lyria: I see! That's wonderful to hear!
Monika: I'm still surprised how easy it was for Chamux to fall apart.
Monika: They posed such a big threat to the skies, and yet, collapsed immediately just upon losing their leader.
Monika: I suppose it's testament to his ability to build a cult of personality.
Eustace: It's not only that. The guys from the original Odajumoki are also too simple for their own good.
(Captain) adds that Skull, Balurga, Skull Jr., and the others are who deserve the credit in bringing the incident to a close.
The captain smiles, commenting on how it was their passion—such a familiar sight on the Grandcypher—that ended up saving the skies from disaster.
Lecia: Passion, huh?
Guzaletha's grave stands among the fields of North Vast.
Skull, Balurga, Skull Jr., and Reizrit offer their prayers in front of it.
Skull: I guess all the Odajumoki guys are gonna keep sticking around here, huh.
Balurga: Devotion, stubbornness, or instinct... Whatever it is, there's no mistake that Allfather's soul calls to them.
Balurga clenches a fist that isn't there, and cracks a smile.
Balurga: But I think it's time for me to go. From here on out, I'm going to find my own freedom.
Balurga: What about you, Skull?
Skull: Ah, well... Back at the hideout, I was just spouting off whatever came to mind. But I've been thinking...
Skull: I said all that, but I don't know if it's really right or not.
Skull: Even if I think that's right now, maybe it's not later, you know?
Reizrit: I know what you're trying to say. Still, the words you said back there struck a chord in me.
Reizrit: They broke the spell that those guys cast and opened my eyes.
Skull: Haha! I'm happy to hear you say that and all, but I gotta say—you're not the brightest at judging whether something's real or not.
Balurga: You can say that again. Channeling Allfather's spirit? I can't believe you fell for that and his awful impression.
Skull Jr.: Woof, woof!
Reizrit: Sniff... Hnnngh...
Skull: Wh-what're you crying for! You can take an army but not some ribbing?
Balurga: It was just a joke! Sorry.
Reizrit: Nah, I was just thinkin' back to yer words, Skull... and that got me cryin' all o'er again.
Reizrit: I left my homeland so I could become a great man who lived every day with a fire in his heart...
Reizrit: And I still want to become that sorta man. So I've decided...
Reizrit: To follow the compass of my heart... and set out on a journey to help those sufferin' from oppression, like the man of courage I dream of bein'.
Skull: I know you can do it. I mean, look at ya. You're like strong strong!
Reizrit wipes away his tears and straightens up before turning away from Skull and Balurga.
Reizrit: It's goodbye for now, my brothers. Until we meet again.
Skull & Balurga: ...
Balurga: Well, we should probably head back too. (Captain) and everyone's waiting for us... back home, that is.
Skull: Yeah! I bet they all can't wait to see a big star like me again!
Skull looks up into the vast sky and spreads his arms wide, raising them high into the air.
Slowly, he closes his fists, as if to grasp the sky.
Skull: (To be honest, I've still got a long way to go. But right now, I kinda feel...)
Skull: (Like I can finally see the freedom that I've always believed in!)
With this spark in his heart, Skull departs from his homeland once more.
For he knows it is his destiny to soar through the skies until he has true freedom within his grasp.
The End
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