Gran and company hurry toward the Grandcypher to escape Agastia. Adam—who'd stayed behind to defend the airship—expresses his gratitude to the gang and reveals that he is a golem, then his functions cease. They bring him to Mephorash, where the Black Knight begins a showdown against the crew to decide Orchis's fate.
Vyrn
Whew... I thought we were toast for real this time.
Rackam
Heh! Don't you always think that?
Vyrn
Hehe, now that you mention it... Guess I do!
Katalina
I don't think anyone would have expected things to turn out this way.
Katalina
We should be glad that the job is done, and that no lives were lost.
Black Knight
...
Orchis
...
Having valiantly thwarted Freesia's devious schemes, the crew takes a moment to let out a sigh of relief.
However...
Lecia
Hm? Did you hear that?
Imperial Soldier 1
Over here! I've found the intruders!
Imperial Soldier 2
What! They have the prime minister? Your Excellency, are you all right!
Imperial Soldier 3
You fiends! What have you done!
Rackam
Oh boy... Looks like breaking the reactor woke the kids up.
Imperial Soldier 3
Call for reinforcements and a medical team! The felons have the prime minister, and she's in critical condition!
Eugen
Hah!
Yeah, we've got a felon here, all right!
Rosetta
Well, it's simply wonderful seeing them back to their old selves again.
Io
They should be thanking us! We're the ones who saved the world while they were out cold!
Black Knight
But to those soldiers, we're nothing more than criminals who infiltrated the capital and destroyed Erste's core.
Orchis
That is... what we did though...
Rackam
Meh! Who cares about their thanks anyway—I like 'em more this way! Just like old times!
Rackam
Now who's up for some well-deserved R & R! We're headin' back to the Grandcypher!
Gran and company breeze through the soldiers with ease and swiftness, escaping the Tower.
Sierokarte
I'm so glad you're all safe!
Monika
Looks like you all managed to bring down that reactor thing!
Lecia
Siero! Monika! Are you two all right? Are you hurt?
Tzaka the Great
Worry not. Our battle is nothing compared to what you have been through.
Monika
The Crew of Enforcers... Port Breeze skyfarers... Valtz Duchy...
Monika
The people of Auguste too... It's thanks to all of you!
Tzaka the Great
And to the destruction of the reactor.
Tzaka the Great
Because of that, our troops are making a speedy recovery. Good fortune to us all.
Sierokarte
The imperial soldiers are waking up too though...
Eugen
Well! We've done what we came to do! Don't see any point in staying.
Dialogue Option
Time to go.
Vyrn
Yeah! We should get going before this gets any messier!
Dialogue Option
Time to take over Erste!
Lyria
U-um, t-take over what?
Monika
Hahaha!
Didn't know you had it in you, Gran! Now that's what I call ambition!
Lecia
M-Monika! Gran! Don't say stuff like that—this is serious!
Tzaka the Great
I advise that a withdrawal would be the wisest decision...
Tzaka the Great
The crisis has been averted, and it is time to leave the rest to the people of this land.
Sierokarte
Roger that! We're getting out of here!
With that, Sierokarte turns to a skyfarer beside her.
Sierokarte
Could I trouble you to pass the word on? Make sure everyone gets the message!
The skyfarer goes off to relay the message to others who'd come to aid the island.
Rackam
All right, not a moment to lose! Next stop: the Grandcypher!
Rackam
Not that I don't trust that general, but I'm anxious to see if the Grandcypher's still in one piece.
Gran and company withdraw from the battlefield and rush through Agastia.
Different groups head off in different directions toward their own ships, while the crew heads beneath Agastia—to the Grandcypher.
Arriving at the port beneath Agastia, the crew witnesses a peculiar display.
All around the Grandcypher, a circular array of soldiers lie stacked atop each other.
Adam
...
Upon its deck stands but one man. Though wounded he may be, he stands firm and resolute.
Black Knight
I don't believe it... You actually defended an entire airship all by yourself.
Rackam
Thank you, General.
We really owe you one.
Adam
No need for thanks, Rackam. I'm just doing my duty.
Lyria
But your wounds... You really risked your life to keep the Grandcypher safe...
As the crew display their gratitude toward the bruise-ridden Adam, they notice something from his wounds...
Orchis
Your body...
Adam
This body... isn't human.
Adam
I was created at the height of Erste's golden age...
Adam
The culmination of golem research that has since been lost, the epitome of the time's golem technology... That is what I am.
Orchis
A... golem...
Adam lowers his head in silent affirmation.
Rackam
Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're a what now?
Adam
I want to thank you again, on behalf of all of Erste...
Adam
Thank you... All of you... Today you saved more than you will ever know.
Adam
You have saved all that is precious to me, all that I wished to protect.
Gran and company exchange looks with a hint of embarrassment.
Adam
And Orchis...
Orchis
Me?
Hearing her name called out of the blue, Orchis looks to Adam in surprise.
Adam
I... wish I could stay longer, to guide you till the end of the path...
Adam
But... it seems my time is coming to a close...
Black Knight
Adam. What's wrong?
Adam
Her... it's all... for her... I...
Please...
Adam
...
Lyria
Wha...
Lecia
G-General?
Lecia calls out to Adam. But try as she might, he does not answer.
Io
Oh no...
Orchis
...
Eugen
H-hey! Adam! Adam! If this is a prank, I swear...
Adam
...
Rackam
Adam... No...
Rosetta
...
Katalina
Rgh...
Vyrn
He gave his life... to save our ship...
In the midst of the solemn silence, the Black Knight raises a proposal.
Black Knight
Gran... can you bring us to Mephorash?
Lecia
Mephorash? If I recall, that's—
Black Knight
The capital of the what was once the Erste Kingdom... In a time when golems brought Erste into a golden age...
Black Knight
That's where this man should rest...
Black Knight
And that's where it all started... Everything that made me who I am...
Black Knight
That's why it has to be where you and I end this.
Orchis
...
Lyria
...
The crew acknowledges the Black Knight's request. Upon laying Adam in a cabin bed, the ship silently embarks.
As they reach their destination, the crew sees chaos erupting around Ravi Island.
Echoes of the upheaval in Agastia had reached the island, spurring an uproar. The crew weaves through a gap in the chain of ships and lands safely on Ravi Island.
In stark contrast to the mayhem of battleships around the island, Mephorash City itself seems as peaceful as they last left it.
Eugen
I reckon this town doesn't get much of any news from the outside.
Black Knight
Who would have known. It looks like the blockage actually ended up protecting the city.
The crew make their way to the heart of the Mephorash, to the old capital's palace.
Lyria
Huh?
Vyrn
Hm? What's wrong, Lyria?
Lyria
I thought... I heard a girl laughing.
Black Knight
Are you saying there's someone else here besides us?
Lecia
Well, with what happened at Agastia, they could be reinforcing the fortresses and strongholds with troops, but...
Black Knight
But a little girl? Civilians aren't allowed on these grounds.
Lyria
B-but I know heard it! I think...
However there were no signs of anyone else in the castle, nor do they find any clues as to what Lyria heard.
They find a room in the palace suitable for Adam to rest, and lay him down.
Rackam
He was a good man... I can't ever repay him...
Rosetta
We've done what he wanted us to do, I know it.
Rosetta
Let us have moment of silence... May he rest in peace...
The room is still and calm. Heads are gently bowed, and some hold hands in prayer.
After a long silence, Orchis turns to Lyria with a look of determination.
Orchis
Lyria... Come with me...
Lyria
...?
Orchis brings Lyria away from the others before continuing.
Orchis
Lyria... There's something I want to ask you.
Lyria
Ask? Me?
Orchis
This is... my first and last wish...
Orchis
Please, do it for me... Not for Orchis... but for me...
Lyria
Wha... Huh?
Orchis
...
The Black Knight brings the crew to the palace's great hall and turns around to face them.
Black Knight
I believe all of you know what I meant when I said we would end this. This is about Orchis, as it always has been.
Black Knight
Within Lyria lies the key to bringing back Orchis... The old Orchis.
Katalina
You want to use Deus Ex Machina.
Black Knight
That's right.
But Lyria, and all of you included, are opposed to that.
Black Knight
It seems we are at an impasse, one that can no longer be overcome by words. You know it too, don't you, Gran.
The Black Knight's words sends chills through the air. Everyone can feel the tension mounting.
Lyria
Why... Why does it have to be like this?
Lyria
Can't you accept Orchis for who she is right now?
Orchis
...
Black Knight
To be honest, I can no longer bring myself to call her a "doll."
Black Knight
However, even so, I must bring her back...
Black Knight
For the people of this city, for her resting parents, for the person I once was...
Black Knight
I am who I am... And I will not—can not—break the oath I made to myself.
Black Knight
And even if not for that... I simply want to see her smile again.
Orchis
...
Black Knight
I would be lying if I said I don't have any second thoughts about this.
Black Knight
Know that this is not easy for me.
Black Knight
In honesty, I can no longer choose. Whichever road is taken, I lose one or the other, when I wish to lose neither.
The Black Knight fixes a fierce gaze on Gran.
Black Knight
But... Without choice, one cannot move on.
Black Knight
So help me... Show me which is stronger: that which gave birth to this black armor, or that which built this armor up.
Black Knight
Show me, and I will be at peace with whatever may come of it.
The Black Knight reveals a crystal of dark essence and pours its energies into herself.
Eugen
No! That's—
Black Knight
Dark essence. Though I will not use all of its power.
Katalina
She's finally gone and done it.
Rosetta
It looks like this is going to be the real final battle for us.
Io
It's painful to have to do this... But I'm not backing down!
Lecia
We may be past the point of talking her out of it...
Lecia
But if this battle helps to put her at ease, I won't give it any less than my all!
Rackam
I always knew it might come to this one day...
Eugen
Apollo... If this fight is what you really want... Then I'm not gonna sell you short.
Lyria
Orchis, we're going to fight against the Black Knight for you.
Lyria
We're doing this for you! We don't want you to go!
Lyria
So please—
Orchis
...
Vyrn
We've been though a whole lot, but I guess to her, this is really important...
Vyrn
Let's do this, Gran! It's time to pull all out the stops!
Black Knight
En garde! This may not be a fight between good and evil...
Black Knight
But it is a fight of wills!
Orchis is prepared to sacrifice herself so that her body may be returned to the real Orchis. However, she is saved when her spirit energy is placed into a golem Adam created, now assuming the name of "Orchid." Elsewhere in Oarlyegrande, a man called the True King contemplates the peace and stability of all skydoms.
Gran and company are able to drive back the dark essence and defeat the Black Knight.
The Black Knight hardly looks resentful, but rather relieved as she accepts her defeat.
Black Knight
I guess... I've lost.
Black Knight
But... allow me to thank you, Gran.
Black Knight
Up until now... Even until this very moment, you truly stuck by me.
Black Knight
And now... and now I can...
Despite a trace of hesitation in her face, the Black Knight hardens her resolve.
But, as if to defy her resolution, a dignified voice echoes out.
Orchis
Lyria...
Lyria
Orchis... Why? I can't do it... I can't.
Orchis
Please... Lyria.
Lyria
I can't! Because I... I just...
Lyria
Orchis! Please, just reconsider!
Katalina
What's wrong, you two?
Orchis
I'm sorry, Lyria...
As she murmurs the words, Orchis reaches out for the crystal on Lyria's chest.
Lyria
No! Orchis!
Black Knight
!
Orchis
I, in the name of Arqus, call upon you, Deus Ex Machina, to activate.
Lyria
Primal beast, Deus Ex Machina, activation request acknowledged...
Black Knight
It can't be... Stop! Orchis!
Orchis gazes steadily at the Black Knight while being slowly consumed by the light.
Orchis
I'm sorry...
Black Knight
Wait! Stop! Orchis!
Orchis
Primal beast, Deus Ex Machina... Leave your transitional state...
Orchis
And dwell within me!
!
As her consciousness falls into darkness, Orchis begins to reflect on her feelings.
Orchis
Who... am I?
Orchis
I always thought it was strange... that I'm a doll... but not quite a doll.
Orchis
That I am Orchis... but not quite Orchis.
Orchis
But... even I have a purpose. She gave me one...
Orchis
My purpose... To become Orchis.
Orchis
At first... I didn't understand. So sometimes, she'd get frustrated with me...
Orchis
And then sometimes, she'd smile at me...
Orchis
But that smile was for Orchis... Not me, but for her.
Orchis
But I... I loved her gentle gaze...
Orchis
And as we traveled together, she began to change.
Orchis
It was as if... her eyes were truly looking at me.
Orchis
There were even times when she called me Orchis...
Orchis
But... I changed as well. I became completely selfish...
Orchis
I wanted her to see me, not Orchis.
Orchis
I didn't want her to lose the ambition and hope I could see, twinkling in her eyes as she tried to get Orchis back...
Orchis
I didn't want to just take. I wanted to give back...
Orchis
But it can't be both ways... If I become myself, it means she must give up on her dream...
Orchis
But I... can't be Orchis anymore.
Orchis
And if she'll only ever see me as Orchis, not as I truly am... Then I... I...
Orchis
When I discovered the reason I was born, I just knew... my wishes would never come true.
Orchis
So... if there is anything I can sacrifice to make the two of them happy... I'll give it all to...
???
I see... So that is your decision.
Orchis
...
???
Thank you... For making such a difficult decision for her sake.
Orchis
Nothing was ever mine in the first place... I'm just returning it all. Back to how things were then...
???
But then you were born... And here you are now, in fact.
???
You see... I love happy endings. Where everyone is together and smiling.
???
That's why... I just can't let you be.
Orchis
But... my body...
???
It's all right. After my existence became unstable, I made a friend I could talk to.
???
I was utterly helpless... but he made arrangements for me, you see.
???
He may be a bit grumpy and look a little scary, but he is very dependable and kind.
Orchis
?
???
Well... So... Umm...
???
Hmm... It seems that both of us being Orchis may be a bit inconvenient...
Orchis
If you're here... then I won't be Orchis anymore.
???
I see... Then, how about this?
???
Someone told me once that "Orchis" is said differently in another skydom...
The young girl speaks the name aloud.
???
This is just a gift to another me, who will soon be reborn.
Orchis
This is... my new name?
???
Yes. You will call yourself this from now on.
Orchis
Mmm...
???
Ah, and one more thing... I'll let you have that cat plushie.
???
It seems you're much more fond of it than I ever was.
Orchis
Thank you... I'll take good care of it.
???
Haha... Well then, it's almost time. See you...
???
...
Lyria
Orchis! I'm so glad! I thought we'd failed...
Black Knight
Orchis...
???
?
Her head a bit foggy, she awakens and looks around.
Her gaze falls upon a familiar young girl, lying perfectly still. She yelps in surprise.
???
Huh? My body... What's happened to me?
Io
Actually, it seems General Adam had a body prepared all along.
Lyria
I heard something... when Deus Ex Machina was activated.
Lyria
It was Orchis's voice... or rather, the voice of another Orchis...
Lyria, who'd heard the voice of Queen Orchis, was guided to a room in the palace.
Since General Adam was a false being, a golem in Human form...
He was able to bridge a connection to Queen Orchis, who'd transformed into spiritual energy.
And as a request from Queen Orchis, General Adam created one golem of elaborate quality.
The golem was kept in that room, quiet and undisturbed.
Rackam
Gee whiz... We were on pins and needles.
Rackam
Listen, Orchis... You don't need to go sacrificing yourself anymore...
???
No.
Rackam
Huh?
???
I'm not Orchis... I'm not Orchis anymore.
Io
Huh? W-well then...
???
She gave me... a new name.
Orchid
It's "Orchid." I want you to call me that from now on.
Orchid proudly gazes upon herself, the proof that she is no longer someone's substitute.
Lyria
Orchid!
Orchid
Mmm...
Orchid nods and approaches the Orchis lying still.
Relief washes through her face upon hearing Orchis's slow and gentle breathing.
Orchid
Thank you, Orchis...
Orchid walks over to the Black Knight, who can do nothing to hide her downcast expression.
Black Knight
Orchid... Orchid, you say?
Black Knight
Sorry, Orchid... But when I think about how I treated you, I could never apologize enough.
Black Knight
And... because of your sacrifice, I...
Orchid
Then say it... Say "thank you."
Black Knight
!
Orchid
I am... so grateful for everything that's happened.
Orchid
I never... never thought it would end up like this...
Orchid
But I'm so... so happy I can be here right now.
Orchid
No matter the circumstances in which I came to be... I'm truly here.
Orchid
So, Apollo...
Black Knight
...
Orchid
From now on... I want to be with you. To always be by your side.
Orchid
Going forward... I want you to see me, not as Orchis... but as me!
The Black Knight appears baffled upon hearing those words.
Black Knight
Ah... If that is your wish, then I'll stay with you forever.
Black Knight
Never... Never again shall I lose something so precious...
Black Knight
We'll always be together... Orchid.
Orchid
Mmm...
Orchid gives a huge smile in approval.
Katalina
So... I suppose that settles that?
Eugen
By golly, my daughter's sure got a hard time being honest with herself...
Lyria
I'm so glad...
Orchid
Ah...
Orchid turns at the sound of Lyria's voice, as if she suddenly remembers something.
Orchid
Lyria... Io... There's something I've wanted to ask you, but I couldn't until now.
Orchid
I'd always thought... that I'd disappear one day...
Orchid
But now things are different. So... I want to ask.
Orchid's expression turns serious as she takes a quiet breath.
Orchid
Lyria... Io... Will you... be my friends?
Lyria
We've been friends all along!
Io
Of course! What are you saying all of a sudden?
After getting the response from Io that she'd hoped for, Orchid shows some relief.
Orchid
I'm glad...
Lyria
We've been friends all along... And we'll continue to be friends forever, Orchid!
Orchid
Yeah...
Orchid smiles at Lyria's words.
And her smile, although awkward, is bursting with a gentleness and joy indiscernible from any young girl. To never be mistaken for a doll.
Gran and company set off into the wide blue yonder, on a new path on their journey across the sky.
And from a small corner in the city, two people watch as Gran's airship disappears into the horizon.
Drang
Well! This is just wonderful! Right, Sturm?
Sturm
Hmm... Our job is to protect our client, not grant their wishes.
Sturm
But, well... After this, our client won't be getting into much trouble, I suppose.
Drang
Oh! Sturm, you! You should really loosen up at times like-
Drang
Ouch! Sturm! Everything's resolved! Don't make me an unnecessary victim!
Sturm
Relax... It's just the sword tip.
Drang
What are you thinking! The sword tip is the most dangerous part!
After Gran and company escape the Tower, Drang and Sturm continue to watch over them from the shadows.
They'd followed them to secret Ravi Island, but always stayed just out of sight as they kept watch.
Sturm
So... Drang. What shall we do now?
Drang
Good question! And I've been thinking actually...
Drang
For now, we can say for sure that she won't be needing us anymore.
Sturm
Yeah... You're right.
Drang
She'll be off starting anew with Queen Orchis and Orchid.
Drang
And since Queen Orchis is real royalty, with her lineage and all...
Drang
It'll be best if us suspicious-looking folks keep our distance, no matter how they might feel...
Drang
Ah, yes! And we've worked pretty hard for the pay we got, right?
Sturm
You think... so?
Drang
Of course! Absolutely! I'm telling you! We were some really busy bees, don't you think?
Sturm
Yeah, well... I won't argue with that.
Drang
Right, right! So we'll just take a break from all this for a while. Take some time to relax, eh?
Sturm debates with her feelings a bit before her expression suddenly turns gentle.
Sturm
Hmm... Well, I suppose that's not so bad every now and then. Let's hold off on taking jobs for a while.
Sturm
The Erste Empire has practically fallen... And with that, the skydom should become a bit more peaceful, I suppose.
Drang
Hmm... I'm not so sure about that.
Sturm
What?
Drang gazes up into the distant sky. Even now, somewhere in the endless blue, a few sparks remain that may someday set the world ablaze.
???
So this is what's become of Erste...
???
Your Majesty, to what degree shall we exact punishment upon the Black Knight?
???
No... That shall not be necessary. Methods aside, the Black Knight has put an end to that woman's recklessness.
???
If Akasha had been summoned as she had wished, the destruction caused would have been unfathomable.
???
Not only Phantagrande, but our Oarlyegrande, and countless other skydoms would suffer.
???
The Black Knight has prevented that calamity. Yet you hail her not as a hero, but instead condemn her to be punished?
???
My lord, if I may be so bold... Prime Minister Freesia's schemes were flawed to begin with.
???
Furthermore, in the unlikely event that Your Majesty would befall any risk of harm...
???
One such as I, or the Blue Knight, would have disposed of the Prime Minister ourselves. The Black Knight is not to be mistaken as a hero.
???
...
???
That is supposition. In reality, the one who has accomplished the deed is the Black Knight.
???
One must not live in assumptions and make light of what is truth, knight.
???
Yes, Your Majesty. Forgive me for my presumptuousness.
???
Hmm, but it seems there shall be some disorder throughout Phantagrande for some time.
???
It seems I have acquired a habit of charging you with duties of great responsibility, but I believe it is not beyond your capability.
???
...
The man in blue armor lowers his head in acknowledgement.
???
And it seems Loki has once again broken away and disappeared.
???
Yes, Your Majesty. We have therefore sent word to every region to be on guard.
???
Hm... Then send out another message.
???
This time... to be on guard for a crew with a small red dragon and a young girl of blue...
???
And their captain, the child of that... that man...
???
By your will, my lord.
???
The Black Knight has yet to be seen since. Her whereabouts are unknown.
???
And while we're on topic, I don't recall you mentioning in your reports that your beloved daughter travels with the crew in question.
???
It even seems that she is a vital member of theirs. Why didn't you report this? Don't tell me even you have let your emotions defile our sacred responsibility.
???
...
???
Humph... Very well.
???
But never forget, we are the Luminary Knights. To bring His Majesty's will to fruition, we must never waver.
???
The Black Knight has broken the code, and for that she must be expelled from the Luminary Table. Don't you agree?
The knight in golden armor turns around, expecting an answer, but there is no longer anyone to be found.
???
Sigh... He never changes.
???
The time is nigh; it is almost complete... Until that time comes, I must prepare the way.
???
Just as His Majesty wills...
To the uncharted skies. And to fate, heroic skyfarers rise.
Their story continues.
63: Boundless Joy 
