Fené Artolines

Always single minded and positive, this girl dreams of a bright future and travels with her companions. She is a member of the Excavation Brigade.

Fené lost her hometown at a young age, but her natural innocence and the cheerful environment of the brigade helped her grow up strong. 

"Don't just sit around, let's dance together!" 

She remembers the chakram dance, a tradition from her hometown. 

When she steps with a unique cadence, the ethereal wind swirls and shines in a circle. This dance is not only light and elegant, but it can also be used in battle—and she is one of the Brigade's guards.

The sails of the land ship are stretched out. Catching the ether wind, the sails glide along the forest path. 

As part of the Excavation Brigade, we travel around the continent of Emerg, collecting underground resources, junk from ruins, and local specialties, and selling them here and there to make a living. So we're always on the road all year round.

I'm not good at digging holes like my grandfather and the others, but I'm good at general housework and dancing—so I help out the brigade by preparing meals, doing laundry, and performing at festivals wherever we go. 

Oh! That's right! Sometimes there are thieves who try to attack the Brigade and steal our cargo… but I can beat them with ether chakram combat! I'm pretty strong, you know? 

The ship arrived at Lent. It's a beautiful place. We'll have a bazaar here on festival day…

Let's do our best. We want to make the festival fun and exciting!

On the night of the festival, we all dance together! I show off my best dance moves!

But then I noticed a boy fidgeting at the edge of the crowd… Is he from this village?

Fidgeting… or maybe eager? I couldn’t help but want to do something, but I can’t find an opportunity.

So I asked him, "Let's dance!"

"What do you mean, ‘dance’?" he asked me.

…That was new!

There are people in this world who don't know how to dance!? 

I taught the boy some simple steps. It was awkward at first, but he caught on quickly. I danced along with him, improvising instead of using a set dance routine.

It was my first time doing something like that. 

But... It was so much fun! 

That was him—Shizuma, and the first day I met him.

After the festival, the Brigade closes down the bazaar and prepares to go elsewhere. I wish I could have stayed here a little longer.

By the way, I can't help but wonder about that huge sword-like thing that's been on the ship the whole time. It was dug up from a cliff on the way to Lent, but it's not for sale—and the Brigade commander said we were "taking it to Blue Country." 

What is it?

I had a bad feeling about it… If that sword-like thing was a weapon from an ancient civilization…

My hunch was correct, and the Imperial Army attacked.

Those guys are terrible... Why would they burn down a village!? 

I was furious. I tried to find the army commander, but he wouldn't listen to me. 

Even my chakram fighting skills didn't work. 

I was so angry, but I was also so scared... 

My legs were frozen. I wondered what to do... But... 

Suddenly, Shizuma stood there, sword in hand. He protected me and faced the commander and his soldiers...!!

I'd figured Shizuma was a kind but quiet boy, so I was amazed at his strength and courage as he used the longsword with ease and drove away the enemy soldiers…

But my heart was pounding so hard I couldn't take my eyes off him.

When the soldiers were gone and the fires in the village put out, I found myself hugging Shizuma and crying.

If Shizuma hadn't helped me, I don't know what would have happened...!

And when I heard that Shizuma was leaving the village to join the Brigade, I was happy, but also a little embarrassed. It made me feel strange... What is this feeling?

I was on edge and ended up being a bit mean to him.

After all, that sword called Seele Tact doesn't make any sense, and a strange woman named Dís is also chasing me! 

Because of that, I didn't realize that Dís was a bad guy—and I ended up going to retrieve the stolen Tact back.

I'm sorry, Shizuma…

Shizuma is too kind for forgiving Dís! If it were me, I’d impale her on desert thistle!

But I don't want to cause him any trouble. I swore to myself that I would never be fooled by anyone again, and I secretly trained my chakram.

There are two types of chakram techniques—staccato and legato. I tried my best to be able to use both at the same time.

The quick swing of the right hand, and the fluid movement of the left! With this, I'm sure I'll be able to compete with the Empire's elite soldiers.

And so the brigade arrived in Blue Country… but the Empire's troops are attacking innocent people again. This is unforgivable!

I'm worried about Prince Glenn's condition, but I think I need to do something about the enemy soldiers first.

Then, the legendary Blue Reaper appeared.

Apparently the Blue Reaper's appearance is a symbol of human fear, and everyone is naturally afraid of him... 

But... I'm not scared at all! 

Shizuma, don't be discouraged! Don't give up! 

I'll give everyone courage...!!

My chakram is a melee weapon, but it's also a dancing tool that collects ether and encourages everyone.

Glenn, who had lost confidence, was inspired by my dancing to use his music gun and show his true power! Thanks to him, everyone was saved!

For some reason, Dís joined the Brigade. The Brigade commander was persuaded by Dís and started saying things like, "Let's head to the church in Mythos!" 

But... don't be fooled.

Shizuma is also depressed because Seele Tact isn't doing well. Professor Clemens said that he might find out something if he goes to the church. 

In that case, maybe I should aim for the church...? 

How can I cheer up Shizuma? If there's anything I can do, I'll do it. 

Though, all I can do is cook meals…

I want Shizuma to be using Tact to his full potential. 

I think I'll focus on cooking and dancing for a while.

Lumiera, the saint of the church, said that Shizuma might be a legendary hero called the Conductor.

So Shizuma decides to take on a challenge to gain control of Tact once again… Good luck, Shizuma.

But– but ...oh, come on!

Even if you're a saint, is it really okay to touch Shizuma's face, feet, and everywhere else with your hands?!

I don't know if it's a ritual or something!! 

...But what exactly am I so angry about?

I've been acting really weird lately. I wonder what's wrong… But I don’t want anyone to interfere.

I can't help but wonder what Shizuma is doing. What he’s thinking. I want Shizuma to know about me too. 

My body feels hot. My heart is pounding. I think I have a fever. 

I'll go to bed now... I'll get a good night's sleep, and when I wake up, I'd like to talk to Shizuma.

Shizuma, it’s me.

I hardly remember the country I was born in, or my real parents. 

Back then, there were still wars all over the continent. The ether was much more unstable. I think things are calmer now than they were back then. 

Of course, the Imperial Army is scary, but... 

Many of the members of the Brigade have also lost their original countries. But they've made do with their own resources, working and doing business... and they're working really hard and living positively. 

Everyone's so cheerful and energetic. Back then, I was crying in the burnt ruins, and the members of the Brigade found me... 

And I also received cheerfulness and energy from them. I think that's why I was able to grow up this way. 

I... want to protect this cheerfulness and energy. 

Hahaha. Why am I telling you this? 

For some reason, I wanted you to know.

Tomorrow, the Brigade will finally enter the capital of the Empire... 

I learned that the Empire's captain, Gustav, isn't a bad person after all… but he's still an enemy. If we don't fight, we can't change the future. 

Hey, why do you fight, Shizuma?

I just want to protect the Brigade. I just want to stop everyone's freedom from being taken away...but..

Why do you fight alongside us even though you still haven't regained your memory, Shizuma?

It doesn't hurt or scare you, Shizuma? If you're in pain or troubled, I don't want that.

...For everyone to have a place to return to? 

That's right. Shizuma is so kind. 

After all, where will you go back to when the battle is over?

Hey... if possible, let's stay together from now on. 

I want to be with Shizuma forever, for the rest of my life. 

I will never lose to anything.

Why, Shizuma…? It's dangerous! Please, fight!

Everyone is saying it! He stood up to him and got hurt!

The Machine God Thor is so scary…!

And yet…

Shizuma is facing the giant Thor. He lowers Tact, spreads his arms, and speaks to him.

Thor, who shouldn't have understood the words, crouched down and became quiet as if he had heard what was being said.

Hey, Lumiera! Is this the power that a hero possesses? 

Professor Clemens! You must know something, don't you? 

But I don't understand…

Is Shizuma going somewhere…?

Thor’s energy overflows and turns into light.

We can only watch as Shizuma and Thor disappear into the strong, dazzling light.

Come back, Shizuma. I believe in you, and I'll be waiting. 

This is the place where Shizuma will return to.