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I find it hard to say this, but...

If you come back and say, "It's impossible, after all," it'd be oh so nice...

Marulk...

I've seen off all kinds of people setting off on journeys they won't ever return from.

But... today is the saddest I've ever felt.

The Inverted Forest... It's so far above us...

Reg...

Are you ready?

Of course.

As if they are drawn to it, there are those who plunge into the darkness.

The Depths' Third Layer

Great Fault

Why do they do so?

It's because, at the bottom of all that darkness, they can see a gleaming enigma.

It's because they have been enchanted by a puzzle that's more dazzling than light itself.

They traverse the unknown, search for the truth,

and, in the far end of the world after exhausting their lives, they die.

There, they become a new darkness...

they become a new enigma...

and they are reborn as the very depths themselves.

It is another kind of birth, one which is overflowing with Curses and Blessings.

WANDERING TWILIGHT

I wonder where Riko and Reg are right now...

I bet they're somewhere around the Great Fault.

Huh? How would you know that?

It's the result of a calculation I made based on the number of days it's been and Reg's abilities...

The Rough Map of the Netherworld?

I made a copy of it back when I "borrowed" it.

"The Great Fault"...

"A vertical wall spanning more than 4,000 meters"...

From there on out, the strain of ascending becomes more severe,

and people start seeing and hearing things.

It looks perfectly smooth...

How are you supposed to descend that thing?

I don't know...

But, Reg managed to climb it.

Surely there must be a viable route somewhere...

Another exit hole, huh?

Look! It's a madokajack!

Riko, sticking your head out is dangerous!

Anyway, what are we gonna do?

Our only options are to descend the cliff face or to brace for the Curse's effect on you and head back.

Any other holes nearby?

How about that one?

The spot with the critter droppings sticking out!

Riko, go ahead now!

Alright!

Sorry...

I would rather have made a delicious meal outta you guys.

Unable to fly in the sky or run on walls,

weaklings like us are simply picked off and eaten.

Weaklings have no choice but to choose the path of the weak, you see.

Riko, hurry and get further inside!

What was that...?

Reg!

We did it! This den extends way, way down!

Hey! Quick! Hurry up!

Ah, I'm coming now.

That sound...

Something about it bothers me.

We've descended quite a ways.

Yeah...

I know it was for the sake of pushing forward, but we totally trashed this den.

We should be grateful to these little guys.

Yeah, thanks to them, we haven't had any trouble finding food or a place to sleep.

Are these some kind of ruins?

Reg!

This is part of a ship!

One from a long, long time ago!

"A ship"?!

I wonder if there are still any relics inside...

Relics, relics...

But, why is there a ship here in the first place...?

Any relics out there?

Hello there! Relics?

I heard it earlier too, but what the heck is that?

That cry...

Could it be a crimson splitjaw...?

Run!

There's a wound on its head?

That must be the one Reg blasted with his Incinerator!

I think I've heard they have lairs on the third layer...

but this one remembers us?!

Ow, ow, ow...

Can I go ahead and shoot it now?!

Once you fire it, no matter how you push yourself, you always faint after around ten minutes.

Then it's a full two hours until you wake up.

Go ahead and try leaving a helpless child on her own in the depths for two hours.

I wonder just how she'll be torn to shreds and eaten...

Still, when you really do have to use it,

go all-out to make sure whatever it is doesn't come after you again.

This is no time to be indecisive!

Do it now!

Reg!

Use this!

The landscape around here has become a lot spikier.

Our depth is...

Let's see...

6,750 meters, I think.

I hear these spikes are actually eggs...

I wonder if there's a way to make them into a tasty meal...

Riko, I can see something down there!

It's the Goblets of Giants!

The Depths' Fourth Layer

Goblets of Giants

It's fine. It's just hot water.

Still, it is terribly humid here.

The goblets of giants...

The flat-creepers are responsible for that.

I also hear the landscape is bluish due to the mixing of the vapor they put off with the light from the force field.

Oh...

Amazing...

It's quite amazing...

We actually made it here to a place like this.

It's a lot damper than I dreamed it'd be!

And my voice echoes like CRAZY!

It smells kinda vinegary here, too!

Reg, let's go!

Riko...

We need to find a decent place and make camp.

You might not say it out loud, but I'm sure you understand...

No matter how much we gloss over it, this place is right in the belly of the netherworld.

The strain of ascending in the fourth layer makes you bleed out of every orifice in your body.

It truly is a curse...

If Riko's body were to undergo that, she'd probably...

No matter what...

I must protect her!

You remember the spiky eggs from the final section of the third layer?

Yeah...

I heard they hatch...

and become those squid-looking things.

They haven't been given a name yet, though...

But, you know, less than ten percent of the creatures in the Abyss have even been named.

There are tens of thousands of species that-

Shh!

What's wrong?

Never mind...

I'm sorry.

For a little while now, I've been sensing a strange presence...

Huh?

What is it? A creature?

Don't tell me it's a White Whistle...

It only moves while we're talking.

It's not moving right now...

But it very likely has good hearing... And I bet it can understand our speech, too.

I suppose it could be a cave raider that's not a White Whistle.

It's certainly strange...

I can't even begin to pin down its position.

It's kinda eerie...

Maybe we should get out of this place...

Good idea!

These "umbrellas" and the steam provide good cover, but walking here is difficult and visibility's bad.

Riko, you alright?

Yeah...

At the very least, we need to find somewhere we can camp.

What's the matter, Reg?

Was it you?!

No, don't!

Reg, run!

That's an orb-piercer!

Reg, don't fight it!

It's said an orb-piercer's spines can penetrate even steel...

They're also laced with poison, and more than a hundred cave raiders have already been kill-

I didn't sense it until it got close!

So this is a beast of the depths, huh?!

Wha...?!

My backpack...!

I thought I dodged that...

It's fast!

No...

it predicted my line of retreat!

Reg, the Blaze Reap is...!

It's down by its feet!

This is bad...

What's with this creature?!

Does it actually know what that thing is?!

Be careful, Reg!

It's just like Ozen said... The primeval creatures of the depths have amazing intuition like that.

Here it comes!

Reg, take this!

It's afraid of things that are bigger than itself!

So, use this Scaled Umbrella!

Alright!

Halt!

I-I don't think that thing was nearly big enough!

It didn't work, Riko!

Let's head for the Blaze Re-

R-Reg...

Th-the poison will...

We need something to constrict it...

S-sorry, Reg...

Reg!

Riko, this is gonna hurt a little.

What should I do?!

Riko, hold out your arm.

What can I do to save Riko?!

The Blaze Reap is...!

Damn!

It's submerged...

Even if I act as a decoy, Riko can't search for it in her current state.

My Incinerator?!

No!

If I faint for two hours, what will become of Riko?!

Escape...

Escape is our only option.

But, given its speed and ability to predict our movements...

we won't be able to shake it by running.

In that case...

Up it is!

But, the strain of ascending in the fourth level is...

...intense pain throughout the body and bleeding.

Riko!

Do it... Please.

Y-you say that, but...

Please!

I'm sorry, Reg.

Seems... I don't have... much time...

Riko, pull yourself together! Riko!

Please wake up!

Reg...

Reg, what's the matter?

I feel kinda strange...

Riko, what are you talking about? I feel kinda strange...

Riko, what are you talking about?

Get a hold of yourself!

Huh?

It doesn't hurt that much...

What is this?!

Riko, could it be the Curse of the Abyss caused the poison to be expelled first before any blood?

I see...

Well, now to just stop the bleeding and...

Yes... That's it...

Reg...

I'm... alright...

After... the poison's out... stop the bleed-

Riko, wake up!

Reg, I'm alright...

Damn! Now she's hallucinating, too!

Is that 'cause we're close to the third layer?!

Whenever I wipe the blood, more just keeps streaming out...

Calm down!

Anyway, I need to check on the wound...

I-it's swelled to several times its normal size...

H-her glove... I need to take it off.

D-did that hurt? Sorry!

Reg...

Riko! I'm here!

It's, uh... too swollen, so I can't get the glove off.

What should I do?

What can I do to save you?!

Does it hurt? Please just say something.

Cut it...

Huh?!

Cut it... off.

A-are you out of your mind, Riko?

If I do that, you'll...!

R-Reg...

Please...

If you don't...

I-I'll die...

Reg...

I'm scared...

I'm so scared...

Reg...

Back then...

if only I had made Riko stay farther behind me...

First...

you need to break the bone.

A Black Whistle who had this happen...

said cutting it off was tough.

Back then...

if only I had used the Incinerator right away...

Back then...

if only I had been a better shield...

This is no time to cry!

The more I hesitate, the more Riko suffers!

Here it goes, Riko.

Wh-what am I even doing...?

Reg...

Don't leave me!

Riko! It's me! I'm right here!

Don't... go...

Me, too... together... to the netherworld's... bottom...

Riko... you're fading fast...

I'll definitely take you there!

You've got an awful fever...

Don't YOU go and leave ME behind...

Hurry...

Hurry!

M-my hands are shaking...

Get a hold of yourself!

Otherwise, Riko will suffer all the more!

Damn it! Don't get in my way!

Not near Riko! Stay away from Riko!

Get outta here!

Damn it!

She's not breathing!

Riko!

Please breathe!

Riko! Riko!

Riko!

Riko...

hold on...

Riko...

Don't leave me, Riko!

Riko!

Open your eyes!

Please open your eyes!

Riko!

You're so noisy...

That girl...

Her heart is still beating...

It's likely to stop any moment now, though.

Wh-what are you?!

I'm just a fluffy stuffed doll.

I've come here to comfort you two...

Wh-what?!

Just who the heck are you?!

I'm happy to properly introduce myself...

but first, wouldn't it be best to hear about how to save her?

Riko...

This is quite bad...

What should I do...?

Please tell me! I want to save Riko!

What can I do to get her breathing again?!

Just blow a breath directly into her.

Like a kiss, you know, a kiss.

Do you know how-?

Like that?!

That's the way, but a little more slowly.

And pinch her nose shut.

Okay!

Also, tilt up her chin to open her airway.

Otherwise, there's no point to this.

Got it!

She's breathing again.

I'm so relieved!

Thank you!

I can't begin to express my gratitude...

It's still too early to relax.

Huh?!

Well, it seems she's not regaining consciousness.

Th-that can't be!

What should I do?!

Calm down!

If she was to wake now, it's not like she'd be able to bear the pain anyway...

But...!

You, come on and carry the girl back to my hideout.

Huh?

I'll find a way to do somethin' for her.

Really?!

Even though you don't know anything about us?!

Well...

Just keep a little distance between us, okay?

Still, the way things stand, her arm'll break off...

You need to reinforce it, so hurry and fetch some branches.

So you can do something about her hand?!

Understood!

But let me warn you:

It's not gonna go back to the way it was before.

Jeez, he's not even listening...

H-hey, hold on!

Hm?

If I climb up this, Riko will...

Aah... I knew it. You can't see it, can you?

Huh? What?

What are you talking about?

Just take it easy.

The Curse isn't present right now, you see.

If we don't hurry, her whole body will swell up like her arm has.

Damn it...

What is this place?

Cave raiding equipment...?

Besides that...

Are those... whistles?

H-hey... who exactly are you?

Ah! I guess I never told you my name...

I'm Nanachi.

I'm what you cave raiders would call...

a "Hollow."

A "Hollow"...?

A small... child...?

Oh...

So you don't know about us, after all.

Well, I suppose you don't exactly look like a cave raider.

Hey, lay her down over here.

Nanachi, I don't mean to be rude,

but aren't you about the same age as us?

Feeling anxious?

In that case, you wanna try finding someone else?

I beg you!

Please save Riko!

Ah...

that's a good boy.

Among cave raiders, handling it like this is apparently common practice...

but that's just because they don't know the right thing to do.

Wh-what are you...?!

The poison will...!

Come on, just calm down.

You let the poison flow through the body and then get rid of it after that's happened.

This is medicine made from a friend of mine that I've hardened with wax.

When it's not possible to administer it orally,

you need to insert it in the butthole...

Now, on to her arm.

I'm gonna remove the smashed bone fragments and stitch up the blood vessels and flesh.

Look, this white thing is a nerve.

A number of 'em were damaged...

I'm no good at stitching these, you know.

Still, the way you cut her is pretty gruesome...

It's a good thing she passed out...

Alright, that should do for the time being.

Ah, that's a relief.

But now comes the hard part.

I'm gonna need you to go out and fetch a bunch of stuff.

Wha...?!

Just tell me what I need to do!

Don't get so close!

Sorry for doubting you earlier!

I'm begging you, Nanachi! Please save Riko!

Anyway...

why didn't you cut her at the elbow joint?

You could've taken her arm off from the joint without breaking the bone first...

Uh, well...

Or maybe you were just following her directions?

Y-yeah...

I see...

She's an extraordinary girl, huh?

Yeah...?

If the part past the elbow is left intact,

it totally changes what one can do when out cave raiding.

She was still determined to press on.

Despite her situation, she refused to give up on her adventure.

R-Riko...

Oh, th-that's right!

I still haven't told you our names!

I'm Reg! And that's Riko!

I know...

This is the first time anyone like you two has come here.

I've been listening to everything you've said ever since you entered my hunting grounds.

Th-then...

the presence I sensed right after we entered the fourth layer...

That was you?!

Yeah, that's right.

I was watchin' the whole time.

If I hadn't been, I wouldn't have been able to treat the orb-piercer's poison, would I?

Wait a minute...

So, even when that thing attacked us, you were...

Yeah, I was watching... and I heard it all, too.

The look on your face says, "Then why didn't you help us?"

I was only curious about what you were, that's all.

From the very beginning, I had no intention of showing myself.

S-so then, why did you save us?

Because I started to pity you.

"Riko, don't leave me!"

You were sobbing like some lost little kid.

I couldn't bear to watch anymore.

What was that?

Is there someone else here?

Just somebody I live with.

I'll introduce you.

This is my adorable Mitty.

Wh-what is that...?

This little one's also a Hollow.

Wha...?

Have you heard about the strain of ascending in the sixth layer?

If I'm not mistaken... it's "the loss of your humanity or even death."

Right, if someone survives the Curse of the depths' sixth layer, this is what becomes of them.

Their personality and intellect vanish.

As the name implies, they become a hollow husk of the person who once was.

No matter what anyone tries, they can never go back to the way they were.

That trick you used where you extended your arm...

Imagine trying that in the sixth layer... Just the thought of it is pretty thrilling, huh?

B-but, Nanachi!

You...

You're not like that!

Well, there's a reason, you see, that I'm an exception among exceptions.

So don't get your hopes up.

There, there...

Mitty, you're special, too.

That reminds me.

If a cave raider becomes a Hollow,

their fellow cave raiders will put 'em to death and collect their belongings before moving on.

Given the alternative, I guess it's far better to simply tell people they died...

So, what'd happen if I just sauntered out there?

I'm living proof it's possible to return from the sixth layer while retaining your humanity.

People will try to capture me however they can, right?

It's a huge risk just to show myself.

Even if it was only out of pity, getting saved is still a good thing, right?

I see...

So that's your situation...

I'm sorry.

He's a pushover...

Well, I'm done sketching it now.

What's this?

The things necessary for healing Riko and where to find 'em.

My awesome signature's on there, too.

She still has internal bleeding, and at the rate things are going, her arm will rot off.

Listen, all I've done so far is delay her death.

Wha...?!

I'll do all I can to make her hold on another twelve hours.

If it starts seeming like it'll take longer than that, you better think of a nifty way to say goodbye.

D-don't joke around!

I knew it. You can't see it, can you?

Later... I need to ask what that means exactly.

There's so much to keep up with that my mind is churning...

But, for now...

think only of saving Riko!

Hmm...

So, my eyes didn't deceive me, after all.

Nanachi...

Nanachi...

This new Cartridge is just great.

Please look happier...

It's all thanks to you, after all.

Come on, smile...

Let us celebrate the success of the experiment.

You can gather most of the stuff on the western side.

Stay out of the central region. Orby is in there.

"Orby"?

Does Nanachi mean the orb-piercer?

A demonfish, the bigger the better.

Choose one that displays clear color differentiation between its back and belly.

Giant-hammerbeak eggs.

Take just one per nest.

The freshly laid ones are best.

This here...?

Yellow-shining grass.

Find a spot with lots of it growing and pick the stuff that smells somewhat better.

A shroombear infected with water-shrooms.

Alright, I've collected it all now!

Please... let me make it back in time!

Riko!

Riko!

Riko?!

Wha...?!

Wh-wh-what are you...?!

Nanachi, what are you doing?!

Hey, you sure are noisy.

She'll get a rash if we just leave her soaked in bloody pee, right?

Look.

Quite a lot gushed out, you know.

Make sure to wash it later.

Uh...

Is Riko alright?!

Also... I misunderstood and... well...

Is she okay?!

Calm down, you piece of junk.

Oh, this one's great!

You're pretty good.

Let's get started right away.

We're going to save Riko.

Ah, okay!

These water-shrooms are parasitic, you see.

When it looks like their host, which has left the den by this point, is about to die,

they share their stored-up nutrients and get their host going again.

If the shroombear reproduces in a new den, then there'll be more water-shrooms, too.

It's what they call a symbiotic relationship.

While Riko's unconscious, we're gonna put 'em to good use by planting them on her.

She's got a good vein there anyway, so we'll plant 'em right on her wound.

That should help the bone's healing process a bit, too.

They also help prevent the flesh from rotting.

Well, they do hurt like crazy when you pull 'em off, though.

Nanachi, what are you going to use the fish and the rest of the stuff for?

That should be obvious.

For my dinner, of course.

Wha...?!

I can't believe you!

I gathered all this! What would we have done if I'd been too late?!

Hey, you sure get noisy about every little thing...

What's all this business about being noisy?!

With the state Riko's in...

I've gotta stay by her side, so it's not like I have time to rustle up a meal, right?

If I faint from hunger, who's gonna treat her?

I suppose that's true...

I'm very sorry.

As long as you understand now.

He's such a pushover...

Don't look so down.

I know it doesn't look pretty, but at least this will save her life.

Really?!

Her life is truly saved this time?!

That's right.

Thank you!

Thank you, Nanachi!

Jeez, you're so irritating!

You really are fluffy...

Hey now!

Go wash the pee out of Riko's things.

There's a riverbed out back.

Understood...

"Flowers of Fortitude"...

Eternal Fortunes, huh?

Are these...

gravestones?

I'll be going now, Lyza...

Th-that's...

the Blaze Reap?!

But why is it here...?

I was sure the orb-piercer kicked it away.

Wait...

Where...

am I?

Riko!

N-Nanachi!

What...?

This thing... Somewhere or other, I...

Whatcha doin'?

N-Nanachi?!

Huh...?

You alright?

I mean, you were staring at a girl's pee-stained clothes...

H-huh?!

It's not like that!

H-huh?

I mean...

the Blaze Reap's right over there!

Hmm...

So, have you seriously become a piece of junk or what?

Well, you have been through a lot...

Cheer up!

And while you're at it, wash this, too.

Wh-what was that just now?

It wasn't this place...

Was I seeing somewhere similar-looking?

Also, that voice...

If I'm not mistaken...

that was one of my own...

my own memories...

wasn't it?

In that case, the one who was mourning Lyza was...

Did I bury her?

No, Ozen said the grave "didn't have anyone buried there."

What does it all mean...?

S-stop it!

Get away from Riko!

I said stop it! You little...

Just relax.

Mitty won't attack humans.

Mitty usually doesn't warm up to visitors, though.

They're about the same age, so maybe Mitty took a liking to her.

Before becoming like this, Mitty was a girl too, you see.

Huh?!

M-Mitty...?

Just please don't eat the mushrooms, alright?

So, don't be hard on her, okay?

It was thanks to Mitty, after all, that we got the poison out.

Huh?

What do you mean?

That medicine was made by injecting Mitty with the orb-piercer's poison.

What?!

Why'd you do such a thing?

Mitty has the ability to neutralize poisons all on her own.

Amazing, huh?

So I then used her blood to make the medicine, you see.

Nanachi, who exactly were you two before you became Hollows?

Oh... You really wanna ask that?

It's best you don't.

If you do, you're gonna end up wanting to help us.

Wh-what?!

You saved us, didn't you?!

Of course I'll try to help-

Alright!

Look, it's done!

My special Netherworld Stew!

Go on and try some.

Here!

It looks like sticky... mud...

This... was made with the ingredients I collected, correct?

Don't, uh, worry about how it looks.

It has an oddly fishy scent...

What in the world is that smell?

I'm going to save some for you, Mitty, so you can munch on it later.

Some kind of secretion?!

What the heck is this?

Was it really made using those ingredients?

Huh?

You... think it's bad?

Nanachi, you usually eat this stuff?

W-well...

Come on, don't look at me like that...

I... Look, I've never gotten to eat tasty food before.

If Riko wakes up and eats this...

she's really going to die this time.

I've got no choice! I'll have to cook!

Well... if you don't like it, don't eat it.

Oh, I see...

So she's looking for her mom who descended to the netherworld's bottom, huh?

Still, we're talking about a girl with an insatiable curiosity

and a piece of junk who can't regain any of his important memories.

I'm surprised you two made it this far.

Really though, you guys were in a hopeless situation.

Nanachi, please tell me...

You...

You know of a way to evade the Curse of the Abyss, don't you?

Well...

Even if I explained it to someone like you who can't "see" it...

Besides, it's also my personal secret.

I beg you! I need to know!

Even so...

If it's in my power, I'll do whatever you want in return!

So, please!

Hey, don't get so close!

Alright then...

let's give it a shot.

If you insist...

I'll make an exception and let you experience it yourself.

Alright...

Hey, you get under here, too.

What is this thing?

"Fog Weave," a grade-3 relic.

Well, it's basically a super thin piece of cloth.

It's just like this, I suppose.

What is?

The true nature of the Curse of the Abyss.

What?!

It's floaty in the same kinda way.

With layer piled upon layer, it blankets us!

Even if you touch it, you won't feel it. Can't see it, either.

When we move, it moves along with us.

Simply breathing is enough to alter its flow.

S-so when you touch it, that's when you're hit by the Curse of the Abyss?

It's not like that.

Huh?

When you touch it, it simply warps...

Just like this cloth.

So then...

So then what makes you get hit with the Curse?

That would be... doing this...

Kinda like... this.

Once you break through, the symptoms hit you all at once.

If it's just something like your fingertips, you'll hardly be affected...

But when it comes to your head or chest...

If any part of you that's vital to life passes through, then...

Well, as you've seen, nothing good comes of it.

Wh-what happens when you descend?

Well, when coming from above, you just slip through.

Its flow is similar to inverted thorns, so you can't get out once you've entered.

Look. It's something like this.

It's just like a trap for catching prey.

What exactly is it?

That malice-filled floaty thing, I mean.

Still don't get it?

It's the force field.

The one that carries light to the subterranean world while at the same time obstructing observation of it...

The one that stubbornly guards the netherworld's true nature and the order within it...

That's the mysterious force field I'm talking about.

Filling every corner of this pit, it's the very blood of the Abyss, so to speak.

And that's the true nature of the Curse of the Abyss...

There's nowhere to escape from it.

B-but, Nanachi, didn't you say the Curse wasn't present around your hideout?!

Well...

I took great pains to find this place, you know.

The force field gets weaker the farther away you get from the vertical shaft.

I-is that so?

After descending this far, don't you have somewhat of a feel for it?

Well, I suppose there aren't many places as stable as this one.

That area around the Seeker Camp also...

I get it now...

Also, the force field is sensitive to the movements of living things.

It even responds to one's very consciousness and alters its flow.

Do you get it?

If you can read something's consciousness, you can anticipate its movements.

The orb-piercer doesn't have great intuition...

It can actually predict the future.

The deeper you go, the denser and stronger the force field becomes.

So challenging the netherworld's bottom means continuing on a path brimming with a deadly curse,

while also going up against predators that can predict the future.

Pretty fun, huh?

H-how in the world do cave raiders manage to still press on?

Who knows? They can't even see the force field, so I wonder myself...

Seriously?!

But, there is one thing I know.

That's just the way it is. There's no way to stop their longing.

Oh, I know. Hand me your helmet.

Uh, okay...

What's that thing?

Didn't I tell you that I'd let you experience it?

That said, you have to promise me!

You need to do exactly as I say!

Can you hear me?

This is kinda unsettling...

Nanachi, it feels like you're in my ear.

Pretty cool, huh? It's just something I happened to find.

I can hear your voice, but where exactly are you, Nanachi?

Don't worry about it. I can see you fine from here.

Keep on goin' straight.

Got it.

What's that?!

Hey! Don't rush in so recklessly!

Wha-? A child?!

Ridiculous!

You mustn't get any closer!

Don't do it!

That's a Black Whistle.

Judging by the stuff he was carrying, he was headed back on his own when he got ambushed.

This is perfect.

Wanna try rescuing our new visitor?

O-of course!

Well, alright then.

What are you doing?!

Listen, don't forget...

No matter what happens, you do exactly as I say.

If you do that, we can dispose of Orby and save that guy, too.

Where's your reply?

Got it!

Alright!

Then I'll show you... the world as I see it!

Okay, to start, look up and completely commit to it.

Are you serious?!

Yep.

Really commit to it, okay?

B-but...

H-hurry and get outta here!

Don't worry about that thing.

Also, stop questioning me!

My orders are...

...absolute!

Now jump to the right!

Irredeemable!

You grabbed it, right? Absolutely do not let go.

That thing you've grabbed on to is the organ it uses to sense the force field.

That's its lifeline, and without uncoupling your actions from your conscious mind,

you'd never be able to even touch it.

Now that it's confused, it'll go for the kill any way it possibly can.

Now! Tie it up!

Its fate is sealed now.

Beat it to a pulp!

How dare you do that to Riko!

Huh?

It shed its spines?!

Damn!

This steam is...!

D-did it escape?!

Good job.

It had to eject 80 percent of its spines. It won't be able to hunt here anymore.

More importantly, hurry up and get back here.

H-hey! Don't get too close to him!

Now that Orby is gone, it's cave raiders that present the most danger to us!

Hey now!

What are you...?

Could you please relay a message for me?

Huh?

It's intended for a guy at Belchero Orphanage named Jiruo.

Jiruo... at Belchero...

Tell him... "We are still continuing our adventure."

O-okay, got it.

I'm counting on you.

I'm sorry.

Well, you didn't tell him about me, so I don't really mind...

But you sure that was a good idea?

That, uh, guy at Belchero Orphanage...

If people find out he's connected to you, it could spell trouble.

It'll be fine.

He's the most dependable guy I know, after all.

In any case, that was pretty amazing, Nanachi!

Using the opponent's own special ability against it like that was a brilliant strategy!

I wish you'd come with us to the bottom of the netherworld!

W-well, actually...

I have something to ask of you...

Oh! What is it?!

You can ask anything of me!

Well...

I knew it would be, but it's truly a hard thing to ask...

Don't hold back!

Alright, here it goes.

'Kay.

Please kill Mitty for me.

Huh?

Mitty...

Mitty, I'm sorry for running away like this.

I won't let him...

keep doing as he pleases.

I... I'll figure something out...

What was that all of a sudden?

He was like, "I'm going to sleep, just for two hours."

His belly button looks like it hurts, but it doesn't appear he's been poisoned.

I suppose...

he must be like this 'cause he fired that thing.

Finally...

Finally, I've found it...

Mitty.

How nice it'd be...

God...

if that's the bottom of this world, I...

would like to go there.

God...

Hey! Let's hurry over there!

You stink... Don't stand so close to me!

I hear he's a cave raider from the Abyss.

What's he doing in a place like this?

Now, I believe it is time for a new approach that's free from the influence of conventional wisdom.

Sereny, chief territory of the far north...

I've come here...

in search of children suitable for forging a path to the netherworld's next era.

I am Bondrewd.

I'm a cave raider of the Abyss and a White Whistle.

Brave children who do not falter even at the prospect of setting foot inside the chasm...

please, take a step forward.

I'm really here now...

You're so annoying!

Get outta here!

Come on, let's give it a shot.

I don't keep company with idiots.

Let's go.

Ah... O-okay...

So we're not the only ones, huh?

Now, everyone, come and board the vessel.

Fear not, for my team of cave raiders will escort you throughout the journey.

Your destination is at a depth of around 13,000 meters.

There, in the depths' fifth layer, the Sea of Corpses,

lies the netherworld's forward operating base,

where we strive to unravel the final mysteries of this world.

This tastes so bland...

Hey, you!

What do you want to be?

A White Whistle, right?!

Hey, what's this all about?

Being a White Whistle sure would be great, huh?

Don't you think we've got ourselves an amazing chance here?

I-I was fine with whatever as long as I could come here.

Before coming here, I'd go to garbage dumps and pick out the least disgusting stuff to eat.

Everyone else resorted to stealing or begging while singing songs on the streets...

But I... didn't have the talent for anything else...

That's a great skill to have!

Huh?

There's nothing but treasures to pick up down here!

Okay...

Hey, hey, if you're fine with whatever, then be my partner!

Uh...

I'm Mitty! A future White Whistle!

Hey, what's your name?

I-I'm Nanachi.

Yippee! Nanachi!

Nice to meet you!

Shh! Shh!

Oh?

It says, "Capital of the Unreturned."

You can read nether glyphs?

The only books found in the garbage are the ones other people can't read, you see...

The way to pronounce nether glyphs has been lost,

so pronunciations from our official language are used in their place.

It's simple once you get the hang of it.

Really? Teach me!

I wonder if that was a bird...

Next time, let's go check it out!

O-okay...

Wow!

Please be careful...

Should you climb more than 10 meters, you'll be hit with the strain of ascending.

Huh?

Nanachi, come with me!

Whoa...

Wow, incredible!

It's beautiful...

It'll be alright!

Y-yeah...

Now, everyone, let me show you to your room.

Hey, so what's the "Abyssal Faith"?

Hmm... In a nutshell...

when a life is lost in the Abyss, the soul is said to return to the bottom of this planet,

and then the soul changes form and departs on a journey to someone who has wished for life...

Or something like that...

So this pit, the bottom of which is still unknown, replaces God.

Well, I suppose it's just kinda a source of comfort and support for cave raiders.

Wow...

Nanachi, you're pretty amazing!

That's my partner for you! You're the brains of our team!

Hmm, I guess...

And you're good at drawing, too!

Ilim...

please come over here.

Okay!

This time, it's Ilim's turn, huh?

I wanna go outside soon, too.

There are certainly a lot fewer of us here now...

In any case, it'd be great if the two of us are able to go out there together!

Yeah, I guess...

Mitty...

Mitty.

Mitty...

Now, please come with me.

Okay...

After today's medical checkup, let's go on a little walk outside.

Bondrewd, take me too...

Just wait your turn, Nanachi. No need to be impatient.

Mitty...

Sovereign of Dawn! What in the world are you thinking?!

Bringing so many people down to the fifth layer like this...

Even children from overseas...

Why bring this up now?

It's also for this very purpose that I proposed Black Whistles enter the fifth layer.

Well, it'd be different if they were cave raiders,

but taking children, who'll never be able to return given the strain of doing so, is simply...

from a humanitarian perspective...

Ah, then there is no need to worry.

For I am not making use of them as humans, you see...

Care to have a look?

Mitty...

Mitty!

MITTY!

N-Nanachi...

M-Mitty...

My, my.

What perfect timing...

Nanachi.

Come, it is your turn now.

That elevator is capable of quickly reaching the depths' sixth layer just below us.

Although its destination is no more than a dead end,

it is just the perfect depth for testing a number of things, you see...

It's my own miniature garden.

The sixth layer's Curse: "Death, or loss of one's humanity"...

I'd sure like to do something about it.

Those chambers you are in are capable of forcing the Curse all to one side.

Attempts that paired a person with something besides a fellow human didn't go well...

However, Nanachi just happened to come join us.

I regret having to use two adorable, little beings such as yourselves...

But, as you two are such close friends, I'm sure this will be a success.

So you're saying... you tricked us?

Heavens, no.

The result of this research will give birth to the hint needed to drive the darkness from this chasm.

It will be thanks to all of you...

Mitty, you will be on the side to which the Curse is driven.

Please do your best to endure it, okay?

Mitty!

If you die partway through, your partner will also be hit with the Curse.

Nanachi...

Well then, let's get started.

Nanachi!

It's alright. It's alright...

I'll endure this...

So, if I end up not being human anymore...

Please...

let my soul return to you, Nanachi!

MITTY!

NO!

It hurts!

It hurts! It hurts so bad! God... please save us.

I... finally found it.

Mitty! Mitty! I... finally found it.

I found a treasure I hold dear...

Ow! Please...

Please don't take her away from me.

Kill... Kill me...

Kill me...

PLEASE!

Oh...

Well, well, how very interesting.

Marvelous...

The two of you are truly marvelous.

Nanachi...

Nanachi...

As usual, I see you're drawing instead of helping with the research...

You sure are adorable, aren't you?

Oh, right...

I now understand the "curse" that Mitty received.

It's a marvelous result, indeed.

For it to produce such a byproduct, the Abyss truly is astonishing.

The Curse, which she received twofold, did not just cause the loss of her humanity...

but also made her incapable of dying.

Please see for yourself.

Her limbs, which should have been mashed up, have started to grow back.

While this is now the ninth time she's been resurrected...

the only change is that her form becomes slightly more distorted each time.

Mitty...

Mitty, I'm sorry for running away like this.

I won't let him...

keep doing as he pleases.

I... I'll figure something out...

Look, Mitty, it's a bird.

It's just like the one that was screeching back then, you know.

Not to your liking? Mitty...

It's no use...

No matter what I try using, she just suffers.

Sorry for forcing you to stay alive for nothing...

I'll put you out of your misery now.

I'll search for it...

A way to kill Mitty without making her suffer.

There must be one somewhere out there...

Somewhere...

"Sparagmos"...

The essence-returning light.

There was a certain relic he called by that name.

One of Mitty's eyes was squashed by it, and that's the only part of her that won't grow back.

Any spot it hits disappears as if it's come unraveled...

And right after, the surrounding air burns up to nothing...

Just like the Incinerator!

If you use that thing of yours, then Mitty...

H-hold on a minute!

Uh...

Has Mitty...

Has Mitty truly lost her humanity?!

She responds to people calling her, and-

Those are just reflexes.

No matter what I tried, real communication between us proved impossible.

Even so... her eye...

I'm sure you've seen it, too...

Even now, I have a feeling that Mitty's...

that Mitty's soul is imprisoned within that body.

Please...

give me some time to think.

Hmm... I understand.

N-Nanachi...?

I'm sorry...

I asked you to do something strange like that outta nowhere.

I'll keep treating Riko either way, so don't worry about that.

That girl...

Mitty's really taken a liking to her, you know.

I thought of you as being so dependable, but...

just now, you appeared so fragile.

The countless medicines here... and the poisons, too...

all of them are for the purpose of trying to restore Mitty's dignity.

If that is your very reason for living...

after I've killed Mitty...

what... what will become of you?

Hey... How many days you plannin' to be depressed for?

Let's have a meal.

I'll make ya something really hearty.

You wanna have some shroombear meat?

Huh?!

It's gonna be another one of Nanachi's dishes!

N-Nanachi!

Let me cook!

From what I've seen...

Nanachi just mixes in too much of everything...

I've gotta bring out the best of the ingredients.

Hey, you really suck at skinning, don't you?

Want some help?

Just go and take a seat!

The meat is really quite dark...

and it stinks, too...

If I recall, Riko did something like this...

Huh?! Was I supposed to do the innards first?

Ah! Something ripped off!

This here... am I supposed to rinse it first?

Hey, doesn't this smell, like, super bad to you?

This is worse than the stuff I made!

Gross!

The smell of excrement is filling my mouth!

Hey, go on and call it "irredeemable"!

It's irredeemable!

"Unnoticed, the shooting stone leaves a trail,

which falls as red-hot iron rain.

The ice-covered trees transform into clouds.

In the gap in the sky, a big turtle with its neck stretched out is..."

"Please kill Mitty for me"...

Ever since then, Nanachi hasn't approached me about it again.

Is it okay to just leave things as they are?

Nanachi, allow me to ask just one thing...

Is Mitty unhappy being together with you?

Personally, I really don't think-

I know what you're trying to say.

You're thinking, "She seems to be living so peacefully,

so is it really necessary to kill her," right?

I...

I myself will die somehow or other one of these days.

After that happens...

Mitty will be all alone for eternity.

You know, Mitty never eats and she still doesn't die.

But if she gets stabbed, it still hurts her...

and she even sheds tears.

Even if those are just reflexes, she'd still be forced to continue suffering forever.

She's not even capable of screaming out, and yet her soul would remain imprisoned...

eternally.

Reg, this is the last chance for us.

You can set Mitty free.

Our last.

Please.

An opportunity like this won't ever present itself again.

I understand.

Nanachi, promise me this...

Even if Mitty isn't around anymore, don't take your own life.

I won't.

I've still gotta take care of Riko... right?

Even after you're done treating Riko!

Oh...

How cruel...

I understand. I promise.

In that case... leave it to me.

With as much compassion as I possibly can...

I will send her off.

Alright.

Sorry for making you stick around here with me all this time.

It won't be long before we can meet again.

Reg, I'm counting on you.

WAIT!

Mitty!

Mitty, I'm sorry!

I was wrong!

I'm sorry.

I'm so, so sorry!

We'll always, always be together, okay?

Mitty, you're so warm...

Mitty, thank you...

Reg...

Do it.

Mitty...

My...

My... treasure...

S-stop it...

Come on, this is no time to be feeling down.

I...

Why am I sad?

Hey, you need to eat too, right?

Ah, that smells great.

Once you're done eating, we're heading out.

What's that odd smell?

Hmm...

You're adapting better than I ever could've imagined.

Nanachi, you're so good at this!

Hey, is that alright?

Well?

Hey, that's dangerous!

Reg, good morning.

Good morning, Riko.

Since she's still recovering, I thought I'd make her a stew that goes down easy,

but she keeps on complaining about how I'm preparing it.

So that's what that odd smell was...

If you remove the guts, it's gonna taste bland, right?

It'll be fine, just fine.

I see demonfish also inhabit the fourth layer.

That's it. That's the way.

Now carefully take it out.

Nanachi, you're good with your hands, huh?

That's it. Now you've got it.

Hey! Don't just stand there, do something!

She's been like this since she first saw me...

Hey, why are you acting like you wanna rub me, too?

Nanachi, you don't seem to be hating it as much as when I did it.

You...!

That's 'cause you rub me in a lewd kinda way, okay?!

Pan-Fried Demonfish

Well...

Th-the taste is what matters. The taste, okay?

Was it good?

Well... it was alright.

You're not half bad.

Glad to hear it.

I have your help to thank!

The eggs are yummy, too.

Try some.

Wait, wasn't there someone else here?

Hm? Hm?

How did you...?

Huh? Why did I think that, again?

Ah...

Well, you see, I had this terribly scary dream...

I can't remember it all that well, but...

when I came to...

I found myself inside this pitch-black boulder-like thing that was horribly heavy and wouldn't budge.

At first, there was this cavity inside it that was about the same size as me...

but it kept getting smaller and smaller.

It was so painful, so agonizing...

It got so I didn't even understand what I was anymore.

I even forgot how to speak...

I was scared, so scared, and I just kept crying...

Then I heard crying...

but it wasn't coming from me.

At first, I was startled...

but then I realized that the other kid was afraid, too...

That helped ease my mind, if only just a little.

Then, you see, I stayed like that for quite a while...

Even when I got scared, there was this girl right in front of me who was even more frightened.

I couldn't talk, but with my eyes alone I kept on telling her, "It'll be okay, it'll be okay..."

Then I smelled something like smoke, and the crying stopped.

You know, that girl left without ever turning to look back...

but I could see her profile.

She was just like all of the cave raiders I've seen...

That eye of hers I saw was filled with longing.

And then, I remembered what it was I wanted to be...

And I knew I had to go.

At the time, I had a feeling I'd see her again.

And then I woke up.

Hm?

Nanachi, Riko once...

Riko died once when she was a baby,

and was brought back to life by the power of a relic.

Riko's life... may very well be connected to the Abyss on some deep level...

Reg... it's alright.

I'm gonna go fetch some water.

This time, make sure you really protect her.

Riko...

Hm?

The truth is...

We're here.

I come to this place when I'm injured.

Wow...

Strange beasts that I've never seen anywhere else also come here to take a dip.

You sure coming here's okay?

They're so docile you can even pet them.

The deep spots can be overly stimulating, so stay outta 'em.

'Kay.

There's light coming up from below.

Reg, sorry, but I can't get this off by myself. Give me a hand.

O-okay...

Riko, lift your arm a bit.

Hey, Reg, you wanna go in with me?

I-I'm just gonna keep a lookout, okay?

Go on and get in with her.

Sometimes blood-sucking insects come to have a bite...

and you're pretty good at shooing those away, right?

I'll be the one to take lookout duty.

It's warm!

Ah, the bottom seems pretty slippery...

Be careful.

Wow!

The color goes away from whatever spot we're in!

Reg, look, look!

Even though the water's hot, there are small fish in here!

The fish are eating the dead skin that's floating up.

For some reason... I feel thirsty...

Ouch! O-ow...

Riko?! Ouch! O-ow...

I-I...

I-I'm fine...

The hot water just stung a bit.

Huh?

Hm?

Reg...

What's up with your penis?

Hm?

I don't know!

This is... This is...

irredeemable.

Hmm? What's with you two?

You're still uneasy about that kinda stuff?

Reg, come on, you've already kissed her, right?

Kissed!

No point in acting embarrassed now.

Reg, what's this kiss thing about?

Uh, that was...

That wasn't really a kiss...

Nanachi, that's not fair! You get in here, too!

What are you talking about?

I'm on lookout duty here, so go ahead and take your time in there.

What's this about a kiss?

Hey, come on.

Jeez, I can't bear to watch this...

Mitty... thanks.

You pulled Reg's treasure up outta that place...

A bit longer...

I hope you can wait for me just a bit longer...

Riko! Hang in there!

Five more to go.

This one's a biggie. Hold her down tight.

Just the thumb...

At least my thumb still moves!

Riko.

Reg, what's wrong?

I'm sorry...

Because I did such a bad job making the cut...

your arm is...

Reg, I'm the one who asked you to do it.

B-but...

In the end, it was Nanachi who saved you.

Nanachi told me...

that you were crying the whole time while saving me and you agonized about what to do, Reg.

I also heard that upon seeing you like that, Nanachi thought, "That's me right there,"

and rushed to save me without so much as a thought.

Reg... this scar is proof.

It's precious proof that you protected me, Reg.

Riko...

Huh?

Nanachi!

What's wrong?

Well...

Oh, it's nothing...

Hey, Nanachi!

Hm?

I have something to ask of you.

Would you consider coming along with us?

Sure.

Really?!

Nanachi, I'm so happy! You're really okay with it?!

Yeah...

Nanachi!

Ah, get off of me!

W-well... Mitty did take a real liking to you.

If I abandoned you midway through your journey, she'd be mad next time we meet.

Besides, you can't rely on Reg alone.

That's a good point.

And Riko's cooking is also really good, right?

Well...

What? What did you say?

That aside...

I'll tell you the full story in due time...

but I came from the place you're heading for.

You mean... the one you mentioned earlier?

I said, "in due time."

Well then!

Let's get started with the preparations.

We've got lots to do!

Hey, you wanna get going as soon as we can, right?

Yep!

My mother's waiting for me, after all!

Preparation of Preserved Medicines

Sorting of Cave Raiding Equipment

Procurement of Water-Repellent Materials

Arm Rehabilitation

Construction of a Support

Completion of a New Backpack

Well then, shall we get going?

Yeah!

Nanachi!

Oh?

It seems her signature has disappeared.

Congratulations, Nanachi...

You've finally managed to do it.

I would like to express the extent of my gratitude to you.

I would very much like to see you again.

Papa!

Hm?

Papa!

My, my.

What were you doin'?

I was checking to see how all of them are doing.

Hmm...

Well now, let's get you back to your room.

We wouldn't want you to damage your health.

After all, you're quite special.

Papa, you know...

I love you very much!

I love you, too...

Prushka.