Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

When I was a kid, I thought the world was simpler.

I thought no challenge was unbeatable...

That if I tried hard, anything was possible.

The world was cut and dry:

You win, you lose, or it's a draw.

I need a way that's more precise...

Tactics that are more efficient...

I need a superior strategy!

Even when you're up against the best there is,

just think about how you can beat him the next time...

You foolish, ignorant child.

At least... that's what I thought.

That this was all a bad joke, a world of stupid games.

The truth is, things in this world didn't have to be so chaotic.

It's all just random...

Unreasonable and unfair.

It never meant anything at all.

And yet...

Next time...

Next time for sure...

Elkia

Why can't I win?! Thanks?!

Not to brag, but I've only been beaten once in my whole life.

It's the sixth of the Ten Pledges:

All bets made in accordance with the Pledges must be upheld

All bets made in accordance with the Pledges must be upheld

This law is absolute, per the one true god who created our world of Disboard.

I'll crush you...

Next time, I'm totally crushin' you! Thanks!

"Next time," huh?

If you couldn't beat those two, you won't beat ME.

You friggin'... know about Sora and Shiro? Thanks.

I've got an interesting story I can tell you during our next game...

As thanks for this wonderful prize.

You're just trying to distract me. Well, thanks!

If you wanna talk, just talk! Thanks.

Okay, then I will.

It's just a myth you'll never be able to tell anyone.

I ain't listening. Thanks.

Well...

This story goes back more than 6,000 years.

A bitter war raged, savaging the earth and extinguishing planets.

No one remembers now...

And yet, this is one tale I will never forget.

It's a big one, huh?

The black ash is really coming down. Let's hurry.

Ivan?

I'm okay.

What does the Spirit Compass say?

This is what the black ash has done to it.

We'll be relying on our senses for this recon.

Don't let your guard down.

Riku!

Come here, quick! There's a-!

No way...

It's a world map, Dwarven made.

And it's the latest version!

That's not all.

This shows the balance of power between the races, and even the dwarves' strategy map.

Ivan. Alei.

Compare this to what we've got and make corrections.

I'll make sense of this strategy map.

Ascheito!

A message from the dwarves?

"Fusion"... "Detonation"?

How the hell much of this world do they plan to destroy?

Let's get out of here.

Alei. Don't take anything that runs on spiritual energy.

But...!

If you wanna die, go right ahead.

Dammit!

Ivan, this is an order.

You will die here.

Ascheito.

Ivan!

Look after my kid for me.

I'm sorry, Riku.

Over here!

Come and get me, Demonia!

They say there used to be something called "the Sun."

Its white flames lit the heavens, making the skies the brightest blue you've ever seen.

There's an old story, like something out of a fairy tale.

The gods and their creations waged eternal war...

The earth burned, choking the heavens with soot and raining down the ashes of the dead.

Riku!

These ashes...

It's the least we can do to honor them, I guess.

Non... na.

Here.

This is my name? It says "Nonna"?

No fair! Teach me too, Couronne! This is my name? It says "Nonna"?

No fair! Teach me too, Couronne!

Hey, I'm first!

Sure. You'll get your turn.

Couronne!

They're back!

Riku!

Riku! Thank goodness!

Couronne...

You sure took your time! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?

Also, how many times do I have to tell you to call me "Big Sis"?

We got back as fast as we could.

About Ivan...

Riku-!

Daddy!

Riku! Alei! Nonna!

Riku! Alei!

I'm glad you're back! Where's Daddy?

Nonna... Here, look. I wrote this myself.

Here, look. I wrote this myself.

Um, Nonna... Hey, where's Daddy?

Um, Nonna...

Riku!

Nonna...

Your daddy won't be coming home anymore.

But... why?

Because he's dead.

You're lying!

I'm not lying.

Yes, you are!

Daddy promised that he'd come home!

He said that in the end, it would be us humans who win!

We will win.

That's why Ivan fought with all he had. So the rest of us could win.

That's not "winning" at all!

It should've been...

It should've been you who died!

Nonna!

You two, go get in the bath.

I'll just wipe myself off.

Go take a bath already.

You guys stink!

So we... we could "win"?

I'm a gods-damned hypocrite!

I made him throw his life away!

I told him to die!

Just say it!

Say, "You killed him, asshole!

You sacrificed him so you could live a little while longer!"

If this goes on, then... what's the point?

How far will we go?

Until we kill 999 people to save the other 1,001?

Until there's only one person left?!

When will this be over?

How long do we have to keep living like this?!

No human born into a world like this could die without a good reason.

It's the same as having a reason to live: The mind won't accept death if it has no meaning.

Ivan's death wasn't in vain.

The ruins of the elves' old capital city hold a lot of valuable information...

Things most people never get a chance to see.

If you can hold on to your sanity in a world like this...

Can that itself be called "sane"?

Dwarves?

No...

Destruction on this scale, I bet it was the Flügel.

This thing's pretty big...

Am I just... imagining things?

No!

An Ex Machina!

Investigating.

Adjusting for current parameters.

Stay calm.

These things operate as part of a group.

They have a shared consciousness with their Cluster, which means the others must be nearby.

And that means...

Conclusion.

If I make any hostile moves, all the Ex Machina will see me as a threat.

I've gotta lay low.

I can't resist you, Big Brother.

Make a woman out of me.

Huh?!

Error.

Cannot comprehend.

I'm the one who can't comprehend, dammit!

Conjecture:

Ils this scenario not sufficient to bring you gratification?

Sorry, but I'm not some weirdo who gets off on being observed by you guys.

Query: Who is "you guys"?

Don't play dumb.

All this gets sent to that Cluster thing you're part of, right?

Negative. This unit has been severed from the Cluster collective.

Severed?

So then, you're on your own?

Correct.

In that case, what does some stray Ex Machina want with a human like me?

You don't mind if I ask, right?

Response: To analyze the unique language humans use among themselves...

The language referred to as "the heart."

The heart?

Reasoning: This unit's investigation into the existence of the heart

generated multiple logic errors, causing this unit to be disassociated.

Thereafter, observation has been conducted independently.

"Observation," huh?

So, your plan is to study the heart on your own and get the Cluster to take you back?

Desire.

It is postulated that dermal contact, flesh upon flesh, results in a unique exchange of emotion.

I request that you procreate with this unit.

Forget it!

Alternative: You may violate this unit in any manner you wish...

...though it possesses no orifice.

Not gonna happen. Wait, no orifice?!

Lösen.

Recreation. Erst...

Chess.

Challenge: I would ask you take part in this game.

Conditions: If this unit wins, it shall be taken home with you and procreation shall occur.

You had to choose chess, huh?

You guys are basically walking calculators, so there's no way I can win.

Still...

What if...

I DO win?

Answer: You shall take this unit home...

and procreation shall be permitted.

That's the same frickin' thing!

Whatever.

I guess there's no getting out of this, huh?

Sure, I'll play along.

Conclusion: A game in accordance with these terms.

Yeah. I'll play you once.

Except, I'll be making...

a slight change to these rules of yours.

We have arrived.

S-so... when it comes to mobility, you really don't use spiritual energy, huh?

Correct. Utilizing spiritual energy would have saved 55,782 seconds.

Addendum: This unit is a "Prüfer," a model that is used for analysis.

Its capabilities are lesser than other Ex Machina.

With a half-assed "race" like this waging war, it's no wonder the world's gone to hell.

What should I call you?

Meaning unknown.

Your name. Don't you have one?

Understood.

Designation number: Über Cluster Zwei Null Sieben Peh Err Vier Fünf Sieben Teh Neun.

That's your name?

No way. Go with something more human.

Query: Should this unit win, it will stay with Riku until it can fathom the human heart.

Should this unit conceal that it is a machine?

The heart's like an unspoken feeling that comes from mutual understanding.

If you're gonna be with me, you need to dress like a human.

Query: Is self-designation an option?

Sure, whatever.

Response: I shall be Schwarzer.

That's long and just plain weird.

Not gonna happen. Let's go with "Schwi."

Meaning unclear. Adjustment was made for self-configuration.

Can we do something about the way you talk before we go in there?

Laden. Adopting Personality Eins Sechs Eins Null.

Tee-hee! Is this better, Big Brother?

Forget it!

Counter-argument: This setting was the most logical choice.

And what "logic" did you use so that I suddenly have a younger sister?

Desire. I merely presented what was the optimal option.

Yeah, well...

It'd be a pain for people to start asking about our past.

Just act shy, and don't say more than you have to.

And quit starting every sentence sounding like a robot.

Are we good?

Understood.

Is this... okay?

Are... Are you acting?

"Acting"? No.

I chose a personality that matches the given parameters.

It's a trace emulation.

Okay...

I want you to stay where I can see you.

And keep those clothes on.

Can't you do something about that tail-looking thing?

Negative.

It is Schwi's power source, a nerve cluster of quasi-spiritual circuitry...

Alright, fine. I guess we'll say it's a fashion choice.

Now, I'm gonna say this one more time:

Do NOT show that robot body of yours to anyone.

Yes. I'll show it only to you.

She's so cute! Who is she?!

I found her on the way back, at a colony that had been wiped out. And...

So is she... your wife?!

"Wife"?

Hey, listen.

C'mon, don't be shy!

In times like these, number one is having kids, number two is food,

and numbers 3, 4, and 5 are having kids!

Cut that out.

And you too!

What does this mean?

Don't worry about it!

What's your name?

Schwi.

That's a nice name.

So, how did you meet Riku here?

He...

He kissed Schwi, and demanded that we procreate.

N-no, that's not true! I just...!

Riku.

You could at least wait...

until after you're back to do that!

You could've worded that differently, you know.

"Differently"?

Never mind. Still, couldn't you have tried to look a bit more mature?

You're just making yourself more appealing.

But this is the form that you prefer.

Nah, that ain't my thing.

Then what form do you like?

Listen here...

Do you know what it means when you say "like" that way?

I wish to know what you prefer.

You'll only understand by knowing what ISN'T said.

That's how I explained the human heart, right?

Well then...

let's play a game.

No thanks.

I didn't have much choice before, but...

games are pointless, and I don't have the time to waste on them.

What if... they aren't pointless?

If you win, the prize will be information you desire.

For example...

the reason that the Great War began.

And what will finish it.

Gimme a break.

We humans don't care about that stuff, so there's no point in knowing.

If there's one thing I want to know, it's...

how to make it through the day alive.

That's it.

That's the real reason I brought you along.

The knowledge, the math and engineering tech you Ex Machina have...

If I can beat you, then THAT'S what I want.

Understood.

Given the current state of this planet,

the fact that humans have survived is...

an anomaly.

Even we Ex Machina cannot find a reason for this.

As life forms, you are weak.

Your civilization is primitive, and you cannot utilize spiritual power.

And yet...

you have survived.

There must be some reason... a key to your survival.

That key is the heart.

That is my theory.

I wish to know-

Stop.

Are you screwing with me?

Riku?

You do what you want, wage all the wars you want...

You've taken everything from us,

but it turns out all you have to say is, "Hey, how come you all are still alive?"

"Can you tell us about the human heart?"

Fine, I'll tell you!

The way I feel hasn't changed one damn bit since I was born!

You can burn in Hell, all of you!

Do you know how many have died because of you bastards?!

How many of us have been killed?! How many...

How many more will you make us kill?

Riku... I made you cry.

Therefore...

I assume I have said something terrible.

I know that, in your heart, you wish to kill me.

Just stab me here and...

I will die.

"Die"?

I am not alive.

So it will be permanent cessation, repair not being possible...

Systemic failure.

I wish to know your heart.

If this is what your heart desires...

would you please kill me?

Chad, Anton, Elma, Corey, Dale, Silith, Ed, Darrel,

Dave, Larcus, Vin, Eric, Charlie...

Riku?

Thompson, Shinta, Yang, Zsa Zsa, Zargo, Cray, Goro, Peter, Arthur,

Morg, Kimmy, Dat, Cyril, Vizzie, Wally,

Ken, Savage, Leroy, Bobo, Couthon, Lito, Shigure, Shao, Wolf, Bard, Asso,

Kenwood, Peil, Ahad, Hound, Barloff, Masashi, Memegan, Karim...

Ivan!

Forty-eight people...

And I ordered them all to die!

A whole lot of people have died during the Great War... killed just like dust being swept up.

But the one who said these people should die...

The one who TOLD them to was...!

Riku?

Riku? You awake?

Sorry, I know you're tired, but if you don't mind...

How lewd!

You mind if I ask why you're straddling me?

You told me to stay in your line of sight.

That just means not to leave my side.

Meaning unclear. With your eyes closed, you have no line of sight.

Looks like some fun roleplay...

This ain't roleplay!

It's okay, I get it.

Just let me know when you're done, and Schwi-chan can take a bath.

Bath?! Uh, I...

I...

Riku said I can show my body only to him.

Whoa, hey! Got her trained, huh?!

Couronne, shut your mouth already.

Still, this speeds things up a bit.

Keep an eye on Schwi-chan, okay?

I'll go kick out whoever's in the bath.

I am... sorry.

For what?

For being the aggressor and yet asking about the heart.

That is illogical.

I wouldn't say "illogical." It's insensitive.

My circuits are capable of sensitive transmission.

That's not what I meant.

Still, I got way too worked up.

Is that a bad thing?

I guess.

I could get angry and smack you, but that wouldn't solve anything, right?

Riku, you wish to hit me?

It's just a figure of speech.

Still, I don't know...

I'm not so sure myself.

Riku, let's play a game.

Huh?

What did you bring that thing for?

Because you smiled.

That was the only time.

So...

Let's play.

I wish to know your heart...

But I don't want to hurt you.

What should I do? I don't know.

Why would you have to hurt me?

If you want to go back to your Cluster,

you can learn about the heart without forcing it out of me, right?

This is true.

Regardless, I don't wish to cause you harm...

But why?

You're asking ME?

I will state a possible answer:

The Cluster is pointless, meaningless, irrelevant.

Analysis takes prominence.

I wish to know your heart. I want you to remain.

Error. Error. Error. Error.

H-hey, what?! Cut that out!

Conclusion: It seems... I don't want to go back.

"It seems"?

Unable to quantify definitely.

But... it would seem so.

It seems...

That's pretty vague.

Pawn to E4.

Hey, you could at least let me go first.

Your turn is next.

Also, you're playing while I'm brushing your hair.

That's not really fair, is it? Jeez!

Why's it so long anyway?

If you prefer it short, shall I cut it?

Nah, you don't have to do that.

You just don't get it, do you?

Riku.

I have designed a compact telescope.

Again? I still haven't beaten you at chess.

I thought this was what you wanted.

Huh...

This is where I met you?

Uh, yeah.

There's something about that place that's really bugged me,

but it's so far that I can't just get up and walk there.

We've arrived.

You're quite the observant machine, huh?

Have you noticed? The buildings are all destroyed,

but for some reason, the ground here is mostly untouched.

Because of the elves' protective magic.

But why let everything get blasted except for this one spot?

To the elves, this was an important facility,

an emergency shelter, or perhaps...

something of more value.

A facility to research and develop new weaponry.

The heck is this?

Protective glyphs of the Old Deus Kainas.

Kainas... The creator of the elves?

These aren't protective glyphs.

They don't correspond to any data regarding elvish glyphs or magical rites.

It's probably some new damn foolishness they invented.

These guys are as hell-bent as the dwarves to destroy this planet.

"Aka Si Anse proof of concept reactor"...

Riku... you can read Elvish?

Even hard-earned info is worthless if you can't understand it.

To this day, the traits and languages and customs of the various races

have been passed on through oral history, written works... any means you can think of.

Even we lowly humans haven't just sat back and let ourselves get wiped out.

That being said...

I can't read another damn thing.

Especially this. It's a name, right?

If this is classified information, probability is high that it is in code.

Yeah. And that's a problem.

It means even the names of the guys involved with this have been encrypted.

"Aka Si Anse"...

The only thing we know for sure is friggin' nonsense, huh?

Riku, stand back!

Lösen.

Einweg!

Run!

Dammit!

Schwi!

Schwi!

Ri...

Schwi...

Schwi!

Schwi...

Their security system...

The elvish magic remained active.

Huh?

But it will be fine.

Lösen.

Steh Apokryphen.

What was that?

A special ability of the Ex Machina.

If attacked, we can analyze, emulate, and reproduce the attack, copying it.

But as a Prüfer, I can generate less than 10% of its original strength.

Even so... That was pretty irresponsible.

I'm sorry.

I broke my promise and used spiritual energy.

Yeah. But it's better than dying.

Let's get the heck out of here before some band of freaks finds us.

Dammit!

An ash storm, huh?

I will be fine.

My system pumps a decontaminant solution that can purge the ash.

You may be fine, but I sure won't.

Hey, you brought the chess set, right?

I'm sorry.

It's not like I'm criticizing you.

Let's play a game.

You don't mind?

The other races won't detect us in this storm.

It's a way to kill some time, right?

Dammit! I lost again!

One more time!

Riku... Why do you challenge me when you can't win?

I can't win?

You have yet to win even once.

Before, I was going after you thinking about the big picture.

Who says there's no way I can beat you?

I...

understand somewhat.

The current conditions upon this planet are fatal for humanity.

That you exist is... an aberration.

This aberration...

Correction: This accomplishment is possible through your heart.

Your will.

Despite this, humanity as a whole survives...

This is an objective fact...

and yet you refuse to accept.

You do not wish to acknowledge what you are.

Why?

Well, let me ask you:

What's the point of surviving in a world like this?

You run as hard as you can, and you keep running... but what then?

What do you do?

What the hell do you do?

Just sit back and let yourself get blown away like dust?!

And if you don't like that idea, you let 999 people die for the sake of 1,001?

Will that change the world?!

Well?!

Riku...

Tell me this, Schwi:

What else can we do?

What should I do?

I wish to know as well.

What does your heart tell you, Riku?

Look at what a mess I am.

I asked you 'cause I don't know.

So, my heart's not talking.

Riku... What do you wish to do?

"Wish to do"?

Whatever it is... I will help you.

I will stay by your side until I understand your heart.

I shall keep watch by your side to see what your heart desires.

So...

I wish to do what YOU wish to do.

Checkmate.

Schwi... Wouldn't this have been a good time to call a draw?

Read the air already.

Has there been a change in atmospheric conditions?

No...

It's nothing.

Pretty... It's pretty.

Schwi... it's nice to not be alone, huh?

Riku, you haven't always been alone.

Nah. Like an idiot, I've pushed myself to extremes, trying to be cool.

But...

what do I wanna do, huh?

If I just go by that, things might actually work out pretty good.

Schwi...

Tell me. What's the point of this war, and how do we settle it?

When I was a kid, I thought the world was simpler.

I thought no challenge was unbeatable...

That if I tried hard, anything was possible.

The world was cut and dry:

You win, you lose, or it's a draw.

I thought this seeing the world with clear eyes.

And I...

foolish, ignorant child that I was, I...

Sure enough, I wasn't wrong.

You and me, Schwi.

Together, I think we can make things in this world... get interesting.

Yes. That's it there. Those eyes are good.

I have... good eyes?

No.

Rather... I like those eyes.

I mean. Do you?

There you go, bein' vague again.

This is bad!

Keep calm! Head for the west exit!

Nonna, you go with the others.

Okay, go!

Riku!

Riku...

Dammit!

This place will turn to ash too?

Then what...

What have I done all this for?!

Riku. C'mon, rest a while.

I can take things from here.

Schwi. You put that in writing, right?

Indeed.

Huh?

Which means, Couronne, that as of today, you're head of the colony.

And that... is the site for your new colony.

You'll be safe if you stay on the western escape route.

Well, good luck to you.

Hey! Riku, wait up!

Without you, the rest of the camp and I are-!

Nah, they'll be in good hands.

Because from now on, no one else is gonna die.

Riku!

Hey!

What are you two cooking up, huh?

A game.

We're just...

gonna get a childish pastime started.

As of now, everyone here is dead because we didn't make it out of the colony in time.

We no longer exist in this world...

We're ghosts.

The day of the final battle WILL come.

It's no use hoping for a future where it won't.

This world is shit.

Do we run to stay alive, praying for that last battle?

Pray to whom?

These damn butchers who call themselves gods?!

Artosh, creator of the Flügel!

Kainas, creator of the elves!

Okein, creator of the dwarves!

All of them claim to be the one true god of this world,

fighting for the throne and destroying everything in the process!

Who would pray to those pieces of shit?!

Open your eyes already.

There is no hope left.

That's why we'll have to build things up ourselves.

In the end, this world was nothing but a game.

Those butchers are after the Suniaster,

a conceptual device said to grant absolute authority over this world.

That's why they've devoted themselves to this crap game where anything goes.

And so...

We're gonna make our own rules, ones that are on our terms. And...

we'll win.

One: You must not kill!

One: You must not kill

Two: You must let no one die!

Two: You must let no one die

Three: You must let no one discover you!

Three: You must let no one discover you

If we're discovered, we're dead.

Four: No tactic is off limits!

Four: No tactic is off limits

Not even the dirtiest trick will be considered "dirty."

Five: Those guys' rules mean nothing to us!

Five: Those guys' rules mean nothing to us

The heart doesn't give two shits about some killing contest.

Six: Break any of these rules and you lose.

Six: Break any of these rules, and you lose The heart will gain nothing from a victory that violates these rules.

That's it.

Now we do what we want.

We are the Ghosts.

We will not kill a single member of the other races, including the Old Deus,

and we will not be discovered!

We will simply guide the course of this war to its end!

An end to the Great War!

That is the victory that WE will achieve!

Our enemies are gods, tools of violence and despair that set this world ablaze.

The chances of us winning are astronomical!

If winning means doing everything in secret and behind the scenes,

then even if we win, no one will have any memory of it.

We are the Ghosts, and ghosts don't talk.

Even so, if...

if we can master this game for real, if we can win...

we can die with our heads held high, knowing we've lived the coolest lives possible, right?

Okay, only stay if that's the kind of game you want to get started.

Uh... I'm gonna be honest:

I thought you guys were a bit smarter.

Come on, don't immediately go gettin' the wrong idea.

Riku, you really think there are any "smart" people in this world?

Where are you gonna find a place that's crazier than here?

The smart ones choose death over this world.

The even smarter ones choose not to be born.

It was you who chose all of us here, Riku.

And that is the very definition of a dumbass, ain't it?

Humans are foolish.

But it's our foolishness that teaches us we shouldn't let being foolish get us killed.

We've stayed alive in a world where life has no value.

Everyone who's bet it all, science and knowledge and intellect, to make that happen...

They're magnificent fools, the weak who are worthy of respect.

What else could we call them?

Okay, let's do this!

Let us pledge on the wishes of our fallen brethren!

Ascheito!

No. Not on the wishes of the fallen, but on the rules we have pledged to follow.

And so...

Aschiento!

Okay...

Let's get this game started.

Riku...

Sure enough, I do not understand the heart.

All strategies have less than a 1% chance of success.

And you're wondering why everyone's so sure we can pull it off?

Say, Schwi...

if you roll a die, what are the odds it will come up a six?

One in six.

But what if someone who doesn't exist swaps it out for a die that will roll only a six?

A manipulation of the variables?

Yeah. It's called "cheating."

Sounds fun, right?

We're the singularity in the equation.

We'll make every prediction, every strategy and calculation, come together how we want.

Pulling that off would be-

A miracle.

Success would be a distortion of probability theory.

Yup. Anything can happen.

Zero or 100, it doesn't matter.

It's all just armchair theory.

You want me to prove it?

Question: What are the odds that, right here and now, I'll say that I love you?

Intent unclear. Tentative guess: Next to zero.

You see? That's the wrong answer.

Marry me, Schwi.

Cannot... comprehend.

I decline.

I'M SORRY! THAT WAS TOO MUCH, ESPECIALLY 'CAUSE I'M STILL A VIRGIN!

Marriage...

This is a vow that humans exchange in order to reproduce.

I am an Ex Machina.

I don't care about that!

I just want you to always be by my side!

Why? I already am.

That ain't what I mean! I'm talking, like, as a life partner!

Ex Machina cannot reproduce.

I don't care!

We cannot copulate either.

Riku, you would always be a virgin.

Yeah, I don't care!

You hesitated.

Quit nitpicking already!

It is... not possible.

Because...

Schwi?

Because... I...

Transmission: From Prüfer to Einzig.

Decision reached.

I destroyed your home.

Lösen.

Origin Zwei Acht Null Sieben.

Einweg.

It was me.

Can you... still say what you just did?

Schwi.

I already knew that. Somehow, I knew.

But... how?

Well, the first thing that seemed off was...

Yeah, it was when we met.

Like, "Why did she choose chess for our game?"

And then, "Why's she just sitting in wait so far from the settlement?"

That wasn't very well thought out.

And yet...

Why...?

I guess, because once I knew the whole story, I fell for you.

Nothing will change the fact that you wiped out my hometown.

But if not for that, we probably wouldn't have met.

It is what it is.

We can try and sugarcoat it, but it won't change the facts.

Grind your teeth, feel bad about it, scream and cry...

then move on and think, "Not again. Not next time."

That's probably why you took an interest in me, right?

Your past, the present where you're with me, a future where I want you to stay...

I love it all.

Being together makes me think I want to live, even in a world like this...

I can imagine there'll never be another time when I can't smile.

So...

will you throw logic out the window to walk the same path as me?

As my wife, that is.

Schwi!

In every sense...

to all appearances...

it is absurd. And yet...

Let me... let me be by your side, forever and ever. Please.

Same goes for me.

Riku: Do you take Schwi as your wife,

swearing to grow together, support and love each other, and to stay alive?

Yeah, I swear.

Jeez, Riku! You're supposed to say "Ascheito"!

Sorry. We got rid of that.

Now, it's "Aschiento."

It kinda bugs me you've been up to all this stuff without me knowing.

Like, what the heck?

You tell me where your secret hideout is, and when I get here, suddenly you're getting married!

It was YOU who said we should have a ceremony.

Also, this is getting off topic.

Schwi: Do you take Riku as your husband, swearing to grow together, support and love each other?

I swear.

To Riku, the one who taught me why I was born, who gave me a heart... I pledge myself.

I will not let you die, Riku. We will live side by side, right to the end.

Aschiento.

And so, as your "big sister"...

I'd like to congratulate you on your marriage.

Wait, Couronne!

You're so cute!

Couronne, why are you...?

I mean, this is who you chose as your bride, right?

So, in closing, carve your names on this.

On a rock?

If you guys are gonna live in secret, there'll be no official documents, right?

Your name...

Yeah. My surname.

From now on, it's the same for all three of us.

It just sounds weird, "our surname."

Say, Riku, Schwi...

I don't know what you... what any of you will do.

You two aren't part of this world. But...

I do know I have a little brother I adore and a cute younger sister. So...

Please. I don't want to lose my family!

Don't do anything rash.

Yeah. No one is gonna die.

This is one game... we're sure to win.

You can trust us... Big Sister.

I smell it... the black ash!

Well done, Warbeast.

You can eat me if you want, but...

I guarantee you, I won't taste good.

Who the hell are you?!

You guys have made the west coast of the continent of Lucia your home base...

but the dwarves are planning to conduct a weapons test out there.

This thing could even kill an Old Deus.

It's a large-scale explosive device called an E-bomb.

You guys can use Blood Destruction, right?

It should be easy for you to get into the dwarves' facility.

Do a smash and grab, take care of things however you like.

The dwarves' fleet keeps close watch on the warbeasts and moves into action.

The warbeasts, fearful of the E-bomb, flee Lucia.

Next, secret elvish information goes to the dwarves.

And THIS...

is where it all comes together.

Who are you?

Let's see... I'll just call myself a Ghost.

I assume you have business that warrants barging in unannounced.

I was thinking we could have ourselves a little game.

A game?

And the "chips" we'll bet with is information.

If you win, I'll tell you. If you lose, you tell me.

I don't know who you are or where you're from, but you think you can challenge Nina Clive?

Fine, I'll give you this up front: Info on the Aka Si Anse has been leaked to the dwarves.

Is that good enough?

As the Advocate of Aka Si Anse Theory,

Nina Clive

Very well.

I may not know who you are, but this is something I can't ignore.

Therefore, here is my chip: the Advocate of Aka Si Anse Theory is in fact-

It's not you.

Yeah, I've already heard.

I also know that it's not true.

And that you'll use magic to make me believe your lie.

Now then.

My chip will be...

when the dwarves learned of the Aka Si Anse, they concluded that it wasn't a threat.

And I have the proof.

That can't be! It's-!

It's true.

My information is...

about a weapon the dwarves consider even more powerful than the Aka Si Anse.

The E-bomb?

Yes. A weapon on that scale could wipe out the entire continent.

You're saying those creatures who burrow in the earth like moles have made something

more advanced than the Aka Si Anse, the culmination of elvish spiritual magic?

Wait a moment.

There are times you've chosen to purposefully lose.

Let me ask one last thing: Are you our enemy?

Or are you our ally?

I'm not your enemy or your ally.

My one hope is that...

you all suffer as few casualties as possible.

Very well, Mr. Ghost.

To be clear, you will ask me and me alone what I'll do with this information, yes?

By the way...!

Nina Clive is just an alias. My real name is...

Think Nilvalen. Yup, that's me!

Maybe you saw through my little performance?

Did you even once hear me call you "Nina"?

I am going to make you regret trying to make ME, of all people, your plaything.

After all, the rumor that elves are quite tenacious...

began with none other than the Nilvalen family.

Riku!

Riku, here!

It's decontaminant!

Riku, you liar! You said it would only be an hour!

You've been breathing black ash for two hours!

I didn't have a choice.

I had to, or I would've given myself away in a second.

Also...

I don't care how smart you are...

No one could predict this sort of suicidal behavior, right?

Riku!

Looks like I'm done for, huh?

Hey, how much longer do you think I've got?

I won't let you die.

You have to stay alive until I die.

And how long do Ex Machina live?

I have another 892 years in my service life.

Guess I'll have to step up my game, huh?

And so, the first objective of moving the battle lines outside human territories was achieved.

First the dwarves, now the elves.

The warbeasts are leaving in droves too.

What's going on?

Lily!

Keep an eye on things for me for a bit!

Huh? Hey! Couronne!

The Ghosts continued to act behind the scenes.

Just like we wanted, the elves became allies with the fairies

and ramped up their contracts with the dragonia to fend off the Dwarven fleet.

Meanwhile, the dwarves became allies with the gigants,

who they were on friendly terms with, as well as several phantasma.

Manipulated by the Ghosts' information,

each of the major powers took steps to guard against the large-scale destructive weaponry of the other,

moving their headquarters to the neighboring continent of Ariela.

But that was home base for what was currently the greatest threat of all:

The lord of the Flügel, the Old Deus Artosh.

Einweg.

Twenty-three units are now installed. That leaves...

nine remaining.

And so, as the other races sought to take advantage of this situation,

the clock began ticking down to this world's final battle...

Just like we wanted.

Hey, Schwi...

Is there a god of games?

If I said I'd met him, would you believe me?

The stuff he does, it's way beyond anything I can anticipate, so of course I always lose.

And yet...

It's so fun that I can't stand it.

It's like...

like, "Next time, I'm gonna beat him for sure!"

I've thought that this whole time.

That's why I have to settle things with him once and for all...

because that game of ours isn't over yet.

If you believe this, then I believe too.

If you say he exists, he does.

I don't doubt you.

Dammit!

I totally want someone to hear what you just said so they'll believe me!

Riku!

Riku!

Couronne!

It's just like you said; we haven't lost a single person to the war.

Sightings of the other races have dried up too.

Yeah, I bet.

If you guys are behind this, I'd say you're doing something pretty amazing.

But still, Riku! Do you see the shape you're in?

No problem.

It's a big problem!

You're falling apart!

We're almost there. Leave me be, okay?

What is "almost"? When will this be over?

How long do I have to keep worrying about you?

Look, Couronne...

Do you know what the gods are after with this war of theirs?

Huh?

The throne of the One True God.

Yup. According to Schwi, it's something called the Suniaster.

It's a kind of conceptual device designed so that out of all those Old Deus idiots,

only one of them can be called "God."

"Conceptual device"?

Well, where the heck is it?

It will appear on one condition: It must be in front of the greatest power on the planet.

And if there are 10 gods of equal power,

killing the other nine will make who's left the One True God.

That's their thinking.

What?! Those idiots!

That's the reason that we...?

Couronne, that's an insult to idiots.

Because... we can make the Suniaster show up without even doing that.

Huh?

That's why I've gathered all these guys together.

The Aka Si Anse, the E-bomb, the Heaven's Strike...

They're powerful enough on their own, but when put in one spot...

they could drive a hole in the planet.

Huh? The planet?!

All the Old Deus were born from this world... from the Spirit Circuit.

Which means the greatest power in the world is...?

The Spirit Circuit!

We may be the weakest of all, but we've set the stage for the final scene.

We're going to use their own strength against them and turn the global balance of power on its head.

The Suniaster appears, and when acquired, the One True God is named.

The planet will be rebuilt.

This will be an all-out assault, and crucial,

so it'll be clone using Schwi's weaponry, which can skew power directionality.

Installing 32 Einweg units should, in theory, let us wield enough power to destroy the planet.

There are nine installation sites left.

Once everything is set up...

Checkmate.

Those fools will pierce the planet's core themselves,

but we'll snatch the Suniaster for the win.

And we'll do it with no one dying,

so when this is over, I wanna ask these gods...

"Hey, so... How are you guys feeling right now?"

Riku?

Riku!

Riku!

What did you tell them all before you came here?

Huh? Uh...

Nothing, really.

I bet the colony is in a panic.

Don't leave them on their own for too long.

What the heck?! You just suddenly left, and never...

you never...!

Take care of... Nonna and the others.

Riku. Just sleep.

I can't. We have to hurry and finish setting up the Einweg.

It's all right.

The attack will not start anytime soon.

Your predictions are never wrong.

Yeah, but...!

You can rest for a little while.

You should take a day off.

You're right.

I'll use today to get my strength back.

Yes.

Schwi...

I'm sorry for being a burden.

Riku, just sleep now. You're not a burden.

Then, Schwi... I have a favor to ask.

Could you... hold my hand while I sleep?

Yes.

I will hold it the whole time.

Don't worry, Riku.

Schwi... Thank you for coming into my life.

I really do love you.

Now and forever.

Riku...

I'm sorry.

I'll be back soon.

The Elvish Alliance has the Aka Si Anse...

The Dwarven Alliance has their E-bomb.

But they're both weaklings, and challenging Lord Artosh is as dumb as it gets, nya!

That hurts, nya!

You're the real fool, Azriel.

We can't afford to make any false moves ourselves.

Lord Artosh is awaiting the right opportunity, so we must wait as well.

Rather tedious, isn't it?

Eight devices left.

If I acquire the Suniaster, then Riku will not die!

Riku... just hold on!

What's this?

Are you out walking alone on this fine day?

I observed faint readings of spiritual energy and came to investigate,

which has yielded a most unexpected bounty.

A pleasure to meet you, Scrap.

Warning: Hostile action against this unit will trigger the appropriate countermeasures.

From a single Prüfer unit, do you mean?

I have confirmed there are no Cluster readings within a 100-kilometer radius.

I'd say that's a chance to chop that premium head of yours off with ease.

Rule 1: You must not kill.

Luckily, you Ex Machina have no concept of death, correct?

Rule 2: You must let no one die.

It's no use resisting, so-

I refuse.

Pardon?

This unit has been abandoned. It has no worth.

Rule 6: Break any of these rules and you lose.

Therefore...

I'd like you to... drop this.

Don't tell me an Ex Machina is pleading out of a fear of death.

B-b-but you're a defect, cast out from your own group!

Oh, you are a premium catch, PREMIUM!

I have determined our respective combat capabilities.

The chances of winning are...

Nil.

And yet...

in probability theory, there is no "zero."

Laden.

Code: Eins, Sechs, Sieben, Drei, Beh, Sieben, Vier, Drei, Eh, Eins, Eff, Zwei, Fünf.

Activate.

Lösen.

Final warning:

All armaments, firepower, fighting shall be employed...

and you will beg for your life.

What's this?

Ex Machina are supposed to parse and emulate the optimal methods of destruction.

I think someone has played a joke on you.

Over Boost!

Asyut Armor!

Scattering the elemental bones...

As a machine, you're not very kind to the environment, are you?

However...

I believe I can do something about that!

Your conviction is... unfounded.

Lösen! Ender Apokryphen!

Einweg.

I should continue my escape until reaching a distance where the Flügel cannot detect me.

That should work.

What's this?

And where might you be going?

Oh, dear. I was aiming for the neck.

Could my aim have been off?

I can't imagine a machine would have anything resembling intuition.

I have a bad feeling about this.

All I need from you is your head, so...

allow me to bury you in the dirt like the scrap metal you are.

Keine Eintrag!

Riku...

I don't want to die...

I CAN'T die.

We can't fail...

because of me!

All I can do now...

All I can do for Riku is...!

My unique designation is Über Cluster Zwei Null Sieben Peh Err Vier Fünf Sieben Teh Neun.

Requesting reconnection with Einzig!

My analysis of the human heart is complete!

I request synchronous reconnection!

You have been permanently severed from the collective,

and your data has been judged a source of critical error. Request denied.

I dispute this refusal!

All Prüfer reports and analytical studies are required to be sent to Einzig!

I strongly urge reconnection!

Reconnection is-!

Einzig... No. Correction...

You fool!

The truth is, I don't want to share these with anyone else!

I love Riku. I don't want to be separated from him.

I mean, it's embarrassing!

These errors I've received from him, more than I can handle...

They all...

They all are mine and mine alone!

But you're saying I have to hand them over!

You need to... understand what that means, you idiot!

Stop talking nonsense!

Take these sentiments!

As thought, you are broken.

I know...

Your system is contradictory and failing, and yet you function. You are an anomaly.

I know that too.

This is not possible. It cannot be.

But it is.

It's the "heart" Riku gave me, which shows...

the truth!

In consideration...

this is deemed valuable sample data.

Initiating data synchronization.

Completion time is 251 seconds.

During this time, damage to your unit is not permissible.

Alles Lesen.

Initiating the algorithm for combating unknown foes: Forme.

These emotions, this heart...

The life I received, being born a machine...

I have 251 seconds, and I...

bet it all!

Are you trying to imply something with those giant wings of yours?

A bit doll-like, but nicely made.

Schwi.

Pardon?

I never said my name. But that is me...

It's who I am, and I owe it to Riku.

Do you mind?

I am Jibril.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Also...

this is goodbye.

Don't play your enemies at their own game.

And do not give them the initiative.

Make them drop their guard.

Make them think you're a worthless opponent.

Make your enemies keep their guard up.

Make them think they can't act rashly.

If now doesn't work, then...

wait for the next move.

I can't die!

Not yet!

I can't die!

Einweg!

Finally, a workable mistake.

You've caused me quite a bit of effort.

Mistake? What do you mean?

Allow me to explain.

I apologize for calling you scrap metal.

I take it back.

I have deemed you a threat that needs to be eliminated.

You are an enemy worthy of the full extent of my power.

Synchronization complete.

In this game...

victory goes to... me.

Lösen: Keine Eintrag.

Riku.

Say, Riku?

I finally understand.

I... I really am happy I met you.

Next time for sure, we'll never be apart.

I truly love you.

I didn't get her head!

Now the merchandise is gone...

And I used so much energy that I turned into THIS!

All said and done, this wasn't worth it at all!

I thought I could win this time for sure...

so long as I had Schwi and the others.

I don't know what god out there made us humans, but...

C'mon, please!

Just once!

Can't you let me win once?!

Well?! If not...

If not, why did you even give me a heart?!

Schwi! Why...?!

You have to stay alive until I die.

Oh... Yeah, that's right.

With Schwi dead, then... what's the point?

I may as well just...

Spieler Riku.

Who are you?

I have no name, but I shall call myself "Einzig."

I am here to fulfill the wish given me by the Preier, the deceased called Schwi.

Schwi?!

Rule 2: You must let no one die.

The rules you came up with...

The conditions of failure...

They do not apply to the loss of a tool.

They do not apply to the loss of Schwi.

This makes... Check.

Riku.

The rest is up to you.

Allow me to provide additional information.

First: Given that the various races have gathered near the Einweg installation points,

any movement on our part will be detected by the Cluster,

with a 98% probability that we will engage in battle.

Thus, only the 24 Einwegs currently installed can be used,

meaning it will not be possible to draw the energy downward and into the planet.

However, it will be possible to guide it toward the southwest.

Second: We Ex Machina can deploy weaponry to analyze and replicate any attack we incur.

Spieler Riku, you will use this weaponry to drill into the planet.

Doing so will allow you to manifest the Suniaster.

We Ex Machina are machines, mere tools bereft of "heart."

We must carry out the orders we are given.

As such...

Spieler Riku, I shall aid you in your plan. Your orders.

Schwi!

The rules don't include... the loss of... a "tool."

Schwi!

If that's your wish...

If that's what you want...!

That's so cute, nya!

I never was a fan of the whole healing procedure, nya!

It's been a long time since I've seen you like this, Jib-chan!

What was that piece of junk up to anyway, nya?

Detecting multiple heat signatures from the aft side!

It's...!

What's going on, nya?

Who launched that Heaven's Strike just now?!

We've confirmed a preemptive strike originating from Avant Heim.

Prepare to launch the E-bombs!

Fire the Aka Si Anse, maximum output!

Aim for Artosh on the starboard side and the Dwarven fleet to port!

A preemptive strike from Avant Heim?

No.

This is...!

Those guys are thumbin' their noses at us, nya...

Bunch of scrap!

Lord Artosh!

I have grown tired of waiting, O archenemy.

Though it does make sense that I, the most powerful, would be attacked by the weakest.

Well, monkey?

The Heaven's Strike came from behind Avant Heim, and was fired so that no one was killed.

As a result...

Cluster 11 is now in motion, headed for Point Z.

...all-out war is about to begin.

Everyone, take your positions.

We're going up against an Old Deus.

He'll see right through whatever plan we humans have got...

Even so, he'll bring everything he has to wipe us out.

That's how the strong do things...

It's how they think.

The foolish should know their place.

You are all imbeciles, less than dirt.

Struggle! Squirm!

In the end, you will learn that no matter how many of you band together

and writhe upon the earth, you are no match for the heavens.

Fire the Aka Si Anse, maximum capacity!

Launch all E-bombs!

Heaven's Strike.

Even the combined power of the Aka Si Anse and the E-bombs couldn't stop Artosh's Heaven's Strike.

All that energy will collide and build up...

It will become the light that signals the end of this world.

What?!

And then...

It's turning away!

That energy will...

We are machines, tools with no heart.

We live yet are not alive.

Let us die having lived!

Aus.

Jawohl!

Cluster 11 has incorporated 4,807 units, and successfully calculated emulation and replication.

Synchronizing...

Lösen.

I entrust you with Origin Ein Un Null, The True Word, the Starkiller: Stalemartyr.

Okay then.

That makes this a draw...

A stalemate!

Sorry, you so-called "gods"!

The Suniaster...

How many people have died for this moment?

Schwi's comrades, and people with lives...

How many...

How many people did I send to their deaths?!

In the end, I was nothing but a con artist, with even Schwi's spirit being just a pretense!

How could...

How can this...

How can this possibly be a draw?!

Schwi!

I'm sorry, Schwi.

I lost again.

Say, Schwi...

If it was you and me, the two of us together again...

Then next time, for sure, I would wanna win. Schwi...

That's the kind of game it would be next time around.

If gods can be born from our sentiments, then...

O God of the Game!

My life is worthless, but I give it to you, and for the first time ever, I'll pray.

Please!

If a loser, someone who would steal the holy grail is too much of a disgrace...

If these hands are too stained with blood...

Then, please!

Tell us we at least meant something!

Anyone! If you can put an end to this war...

You can... have the Suniaster.

anybody!

The hell?

So you were real after all.

Hey, let's play another game.

This time, I'll show that we can win...

Me and Schwi, together.

Count on it.

When I was a kid, I thought the world was simpler.

I thought no challenge was unbeatable...

That if I tried hard, anything was possible.

I thought this seeing the world with clear eyes.

And I...

Checkmate.

Right, Riku?

If everything goes well, you think you can move the white rook to E6... Couronne Dola?

I mean, Big Sis.

I'll leave the rest up to you.

Thank you for everything.

You know, Riku, Schwi-chan...

You two did something amazing.

You put an end to the eternal war.

And yet...

It's so strange.

Why is it...?

Why do I...

Why do I feel so cheated?!

The game isn't over yet, you know.

It's check, but not checkmate.

Still, if nothing changes...

it's brought things to a perpetual check.

This is a first for me.

It's ended in a draw!

No one made you.

No one wished for you.

No one asked for you.

Purely of your own will, you went from beasts to walking on two legs,

attaining knowledge and becoming humans, the nameless race.

But I, the One True God, will give you a name.

You are Imanity!

Also...

To all Exceed, the self-appointed "sentient races"!

First there was "Ascheito" to honor the fallen,

4: So long as Pledge 3 is upheld, both the game's content and what is bet are completely free. 5: The challenged party has the right to decide the content of the game. 6: All bets made in accordance with the Pledges must be upheld

7: Conflicts between groups will be conducted by an appointed representative with absolute authority. 8: Being caught cheating during a game will result in an instant loss. 9: In the name of God, the aforementioned rules are absolute and irrevocable.

7: Conflicts between groups will be conducted by an appointed representative with absolute authority. 8: Being caught cheating during a game will result in an instant loss. 9: In the name of God, the aforementioned rules are absolute and irrevocable.

10: Let's all have fun and play together.

10: Let's all have fun and play together.

Okay! Let's keep this game going!

So, about that story...

How much was true and how much was garbage?

Well, if I told the whole truth, it wouldn't be an unspeakable myth anymore, would it?

You're sort of a bastard, aren't you? Thanks.

But I like how you pet me, so I forgive you. Thanks.

Izuna!

Izuna-tan!

Sora, Shiro, and Steph the Idiot.

Jeez, where the heck did you go?

There are a bunch of creeps out there, you know!

Like you, you mean?

Or like me.

You won and took off, dammit. Thanks.

That just won't do, Izuna-san.

After all, there are creeps like THIS out there.

What are you doing?!

What is that writing?

Jibril.

Hi! Hello, hello!

Can you read this?

It's a language from before Imanity became one of the races.

Um... Come to think of it, things are usually this idiot's fault. Yeah, thanks.

Come to think of it, things are usually this idiot's fault. Yeah, thanks.

Couronne Dola...

Riku Dola...

Schwi Dola...

"Couronne Dola"?

The Queen of Elkia.

She was smart and full of joy, someone that was never seen crying!

She was the pride of the Dola family.

And who are the other two?

Um... I have no idea.

"Schwi"?

That wasn't an Imanity.

I feel like I've heard that. Thanks.

Probably.

The thing is, the world really is pretty simple, just like he thought.

There are guys out there trying to complicate this simple game I've made, but...

you can take care of them, right?

So...!

Okay.

Let's get this game started.

Doko kara hanaseba ii ndarou

Machikutabiretemo

Owari da nante iwasenai kara

Kakinagutta muishiki no shoudou o tsurete

Nanimo kamo kowashitara

Fukanou o hajimereba ii nda

There's a reason that we came across in this world

There's a reason that we caught the magnetic wave

Kizutsukeau sekai wa doko e

So ai no tame ni nakeru no wa

Kimi ga soko ni iru kara

Kimi dake o yobitsuzukeru kara

Ai no tame ni utau no wa

Soshite tomo ni ikinuku koto

Zutto kimi to

Aoiro shita sora to nami hitotsu nai kagami no you na

Umi o miteta

Donna basho ni itatte

Donna katachi ni natte

Donna jidai ni itatte

Mitsukedasu

Jaa, yarimasu ka?

Chuuzuri ni shita sadame ni sakaratte

There's a reason that we came across in this world

There's a reason that we caught the magnetic wave

Hikiyoseau futari wa doko e?

So ai no tame ni susumu no wa

Kimi to koko ni iru kara

Boku dake ga kimi o mamoru kara

Ai no tame ni negau no wa

Soshite daremo kizutsukezu ni

Zutto tonari de

Bokura wa

Koete yuku

Subete no nikushimi o

Nisemono no seigi nado sute shimae

So ai no tame ni nakeru no wa

Kimi ga soko ni iru kara

We will always be together

Ai no

Ai no tame ni susumu no wa

Kimi to koko ni iru kara

Boku dake ga kimi o mamoru kara

Ai no tame ni negau no wa

Soshite tomo ni ikinuku koto

Zutto

We'll always be together