V3C1: Goodbye Alain.

Being saved by François, Jean hesitated before whispering a frail ''thanks''.

Although they did eventually won the battle, this victory was only made possible over numerous injuries and casualties. The demons, despite their poor military training, had an extremely strong will which complicated the process.

Currently lying in his own blood, Alain tried to suppress the numerous injuries on his body.

''Hang in there Alain! You'll be fine, I'm sure of it… So above all do not give up, you heard me?''

''Yeah… thank you,'' Alain said weakly.

But as time passed, his situation only worsened.

Unfortunately, it was only at death's door that Alain realized that his life was a failure. Not only was he going to die in an insignificant place, he had never brought any prosperity to the village, nor had he profited enough of his life. He didn't even survive till old age. Nor had he fun. He had just spent a mediocre life working non-stop for a goal he now knew impossible.

Was it his fault? Hadn't he worked hard enough? If success required a certain level of skill and effort, it deserved luck more than anything else.

Living in this world, in a place where he could never reach the top no matter his efforts, wasn't this a fit death for someone like him?

'What weakness.' He thought sadly. While he was already giving up, his body was still fighting to keep him alive.

In an instant, it was as if he had an epiphany about his life. He had only one goal in mind: to live.

But this world wasn't so kind.

Despite all his efforts, the situation did not improve.

'Hey... say... am I going to die?'

[Most likely.]

Hearing this news from this being whose abilities were immense, Alain knew he was going to die. He finally understood this and could no longer doubt it. A deep sadness suddenly overcomes him.

'I see... I can't help it then.' he tried to smile, but if his body had enough strength to waste, he'd be crying right now.

This just seems unreal. Somehow, he thought that no matter what, he wouldn't die right now. That somehow he'd be able to make Nirl rise, and accomplish his responsibility.

'These were just empty dreams in the end…'

''Ahhh'' he coughed some blood, despairing Eloise who was watching him.

'So… how much time do I have left ?'

[Around 30 seconds]

'… can I ask you a question ?'

[Please do so.]

' Was there a sense to my life ?'

[Only you may find it]

'But even so, can't you see one? Did I succeed in building something or has my life been useless? '

[I won't lie to you. I do see a certain sense in your life but even so, that isn't enough to have change anything.]

'Then how should I've lived?'

[By giving up your responsibilities.]

'haha…' The 30 seconds were now nearly passed and he feels fewer and fewer things. 'So the only thing that could have made my life worth it was to gave up the only thing I can't ?' Darkness was finishing to envelop him.

'Even if this life was turned as a joke, it wasn't funny.'

Overwhelmed by regrets, Alain finally closed his eyes and died.

''Alain ! Alain !''

But cries weren't going to help.

After Emilie had healed everyone, François made a proposal to the squadron: to stay alive, they had to strengthen themselves, and therefore use the demons.

But there was a gap between torturing them and enslaving them. Although the two were similarly forbidden, the punishments weren't as simple. Still, they decided to do it as they didn't have much security.

It was a chance that the demon's leader wasn't dead as her body tried its best to stay alive. With her, two knights, and forty or so demons, their power greatly increased.

Once Emily had finished helping François with this - a talent for runes and a source of holy energy being necessary - she began to pray for the dead.

All the bodies disappeared, human and demon alike, leaving only a corpse: that of a Cleppe's soldier.

''Sometimes some can't be summoned by the Gods…'' She explained.

…

Arriving at the door announcing the third trial, the group sighed with relief. They had been trapped there for days and their morale was at an all-time low. Food was beginning to lack and there have been numerous discussions about whether to kill the demons or not.

Similar to the first door, a message in the ancient language was also there.

[Salle numéro 3 : ''Dernière épreuve'' – Compléter l'épreuve vous permettra de sortir d'ici vivant. Cependant, les dangers sont nombreux et vous avez le droit de rester ici en sécurité. Si vous y aller, vous devrez survivre jusqu'au moment où la porte s'ouvre. Des récompenses pourront être délivrées selon le nombre de personne encore en vie.]

''Room number 3: ''The last test.'' - you are close to the exit, and completing the test will get you out of here alive. You will have to survive until the door opens, as only the worthy enough merit to leave out of here.''