Synopsis

 

I thought perhaps it was like a blazing fire.

Fire dances endlessly, constantly changing its form, but its essence never changes.

And no one truly wishes to know what that essence is, either.

 

A fire simply burns, without will.

Even if it does not choose to, it always greedily devours what surrounds it, leaving scars behind.

It consumes, and what it consumes becomes fuel, causing it to burn even greater.

 

Such a fire burns everything, yet in the place it passes, it leaves behind the warmth of life.

The ashes it leaves become soil, and from that soil new sprouts rise again.

But I am not like fire.

 

What is it that I leave behind?

A wretched disease like worthless refuse, wounds without a name, and...

death that no one can reclaim.

 

Death never avoids me. It always faces me head-on.

Though it circles nearby, to me alone it never comes, taunting me.

That death, now like a mere illusion, never reaches me and only flickers before my eyes.

 

After an infinite instant passes, my entire body is torn apart like flames and reborn once more as a new blaze.

In that fleeting gap, I feel as though someone's gaze pierces through.

And I know that it has been watching me for a very long time.

 

You, beyond the flames.

Will you, this time at last, show it to me?

Like a flame that ultimately devours itself and disappears,

 

Show me a death in which impurity purifies impurity.

 

 

Monster Story

 

Delezie of Plague

"Great Delezie, I will spread your grace to the world."

 

I never wanted this from the beginning.

 

"Delezie... Delezie... Everyone only praises Delezie."

"Spread Delezie's grace far and wide!"

"The power of Delezie, sent down to save me!"

 

I never intended to do anything from the start.

 

"I don't know the details, but... you think this Delezie is responsible for this whole mess."

"This land is so polluted because Delezie of Plague has been Metastasized here."

 

Don't blame me for your weakness.

 

"We'll help you stop Delezie."

"Don't worry. We'll take care of Delezie."

 

You puppets, forever being brandished by others.

 

"Makia. Our king. Our savior."

 

So, don't just act as you please.

 

"Ah... Delezie. I-I offer you my all, one last time..."

 

If you insist on defining me however you like once again...

I'll show you how it feels to be ripped apart alive.

 

And on this world, stained with your blood… 

Black rain shall fall.

 

 

Twisted Malice: Wailing

At the center of the storm of screams, there was always me.

Screams I never wanted, never longed for, always surrounded me and pursued me relentlessly,

like the diseases clinging to my body...

or perhaps even more so than they ever did.

 

The screams directed at me were always filled with resentment, always stained with rage.

That's why I could never get used to those persistent screams chasing me.

I was merely there.

I was only alive.

I did nothing.

 

At last, the time has come.

Your resentment has returned.

Your fury has returned in full.

Your screams have come here, now.

Just as you screamed at me, I will now scream at you.

Remember this, and don't forget:

it was you, all of you, who made me this way.

 

 

Twisted Malice: Calamity

"Hmm ♪ Hmm-hmm-hmm ♬"

White hair fluttered in the thick toxins, and light footsteps tapped across the disease-stained ground.

Each time her humming rang out, the stench of rotten blood rose into the air, and an ominous violet hue rippled and writhed along with the melody.

Even as the boiling toxins melted walls and turned stone floors soft and slick, the girl walked through it as if on a leisurely stroll, arms spread wide.

The spider legs sprouting from her back twitched in rhythm with her tune.

 

"Kyah hah hah, hello! Nice to meet you, everyone!"

 

With a single flick of her fingertips, toxins spread like a breath, staining every corner.

Those who stood there began coughing up blood as though swallowed by fog, their bodies dissolving and collapsing piece by piece.

Yet the girl merely spun once in place, smiling brightly,

as if all of it were perfectly natural.

 

"Let's all be friends!"

 

The bodies of those consumed by the toxins twisted grotesquely.

Bones snapped out of place with sickening cracks, parts of their flesh melting into wet pus.

Even so, the girl reached out to them, as though it didn't matter whether they were human or Maleficent.

 

"You'll become just like me!"

 

From the tips of her feet, violet spider webs spread along the ground and crawled up the walls.

The toxins thickened, the air grew viscous, and the world slowly lost its original color.

Still, the girl smiled with narrowed eyes, delighted.

 

"Forever... stay with me! Kya hah hah hah!"

 

Beneath her clear laughter, an entire region was swallowed by a clinging calamity.

There, where the boundary between life and death had blurred, it had become calamity itself, beyond any return.

 

 

Twisted Malice: Demise

When it barely managed to lift its eyelids, all that filled its vision was death.

Dark toxins rose as if carpeting the ruins. In the air thick with disease, even a single breath became toxic. People coughed up blood and melted away, only to collapse and pile atop one another.

Though it killed every living thing, the disease raged as if it, too, claimed the right to live.

 

Even so, it didn't stop running.

Though its knees shattered and insides churned, a single fragment of hope, the will to survive, pulled it onward.

Among the frantic crowd trampling one another without even knowing what they fled from, cries and prayers spread like contagion.

 

I want to live.

 

So it ran from death.

Every stride was desperate.

But all around it remained swallowed by the Plague, filled with nothing but death.

 

And then, when someone it reached for couldn't be grasped and crumbled away instead,

it realized that every life taken, every disease, every death, was its own instinct.

Only then, did it understand

 

that it was demise itself.

That no one could ever declare demise unto it.

And that it would instead yearn for death for all eternity, hidden away in a corner where it fled from life.

 

 

Feigned Dignity, Salgeifer

Makia, our god.

You who lead us with your great power, at last the time has come.

The countless karmic debts they cast aside now return to their rightful place.

The day has come for us to trample the darkness that clung to us from birth and seize their light.

Be wrathful. Be sorrowful. And thus, look upon us.

 

Makia, our king.

At the end of eternal ages, they seek to return to this land.

Forgetting that this place is a hell built by their own desire,

they stand against you with base resolve and selfish hypocrisy.

By your grace, we shall judge them.

Be wrathful. Be sorrowful. And thus, stand with us.

 

More fiercely, more intensely,

throb as the heart of this tribulation.

That is your role.

That is your calling.

 

Makia. My Makia.

Your proxy offers this prayer.

Your namer gives this command.

Be wrathful. Be sorrowful. And thus, save us.

 

 

Blind Devotion, Hosdig

"Become a vessel that will never break, and guard it to the very end."

 

At the memory that surfaced against its will, Hosdig barely managed to cling to its fading consciousness.

Then, pain coiled around its entire body.

The agony gradually shattered the fragments of Hosdig.

 

Makia, held within it by Salgeifer's command.

Hosdig itself didn't mind carrying Makia, either.

Its instinct drawn to strength,

its nature that yearned for eternity,

an impulse to engrave its own existence

desired Makia.

 

But that instinct soon withered.

Relentless pain, repeated torment, lingering anguish.

Under the extremity of it, Hosdig's fragments collapsed.

It no longer wished to contain Makia.

 

And so, it longed

for this pain to end at once. For Salgeifer to give the command.

For Makia to emerge into the world without delay.

 

 

Twisted Desire, Rubra

A life trampled and torn apart.

A life where, to survive, one must kill the other.

Such was the life of the Maleficents.

 

Rubra suddenly recalled something.

Long ago, when her body was ripped open and flayed, the one who did it sneered.

They pressed their claws down, aggravating her wounds and letting dark, crimson blood stain the ground.

They watched her face twist in pain, and reveled in her despair.

The humiliation was cruel and cold.

Enduring it brought an even deeper shame.

In the end, Rubra lowered her head.

And she resolved

 

I would never again bow before anyone.

 

That vow from long ago crossed her mind.

She lowered her gaze to the human kneeling before her, begging for life.

The human trembled all over, retching up blood.

Small. Weak. Endlessly shaking.

Rubra slowly lifted the human's chin.

 

"Why won't you raise your head?"

 

The human's face gradually contorted.

In that expression, Rubra saw a reflection of her past self.

An indescribable disgust pressed down upon her. 

She whispered into the human's ear,

her voice languid and intoxicating.

 

"Pain lasts only a moment."

 

Without hesitation, Rubra severed the human's neck.

Arms and legs, everything her eyes fell upon, she cut down mercilessly.

A faint pleasure stirred within her.

For an instant, the despair of being trampled long ago seemed erased.

 

Humiliation had torn her soul to pieces.

And what survived within those ruins was no longer who she had once been.

Only the form of a terrible monster, one that no one could ever restore, had been forged anew.

 

Humiliation killed her, and at the same time, gave birth to her once more.

 

 

Mad Destruction, Mahnarval

"We are not as selfish as you think."

 

If it had been nothing more than words, he would have laughed.

Bravado. Lies. Hypocrisy.

He would have mocked them with every claim of righteousness.

But instead of avenging their fallen comrade, they chose the girl who had once been their enemy.

And so, that resolute voice became truth.

The compassion within it began, at last, to erode his fortress.

 

A fortress built by those who drove blades into others to survive.

Who sacrificed their homes to survive.

Who abandoned their convictions to survive.

Such humans had gathered to raise it high.

 

And now—

Those who protect others even before death.

Those who do not betray, even before terror.

Those who saved an enemy even when given the chance for revenge.

Such humans now gather to tear that fortress down.

 

Will he acknowledge it, or deny it?

Will he submit, or defy? 

 

He couldn't choose. 

The fortress was everything that had sustained his life.

And so, he could do nothing.

 

"Hah hah hah... Kwah hah hah hah..."

 

Thus, he chose to defend his fortress. 

Even if it had already crumbled, he would guard its ruins.

Even if that resolve resembled the madness of humans who refused to admit their own hypocrisy,

the fortress bore the name of faith, of justice, of conviction.

And so, he would willingly defend it.

 

"Makia, I will accept you... completely."

 

 

Prime Distrust, Largo

To simply survive.

For that single goal, I struggled without end.

As I cut down the Maleficents lunging at me to stay alive, a question suddenly arose.

Those called "humans," said to live in a fortress above the sky that shrouds this Fount of Tribulation.

Do they, too, struggle so desperately as we do?

So, I put on a human guise and slipped among them.

 

Watching them from up close was revolting beyond words.

Humans, like Maleficents, claw and kill other lives just to survive.

And yet, by standards they arbitrarily set for themselves, they paint themselves as righteous.

 

Then, what of the Maleficents?

We can speak. Each of us has our own just cause. And yet we are defined as their enemies without exception.

Is it because our Malefic Energy clashes with the mist? Because we look different from them, the humans?

Are such trivial measures truly the criteria by which we, the Maleficents, are declared the enemy of humankind?

And through that, you call your rejection of us "faith," "trust," "will?"

 

Hah, hah hah.

Ah hah hah hah!

It's so absurd I can't stop laughing.

 

The mist didn't embrace us.

It was in the shadows cast by that damned mist that we were born.

You never even tried to speak with us.

Frightened by appearances alone, you hastily branded our nature as evil and kept your distance.

 

In the end, you're no different from us.

Just another foolish race scrambling to survive.

Yet, you're obsessed with cloaking yourselves in the absurd notion of "goodness" and hiding behind it.

There's nowhere in this world where you're worth believing in.

Yes, that's all it is.

That's what it is...

 

Then, why am I still wearing this human mask?

What more do I wish to confirm by deceiving them and pretending to be human?

Am I still curious whether the faith, trust, and will they speak of truly exist?

...Surely not.

This little performance is nothing more than amusement.

 

 

Overseer Verde

Verde watched Rubra's noble bearing and her cold expression.

The way she tightened her grip while humiliating her opponent.

The cruelty with which she trampled them, mercilessly delivering death.

Verde held her breath and observed the scene as though witnessing a sacred rite. 

 

"You must always stand above all others."

 

She repeated those words over and over within herself.

Rubra's life was something Verde could never hope to reach.

 

"You must always be beautiful."

 

Verde's gaze was filled with reverence and praise.

She had followed and obeyed Rubra without a single doubt.

Simply being able to devote herself to such a beautiful and exalted being felt, to Verde, like the fulfillment of her own purpose.

 

Yet at the same time, an unidentifiable anxiety rose within her.

If one day Rubra were to fall,

if she were to collapse without mercy, Verde felt she would not be able to endure the sight.

Imagining her weak and unsightly made her breath catch in her throat.

 

Such a state did not suit Rubra.

It would no longer be the Rubra that Verde knew.

She would be no different from the countless base insects scattered across the world.

 

"You must never meet such an end."

 

Verde made her vow.

Rather than witness Rubra reduced to something ugly and pitiful, she would end her with her own hands.

 

 

Specimen Eled

To be honest, what happened at Moon-Submerged Lake was quite disappointing.

I lost a rather satisfactory specimen far too meaninglessly.

Still, I obtained high-quality research data, so it was not a failed experiment.

 

Now then, Eled?

From this point on, you'll demonstrate the results of my research.

First, I'll remove all memories from your time as a human.

Regrettably, memories of being human tend to act as poison to the Malefic Human.

The pirates who stubbornly guarded the airship were like that, and so was the Moon Hunters' guide who foolishly charged in alone.

You'd better be different from such idiots.

 

And I'll modify your body in the most efficient manner.

Since your upper body strength is significantly weaker than that of other Malefic Humans, I'll restrain your upper body so you can focus solely on your lower body.

This should allow your greatest strength, mobility, to be pushed to its critical threshold.

For this experiment, I'll be satisfied with adjustments at this level.

Too many manipulated variables could ruin the results.

 

Now, preparations are complete.

Eled, you're the prototype of a truly remarkable study.

Kill everything you see in this Fount of Tribulation and prove your worth.

If you fail to do so... I don't have to emphasize that you'll become nothing more than research material yourself, right?

 

 

Whispering Ladina

A weak Maleficent of lowest rank.

All I possessed was a somewhat pleasing appearance and a voice imbued with the power of seduction.

In a world ruled by the law of the strong devouring the weak, perhaps it was only natural that someone like me would be cast aside.

 

"To captivate others with your voice... An intriguing ability."

 

So, when I first heard that voice, I felt my heart pound fiercely.

Had my desperate prayer reached someone? The plea not merely to survive, but to grow strong?

For standing before me was Mahnarval, one of the Five Maleficents of Tribulation revered as an idol among countless Maleficents.

 

"You have potential. Will you join me?"

 

With a blank expression on his face, he extended his hand.

At that sight, I instinctively understood.

If I took that hand, I would no longer have to remain weak.

I could escape a life of suffering.

 

"...Of course, Mahnarval."

 

The moment my trembling fingers grasped his, something within me awakened.

Countless currents of Malefic Energy flowed into my voice, granting me the power to seduce any being.

 

I was happy.

With what I had become, with the self now acknowledged by others.

And all of it was thanks to Mahnarval.

 

Ah, Mahnarval.

My everything is for you.

 

 

Main Characters

 

Keldon Xavi

A mage known as one of the Three Hermits, alongside Archmage Myre and Hermit Ergon.

Keldon Xavi is also known for being the first to combine machinery and magic.

His work led to the emergence of the Era of Machines in Seon, earning him the title of Hermit.

Thanks to his efforts, those who could not wield magic were able to enjoy its convenience through machines.

The mechanical magic that he devised greatly benefited the inventors and engineers of Seon.

After accomplishing so much, he suddenly vanished one day, and his fate is currently unknown.

 

 

Third Adjutant Farrier Calceo

Adjutant of the Bluehawks' 3rd Battalion.

Even among the War Bicorn's Hooves, known for their exceptional mobility, he boasts the finest riding skills.

Although taciturn, he has earned the trust of many by quietly and reliably fulfilling every duty entrusted to him.

Unlike most riders, who wield a hooked blade in one hand while steering with the other, he mounted two grappling blades onto his own Mist Cycle so he could keep both hands on the handlebars and focus entirely on riding.

With near miraculous control and remarkable marksmanship, he is said to strike down his targets with precision using his hooks.

 

 

New Quests

 

A new act, Delezie of Plague, will be added.

- You can unlock it by accepting the Level 115 Act quest, "After Dawn Breaks."

 

New Areas

A new area, Depths of Empty Sea, will be added to the World Map.

- You can enter it after completing the Level 115 Act quest, "Gradual Accrual of Karma."

 

New Towns

 

 

A new town, "Azure Main," will be added to the World Map.

- You can enter it after completing the Level 115 Act quest, "Gradual Accrual of Karma."

 

Others

Content related to Delezie of Plague will be added to Arad Chronicle Season 14.

A new NPC will be added when you complete the Level 115 Act quest, "After Dawn Breaks."

- Keldon Xavi

A new NPC will be added when you complete the Level 115 Act quest, "Gradual Accrual of Karma."

- Third Adjutant Farrier Calceo

 

Scenario Rewards

When you clear the dungeon, you can get all the items that can be obtained in the Normal dungeon, except for Legendary cards.

- Depending on the placement of Normal/Named/Boss monsters in each dungeon, the type/total amount of rewards may vary.

 

Drops

You'll get the following items upon defeating the Boss monster, according to each of their rates.

 

Obtainable Items	Description	Trade Type	Obtainable Difficulty
			Normal	Expert	Master	King
Rare Equipment	1 kind per weapon type 1 kind per Armor/Accessory/Special Equipment part	Untradable	O	O	O	O
Unique Equipment	1 kind per weapon type 12 kinds per Armor/Accessory/Special Equipment part	Untradable	O	O	O	O
Legendary Equipment	2 kinds per weapon type 12 kinds per Armor/Accessory/Special Equipment part	Untradable	O	O	O	O

 

Digming's Fluff Ball

Item Name	Description	Trade Type
Digming's Fluff Ball	A ball of fluff stuck to a Digming's treasure. Each Digming has its own favorite treasures, so digging through its fur will reveal what they are.	Untradable

 

Can be obtained as a Clear Card reward for clearing a Scenario dungeon.

Contains a reward, according to each of their rates. Items and their chances don't vary by difficulty.

Obtainable Items	Description	Trade Type
Rare Equipment	1 kind per weapon type 1 kind per Armor/Accessory/Special Equipment part	Untradable
Unique Equipment	1 kind per weapon type 12 kinds per Armor/Accessory/Special Equipment part	Untradable
Legendary Equipment	1 per Normal Legendary weapon type 12 kinds per Armor/Accessory/Special Equipment part	Untradable
Monster Card (Unique)	A new Sunken Depths Unique Enchantment Card	Tradable once (Account-bound after trade)
Leiern Core	-	Untradable
Harmonious Crystal	-	Untradable
Warlord's Cry Potion [Digming]	Damage +12% for 60 sec. This effect is canceled and its cooldown is reset when you're knocked down or move to town. Deleted on the 1st day of each month at 09:00 UTC	Account-bound
HP/MP 20% Recovery Potion	HP/MP +20% Deleted on the 1st day of each month at 09:00 UTC	Account-bound
Merchant Guild Silver Coin	Used to buy the following from the Mystical Grimoire and Kind Death Cenir NPC Shops.   Doom Oracle Void Soul Moon-Submerged Lake Legendary Card Album Necklace Primeval Fusion Stone Pot Ring Primeval Fusion Stone Pot  Lv. 110 Epic Fusion Stone Selection Box Forgotten Light	Account-bound