Growlanser V Gaiden

Growlanser V Gaiden (Growlanser V Another Story) is a short story in the form of a novel provided in the Growlanser V ~Generations~ Official Development material collection.

This story takes place after Zeonsilt and party have defeated Zeakvalt and before the final battle against the Queen Screaper. And it’s told from Alessa’s POV.

Note:
– Alessa is known as “Elessa” in the localized version
– Fanil is known as “Fanille” in the localized version
– Lockbein is known as “Rockbein” in the localized version
– Zeakvalt is known as “Ziekwalt” in the localized version
– Zeonsilt is known as “Haschen” in the localized version
– Corin is known as “Korin” in the localized version
– Aleyya is known as “Eleya” in the localized version
– The Peacekeeping Force is known as “Peace Maintenance Brigade” in the localized version
– Growlanser V ~Generations~ is known as “Growlanser Heritage of War” in localized version

Growlanser V Gaiden Cover

Translation:

The Dawn of Determination

Growlanser V Another Story
~Growlanser V Gaiden~

Alessa infiltrated the Peacekeeping Force under the orders of General Lockbein to restore their homeland, Neylern. The purpose was to capture ancient technology information held by the peacekeeping force. After General Lockbein died amidst his ambitions, she joined forces with Zeakvalt, a biological weapon born to counter the Queen Screaper, who is also a blood relative of Alessa, to seek a different path to peace than Zeonsilt and his party. That Zeakvalt also died after the fight against Zeonsilt… What did Alessa, who survived alone, think and decide before the final battle? The voice of her heart, which was not told in the main story, is now revealed.

Page 1

“… Alessa”

Fanil‘s small hands gently wrapped around my cheeks.

Fanil: “Your mother isn’t gone. She will always be in your heart. So if you want to see her, you can meet her any time. But in order to do so, you have to be happy. You have to smile. So, Alessa, don’t be so sad…”

I hugged Fanil’s small body and buried my face in her shoulder to hide the tears that were about to spill.

Alessa: “… Thanks, Fanil.”

The moment I muttered in a trembling voice, I was enveloped in a very warm feeling.

When I looked up, I found myself in a dimly lit room. It was my laboratory.

Ever since I discovered the references on Queen Screaper’s wavelengths, I’ve been locked up in this laboratory, forgetting to eat and sleep.

After Zeakvalt-sama’s death, we must complete a device to absorb Queen Screaper’s vital energy as soon as possible in order to defeat Queen Screaper.

I was impatient.

“Alessa? I’m sorry, did I wake you up?”

When I turned around, I saw Fanil’s caring eyes in the dim light of the lamp.

Fanil: “You haven’t rested at all, and it seems like you haven’t even eaten, so I’m worried… I just came to see how you’re doing.”

As I stood up, the thick blanket slipped off my shoulder. Perhaps it was something that Fanil put on while I was dozing off.

Alessa: “Thanks.”

I picked up the blanket from the floor and handed it to Fanil. Fanil’s gaze is directed straight at my face. I turned away involuntarily.

Alessa: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely complete it.”

With that said, I turned my back to Fanil and returned to my desk, which was cluttered with references on Queen Screaper.

Fanil: “Alessa.”

Fanil’s feeble voice echoes through the quiet laboratory.

When I looked back, Fanil was standing there looking as lost as a child who has been separated from her parents.

Fanil: “Oh, um… Well, shall I bring you something to eat? Oh, but it’s already this late, so I can’t prepare much… Or would you prefer something hot to drink? Um, I, um…”

Fanil’s unchanging kindness was a little painful to my heart.

Alessa: “Fanil, don’t worry so much. I’m fine.”

Fanil: “But if you don’t get some rest, I think it’s not good for your body… “

Alessa: “I’m really fine.”

Fanil: “But… “

Fanil’s eyes swayed with anxiety.

Alessa: “Fanil… Why?”

Fanil: “What?”

I slowly stood up and walked over to Fanil.

Alessa: “Why don’t you blame me?”

Fanil’s eyes widened in surprise.

Fanil: “… Blame you… ? No way… “

The pure, straightforward look in Fanil’s eyes irritated me.

Alessa: “I betrayed the peacekeeping force… and you all, you know… ?”

Even I was surprised by the harshness of my tone.

Alessa: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… “

I looked up at the ceiling to avoid Fanil’s gaze.

I couldn’t control my emotions. I had never experienced anything like this before.

For me, who had been spying on the Peacekeeping Force under General Lockbein’s order for the restoration of Neylern, it should have been easy for me to suppress my feelings…

Fanil: “Alessa… please sit down.”

Fanil pulls a nearby chair. As Fanil told me, I sat down in the chair as if my whole body had lost all strength.

While Fanil looked at me with a gentle smile, she also pulled a chair and sat there.

Page 2

Fanil: “Hey, Alessa. Right now, I’m so happy.”

Fanil looked into my face and smiled.

Fanil: “When I found out that you were alive, I was really happy. That’s why I’m so happy to be with you now, Alessa.”

The unexpected words made me stare into Fanil’s eyes as if I was going to pierce them.

Alessa: “… But I’m a traitor. I’ve been deceiving you too for a long time, Fanil. Even so, you… “

Fanil shook his head, as if interrupting my words.

Fanil: “I have been to many places and met many people during my time away from you, Alessa. You once told me I didn’t know enough about the world, right?”

I nodded slightly, trying to figure out what Fanil was trying to say. Fanil then smiled.

Fanil: “You were right. Every time I talked to various people, I thought that it was exactly what you said. It made me want to go to more places and meet more people.”

Fanil’s eyes were sparkling.

I don’t know what happened while she was away from me.

However, maybe she was actually such a strong girl, or she went through many painful experiences that forced her to become stronger…

Either way, the current Fanil looked so big that it was too dazzling for me to look directly at her.

Fanil: “That way, I met a lot of people, and I realized one thing.”

There, Fanil looked straight at me with dignified eyes.

Fanil: “People in any country, even those who hate the Peacekeeping Force, everyone wants the same thing Everyone just wants a peaceful life, a life where they can live happily with their families and friends…”

Alessa: “Fanil… “

Fanil continued with a slightly embarrassed smile.

Fanil: “Certainly, if it were the old me, I might have blamed you, Alessa. Because I don’t think I could understand why you would do such a thing. But now, it’s different. I can’t understand everything, but I think I understand a little. I know better than anyone that you’re not someone who wants to hurt people. That’s why I’ve come to believe that you must be trying to achieve peace in your own way.”

Fanil’s gentle voice slid into my mind. I felt my emotions, which had been so helplessly disturbed, gradually calming down.

Alessa: “Fanil… I won’t ask you to forgive me. I just… Thank you.”

Page 3

Something hot welled up from the depths of my chest, and my voice trembled.

Fanil: “There is nothing to forgive… because… Alessa, you’re a dear friend to me… that’s all… well, you know…”

When she said that much, Fanil laughed like a flower blooming.

Fanil: “That’s why, I want you to always smile, Alessa.”

I grabbed Fanil’s arm and pulled her to my chest, hugging her small body tightly.

Alessa: “Thank you, Fanil… Thank you.”

I buried my face in Fanil’s shoulder and wept silently. This was the second time I cried in front of Fanil.

And then I remembered the dream I had a while ago.

That was shortly before I joined the Peacekeeping Force. It was when my mother died.

It was Fanil who comforted me when I lost my mother, was alone, and was at a loss.

Fanil was shy, not good at talking to others, and always followed me around, but her words at that time were warm and yet strong.

Alessa: “Fanil, it looks like you don’t need this Onee-san anymore.”

Wiping my tear-stained cheeks, I looked up from Fanil’s shoulder.

Fanil: “Eh? Huh? Why? That’s no good.”

Looking at Fanil who panicked with a troubled face, I couldn’t help but smile.

And then I realized.

I haven’t laughed like this in a long time…

Alessa: “Because you seems to have grown up a lot while you were away from me, Fanil.”

Fanil: “That’s not true at all. I’m still a useless girl. That’s why I need you to continue to be my reliable Onee-san and to consult with me on various matters, Alessa.”

Fanil, who was clinging to me with her big eyes watering, hasn’t changed since then, and I thought she was even more adorable than usual.

Alessa: “Yes, yes, I understand. Then, if you have any troubles, you can always consult this Onee-san.”

Fanil: “Yes, I will!”

Where did the troubled look on her face go? Fanil immediately smiled cheerfully and nodded vigorously.

And I recalled my feelings.

I had always intended to support Fanil, who was timid when it came to interacting with others.

But the truth is different.

I was the one who was supported. I was always supported by this smile.

Alessa: “Fanil, thank you.”

Fanil: “What? I didn’t do anything. Oh, well, shall I bring you something to eat or drink?”

Fanil was completely back to her usual self, and I showed her my usual Onee-san attitude with a shrug.

Alessa: “Don’t worry. I’m going to rest today. So you should rest too.”

Fanil: “But… “

Alessa: “It’s okay. I’m really going to have a rest today. Come on, Fanil.”

When prompted by me, Fanil stood up reluctantly. Then she trudged to the door, where she finally turned around and said only “Good night” with her usual smile and walked out.

I stared at the door Fanil left for a while.

Being left alone in a dimly lit room gives me an indescribable sense of unease.

As if to shake off such a black whirlpool, I tried hard to remember the gentle smile of Fanil who had just shown me.

Page 4

How much time passed? I told Fanil that I would rest, but I could not sleep.

Is what I have done really right? Also, about what I’m doing now, and what I’m going to do in the future…

My mind wandered to nowhere.

How weak I was compared to Fanil.

I couldn’t help but think so.

At that moment, a soft knock was heard from the other side of the door.

I reflexively tensed up my whole body. Then, unconsciously trying not to make a sound with my footsteps, I walked up to the door.

Alessa: “Who is there?”

I asked, and after a short silence, a low voice came from the other side of the door.

“It’s me. Zeonsilt.”

I let out a sigh of relief as I quietly opened the door.

Alessa: “I got a lot of visitors today.”

After saying that with a sigh, Zeonsilt looked into the room with a reserved expression.

“Is anyone else here?”

The Fairy Corin jumps into the room as if slipping between Zeonsilt and the door.

Corin: “Hm? There’s no one else here.”

I couldn’t help but smile at Corin, who entered the room without any hesitation and fluttered about, in contrast to Zeonsilt.

Alessa: “Would you like to come in too? Go ahead.”

When I turned around, Zeonsilt apologetically said “I’m sorry” and then walked into the room.

I didn’t bother to ask whether he was apologizing for visiting the room at such an hour, or for Corin’s actions.

Alessa: “I don’t mind. More importantly, what do you want at this time? The device hasn’t been made yet. Unfortunately.”

Corin: “Jeez, you don’t have to say it like that. We saw the light leaking out of your window, so we thought you must work hard until this late, and came to check on you, Alessa.”

Corin sat down on Zeonsilt’s shoulder and puffed out her cheeks.

Alessa: “I see… “

Not knowing what to say, I looked out the window.

Every house is pitch black and no one walks the streets. I thought it was a frighteningly quiet night, as if foretelling what was about to happen.

Zeonsilt: “It’s so quiet.”

Zeonsilt came right up next to me and mumbled as he looked out at the empty cityscape, just as I did.

Alessa: “You’re right… “

Zeonsilt remained silent.

It’s been that way since we first met. Zeonsilt is by no means a man of many words.

But that doesn’t mean he is closed-minded. His eyes always seemed to say a lot, and I didn’t dislike him for that.

Alessa: “Fanil was here just a little while ago. She’s become very strong. She was originally a strong-minded girl, but that’s not all. She’s definitely grown. Could it be that it’s your influence?”

Page 5

Zeonsilt just gave a small smile and didn’t reply.

However, the shadow of melancholy that was appearing and disappearing in his side face captivated my heart.

Alessa: “I’m sure that’s the case. You’re a strong person too. I can tell by looking at those eyes. The eyes that have overcome a number of sorrows… Because someone like you was by her side, Fanil was able to become so strong.”

Zeonsilt: “Don’t overestimate me.”

Alessa: “I didn’t overestimate… “

At my words, Zeonsilt shook his head.

Zeonsilt: “It’s not like that. I’m…”

Zeonsilt’s expression was distorted in pain for a moment.

Zeonsilt: “I’m the same as Zeakvalt.”

Alessa: “As Zeakvalt-sama?”

Zeonsilt silently looks at me. His eyes were illuminated by the light coming through the window, and they were swaying sadly. I stare back into his eyes as if being sucked in.

Zeonsilt: “I always wanted to be stronger. To survive in this world, I wanted to be stronger than anyone else… That’s why I sought power. The same as Zeakvalt. I used to think absolute power was strength.”

Alessa: “Now… You don’t think so.”

Zeonsilt nodded slightly. From his eyes, the shadow of sorrow gradually faded.

Zeonsilt: “Power alone isn’t enough to move people. Maybe it’s the people who have strength like Fanil who can change the world.”

There was no hesitation in Zeonsilt’s eyes.

Alessa: “Maybe… I was wrong.”

My voice sounded weaker and less forceful than I had expected. I felt like I was going to be crushed by the thought that something big that was driving me was crumbling.

At that time, Corin flew off from Zeonsilt’s shoulder and opened her mouth.

Corin: “No one can decide what is right and what is wrong. If you believe something was right, then it was right after all.”

Corin’s voice was unusually serious.

Alessa: “Can you say that betraying the Peacekeeping Force was right too?”

Unlike when I was talking to Fanil, my tone was calm.

Corin: “Yes, Alessa. If you really believed it was right at the time, then it was right.”

Corin answered without hesitation.

Alessa: “You too… ? Zeonsilt, do you think so too?”

Zeonsilt silently nodded.

Alessa: “I see… Fanil said something similar earlier. But, when you guys say it, it makes me feel like it’s really true, it’s so strange.”

Corin: “It’s not just your feeling, but it’s really true!”

As Corin was pouting and flapping her mouth in frustration, Zeonsilt placed her in his palm as if to soothe her.

Alessa: “To be treated so nicely like that is more painful than to be blamed.”

Zeonsilt silently stared at me, who muttered helplessly.

I involuntarily let my eyes wander.

Because Zeonsilt’s eyes were so warm and kind…

Alessa: “What made you that way? What saved you from so much sorrow?”

I couldn’t help but ask.

But Zeonsilt didn’t answer my question.

Instead, he smiled softly and muttered to himself.

Zeonsilt: “… In the end, it’s up to you. If you don’t want to change, you can’t change. It’s just, I’m… “

Then Zeonsilt looked up at the sky.

Zeonsilt: “… not fighting for the past… but for the future.”

At that moment, Zeonsilt’s eyes seemed to glow with a strong will.

Alessa: “For… the future.”

Zeonsilt: “Yeah, that’s right. For the future. That’s why I won’t die. Even if the fight ends, I won’t die… Because everything starts after an end.”

I felt like something I had hidden deep in my chest had been suddenly grabbed out of me.

Corin: “That’s right. Everything will be after this battle is over… That’s when we all have to work together to build a new world.”

While saying that, Corin glanced at me as if she was peeping at me.

It was only then that I felt like I realized why the two of them came here tonight.

I’m sure both Zeonsilt and Corin have noticed… my determination.

Page 6

Alessa: “As I thought, you’re a strong person.”

Zeonsilt didn’t answer anything.

Alessa: “Corin, you as well.”

Corin’s cheeks blushed as if she was a little embarrassed. When I moved my gaze outside the window, I saw a faint whiteness beyond the row of houses.

Another day begins.

Alessa: “Don’t worry, I won’t die either. At least not until I see the new world you guys are building. I’ll never… die.”

Something deep inside me was about to change.

Corin: “It’s not ‘you guys’, it’s ‘we’. Alessa, you’re also one of us. Let’s build it together. I won’t allow you to have fun alone.”

Despite her harsh words, Corin’s tone was gentle.

Alessa: “The new world that ‘we’ will build. It sounds good.”

Looking at our exchange, Zeonsilt smiled with an unusually gentle expression. It makes me smile too.

I thought he was a mysterious man.

The more you know, the thicker the veil of mystery. I feel like I can grab it, but I can’t. That’s part of his charm, and maybe that’s what attracts me.

While thinking that, I quietly stare at Zeonsilt’s face. And finally, I realized the nature of the uneasiness swirling inside me.

I once enlisted in the peacekeeping force for General Lockbein.

I believed that a strong person like General Lockbein, who was hailed as the strongest in the continent, would restore Neylern, which had been destroyed by Grangale, and bring peace to us, the Neylern people.

After meeting Zeakvalt-sama, I believed that Zeakvalt-sama, who had the power to defeat Queen Screaper, would save the world.

But I lost everything.

Both General Lockbein and Zeakvalt-sama.

All that’s left for me now is to defeat the Queen Screaper for the sake of the dead Zeakvalt-sama.

Claressa, who was active as a slayer about two hundred years ago.

Zeakvalt-sama, who was Claressa’s disciple and married to Claressa’s daughter, Aleyya.

As a descendant of that Claressa, and as someone with the same blood as Zeakvalt-sama, I must defeat Queen Screaper.

Because that’s my mission…

But I wanted something more than that. Perhaps that is the true nature of the uneasiness swirling within me.

I feel that the words of Zeonsilt, Corin, and Fanil have taught me that.

Page 7

I was looking for something that could guide me.

Someone who has absolute power and guides me, like General Lockbein and Zeakvalt-sama.

I was longing for someone who would assure me that what I was trying to do was the right.

I let out a self-mocking laugh as I looked at the sky, which had completely brightened up.

If Fanil and the others hadn’t visited this lab earlier, I still wouldn’t have noticed.

That the only one who can guide me is myself, no one else.

I could feel my uneasy heart gradually being released.

And now, for the first time, I am trying to make a decision of my own volition.

Until I talked with Zeonsilt and Corin, I was certainly determined to die.

If I could fulfill my mission as a descendant of Claressa, for Zeakvalt-sama’s sake, I wouldn’t mind dying.

When I defeated Queen Screaper, that would be my last moment…

But Fanil’s smile, and Zeonsilt and Corin’s kindness, showed me a path I hadn’t thought of.

To live, to stay alive.

It might be a tougher choice than dying.

But beyond that, Fanil, Zeonsilt, and Corin may be there for me.

Those who live and support me.

For a long time I felt like I was searching for a ghost that shouldn’t exist.

What am I fighting for? And what am I seeking?

Perhaps it was a very simple thing.

“Everyone just wants a peaceful life, a life where they can live happily with their families and friends…”

I remembered Fanil’s words, along with her smile.

Certainly, all of this may have started from such a small wish.

The nights when my mother was still alive, I was able to sleep peacefully in her warm embrace.

The days when I played around without thinking about anything with the young Fanil.

If I could spend such a peaceful moment again…

Even though there was a time when I had such a modest wish, but when did it change?

I thought back to the distant past. The peaceful feeling of those days revives in the depths of my heart.

And then I thought.

I want to live.

It was the first time that I wished so strongly.

Now, from the bottom of my heart, I wish to live. And with that wish, I also feel that I am being kept alive.

General Lockbein is gone, Zeakvalt-sama is gone, and yet I am still alive.

It seemed like there was some kind of invisible will at work there.

And I was finally starting to walk on my own feet.

A path that was not guided by anyone, a path that I chose by myself…

Before I knew it, several figures began to appear in the terrifyingly quiet cityscape.

It wasn’t much different than usual, but I felt like it was teaching me that I’m never alone.

Even if it’s a path that I choose by myself, I’m sure I’m not the only one who will go down that path.

Fanil, and Zeonsilt, Corin, and all sorts of people must be willing to go along with me.

Believing so, I wanted to advance on a new path.

Slightly drowsy, I head back to my desk, which is cluttered with references on Queen Screaper. With a completely different feeling than yesterday…

~ fin ~