Character Quest:Seth:VN:1

[Translation by Kukuru]

Episode 1: Older Brother, Younger Brother and...

---

There was someone so beautiful that I would fall in love with greatly.

He was a glorious warrior, boasting warpaint outside his eyes, the envy by everyone.

Unthinkingly I reached my hand out, to reach him, to become like him.

It was that moment...

????:( face) You... know nothing.

A hateful voice, chilling and coldhearted. Like they're mocking me.

That voice makes me feel so uneasy. I have no idea where it's even coming from.

But there's one thing I'm sure of. That voice... is from someone I know myself.

????:( face) "Under the feet of one that shines... is one that descends to the shadows."

The voice fades away along with the light, and darkness rises. Eventually... that black mass makes up one figure.

Looking straight this way, it must've been the light, a shadow.

A shadow of someone that's dearest to me. Someone whom I respect and cherish greatly in this world.

????:( face) "Do not turn your eyes. This is your......"

That's not true! My older brother is my...!

...!? *Pant* *Pant*......

What... the hell was that? Damn...

That is a recurring dream. That dark image is becoming clearer day by day.

If there's anyone that I need to consult about this issue, there is one person that comes to mind.

I know their contact info. I'll talk with them and hopefully we'll come up with a solution of some kind.

I feel relying on someone isn't something the Great Seth-sama, Unruly Ruler of Deserts, would do...

Generally, I'm not very good at starting conversations with other people... *Grumble*

If I were like Ganglie at a time like this, I'd just invite them over without a second thought.

...... Well, I guess it's okay to consult them about it for a bit.

While Seth is muttering excuses nobody is asking for, He boots up the "App" and starts making a message......

[Transitioning to... Shinjuku Academy]

---

Shinjuku Academy

It was your usual everyday routine, between class lectures and after-school hours.

You receive a new message from an unusual sender. The sender of the message happens to be Seth.

"How's it going, [Player]? I'm doing pretty good myself."

"No, this isn't what I wanted to chat about... Umm..."

"You wanna hang out somewhere today? I don't really have any plans today so..."

"I'm already heading on over there. It'd be great if you could come and meet up with me by today..."

"I want to talk for a bit about what happened that time. Just the two of us alone if that's alright with you."

You could see slight embarrassment and subtle confusion in the contents of Seth's message.

Upon changing the plans you made for today, you replied back to him.

3 options
I'll listen to anything Seth asks for.	I'll come anytime, little brother.	Is this a date?
"You're so easygoing. I feel like such an idiot for being nervous." "...... I should be thanking you. You're being generous to me despite me calling you up out of nowhere."	"...... Eh!?" "Hey, quit it with that sort of thing! Because of you, I..." "Fine, if you want to call me that then keep it between us and don't say it in public! Got it!?"	"D-D-D-D-D-D-Date!? N-NO! It's nothing intimate like that!" "N-Now that you say that, you might be right. If you want to go on a... date, fine."

"So the closest station to you... Is Shinjuku Station alright?"

"... Alright I'm gonna get going. See you at the station, 'kay?"

Having said that, Seth ends the text message conversation with you.

Recalling the other person's face, your mind comes back to that encounter for a moment.

Companions who travelled together while helping each other in an endless desert, guided by a mysterious "fate."

A younger brother who wanted to be his older brother, the traces of his journey vividly comes to mind.

While you were remembering that, you left for the station.

[Transitioning to... Shinjuku Ward]

---

Shinjuku Station in the afternoon. The city looks just like it always been.

The people walking on the streets and the scenery always looks the same...

3 options
You sure stick out like a sore thumb.	Good afternoon. So we meet again, eh?	I wanted to see you, Miss Narrator.
		My... To receive a love call like that... It's all about the happiness of being an actor, no?

Good afternoon. Fate seems to be involved again.

It's not you, rather it's the "fate" of someone other, lost in destiny.

She gives off a mysterious smile and spun words like little birds chirpping.

By the way, [Player]-sama... I assume you know what to do when you find yourself lost in a path?

3 options (Same Response)
Stay calm and don't panic.	Return to landmarks that you can recognize.	... It's a teaching from Senpai.

Indeed... That is what you should know should you be in distress on a mountain. That is good judgement.

In fact, distress can occur even outside mountains.

Stepping into a familiar city, one loses sight of where to go upon wandering astray to the byroad.

In that situation, it would be wise to not panic and act cautiously.

She laughs as if she discovered something and expresses a slight nod.

However, if you do not understand what's causing you to lose your way, you may find yourself repeating the same mistake.

A misleading map cannot open the path... With that said, I'd advise you to keep that in mind.

Well, I'm afraid I'm done here. I'll keep praying for your great efforts.

3 options (Same Response)
She's really an odd lady.	Oh, I wonder if Seth's OK.	Is he lost at the station... Huh?

At that moment, the smartphone in your pocket alerts you of an incoming call.

"Oi! Where's the exit to Shinjuku Station!"

Here at Shinjuku Station, which boasts numbers of top-class passengers in Tokyo, has completely different routes between the above-ground station and underground station.

3 options (Same Response)
Now that I think about it, I didn't really specify an exit...	Sorry about that, Seth...	Hahaha! Sorry, sorry!

Replying back to the message, Seth sent messages back one after another.

"Where the hell is the north exit and new south exit!? It's not just an east and west!!"

"I thought I would be above-ground after leaving underground, and when I left the ticket gate I found myself in another platform..."

"Is Shinjuku some kind of labyrinth!? If this keeps up I'm gonna be stuck here for life!"

3 options (Same Response)
Relax, I'll come get you right now.	Just don't leave from that area.	Wait by some kind of landmark.

Having sent the message, you went into the underground area of Shinjuku Station.

Heading down the slope, going through the underground roundabout, You find yourself in the basement of the station premises.

[Transitioning...]

---

2 options (Same Response)
.......?	That was a weird feeling just now.

Even though you surveyed your surroundings, it's just the usual Shinjuku. There is nothing abnormal.

And beyond the path, there was one figure in your line of sight petrified and hopeless.

Broth-- [Player]! Hmph... What took you so long to get here!?

3 options (Same Response)
Glad you're safe, Seth.	I came to see you, lil' bro.	I was worried about you, Big Brother~!
Y-Yeah, barely. Anyways...... Shinjuku Station is troublesome, ain't it!? The exits are different between the above and underground, it's seriously complicated!	L-Little bro... *Ahem* Can you stop it with that?! You are always saying those things to mock I, Seth-sama, [Player]! Next time you will not annoy me with that. Understand!?	Cough*... Well it was helpful that you came for me... I would have never though Shinjuku Station would be this hard to understand...... It's like a complete underground labyrinth somewhere. I thought it was a mere train station, but I underestimated it.....!

Tokyo is just unbelievable, seriously. To think there's a place below where people usually live.

Seth sighs as he watches the angels, demons, onis, robots, spirits and beastmen coming in and out of the basement of Shinjuku Station.

Back in my homeworld, Aaru, there was this one giant snake.

2 options (Same Response)
What's your hometown like?	Is it hot over there too?

Aaru... Yeah, it's a little like the desert world we travelled in.

Vast deserts and countless oases. In the middle of the land is a huge flowing river.

Every year the river overflows during the rainy season. Once it's over we'd go and plant crops in the fields.

2 options (Same Response)
It sounds like a peaceful place.	You also did fieldwork, Seth?

Nope. I, "Seth" had a different job. You see, I am Aaru's best warrior!

Battling with foreign enemies and protecting the peace of the land. Such a prestigous job is the duty of Seth.

"Demons" appear in our world, especially at night.

Protecting people from such invaders. That is the "Role" of "Seth."

2 options (Same Response)
(Nod while smiling)	(Listen with a serious expression)

......... Hey, [Player], umm...

Seth asked something again with a different expression.

Do you... remember anything about my "older brother"?

3 options (Same Response)
I don't know anything like that.	I'm not who you think I am...	(Shake your head with a confused face)

Sorry... That was a weird question to ask. That's not what I wanted to know anyways.

I... I wanted to live my life as the ideal "Seth." I swore so... in the desert where I travelled with you guys.

That's why I trained every day, thinking about things at part-time jobs or being a delinquent to be "Seth"...

But, there are times where I truly wonder if things are okay as is.

Am I getting closer to "Seth"? I wonder if I can even become like my brother.

...Sometimes when I look at you, my heart leaps the way I see my brother in you.

Most of the time you're so different, but sometimes your actions or way of speaking is just like his...

I'm sure I know it in my head...... Sorry, I'm getting flustered--

3 options (Same Response)
I think it's important to make an effort.	I like you for who you are today, Seth.	You shouldn't push yourself too hard.

...... You're right, [Player]. Yeah. That's... all there is to it.

Welp, I can't help it if I get worried. I'll be doing the best I can... Huh?!

????:( face) "So shallow... and foolish."

A voice echoed from the void. It doesn't sound like any voice you're familiar with.

????:( face) "Turn your eyes away from the truth, know the weakness of thy heart, as the same ruling of the underworld returns."

Who... Who's there!? Where is your voice coming from?!

????:( face) "Recall. What shape did your older brother's shadow look like? It must have been... an ominous and dreadful dragonic serpent."

????:( face) "Ouroboros, the Serpent of Rebirth that cannot escape. The true identity of the demon who is in eternal conflict with the hero, Seth."

????:( face) "Indeed, that is the shadow held by the hero of Aaru, the other hidden 'Role'!"

1 options
That voice...?!

Just as the voice cuts off, the surrounding scenery instantly changes.

[Transitioning to... ???]

---

W-What's going on!? Is the world... changing!?

The station premises of Shinjuku instantly changed its form, engulfing you and Seth.

The presence of people completely disappeared, and a stone labyrinth appears before you.

W-What the hell is this? What's going on here!?

Also the strange voice from earlier is...

2 options (Same Response)
It talked about the true form of your brother.	Another "role" it said?

............

Aaru's Serpent of Rebirth... No, it can't be... "Apophis"!?

????:( face) "Correct. He that bars one's path, the executioner that hunts down offenders... My name is Apophis."

...... Y-You're wrong! My brother is nothing like that!

3 options (Same Response)
Calm down for a minute!	What the heck are they talking about?	Who's... Apophis?

...... Oh, sorry. You don't got a clue on what's going on.

... It might take a while to explain, but let me tell you more about my homeworld...

Though he was a little hesitant, Seth turned to you and started narrating little by little...

Seth:( face) This is what we believed in the world of Aaru. There is "eternal rest to gain after death."

Seth:( face) Even if the sun sets, it can ressurect itself even from death to rise again the next day.

Seth:( face) A world that does not end with "death" can be realized. The underworld's system of continuous rebirth... That is Aaru.

Seth suppresses his emotions as he remembers his past and continues narrating to you.

Seth:( face) But, that system... had some restrictions to it.

Seth:( face) Those who have died will be judged, and those who are deemed worthy may be ressurected.

2 options (Same Response)
What happens to those who aren't deemed as such?	Where do the people who aren't able to be revived go?

In our homeworld of Aaru... there resides 2 great rivers.

One is a "River of the Living" above-ground that supports the livelihood of the people. It is the river that flows to benefit the people.

And the other river is...

Seth's mouth did not continue with the explanation.

Sounds of large flowing water echoing from somewhere interrupted him.

These sounds... It can't be!!

Seth started running as soon he realized it. You followed suit afterwards...

And what appeared in front of both of you was a huge body water rushing in.

Why is the "River of the Dead" here, underground in Tokyo!?

It didn't look like that of a river. It's a giant lake or possibly the sea.

Somewhere dim, no warmth, the water emits only cold air and silence intently draws near.

Brother, I ask of you! Lend me your strength... Ifet Im Pat!!

The thirsty sandstorm created by Seth's "Sacred Artifact" suppresses the water, allowing you and Seth to narrowly escape.

Pant*... *Pant*...!! You okay, [Player]?!

2 options (Same Response)
Is this another river from your homeworld?	It's more like a sea than a river to me.

Yeah. No doubt about it. My "Sacred Artifact" is telling me so.

The "River of the Dead" exists to wash away those who have died to the room of judgement.

Not everyone is included in that cycle however.

Offenders who stray from the world's reasons and are not allowed to be revived will be consumed by Apophis here.

My brother was once the only hero to compete with Apophis on equal footing and earned a reputation in our world.

One group of people were jealous of that and gave him a "bad reputation."

Of course I... didn't want to believe in those rumors, but...

2 options (Same Response)
About those rumors regarding your brother...	What did they say about him?

My brother... I remember him not wanting to talk to me about that.

But... I...!

....................

A shadow of a black draconic serpent appears before Seth in response to his outcry.

The silhouette and its attire... Seth mutters as if it was something that came from his dreams.

...... Aw damnit. I want to deny it, I want to--

... Why!? Why do you have my brother's scent...!!

3 options (Same Response)
It's dangerous! !	Get away from it, Seth!	Don't space out!

You managed to intercept the sharp blow from the shadow by unleashing your "Sacred Artifact."

That agility, those abilities... they are reminiscent of Seth's shadow that you encountered in the desert.

A tyrannical person who mercilessly slaughters those who do not obey their rulers...

Assassin of Change that hunts down those who rebel against Aaru... That... That can't be...

"Indeed. Seth is the "one that slaughters Apophis," and He is Apophis himself."

"If I dare ask, how would you respond to the question from a while ago? Answer me, fraudulent...!"

A-Ah...!?

Seth's spirit was deeply impacted, as the belief he always had about the "baseless bad reputation" is being held as true.

"One that safeguards rebirth and untimely death is caused by the 'same person.' That is the rule of Aaru's faith, the keystone of that system."

"The true identity of the 'evil dragon serpent' that your brother was facing... It was none other a charade of an enemy your own brother had created."

"The ideal you yearned for was much the same from the beginning."

"There is darkness in the answer you sought. There is evil in the 'Role' you desired."

"Accept it. Your brother had this side to him and 'Role'--"

There was nothing in that voice that could be a person with personality. There was only... cold-hearted declarations.

...... N-No, it can't...!

Suspicion winds up and overwhelms Seth. He can't escape from circling thoughts.

3 options (Same Response)
"If you don't know the cause of what's making you lose your way..."	"You'll repeat the same mistakes..."	Is that what the Narrator talked about?

... *Mumbles*... *Mumbles*...

Seth, who sat down absent-minded, couldn't move due to being dumbfounded.

3 options (Same Response)
At any rate, I need to move Seth!	What can I do... Oh, I know!	Seth, look over here! !

3 options (Same Response)
(Give Seth a strong slap to the face)	(Hug Seth tightly)	(Give a kiss on the cheek)
...... Uh?	...... Eh? [Player], what are-- GYAAAAAAAAAH!! Y-You... W-W-What the hell do you think you're doing!?

Wha... What the hell was I doing just now...?

......... [Player]?

3 options (Same Response)
The Seth I saw in that desert was real.	And so was the "Seth" you believed in.	There's no need for it all to be the same.

[Player]......

Light dwells again in Seth's eyes again as if he found an exit at the end of a long path.

Yeah, you're right. I don't need to be exactly like my brother.

Having regained his composure, Seth turns to face the shadow before him.

What you said may be true, but... Why did my brother disappear from Aaru?

If you claim you're an accomplice of that world... why did my brother need to be driven out of Aaru?

........................

There's... something I still don't know. That's what I need to see myself... Something I need to think about for myself.

That answer may not be here yet, but I know for one thing... This will not be the "end" for me.

I'll think and keep on thinking. Until I find the real answer one day.

I will be the "Seth" I long admired! I'll keep getting myself lost... to pursue "that"!

Seth, the warrior of Aaru will be your opponent! Come on!

[Battle Starts]

---

After receiving the last blow, the dark shadow of Apophis disappears.

"Denial and rejection... Is that your answer?"

"That... is not the path of 'Seth.' You will come to realize that one day."

For now, all Apophis does is speak words that sound like hexes as if that is all he can say.

His gloomy proclamations rung out like a curse...or should have.

However, Seth slowly shook his head, accepting those words.

Even so, my brother was like a light to me!

And I am Seth, not you! Now by "Seth's" order... "Apophis," begone!

Seth's staff sweeps away the darkness and exorcises the "memory's covering" that enveloped the world.

[Back to Shinjuku Station...]

In the next moment... the surrounding scenery returned to the basement of Shinjuku Station that you were familiar with.

We managed to make it back somehow huh? ...... Thankfully it didn't get too serious.

Sorry for putting you up with this, [Player]. It's no doubt my fault this time.

That shadow was probably conjured by my egotistical imagining of my brother's image......

Seth starts talking while observing the world and crowds of people that came back.

His eyes were staring at the memories of his distant homeworld.

I knew back in that desert. I can't be like my brother.

But, somewhere in my heart, I'm still chasing my brother's shadow.

Though I still don't know everything about my brother.

Such anxiety I had... Maybe that's why I summoned that shadow.

I'm such a spoiled brat! It's pathetic, honestly.

I am Seth, yet I am not really "Seth." That was the resolution I needed.

Even if Apophis was "Seth," that's not the Seth I'm aiming for.

I'm not given the role of "Seth," but I'm the "Seth" I want to be!

3 options (Same Response)
If you can say that, you'll be fine.	You're a fine Seth.	Seems like you broke through your doubts.

I'm not understood enough for you to say that to me...

Also I couldn't even think of a concrete plan of action...

In the end, what should I even do to become my own "Seth"... *Sigh*

2 options (Same Response)
We'll search for it together.	I'm sure we'll find it with the two of us.

...... Heh.

You're right. Thanks. Really.

So, what are you planning to do now? The problem I wanted to talk about is pretty much wrapped up.

3 options (Same Response)
Why not a date?	Let's go pick up some cute babes, buhehe!	Let's just hang out to clear our minds.
A DATE...!? Date, huh? W-Well... If I can became a new me, then I guess it shouldn't be that bad. Okay! I, Seth, will accept that offer!	H-Hey! Why would you say something Ganglie would say?! With that attitude, maybe you're trying to snatch someone other than me... W-What's with that face! Keep messing around like that and I'll slap some sense into you!	Despite going through all that, you're pretty tough. But, in a place like that, you might resemble a bit like my brother. ...... I like that aspect about you.

Seth smiles and locks eye contact with you. Deep affection and trust in his eyes.

Seems like I still got a long ways to go eh? Because of that... I hope you'll keep supporting me, [Player].

And then the both of you started walking. To the cityscape in the early afternoon.

With the happiness of today and reflecting on the wishes from tomorrow.

Character Quest: Seth Episode 1 END