Part 7: Dreams and Aspirations

Update 6: Dreams and Aspirations


To Catch A Soul

It’s okay. I’m not mad. Let’s just figure out how to get her soul back.

Alright …

How does one even begin searching for a soul? I cannot imagine it would be easily visible …

That’s right. You can’t touch them, either.

Can’t see or touch ‘em, eh? Then how are we meant to track it down?

Um … Well, you can’t see or touch a soul, but sometimes you can hear its voice. The stronger your bond with its owner, the easier it is to hear … I think.

Hmm … A disembodied voice … Why do I feel like I’ve heard about something like that before …



Remember? I heard Plachta’s voice deep in the ruins!

That’s right … Guess you weren’t just hearin’ things after all.

There’s no question it was Plachta’s voice. I’d recognize it anywhere.

… What do you think, Ellie? Could Plachta’s soul be there?

Those ruins are in a dimension that’s a little out of sync with the Roytale you all know. How could she have ended up there …? Could I have some time to investigate?

… All right. If you find anything, tell us right away, okay?

I promise … I won’t keep any more secrets from you.

… Well, there’s not much we can do now but head back to town and wait for Ellie.


She can’t say anything for now, but that, there, is how the game’s dialogue handles having two Plachtas.



I understand that you are worried, but you are wearing yourself out. I realize it may not be easy, but you must find some way of taking your mind off things.

Like what?

Well, for example … How about a little alchemy contest? We each synthesize the same item, and the one who achieves higher quality wins. Is that not nice and simple?

It’d be nice and simple, sure, but Plachta’s got some funny ideas about what unwinding means…

I’m not sure I’m in the mood for a contest …



Ngh … I don’t think she’d be THAT mean …

Well then, err … That makes me the winner by default! How do you think the other Plachta would feel if she woke up to learn I had beaten you?

Urgh … I’m not sure I want to imagine it … All right, all right. I’m in.

That is more like it. Now, I propose we see who can synthesize the best Pure Water. There is to be no holding back. I want you trying your hardest. Understood, Sophie?

Of course. May the best alchemist win!

Well, it’s on! Still, I’m not sure where the threshold is for Plachta to declare victory here…


…Because even a Pure Water with just 93 quality yielded this result:

… Yeah, this looks good. Plachta, I’m ready!




No, there is no need. There is no question which of us is the winner.



Are you sure …? Yours looks pretty good to me … Plus, I’m from way in the future. Maybe that’s making a difference?

Perhaps, but I suspect the disparity between us is rooted in something beyond skill.

Something beyond skill … Hey, Plachta. Why did you decide to learn alchemy?

… At first, it was to save my hometown. It suffered terribly from drought, and I hoped that alchemy might be able to help.

And is that still the reason?

No. I succeeded in stopping the drought, so now I am focusing on research alongside a fellow alchemist. The more we research, the more we will learn, and the more items we will be able to synthesize.


This is actually a pretty important thing for Plachta to realize, because her friend kept on doing alchemy for its own sake, never stopped to think about the why, and went on to develop an extremely dangerous type of alchemy that *waves hands at the last act of Sophie 1*

And in case it wasn’t already obvious…

… You’ll figure it out someday. I’m sure of it. After what you just told me, there’s no mistake. You’re definitely the Plachta I know. She’s told me before about the time she saved her hometown from drought.

Th-then it’s true? … That doll Elvira has … is really me from the future?!

Yep! Wow … I can’t believe you’re really her …



Hehe …

Wh-what’s so funny? You’re thinking something rude, aren’t you?!

Ehehe. Not at all!



Good news, you two. It seems like Ellie’s made some progress.

Really?!

Really. Let’s go and pay her a visit!



Even by the standards of “dreamworld isekai” or “different dimension isekai within an isekai”, the Dream Cradle really is otherworldly. Speaking of isekai within an isekai…

Yep. The ruins where you heard Plachta’s voice turned out to be a big clue. I think her soul was drawn to that place by the Dream Core there.

The Dream Core? What’s that?

Umm … I’m not sure how to explain …

Think of it like the beating heart of Erde Wiege.

What’s Plachta’s soul doing there?

The Dream Core is something I made so that people could live in this world. It takes in the dream visions people see when they sleep … and uses them to maintain Erde Wiege.



I see …

So that means we gotta fight the big fish again … This is gonna be one heck of a rough day.

No worries. I put that water dragon there to guard the Dream Core. I’ve told it not to hurt you.

Hahah. Whew … We owe you one.



The biggest question now is how we capture her soul once we find it.

Right … If only we had a Soul Stone, I could synthesize something to catch it …



If it’s a rare item you need, Pirka and I might just be able to help!

Ah, between Roytale’s two best merchants, they will surely find what you need.

Hold up. Are we sure they can even be found on this side?

I don’t know, but Pirka might have a clue. Let’s head to her shop and ask.

… Yeah. It’s a long shot, but it’s worth a try.

But first, the game wants me to continue Pirka’s character arc before getting on with the main story:



Oh no, she’s sleeping again …

Fwahhh … Welcome … Welcome …



Don’t you worry. Like I told you, I’ll wake up right as soon as a customer comes in!

Now I think I’m more worried than ever …

It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s my shop, so I make the rules!



Oh no no no … This is bad.

Wh-What’s wrong?

How could I let this happen …? This is a serious problem with serious consequences! I left something of extreme value right here …!

Something valuable? And you say you lost it?



Wait, you mean you drank it yourself?! I thought it was stolen while you were asleep …

Ugh, nooo! This is the worst! I can’t function without my pick-me-up milk …!

Ahaha … Alright, in that case, I’ll bring some over right away!

Holy cow, really?! Yes please! Make sure to get the best one!

Sure thing! I know all about milk, thanks to Cory!

Corneria’s hair is shaped like a cat’s ears, so her loving milk always checked out to me. Pirka looks decidedly un-feline by comparison. Anyway, main story progression time!



Oh, Alette! What’s got you so riled up?



A Soul Stone … I don’t think I’ve heard of one before. What do they look like?

Look like? Um … They’re just like ordinary stones, but they’re perfectly round.

A perfectly round stone … Hmm, I wonder …

Wait, really? You have one?

I’m pretty sure I have something that fits that description. Lemme just take a look in the back.




That’s not true. If you hadn’t thought to ask Pirka, this could have taken us days. Besides … I did actually have a tool that could help find Plachta’s soul. We could have used my Compass of Hades, if only I hadn’t dropped it when I came to this world … I know what’s gone is gone, but it’s frustrating to have lost it just when we need it most …

If I lost something that valuable, frustrated wouldn’t even begin to describe how I’d be feeling …

Phew … Sorry about the wait. Is this the stone you were looking for?



I’ll take that as a yes, then. I picked it up by chance ages ago, before I even met Alette. The owner told me it was extremely rare, so I snapped it up … but I couldn’t find a buyer.

I suppose something that looks like an ordinary rock is kind of a tough sell …

Hahaha …

Anyway, I’m guessing you have a use for this?

Yep! I really need it to help Plachta!

I see … Then it’s yours, free of charge. Just hurry off and help her, okay?

Wait, I can’t just …

Don’t worry about it. It’s not doing anyone any good sitting around collecting dust in my storeroom.

Pirka … Thank you. I’ll use it to save Plachta, just you watch!


Well aren’t we glad Pirka got suckered, bought a nondescript perfectly round stone, and ate a huge loss for our sake! Still, Sophie is the one person in this world who has a use for this. So!



I just need to think about what I’m going to make … Souls are formless, fragile things, so I’ll need something that can transport one safely. Let’s see … Something good for transportation … that I can make from nearby materials …



And if I attune the Soul Stone to Plachta’s Soul … Alright, I think I’ve got an idea, more or less. Now I just have to make it!

We’ll be waiting on that! I have a massive backlog of events to get through, having beelined for the Elvira fight last update. What brought everyone else to Erde Wiege in the first place? Let’s start right at home…


Aspirations

What is it?

Well … It is concerning the doll version of me. What exactly happened to her? What led me to abandon my human form and transfer my soul into a doll?

Um, well …



Could you tell me why?

If I explain why Plachta took on a doll’s body, I’d also have to tell you about some things that happened in the past. But I feel like it isn’t my place to talk about it, since it’s so important to both of you …

…

I’m sorry, I know that might seem unfair.

No, there is no need to apologize. It is as you say. I got caught up in how intriguing the matter is and neglected to consider the other Plachta. Once I get stuck on something, I lose sight of everything else. It is an unfortunate habit of mine.

(Even her earnestness reminds me of the other Plachta … )






Let’s get Pirka’s milk and while we’re here, chat with her roommate…

Welcom–









Huh? What for? It’s not another unusually-shaped ore, is it?

Nah, I already sold that thing. More importantly, I wanted to thank you! Remember all that stuff you gave me? I made a killing off of it!

What?! You did?! But it wasn’t even anything useful …

Maybe that’s how you feel, but I could see their true potential. Don’t you know? Pretty much anything touched by alchemy is always in high demand!

You did tell your customers that they won’t actually do anything, right?

You betcha! Lying’s bad for business! I explained that they were mistakes, and so could be used only for decorative purposes. Still, people snapped them up with a smile! I set the prices high, but I got no complaints.

… So, even alchemical failures have value?

There’s nothing under the sun that I can’t sell. Once you know the technique, anything goes!

Ahaha … But, I’d never be able to do that. If Plachta found out I was selling failed alchemy projects, she’d flip her lid …

Hmm … I’d say they’re plenty successful, since they’re making for a bunch of satisfied customers.

Heheh. Just hearing that is enough to make me happy, too.







… Ahhh! Delicious!

Wow, chugging it down right after waking up … That’s impressive.

Chugging milk is the best way to show your respect for it! Anyway, I gotta say, this is the tastiest dairy product I’ve had in a long time.

Hehe! You like it?

I LOVED it! The flavor, the thickness, the aroma, the aftertaste … Everything about it was perfect! Hmmm … You’ve proven yourself worthy, Sophie. Come! Join me!

Join you? Are you trying to hire me?



My dream is to make my clan even greater than it is right now! It’ll be real nice if an alchemist such as yourself joined up! Also, you know where to get the best milk! C’mon, pretty please!

Ahaha! Why do I get the feeling that’s the real reason why you want me to join?

I value your alchemy skill and your milk network equally! So will you join? Will you?

Hehehe. I’ll have to say no, but I appreciate the thought. Even if it was just a joke!

Awww, but I’m serious … Boo. Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where I am!




Yep, just fine! Plachta’s even letting me use her atelier.

I’m glad to hear it. If something does come up, though, I’m always happy to lend an ear.

Thanks, Kati. Do you know a lot about Erde Wiege?

You could say that. I’ve been around long enough to know what’s what. Next to most other residents, I’m practically a fixture here.

Do you ever find yourself missing things from your old life?

Sometimes, sure. I left a lot of memories back there.

Have you thought about going home?

Hmmm … Not really, no. I don’t have much of a reason to leave.

Even though things are completely different here?

Eh, only if you start thinking about it too hard. It’s really not all that different from moving abroad. I’ve still got a house, a job, friends … It’s nice and peaceful … Doesn’t get better than this. Well, you only just got here. You’ll see what I mean after a little while.

I don’t know … There are things I need to do back home, so I can’t stay forever. I’ll definitely do some exploring while I’m here, though. It’s a whole new world, after all.

I get the feeling this conversation was supposed to happen much earlier given its contents.



Yeah. I thought I’d ask Kati, but …



My sincerest apologies for the owner of this establishment. Please, take a seat. I won’t be long.




Thanks, Gnome! Alright, time to dig in!




Is the dish not to your liking?

Oh, no, it’s not that. I mean, it’s tasty, but it feels like something’s missing …

… I see. I’m terribly sorry. I’m not a very experienced cook, I’m afraid.



Alright, let me see. Sophie, I’m just going to sneak a bite. Okay, I see the problem. Sure, this is good enough to serve, but … Next time, add more salt and cook it on a higher heat. That’ll add depth to the flavor.

It will?

I-I’ll go remake it straight away! Thank you so much, Miss Kati!

Make enough for me too~



… Well, there you have it, Sophie. Sorry to have postponed your meal.

If you’re that good, why aren’t you the one handling the cooking?

Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies! Phew, I’m starving …




Olias, I was wondering. Did you work as a bodyguard before you came here?

… Nah, back then I was a merc. I only started guardian’ when I got here. The work’s pretty much the same, but folk are far more quick to hire a bodyguard than a merc.

Wow, I didn’t know … So that’s why you’re so strong and popular.

Ah … Well, that’s ‘cause I’ve been doin’ it for ages now, too.

If I recall correctly, you commenced your work before I arrived here.

Hold on. How long ago was that?

… Well, long enough that no matter how much I rest up, I can’t get rid of all the built-up exhaustion.



Oh … There he goes. Olias sure is a free spirit, isn’t he?

… Alas, it has happened again. Olias has a tendency to vanish the moment he is asked about the length of time he has spent here.

… Maybe there’s something he doesn’t want to talk about?

I cannot say, but this is a special place. The fact of the matter is that he has chosen to remain here. It is perhaps not right for others to pry into his reasons.




Oh, Diebold!

Hm? Oh, greetings, Sophie.

Hello. What are you doing here?

I am waiting on the arrival of a client. I may have delivered myself too early, however.

Oh, I see.


Um … You’ll be going outside of town, right? Will you be going far?

No, our schedule dictates that we return by nightfall. I do not imagine the destination will be far.

Oh, okay.



… My humblest apologies, Sophie. I have never been a man of many words. Olias was indeed correct to brand me gloomy. It must be tedious to converse with me, is it not?

No, I don’t mind. And I don’t think you’re gloomy. I would say you’re just … calm and mature.

Is that so …? Thank you for your kind words.






Haha! You sure do like making money, huh.

You betcha! That’s what brought me here, you know. My dream of becoming rich.

That’s your dream?! Well, I guess it’s good to be honest about it … Wait, why come to Erde Wiege to make that a reality? Couldn’t you have done that back home?

You’re not wrong there … but in my case, well … what I really needed was time.

What do you mean?

Hm, basically … our business back home crumbled. And then the debts started piling up. We only had a month left to scrape together the interest, at the very least, or they’d take the store.

I’m sorry to hear that … Is it a lot of money?




… Come again?

10,000,000. Ten times a million. It’s a big store and it’s been in the family for generations. It takes a lot to keep it afloat.

B-b-but what are you going to do?! Alette, there’s no way you could raise that much!

Ah, the loan’s not really an issue. I’ve already earned enough here to pay that off. Not in Cole, exactly, but I’ve been rounding up big-ticket items.

What could be worth anything near that much …?

That’s what being a merchant is all about! Searching high and low for the best items you can find. And this world is made from dreams, right? So, every so often, a real juicy rarity shows up. Usually from people who’ve come from the past, looking to seel what they’ve brought along with them. If I can hang on to those antiques, you can bet they’ll be worth a fortune back home!

Oh, I see … So, that’s why you’re always so focused on earning money.

Well, I’m the daughter of merchants, after all. I’ve never NOT been interested in turning a profit … But, just paying back the debt won’t be enough to save the business alone. That’s why I wanna keep on earning Cole here, so I can go home a mega millionaire!

Raising that much Cole is impressive on its own, but you’re still going to keep going … You really are amazing, Alette! That kind of devotion is inspiring!

Haha! It’s never too late for you to start saving, Sophie!




I was feeling a little peckish, so I thought I’d stop by for a bite to eat.

Sure thing. Just let me go get Gnome.

This again? Kati, can you even really cook?

… Ugh, fine. Just this once.

Wait, you'll actually make something for me?

This is a one-time offer, and it’s not going to be anything fancy, so no complaints.




Uuugh, I’m stuffed … I ate way too much …

Huh. You said you just wanted a bite, but you polished off the whole thing anyway.

It was so good, I just couldn’t help myself … Wait, so you CAN cook?!

You thought I couldn’t? I do run a tavern, you know.

Then why aren’t you doing the cooking? You’d have people lining up for food this good.



I honed my skills so I could feed myself, not so I could impress strangers.

B-But aren’t those skills the reason you’re running a tavern in the first place?

Yep, and I put them to use directing Gnome! With a little advice, his dishes turn out just right.

That’s such a waste of her talents …




If there are so many monsters around Roytale, why don’t they ever come to town?

Trust me, they do. Actually, just a few days ago …

Indeed. We were summoned to fend off such an interloper.

Oh, so the monsters do cause trouble for the town?

Yeah, but it’s mostly structural stuff, like torn-up fields and broken fences. We don’t see people getting hurt in town.

The bodyguards and mercenaries among us serve as a kind of independent guard. Small monsters are tolerated, but the ones that can do hard are certainly not.

There’s someone out on patrol right now. But since they stick to the outskirts, you’d never know it.

I see … So it’s thanks to their hard work that everyone can live in peace.




Elvira might look young, but she’s far older than any of us.

I get that. I just figured she’d be more mature, or something.

Personality aside, she’s exactly how I’d pictured her. Back when she first called out to me, I thought she sounded pretty young.

I was quite startled by her appearance, myself. I thought she might not be flesh and blood.

You figured she’d be more mystical-like, huh?

Gods are not bound by our mortal constraints. Though she truly looks human, and so young …

I keep telling you, she’s much older than the lot of you.

What about you, Plachta?

Oh, I guess I wasn't expecting anything in particular. Since she didn’t really show herself when she brought us here, I assumed she didn’t want to be seen. So, why waste any time trying to picture her?

Man, that’s cold …

Well, even if I HAD given it any thought, I never would have imagined her looking like that.

Yeah, that figures.

I’m kinda relieved, actually. Now I know that she’s not something scary looking.




Alright! In the forest, there’s an exit to the northwest I ignored in favor of the swamp last time. Going there…


Kids

…dammit, kids

Huh? Kids? Here?!

Hey, you lot! What’re you doing in a place like this?!



Whoopsy, we’ve been spotted!

You know it isn’t safe out here! Come on, I’m taking you straight back to town!




Unfortunately … Though I must admit I can sympathize. There are few places for children to play in town, which must make things rather dull.

Honestly, why are they even here? It’s as if they’ve forgotten all about fulfilling their dreams.

Haha … there’s not much you can do about that. They’re just kids, after all.

Eh, there ain’t nothin’ wrong about bein’ full of curiosity!



Ramizel, what happened to those kids?

Oh, I took them back to their guardians. And you’d better believe they’re getting an earful. It is as Plachta said, you’ve got to do your best if you want to realize your dreams. Still, games play an important role in a child’s development. Running wild and playing is also necessary for the fulfilment of their dreams.

Learning through play, huh … Children are more complicated than I thought.

Well, the way I see it, you’re still a kid yourself.



Aw, c’mon. It’s not THAT insulting. Besides, we’ve got work to do.

She’s right, you know. Let’s get a move on, before we waste any more time.


We found those kids at the entrance to the Misty Garden and got warped back to town when Ramizel dragged them home; at least we can fast travel back there.


From now on, when we find landmarks, someone will get AP. In this case, Olias gets 2 for coming to the Beast’s Dwelling. Moving on to the exit…


We’ve arrived at the Illusion Vale!


The traits we get from materials in this zone are far more potent than those on anything we’ve gathered up until now. We also start seeing traits like this which do nothing on their own, but turn into the really good stuff when merged with similar traits. And pay attention to how many stars each trait has; that will have implications when playing the greenhouse game.


Monsters here are also far stronger than in the Misty Garden and even the next dungeon we'll be heading to. Still, they’re eminently beatable with bomb spam, and the loot is well worth it. Now let’s put some of the traits made available here to use.




I attach Sign of Growth to a White Neutralizer, which I then put in some Refresh Oil with a Taun that has King of the Hill…


And my Refresh Oil comes out with Trusty Leader, which has this very nice effect for weapons! (If you played at launch, you’d remember this description being ATK/DEF/SPD+25 and its evolutions being +50 and +100; they never actually gave boosts that high and their descriptions have been corrected accordingly.)


Refresh Oil being Fuel, it can be used in Pure Water, which can then go into any neutralizer and thus most anything I can synthesize. And when I obtain the trait to upgrade Trusty Leader, I can have neutralizers or Pure Water on hand to easily do so. Fuel items also can be used in Polish. Let’s make that right now.



Element switch in action! This Polish with Trusty Leader also counts as Sand, and thus can be used as an ingredient in the next tier of Ingot.


Aspirations 2

I am simply glad to have been of service.

Is that Diebold?



Indeed. This is Sophie, an alchemist.

Hello. Were you doing bodyguard-y things again today?

Correct. We returned but a moment ago.

Are you really sure you don’t want a bonus? I feel bad making you fight all those monsters.

You needn’t worry yourself. Those monsters were but mere trifles.

Hm … As expected of a knight. I’ll come to you again the next time I need a bodyguard, Diebold.

Huh?



Diebold, wait! Were you really a knight?

Indeed, but that is all in the past. There is nothing more to tell.



I see … That must be why he is so strong …




Oh boy, you’re in a bad mood, Olias … Did something happen?

S’nothing … Just that customer said they’d hire me as their bodyguard, only to suddenly turn ‘round and go with Diebold instead! And right before we were gonna head out, too! They spotted Diebold and said they wanted him!

That’d put anyone in a bad mood. What a rude customer!

Right?! You think so too, don’t you?! I’ve got way more experience as a bodyguard, and I’m a ton more popular … Tch!

But, Diebold really went and accepted the job? He must have seen how angry you were.

Huh? Nah, I didn’t get angry in front of him. ‘Cause it’s not weird for customers to be real picky ‘bout their bodyguard.

Huh? Really?

If someone’s gotta hire a bodyguard, that means they’re in some danger, right? They’ve got their life staked on this decision. Course they’re gonna be careful about who they choose, down to the last minute. It’d be super lame of me to get angry at a customer just ‘cause I wasn’t chosen.

W-wow, that’s a really rational way of looking at it … But then, why are you angry?

… I managed to hold back in front of the customer.



Ahaha … He can be a bit childish … But, I guess that’s also a part of what makes Olias so popular.




Gnome, are you okay? You look like you’ve barely got a moment to breathe.

Oh, just fine. Miss Kati always says that “a busy store is a happy store,” and I’m inclined to agree.

… Where IS Kati, anyways? It’s not very nice of her to run off and leave you with the lion’s share of the work …

Haha, you sound just like Miss Kati. She’s always telling me I should take a leaf out of her book.

Wait, she is?



So, what’s keeping you from taking her advice?

… Before I came here, I hadn’t been afforded much of an opportunity to do anything for myself. When I arrived, I was painfully ignorant of everything. I hadn’t a clue where to start. And then Miss Kati appeared. She provided me with a roof over my head, and even offered me work despite my inexperience.

… So that’s how you ended up here.

Mhm. I’ve gotten to experience so much through this job, and it’s all thanks to Miss Kati. So I don’t mind taking on a bit of extra work. It’s the least I can do to show my appreciation.

… She sure is lucky to have someone like you around, Gnome.






Sophie! I wanted to thank you for being such a great customer.

I should be the one thanking you. I mean, you’re always restocking items for me!

Actually … There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.

Oh?

You see, I was wondering if there were any other ways I could help you out.



Really? You’d do that?! I’ll warn you, I might put in some big orders …

No worries. The local tradesmen ask me all the time.

Whenever I’ve got materials that I want more of, I’ll come straight to you!

Sure, just drop on by whenever. Remember, though, it isn’t free!

This service becomes available after spending an indeterminate amount of Cole restocking your usables; I suppose I finally passed the threshold throwing bombs enough times in the Illusion Vale.


Anyway, let’s duplicate the Polish I made earlier. It’s got a much lower unit price than the upper-tier Ingot I’d use it in, so this decision is more cost effective. And when it comes to Pirka, we are going to appreciate pinching our pennies very, very soon.





Aspirations 3

I am, but … What happened to Gnome?

Oh, I just sent him out shopping. He’ll be back soon, so why don’t we have a chat while we wait?




That’s … not really anything worth thanking me for.

Hey, just let me have this one. As both his boss and his self-appointed guardian.

… Guardian? Oh, right. Gnome did say that you’d given him a place to stay.

Pretty much. Did you know he’s from a noble family? And he’s their only son, to boot. He’s been groomed as a heir since birth. The poor kid hasn’t got an idea about the real world.

Th-That’s what his home life was like?

There’s no way a pampered prince like that would be able to make it on his own, right? That’s why I took him in. Taught him everything I know. Tried to broaden his horizons, and so on. He was floundering at first, but now he can practically run the place by himself.

You know … he tries so hard because he’s grateful for the opportunities you’ve given him, Kati.

Mhm, he never does less than his best. I should know, I’ve seen with my own eyes! Well, his cooking is a bit bland, and he still gets overwhelmed when the place is busy, but …



You’re pretty impressive yourself, Kati. You’ve gone above and beyond in your role as a guardian.

Hey, I get stuff done when I have to! I’d just rather coast by when I don’t.




Can you tell me more about her, please?

Oh, you mean Cory? Umm, well, she’s a friend of mine, and …

Actually, I specifically want to know about this Cory’s clan. She can duplicate just like me, so something tells me that she’s family …

Oh, I see … To tell you the truth, I don’t know much. For a long time, Cory didn’t know where she came from, and it really bothered her. After a lot of investigation, she finally found out that she might be from a country to the east.

that, there, was Gust’s justification to bring her back for L&S.

Huh, is that so … Do you happen to know anyone who can duplicate, other than me and Cory?

Sorry, I don’t. I’d actually never heard of that kind of power until I met Cory.

Aww, okay. I guess my clan still isn’t very famous in your time.



If that’s true, it’s really bad news … How is the clan meant to rebuild from that?

(She must be really concerned about this … )



With all that out of the way, let’s make the Soul Cage! For these syntheses, the only thing that matters is having the ingredients. So Sophie chucks them all into the cauldron and…


Grandmother and Granddaughter

Impressive as ever, Sophie.



She was worried about you, so she came to see how you were doing. In secret, of course.

I-I mean … this IS all my fault …

Heheh. Thanks for worrying, but it’s okay. It came out just fine.



Now we can transport Plachta’s soul safely.

I’m glad to hear you both like it.

… You’re amazing, Sophie. I can’t believe you made something like this so easily.

She’s right, you know. You’re a much better alchemist than I’ll ever be.

Ehehe …

Hehe. Aren’t you lucky to have such a talented granddaughter, Rami?







Wh-what? What’s wrong? Why are you all looking at me like that?

You know, Ellie … it’s not very polite to talk about me like I’m an old lady …

But Sophie really is your granddaughter, isn’t she?

… She’s my what?

W-Wait a second, Elvira! Is that really true? Is Ramizel … really my grandma?

Of course … Why are you all acting so …?



“dig UP, stupid”



Ohhh, I see. You hadn’t realized it, huh?




I-I … see. Did you know about this, Sophie?

Um, I had my suspicions, but I couldn’t be sure … After all, I only ever knew my grandmother as an old lady.

Yeah, right. I … I guess that makes sense …




Um, err … Should I … still keep calling you Ramizel?


I … suppose? It’s not … I mean … It doesn’t sound wrong to me or anything …

… I am sure this must be a lot for both of you to take in. However, we must not let it distract us from searching for Plachta’s … for my future self’s soul.

Y-yeah, that’s right! We need to start looking right away! … Right, Ramizel?

Y-yeah … Of course … Erm … It’s … nice to meet you, um …


R-right. Same here …



*Sigh* … Perhaps it would be for the best if you did not say anything further for now …