Part 14: Dreams of Scorching Lava

Update 12: Dreams of Scorching Lava




Requests

Umm, hi there, Pirka. What’s got you looking so proud of yourself?

Heh heh heh … I’m glad you asked! I think I’ve finally conquered my sleep problem!

You conquered it?

You betcha! Er, well, I do feel ever so slightly dozey like usual, but … I’m not actually dropping off anymore! This is now my normal state of being!

Um … Is that really okay? It looks like it might be getting to you …

Ahaha! I’m perfectly fine! I’m catching the healthy amount of Zs every day! Plus I’ve got my anti-sleep potions and super sour candies at hand, just in case.



Psh! It doesn’t hurt to have a back-up plan just in case! Too much sleep can be as bad as not enough anyways … Welp, I just gotta do what I can!

Hmm, I see … If you’re getting enough sleep every night anyway, any more might be bad for you … But don’t strain yourself. It’s not safe to work or move around when you’re sleepy!

…

Huh? Pirka?

Zzz … Zzz …




You were snoozing like a baby. … So, what was that about conquering your sleep problem?

Umm. But I woke up when you talked to me, right? In that case there isn’t a problem!

I think it became a problem the moment you fell asleep …


Well uh, let’s give Pirka something to do before she snoozes again.



Ooh, you did? Nice! What did you think?

Um … It was kind of difficult to wrap my head around.

Which part?

You know how the prince of the desert kingdom gets together with the alchemist girl? But like, how is she meant to do her alchemy when materials are so scarce in the desert?

Th-that’s what you had trouble wrapping your head around?! I mean, I guess … But what about the meat of the story? The romance? Did it make you giddy? Did it make you swoon?



I’m happy the couple found happiness in the end. Good for them!

Geez … That’s not … Sophie, you should feel more excited than that! Romance is about loving someone so much that thoughts of them race through your head all night.



That sort of heart-wrenching yearning is what’s so darn good about it! Don’t you get it?!

Umm … Not really …

Geez … Whatever am I going to do with you …? Well, I suppose I’m not one to talk. I know the theory, but I’ve never actually fallen in love …

Really? … That’s surprising.

I’m more of the type to focus on the things I love, rather than any single person. Kind of like you. I don’t know if that makes me all that suited to love or marriage … Hmm …

… Well, I’m no expert on this stuff, but I don’t think you need to worry.

Really? How do you figure …?



Ohh … Right … I forgot.

Hehe … Well, there you go!

Ahaha! I wonder who the lucky guy is …? I guess the waiting’s all part of the romance.




That was a big sigh. What’s the matter?

Oh, Sophie … This is uncool of me, but … I actually got hurt on a job.

Oh my gosh! Are you okay?! Shouldn’t you be resting at home?!

Calm down. It’s not that bad. Although, it woulda killed any normal chump. It feels kinda uncomfortable when I raise my arm, but I’m good to keep guardin’.

That doesn’t sound okay! You can’t just go ignoring it!

Oi, who do you think I am? I’m Olias, the greatest, most fearless bodyguard under the–

If you’re not feeling one hundred percent, you’re out of commission! No more jobs until I get you some medicine!

Nu-uh, I said I’m fine …




Hmm. Since the discomfort is in your arm … Maybe an ointment would do? Let me see, if I boost the sedative effect …




Ehehe, nope! Business has been slow lately, so I’ve barely done any duplications. My sleeping problems only start when I do too many, so I’ve been bright and breezy!

Did you have any issues before I mentioned side effects?

Hmm … Odds are I did, I just never noticed. It all just feels like regular sleep to me.



Yeah, that sounds related …

Well, I know myself best, so I’ve been experimenting with my condition. And I’ve come to the conclusion that I should sleep when I’m sleepy!

Right … Hmm, maybe I could whip up a powerful wake-me-up to help out … But then all the tiredness would hit you at once when the effect wears off …

And then I’d stay asleep forever! Which would be fine in my house, but not outside.

Yeah, trying to fix your sleepiness might do more harm than good. Maybe there’s another way …

Ooh, did you come up with something?






Okay, okay. I’ll talk to the mayor. Sit tight, alright?

Um, Ramizel? Could I ask you to make some more flowerpots for me?

Ehh?! If it’s alchemy you’re after, you’re better off asking Plachta or Sophie.

I like your flowerpots, though. I’m quite taken with their avant-garde shapes.

Geez … How can I say no now? I’ll get them done when I can.




Yeah, I saw. They really ran you ragged, huh?

I wouldn’t have minded before, but Plachta’s the mayor now. They should go ask her instead.

Hehe … But, you still accepted all their requests, right?

Hrm, well … I just find it hard to say no. And I don’t exactly dislike being relied on … But still, I do need to stop being such a pushover …

Hehe … I guess you’ve always had trouble turning down others.

What do you mean, always …?




But, that means a lot of people think you’re dependable! That’s an amazing thing!

More like it’s a lot of extra work I have to do … Geez, there’s only so much I can handle. But … maybe I ought to buff up my alchemy skills while I still can …



Well, I think we’ve racked up quite a bit of work for Sophie just by walking around town. Let’s get to i-






Feeling a little better now?

… Yeah. *Sniffle*

Good … So, how did it break? I thought you had it all packed up safe and sound.

Well, I was tidying up the storehouse, and I’d put it in a pretty big box … Which, uh, was in the way, so I kinda … kicked it. Ugh, I’ll never forget the sound …

Y-you really did a number on it, huh …?

I hadn’t gotten used to having it around yet! Of course I’d think it was just some random junk! So, please, Sophie! You’ve gotta fix it for me!

I had a feeling that’s why you’d come here. Do you have all the pieces with you?

I figured you might need them, so I brought everything along. Here.



Thanks, Alette. … Mhm, I should be able to fix a pot like this.

I’ll help round up whatever materials you need … So please, make it whole again!








Hey there, Diebold. How can I help?

There is a matter I must discuss with you. Might you lend me some of your time?




No, it’s alright. I was a little surprised to see you like that, though.

… I am truly sorry.



Pirka was right. I … do wish to become a knight once more.

Then you should! I’m sure you’ll be great. You’re such an amazing person.

And yet, at the same time, I do wonder what meaning there would be in going back … No matter how sincere an oath I swear, and no matter how many battles I fight …
… all it takes is one word from above, and I’m cast aside. A knight’s position is so fragile. There is little meaning in risking my life as a knight when that is the reality.

Is that why you decided to stop being one?

Indeed … and I do not feel any differently now. I am far more suited to spending my days as a bodyguard. Never again will I call myself a knight. That is how I truly feel. Thank you for listening, Sophie. I am forever humbled.



… He’s lying … I can feel that he really wants to become a knight again … I wish I could do something for him, but what?

We’ll help him later. For now, requests!





I should go take it to Alette right away.





Thank goodness. I didn’t get to see it when it was whole, so I was worried I’d messed it up somehow.

No, this is perfect. Thanks! Now I need to hurry and sell it!

Huh?! You’re selling it already?! But I just fixed it up …

If I leave it lying around, it’ll likely just end up broken again, right? Besides, it’s an antique. It’ll sell.

Wait, hang on. I know I said I fixed it, but it’s more like I completely remade it. Can you really still call it an antique at this point?

You betcha! Alchemy’s amazing! It can even restore artifacts to their former glory!

Err, umm … You’re sure restoring is the right word here? I don’t really know …

If I say it’s fine, then it’s fine! Sophie, you and your alchemy skills are the absolute best!

… If someone does complain, you know you’re on your own, right?






Time for what?

Time we got our own special attack, of course! A super awesome mega one that’ll blow everyone away!

A-ahaha … That sure sounds … pretty special. What were you thinking of?

Heh heh! I’m glad you asked. Okay, so, it goes kinda like this …



… And that’s about it. So? What d’you think?

A barrel-based attack, huh … It’s pretty original, that’s for sure. But I think it’s a great idea!

You betcha! Thanks, Sophie! This ability is gonna be a smash hit, I just know it!

Yeah … It’s going to turn some heads, that’s for sure …





The two Plachtas had better like a stew of this quality

Phew … I think I made too much. Will they be able to finish all of this?



Soil potato stew! Although, it’s my first time making such a huge batch, so I’m not sure how good it’ll be…

You may leave the taste testing to me!

Hahaha, help yourself to as much as you want.

Really?!

Yeah. But in return …




… I see, so that is why Sophie made so much stew …

Yes, and I should apologize for troubling you too.

No, it is fine … More importantly, I guess you asked for me because you wish to tell me about the past?

Yes, about that … There is something I must tell you before I share anything further.



Of course. I will do everything I can to change the future. I think that is the best choice.

However, that could also lead to a future where we never meet Sophie.



So, even if it means losing your body and becoming a book or a doll … You wouldn’t change it?

That is correct. I cannot expect you to understand it, however … I am in a position to say this because I have full knowledge of what happens in your future. If you still wish to change your future after you learn the truth … let us discuss it.



I understand. You don’t have to tell me any more right now.

Are you certain?

Whether the story is a happy or sad one, I feel it would be wrong to press you for it. Besides … neither of us are leaving Erde Wiege anytime soon. So, if I change my mind before that time, could you please tell me everything?

If that is what you wish, I promise to do so.

I appreciate it. I will not bother you about it anymore now, then.

Thank you … By the way, what did you think of the potato stew?

It was mightily delicious indeed! Sophie’s stews are truly beyond reproach!

I will tell you one thing about your future … When I first took this vessel, I could not taste a single thing.

What?! Y-you mean you could not taste any of the food you ate?!

That is correct. As delicious as Sophie’s stews looked, I was not able to savor any of them.



I-I … I cannot believe there will be a time when I will not even be able to enjoy this stew …

My, it looks like I was a lot more fond of food in the past than I remember.


For Olias’ Sedative Ointment, all that matters is hitting 12 Ice for the HP Regen M effect threshold.


Have we got the cure for you!



… Still, thanks. Sorry for causin’ you trouble.

No trouble at all! You’re always doing things for me. Plus, as an alchemist, I have a duty to help out those in need!

Right … You’re a real good kid, Sophie.



Ah, sorry. My bad, Sophie …

Ahaha. I don’t mind … Were you thinking about your sister?

… Yeah. She must be pretty big by now.

Huh? You mean … you weren’t living with her back home?

Yeah, ‘cause I was workin’ as a merc. I was always travelin’ all ‘round with my merc group. The last time I saw her was … Man, how many years has it been? I hadn’t gone home for a few years before I came here.

You shouldn’t go so long without visiting your sister. She must be worried about you.



…?

… Well, thanks for the medicine. I’ll slather some on when I get home.

Ah … And he’s gone …








Nope! It’s always exciting to see what you’re gonna make. If it turns out good, would you mind selling it to me?

Ahaha, I’m just practicing now, so it won’t be anything special.

Practicing? Aren’t you already a full-fledged alchemist? Do you really need to practice?

Of course. It’s one thing to know your way around the materials and to create new recipes, but … There’s plenty that you need to develop a feel for, like how quickly to stir the cauldron.

Huh … I didn’t realize there was so much stuff that goes into being an alchemist.

Still, I chose this path for myself, so I’ll do everything I need to do to become a licensed alchemist.

That sounds like a lot of hard work … But, you know … I think it’s awesome that you’re giving it your all.

R-really? Hehehe … Thanks!





C’mon, don’t be like that. I figure we’d make a damn good team.

Are you serious? It couldn’t possibly work. The difference in our physical abilities is too vast. We’d never be in sync.

Hey, who d’you think you’re talking to? The best bodyguard in Roytale, that’s who! I’ve got it all figured out already. Listen up. Here’s what I want you to do …




… I’m impressed. I never would have believed you’d suggest something so considered. Even I should have no trouble seeing it through. You seem to have put genuine thought into this … I’ll have to revise my opinion of you. Slightly.

Hah! Well, you pick up a thing or two over the years. Sides, it was too good an idea to pass up. And if it’s worth doin’, it’s worth doin’ right.

I’ll do my best to keep pace with you.




The Lilac Jewel Necklace is strictly worse than the Gnade Ring or any accessory I’d want to replace my Gnade Rings with; still, we’re making this for Pirka, not for our own use.



Is that the sleep prevention tool for Pirka? It looks like an ordinary necklace …

It might look that way, but if you duplicate while wearing this …



Yes, that is indeed true. I would recommend you let Pirka test it.



… Wait, is this for me? Why?

This is a tool to prevent you from duplicating too much. I made it so that the stones in this necklace will react when you duplicate.

By react do you mean … like shocking me …? Gulp.

Of course not! I’d never make something that dangerous! I just mean that when you duplicate something, the jewel will glow!

Ooh? This shiny jewel glows?

Exactly. If you duplicate a lot in a short amount of time, the stones will glow to warn you.



I see … I suppose it’ll be more reliable than keeping an eye on it myself. But I’ve been real careful lately. I even figured out how many duplications can make me sleepy! So I’m sorry, but I might not have a chance to use it much …

That’s okay! It’s a precaution more than anything. Just try it out for a little while. You can take it off if you don’t end up using it.

Hm, okey pokey! Thanks a bunch for your help, Sophie!

Alright, with all that out of the way, let’s visit Elvira!


Defying Gravity

*Sigh* …

Heh, now there’s somethin’ that don’t happen everyday. Don’t reckon I’ve ever heard ya sigh.



… So, what’s up? Got somethin’ on your mind?

… I am disappointed by the extent of my own shortcomings.

W-wait. What’s got you thinkin’ like that?

I could not be more ashamed. A young lady like Plachta, still in the blush of her youth, was able to see clear through me. I am pitiful …

Ah, you mean that thing about what ya hafta do.

… I … I was not able to protect that which it was my duty to protect. Knights live to shield the people from harm. That I failed to do so haunts me still … That feeling twisted into a need to take revenge against the Zmei, clouding my own dream …

Heh … So? What kinda dream is a knight supposed to have?

… I should think it was obvious. To be a bastion for the weak, to take up arms against the wicked. To fulfill those duties in service as a knight.



Heheh, that’s pretty grand …
… Well, now that you’ve remembered your dream, you’d better hold onto it real tight and see it through.



Yes … That is why we were hoping you would infuse it with your power, Elvira.

I’d be happy to! You really are all working so hard to help me. Plachta, can I see the Dream Vessel?

Of course.



Hang on, this’ll only take a minute …





Wow! That was absolutely amazing!

Oh, all I did was put some power into it. It’s simple stuff, really.

Thank goodness … It is truly complete …

Yep! Thanks, Elvira!




Elvira? Are you okay?!

Ahaha, no need to panic …! Infusing things with power is just a bit draining, that’s all.

Elvira …

It’s really nothing. I’ll be fine after a quick rest. More importantly, you’d better hurry off to the Dream Core. I’m much more worried about that.

Alright, if you say so … But please don't push yourself too much, Ellie.

I won’t. I know how much you worry, Rami. Now, get going already!

Yeah … Come on, let’s go!



… Oh, so you ended up not asking what will happen in your future?

No … But that is okay. There is no need to rush. We have simply put it on hold for now.

Wow, if it were me, I’d be so curious I’d want to hear everything straight away.

I am curious myself, too. I want to hear everything I possibly can right this instant. I would like to know what happens so I can prepare to change it or improve it. But my future self is so hesitant to share her story. She is scared that if I change anything, it will lead to a future where you and I never meet …



Plachta really said all that, huh …

You did absolutely everything you could to help save my future self. If I change the future to avoid an incident and lose our connection, what will become of me …? That is honestly not a question I can answer …

So you didn’t ask for more details?

No … Besides, we still have plenty of time here. I would like to think this over more so I can be sure to make the right decision.
Will I return to our world without knowing why I lose my body in the future …? Or will I find out the truth and try to change my future, knowing I might never meet you …?
Regardless of the answer, I am certain this too will prove to be an experience integral to my future growth.


In this update alone, we’ve gotten extra ingredient Assist Skills for gas ingredients (Alette with Wind links), fuel ingredients (Ramizel with Fire links), and magical ingredients (Plachta/Sophie with Light links). You’ll be seeing how busted these can be for crafting next update.


If you’re watching the videos, you can tell I hit the fast forward button by accident here; apologies!

Sophie, do you have a moment? There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.

Sure! What is it?

Well, I’ve been observing your fighting style, and it’s gotten me thinking. How about we try attacking in tandem?

It sounds like you've got something in mind.

I do indeed. If you’ll allow me to explain …

Wow! Plachta, you’re incredible! Even I should be able to pull this off!

My only worry is whether I’ll be able to time it right. Fighting isn’t really my forte …

Ooh, I can’t wait to try this out! I bet everyone’ll be so surprised …

Mhm, that’s true. The looks on their faces might be just as much fun as the move itself.






If I’d like to create a new attack with you?

Huh?! How’d you know? I hadn’t said anything yet!



Wait, you too?!

Watching the way you’ve been fighting recently has gotten me thinking. I’ve realized that if we work together, we could make something both powerful and useful.

You betcha! I wanna know what it’s like to help everyone out in battle!

Let’s get straight to it, then. I was thinking that first, you would take my arm …




It took much longer than I had expected … But yes, I’m rather proud of how it’s turned out.

Everyone’s gonna be so surprised! Haha! I can’t wait to show it off!

Oh, definitely. This should make for a lovely present.





Hey, Sophie, how many years do you think you’ll spend in Erde Wiege?

Ah … I don’t think I’ll be here for as long as that. There’s still a bunch of problems to clear up, but … once they’re all settled, I need to go back.

But, since the years don’t pass while you’re here, there’s no need to rush. Think about it. You could practice your alchemy here for decades and still go back to your own time period.

Yeah … Of course that would be convenient, and I really do like this world. But, my goal is to become a licensed alchemist as soon as I possibly can … Which means I can’t stop the clock that’s ticking in my heart. I won’t be able to hold back my desire to take the alchemy exam forever!

… Wow. When you put it so clearly …

There are things I can do here that I could never do back home. But, there are also things I can do at home that I just can’t do here. Including the one thing I really wanna do.

Things you can only do back home, huh? … Well, I can’t argue with you there.



Maybe it’s time for me to listen to the clock inside my heart too … I think I’ve got an idea of what it is I wanna do. Thanks, Sophie. I feel like I needed to hear that.



Now we’re ready to go!


Disturbance






An’ it’s a big one! What the heck’s goin’ on?!

There has never been an earthquake in Erde Wiege before …




W-well, that was a shock … A violent earthquake like that surely can’t be normal, right?



Y-yeah, we’re just a bit shaken … But that earthquake just now …

I think it is probably related to the Dream Core … Something wrong must have happened.

A-are you serious?! But what could have possibly …

I’m not sure, but … I can feel that there is something wrong with the Dream Core in the volcano … A Dream Core isn’t something that can be broken easily. But, at this rate …



Hey, this might be a bit late, but … Elvira, can you feel what is going on with the Dream Cores right now?

Well … I was the one who made them, but I’m not really connected to them or anything …

That’s right, Sophie. Ellie created this world and called us all here. But that doesn’t necessarily make her omnipotent.

Oh, I see … Just because someone’s a goddess doesn’t mean they can do everything.

… Sophie, I’d like you to take me with you to the Dream Core.

Huh?!

Ellie, you can’t! It’s too dangerous! There will be monsters!

I-I’ll be okay! I am a goddess, you know! I can fight.



Ouch … O-okay! So it’s not like fighting is one of my strong suits. But I’m still the one who created this world … I don’t want to sit back while you do everything! So, please …! You have to at least let me act like a goddess for a minute!

Ellie …

… Alright, I understand. We’ll all go together.

Really …?

I agree. I always appreciate those with a strong sense of responsibility.

Having an actual goddess with us would feel kinda reassuring.

Eh, it don’t matter what ya are. You’ll have the best bodyguard keepin’ ya safe and sound!

We shall serve as both your sword and shield.




… I won’t, I promise! Thanks, everyone!



Floating Gibeon

Yes. Now that we have this Floating Gibeon, we should be able to continue onward.

I must confess … I cannot envisage how changing the weather will allow us to advance.



By using the Floating Gibeon, we can make the surrounding matter lighter. And if we do that, we should be able to leap right over the ruined path!

Leap over it?!

That’s quite the daring gadget you’ve made … Reminds me of a certain someone.

Ahaha. I like it! It sounds pretty fun!

Yeah, it does sound fun. I want to try it out as soon as possible!

But, Elvira … you can already fly …


Music: Misty Ridges


That’s how it’s done. The Gibeon creates temporary platforms to get you from point A to point B.


Once I cross this line, the platforms will vanish. What would have happened had I fucked up the platforming?



I’ll have to climb all the way back up. But while I’m down here…


Dragonaire



The traits on everyone’s new accessories and talismans is already paying off!


And the dragon’s treasure was…a new catalyst! Now let’s climb this mountain for real.



On the mountain path, there’s a dead end…



Closing the floodgate lowers the water level just enough to allow passage. There sure is some infrastructure for a town where even Ramizel hasn’t been and whose natural resources aren’t connected to Roytale, but I ain’t gonna complain if it lets me progress.




Into the Inferno
Music: Crimson Rift



Here we are at the volcano … Ugh, it’s sooo hot …

That would be due to the large volume of magma and steam. Though, I fear it will only get hotter from here on out.

This ain’t a place for humans to hang ‘round in. I’m sweatin’ like crazy here.

The Dream Core is just ahead. Let’s hurry!



Now that I think about it … I don’t think I’ve ever felt hot or cold before.

Is that … because you’re the goddess who created this world?

Hmm, I don’t know … I guess humans and divine beings are just different.

Wow, must be nice …

That’s so unfair!! We’re all completely dripping in sweat here!

Maybe if you could make it so we don’t feel the head either … But that’d be impossible, right?

Don’t be silly, Rami! Just because I’m a goddess doesn’t mean I can do anything.

Argh … We’re not gonna get any cooler standin’ round like lemons. Let’s keep goin’!


Music: Dark Rift




Wasn’t expecting an elevator in the caldera of an active volcano, right? Still, since it’s here, we can keep moving.



Spelunking and platforming has life or death stakes when you’re walking on lava. Sophie can jump like 20 feet in the air when the Gibeon’s effect is active, but I can fall between the gaps if I get too greedy with her jumps.

Once we reach the next zone…


Earthquake



It feels stronger than the one before … Everyone, stay still until it passes!

Ah! A-are we really gonna be alright here?! It sounds like things are collapsing!

It was not anywhere close. Do not move!




Ellie, this has got to be …

Yeah. There is something going on with the Dream Core.

But what can it be …

… Let’s go and check it out. If something is happening, we need to get it sorted quick!






Dead End

… This is very bad … The entrance to where the Dream Core can be found is right underneath this boulder …



More like impossible. This ain’t anything you can push out of the way with manpower alone.

Is there any other way in, Ellie? Or should we all just start chiseling away at it?

Hmm … I guess we could get in using another path …

We could?!



We can’t just connect to there from here? The hole is right there …

If the coordinates are off by even a tiny bit, we’ll end up in a totally random place.

So, we have no choice but to go where you said, huh …

Well, at least there is a way. We’ve got to get to the Dream Core as soon as we can!



A new exit appeared in the east of the first zone. Once we go there…


Door to Somewhere

A dead end …? Where do we go from here?



Oh, we need to use lightning to trigger this.

Lightning? You mean we can get through if we change the weather and call a thunderstorm?

That’s right. Here.



But, if you use this Gebet Stone, you should be able to make something just powerful enough to summon lightning …

Wish ya coulda told us earlier that we couldn’t go any further without that thing.

H-how was I to know?! I never thought we’d need to come this way!

It’s alright, Elvira. I’m very thankful for the material. We’d better go back to the atelier for now and try to think of a recipe.

Time is of the essence. Let us make haste.