7th Dragon III Code: VFD Part #20 - Update XVIII - Featuring: Probable Ethics Violations

Part 20: Update XVIII - Featuring: Probable Ethics Violations

Update XVIII - Featuring: Probable Ethics Violations

Music: Chant for Sanctuary (code:VFD Ver.)

And with that, our first mission to kill a High Dragon has come to an end.

This was also the only mission to kill a High Dragon. From here on out we're killing All True Dragons, All The Time.

I mean, High Dragons will still show up every now and then, but they'll be more of a momentary roadblock rather than a dedicated chapter focus.

We're still four True Dragon samples short of our quota, after all.

Chief Toglau: *chuckle* This is Cub. He is the last remaining blacksmith in this settlement. As I mentioned, almost all of our experienced blacksmiths lost their lives in battle. The only ones left with any experience retired long ago. That leaves Cub as our blacksmith.

That means...

Chief Toglau: The heart of Cladeon lies in the forge. However... forging the Dragonslayer will be impossible.

...King Utrello entrusted me with it as he died. He said a hero would come along to slay Nyala...

So, where is it?

Once I got back from battle, I handed it over to Consul Tallieri. With it, I passed along Utrello's request... For the Dragonslayer to be given to the hero...

I don't think it'll be that easy. Tallieri's always been skeptical of the Dragonslayer's power. Plus, he hasn't listened to a word anyone's said since King Utrello passed. On top of that, he insists that his suicidal plan is the only way to defeat Nyala. I just can't accept that! Shit... All these people are so quick to give up on living! I should never have entrusted the will of King Utrello to that coward!

Chief Toglau: I understand why you feel the way you do, Eigur, but you must calm yourself.

Nrgh... Sorry. I got carried away. I guess it's not like getting the Dragonslayer back's gonna help us much anyways.

Hm...? What do you mean?

That thing's no ordinary sword. To bring out its true power, we need an expert blacksmith, too... One with the will to protect this planet at all costs. Then, that will can pass to the hero... That bond is really important. The sword won't have power if it doesn't hold the will to protect. Maybe that's why it didn't work before... Why it didn't respond to King Utrello's wishes. Anyways, it's prolly pointless to ask people from the capital to help us down in Cladeon...

Wait, did they just... skip that step the first time? Did Utrello knowingly walk into Nyala's lair with a half-cocked Dragonslayer?

Chief Toglau: Hm. The blacksmith must wish to defeat the dragon, and the wielder must then inherit that will... Only upon the connection of those two will the Dragonslayer's true power be unlocked.

But if we can find a blacksmith like that... Maybe we can get the Dragonslayer to show itself. There has to be someone in Cladeon who can—

No. Even separate from the will part, we need someone who can hear the voice of orichalcum. But only members of the Royal Family are able to do that. I sure as hell can't...

Chief Toglau: There are none of the Royal Lucier Family who remain in Cladeon... It will be impossible.

No...

We'll just have to find one.

...

Unit 13, I do not believe we have the time for aimless searching.

No, but...

Hm? Do you have someone in mind?

Yeah, but I don't think she'd be willing to help us.

~

What about in the capital?

Unit 13...? Do you have someone in mind?

Wait... There is someone. I don't think she'd be willing to help us, though.

~~

If there's any chance of success, we need to request their aid as soon as possible.

Who is this woman you speak of?

Oh hey, the one noble we already know!

The Atlantis Royal Family is the oldest group in the whole Lucier Lineage. The blood of our ancestors is rich in their veins... Not like the people of Cladeon.

Novice Smith Cub: Back in the day it used to be a sacred task carried out only by the elites.

Chief... What should we do?

Chief Toglau: I doubt the Royal Family will hear the pleas of lower-class citizens like ourselves.

We'll never know unless we try.

You're... probably right. Alright, the tide's turning in our favor. Let's do everything we can!

~

I'm sure she'll listen.

Hm? Do you know Ulania, too? Haha, you guys are full of surprises. That means there's a glimmer of hope now!

~~

Please, Chief. Let us negotiate with Queen Ulania!

Chief Toglau: We must go through Consul Tallieri first. Be sure to honor his word.

Tch... Fine.

We appreciate the help, Chief.

Come on, let's go back home for now.

We will gather here again tomorrow before heading over to the Royal Palace to negotiate.

Sounds good to me.

But you lit a fire inside of me when you went and took back the forge from that High Dragon. I... want to thank you for helping us. Valerie... I think you may be the one to wield the Dragonslayer. Somehow I have a feeling that you are gonna be the one who beats Nyala and saves this country... Is that wierd? *chuckle* Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow!

Sorry, Valerie, but Opal's the one getting the godslaying job.

We're going to leave you behind if you don't hurry up, Unit 13.

Don't forget about tomorrow, OK? We'll be waiting!

Music: Cladeon - An Undersea Shimmer

Allie and Julietta are thrilled, too. The mission's not over 'til you're home, though. Hurry up!

Now, I could leave...

Rude Militiaman: You're not gonna be so arrogant when I'm done! Got it!?

But killing Mayhem and reclaiming the forge has given everyone here something new to say.

~

Young Militiaman: Y-You are incredible! With your powers... we may be able to return to the peaceful days of yore!

~

Novice Smith Cub: Holy crap! You guys managed to beat the High Dragon without divine protection...! I really underestimated you land dwellers!

~

Blind Smith Auroth: I heard the rumors, surface dweller. It sounds as though you've defeated the High Dragon. I wish I could have witnessed that with my own two eyes...

~

Chief Toglau: We must go through Consul Tallieri first. Be sure to honor his word.

Inept Militiaman: I'm glad nobody's gonna get hurt now. I-I'm still ready to fight, though! I-I p-p-promise!

~

Anxious Old Woman: Y-You really managed to defeat the High Dragon? I just... can't believe that...

Positive Old Man: You young'uns can overcome any hardship! Anything is possible when you still have your youth!

~

Negative Old Man: Even if we can defeat the High Dragon, our fate will remain unchanged... The capital is never going to help us... All we can do now is accept our impending doom...

Vigorous Old Man: I'd check your power levels if my hip wasn't hurting so much.

Determined Girl: I wanna be strong, too! Like Eigur! Can you guys give me lessons!?

Longing Lucier: That means... this place can once again be my safe haven! Now all I need is my fated love...

And done.

Music: UE77 Tokyo

Look at those zeroes!

...why isn't there a notice about clearing out Cladeon?

Music: The Daily Grind

Let's go check in with the boss first.

Music: UE77 In Ariake

Seriously! Such hard work earns you a big sloppy kiss as a reward!

The game actually plays a cartoony kiss SFX as Julietta steps up.

Don't be too hasty. Our chances of success are still only at a mere 50%.

We will still have to convince the queen of a powerful monarchy to lend us her aid. I don't expect she'll be as open to persuasion as you'd like.

*chuckle* So you think we should just give up on going after the Dragonslayer?

No, but it is not as though that is our only option. Well, we can take care of that when the time comes. For now, let us hope she accepts our request.

Now then, it's time for us to head back to ISDF HQ. And as promised, we'll be taking a portion of the Mayhem specimen with us.

Please, go ahead. We like to actually keep our promises, unlike some people.

Stop that, Julietta★ This mission was only a success due to the cooperation of Unit 13, ISDF, and that boy Eigur. That's the kind of synergy I can really get behind!

It was quite successful, I will admit. Plus we got our hands on some precious Dz.

Yup yup! We'll keep working together and take down Nyala!

*sigh* You're seriously too excited about this. I'm heading back to the lab.

OK OK★ Well, that's it for today! Unit 13, ISDF guys, we'll see you all tomorrow!

Excuse us.

I really need to get into the habit of swapping to Opal for these cutscenes, Yuma hasn't known Valerie nearly long enough to request a private meeting out of the blue like this.

Music: The Daily Grind

Better late than never!

I guess we'll see if that ends up being good or bad... Sheesh... You're such a goddamn softy...

~

Oooh... I heard you and Yuma are going to have a secret meeting? *chuckle* I love watching a young relationship blossom★

~

Look, guys that seem sincere are sometimes the most dangerous. Just be careful, OK?

The terrace is that outdoors area on the Rest Floor, if you forgot.

Music: Re:Vanishment (code：VFD Ver)

*nods*

*chuckle* I'm sure you don't know how to react to that, but... I need you to listen.

Well that, uh, certainly is a way to create a dragon killer.

My body is that of a young adult, but in fact... I was only created twelve years ago. Shocking, no? I'd expect that it's also rather... creepy.

It also sounds wildly unethical.

*shakes head*

The reason for my existence is to kill dragons... and to become the strongest soldier alive. If I were able to achieve that... I would have no need for friends or lovers. Hence, watching you continue to grow stronger and stronger... I...

Yuma's budding inferiority complex is kinda funny when you consider that Unit 13 needed six people to take on a High Dragon, which he can kill in a single punch when he's not dealing with Dramatic Anime Moments.

My apologies. I do not know how to express this emotion... I simply... do not want to lose. The one who will defeat the 7th True Dragon must be me. It must. That is how I feel. Ah... I'm sorry. I don't know what I wished to achieve by telling you all of this. It's as though I cannot control my emotions when I'm around you...

Okay, 1) Rude, 2) I'm still on Tier 1 skills you jerk, say that again once I hit Tier 3.

Hence... I request that you refrain from assisting me from now on. Accepting aid from one who is weaker than you... That is just unacceptable, right? Perhaps I'm strange. You can refuse my wish, but at the very least, do not obstruct my mission.

I won't abandon you.

But... I was so rude to you just now... What...? Th-This response is incomprehensible...

~

Aren't you overthinking this?

Hm...? Overthinking...? ... ...Ah! N-Not at all! That's complete nonsense!

~~

What I wanted to say is... I'm not going to lose to you. Never. Well then...

Music: The Daily Grind

Get down to the Entrance Lobby immediately! You have two seconds!

Oh hey, sounds like Mio's making another visit!

It stays sunset even out of cutscenes, which is a nice touch.

U-Um... Can you call Ms. Allie- I mean, the president down, then? I really need to see her...

Receptionist: The president? I'm sorry, but do you have an appointment?

I'm surprised Allie even does appointments, she strikes me as the type of lady to be happy to do a meet and greet at any hour.

Hell, I'm more surprised she isn't down here already.

I-I don't... Sorry...

Receptionist: Then I am unable to help you.

No...

Yes, she's a good friend.

Receptionist: I see... My apologies.

Th-Thank god~! Thank you so much, Opal!

~

Hmm, maybe she's a fan?

Opal even shakes her head, just to be extra mean.

Receptionist: I see. I will call the guards at once.

What!? W-Wait, Opal! It's me, Mio!!

~~

Oh fuck Nagamimi is in full PR mode.

We're dead.

I am well-acquainted with this girl, so you may leave her to me!

Receptionist: I... see! If the chief says so...

U-Um...

Oh thank god they stopped.

I'm so sorry!

Man, you caused a hell of a lotta trouble down here. What do you want? It better not be something like, “Oh I just wanted to come for a little visit. Teehee!”

U-Um... I'm actually here to see Ms. Allie...

Allie? What for...?

I want to become a navigator so I can help Opal.

Just in time for us to go prepare for Nyala!

Oho?

So you've decided.

...Yeah. I want to try my hardest to be the best person I can be. I'm just following Opal's example, though... *giggle*

~

Isn't that too much for you?

...Yeah, it probably is. To tell you the truth, I've been... afraid. But I've been too much of a coward. I thought... I should stop running away from my problems.

~~

...I also have another reason. I'm looking for my dad. My grandpa told me both my mom and dad died in an accident, but... I've never been able to believe that. I remember... I can remember my dad's big hands patting me on the head. That's why I still have hope... Maybe he's still alive somewhere but just can't come home for some reason... Do you think that's... delusional?

Not at all.

*nods*

*giggle* Thank you...

~

You'll find him soon.

*shakes head*

When you say it like that... it feels like it could really happen.

~~

I... was actually looking for him when I first met you here at 7th Encount, Opal. I remember hearing something about Nodens from my dad when I was little... My memory's pretty good, so that stuck with me all these years. So I thought if I came to work here, maybe I'd be able to find him... B-But that doesn't matter anymore. They didn't hire me...

Considering she has Dragon Sickness and probably won't make it to her 20s, Mio choosing to spend her final years looking for her father is actually rather tragic.

I know a way.

R-Really!? Please tell me how! ... I think that would be crossing the line a little bit... B-But I'll use it as a last resort if I need to!

*nods*

Want me to help you?

I appreciate the gesture, but... Mmm... I'm gonna do this on my own... Yeah! I've got this! I'm not going to run away anymore!

*nods*

*giggle* Thanks!

~~

See you, Opal!

C'mon, you guys should get to bed.

Crybaby Girl: It's cause of you guys that I'm here... Thank you.

First, I want to see if any other Lucier are around.

This girl is by the Portal floor elevator.

While this is the storage room on the same floor.

Waiting Woman: I'm sure he would have come to me...

And this is at the end of the hallway.

Julietta is so bad at making sure we aren't fiddling with the timeline.

We're not allowed to drop in and say hi.

There are almost certainly more Lucier scattered around, but that can wait until tomorrow.

I won't be missing dialogue either, NPCs update at odd intervals in VFD.

Remember the other room on Unit 13's floor?

The backrow teams sleep here.

Opal, I am 95% sure Nagamimi would kill you if they saw you do that.

Good night, everyone!

Music: Destructive Curse

But first, we get another scene with the ISDF.

Did you hear me ask for opinions? I will repeat myself if I must.

...I'm sorry, what?

...

Oh my fucking god they're serious about this.

Did they stick Fomalhaut's data into Yuma?

All the while enhancing the body as well so it can perform up to the specimen's specifications... This technique is assuredly making Yuma stronger, but— We have already seen some severe side effects after installing the Fomalhaut specimen into Yuma. Installing another, let alone two more, would be a great burden to him. We have no idea how this will affect Yuma. Don't you think we're being a bit hasty?

How can they be so bad at this?

Like, this is basically a piecemeal version of the Dragon Chronicle, and that ended with Takehaya going berserk shortly after. Do they honestly expect loading Yuma up with True Dragon bits to go all hunky-dory?

The future of humanity hinges on the completion of this plan. Do you not understand, Yoritomo?

But, Sir...

They need an overwhelming power capable of defeating the 7th True Dragon. Our plan will grant that. And once we succeed, we can continue on to produce second and third waves of Yuma units. We will wipe all of humanity's enemies off the face of this planet. You see, don't you, Yuma?

Ah, one more thing. If there are any more malfunctions, you shall be replaced... permanently.

Wow, what a dick!

...

Do they even have time to make a replacement for Yuma? Because Yuma just said that he's twelve years old and from the sounds of it, VFD's arrival is extremely close.

Ensure the installation is complete by morning. You must be ready for your battle with Nyala. ...Do not fail me, Yuma.