Part 36: Update XXXIV - Featuring: Nyala as a unit of measurement

Update XXXIV - Featuring: Nyala as a unit of measurement

Music: Tokyo - Cascading Ordeals


You were able to deal with multiple dragons in a manner usually reserved for experts. Furthermore, it appears your evolution continues even in this virtual world... You truly are—

*shakes head*

No, I mustn't speak too soon. Ah, but I can give you one piece of advice. As you just saw, dragons may sometimes appear in places you cannot reach them. If such a situation arises, you can purposely have them ambush you in order to fight them. This skill will come naturally to you with more experience. Try it out if you have the opportunity.

It would have been nice if we had any ambush-only dragons in previous dungeons. That way new players can already know about unreachable dragons, then get the solution spelled out to them if they couldn't figure it out on their own.



Let us see who can reach the top floor first!



That's it for this floor, all that's left is the roof.



That was approximately four minutes quicker than I expected of you.



I lost...

In truth, I had a large advantage. It wasn't a fair fight, so don't worry about the outcome.

~

Is that it?

Was that not enough of a workout for you?

~~

*nods*

*sigh* It's been some time since I've found training to be so... enjoyable. Let us finish here for—



Unit 13 might have shown us their full power, but the boy from ISDF hasn't yet, now has he? You get a special stage, courtesy of adorable old Julietta.

Music: Battlefield - Furious Predator


Then suddenly...



Nyala out of fucking nowhere!

He's gone from final boss, to bonus boss, to act 1 boss, and now he's a literal punching bag.



I've made an enemy you won't be able to beat even if you use every last ounce of your energy.

*chuckle* You are quite devious, Doctor Julietta.









To defeat Nyala with just one strike...

And Yuma just one shots a True Dragon just to show off how strong he is.

Welcome to VFD.



Now, while this does show off just how powerful Yuma has become with three True Dragons installed, it also has the side effect of dooming him to irrelevancy.

One day, you shall see my true strength...

This data will need thorough analysis. This is incredible.

Because at this point, Yuma's just too strong for the narrative to support. If he can one shot True Dragons, that means he'll have to suffer a malfunction every time we get near one or else he'd kill it before Unit 13 could do anything.

You flatter me, Doctor.

...

It's the Superman problem, really. When you're so above the power scale compared to everyone else, the plot has to conspire to hold you back so everyone else can do things.

Yuma will be able to take out some normal dragons here, maybe do some offscreen work there, but at the end of the day this is Unit 13's story, so he'll have to be forced to the sidelines so they can save the day.



As I expected, there is still currently a large gap between our abilities. I am sure you will quickly reach this level, but by then... I will have gone a step further.



Sounds like we're rivals.

Rivals... That may be the case, but there is simply no chance that I will lose.

~

I'm going to catch up to you.

No. You will never be my equal.

~~

*chuckle* Let us return to the real world.

Music: The Daily Grind


With that, I must return to ISDF headquarters. Enjoy the rest of your break. But don't relax too much. I feel the final battle will be upon us soon enough.

*gestures*

Don't you sense it? There has been an increase in reports of vicious monster attacks. The number of cases of Dragon Sickness has spiked as well.



Dragons are strong creatures. Compared to normal dragons, True Dragons are not only intelligent, but extraordinarily powerful. However, I believe the most superior life form in existence is... man.



You're probably right.

I'm glad you agree. Most people laugh at me when I bring this up.

~

Why do you say that?

It's simply a rational analysis. Our traveling to the past and defeating a True Dragon is clear evidence of my assertion.

~~

I was brought to life to prove that humans exist above dragons. That we are the superior being. Hence my surprise at learning of your existence. I never expected there to be other dragon hunters. I am sure we will be able to push each other onward in the future.



You obtained 2,000 Az!





You obtained Stamina Bento x1.

We also get some food from this.



Finally, we have Eigur'sthe mystery man's quest.





I'm here for your request, Eigur.

...! Don't be so loud, you idiot! *sigh* Even though I put the request in anonymously, you still knew right away...

~

Calm down.

D-D-Don't say stupid stuff like that! I-I-I'm obviously super calm! Tch... I should've known I can't fool you...

~~

I guess I can admit it— I'm the one who had those twins put the quest up. But just to be clear, I didn't ask you about this for Ulania's sake. It's just, if she gets all sad, everyone else around her ends up down in the dumps, too. All those guys can cry and complain all they want, which helps them feel a little better... But it's hard for someone in Ulania's position to complain, don't you think? If she stays depressed, she'll just make everyone else feel bad again. Can you take her somewhere to try and cheer her up?

*nods*

It's up to you. A-And I'm making this request as a representative of the people of Atlantis, nothing more! Don't you dare go associating my name with this, Unit 13!





*nods*

Elder Court Lady: That sounds like a good idea, Lady Ulania. Staying in this room all day will only worsen your mood. I suggest you go out for a change of pace.

But I cannot leave everyone...



This will help them.

It will help my people...? I see. If you insist...

~

It's OK every once in a while.

Once in a while...? But can such a thing truly be appropriate at a time like this?

*nods*

Hm... I see. If you insist...

~~

I shall be absent for a short while.

Elder Court Lady: I understand. Enjoy your day, Lady Ulania. Unit 13, I leave the care of Lady Ulania to you.





...? Eigur, I am going out with Unit 13 for a short while. Will you be accompanying us?

Y-You should just go. Why do I have to come, too!?

Eigur sucks at subterfuge.

I see... I suppose you are busy handling the other evacuees. Please take care of them while I am gone.



Eigur... Is there something wrong?

Why would there be? Ha, hahaha! Just hurry up and go!





Where do you want to go?

Let me see... I have hardly left my room, let alone this floor.

~

How about somewhere quiet?

Somewhere quiet...? If you wish to relax, then...

~~

How about the terrace where we gazed upon the ocean a few days ago?

...A few days ago? We did that just yesterday.



Ulania is simultaneously tagging along with the party and relaxing in her room.



Music: None


... Allie informed me that this world is also under attack by dragons... And that you came to Atlantis to stop that attack from taking place... Um... There was something I wished to ask: Did our actions change the history of Atlantis at all? I see... There was no change. Atlantis disappeared from maps, and the Lucier race was decimated.

We royally fucked up Tokyo's history, however.



If only I was stronger.

Do not say such things! I did not mean that in an accusatory manner. If anything, I should be thanking you. There is no reason for you to feel ashamed.

~

You are all alive though, Ulania.

That is indeed true. If I had not met you... I have many reasons to thank you, yet none to complain.

~~





You did everything you could.

Do you... truly believe so? But I was so afraid... I...

~

Nobody has that strength.

Indeed, even you who had the strength to defeat Nyala could not save my kingdom... However, I fear you speak the truth. Most would freeze when facing the despair you conquered. Even so, I...

~~

Hm... You are able to go back in time, are you not?



And here's the part that every time travel story has to be very very careful when dealing with: The inability to avert whatever tragedies the cast wants.

I wish to save both my father and my kingdom... Is that an impossible wish to hold?

*nods*

...?







Music: The Daily Grind


*sigh* You always have the most unreasonable demands...





Don't worry, Lady Ulania. It's only natural that you'd think like that. However... it's just not possible. An immense amount of Dz is needed to open a Portal to a new age. And besides, my device can only take you to certain time periods, no matter how much Dz you use. It works by finding the temporal distortions caused by the entropy emitted by a True Dragon's coming. We then connect to the distortions using Dz. You can't just pick a time and place you want to go to.

But couldn't you then just aim at when Nyala first arrived and start helping out on day 1? Dude had time to get settled in.



To be honest, I just want to see what would happen if we kill Nyala before we killed Nyala.

Will we be able to in the future?

Hmm... I can't say for sure. But besides, doing so will only bring you pain.



~

So there's no way?

There'd be no point even if there was. Our future'd be completely separate from that point in time.

~~



This, of course, rings utterly hollow now that we've completely ruined 2020.

Time paradox...?

By changing the past, you change the future. But... does your will carry into that future? In this situation, the likely result would be creation of a separate parallel world. In other words, once you change something in the past, a new world... a new future is born.

...Actually, shit, what if we are in a parallel world after killing Nyala, and there's a version of Nodens where everyone who went to Atlantis just vanished into the ether?

A new world... Then my meeting you and forging the Dragonslayer... would never have happened?

Not to the Lady Ulania of that new world.

...

Even though I made this machine, not even I can mess with the fabric of time. It's pretty cliche, but what's important for you is to act in the present day.



I agree with Julietta.

You are correct... My regret for my failings of the past will not fade... But it is pointless to regret that which I cannot change.

~

Let's do what we can right now.

What we can...? I lost so much, yet I am still able to forge a new future for myself...

~~

...The fog looming over my heart seems to have lifted somewhat.





Oh, it's no problem~! I love taking pure little young'uns under my wing. Come again whenever you'd like~!



I must do what I can to lead the surviving citizens. That much has become very clear to me. Since meeting you... I have been reborn into someone completely new. You went against the desires of your superiors in order to save my people... I hope to live my life to the fullest in order to repay you for your determination.

*nods*







You're right!

Yes... I appreciate your vigor. So, where will you take me next?

~

Let's just get you home already.

How rude... As the one who invited me out, you have a responsibility to fulfill...!

~~

Hm, I have always wanted to go to the plaza. Let us continue this there.





Jealous Man: Dayummm! That girl's freaking gorgeous! Who the heck is she!? And who's that with her!?

Maniacal Man: O.M.G! Cat earsss! And those clothesss! Argh... She's perfect in every way! Why don't I have my camera? I need my cameraaaaaaaaa!



Do you mind if we walk around for a bit?

*nods*



There are several markers on the map.



Talkative Young Man: Such generous use of high—quality materials... Well, well... I'll be looking forward to season two. Don't worry, I am an expert on everything, ranging from the economy to girls' underwear. I know quality when I see it. Speaking of which... Those cat ears are... incredible.

...The fuck?



Maniacal Man: Just stunning. Ha! Ha! Ha! You could be a real hit!



Jealous Man: I just want to go home and rest my head on those silky smooth legs! I want her so baddd!

~

Excited Man: Yeehawwwwww! Cat earsss! Girls of other species are just the bestttttt! Did I die and go to heaven? This girl is an angel!



Vacant Woman: I'm jealous of how good that looks on you~... If only I were eleven pounds thinner, three years younger, and two inches taller... *sigh* I suppose life isn't fair.



A cutscene starts after talking to the last person on the map.

So this is Tokyo... So many carefree people living their lives uninhibited in both words and actions...



Well, that's not quite right.

Is that so? But... the people here were inexplicably lively... I had always heard that species other than the Lucier lived vulgar and dangerous existences...

~

You're surprisingly well-adjusted.

I myself am surprised. Though I had trouble understanding exactly what some of them were saying... It is clear that even across species, boundaries can be broken by simply opening our hearts.

~~

The people of Atlantis only knew one civilization: our world of the sea. That is why our sorrow in losing it was so tremendously deep. However, I am sure this free world without barriers will provide hope to everyone. Then, when we one day revive our home of Atlantis, this land will be our second home.



I have faith in you, Ulania.

Thank you. Strangely enough, your words always bring me great courage. Even if it is impossible during my lifetime... it will surely be accomplished someday.

~

I'll help wherever I can.

Valerie... You have your own responsibilities. This mission was given to us and us alone. We cannot rely on you. However... Your words made me exceedingly happy. Thank you... Valerie...

~~

It is about time I return to my quarters. Next, it will be my turn to bring cheer to the people of Atlantis. I may not be as skilled as you at doing so... But I will lead the hearts of my people to the light.

*nods*

Well then, enjoy the rest of your day.







The cats we rescue aren't confined to the cafe, and will happily lounge around Nodens.



And that's the quest done.



And everyone else is cheering up, too! I knew I could trust you, Unit 13! Thanks! Here, this is a sign of my appreciation. I brought it here from home, but I can't really use it too well. So here, you can have it.

You obtained 2,000 Az!

You obtained Gumani Lorica x1.

We get some new armor for the tank classes.

You obtained Chokari Habit x1.

And armor for the others.



Ulania's looking ahead to the future now. I gotta do the same... Oh, sorry... It's nothing you have to worry about. Thanks again, Unit 13!





Eeheehee... Don't be afraid. This is good news. Just stop by the Conference Floor before bed.

Nagamimi calls once we finish the last marked quest on the list.



So let's just check in real quick.

Music: UE77 In Ariake


My, you're so popular now~! No need to be shy! Popularity is a good thing! *sigh* I need to find a way to make a name for myself soon... I'm gonna wither away if I stay down in the lab much longer...

I thought the Dragon Chronicle was your baby, Julietta!

*sigh* Yeah, yeah... My precious, darling baby...



*chuckle* See? We're right above 50% now with only three of the specimens. Once we get the other three True Dragon specimens... the Dragon Chronicle will be 100% complete.





All that hard work paid off.

Yup yup! lt's thanks to you that we were able to reach this point, Unit 13★ Your progress is truly moving!

~

Let's go get the next one.

*chuckle* Someone's excited★

~~

Well, we have one more bit of good news for you guys!



We've been detecting a faint signal for quite some time now... But once we got our hands on the Nyala specimen, we were able to actually find it.

Which means... we now have a way to get to the next True Dragon★ Nobody in the history of the world has been able to complete the Dragon Chronicle yet... Achieving that completion is the key to defeating the 7th True Dragon, so... we can't fail★



Leave it to me!

*nods*

I'd expect nothing less from Unit 13!

I have high hopes for you, my little Nodens gems~!

~

We have to be careful, though.

Hm? That's not quite the answer I was expecting.

That boy and the old man from ISDF are gonna take your spotlight if you're too timid, you know?

~~

Well, that's all for today★



Music: The Daily Grind






You're gonna have a brand new mission starting tomorrow, so you better go and get some rest.



You got it!



Music: None








You obtained Energy Bar x1.

We also got a bunch of food for finishing those quests.



You obtained Crummy Energy Bar x1.



You obtained Scallop Bento x1.

The Scallop Bento is our first stat boosting food, giving one party member 1.2x MAT and MDF for 2 turns.

Considering the MAT-focused classes don't have basic attack buffs they can use on themselves, being able to give them a boost is really handy.

This is your reminder that Rune Knight is a MAT-focused class.



You obtained Abalone Bento x1.

The Abalone Bento is a sidegrade to the Scallop Bento. It only gives 1.1x MAT/MDF, but lasts for 5 turns instead of just 2.



There are too many signals... The search can't keep up...!

Unit 13, come to the Conference Floor! Hurry!

Music: Destructive Curse




This is the only new line I could find, and it was probably something I overlooked earlier.



Music: Endless Attack Cycle




Tokyo will soon be shrouded in red...





We cut to the Tokyo skyline.







Aaaaaaand we got Dragonsbane.





And a ton more dragons.



Don't ask how this invasion is treated seriously, while the last one that had the sky swarming with dragons got cleared out in a single night.



Indeed. The 3rd Tokyo Invasion, which will bring about the appearance of the 7th True Dragon...



Shit...! Those dragon bastards... Atlantis wasn't enough for them, so they're here to destroy Tokyo, too...!?

No. Humanity will not fall to these dragons.

That's right. I believe in the power of humanity. We're going to get through this. I can sense it. However, you are still lacking the key we will need to do so. We must complete it as quickly as possible...



Next time: We go for a walk.