Part 59: Chapter 9-3: Growth in Adversity

Part 9-3: Growth in Adversity

Sue, Sue! I’ve found something really great!


Starts and Shelter

I know! Remember how much Mom praised us when we made this?

I know. It’s not much to look at anymore, but it’s got some great memories attached.



Alt? What’s going on?

My atelier has been taken over by women. I’m sorry, but can I hide here for a while?

Huh. It must be nice, being so popular. I’m so jealous.



That’s great, thank you. …What’s that barely-holding together item, by the way?

Ah, this… It’s the first item we ever made using alchemy.

I see. That’s why it’s so poorly made?

What was the first thing you made, Alt? I bet it was perfect, of course, even your very first time.

The first thing I made? …I don’t remember.

That’s a lie! That was definitely a lie!

No, it’s true. Forget that, anyway. Do you really think your abilities have grown?

What? What do you mean by that?

Exactly what I said. Do you think you’ve improved since the time you made this item?

Gah! He’s really mocking us now, Lydie!

I know! Don’t underestimate us, Alt! We’re getting better and better with every day that passes!

Are you now… Then prove it. Make this item again, and show it to me. From how it turns out, I’ll let you know exactly how much you’ve progressed.

You’re on! We’re not going to lose to a womanizer like you, Alt!

I’m not a womanizer. …Ahem. I’ll be looking forward to the results of your efforts. Goodbye.



Right! When I think that Alt has been drooling over all these women as well… gah!



Hey, Alt! Didn’t you just go home?

I completely forgot why I came. I asked you to hide me, didn’t I? So, can I stay here a little longer?

Hahaha… Sure, make yourself at home.



Now that he’s gone… let’s get started! This synthesis should be easy peasy for us, and we’ve got primo ingredients to boot!


A Begrudging Admission

Right! Ingredients, ingredients… Sue. Will you pass me that material there?

Yes. But hold on, shouldn’t you put that in first? I thought this would be better…

That will make the ingredients settle. This one will help make it more uniform.

Ah, I see. So putting that in first sounds better!



Hmm…



Yes, finished! I think this worked out pretty well.

Yep, it looks great. Next on the list…

Hmmm…

What’s up, Lucia? You’ve been mumbling to yourself over there. Do you have stomach pains?

No, it’s just… I’m impressed by how good you’ve become at synthesizing. To be honest, you’re as good as I am, if not better.

It’s not like you to give such honest praise, Lucia. Maybe it will rain Puni tomorrow!

It’s not like I want to admit it, but I can hardly deny the skills you are showing me, either. This doesn’t mean I’m giving up, though! I’m going to train harder and catch back up, you’ll see!



Try all you want, Lucia. Just don’t underestimate us!

Speaking of alchemists underestimating us… this’ll learn Alt to never count us out!


Alchemy All-Consuming
The Uni Bag has to have upwards of 60 quality.

What do you think, Alt? Is this proof enough of how much we’ve grown?

Yes, you’ve definitely made some strides. At amazing speed, as well. Very impressive.

Wow, that’s high praise from you, Alt! I guess we really do have some skills!

Yeah, we just might! We’ve become better alchemists in a very short span of time, after all!

Haha, this alchemy gig is easy! We’ll be amazing alchemists in no time, at this rate!

Hold your horses. I think you’re getting a bit carried away.

Eh?

You’ve grown, I admit that. But overconfidence in your abilities isn’t a good thing. Alchemy is far more dangerous than you assume. It’s a power that can swallow you whole!



Alt…?

Ah, no matter. That’s no concern of yours. In any case, keep your confidence in check. I don’t want your rare and special talents to wither before they can bloom.

Uwah… You’re right, Alt. Thank you for the warning.

We got totally carried away for a moment there. Sorry about that.

That’s good, girls. …Allow me to reward you.



Of course. You responded to my challenge, so you deserve to be rewarded. …I’m expecting great things from you. Don’t let me down.

Alt! We’ll do our best to meet your expectations!

Large Egg and Big Beast Bone received.

Alt has acquired the skill “Secret Justice”.

Secret Justice - Increase Follow-up Skill damage.

Let’s go gathering, Lydie! Somewhere out in the countryside!

Of course! First, to the city gates…


Alchemist, Archer, and Archaeologist

La la la! I found some buried treasure!

Firis! Are you back from a trip somewhere?

No, not quite. I was investigating some ruins nearby.

Investigating ruins! You’re pulling our legs. You’re no archaeologist!

I’m serious! Here, as proof, I found this rare item!

Wow, what is that? A fragment of something?

I reckon it’s a piece of a weapon, from maybe 200 years ago. There’s markings on it here.



That’s rude! I’m an alchemist! Someone I used to travel with just taught me some things about history. So I got attracted to it too. Sometimes I even go to investigate ruins now!

Wow. Maybe it would be faster if we just asked you what you can’t do?

Hahaha, this is just me taking after someone else, really. Here, you can have this for your alchemy.



Golden Tree Leaf and Golden Threads received.

Don’t worry. I found it nearby, so I don’t think it’s cursed much…

That’s not really what I was asking, but alright… If it was just nearby, it should be okay.

Right, you two, see you later! I’m off to make something exciting!



Hahaha, Sue, we can’t worry about that. Right?

My Sister’s Bow - Increase Follow-up Skill damage.

Uwah… Actually, you know what, let’s go gathering in the paintings! I changed my mind!

What? Ah, if you say so. Hey, let’s drop by Ilmeria’s first, since we’ll be passing by anyway!

Teach! …Oh? What’s this?

Hehehe…


From Teacher to Teacher

Yes, actually. I got a letter from my parents. Do you want to take a look?

Yes please! Is it alright? Let’s have a look here… “Dearest Ilmeria. Thank you for sending the staff. I’m happy to see that you’ve improved again. Your mother is very proud, too.”

“As your teacher, as well as your father, I’m happy to see your growth. It can’t be easy living in another country, but stay happy and do your best!” …Hehe, what a lovely letter. I can see why you’re so pleased!

I know! I think recently, I’ve started to understand how my father feels, too, when he talks about being happy to see his student grow.



Ilmeria…!

Girls, I want you to continue working hard, in order to keep making me even happier! I’m not going to let you stay bottom-tier alchemists forever, do you understand?

Hahaha, leave it to us! We’ll grow up so much that you won’t be able to stop smiling!

That’s right! You just keep on watching us!

Oh, I will. I’m going to watch every little thing that you do, trust me!

Hahaha! I bet you could do that, too, couldn’t you… That’s kind of scary!

Hehe. I really am looking forward to it.

Ilmeria has acquired the skill “Bursting with Pride”.

Bursting with Pride - Increase maximum MP.

So… want to keep watch over us while we go gathering in the paintings?

Do I… You go on ahead! I have to get ready.

Will do. Anyway, Sue, off to the castle!

…Alright! This way to the gallery…

Ah, girls! A moment?

Mireille? Is something the matter?


Making a Man of Mathias

Hmm. I mean, that’s not an easy question to answer… He’s not a bad person, but a bit flaky?

Hahaha, I see where you are coming from… He’s funny, though, so I like him.

Funny and flaky? It sounds like you think he’s a pretty poor example of a man?

I do! A poor example!

You don’t hold back, do you… Although I guess he isn’t all that reliable… At his core, though, Mathias is a serious fellow. He’s always thinking about our kingdom first. But he’s also a bit of a coward, a trait not easily explained away… I don’t know how it happened.

There is that side to him… I wonder if there’s any way to remedy it?

A remedy? Hmm, you know what, I’ve got an idea. I think I’ll need your help with it, though.

What? Our help? To do what?



Maybe not. That smile is telling me there’s nothing to look forward to for us!

Hahaha! We’d better be ready for anything!

Lydie! Sue!

Ah, Teach!

Ahem… see you later, Mireille!