Part 69: Chapter 10-5: Goals and Potential

Part 10-5: Goals and Potential


The Path to the Top

That’s right. One step away from S Rank, the highest! Then we’ll be the greatest in the kingdom!

Just one question. If someone becomes S Rank before we do, what then? Apparently no one is S Rank at the moment, but you could easily be overtaken.

Yes, well. We’ve decided not to worry about that too much. Everyone will be the same if they’re all S Rank. So everyone will be the greatest, all together. We’ll work on becoming the greatest S Rank together after we’ve reached S Rank, is all.

Interesting. Very practical, especially coming from my daughters! Just who do you take after?



Hmmm… I think I’m going to just take a walk!

Ah, he ran for it! Some things never change… But at least he’s making an effort now.

Hahaha. Anyway, we’re almost there. About to complete our promise with Mom! …Ah!

Huh? What now, Lydie? Got a tummy ache?

No, silly. I just remembered that we haven’t found an answer to Firis’ question yet.

Right, of course. What do we want to use alchemy for after we become the greatest atelier? It’s still a good question… What do we want to use alchemy for?

I’ve got an idea. Let’s both think for a while, separately, about what we want to do. After a bit of time has passed, we’ll compare our ideas.

Hey, good idea! I’m going to think up some really great ideas, you’ll see! But first, we have to focus on the goal ahead of us first. …And the rival who’s keeping us on our toes as we strive toward that goal.

Right. Speaking of that rival…

Yeah. It’s about time we answered for it…


Borthayre’s Pride



Of course! You forced me to drink that horrible stuff, for a start! I’m fuming! Seriously… What was that stuff?

A potion that swaps the minds of the drinkers. You and Sue were swapped over, for a little while.

…What?

This might make you even madder, but while we were swapped, I looked at your notebook, Lucia!



We’re sorry, Lucia, that we didn’t realize just how much you’re thinking of us.

It’s not what you think! My pen slipped! It isn’t like I wanted to see you, not at all!

Come now. There’s no need to lie.

I’m not! Ah, I can’t believe you read that! I just want to curl up and die!

We’re sorry, Lucia. It turns out you’re a lot busier than we thought, as well.

We can help you, if you like? You don’t need to pay us or anything… All you have to do is ask!

No, I don’t need your help. I’m the head of the prestigious Atelier Borthayre, and your big sister, after all. My pride won’t let me accept any help from you!

Really? You got us to make that one item for you, didn’t you?

Ah! That was… I didn’t really… even want to do that…

Lucia…?

Meanwhile, just outside…


Alchemist, Archer, Archaeologist, Actor

Yes. Most impressive, Firis. You’ve completely mastered all those techniques I taught you.



What are the odds we’d run into these three over here…?

Wow, this is a rare combination. Have you been watching a play, Firis?

No, she wasn’t. She was performing in one, actually!

What? Performing?! Firis?! With dolls?!

Yeah. I’ve traveled with Drossel and Fritz in the past. Quite a lot happened then, too.

Firis is a pretty skilled performer! She puts a lot of energy into her script.

Hahaha, thank you for saying that! I’d better get going, anyway.

Of course. Liane will be worried if you don’t get back soon.

That was a great performance today, Firis. See you soon!



Like I said, we should get her to list up the stuff she can’t do. She’s a great alchemist, to boot! Uwah! I might be about to turn green with envy. Do you think she’s using alchemy to control time?

Hahaha, I’m not sure it’s anything that extreme. But there still might be some secret to it… Hmmm. How about just asking Firis straight up?

Yeah, that does seem like the fastest way. Let’s find out how she can do all this stuff!

Right! We’ll go to Firis’ tent via Soleil…Oh!

Yes, please wrap that up for me. Thank you.

Alt! Are you doing some shopping?


Alchemy and Altruism

Of course there are. This is the biggest street in Merveille! So many sellers, so many buyers! You know…



…Lydie, Sue. Keep that woman here, will you?

Alt? What’s gotten into him, all of a sudden?

I don’t think we have any choice but to do as he asked. …Hello? Excuse me?



Well… maybe we can help you? It seems you’re in trouble.

Well, my boy has caught a cold. I came to get some medicine, but it’s more expensive than I thought.

Hmm, I see… Even with all the new alchemists, medicine is still expensive.

Looks like it. Sounds like we’ve got some synthesis to…

No need for that. …Here, give this to your child.



I don’t need any money. That’s of little concern to me. What’s important here is… Your child is suffering, correct? Give him this in water three times a day, after eating. He’ll soon be better.

Ah…! Thank you! Thank you so much!

…Hey. How did you know her child had a cold?

From the things she said, and the medicine she was looking at, it was obvious.

Not to me it wasn’t!

That’s just experience, I guess. You’ll get there eventually.

Off he goes… You know, I’m starting to think Alt might be even more of a softy than we are!

Yeah. Alt was really something back there. I wonder if I’ll really ever be able to do that…

There’s one very quick way to find out, right? Just drop into his atelier and ask him to help get us to that level!

Alt! Let me read some of your alchemy books!

I hate reading, so teach me something!


Potential Realized…?

Hehe. We want to become alchemists just like you, Alt!

Alchemists like me? I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You could stand to aim a lot higher than me, surely.

Higher?

Yes. I’m too low of a goal for you. You need to be ready to master alchemy!

Master… alchemy…!

You have that potential. You could create an entire new age of alchemy. That’s why I want you to become alchemists that surpass me by far. I know you can do it.

Alt! Very well. It won’t be easy, but we promise to overtake you!

Hehe. That’s the way.

For that reason too, then! Please teach us alchemy!

Haha, seems I can’t talk myself out of giving you a lesson. Very well, I’ll do what I can. But you might find my methods pretty boring! There are no shortcuts in alchemy. I just repeat the basics and then apply them. No frills here! Can you accept that?

Of course! We’ll definitely get better with you teaching us, Alt!

Very well. Let’s get started. No taking this back once we’re underway, though? Understand?







First Ilmeria, and now Alt… Why do all alchemists have to be so hardcore…?

Hmm, did I overdo it a little? Oh well… this is how it’s got to be! This is the path all alchemists have to walk! Hahaha!

Alt has acquired the skill “Leader of Prophecy”.

Leader of Prophecy - Reduce elemental damage inflicted against you.

Nngh… oh, since we’re still here, we oughta check on Lucia. Something seemed REALLY off about her earlier…

Even more than usual? …I’m kidding! Let’s go!


The Rival Unraveling

There’s food on the cauldron. If you need some spices, take the mixing stick…

No, that’s not why we’re here. And are you okay, Lucia? You’re not making much sense!

Am I not? Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention…

This is bad. A serious case! You look exhausted. Are you sure you’re alright?

Yes, I’m fine. I love working!

Oh… Really?

Really. I need to work as much as I can, raise my reputation and earn lots and lots of money. That’s why I’m going to hang a Puni in a goblet from the ceiling and poke it with my stick!



Yeah… Lucia, try to take a break, okay?

Of course I will! After I’ve washed this holy water and put bricks in the furnace!

She’s making even less sense now… oh right! I almost forgot, it’s about time we learned all Firis’ secrets!


Goals for Travel

Uwah, what’s up? You’re completely hyper today, aren’t you?

We’ve got something to ask you! You can do all sorts of stuff, right? We were wondering if there’s a reason for that… some kind of secret to your success?

Nope, no secret. I just like trying all sorts of things. I like traveling, right? And during those travels, I’ve been taught things by all these different people.

I see. So you picked this stuff up as you traveled around!

Yes! The Firis you know was made with the help of many different people. I’m very grateful to them all! …Sorry, did that come off as patronizing?

No, not at all! Hey, Sue… Maybe we should head out and travel a bit, too?

Yes! Experience the world a bit more! I’d like to learn to play a musical instrument.

Haha, that would suit you, Sue! As for myself… I’d like to make some beautiful clothes.

Head out into the world and I’m sure you’ll be able to learn both of those things. It’s a big place out there, after all! You can do pretty much anything you set your minds to!

Gah! Lydie! I just want to head out there right away!

Wow, Sue! Me too, I guess! But first, we need to become the greatest atelier in the kingdom, don’t we?

OK. I know! Let’s buy some travel guidebooks! That should make us feel like we’ve taken a trip!

Great idea! Let’s go to the bookstore at once. Firis, thanks for talking to us!

…Their eyes were really sparkling! I wonder if that’s what I looked like? Back when I left Ertona for the very first time, all those years ago…

…Alright! A great haul of travel books, if I do say so myself. Still though, Lydie…

I know! Sorry for keeping us at the bookstore so late… at least now, we can catch some shut eye!

Mmm! Still though, it’s hard to sleep now… after thinking about how Lucia was earlier. Like she was this close to snapping…


Lucia Out of the Nest



I don’t know. My brother just said she left and hasn’t come back!

Gah! Lucia, what are you playing at? Lydie, let’s go look for her!

OK! I have a good idea where we might find her.

Me too. Let’s go at once! Just don’t get any silly ideas, Lucia!



Off we go. To the place where we played as kids. Where we’d go to escape the watchful eyes of our parents…

…



Lydie… Sue…

I thought you might be here. We’ve been looking for you!

Just running out of the house like that… A bold move, for you. What’s wrong?

Ah, nothing… I just wanted a change of pace. I can’t believe it’s this time of the night already!

Lucia, you can be honest. You were sick of all the work, weren’t you?

N-Not at all. I already told you, I love working.

You’re lying. The notes in that notebook weren’t written by someone who loves their work!

Lucia… You don’t have to hide things from us. Work is difficult, isn’t it? No one is going to blame you for admitting it!

Lydie is right. We’re friends, Lucia. You can tell us the truth!

Gah… very well! Yes, you’re right!



But I’m the head of Atelier Borthayre! I can’t ask for help, and I have to work hard! That’s why I’m working without sleeping! Why I’m pushing myself so hard! So what’s wrong with that? I ask you, what’s wrong!

Everything…

Yep, pretty much everything.

What?

Your problem, Lucia, is that you never ask for help.

That’s right. We might not seem all that reliable, but you can lean on us if you have to!

No, I can’t. What will happen to the name of Atelier Borthayre if I do that?

Hold on. Remember, you’ve already asked us to help you, right?

You were so busy, you needed our help, right? But with your pride in the way, you made it look like you tricked us. Throw that pride away!

That’s right. When things are tough, you can speak up! Just tell the truth about how you’re feeling. If you do that, we’ll help you, Lucia.



A-Are you sure…? You’ll really… help me? …I’m older than you both, after all. I should be setting an example…

Don’t worry about that! Leave it to us, “big sis”!

Age doesn’t matter. When times are tough, we have to get through them together. We want you to always be laughing “ohohohoho”!

Girls… Thank you. Thank you!

Hehe. Come on, let’s get you home. Everyone is worried about you.

OK!



Lucia has acquired the skill “Hidden Talents”.

Hidden Talents - Increase maximum MP.

Crisis averted! I hope our uncle can be more understanding about Lucia’s needs from now on, though.

Mmm. Still though… by now, we’ve burned through all the travel books we bought. And I’m still thirsting for more!

Me too… Maybe we need to pay Firis another visit, then! Hear about her epic adventures, straight from Firis herself!


Firis, Burning Alchemist!

We’ve been holding it in, but these guidebooks just don’t work anymore!

Hahah, I’m happy to talk as much as you like. I love chatting about this stuff!

Great! I should have known, Firis. No more time to waste, then!

Which story next, then? How about the time I went to some flying islands in an airship? Or when I fought that bone monster in those ruins? Or when that big monster almost carried me off!

Uwah! They all sound great, I can’t choose!

I’ll just tell them in order, then. First, the airship…

A ton of potential Atelier Firis spoilers later…

And so, barely defeating Ilmeria, I had to fight Miss Sophie for the final exam!



Uwah! Not sure where the episodic format came from, but you’ve lived quite a wild life!

Tell me about it. I’ve read novels with less twists and turns, Firis!

These are my treasured memories, after all. I’ll never forget any of them, as long as I live.

Treasures…! I love the sound of that! We need to travel and get some treasures of our own!

Right! Loads of them!

Hehe. That’s it for today, anyway. I’ve kept you for too long already. Come again anytime, though.

Great! I can’t wait! Let’s get going, Lydie!

Wait for me, Sue! We need to get home and start making our own travel plans!



A new Combination Art for Sue and Firis “Firis and Sue Surprise” is unlocked.