Atelier Shallie DX Part #6 - The Wrathful Side of the Great Spirit (DX)

Part 6: The Wrathful Side of the Great Spirit (DX)

Part XVII: The Wrathful Side of the Great Spirit (DX)
Original Update

The big step

What?

It sounds like there's been a development from their investigation.

What kind of development?

Central didn't know much about the eastern continent before… But after reading some of Solle's report on your investigation, they're interested in Faav Village.

Now?! What kinda timing… A little late, isn't it??

Yeah, but… Government work has so many procedures… I'm sorry.

Oh, no! I'm not trying to blame you for this…

Historians?

Yeah, research about the ties of past civilizations to the Dusk.

Wait a minute… Isn't the Dusk a natural phenomenon? Why would it be related to a civilization created by people?

Well that's… Er, probably…

You're saying the Dusk might not be natural?

I… Uh don't really know… But… I do have ideas. You know where I’m from, right? Colseit?

What of Colseit?

There were floating ruins in the sky above Colseit, of an ancient alchemic facility called Geosis, that nobody could reach. Logy and I were the first to successfully reach Geosis, and there we met Flameu, the facility's administrator.

Administrator… so Flameu managed that entire facility on her own?

Yeah! We were able to find her because another friend of ours spent a few years as another ancient facility’s administrator.

Oh! I remember Logy bringing you something from Flameu not long after he arrived here. A seed she gave you two?

That’s right. Flameu knew that the land was growing less fertile, and that the earth was dying, and sought to revive nature. Geosis was the fruit of her labors. She learned how to make a special fertilizer, but despite her warnings, the ancient civilization’s humans overused it and exhausted nature's power even further… and so she became disillusioned with humanity, took Geosis, and flew into the sky so nobody could reach her.

That all sounds very sad…

Before Flameu left humanity behind, she gave Clone, my family’s automaton, a seed, which grew into my family’s apple orchard after a few centuries. And when Logy, Clone and I met her, we were able to reconcile with her. We restored her faith in humanity. …And that’s how we inherited that seed you saw. It’s an emblem of our promise to her.

Promise or not, the story of Flameu and Geosis tells us something: that the ancient civilization knew the Dusk was coming, and didn’t just accept their doom. Even if one or two of their solutions ended up making things worse in the end…

…Anyway, enough of that! We should ask Solle!

Water, water, everywhere? (DX)

Hehe! We're doing great!

That's good.

Solle, we heard there was a message from Central…

Yes. And it's related to the drought we're experiencing.

What did they say?

There wasn't any sign of drought in Faav Village yet, right?

Well, there wasn't exactly an abundance of water, but they weren't having any troubles, either.

That's what got Central's attention, honestly. There's a difference in the rate of Dusk expansion region to region. Knowing why may be the key to the cause.

How would we investigate that?

We could compare investigations of the water management here to the water sources in other areas.

And that could be helpful as evidence for the historians' new theory?

Yes. However, they're still working to verify. Don't get your hopes up.

Making a careful comparative analysis is necessary for reaching a more accurate conclusion, after all.

Trial and error is only natural to reach such a point. Besides, there’s no other method available.

But if it helps us with the drought even a little bit, then we need to do it.

Yeah, we need to do everything we can, no matter how small.

Well said…

We can do it! This could be a way to save Stera's village!

No, Lotte, not just my village… Stellard, too!

They seem to be having fun.

Yeah, you’re right.

Stera and Lotte?

Sounds like they've finally grown up a bit.

Get ready, Escha and Logy. We’ll be joining them shortly.

I remember a well in the Solice Trading Camp…

Here we go! Though this is pretty anemic compared to Stellard’s water supply.

Who’d have thought there’d be this much clean water underground?

I wonder what else is buried beneath the surface near Stellard…

Especially since there’s no shortage of contaminated water on the surface, where the Slags roam… oh!

This counts as a water source, even though I wouldn’t drink this…

We’re doing pretty good for time, and we’ve found quite a bit in the Baskes region alone! So where should we go next?

I think the islands south of Stellard may be a good bet. We were sent there to survey the land when we first arrived in Stellard, and I remember the area being relatively verdant.

Bingo! Now, should we cross the Dusk Sea?

We should. While we didn’t exactly see an abundance of water in Faav Village itself, we may see more abundant water sources if we travel beyond the village.

Okay… let’s set sail!

No, just a simple chat. Have you grown accustomed to this place yet, Logy?

…Yeah, in terms of work at least. I know two people here, so that really helps.

I see, that’s good. Just keep in mind that there could be unexpected obstacles in your work. Please be careful.

Huh!? What do you mean, obstacles?

…True, I never expected that I’d have to learn management after coming here… That’s an unexpected obstacle.

That’s not what I’d call an obstacle.

What!? There are even scarier obstacles than that!?

Thank you. Here’s your compensation.

Formality. No need. Between us! Ask again anytime.

…What was that?

Occasionally we get documents from other regions we can’t understand…

I think that’s beyond the level of a simple obstacle…

There may be more beyond this point, but that’s enough for now. Let’s report back to Stellard!

The rogue alchemist (DX)

Escha! Thank you very much for before!

What is it, Escha? Do you have a secret or something?

U-um, you see… You’re about to go to the Union, right?

Yes.

What about it?

Well, this is probably the case, but… I think they’ll mention Keith.

By Keith, does she mean that one very skilled alchemist? The one who helped make the medicine…

Yes. I was very surprised to meet him here. Him and Ayesha…

Well… I want you to keep the fact that Keith came here a secret.

Huh? …Why?

How can I put it… You’ll know once you get there… And I hadn’t reported about Keith either…

Uh, this is getting even more confusing.

Ahaha… You’ll know when you go. I didn’t think it was a big deal… Uu, they’ll get mad if they find out…

…What was she talking about? Guess we’ll find out soon enough… time to report!

Alright then… What should we do?

There's something I want to ask.

What would that be?

I want you to figure out where Keithgriff went.

Keithgriff? …Why?

He is, in fact, a Class 1 wanted criminal in Central…

What?!

Listen to the whole story.

Due to his contributions to the city water equipment, he's been guaranteed freedom in Stellard.

Uh, why is Keithgriff wanted?

He's wanted for the destruction of ancient relics. He's put alchemy research back for years.

But he's a skilled alchemist, isn't he?

Yes, that's why it's so hard to understand his crimes. However, the irresponsible destruction of ruins and relics under research is still a crime.

I kinda get it… But I kinda don't…

In any case, Keith is probably the man closest to knowing the truth behind the Dusk. Seeing as Central's decided to recognize his actions here, we can't miss this opportunity to get his cooperation.

I guess we can ask Keith for help, but I don't know if he's someone we should rely on...

We need to do something about the drought. We'll use anything we can get.

I get what you're saying, but…

Lotte, I think everyone wants to do something about the Dusk. The goals of Stellard and Central are finally coinciding and they're trying to cooperate, even just a little. Maybe we should be the ones to lead everyone by example.

I guess if you're going that far, we can try finding this rogue alchemist.

Thanks, Lotte! Solle, we'll go find Keithgriff.

Don't get too far ahead of yourselves… There aren't even any clues to where he is.

You should ask at the Corporation… The chairman might know something.

Yes! Perriend, do you know where Keith is?

There's no way I would know that. I care about criminals' whereabouts as much as I care about Slag tears.

No way...

Maybe he's on the eastern continent?

Huh?

When Keithgriff visited the Corporation the other day, he hinted at an interest in the ruins around Faav Village.

Ruins? Around Faav Village?

Yes, he's studying the legends surrounding them. I'm sorry I don't know more than that.

No, that's alright! Thank you, Linca!

Let's go, Lotte!

Okay!

Um, I may be speaking out of place, but… Please try not to take the Chairman’s response too negatively. “If you wish to know, find out for yourself”… The Chairman simply wishes for you to learn that. That’s why, at least…

…No, it’s exactly as Mr. Perriend says. We still have a habit of overly relying on other people. Mr. Perriend, we’ll do our best. I’m sorry about today…!

You needn’t thank me. Now that you know what to look for, I trust that you know what steps to take next.

Stera…

Huh?

Are you going east as well? And… Why?

I… I want to do something about the drought in Stellard, and in Stera's village…

Is it something you value so highly that you'd leave your sick mother?

…I don't know.

There's nothing I can do to cure my mom's illness. I can't do anything for her. That's why I want to at least show her I'm going to do the things I want to do, without regrets. That's all I can do right now.

…Does that satisfy Nady?

I think so, yes.

…I see, very well. Be careful on your journey.

…Thank you.

Keithgriff wanted to know more about the eastern continent and ruins around Faav Village… so our best bet at tracking him down would be to learn more about the lore surrounding them.

Jurie and Rosemia are especially knowledgeable about the legends and lore of this region. And Linca told me herself: it's one thing to just rely on other people, but there's no shame in requesting instruction to get ahead.

Well then, let's go and ask them!

Legends of the Dusk Sea

Yes. You've traveled to many places, so I thought you might know something.

The east was an unknown land for a long time… I don't know much about it.

Oh… That's right.

But I have heard some old sayings about it.

Like what?

That the Lord of Water spirits lives on the eastern continent.

…Wha?

Water spirits. We might not be able to see them, but they live everywhere there's water. And that's their Lord.

The Lord of Water spirits… I wonder if there's any relation to the Dusk...?

It's just a saying, I don't know if it's true.

Where on the eastern continent should we meet them?

No idea.

Hello Rosemia.

You seem… Busy.

Yeah, pretty busy. The officials from Central work people to the bone!

We travel to the east, and study water sources, and visit ruins... We're on the Dusk Sea a lot.

Oh… Well, if you have time for a break, do you want to hear an interesting story about the Dusk Sea?

A story?

Whoa… That sounds exciting!

Right?? The ruin is aptly named the Castle of Mirages.

Mirages… That's a strange name.

It's the name used by treasure hunters and adventurers, so it's no surprise.

Why's it named that way?

I don't understand…

It's said the Castle of Mirages is somewhere in the Dusk Sea, but no one knows exactly where. It's there, for sure. The ruins are like a dream, though, and nobody knows much about it.

How can you say it really exists, then?

Heheh… I wonder why. If you're interested, you should search for a place where you can get a wide, open view of the Dusk Sea.

Whaaa? Where's a high place where you can get a view like that?

Also, both of you.

Yes?

If you're having trouble, I recommend you listen carefully.

Wait, listen?

Yes. It's possible that a mysterious singing voice will help guide you…

We’ll keep our ears peeled! Now then, if we’re looking for Keithgriff, we’ll have to fly out to the Eastern Continent anyway. Let’s get going!

To the place of destiny

What is it, master?

There's something I want to ask.

Ask…?

Mhmm, there's supposed to be a place called the Spirit's Altar on the eastern continent. It's north of Faav Village. Could you come with me?

I don't mind… But why?

I know you mentioned there's still plenty of water to the east, and I think it's because of that Lord of Water. They seem like they would know something about the water drying up in this town. What do you think?

It sounds plausible a Lord of Water would know a lot about water… Good thinking, Wilbell!

Ehehe! It's only natural.

But master, when did you do all this research?

When we went to the east, of course! As you were gathering information on the droughts, I was gathering information about spirits.

Oooh, that's pretty clever!

There's nothing to "Ooh" about. It's obvious. Anyway, let's get going.

Master! You seem really excited!

Why wouldn't I be?!

Yeah, true...

Lotte... You don't really seem like an apprentice.

Oh ho ho! It's so lively in here!

Oh, hello, Teo.

Sorry we're always barging onto the ship like this.

Haha, don't worry about it. So where're you going today?

The Spirit's Altar. We're going to meet the Lord of Water.

What? The Lord of Water?

Why are you so surprised, Teo…

It's said to be especially powerful, even compared to other Lord level spirits.

Is it really that strong…?

How do you know this, Teo?

When I was a child, Lugion Village was still trading with the east. The waters there were ruled by that Lord of Water.

I see, so stories about spirits aren't uncommon there, either.

No worries, people. I've already contracted with the Lord of Fire and the Lord of Wind.

What! You're crazy, master! How could you do all that?!

Huh, I didn't tell you? Oh well. I'll contract with the Lord of Water, too.

Alright, master! Let's hurry over!

How dazzling… this forest is bursting with life!

It kinda reminds me of my homeland!

You’re right. I haven’t seen a place like this in yeeeeeeeears… Anyway! Let’s push through!

Music: Sanctuary of Water

I can feel it! The spirits’ power is getting stronger with each step I take!

This area looks otherworldly, too… like something which couldn’t have been made by human hands.

We can find whale whiskers, see giant whale bones, and even see lots of coral…

Just a little further!

Never say never

We're finally here!

…This is impossible.

Huh?

I… Can't handle this… This great power… Great anger…

The Lord of Water is nearby?

Just ahead… But we can't go any further. We have to go back... It's too dangerous.

You're giving up after coming this far?! Is that okay?!

I'm not stupid. Even I won't try to do something impossible.

That doesn't sound like you at all! You haven't even met the Lord of Water yet!

Shut up! …What do you know, you aren’t even a magician!

Yeah…!

Master! I finally found you!

…Shallie.

Why did you just leave like that? I was so surprised! The Spirits' Altar sure is a crazy place, though… It really felt like a place you can see spirits! Oh right… Um.

…

Master?

Do you know how to contract with a spirit?

…No. Is there some sort of… Really difficult incantation?

No, you show them your true strength. As in, prove to them you're stronger.

That sounds… Violent.

You could say it's the capacity for your whole self.

Capacity…

Sorry. I'm actually kinda scared… I've never seen a spirit with so much power before. I got overwhelmed before even meeting it… I lost before it began. I know I don't act that serious... But I've got a lot of training in magic, at least. But… This difference is too much. I am a weakling… Could never contract with the Lord of Water… It’s impossible…

Master…

Huh?

I know you're not really one to give up that easily. I'm sure you know from your own experience that you won't be able to beat the Lord of Water. I can't understand myself like that… I get carried away and fail, and end up running away. And I do it over and over again.

Shallie…

But I finally understand lately. One step at a time. I started by being a trash picker, and then learned alchemy, and now I'm all the way over on the eastern continent. It's amazing… I never would've thought I could do this just a short while ago. Though I still don't get it. I still don't know anything about myself… But I'm learning.

What are you talking about…? That doesn't make any sense.

Sorry! But you seem to understand yourself, master. You understand yourself, and that you won't be able to stand up to the Lord of Water. That is the right choice. You don't have to do it now. You can contract with the Lord of Water any time. You just need to take it one step at a time, get stronger, and try again.

…Why are you only serious at a time like this?

…I'm not serious all the time?

Not… At all.

…Whaaaattt?

Whatever, I get it.

Master?

I actually don't understand myself at all, either. I was just scared by the Lord of Water's presence and tried to run away.

…

…Shallotte. Will you come with me?

…Yes!

Well then… this is the moment of truth!

Maelstrom (DX)

Music: Darkness of Oblivion

Please be careful, Wilbell!

I'm fine, leave this to me.

Leave this place.

…Please. Oh Lord of Water, lend me your strength!

The power of water. The source of life. You are foolish to seek such power, human. Your greed pollutes all that is pure. You know only selfish desire. Thirst, struggle, until you wither and die.

…!

Master!