Part 29

Oh no we've got to hurry there might not be much time left let's do this optional area!


Caves caves caves traps Wanzers...


...and this!




I've got a lot of cash. I'll have to find something to spend it on.


That other level opened an alternate path to the shop. That's...somewhat useful.


All right. Let's hurry!

One pointless walk later...


That's right! They should be in here somewhere.

I'm worried about Genoce... He knows we're here, now. What's he waiting for?

You're thinking too much. Everything's fine!

I'm not going to make fun of him for that because he's not an experienced RPG hero and doesn't know any better.

I'll head in, then. Wait here in the meantime.

Watch out for my boy!


Is the noctoscope working?

Oh, right. THAT. Good thing I picked it up early.

Not bad for second-hand equipment. Things should be a lot easier now.

A lot easier than... shooting fish in a barrel? What are we comparing things to? Besides the sequence of events that didn't happen because I'm not dumb and I visit levels when they appear, that is.


Time for the level where I got Emil- part 2! This time it's a cave, but I still have to go through a field of traps.


To make matters worse, these flamethrowers block certain paths, making you take the long and annoying route. Clark loves to try and head-butt the fire to death, so I ended up telling him to retreat in order to save myself a headache.


For the first time, we have a water level! You can float in all directions underwater, a gimmick which we'll be seeing more of later on.


Just give up already!

So did he lay all those traps as he went or did he somehow manage to get through without blowing any of them up?


You ain't gettin' your hands on Elgar!


Fucker turned around and shot me before the talking could start.

Albert!

Why are you doing this?

There are some people who would prefer things to stay the way they are.

People like Balming?

Ha! You're a little too clever for your own good, rookie.

Not a lot of people call Albert clever. But let's not forget that this is Genoce talking.

I think I'd better take care of you here and now.

Yeah. You've never tried THAT before.


It's the same fight. Even me making fun of it has gotten old.


"You rookie! You can't possibly defeat m- OW! I stubbed my toe! Retreat! Retreat!"



Rook came in and is standing behind me, if it's not clear.

...Master! We need to withdraw.

Where was Rook hiding, anyway?

Regrettably so.

This way!

I'm sure Genoce doesn't need directions. Oh, who am I kidding?

Wait!




We're just peachy. Who in the hell are you?

Vice Minister Keel contracted us to track down the Prime Minister. My name is Albert.

Man, I thought it was over fo' sure! They chased us into the mines and I... I ran outta ammo! Damn!

Albert doesn't have this problem because his guns are made of magic.

Let's get out of here. Your father's worried about you.

Eh? Pappy?

Just to avoid confusion here, the game does automatically teleport you out.


If it weren't for you, I'd surely be...

Aw, it's nuthin'...

My boy... I'm so proud...

What'sa matter, pappy? ...Ya cryin'?

I... I just wish the other villagers could have lived to see this.

The...! Somethin' happen to th'village?

A mercenary named Bishop razed it... He was after Elgar, too. I'm sorry.

HE was after Elgar. See? It's a man. Just a pink-haired one.

Wha...? Say it ain't so!

Forgive me, Axel. The only thing I can do now is ensure this conflict claims no further victims. Janga's people will not have died in vain!

Wait! How'd they know we was hidin' you? Somethin' fishy's goin' on!

Agreed. You'd best be on your guard, sir. There may be a spy among your closest allies...

Somebody in my government is trying to sabotage the negotiations?

Most of you probably figured it out by now. If not, it's only because it makes no sense.

Come. We've got to get you to the peace summit.

Yes...

Albert!

Yeah?

Take me with ya! I gotta pay 'em back for Janga!

It's fine with me, but... your father?

Axel is a grown man now and he can make his own decisions.

Pappy... it all right?

Of course, my boy! You were born to pilot a robot!

Pappy... Thanks.

Don't worry! We survivors can take care of ourselves. Come back after you've taken your revenge!

Now THAT'S encouragement.

I will!




Good thing that bonus is there or I'd have lost money on this deal.


My. How boring.


We appreciate your assistance. We need all the help we can get.

Heya, gang! I'm Axel! I'm gonna be lendin' y'all a hand 'till I find this Bishop and make 'im pay!

Welcome aboard.

I'm just glad your safe, Mr. Elgar...

Sorry to have been such trouble. Mr. Keel must be worried out of his mind.

I've already notified him. We'll meet at the Tangany Diet.

Let's not leave him waiting, then!

Actually, let's. First, I got Axel his level 3 Wanzer, since level 1 things suck. Then...


Turns out I missed this level. Oops!


So I put Axel on, intent on showing some of his skills.


But the level was boring and nothing happened, so I'll have to tell you instead.

Axel I weaker than Clark, but smaller, faster, and he has a shield.

Ok, that's actually all there is to it. See you next time!