Part 6: Girls and Magic

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Part 5: Girls and Magic


(Earlier, Hans said he wanted to do stuff in Clain Village, so let's head there first.)


(The Child gives us Story #2, yay! The Young Man here talks about the last chief, who was a Growsian. He was killed a year ago during a Growsian extermination. Having that conversation opens up...)


(This option, which prompts Hans to say that he knew the chief rather well and wants to find out who killed him.)


: Really? I...I don't know what to say. Thanks!
(And with that, his relationship meter is at 10.)


(Another stop of small importance. Here we find Story #3, and talk a little with Charlone. She notices how much Wein loves ruins. Maybe the next area will be more interesting.)



: Are you sure you're male?
: Hey! A guy can appreciate beautiful things!
: Look, I don't mind if you fawn over girl stuff like that, but just don't do it in front of me!
: Then just don't look!
: What did you say?!
: Uh, nothing...
: These are Emerald Chickweed flowers...
: See! He likes flowers, too!
: No, that's not it. I just...remember this flower...this place.


: To who? Your girlfriend?
: No. Ten years ago, I came to this place with my father when he was traveling on business. It's when I met her. I can scarcely remember her face, and have forgotten her name...but...while we were staying here, we were together every day, talking...about nothing...and everything. The day before we were to leave, I failed to meet her because my father needed my help.
: Did you promise to meet her that day?


( )
: Don't you have anything to say?
: I didn't break the promise because I wanted to, but she never found that out. She was just...gone.
: How ironic that Emerald Chickweed flowers mean a promise kept!
: Yeah...ironic...Wait! Someone's over here...



: You shouldn't be here alone. This area is overrun with marauders and thieves. It's not safe.
Girl: Thieves?
: Yes, Rottenbaum Village has been attacked repeatedly by armored marauders. Oh...by the way, my name is Wein Cruz. I'm a knight of Burnstein Kingdom, and these are my associates.
Girl: It's very kind of you to take an interest in me.
: It's my sworn duty!
: Well, it's sweet just the same. Oh, by the way, my name is Arieta.
: Well then, Arieta, if you are traveling though here, can we escort you to ensure your safety?
: My...you are a kind knight, aren't you?! However, I shall be perfectly safe. Sereb shall see to that. Right, Sereb?


: Ah, I see. Take care, then! Uh, you too, Sereb...
: Grrr...
: Come, Sereb, we should be going. Farewell, Wein!


: Uh...Pig! That is inappropriate talk from a supposed professional servant of the king!
: I was just warning her that this was a dangerous area and that she shouldn't travel alone.
: What was her response?
: She thanked me for my concern, but assured me that her wolf could defend her if necessary. My question is...what is she doing here in the first place?


(Nice view of the area, isn't it? We're at the Southern Checkpoint at the edge of Burnstein Kingdom now. It's also at the edge of a place known as the Lost Forest, which our party remarks is supposed to have magic...but the machine that creates the magic is turned off now.)


(This guy puts a spell on us that lets us know how much time we have left in battle to get Rings to drop. It's a little timer that appears on the battle screen by the map. Let's start through the forest starting with the South area.)


Narrator: Looking for shelter, they noticed a small cabin nearby. With few other options, it was quickly decided to use it for refuge. It was soon discovered that a young man with a calm demeanor was living there.


: It's so nice now, it's hard to believe it was just pouring! Good thing this cabin was here, or we'd still be cold, wet, and miserable!
: Thank you for your hospitality.


: I should probably thank him too, but he's just so...quiet.
: Hay, you say that like it's a bad thing! It's not.
: Hey! Are you talking about me?
: Why? Do you think I am?
: Shyeah! And I don't like it!
: (That face seems so familiar...)
: What's the matter, Captain?
: I...I remember seeing him before. I believe he's...


: What?! That was Sir Lyell?! And, how would you know what he looks like, Charlo?!
: I'm striving to become an Imperial Knight myself. Of course I know what they look like! Besides, I met him at a palace function my father attended.
: You mean parties? You partied with him?
: I never expected to see Sir Lyell in a place like this...
: Oh! Oh! I have a question! Wh...What's an Imperial Knight doing living here? It's not even in Burnstein Kingdom!
: [Sigh] Don't you know anything? I'm only going to tell you this once, so you'd better listen up! Don't you remember the revolt against the government a year ago? Sir Lyell fought against Burnstein Kingdom!
: After Venzern was defeated, Sir Lyell could have been given the death sentence. However, King Eliotte ruled that he merely be expelled.
: Oh...uh...right...yeah...
: So, what now, Captain?
: I don't intend to act on this information at the moment. Sir Lyell is living his life quietly in exile. We have no right no reason to disturb that now. We've already lost too much time here. Let's continue on...


(Here's another mini-sidequest. Talk to this woman to find out that her son is missing. Go find him in North Lost Forest and let Hans take the kid back to the woman. It gives a boost to Hans' relationship, and also prevents the kid from dying. Yes, if you skip this event, on the way back this way later, you find the kid's dead body )


(Going to Agriss Village and talking to the Soldier opens up the path to the Upstream Dam, where we can make Hans happy by letting him fish. He makes us happy by finding a Lv3 Angel's Hand gem for us. This gem has a small chance of reviving its wearer when they die in battle. Let's make another side trip!)


Narrator: As with other ruins in Rolandia and Burnstein, investigations at the Control Tower are being directed by the Magic Academy. The interior and upper floors of the tower are still being closely examined, but the base level has been cleared and is open to the public, for a fee. The monies collected are used to further work at the tower.
(Tour? Sounds like a fun distraction.)
Narrator: The Space-Time Continuum Fusion Control Tower was the link between this world and the world humans left before it was destroyed by darkness. The tower was originally equipped with a levitation device. The tower was overrun by a knight and his soldiers one year ago. The final battle of that war took place here. Since that time, the tower has been under the watch and control of the Magic Academy, who are studying it to gain clues about technologies that have been lost to humanity.



Guide: Of the three structures, only the base section and portions of the tower are open for the public to see. Inside the base section is the levitation device.
: This is...amazing! I can't believe that something this huge can float in the sky!
Guide: Let's move to the next area.



(Yeah, let's see how she's doing! All in the name of being a good knight.)
: This is a coincidence, isn't it? We meet again, so soon!
: Wretched humans infesting the tower and interrupting my plan...
: Err...
: ...What?
: Ah...no...it's nothing.
: Well...
( )


: We're takin' the tour, turn around, and poof you're gone! Why'd you do that?!
: Um, sorry...I...I saw someone I knew.
: It looked like that girl from the field. Was it her?
: What?! Waaaait a minute! I see what's goin' on. You dog, you!
: Captain...I do not wish to interfere in private matters, but please remember that we have a mission to accomplish.
: I didn't mean...
: It's not necessary to explain. Just try to remain focused.
: (Yikes! Charlone is going at it!)


: A little knowledge will only make you better, Hans.
: I know that it made me re-evaluate the history of humans and Featherians again. Quite provocative.
: Enough of that. We should probably get back to the task at hand.
(Yeah, to the Magic Academy! No more interruptions!)


(God damn interruptions.)
Narrator: Since a large amount of traffic is generated by the shops and illicit gambling, an entertainment arena was constructed that allowed fighters to test their mettle against the best of other kingdoms. The annual fighting tournament here has become so famous that warriors from all over the world come to participate.
(Gathering Information with the Arena Fan here nets us Story #4. Speaking with our companions lets Wein witness a fight between Hans and Charlone over whether or not Grandshill is bigger than Starkberg )


(Going up to South Rachel and talking to this guy gives us Story #6. Going to the Ruins next door makes Charlone comment on Wein's love of ruins again. Finally, now that we're done all these optional events, we can go to the Magic Academy!)


Narrator: In addition to the study of magic-enabling devices found in old-world ruins, a significant amount of manpower is devoted to the creation of new magic technology as well In these hallowed halls, the combined magic knowledge of Rolandia and Burnstein are concentrated.


(Oh great, cat people. This guy captured one, but let it escape, and now it's running loose doing who knows what.)


(Talking to the Braided Girl makes her run into us and blabber to herself for a while before she runs off. So far the Magic Academy is just filled with weird things.)


: ...and furthermore, we would like you to examine this armor, as well as the residue inside it.
Academy Clerk: I shall see that it is done as you request, sir.
: Thank you. We were also sent by Minister Schneider to retrieve some books he requested previously.
Academy Clerk: Ah, yes! Just a moment.
Chief Librarian: Oh, Miss Karene, you're early this month...
: Yes, I was able to take some early vacation days, so I finished this chapter sooner than expected. It's quite a bit heavier than the last chapter. I hope you don't mind.
Chief Librarian: Oh, good heavens, no! The more information, the better. Now just wait here and I'll return in a moment with your payment.


: Oh, hello.
: I sincerely doubt she'll be back anytime soon. If you stay that nervous, you'll be exhausted by the time she returns.
: You're probably right.
: Is this your first time here?
: Actually, it is. I've come to retrieve books for someone. And you?
: My name's Karene. I've come to deliver a manuscript.
: A manuscript? Are you writing a book?
: Yes. The Magic Academy commissioned me to author a book about the different varieties of herbs that grow on this continent. I have experience with herbs because of the work I do in the hospital at Grandshill.
: That's quite impressive. Grandshill is a large town to serve.
Chief Librarian: Thank you for waiting. Here is the payment for the manuscript. I'll see you next month.
: Well, then. I guess I'll be on my way...


Academy Clerk: Since the volumes are quite large, I've bundled them in the other room. I'm not certain you'll be able to lift them.
: Thank you for your concern, but I'll have no problem transporting them back to Burnstein.



(So by no problem, he meant he's making Hans do all the dirty work.)
: We have to take them to Minister Schneider. Complaining won't change that.
: Ah...


: Is something wrong?
: I've come to inform you that Minister Schneider is waiting for you north of Agriss Village.
: Really? I wonder why he changed his plans?
: I'm afraid I'm not privy to those details. Once you arrive at Agriss Village, I'll escort you to meet him. Please make your way there as quickly as possible.
(Good thing for our pack mule that we only have to go south a bit instead of south and east and north again. Well, let's hurry on.)


: Huh? What's wrong, Wein?
: I don't know...I just have a feeling we're being watched.


: Who are you?!
????: Someone who's been watching you since you left the place that strange human lives. I won't be seduced by the scent of fresh meat this time...so don't even try it!


Dailymotion | Viddler
(Mission Complete condition is to kill all enemies, but not kill the cat girl last. This is why I sent Wein on a suicide mission up there to get rid of her quickly. This battle gets long because of the number of enemies, many of which can use magic. Plus they're all clumped up, so you go target one and three others end up surrounding you. And the cat girl calls for reinforcements. And those little will-o-wisp dudes are good at blocking physicals and I haven't taught anyone attack magic yet. )


: I had no idea a cat tribe even existed!
: If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believe it!
: This has to be the same girl the professor at the Academy was talking about!
: Yeah, but that doesn't explain why she was following us. We need to be cautious in case we're still being followed. We don't want to be caught off guard.


(We mention she attacked us, and he says he had everything ready for her, even a name...maybe she's still in the area and we can find her again?)


: Wein? Why have you stopped? Is something wrong?
: We're being watched...I'm sure of it.
: I must admit I've had that feeling since we entered this area...



: All right Miss...uh, what should we call you?
Cat Girl: Um...well...
: Don't you have a name?
Cat Girl: Stop...just stop! You're just like the other man! I hate you! Go away!
: We're not going anywhere. We didn't come just to see you, we came here on business.
Cat Girl: I was just leaving, anyway! I'm going on a journey far away, so you won't have to see me again! Hrmph!


: I do feel sorry for her. She really doesn't seem to have a name.


: That's a good idea. I'll try to think of a good one. Well, looks like the excitement is over here. Let's move on...

(Yeah, let's. We still have those heavy books strapped to Hans and his whining is getting to be annoying)

Next update: A shocking turn of events...

Current Relationship Status
: We maxed him out way at the beginning of this section, so he's happily sitting at 10!
: All of the little events with her this time boosted her to 8.