Part 43: Heliord Costume Party

Long update incoming!



Oh my... Doesn't the city seem less busy than before?
Yeah. This place has gotten a lot more...ghost-towny.
You don't think that rumor's true, do you?



Maybe it's not just a rumor after all.
She has to do something about it.
What do you mean?
You can see it on her face.
If that's the case, we should go to the inn and have a strategy meeting first. After all, we need to go check on the blastia too.
Yeah. And it's not like Estelle can just let things go...
You can't just ignore people's problems, can you?
I know, I know.
So then, let's go. To the inn!



He's so happy that he was able to start a guild with Yuri.
Hey, it's not like I did this just for Karol's sake.
But you care about his feelings, don't you?
Yeah, well... Come on, we should hurry to the inn.


Skit: The Guild's Purpose
We picked a name, made laws, got our first job... We're a pretty respectable guild, now!
But are three members really respectable?
Why not? The Dark Wings--the famous thieves' guild--they only have three members, too!
Quality over quantity.
Too many people get to be a headache. I prefer a small group.
But you can't follow in the Don's footsteps and defend Dahngrest without a few more bodies.
Yeah, I guess...
But, if we just put one foot in front of the other, I know we'll be big some day!
So then, you're saying we can take it easy.



Hah hah. Aye aye, Captain.




Before we take a rest at the inn, I did some shopping/synthing:


Guard Artes: "Cancels guard motion and performs an arte. Invincible to attacks for a short period of time." I assume this means you can use Artes out of a guard but I can't say I've ever tried.
Guard Plus


Guard Artes
BA Force


Life Healer: Recover some HP after a battle.
Defend 2: Defense +10%.


Rod Master: Increases Defense when a Rod is equipped. (I think this Oar counts as a rod.)
Magic
Rise Attack


Combo Plus
Combination
Step Combo: Can perform a jump attack when attacking during a Backstep.


Void Attack: Occasionally prevents staggering when receiving a physical attack.
Void Magic: Occasionally prevents staggering when receiving a magic attack.
Vitality


Rise Attack
Magic
Stat Boost: Increases the effect of magical status boosts.


Item Thrower
Life Up: Occasionally increases Max HP after battle. Neat, but the chance is fairly low and you only get a couple HP when it activates.
Taunt




At night...

Watch the cutscene!





Yuri hears someone leaving the room.








Huh...Your home must be in a pretty place then.
I just mean that it's up high like this and has a good view. Not that I have a problem with heights.
Heh... Yeah, I guess you wouldn't, riding around on that monster.
His name is Ba'ul, and he's not a monster. And it's not only because he can fly. We've been together ever since he saved me during the war.
War? You mean between the empire and the guilds?
This world always seems to be ravaged by some war or another.
...Yeah, I guess so.

It was you who attacked Estelle here earlier, wasn't it?



I'm just that kind of guy. Phaeroh also appeared because of Estelle.



It's hard to explain.
But you won't deny it. That you had come for her.
I'm afraid I'm not very good at lying.
...All right, I won't ask anymore questions. But if it looks like you're going after her again...
You needn't worry. I won't be doing that sort of thing anymore. You have my word.
You mean it?
What can I say that will make you believe me?
Well you said you were no good at telling lies.



Yuri leaves.

He's a strange one.


The next morning.



We also need to have a look at the blastia that went berserk last time.


Skit: A New Journey
Now that we have a goal and a destination, I'm so excited about continuing our journey!
This is a lot bigger than when we were just escaping the capital and chasing after Flynn. We're out to find a mysterious talking monster.
And to get over to Desier, we'll need to cross the sea again... I think the Sands of Kogorh will be a hot and harsh environment, too. Still, I can't help but be excited that I get to continue my journey!
New landscapes we've never seen are waiting for us, just past the horizon!
Well, just don't forget what we're out here for.
I know.




Watch the cutscene!



It seems like the area has returned to normal.
Yeah. Doesn't look like it's gone berserk since then.
Hey, it's those guys we met at Nor Harbor...



How have you been?
Who is this?



We can't thank you enough for all you've done for us.
Where is your father?



It sounds like that rumor might be true...
Don't you have any hunches?
Yes... The night before he disappeared, he talked again about working to become a noble...
Become a noble? What do you mean?
When this city is finally completed, we will be able to live here as members of the nobility.
Huh? That doesn't sound quite right.
What do you mean?
"The rank of nobility is reserved for those whose service has earned the emperor's confidence."



Cumore... From the Imperial Knights?
Yes. He is acting as the current magistrate of the city.
I'll bet he is...
That is strange, though. I mean, the imperial throne is empty and all.
But then... Then why on earth have we been working this hard? And what about Teagle...?
Is Father not coming back...?
Hey, Yuri...
You're gonna ask me why we don't take this on as a guild, right?
I promise to take care of her fee when I pay my own.
Well...okay, that's fine.
What? But I...



And if Cumore's up to his usual stunts, we'll just have to slap him around till he stops.
Right. The Knights do exist for the protection of the people, after all.
L-let's just make sure we're careful. The Knights could squash a little guild like us if we get on their bad side.
As you wish.
We'll find your father, I promise. Just wait right here.
Well, that's that. We'll take the job.
Thank you. Thank you so much!
All right, let's go find him.



Yeah. Even more so because it's marked off-limits.
I wonder if there's some way we could get in...
Careful, guys. Remember? Careful...


Watch the next section of the game in video format! (Barely any voice acting in here, though)



Knight: Sorry, no can do, buddy. The laborers camp ahead is too dangerous.
Hmph...

Yuri walks back to the group.



Well, "proceed with caution," and all that. Boss's orders, y'know.
But how should we get by the guard?
I really think forcing our way through would be the simplest and most effective way in.
No, I won't allow it! All we need to do is draw the guard away from his post.
But how will we do that?



Well then...



This is a fun sequence of events. We can pick between Estelle, Judith and ...Karol to seduce the guard. And I'm going to show them all! Estelle is up first.




Huh? M-me? N-not a chance!



Erk...I'm sexy enough, thank you very much! ...Want me to prove it?
Sure.
Now, let's go look for something to get that guard drooling.
Thanks!

Estelle and Karol walk off towards the inn/shop.



Nah, she's just easily persuaded.
That's for sure.


Skit: The Toughest Thing She's Ever Done
Hey, wouldn't Judith be the best person to seduce the guard?
You too, Karol?
Hmph! I can seduce people just fine!
Heh heh. You're cute when you're frustrated.
I get the feeling even her personality's changing...
Hah hah. You travel this big old world long enough, anybody'd change.
Don't blow it out of proportion. It's just seduction.
Maybe to you, Judith. But to our dear princess, it's one of the toughest things she's ever done.






We make our way towards the item shop.



Shopkeeper: Attract any... Are you gonna wear it? How about this?
Oo, it's lovely!
That's no good.
Nope, no good.
No good?
Why? It's so cute...
If cute was what we were going for, you could've just stuck with what you have on.
Right. In other words, it's not sexy enough.
Again with the sexiness... Clothes that would look sexy on me...
Shopkeeper: Mmm... Let's see... If you brought me a soft tail, basilisk scale and a small bird feather, I could make you something nice. You should be able to get all of the items from monsters on the outskirts of the city.



Urgh, looks like this is going to be more trouble than we thought...
Come on, hurry up!
Stubborn, isn't she?
...You can say that again.

Fetch quest! Luckily, if you've been fighting random battles in the area, you'll probably already have the required items.



Shopkeeper: Wait here while I make you something nice!





...Yeah, it actually does...
...And why is Judith changed in that outfit?
Well, I had mine made too while waiting.
... I think your dress is kind of ... too unique...
Really? I think it is very lovely...
Anyway, let's have Estelle distract the guard as planned.
OK.
Judith, can you do something about that outfit first?

To the guard!






Knight: Huh... W-Wha... You're wearing such a... Uh... Hmm? Hey... You... No it can't be... Not in that kind of...
Mm? D-do you know me?
Knight: It's just that you look...a little like the Princess...





Shh, pipe down!

Knight: Come a little closer, could you?



Estelle backs off.



Knight: Why would you run away like that?
U-umm... I'm just... ...a little bit shy...
Knight: Ha ha ha...
Tee hee hee...

Estelle runs away, the guard follows.










If we hadn't done that, Estelle would've been in a tight spot, don't you think?
Yes, he might have gotten mad if he'd found out I was lying about my identity.
That's not quite what I meant...



Well, that's how it works for Estelle, but what if we had chosen Judith?





Well, Judith, you're probably the best choice.
Yes, I think so.
Aren't you sure of yourself!
Well then, shall we?
Where are we going?



I can't seduce anyone in these rags!
Isn't what you're wearing good enough?
No, no, my pride would never allow it.
I don't really understand, but she appears to be going to buy a dress.
So she's going to see the peddler, then.


Skit: Oh, to Be like Judith...
...With Judith seducing the guard, this plan can't fail.



...What can I do to be like Judith...?
Hmm? Did you say something, Estelle?
Oh, no, just talking to myself.


The actual gameplay is identical no matter who you pick, so off to the shop!



Shopkeeper: Fascinating...!? Are you out for a date? How about this?
Ugh, how plain.
Shopkeeper: Hmm...well, how about this one?
Nope...
Shopkeeper: All right, then what about this!

A while later...



For example...
Shopkeeper: N-no way, I have nothing like that.
Then could you possibly make one for me?
Shopkeeper: Let's see... If you brought me a soft tail, basilisk scale and small bird feather, I could make you something very special. You should be able to get all of the items from monsters on the outskirts of the city.
All right, let's go.
Judith's really into this, isn't she?
Seems like she likes this sort of thing...

Getting items, coming back...

Shopkeeper: Oh ho, you've brought the items. Wait here while I make you something nice!






That's quite the costume, Judith.



You didn't have to change your costume like that...
So grown-ups are interested in these kinds of outfits...
All is ready. Let's go.
Hey... Are you seriously going in that outfit?



... Well I could say everything... Uh, never mind that.
It's very cute, and I have a feeling that this is going to work.
Before that, could you do something about your outfit?








You know, I kinda get the feeling this line was supposed to go to Judith.

Hello there.



Knight: N-no, I d-didn't see anything! I didn't even see if there was anything to see!



Knight: A sh-shame...?
Are you going to make me say it out loud?
Knight: Err... ...?
I've fallen madly in love with your big, strong...work ethic.
Knight: M-madly in love...?!
Mmmhmmm... So...you get what I'm saying, right?
Knight: Err... Maybe...?



Knight: Yeah! B-but...there's someone back in the capital I promised to marry...












And, how long are you going to stay in that costume?
I guess this calls too much attention. I'll leave it at the shop.
But what was the "fun" thing you were talking about?
Going for a swim.



And last, but not least: Karol!







Wh-what are you talking about?! Why me?!
That sounds good to me.
Ah ha ha, so you're in on the joke too, Judith?
Nah, I'm not really one for jokes.
Huh...?



You've gotta believe in yourself, Karol! When a lady struts her stuff, she does it with pizzazz!
I don't have any idea what you're talking about!


Skit: I'm...Cute?
Hey, there's still time, you guys. How about someone else seduce the guard?
When a man makes up his mind, he's gotta see it through to the end.
And this is a guild job, as well. Don't forget..."All for the guild!"
Oh, that is so twisting the guild's laws...
Karol, you'll be fine! You'll be the cutest little thing that knight has ever seen!
...Being the cutest anything has never been one of my life goals.




Shopkeeper: Extremely cute!? Like something for a date?
Yeah, that's right. So...?



Well, I don't look like a girl, do I?
Shopkeeper: Ah, well... Wait, why are you getting mad at me? Anyway, I don't carry any clothing for young girls.



Shopkeeper: Ah, hold on...
Huh...?
Shopkeeper: If you brought me a soft tail, basilisk scale and a small bird feather, I could make you something nice. You should be able to get all of the items from monsters on the outskirts of the city.
All right, let's go.
Do we really have to do all of this? It seems like so much trouble...
Captain Karol, you wouldn't have us abandon your plan, would you?
No... I mean, of course not, but... Argh, if only Rita were here right now...

Somehow, I don't think Rita being here would improve your situation, Karol.

Shopkeeper: Oh ho, you've brought the items. Wait here while I make you something nice!



Hey... Are you seriously going in that outfit?
Huh? Something wrong with this?





Um.

... Well I could say everything... Uh, never mind that.
It's very cute, and I have a feeling that this is going to work.

Poor Karol. To the guard, I suppose.





E-excuse me...



B-but, this is so...
Be brave, Karol!
Argh...

Karol moves closer.



Knight: Hmm? Are you talking to me?
Y-yes... Could you come over here, I can't find my doggy.





Knight: I'm s-sorry! Please don't cry like that... Oh, all right. I can make some time, for your sake.



Karol leads the guard to the back.



We couldn't really ask you to go all the way with it.
Wh-what are you talking about...?
Never mind. Change your clothes and go leave that costume at the shop.
Uh, OK.



And with that, back to our regularly scheduled events.




Huh...what?
It should be easier to go in if you dress like a knight.
Who, me?
Karol would work just as well.
Wah, m-me?
Yeah, maybe you're right...




Another choice! If you want to be a really huge dick, pick Karol both times. I'm gonna start with Yuri.




But really, a knight, of all things...





Huh? What's the matter?
Knight: You should get back to your post before things get even more out of hand!
What do you mean, "out of hand?"
Knight: The mage we captured is running wild! Hurry up!
Roger! Okay, be right back.



Huh? Yuri?




Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?! Get your superior out here, now!



...Rita? What is she doing here...?



Shut up!



Wow, she hasn't changed much.

Yuri runs at Rita and grabs her from behind.



Settle down, it's just me.





Rita...?


This skit technically only happens after the next scene, but since it's related to picking Yuri as the knight I figured it makes more sense to put it here.

Skit: It's So Not You
You know, in knight's armor, you really do look like a knight, Yuri. You're quite handsome!
You're getting a complement you know. It wouldn't hurt to smile.
I'm not really crazy about this getup.
I've got bad memories of Flynn laughing his head off about how silly I looked in this...
Well...I think I get how Flynn felt... It's like...somebody dressed you up! Ah ha ha ha ha!
No, not at all, Yuri! It's good because it's so different from who you are.
Leave it to Yuri to be different even in a normal suit of armor.
This is why I hate this uniform!



Well that was fun, but what happens when we throw Karol at Rita?





Y-you want me to dress up as a knight? But...will the suit fit me?



Don't worry, you'll get used to it quickly.
I wonder...



Uh, uhh...?
Knight: You should get back to your post before things get even more out of hand!





I, uhh...I was taken by surprise, it all happened so fast... We should go and see what's happened...




Hmm, good question.

Sounds of something exploding or breaking can be heard from within.

Karol is in there, right?
Yeah. Suppose we should go take a look.





Was it you causing all that racket in here?
You guys...
Do you think Karol's all right?
Yeah...Karol...
Karol.









I love Rita's expression here. Also, skit:


Skit: It Kinda Works on You
I'm impressed that you passed for a real knight, Karol, despite your height.
It's amazing. Especially considering he wasn't wearing the full suit of armor.
That knight must've been so panicked that he didn't see anything besides your helmet.
People usually notice things like that though, right?
Then why'd you put me up to this in the first place?!



Now we can go back to the regular sequence.

Watch the cutscene!



Yeah...
So, what are you doing in a place like this?
I thought I'd check out the blastia here, before investigating the aer krene.



But what was it you got involved in?
They sneaked the blastia into the labor camp at night. I mean, that's already pretty shady.
Don't tell me you were sneaking around investigating it when you got caught.
Of course not. I was very stealthy about it.
...And then you got caught.
Well, I couldn't just sit around while they were trying to do something weird with the blastia.



I bet Teagle's in there, too.
We cannot allow this to go on.
And what about this blastia you saw?
It was a hoplon blastia. It looks like they're gathering them up for a war.
They wouldn't... You don't think they're planning on attacking Dahngrest again?!
But why? After they've just set up the friendship agreement...



Do you know him, Yuri?
You met him once, at Caer Bocram.
Ah, you mean the guy with the creepy voice.
I don't mind discussing things here, but aren't we forgetting something?
That's right! We've got to rescue Teagle and the others!
Then we'll put an end to that forced labor, get rid of all the blastia they're gathering...and, um...
You can't just get rid of blastia. They need to be recovered and taken care of.
Then we'll have the mages in Aspio come pick them up.
Wait. We're being careful, right...?
But...
One thing at a time.
R-right.



Okay.


Phew, I think this is a good stopping point. Next time we'll go rescue Teagle at the bottom of town, or something.