Part 21: Gladiotorial Adventures

Chapter 14 - Gladiotorial Adventures



Welcome back. Today we leave the Kingdom of Wellt and follow Runan’s path.



We’re greeted by our first cutscene upon docking at the Port of Marl.





: Do you remember a swordsman by the name of Aldo? He was a mercenary from Istoria who wielded dual swords.

: Yes... I'll never forget him. He was one of the best swordsmen in the land. So, do you know Aldo?

: Yes, I loved him. That was seven years ago, though.

: I see... So you're the girl who grabbed me, screaming at me to give Aldo back. I remember you being an ordinary town girl, but I see that time can certainly change a person. I must say that I pity you.

: You... You monster! You didn't have to kill him! Your victory was clear, but you sliced off his head without so much as a blink! I'll never forget that day!

: I needed to present his head to collect my reward. That's how it works in our world. Your lover would have done the same thing if he had won. So, what do you want, woman? If you want to avenge him, forget it. Unless you want your head to end up on the floor, you should hire a skilled swordsman to do it for you instead.

: I know I can't defeat you on my own. But hear me out! I swear that I will kill you, no matter what it takes!

: Very well. I'll give you one chance. But if you fail, then I shall take your life in return. What's your name, woman?

: Krishna. Remember it well, Reaper of Shram...

The nice thing with predetermined supports that activate at a given time (not that this is one) is that you do not miss out on background informations for characters.



After this one let’s look what happens is Braad, where Attrom grew up.





: Damn! I should be one out searching for her, but I cannot leave here now... Renee... Why did she leave without consulting me?

: She did not wish to burden you with matters within her own kin, my lord. She was well aware that you were exhausted from the battles with Archduke Ahab and the Imperial forces in Braad.

: But a woman traveling all on her own...

: Lady Renee is the daughter of Andre, the High Priest of Fire. You know as well as anyone the strength of her mana.

: Perhaps she would be able to use her powers against monsters, but Renee is a cleric. She could never defend herself again human menaces.

: We understand your concerns, Lord Leon. But the people of Selba are waiting anxiously for their lord's return. For now, the recapturing of your land must remain your first priority...

: Yes...



: Frau!? What are you doing here? Has something gone wrong at Saria?

: No, not at all. The hidden village is as peaceful as ever. It's so peaceful that it's boring. So I decided to come help you, uncle...

: I need no such assistance. You would merely be a hindrance, Frau. Now, go back to the hidden village.

: But Uncle Leon, I'm fifteen already. I've trained hard as a Pegasus Knight of Saria. Even if it's just a little, all I wanted was to be able to help you... The least you could do is listen to what I have to say, instead of sending me straight back home!

: Hm... Does Clarice know about this?

: Yes, she's the one who sent me to help you.

: Hm... I see. Very well, then. After all, you are the daughter of my brother, the finest knight in Saria. I shall be witness to your abilities as a Pegasus Knight. Do not let me down, Frau.

: Yes, Uncle Leon!



Time to visit the asshole prince.





: What!? Are you an acquaintance of Prince Richard? Forgive my insolence, sir! I shall inform the prince of your arrival immediately!



: Hmph, that's just the greeting I was expecting, Richard. You were always an ass, but you're worse than ever now. And don't get started on my father. We both know you did the same to yours.

Holmes

: But, Holmes, I have returned. I have reclaimed my nation, and am aiding the reconstruction of Leda. I am not a gutless coward like you.

: Yeah, you're a contortionist, all right. All you have to do is pick up some random girl off the street, call her the lost princess of Leda, and the territory that once belonged to Ledah falls right in your hands. The pieces are fitting into place right where you want them.

: Hmph, say what you will, coward. Perhaps we had an alliance with Granada in the past, but I have no further business with a loser like you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am very busy with preparations to attack Istoria. I must ask you to leave.






: Who're you?

: Tia, daughter to Duke Trente...

: Ah... So you're the famous princess of Leda, eh?

: ......

: Ever heard a song like this before? It's supposed to be a prophecy by the Great Sage Morse.

Their kingdom felled by an ancient pact,
The people of Leda shall face a dark age.
Four score and ten years later,
The daughter of Leda shall walk the earth.
Clad in golden armor,
She shall be the savior,
To lead the people of Leda to salvation.

Seems oddly appropriate, doesn't it? I don't know who made it up, but it's always been a favorite of bards everywhere. And here you are, the princess of Leda, decked out in a suit of shining gold armor. The survivors of Leda have been suffering oppression for decades. It's no wonder they're thrilled about you.

: I'm not sure I understand...

: I know what kind of man Richard is. Both Marl and Granada are trading superpowers reigning over the Senay Sea. I've known him ever since we were kids. We've had drinks together, but we've even been at fists a few times. Back when we were kids, he used to talk about uniting the subkingdoms of Leda and becoming king. Then he would unite the entire continent and become a great emperor like Carlyon himself. I used to scoff at him whenever he said that, but now, I'm not so sure...

: Are you implying that I am being used by Richard?

: I guess you could say that. Look, I don't care who you are, or where you come from. But never trust Richard. He'll use and abuse you like a rag, only to throw you out when he doesn't need you any more.

: It is true that Richard can be misunderstood. But he is not a bad man!

: If you say so... Anyway, you two are getting married, right? Sorry, I guess I should've kept my mouth shut. Well, I hope you end up happy together. See you...

: Oh... Wait... I...





: Hm...? Wait a minute, Xeno...

: ...What is it?

: Hmm... You really look like...

: Huh? ...I look like who?

: Oh... Nah, it's nothing. Well, anyway, let's get going. No need to waste any more time here.





: Katri, I shall stay in this city to rest for a while. You should continue on your journey with Sir Holmes.

: What? But... We just met...

: Don't worry. We can travel together again once my wounds have healed. Until then, I shall be waiting for you in this city.

: Yes... I promise I'll come for you, Bishop Law. So until then, please take care...



We return to Verge after the current events for the second part of the Leteena Event. Unfortunately the event isn’t translated and isn’t left in its original state either so I was just staring at empty textboxes going back and forth. Anyhow for this event to trigger Kreiss needs to carry a Healing Drop with him.



We head on with the scheduled program and go to the Coast of Senay.





: I want to ask a favor from you. If you'll help me, I can give you anything you want...

Choice: "Well, all right. Let's hear it."
"Sounds fishy. Go ask someone else."

We take the first answers as otherwise we lose out on the event.

: So, what is it you want? Is it something I can do?

: Yes... I want you to kill Vega.

: ...That's some favor you're asking for. So, what's your motive? Why do you want him dead?

: He killed my lover seven years ago. I've been looking for him ever since, and I finally found him... But... I couldn't possibly win against the Reaper of Shram...

: And so you're hoping that I'll do it for you, huh? How convenient.

: I won't make excuses... But you're the only one who can match Vega... Please, Shigen. If you kill him for me, I'll do anything you want...

: Look, lady, if you think you can seduce me into doing what you want, you're... ...Hm? ...Krishna? Hey... Are you crying?

: These past seven years... It was a living hell. How else is a woman supposed to live in times like this...? But... He... Vega looked at me like I was something filthy on the street... He said he pitied me... Shigen, I...

: All right, all right! I don't want to hear your life story, okay!? Fine, I'll kill him. I'll kill Vega if it'll make you feel better.

: Really!? Thank you, Shigen!

: But not now. If Vega's in our attack team in the next battle, that's when we'll settle it. But you'd better be there to watch. I'm gonna be fighting for you, after all.

: Of course! I'll be looking forward to it.



Finally the event that leads to the fight we have to do this chapter.



: Although it ain't like they're gonna listen to a girl like you, anyway.



: Watch who you're talkin' to, girl! Guess I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson! Get over here!

: No... Get away from me!

: Geez, man, you need to find some new hobbies.

: Wh-Who the hell are you!?

: Me? I'm just passing through. Got a problem?

: Hey, Holmes. It's about time I got a good workout. Count me in if you're gonna have some fun!

: Boss, let me kill this sucker. I want to see a good 'ol fountain of blood for a change!

: D-Dammit! I'll get you guys for this!

: Pfft, what the hell? He just ran off when we didn't even do anything.

: Um... Thank you.

: Don't worry about it. It's not like we actually did anything.

: Um...

: What, is there something else? If you have something to say, then just cut the crap and say it. I hate it when people mumble and look at their shoes like that.

: Oh, I'm sorry! Please save our city... Please save the city of Oaks!

: Oaks? What do you mean? You're gonna have to tell us more than that.

: Oh, yes... I live in a city called Oaks, just to the north. Oaks used to be a peaceful city, but the war has attracted brigands and deserters, and now it has become a city in chaos, run by outlaws. I was sent by our mayor to ask for help from Lord Runan in Senay...

: But the brigands found you.

: Yes... Um... Are you warriors? Please, help our city! We promise we will pay you as much as you ask!

: What do you think, guys?

: Holmes, let's help them!

: Yeah, why not? We got nothing else to do.

: It's your call, boss.

: ...Well, all right. Hey, you, take us to the city!

: Y-Yes! Thank you... Thank you very much!







Time to start killing faceless bandits.



This map is called “Holmes the Hero“





: Well, I guess you weren't lying about the city being overrun by brigands. But they're no match for the mighty Holmes. You've got nothing to worry about. We'll take care of them, so you should go on home and wait for the good news.

: Yes, thank you! Please save our city! You're our hero, Sir Holmes!







: We can't call it a fair fight if one of us has a better blade. How about we both use scimitars?

: Very well...

: Krishna, you're our witness. Watch and learn how men fight...

: Yes... Don't lose, Shigen...



Round 1 of the scripted fight.

: Pant... The Reaper of Shram, huh... You're really something...

: Ergh... So you... You were the Dark Swordsman of Zoa...

: I-Isn't that enough...? Stop! Both of you!

: No way...

: Not until you lie dead by my feet...





Round 2!



: ...Stay out of this, Krishna... This is between me and him now...!

: Stand back, woman... You have no place here...

: Holmes, please! You're the boss, right!? They'll listen to you! Make them stop, or they'll kill each other!

: Krishna... You're the one who started this. When true warriors match blades, there's no stopping them. Shut up and watch!

: I understand now... I swore to avenge Aldo when he was killed, but that's not what he wanted at all... He and Vega... They fought honorably, like true swordsmen. And all I could do was spoil their duel with my selfishness. Aldo would be ashamed if he saw me now... Please, Holmes... Please make them stop. I don't want them to die like this!

: ...... All right, you two, that's enough! Call it off! Do it for me, okay? I can't afford to lose you two over something like this.

: Holmes... Do you dare mock us...?

: ...... Fine... I guess we have no choice. This is one favor that'll cost you, Holmes...



One last event before we can start killing things.



: Shake your hips, girl! What are you, ashamed, you little brat!?





: Don't you dare give me that look. Talking back to your master, eh? Looks like you haven't had enough whipping yet!




: Help me... Big brother Bartz...




So, now for the map. We have to capture the mansion in the top right corner to finish the map. As for notable opposition... well not counting the arena there are none. A few guys have Hammers and Armor Slayers but we have no armored unit and one dude has a Killer Edge and another a powerful but inaccurate spear. Still this chapters is pretty easy all in all.





First of all we have to heal both Shigen and Vega back to full health as otherwise we might have an accidental death.





Xeno draws first blood, killing a thief and getting a Gold Bag from him.





Kreiss continues to be underwhelming…





Samson and Mahter double team the mercenary with the Killing Edge and grab it from his cold body.





Krishna kills her first dude.





Shigen fills our treasury.





Attrom kills another enemy for a ok level.



We are slowly advancing towards our goal, cleaning up bandits left and right.





Krishna wants to become a magical swordswoman.




Mahter cleaves someone in half and shows just what kind of level I want to see more often



The train is continuing down the track.



We start to visit the few open houses in the city.



: After surviving that horrible battle, they came here seeking refuge. Our mayor felt sorry for them, so he let everyone in without question. Most of the soldiers left for their homelands after their wounds healed, but some of them stayed behind to form clans, almost like bandit groups. And now, they have so much power that they can pillage and kill to their hearts' content. Here, I'll give you this, so maybe you could do something to help us.



Another Super-Proof



Xeno gets rid of the armor knight that was pestering us.





: However, fourteen years ago, Archduke Ahab of Saria started a rebellion, and the state of this area has been deteriorating ever since. Even the great city of Oaks has degenerated into a dwelling for brigands and highwaymen. Will there ever be any brave souls who would drive them away for us... ...What? You will defeat them? Ah, you have my sincerest thanks! Please accept this as a token of my gratitude.



Arkis eats a Thunderstrike and makes me mad for getting a bad level.



We’re almost finished visiting the houses. One more after this one and saving Plum.



:Well, back when I was a kid, this city used to be a prosperous center of trade and commerce. There were shops lined up all over main street, and bards and performers would entertain the hundreds of people who would walk by every day. But those are all fond memories now...Memories of a time before the city deteriorated into the horrible state it's in now. ...What? You guys are going to drive the brigands away? ...Haha, thanks. It feels nice to hear someone say that once in a while, even if it'll never happen. Here, I'll give you this. Thanks for trying to cheer me up.



Another promotion item for the pile.





Julia, this isn’t catching up to Vega and Shigen



Getting closer to our objective turn by turn,



Samson gets a level from counter-killing one of the opponents. My axe units seem to have problems getting strength.



Time for a reunion.



: I don't give a crap about that! Just shut up and fork it over! I can do this the hard way if you want!

: ......

: There, that wasn't so hard, was it? Hmm... But this ain't nearly enough.

: B-But...

: ...Eh? Wh-Who the hell are you? You got a problem? ...Dammit, I'll let you go this time. But I'll be back!

: Thank you very much... But... I can't buy my mother's medicine now...

Choice: "I suppose I could spare 600G."
"No need for that."

I think we have 600g to spare.

: ...Is this for me? Thank you! May Utona bless your kind souls...

Donating the 600g raised Kreiss luck by one and would have uncursed weapons if we had any.



This leaves us with the “boss” and a thief on top of the map. Time for our arena adventures and saving Plum.



Mahter reduces the opposing bandits to their boss.



Time to save Plum. Since Bartz isn’t available we have to use Holmes for it.





: All right, we've got a customer. This is your first time on stage. And you'll be in for a whipping if you screw it up!

: Sniffle...













This is a very unfortunate translation

: Hey, hey, I'm running a clean, fair business here, pal. If you have a problem with it, we can take it outside!

: Is that so? Now it's obvious that you're up to no good back there. That means I don't have to hold back one bit!

: H-Hey, what do you think you're doing!? C-Cut it out! Whoa...


: Hmph, what a pussy. He just passed out on his own.

: Hey, you all right?

: Wh-... Who are you...

: You were the girl on stage just now, right? You were probably sold or tricked into coming here, but you're free now. Go on home.

: ...... You're letting me go?

: Yup, the owner's out cold in the back. Don't worry, I'll give him a solid ass-kicking to make sure he won't come after you again.

: My name is Plum. I'm from Taurus, but I was helping Lord Runan until I was kidnapped.

: Helping Runan? Are you serious!? Mind telling me what happened in more detail? ...Hm... ...Hm... I see... Sounds like you've been through a lot, huh? Hahaha...

: Don't laugh... I was really scared...

: Yeah, I know. Sorry. But you like to dance, right? If anything, you're a better dancer now.

: But not dances like that...

: Really? I liked your dancing. It was almost empowering in a way... It felt like your dancing was giving me strength and courage. I think you did a great job.

: Really?

: Yeah, I'm sure the rest of team would like it, too. Maybe you could dance for us from time to time if you don't mind it.

: ......

: ...Well, anyway, welcome aboard. We're sure to run into Runan eventually, so you'll have nothing to worry about if you come with us.

: Yes... Thank you...

: It's not right to make little girls dance, is it... Katri won't be happy, that's for sure...



From this subplot, we receive Plum’s dance skill. Like in any game it refreshes a unit for a second turn and after plenty of uses it gets the chance to give a random buff as well.



This is Attrom after him visiting the arena. In total he gained +5 levels, +3 str, +1 skill, +1 spd, +1 luck, +5 HP



Samson gets one underwhelming level in the arena as well.



Holmes himself went in for 2 levels as well. +1 str, +1 skl, + 1def, +2 HP



Shigen grabs the next level as well which, while minimalistic, is good since it’s strength and speed.



Xeno went in after Shigen finished. +2 levels, +1str, +1 skl, +1 spd, + 1 luck, +1 Wlvl, +1 HP





I tried to train Krishna but basically everything killed her and the two levels I got made me mad enough to not bother further



Next up was Arkis. He comes out of the arena with + 3 lvls, +1 str, +1 skl, +1spd +1 luck, + 1 mag, + 1Wlvl, +2 HP



Mahter took the second to last turn at going into the arena. +3 lvls, +2 luck, +2 def, + 1 mag, +1 Wlvl, + 1 HP



Holmes grew bored and decided to kill off the “boss” in the meantime.



Kreiss went in the arena to finish our trainings montage for now. +5 lvl, +2str, +1 skl, +1 spd, +2 luck, +1 def, +4 HP



Katri got a few level from playing healbot for our arena fighters. +4 lvl, +3 spd, +2 luck, +1 def, +4 mag, +4 Wlvl, +3 HP



Plum also got a few levels from dancing continuesly. +4 lvl, +1 spd, + 1 luck, +1 HP; two empty levels



Time to finish the map. Holmes captures the mansion.







: Thanks to your bravery, the brigands who were leeching off of our city have all fled. You are our savior, kind sir. After talking with the residents, we have decided to erect a statue of you to honor your valiance...

: A statue? Gimme a break... Besides, we didn't drive off the brigands just because we wanted your gratitude.

: Such humbleness... You are indeed deserving of being called a hero. ...Very well, instead of a statue, we shall give you some of the treasures we have here in Oaks. We would be honored if you could make use of them.

: This is Oaks' treasure chamber. We keep our most prized items here. We shall give you five of the treasures you see here. Please choose whichever chests you wish. However, once you open a chest, you may not return the item within.

We pick the promotion items, the Elixier and the Repeater Bow.

: All right, that's five... Thanks, mayor. We'll use these items well.

: You are our city's benefactor, Sir Holmes. Please come back any time you wish. We shall always welcome you with open arms.









: Yes, I have taught Sun well what it means to be a knight. She will not a hindrance.

: Very well. You said you were joining the army in Aerial, but is that to fight against Istoria?

: In actuality, I have a much more important mission, but I cannot give you any details. My apologies, Lord Leon. I know you've been so good to me, but...

: There is no need to apologize. I know well that you left your homeland due to Garzel's evil ways. Perhaps you are following a different path than I, but I have no doubt that your path leads to the greater good.

: Yes... My only wish is save my country from the evil grip of Garzel...

: Then let us a drink a toast to victory. To the Black Knight Sylva's valor in battle!

: To the Duke of Selba, Leonheart's valor in battle!





: She liberated the northeastern islands of Canan from Garzel, clad in jet black armor. You've heard of the Arless Black Knights, haven't you?

: Yes, but I don't think they're the strongest on the continent. There are the Dragon Knights of Sophia, and the Mercenaries of Aerial... I think the Sarian Pegasus Knights are the strongest. And among them, my older sister Verne is the best. She's in Aerial right now, but she's definitely the best knight I've ever seen."

: Your sister's in Aerial? So is my mother. She said she was joining the mercenaries to fight against Garzel. I wanted to go with her, but she told me to stay behind and wait. She thinks I'm still a little girl.

: Really? I know what you mean. I always ask if I can fight alongside my sisters, but they just tell me to stay behind because I'm still a kid. They don't know that I'm grown up now.

: I know! That's exactly what happens to me.

: We should be friends, Sun. Let's fight hard, and show your mother and my sisters what we can do. Let's work together and be of help to Lord Leon!"

: Okay, but do you think he'll let us?

: Don't worry, Lord Leon's nice to girls. If we choose the right words, he'll never say no.

: Really? Okay, I'll try to ask him. I'm glad I could meet you, Frau. Let's do our best!

: Yes! We'll be great partners, Sun!



And with this the chapter is done. Next time we come to the easiest chapter of the game.