Part 33: I AM SINISTER, BE SUSPICIOUS OF MY EVIL WAYS.

-Looking Up at the Sky-



The Zeiss region has some monsters that are more aggressive, and won't let you get any preemptive strikes.







Don't head off to Wolf Fort straight away. When you get back to the city from Leiston Fortress, head up to the Central Factory and check out the Kaldia Tunnel entrance in the basement.



-Wandering in the Darkness-



Rudi: And on top of those, that creepy dude in black...Somethin' bad is goin' on. Mark my words.
A 'dude in black'? Did you see someone suspicious?
Rudi: Oh, yeah. Some weirdo came through here yesterday. He was standing right over there, just...looking. We don't really get a whole lot of people comin' through here, you see, so it made me uncomfortable.
Yeah, I'd say that qualifies as 'suspicious.'
You remember any details about this guy?
Rudi: Couldn't forget the dude if I tried. Okay, first? Dude was HUGE. I mean, he was wearing a dark suit and gloves, right? But even then I could tell he was RIPPED. And he had those sunglasses, too, so he was like a horse on the freakin' escalator.
Sun...glasses...?
Um, what are those?
Rudi: You don't know? They're special glasses that block out the rays of the sun. You'll know 'em when you see 'em. The lenses are really dark.
Uh, wouldn't that mean you can't see what's in front of you?
Rudi: Haha, nah, you can still see just fine. They're handy, actually. Still, though, I've never seen anyone around here use 'em.
Yeah. Those should make finding this guy a cinch.
Dark suit, dark gloves...and even his glasses are dark?
This guy might as well wear a big 'SUSPECT ME OF SOMETHING!' sign on his forehead. In dark lettering, I guess. We better go tell Kilika about this...
These 'sunglasses' do sound pretty shady.
Yeah, good idea. We'll go check out the fort, too, and report it all at once.
Rudi: So, uh, I dunno what this is all about, but I hope I was able to help.
Yeah, you were a big help! Thanks for talking to us!
You get no indication that this guy is here or that he has useful info for you. Kilika even explicitly says not to bother with the city. Nevertheless this conversation is worth an extra 3 BP, because Falcom hates you and everything you stand for.



-Looking Up at the Sky-



Karl asked for ten battles on the Tratt Plains. Aim for fifteen. The plains are up to your armpits with Bane Cobras and sheepy creeps, so it shouldn't take too long.







When Kloe hits level 48, Kaempfer's debuff is doubled to -20% STR/-30% DEF.



This rod is good for catching little fish, which you can then use with other rods to catch bigger fish. It's the circle of life.
















The Tratt Plains also have Mercury Vipers as a regular enemy. And halfway to Wolf Fort, just north of the area's eastern exit, you can find this.



-Obstructive Existence-





Does it have to be human? Does it have to be mine?!



Apart from the life-steal, Mantraps can spray you down with Blind, Faint, Sleep, or Poison.











You can head north from the Mantraps to find a small side area, with some stone pillars and a monster chest.



















I want a refund.



-Border Patrol Isn't Easy-







It's really peaceful here. I guess we don't need to worry about Calvard invading us and stealing our puppies or something, huh?
Quite a difference compared to the Haken Gate.
Of course, unlike my 'glorious fatherland,' Calvard and Liberl are easy friends.
And Erebonia's done nothin' to deserve different? Tch.
I imagine our relationship with Calvard has something to do with it. Although...Beyond the gate is a mountain pass that would be difficult for a full army to pass through. That's why the gate is so small as well, as I recall.
Ah, yes. Far different from the Haken Gate, which faces onto a great, open road.
The hell's with the chickens, though? It's embarrassing...
Ah, whatever. Let's get to askin' some questions...We should probably say hi to whoever's in charge first.
Right!



CWO Pace: Here to investigate the earthquake, from what Ms. Kilika said on the phone.
Ah, yeah, that's right.
Wow, I keep forgetting how, uh, thorough Kilika is.
CWO Pace: Hahah! She even keeps US on our toes every now and then. Anyway, we'll do everything we can do help.
Cheers. To start with, how about you explain how the earthquake went down?
CWO Pace: Well, let's see. The earthquake happened three days ago, at roughly 1700 hours. The quake itself wasn't all that strong, and it only lasted ten seconds. Still, though, earthquakes rarely ever happen around here. Some of my men are spooked, let me tell you. The part that spooked me, though...Once I contacted Command at Leiston Fortress to report...
...They told you that no other part of the region had experienced an earthquake, yes?
CWO Pace: Exactly right, miss. And it wasn't just Leiston. Even Sanktheim Gate didn't feel anything. And they're practically up the damn road! I called in to Zeiss and Elmo, and learned they'd felt nothing either.
It's like Kilika said...Speaking of which, did you hear there was an earthquake in Zeiss today?
CWO Pace: Yeah, I heard about that. And that's the thing. We didn't feel so much as a wobble here.
Localized earthquakes that only strike small, specific areas?
Not what I would call the most natural thing in the world.
Well, that covers the quake.
Anything else happen that caught your attention aside from that? Like, did you see anyone strange?
CWO Pace: Hm. No, I've heard no meaningful reports from my men...It's possible they saw something so minor they didn't feel the need to report it to me immediately, though. Feel free to ask them some questions, maybe jog their memories a bit.
Sure! Thanks, sir! Let's go talk to the gate guards!



Private Brahm: Hnnn? 'Sup?
Um...We're from the Bracer Guild.
I hope we're not disturbing you, but could you answer some questions?
Private Brahm: Oh, uh, sure...


Private Brahm: Odd things? Hmm. I was...uh, checking the light-blocking abilities of my hat when the quake hit. I thought the chief was yelling at me at first! But, no, I didn't see anyone around...I mean, I thought it was a prank at first, not an earthquake. Wasn't really all that strong.
This isn't so much a strange occurrence as it is an admission that you're awful at your job...
Ah, but to sleep standing? That is a rare skill, Estelle.
I, however, can consume an entire full-course meal while asleep on a sofa!
Why the hell are you trying to brag about that?
So, um. Was there anything else you can remember? At all?
Private Brahm: Actually, Henning said he saw somethin' weird, but...
Something weird?
Private Brahm: Well, this was the day BEFORE the earthquake, mind you. One of the other guards here, Henning, asked if anyone'd passed through the gate. When I told him I hadn't seen anyone, he just shook his head...
Well, that's curious. I wonder what that was about.
He might be able to tell us something. Let's go talk to this Henning guy!
Private Brahm: Henning will be in the break area, I bet. Slacking off on the second floor there is his specialty.
Liberl's finest.



Hey, we're from the Bracer Guild. We've got a couple of questions about that earthquake a few days back.
Private Henning: Oh, yeah...Gotta say, it was a surprise. First time I've ever been in an earthquake. I had no idea what was going on! So what did you want to know?
So the thing is, we talked to Brahm, and...


Private Henning: Oh, right, that. Yeah, I did ask him that.
You asked if someone had passed through the gate?
Private Henning: Yeah. Let me explain. So four days ago, I'd just finished my watch and was going off-duty. Just as I was leaving, though, I saw a weird man coming up the road.
A weird man?
Was it a man garbed in white with a mask, perchance?
Private Henning: A...mask? No, no, he wasn't THAT weird. It was a tall guy wearing a black suit. He also had these black glasses on.
Black glasses! Those could be sunglasses, right?
Yeah. They're pretty rare, still, so it's likely the same guy.
Private Henning: Sunglasses, huh...? Anyway. Just before I went on break, I saw him coming up the road. Most of the travelers who pass by here stop in at the bar, so I figured I'd see him inside.
I take it...he didn't?
Private Henning: Yeah, that's the thing. He didn't show, so I asked Brahm and he said nobody'd passed through. And he's a lazy slob, but he ain't so bad at his job that he'd just let a stranger pass through without checking.
Hmm. Perhaps he had business at your barracks? He may have spoken to your commander, for example.
Private Henning: See, I was pretty curious at that point and asked the commander. And he said nobody'd been in there during that time period, either! So I have to wonder what happened to that guy I saw. Doesn't seem like he came through...
Okay, this IS really suspicious. We should tell Kilika about this.
Yeah, no question.
Thanks for sharing all this with us.
Private Henning: Hey, my pleasure. I feel better having gotten it all off my chest!



Actually, yeah.


CWO Pace: So Henning saw a suspicious man? Hard to think he has something to do with the earthquakes, but he sounds suspicious regardless. I'll report this to Command at Leiston, at least.
Yeah, thanks.
All right. Think that about wraps it up. Let's get back to Kilika and tell her what we know.
All right.

-Looking Up at the Sky-





Huh? What do you mean, sir?
Has something happened?
CWO Pace: I contacted Leiston about what we talked about previously and heard something surprising. I figured it was up to me to let you all know.
Surprising what now...?
Wait, don't tell me...

-Silence-

CWO Pace: Yeah. There was just an earthquake at the Sanktheim Gate.
WHAT?!




-Leiston Fortress-





CWO Dale: Can't you see we're in the middle of clean-up after the earthquake?! If you have to nose around, I'd prefer you do it later.
Sorry, sir, but this is our job.
We won't get in the way of the clean-up. Do you mind if we do a little questioning?
You're disappointing me, Agate. Why are you putting up with this guy's lip and not lightly smacking him through the wall?
CWO Dale: Tch. If HQ hadn't ordered it, I'd tell you lot to clear out. I've got some urgent business to take care of. You can get the details from my second-in-command, Warrant Officer Talbot. He's in the storage area over there, cleaning up.
Okay, we'll talk to him. Thanks!
CWO Dale: Just make damn sure you don't interfere with any actual work going on here. Now if you'll excuse me...



Do you think we should help out a little? I mean, just to be friendly?
To be honest, I'd keep your hands to yourself.
This IS a military facility, remember. There might be secret documents or something scattered around that we aren't supposed to see.
Oh...Yeah, good point, I guess.
Still, this is...quite a bit more damage than the City of Zeiss earthquake, isn't it? That didn't cause nearly as much of a mess...
The ferocity of the quake should be a primary line of inquiry, then.
As well as asking about our mystery man.
Yeah, that guy in the sunglasses. Well, first things first. Let's talk to that second-in-command guy.



Warrant Officer Talbot: Dale'll have my hide if it isn't done by nightfall, though...
Um, excuse me! Sorry to disturb you.
Warrant Officer Talbot: Hmm? And you are?


Warrant Officer Talbot: Ahh, I see. Thanks for the concern, even if Dale doesn't share my thanks! So you want to know what the situation was like when the earthquake happened, right?
Yeah, in as much detail as you can give us.
Warrant Officer Talbot: Understood. The earthquake began at roughly 1300 hours--two hours ago. The earthquake lasted around thirty seconds and was strong enough to knock down big, piled-up boxes.
Wait, so, compared to the quake at the Wolf Fort...



Yes.
The entire earthquake was worse--stronger and longer lasting.
And then there was that one in the city. That'd fall about in the middle, I guess.
Meaning, then, that the quakes are getting more powerful each time.
That's, uh...kinda BAD, isn't it?!
Warrant Officer Talbot: The situation does seem to be worsening...But these are natural occurrences. I don't see how we could stop them. I don't suppose the Bracer Guild has any ideas?
Um, well, we're not really sure yet, but we're, uh, pursuing a few leads.
Speaking of which...did anything, um...weird happen before or after the earthquake? Like, were there any suspicious people walking around?
Warrant Officer Talbot: Suspicious people? Hm. Come to think of it, Chesley mentioned something about a strange man yesterday. He's cleaning the roof, if you want to hear the details from him.
Chesley on the roof, right? Thanks!
Thanks for helping us out, sir!
Warrant Officer Talbot: Not at all. Good luck!



You're Private Chesley, right?
We're with the Bracer Guild. Mind if we ask you about the earthquake that happened a little bit ago?


Private Chesley: Oh, right, that guy from yesterday. I dunno if he has anything to do with the earthquake...But I did see a tall man with black sunglasses around.
I knew it...
It must be the same man seen at the Wolf Fort...
Sir, did you see what this man was doing?
Private Chesley: Uh, well, he seemed like kind of a tourist. Looked at the scenery for a bit, then came down. He sorta caught my attention since you don't see glasses like his often...He didn't say anything to me and walked off, though. I didn't have a chance to talk to him.
Hrm, okay...
Did anyone else see this guy, maybe?
Private Chesley: You know, that's where it gets weird, thinking about it. I brought the guy up at dinner since he was kinda weird, but...Practically no one else even saw the guy! The only one who remembered seeing him was Tammy, who works in the mess hall.
Hm. Unlike the Wolf Fort, this gate sees quite a bit of traffic. And yet, despite this, there are only two witnesses?
How wonderfully...spooky.
All the more reason to see what that girl has to say.
You said Tammy's in the mess hall, right?
Thanks, Chesley! You were a big help.
Private Chesley: No problem! And yeah, she should be in the mess hall. Good luck with your investigation.



Tammy: Huh...?
Hey, you're Tammy, right? We're from the Bracer Guild.
You mind if we ask you a couple questions?


Tammy: Ooh, him, yeah! I passed by him on the second floor in the hallway yesterday. I think he was coming down from the roof.
That would match what our soldier friend said, yes.
Did you exchange any words when you passed?
Tammy: Well, I did say hello. He just...kinda grinned in response and said 'yo.' Oooooh, just thinking about it makes me all tingly again! He was sooooo...wild!
Wild? So, what, like Agate here?
What's that supposed to--
Tammy: Mmmm, this guy was a bit taller than your friend. He had this dark suit, but opened really casually at the chest, right? He looked amazing in it. Oh, and he was wearing a pair of black gloves, I think.
So...sunglasses, a dark suit, and black gloves. Riiiiight...
This guy might as well wear a sign on his head saying 'I AM SINISTER, BE SUSPICIOUS OF MY EVIL WAYS.'
Tammy: Oh, I wouldn't say suspicious! He just had a scent of...danger about him. Heehee! You know, that dangerous, tough guy charm, right?
Uh, right...Anyway!
So you just passed by and said hi, and didn't see him afterward, right?
Tammy: Yeah, unfortunately. I, um, chased after him a little bit...I thought we could, um, um, get to know each other, or...anyway! I lost track of him in a weird way.
A weird way? How so?
Tammy: Mmmmm. It'll be easier to show you. Follow me. Excuse me, Sanders, can I step out for a moment?
Sanders: Yeah, go ahead. Just get back before the dinner rush!



Tammy: He went walking in this direction. I turned to follow him after a moment, figuring I'd chat with him, right?
Okay...



Tammy: So I thought, 'he must have stepped out! Here's my chance to talk to him before he leaves!' So I followed him, but...



Tammy: In other words, I lost him. But...I lost him HERE!
Lost? But...wait a sec!
How is that possible? This is a dead end, isn't it?
Tammy: Yeah! And there's no way he could've jumped down from this height, right? I figured I'd made a mistake and thought he went elsewhere. I looked all over Sanktheim for him, but I never saw him...Kinda makes ME want to jump off the end, there. I missed my chance!
Wow, this guy must have really made the earth move for her.
Ah, you poor kitten.
If it would please you, I could help you forget such lesser men...
Knock it off. No one deserves that kind of trauma.
Anyway...Think we have a pretty good idea of what happened.
Thanks. Sorry we had to drag you out here.
Tammy: Haha! You're welcome. So, um, is he some kind of wanted man? A super-skilled, cold-blooded assassin on the run from the Bracer Guild?
I, uh, dunno about that...but he's definitely a dangerous guy.
Look, if you see him again, don't go near him, okay? Trust me.
Tammy: But he's so cool! Aw...Oh, well. Anyway, I've got some things to prepare, so excuse me! Keep up the good work, everyone!



Estelle...does that remind you of anyone?
Yeah...





If the other ones are like him, I think they COULD jump from here and survive.
Don't think there's any doubt about who our 'sunglasses guy' is now.
Another Enforcer of Ouroboros, just like the Phantom Thief, then.
No doubt about it.
We're definitely done investigating. Let's get back to the guildhouse.

-Border Patrol Isn't Easy-



Sanders: If you are, go ahead and take a break here, if you'd like.


Tammy: Hmmm, such a pity. He was really cool. But, if he's a wanted person, oh, well. Give up and find an even better man, I say! I may fall for guys easy, but I also give up easy. Teehee, if I didn't, I could hardly enjoy love as much as I do.



-Factory City of Zeiss-



Yeah, we fought the battles.
Well, then, allow us to report the results to date.


Karl: Yeah, seems like you've fought enough. Man, it looks like you worked pretty hard, too.
Ahaha, thanks.
Heh, as but a humble assistant, it was the least I could do.
I only actually fired the gun like twice, I hope that's okay.
Karl: So, Olivier. Were there any problems?
No, absolutely no problems. Stable trajectory and a perfectly centered balance...
I'm eager to see a fine piece of work like this out on the market.
Karl: *pheeew* Thank goodness. You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that. All right, seems like I can finally see the production phase on the horizon.
Oh! It's not gonna be mass produced yet? It looks like it's pretty done from my point of view...
Karl: No, it still needs a bit more time. Now I need to hone in on the fine details for the manufacturing. And I'm able to do that because of the results you got me from this test. This new info should make further research fly ahead.
Well, keep up the good work.
A new model orbal gun...I'll be expecting great things.
Karl: Yeah, look forward to it. Oh, right...One sec before you go.
Huh, was there something else?
Karl: Yeah, take this with you.


Karl: It was bothering me a bit that the reward was kinda meager. Well, think of this as making up for that. It's not a bad thing to have a bit of, so please take it.
Ah, yeah, thanks.
Heh, we'll be glad to use it.
Karl: Well, then, if anything else comes up, I'll call you guys. You all take care.
See you later!



Oh! Estelle, Agate!
Hah! Perfect timing.
We've finished investigating the earthquakes...so what're these hunks of junk?
Junk? How rude.
These are the 'little things' I promised you earlier!
We can get to that in a moment. First...
You did, I assume, investigate the Sanktheim Gate earthquake? I'd like to hear what you discovered both there and at the Wolf Fort.
Right, okay. So...

Hmmmm...So the earthquakes grow stronger with each occurrence, eh?
This is quite serious. Assuming the rate of growth you describe is constant...
Yeah...One even stronger than the Sanktheim one hitting the city would be really, really bad...
And the man in sunglasses seen at all three locations...
I would say it is all but certain that man is an agent of Ouroboros. Given that, I think helping Professor Russell with his experiment is in our best interest.
An experiment? What, with this junk?
Precisely so!
These are septium vein measuring instruments I developed years ago. When placed properly on the ground, they can monitor the flow of a septium vein in real-time!
Septium...Er...
I know I always ask these questions, but, um...what's a 'septium vein'?
They're huge veins of septium ore that run deep beneath the surface of the earth! The energy flowing along them slowly moves the surface.
In the distant past, they were referred to as 'earth veins' or 'spirit veins,' as well.
And I believe in the distant East they are called 'dragon veins,' no?
Very knowledgeable. Just so. The peoples of the east have built their cities on places where dragon veins converge since time immemorial. The idea has always been to gather the energy of the land and use it to give strength to the nation.
Oh, okay then. I learned something!
So these devices can stop earthquakes, then?
No, I'm afraid not. These will only monitor the flows passively.
However, one leading theory is that earthquakes are caused in part by septium vein flows bending the earth. If we monitor the veins, therefore, we may be able to discover something about what's causing these blasted quakes!
I see.
That means we need to make sure to set these up before another earthquake occurs.
Right. So three devices means three places you have in mind, right, Gramps?
I do. Take a look at the map...



Firstly, on the northern Tratt Plains. Where the Stone Circle is, specifically.
Next, smack dab in the middle of the Kaldia Tunnel. From here, it's near the bridge.
And finally, in front of Leiston Fortress.





So do we just need to set them on the ground?
I'm afraid it isn't quite that easy. You'll need to insert the sensor needle into the ground at the right angle, and also tune the antenna.
An antenna? A transmission device, you mean. So these devices will transmit the information gathered to another location?
Hm! You're sharp!
The antenna will send the data to our calculating-orbment, the Capel, so we can easily analyze the septium veins' movements. With the Capel, we can monitor all three locations at once!
Uh, that sounds pretty cool...I guess.
Will you be coming with us to help set this stuff up, Professor?
No, I need to prepare the Capel for all this. Tita knows what to do. She can go with you.
Heehee! I get to work with Estelle again!
All righty! Tita's worth her weight in mira, anyway!
Agate, you have no complaints, RIGHT?
With a look like that...no.
Just don't daydream too much while fiddling with the machines, shortstuff. Feel like if we left you to it, you wouldn't even notice monsters until you were actually in their mouths.
Aww, Agate, you're mean!
But, but, you'd save me if that happened, right?
Tch...Brat.
Ha-ha! Tita: cuteness one, Agate: zeee-ro!
Well, then! I need to start tuning the Capel. Once you've placed all the measuring instruments, head to the Operations room in the Central Factory.
Will do!
Work hard, Grandpa!
Okay, I've got all that down. Let's get to it!
Whoa, before that.
Our group here's gettin' a little crowded. Might be a good idea to keep someone here as backup, and to make sure we don't go walkin' around with an army.
What in the hell, Agate. That doesn't make a lick of sense.

Oh well. We can only have four people in the party, so now we have a decision to make.