Part 39: You can bet I'll help you, in any way I can.

Ummm...Thanks for saving us, Zane. Why are you here, though?

-Dancing With The Wind-



She told me to hurry on over to Elmo to join forces with you.
And do you think I would miss an entrance this spectacular? I simply had to come as well.
So we have Kilika to thank...
Well, thank you, too. You really saved us, there.
All that aside...
You actually know that psycho, Zane? How's THAT shake out?
He's...He's an old acquaintance.
I'll explain in detail once we return to the guild. With Walter's device gone, the dragon veins are calming, so the hot springs should cool down.




So the man in sunglasses was Walter, as I thought.
Yea--Wait, what? As you...you suspected from the beginning?
When I heard his physical description and clothing, I thought it might be possible.
More to the point--you were careless. How could you allow him to escape with a Gospel?
Oh, come on. I didn't think it was that important!
Did you forget that you're the one who shoved me off toward Elmo without so much as half an explanation?!
That was a mistake on my part, yes. I thought, however, that you wouldn't need me to spell out every single detail for you, Zane.
Ergh...You're far less cute when you do that, you know.
Regardless. Estelle Bright, your investigation into the earthquakes is complete.
Allow me to give you your compensation for this mission.

Thanks, Kilika.
But, uh, it sounds like you two know that nut in the glasses. What's up with him?
We do. How do I even begin...
Quite simply, Zane, Walter and I...We were fellow students. Walter was the elder student.
Elder student...You mean your elder in martial arts.
Well, to be precise, Kilika wasn't a student. Or just a student, anyway. She was Master Ryuga's--
My part does not matter.
Walter is a student of the Taito style. And six years ago, he left the dojo...and it seems he was recruited by Ouroboros soon after.
That should explain everything.
Kilika...
Nah, don't worry. I think that IS all we need to hear.
So he uses the same Taito style you guys use, huh? That explains why he hits like a freakin' airship, at any rate.
He's even stronger now than he was in the dojo.
It's safe to say he's a true master of the style, now, I think.
What is properly safe to say is that he is incredibly dangerous.
It seems likely we won't be dealing with any more earthquakes, however. It is probably safe to relax our guard...a bit.
Seems like it! I'll let the citizens and workers know.
They used yet another 'Gospel,' though. And they were using it in conjunction with some kind of machine which could stimulate septium veins.
Also remember what Bleublanc did with that...hologram projector beneath the academy...Whatever the Gospel may be, it is definitely capable of forcing other orbal devices into feats which greatly exceed their original designs.
I believe you are correct, milady. Holographic projection and excitement of septium veins are both possible, in theory. What they do with these Gospels, however, is completely beyond our understanding of orbal technology. And I don't mean just my understanding...I can't imagine anyone I know at any famous factory managing any better.
It's true...I doubt either the Verne Company in Calvard, or the Reinford Company in the Empire, could do such things.
Even the Epstein Foundation, for all its progress in tactical orbments, couldn't manage such feats.
In other words, the society's got crazy super-technology nobody else does.
Indeed. They must have someone of tremendous genius and skill working for them.
Heh heh...Well, I'll just have to show them what-for!
Grandpa...
I suppose we have no choice now.
We've finished the Arseille's new orbal engine, too, so we have free capacity. We'll devote the Central Factory's full resources to analyzing the Gospel sample we have.
Hah! Of course we will!
If you can figure out what the Gospels are, it'll be a big help. I mean, who knows what else they're going to use them for after this?
Both those clowns kept babbling on about 'experiments,' too.
They aren't gonna stop at two. There'll be a third time.
If Professor Russell will be taking care of the analysis of the Gospel...
I believe it would be best if your group moved on, Estelle.
Yeah, I agree. We didn't catch the bad guy, but there won't be any more earthquakes, at least. Any suggestion on where to go next, Kilika?
The central branch of the guild, in Grancel, sent us a request for aid. They claim to have received an official mission directly from the Royal Army.
The Royal Army? You mean from Dad!
They did not share any details. They did, however, request all of you by name. There is a good chance this involves Ouroboros.
Probably, yeah.
Heh, well, if they're invitin' us, we can't say no, can we?
Then it's decided! Once we finish our last bits of business in Zeiss, let us board the next flight to the capital!
Sounds like a p-...Wait. 'We'?
Zane, are you coming with us?
Hey, now. Why do you think I came all the way back here? Not only is Walter on the prowl, but you are still searching for Joshua, yes? You can bet I'll help you, in any way I can.
Aww...Thanks, Zane.
To be honest, I'll be glad to have you with us.
Your wolf friend nearly beat us into raw meat. If you'd be willing, I'd like to train with you to fight him.
Haha! That's a bit humble for you, Agate!
You usually possess more confidence in your own abilities. But very well!
Hey, I ain't so thick that I don't see how good you are.
Um...Estelle? Agate? Can I...come too?
HUH?!
WHAT?!
Well, um, the society might use more weird devices, or more Gospels...I, um, think I might be able to help if they do...
Please! Take me with you!
B-But...
...
Gramps. What do you think?
Hm, well. I have to say that the grandfather in me is filled with terror at the mere idea.
But as you can see, my little Tita is quite stubborn, and I want to make her dreams possible whenever I can. Go ahead, Tita. I won't stop you.
Grandpa...
The Ouroboros clearly have a greater technological edge than we could have ever imagined. In that sense, Tita is absolutely correct. She could be a great help to you.
I'd say you're getting quite a deal!
You're not selling a new product, here, Professor...
Well, uh, I'll admit having Tita along really would help, but...
But if someone like that man attacks us again, I...
...
No...It's okay. We'll keep your granddaughter safe. No matter what.
A-Agate...?
Oh...?
What th--What's gotten into you?! I figured you'd be the one who'd yell loudest about this!
Between that clown and what we learned from that psycho, I think it's safe to say the society gives not one damn about the safety of civilians. That means there's no guarantee that Zeiss is any more safe than...anywhere, really.
So given that...What the hell, eh? Might as well keep her where we can keep an eye on her.
A-Agate...
Yes...Distressing as it may be, that's true.
Heheh. More to the point, you simply want her to be some place where you can easily protect her.
Our rough Raven wishes to be a white knight! How chivalrous! How manly!
Wh...
Ooooh, given THAT look, I think Olivier's right on the mark!
Um, um! Is that true...?
Don't listen to anything that idiot says.
Look, you better be able to pull your own weight, got it? Don't get so lost in messin' with machines you do somethin' stupid.
Hehehe...I'll be careful!
Haha! Well, good to see that's settled.
Haha...It's good to see our group getting so lively.
Tita, do take care.
I'll take care of unraveling the mystery of this 'Gospel' business while you're gone, don't worry!
Okay! Good luck, Grandpa!
Don't worry too much about Professor Russell, everyone. I'll keep both eyes on him and make sure he doesn't cause any catastrophes.
Heehee! I'm counting on you, Mr. Murdock!
Oh, don't you have a church or something to run off to, Murdock?
Hmm-hmm...
I will contact Elnan at the Grancel guildhouse. May the blessings of She Who Dwells Above be with you. Take care on your journey.