Part 75: Beyond here it is a battle of wills. Now, overcome it with your love and courage!

The last of Rolent's six fishing spots is back where Luciola was lurking.



-Secret Green Passage-





-Border Patrol Isn't Easy-



Percy: Well, then, let's hear how it's going.


Percy: Hmm...Th-This is...I never thought there would be hidden fishing spots in places like these! This is incredible! Truly a perfect report!
So, then...
Our job's done, in other words?
Percy: Yep, that's what it means. But first, let me just say good work.
*phew* Mission accomplished, then.
I'm a bit tired from walking all over.
Yeah, it was kinda hard, but...
I got to fish for the first time in a while, so I'm pretty happy. ♪
Hmmhmm, seems it was a good break.
Percy: Well, glad to hear that. I've left the formal reward with the guild, so that's taken care of, but...Since it's come up, here, take this too.

Oh...!
Percy: Heh heh, pretty nice, right! It's a specially-made rod exclusively for big catches. I'm sure you'll be able to use it. Let me offer this as my personal thanks for a job well done.
Y-You sure? This is an awfully nice rod...
Percy: Yep. Positive. The Fisherman's Guild does not hesitate to invest in the development and standardization of fishing culture. Ooh, but anyway...can't stay to chat...I've got to get back to the capital and deliver the investigation report.
Ah, okay...
Well, then, take care on your way.
Percy: I guess this is goodbye, then...You really helped me out today. Keep up the good work, okay? If you get the chance, drop by the headquarters in the capital.
Look forward to it!
I'm not sure how useful a fishing guide would be if it directs readers to 'The Sewers' or 'Some Guy's House.' Oh well.





CWO Ashton: Sounds like all the credit goes to you guys again. With your help, Luke's even regained consciousness.
Ahaha, nah, we didn't do anything. It's all because you were there to keep the city safe, Mr. Ashton.
CWO Ashton: Thank you. Your words are a credit to my men. I'll be expecting more good things from you in the future, bracers. If we all join hands and act in unison, this peace should be stronger than ever.
We'll...be sure to do that. After we leave.
Keep up the good work, Ashton.





-Obstructive Existence-



Mistwald is actually crawling with these guys, but they weren't worth enough XP for me to bother with at this level.



The Picorns can Seal with their melee attacks or Plasma Wave...



...and the Death Speculars can Confuse.



But they're still weak to Earth, like all the fog monsters and demonic drain clogs so far. You know how this goes.





True Composure's heal gets jumped up from 800 HP to 3100.











-A Cat Relaxing in the Sun-



Franz: Seems we're in your care again, and not long after that monster hunt from before. I heard from Father Kevin that apparently this is all thanks to you.
No, no...I've still got a lot of work to do. This case made that pretty clear.
Franz: Haha. That's enough humility from you! It's the unique privilege of the young to be able to reflect honestly on their mistakes. Be sure you treasure that feeling.



Will: When I woke up, there was this really weirdly dressed priest guy, and I was kinda scared. But, he was actually kinda fun! And he had a reeeally cool weapon, too. 'Specially for a priest. Haha. I hope he comes by again.
Chere: Father Kevin sure is nice. It was fun talking to him, and he played with me, too! He's kinda like Joshua...



Heya, Tio!
How are you feeling?
Tio: Fine, totally fine...Kevin told us all the details. I just can't help but cause you worry, huh, Estelle? But you don't need to worry anymore. Everyone's just fine!
Yeah, I'm glad...I really am.
Tio: I was a bit surprised when I woke up, though. That guy, Kevin, was right in front of me.
Ahaha...Yeah, I can see how that might be a little surprising. Or...freaky.
Hmm-hmm. It's not as if he has what you'd call a 'common' look.
Tio: Yeah, I didn't believe he was a priest at first. But he really looked after us. We didn't really get a chance to show it, but we're very, very thankful to him. He even played with the kids before he left. He really looked after us right up until the last minute.



Hannah: I know how much we owe you. As my way of saying thanks, please accept this. It's our own special blend of tea.
N-No...I couldn't! Kevin's the one who did all the work, ma'am.
Hannah: Haha. You're just like him. That priest said the same thing.
Ahaha...Did he, now?
Hannah: It's not as if we're strangers, you know. You don't need to be so formal with me, Estelle. When you're being offered something out of the goodness of someone's heart, there's nothing at all wrong with just taking it!
Go ahead, Estelle. I understand you're just trying to be polite, but this is Hannah. She's not going to judge you.
Y-Yeah...
Okay, then.


And we get free tea out of the deal. Victory again.
Hannah: When you get tired, drink that and it'll put some spirit back in you.
Wow! Thanks, Hannah!
Thanks, indeed! We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Hannah: It's the least I could do. For as young as you are, you're remarkably good at holding back your true desires. But sometimes, it's more polite to give in and tell people what you want! Just close your mouth and accept what you're being offered. No 'buts!' If you have the time, please do come by and visit again.





-Obstructive Existence-



Excuse me while I shed a tear here, because I can't just cheese everything with Titanic Roar any longer. The little bastards in the back will shred you if you try it.



They reflect all arts attacks. You do not want four instances of Roar damage rebounding onto a single party member.





The Quakes have a very nasty full-screen attack with a chance to Blind.





Aside from their arts-proofing, the Shells are no threat. Agate and Tita could take them out easily leaving Estelle and Schera free to Roar the big fish down.







The real problem with World-Shaker is its low delay. The Quakes can spam the hell out of it.









The Critical turn bonus also affects heals. I never knew that.













-Provincial City of Rolent-



Anton: Help me find a way to get closer to that gorgeous woman...
...*ahem* Uhh, got a sec?
Anton: Hmm? Oh, um, hello! Are you from the guild, by any chance?
Yep, that's right.
We saw your post on the board. Would you be Anton?
Anton: That's me! The one and only Anton from the capital! And though we've only just met, my request is fairly urgent. I don't think the job'll be too hard, though. What do you say? Are you ready to hear me out?
Sure thing. So, what is it you need us to do?
Anton: R-Right! Well, you see...I'd like you to gather ingredients for a certain medicine. Errr...Here's a list of what I need.

Okay, putting aside the monster bits...I'm not too familiar with what a Pearlglass is, but it does sound familiar.
Anton: Pearlglasses are river fish. I need their livers to make the medicine I want. They're found primarily in freshwater rivers with a lot of floating water plants.
Freshwater...Plenty of plantlife...
...All right, got it.
Anton: Done writing it down? G-Great! It's all you, then. Don't let me down, guys!
Huh? That's it?
Hold on a second. We've still got questions.
Anton: Huh? Why? What more do you need to know? I gave you lots of details...
You said you were making medicine. What kind of medicine is it? And for what purpose? We need to know both its name and intended use.
Anton: Wh-Why should I have to tell you that?
Sorry, but we can't be too careful. For all we know, those ingredients could make a deadly poison. We just need to confirm that's not the case.
Yes, exactly. If you've nothing to hide, then it shouldn't be a problem to tell us.
Anton: ...I suppose that makes sense. All right. What I'm looking to make is a medicine called 'Diaset's Secret.' For a while after you take it, no amount of liquor can get you drunk. I heard about it from Father Divine, so I trust that it works as described.
Whoa. Not even a little drunk? That's pretty incredible, actually.
Hmm. How curious. How...interesting...
Hmph. What nonsense. Drinking without getting drunk is...I mean, what's even the point of drinking in the first place?
The way you drink's kinda messed up in the first place, Schera.
Why would you want a medicine like that, anyway?
Is there some upcoming party you cannot gracefully extricate yourself from?
Anton: Sort of...You might say it's a drinking party. And no, I can't back out. So that's why I need the medicine. Yeah, let's...let's go with that.
Ha! I understand the feeling all too well.
Do you really need to get THAT drunk, though?
Can't you just drink a little and stop?
This is ridiculous. Trying to cheat your way out of a good buzz is an insult to responsible drinkers everywhere!
C'mon, Schera. Responsible drinking? You?
Anton: Anyway, are you satisfied now?
Y-Yeah...
I suppose. Once we have the ingredients, we'll come back here and deliver them to you.
Anton: Awesome! Thank you! A-And good luck. My future depends on it, so please don't take this request lightly!
Can't see how on earth your future depends on this, but...sure, okay!
Anton: Oh, Goddess, I beseech thee! May these bracers safely find the ingredients for the medicine.
As you've seen, Pearlglass can be caught in a few places around Rolent and elsewhere. The Bamboo Fishing Rod with Dumplings works best. It's possible to catch one using the plain old Progress Rod and Earthworms, but the odds aren't great.
Hey, Anton. Got a sec?
Anton: Hmmm...? Oh, wow. Back already?...Could it be?! Did you bring the ingredients for the medicine?
Right you are! Go ahead and check 'em out.


Anton: Ohhh! You did it! You've got them all! Thank you! Thank you, bracers! Whoo-hoo! Come on, let's go get this baby made!
We're coming with you?
Anton: Naturally! You're the ones who helped make this all possible. It's only right that we taste this sweet moment of truth together!
I kinda get the sentiment, but...this is just weird...
Well, whatever. Let's go with him and get this job closed out.
How could we refuse an invitation to bask in his glory?
Anton: That's what I like to hear! Off to Father Divine we go!



Father Divine: ...Hm. Thank you for waiting. The medicine is done. Here, take it. This is Diaset's Secret.
Anton: *g-gulp* This is the medicine I've been looking for! This is it! A medicine to keep you from getting drunk, no matter how much you drink...
Father Divine: That is true...However, that effect is only applicable if you follow all directions and use the correct dosa--





Whaaaaaaaaaaat?!
D-Did he just say Aina?
Yes, he certainly did say Aina.
Mmmm...I can't let that go.
Anton: Yeah, that lovely lady in the guild! She's apparently a heavy drinker, but that's no problem as long as I'm prepared! If I drink this medicine, I can invite her out and survive!
You made that medicine to take Aina on a date...?
That's both gutsy and...kinda pathetic...
Still, thinking about it, this might be a golden opportunity. If we miss this moment, no one might ever drink Aina under.
Ha! I like the way you think. I'd love to see Aina get crushed under the weight of her liquor for once.
Anton: Ohh! So you'll help? I'd like you to find a way to invite her out from the guild.
Heh, a noble mission. We will endeavor to do our utmost to aid you.
...Would meeting up at the bar work?
Yes, that should be fine. Once she hears there's drinking involved, I'm sure Aina will show up.
H-Hold it, Schera.
Now, what's the problem? We're already on board with it. We should always strive to go that extra arge for our client. ♥
Riiiiiight...
(She just wants to drink, doesn't she...?)
Anton: Man, I knew I was right to hire bracers! You really do care about your clients. I'm heading to the bar, so see you in a bit!
Yes, let us be off, brother!





Father Divine: *sigh* That young man is far too hasty...I still haven't even finished explaining the medicine.
Awww, I'm sure it'll be fine. I doubt that Aina will take up the offer anyway.
Just you watch. Anyway, come by the bar if you're interested. I'll drag Aina there later.



Seems like Schera and Aina aren't here yet.
Something may have come up at the guild.
Well, let's take a seat and wait for a bit.
No...Looks like we won't need to wait.
Wh...



Will the guildhouse be okay?
Yes, I'm having Ridge mind the front of house for now. An important part of the receptionist's work is to talk with clients, after all.
Anton: Forgive me for making you come out here when you're so busy.
No, don't let it bother you. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?
Heh, then let us begin.
Anton: Y-Yes, please.



Hm, it seems she used talking to a client as an excuse.
Well, it is KIND of a consultation, but...
I wonder if Aina will get mad.

-Welcome to Le Locle-



To this wonderful meeting of minds.
Hmm-hmm, yes, let's.
Sure, I don't mind, but...Um, are you okay, Anton? Drinking before a consultation...
Anton: I-It's okay! Bring it on! I may look like this, but my tolerance for alcohol is pretty a-amazing! Hahaha!
Is that so? I guess you really can't tell by looking.
Heh, well, then, cheers!



But, if Olivier's participating too, then...
...Did he have some of that medicine?
Yeah, you're probably right. I doubt he would look so relaxed if he hadn't.



Ahhhh, really. What a joke, Aina.
Yup...



May I inquire as to the nature of your request?
Anton: Y-Yes...So about that...



Yes...?
Anton: P-Please go...Please go out with me!!!
...Go out...You mean...like that?
Anton: Y-Yes! Please! I-I cannot bear to live without you anymore!
W-Well...That's rather sudden. I'm not sure how to respond.
Heh, I can understand Aina's confusion. The bonds of man and woman are not such that rationality might know...They are not a problem that one might solve through thinking.
Anton: B-But, I need to have some kind of solution! Am I just supposed to live, crushed under the weight of these feelings?
Heh, fear not, young man. I have an excellent plan. Shall we settle things with a contest?
Contest...?
Meaning?
The battle stage, a bar...Having said that, the 'weapons' at your disposal should be clear.
Anton: I-I see...
A drinking contest, then.
Well, now that's an interesting suggestion.
Still, it would be unjust to cast poor Anton into this ring as such. Let us attach a handicap to Aina.
All right, but...what kind of handicap?
I shall take the field with Anton. In other words, you shall contest the two of us.
All right. I accept your challenge.
Hmm-hmm, now we're talking. I will serve as referee, then.
However, I have my own condition.
Anton: Wh-What condition would that be?
We'll use the strongest liquor they have here. I apologize, but I can't waste too much time on this.
U-Understood...(A-As expected from Aina.)



Faulkner: This is enough to make a Rhinocider go cross-eyed.
Thank you, Faulkner.



Now...Shall we begin?
Heh, I am ready.
Yes, let's.
Anton: A-All right! I'll try my best!



Yeah...Let's see if those two can make it.



Anton: Ghhh, really hits ya right in the gut!
Heh. I have cleared five myself, as well.
That would be ten between the two of you, then. A pretty good pace, I'd say.
Yes, really...Perhaps too good, though. If you blow through it too fast, the liquor will hit you all at once, you know.
Anton: No, no. I wouldn't get drunk over THIS.
Indeed, and my liver feels especially strong today as well. Now, let us keep up the pace.



I wonder if this is the effect of the medicine.
Still, Aina's color hasn't changed at all.
W-Well, she IS Aina. But, this might be a better match than I'd thought.



...And? How are you two?
Anton: I-I've finished t-t-ten...
That was my tenth as well.
Well, then, they are also at twenty...You're evenly matched.
My, what a surprise. Your pace hasn't slowed at all since we started drinking.
Anton: Heh heh. J-Just like I said at the start, right? But, I gotta admit my throat's burning a bit.
Y-Yes...It feels like it's been scorched.
You don't feel it at all, Aina?
Oh, is something wrong with your throat? Do you have a cold?
I-I was asking the wrong person, it seems...
If you're not feeling well, don't force yourself. I don't want to cause trouble for the store, after all.
Anton: Y-Yeah...
Hmph. Let us continue our match.



*cough* *cough* Ahhh, even my stomach burns.
Anton: ...
Hmm...?
Anton?
Anton: Ah...?! Wh-What is it?
Are you feeling okay? It seemed like you spaced out there.
Anton: N-No...I'm okay, of course.
(Anton! Keep it together! The medicine's effect hasn't faded yet!)
Anton: (Y-Yes!)
(Aina's already drunk quite a lot herself...No matter how strong a drinker she is, her limit should be close.)
Anton: (B-But, Olivier...She doesn't seem bothered at all! Just look at her. She's not even the slightest bit red!)
(*gulp*...)
What is it, you two?
(Tch, if you're a man, then be not troubled by such trivial things! Beyond here it is a battle of wills. Now, overcome it with your love and courage!)
Anton: (G-Got it!)
Are you sure you're okay? If you're not feeling well, then you should give up sooner rather than later.
Heh, thank you for your thoughtfulness, but we have no intention of surrendering.
Yes, yes, this is where things REALLY get started. Now, let us continue the match.



Anton: N-Nummmber eight...teen!
M-Me too! Eighteen!
Gentlemen, you're not looking very good. Do you intend to keep going?
Ha. Ha. Ha. What a thing to ask now.
Anton: Haha, yeah. If I backed down now, I couldn't really be called a maaaa...Eh?







Hhnnn...
They are...completely intoxicated. Seems the medicine has worn off.
Really, that's too bad...Today I thought I'd see Aina get sunk in her cups. *sigh* I guess that medicine was only a veneer of strength in the end.
Medicine...?
Er...So actually...



Oh, Father.
Um, what brings you here?
Father Divine: I heard two youths were having a drinking contest. I had a suspicion and...It seems I was correct.
Yep, they're totally trashed. Seems like the medicine wore off, so...
Father Divine: No, normally that medicine should last for an entire evening. However...Most likely the two of them shared it between themselves. Without the intended quantities, the effect won't be what is expected...
Ah...
Haha. So they earned what they got.
Father Divine: Everyone, make sure you obey usage instructions when taking medicine.
*sigh* I think I see what's going on. I thought it was odd for Olivier to suddenly invite me.
Ahahaha...I guess that's just going to strengthen his trauma, huh?
Father Divine: Anyway, I will take responsibility for taking care of these two. It seems they've imbibed quite an unhealthy amount of liquor.
Yes, please. I need to be getting back to the guild.
Father Divine: ...
What is it?
Father Divine: Aina...You smell strongly of alcohol yourself. You've had quite a bit yourself, it seems, but are you not drunk?
Me? No. This was hardly anything. I drank, sure, but that was just barely enough to be social.
Whaaat?!
Hmmm, impressive...
Seriously, you're a bottomless pit...
Father Divine: ...I see. Well, then that's fine. It's true you do smell of liquor, but you don't seem to be drunk.
Then, if you'll pardon me...
Well, Scherazard. Take care of the rest, thanks. Oh, yes, and you can put it on Olivier's tab.



That part of you that never misses anything is what I...lo...*blorf*

-Provincial City of Rolent-



Circumstances aside, I really have to thank you guys.
Uh...You're welcome, I guess?
By the way, what happened to Olivier afterward?
Don't worry. Father Divine gave him a clean bill of health. He's a bit slow on the uptake right now, but I'm sure he'll be able to do his job just fine. He's upstairs if you need him.



D-Did you need something...?

I'd call this a job well done. Let me know if you finish any more requests on the board, all right?
Another of the better hit-effect quartz: 10% chance of instakill. It doesn't break like Deathblow 2, either.



Anton: I...don...veel so goo...Uhhhhhh, uhhhhhh, ughhhhh....
Ricky: The parish chief treated him, but...Seems like Anton's still feelin' pretty bad. Might not be able to leave him alone for a bit. No big surprise there, really. The guy can barely handle beer and he downed glass after glass of strong liquor.



Alan: You just came home. Sure you can't stay around for a while?
Yeah, sorry...There's kind of a lot going on.
Once our current job's done, I totally intend to come back and take a load off for a while.
Alan: You really should. We'll be waiting! Anyway, your tickets've already been paid for by Aina. Ready to check in?
As always, we should wait for the ship once we check in. Do you have any other business in Rolent before we go?



Alan: All right, then! I'll give the guildhouse a ring and call the other members of your team.