Part 122: Not that we can solve something like this just by waving our hands...

-Town Where The Lights Went Out-



Claire: Aaaah, Schera, too!
Hmhm! Hello there, Claire.
Have you been well?
Claire: I'm always well! Reporters have to be healthy to chase after the big scoops, you know. But why are three awesome, famous bracer stars here in Rolent now...? Ohhh, I know! You're investigating the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon, right?
Welp, she's as sharp as ever.
I'm impressed you know such a big phrase.
Claire: Freddy's been talking about it. The floating island is really weird, but the weirdest thing is what's happened to the orbments. I'm gonna get the scoop of the millennium on this! Just you wait! The number one topic on everyone's mind is the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon. But today, I've got an appointment to go to Armand and Ellie's wedding. I managed to get an invite from a person on the inside, so I'll be covering it. Gotta lock down that local news, or the readers lose interest!



Pat: Estelle, Joshua! Welcome back! You two are finally together again!
Yeah, finally, right?
Hello, you two. Sorry I've been gone. Haha, you're both as energetic as ever.
Luke: Heheh! Darn right! Are you guys working today?
Pat: You're investigating why the orbments aren't working, I bet.
Essentially, yes. Not that we can solve something like this just by waving our hands...
Luke: Aww, that's obvious. You want to investigate something cool, investigate that weird flying island in the sky!
Trust me, if we could, we'd be over there in a second.
The road lamps have been shut down, so it's dangerous to head outside the city. Luke, Pat, don't go out onto the roads.
Luke: Haha! Yeah, another crisis, we know. It's kind of a bummer, but we'll stay inside the city, don't worry. Okay! Let's go, Pat!
Pat: Uh, yeah! See you later, Estelle!



Melders: And Joshua's here, too!
Paddington: Haha. Been quite a long time, young man.
I'm glad to see you two are the same as always.
Melders: Yep, same old, same old. This city's got a lot of old machines. As always, I've got my hands full running around workin' on 'em.
Paddington: Mmm, as he said, those old doodads are always breaking down. He's having a look at the clock tower for me now. Darned thing's stopped running!
Oh, yeah. Totally forgot about the clock tower.
The clock itself is an orbment, right?
Melders: Yep. All the orbments in town have stopped working. Well, it might be fruitless, but I figured I could at least oil the parts.
Paddington: You all should hurry home. Don't just work all the time, and don't forget to enjoy your stay while you're here.
Haha, yes...
Yeah, we'll take it easy.



Melders: Still, why have all the orbments stopped all of a sudden? That strange island up there must be pulling some kind of nasty trick.



Alan: Back again, huh?
Yup.
It IS somehow comforting to see you in the same place as always, Alan.
Alan: Yeah, well. I'd LIKE to say it's business as usual and I just spend my days tallyin' the score...But with the airships the way they are, I'm exhausted!
Yeah, I'll bet...Gotta explain to a lot of angry customers why they can't go anywhere now, right?
That sort of thing is always a bed of thorns.
Alan: Well, yeah, that part sucks a lot, too. More importantly, no airships means I can't keep score! Girls are scarce enough around here! I need tourists! And that's the only part of this job I even enjoy! Aidios, have mercy...
You really HAVEN'T changed at all, have you, Alan?
Alan: Sure, dealing with the customers is hard, but the real problem is there aren't any girls! The girls are the only reason I like this job! Aidios, have mercy! Send me some honeys!
Linde Passengers: No airships today either, huh? Not like I expected much different, but...
'We have no idea when service will resume.' I mean, is that really an answer? I mean, even if it's a bit of a lie, I'd like to hear an answer that gives me some hope. Right? You understand, right? You get what I'm saying!
Exactly the kind of attitude I'd expect from somebody who'd line up in the middle of a national blackout to complain about not being able to go on vacation or whatever.



Captain Grandt: I sent the crew who have family waiting back to Grancel, but who knows when we'll need them again. I've never heard of orbments across an entire nation simply ceasing to function. Combined with some of the other recent goings-on, I suspect we still have some struggles ahead of us.
Crew Mem. Timon: So strange...I've never seen a problem like this before. Normally there's some kind of sign before an airship has mechanical trouble. The engine block overheats, a rattle in the hull, that sort of thing. But this time there was absolutely nothing. It was all so sudden, like someone just began turning off our engines mid-flight. There was no sign of this trouble at all in advance. I was even looking at the instruments as it happene, which made it even more unbelievable. Without a sound, the output gauge just slid down to zero.



Lita: Um, thank you for everything during the fog trouble. Don't worry about me. I'm back on my feet and everything! See?



Hello.
Mylene: Oh, hello, Joshua! With Estelle again? Goodness, how long has it been since both of you were in our house together...
Since...the robbery, I guess.
Has it really been that long?
Man, that feels like years ago!
Mylene: It shows how much you've grown. I'm sure work is keeping you busy, but since you've come all the way back home together...Do try to find some time to relax and enjoy it.



We still owe you much for your help with the fog crisis.
It's okay, Mayor Klaus. We didn't really do much.
Fog crisis...?
So the society hit here, too, then.
What's going on now makes that look like a spot of bad weather, though. Is...this phenomenon really affecting the entire kingdom?
Yeah...everything.
Every single orbment in Liberl's borders is currently non-functional, essentially without exception.
And thanks to that, all forms of transport are non-functional, most forms of heating, or cooking...If this continues much longer, daily life as we've known it will be nearly impossible for many people.
I see...It's as dire as I feared. We need to think of some kind of response, and urgently.
I dunno, Rolent doesn't seem as bad as some other places we've seen. Sorta seems like everyone's just going about things like they always have...except for Mr. Melders, I guess.
That's a good point. It certainly isn't like Bose or some of the other large cities.
Hm. I suppose it's because Rolent does not rely on orbments as heavily. As far as orbments go for civic functions, they're raelly just used in the clock tower and the airships at our landing port.
It likely helps that the people of Rolent have always been fairly...'laid-back.' I think our people will take to even this crisis with some measure of calmness.
Hmmhmm! Wouldn't surprise me.
Yeeeah...The joys of living in the 'boonies,' as Kevin put it once, I suppose.
One way or another, however...we must be ready to help one another in these troubled times. For my part, I am currently taking stock of what aid we can offer the other provinces, and making plans accordingly.
It'll be appreciated, I'm sure.
If you need the guild's help, just contact us! You'll find the guild's phone is a liiittle more functional than others right now.
I'll keep that in mind. Well, then, everyone. Good luck to you. To us all.



Groom's Family: I'm kinda worried. Hopefully he doesn't mess up...
Hmph, you don't have to have a ceremony on a day like this...I told the groom time and time again that he should delay it. But he's pretty stubborn. He wouldn't hear a word of it.
We're going to have the reception party in the local bar. I heard the food there is really good, so I'm looking forward to it.
Sister May: I shall guide you, so take one step forward...And place the ring you have on the left ring finger of your bride.
Armand: O-Okay...Got it.
Sister May: You should practice it before the ceremony. When you're nervous, you won't be able to do even the most simple things. Hmm-hmm. Once the exchange of rings is finished, then it's time to seal the oath of love with a kiss. W-Well, I'm sure you've practiced that enough, yes?
Armand: My family was against having a wedding at a time like this. I really want us to be husband and wife properly with the blessings of the Goddess as soon as possible, though. Ellie and I talked about it and decided on a time.
Bride's Friends: At first I was happy to come to my friend's wedding, but...Now I'm all worked up. I feel like I need to find someone for me soon.
At first, I couldn't believe it when I heard that Ellie was getting married. *sigh* I guess I've really been beaten to the punch.
Bride's Family: The entire kingdom's having trouble right now. This is my precious granddaughter's wedding ceremony...I hope it goes okay.
They said we can't go into this room right now. Mmmmrrrrrr...I really wanted to see my sister's dress, too.



Ellie: Your little girl's going to be a bride today. I'll finally wear this dress. It's very lovely, and I'm sure you'd like it, Papa. I hope you will continue to watch over me.
Bride's Family: Other married women are helping us get her dressed. It makes me smile to see that sense of community still remains in Rolent.
Serra: Oh, will you be going to the wedding, too? You're still a bit early. I'm about to go dress the bride.
Euridice: Oh, no. You shouldn't be over here. You're going to wear the bride's dress soon, after all. You can look forward to the ceremony.



Father Divine: Is that Joshua there?
Yes...I'm back.
Father Divine: I've been waiting. Hm...You seem much more at peace. Very calm. Have you discovered the road you must walk?
Yes, somehow...
Father Divine: ...Estelle, Joshua. Right now, the world is descending into chaos. However, no matter what happens, you must not lose sight of yourself. The light of hope that guides us...It exists nowhere but inside your own heart.
Yeah...I understand.
I shall keep those words close.
Father Divine: Hm, please do. Now, then, I would love to talk more, but...Things are incredibly busy at the moment, so let us stop here for now.
Ahaha...Sure.
Yes, another time, then. Thank you, Father.



Freemont: It needs to be ready to ship, and besides, I need to get to church! It's Armand's wedding, after all!



Elissa: Oh, is that...?
It's been a while, Elissa. It seems you're doing well.
Elissa: You're FINALLY home! I was really worried. After all, Estelle ALWAYS seems to be dragging around other men these days. Made me wonder if you guys hit some sort of snag in your relationship or something, you know?
Ah...haha...Well, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to make you worry.
Oh, Elissa. Your worries are always so...unique.
Elissa: So how about it, you two? You can take it easy this time around, can't you?
Mmmm...I'm not sure that we'll get the chance the way things are right now.
Well, I suppose a little wouldn't hurt. Even we still need our days off. We're only human, after all.
Elissa: Well, come by when your work is done, then! I want Joshua to test some of my best recipes.
You've got some new recipes, huh? I'd absolutely love to try them out.
Yeah, we'll come by for a meal!
Elissa: My recipes are on the menu, too. One of them is a really popular dish. I'm pretty proud of it, so make sure you give it a try.




Faulkner: Th-The sun's still high in the sky, so you're still working, r-right?
Yes, sadly. I'm still on the job.
Faulkner: *phew* (Thank you, Aidios.)
What's with that relieved sigh?
Faulkner: N-No, it's nothing...Um...Well, then, we'll be waiting. Good luck with your work.



Densel: And hey, Joshua's with you today.
Hello, it's been quite some time.
Densel: Yeah, glad to see you're well. Here in Rolent for work again?
Yeah...Things are getting pretty crazy, after all. Everything okay with you, Densel?
Densel: Well, not being able to use the orbal oven hurts. After all, of all things to be going on during this mess, we have a party reservation today.
P-Party?
Is the food prep going okay?
Densel: Heh. I may be down an orbal oven, but no professional was ever stopped by losing one of his tools. Of course, I wouldn't mind getting that tool back eventually...I'm counting on you bracers to make it happen!
Ah...Yeah!
We'll do our best.



Tabitha: I've been waiting for you two. You've finally come back.
Ahaha...Sorry to keep you waiting.
It's been a while, ma'am.
Tabitha: Oh, come on! There's no need to be so polite. But you two've come back at a hard time.
Ah, yeah...
Is the business faring well?
Tabitha: Yes, my husband and Elissa are managing to hang in there. But, getting stock will become a problem soon. After all, scheduled liners and freight transport are both stalled.
As I thought, distribution will be a problem...
Tabitha: As the coordinator for the store, it's quite the headache. *sigh* Why do terrible things like this keep happening...?
I know what you mean...
But us bracers are doing our best as well, to make things better even by a little. It may take some time, but we'll put things back in order.
Of course, it's not just us on the case. The Royal Army is also putting together a plan of action. Do your best, Tabitha, until our actions begin to bear fruit.
Tabitha: So just hang in there, in other words? Well, we'll just have to make do with the store somehow for now. Of course, I'll be expecting a lot from you guys.
We'll try to deliver just that.



Sorry I've been away, Fate.
Fate: My goodness, you've matured into quite the man in the little while you've been gone. It's a relief to see you two together, though. You seem to have become quite a bracer, along with Estelle.
We're managing, somehow.
Fate: And things have gotten crazy all across Liberl, it seems. I'm sure Cassius is even busier now than he's ever been. I hope you two will work just as hard and bring some honor to that badge you wear.
Yeah! We'll do what we can.
If anything happens, please, contact the guild.
Fate: I will. You two be careful, yourselves.



Kitty: We've had a lot of customers today. I guess that probably has something to do with all the orbments stopping. Everyone seems to be looking for emergency gear. If there's anything you're looking for, please don't hesitate to ask.



Rinon: At long last, the two of you have made your long-awaited appearance!
Uh, appearance? We're not ghosts.
You're the same as you ever were, Rinon.
Rinon: I'm always as good as my business. And business is great! W-Well, I guess I do have a vague sense of unease about my future...
Huh?
Did something happen?
Rinon: N-No...Never mind. Well, putting me aside, this is your first time back home in a while, right, Joshua? Times may be hard with all the stuff going on right now, but I hope you'll have the chance to take a breather soon.
Yes, well...
By the way, Rinon?
Rinon: Hm? What is it?
Is that a new employee over there?
Rinon: Y-Yeah...She's s-something like a part-timer, or a freeloader...My mother brought her, so I'm having her help around the store.
I-I see...(Sounds like he's in a tight spot...)
Rinon: The store's been running pretty smoothly ever since Kitty arrived. She's really opened up to me. We're practically family now! And don't get me wrong, that's a good thing, but...I just kind of feel like a puppet being strung along sometimes.



Freddy: ...J-JOSHUA?!
Hey, Freddy. It's been a while.
I made extra sure to bring him out here.
Freddy: No KIDDING it's been a while! You been well? Feels like a million years since I've seen you two together.
Haha, well, kinda...
You don't seem to have changed much, Freddy.
Freddy: I'm doing okay personally, but...Unfortunately, the factory's in a real spot. This is gonna sound weird as Gehenna I know, but we can't offer any services...
Oh, right, of course. Don't worry, though! I THINK we have a little something to help with that.
Freddy: Huh, what's that?
Let me explain.


Freddy: Th-That's an incredible piece of equipment. Yeah, I've got no objections. Try it out immediately.
Thanks, Freddy.
Well, just let me borrow the equipment for a moment...


Freddy: Whoa...The machines are actually working again. All right, let's finish what you need done while it lasts. Whenever you want to use the factory just bring the equipment. I'll gladly tune your stuff any time.
The guild's doing the best it can to determine what's happened. It may take a while, but please be patient and hang in there.
Freddy: Yeah, I'll try and do my part. Well, then, everyone. Good luck with your work. In times like this, the only people we can count on are the bracers, after all.
Yeah!
We'll do our best to live up to your expectations.



Elger: Oh, Joshua. Finally back, huh?
Hey, Elger. Glad to be back.
Elger: Yes...You look a lot more mature. Seems like you've had some worthwhile experiences.
Yes, a number...
Still, I know I made everyone worry.
Elger: Haha, you're a man. That's part of the job. Joshua, you're the pride of this town; our favorite son. Welcome back...Stay a while, and listen.
Thank you...Once I've completed some work, I'll be glad to do just that.
Elger: Did you already see Stella? If not, you should go pay her a visit. She was worried about you even more than I was.



Stella: ...Oh? Oh, my! Is that you...Joshua?
It's been a while, Miss Stella.
Stella: It...it isn't a dream...It really is little Joshua! Oh, where have you been?!
I'm sorry...to have worried you.
Stella: Oh...! I shouldn't be blaming you, should I? I'm sure this must have been hardest on you above all.
Stella...
Stella: Joshua...Raise your head. We're just happy you've come back to Rolent. So don't make such a face, okay? A grim look like that is just too sad when we haven't met in so long, right?
Haha...you're right.
Stella: Yes, yes. Young people need smiles. You can overcome anything life throws at you with that smile!





We're back!
Aina...Hello.
Schera, Estelle...Joshua?!
Oh, thank Aidios, you're safe! I was so worried! Something bizarre happened at the tower while you were there...
It got a bit hairy, yes. But we managed to come out with MOST of our limbs.
I imagine things have been no picnic here, either.
Yes...There's been a lot of frightened talk, but no one's done anything foolish. Yet.
Father Divine and Mayor Klaus have both been working hard to keep everyone calm. It's helped.
I see...
Putting all that aside, though.
Joshua...I'm glad you've come home.
Yes...
I'm sorry I caused everyone to worry.
Hmmhmm! It's all right.
As a guild receptionist, you bracers are a bit like my children. Especially when it comes to a certain pair of someones whom I gave their first Bracer Notebooks to.
The mother in me is just glad to see her child return safe.
Aina...I don't...
Hmmhmm.
Ahaha! Told you everyone still cares, Joshua!
Anyway, Aina!
There's, uh, kind of a lot to talk about, actually.
That floating island to start with, yes?
If you have ANY idea what that thing is, could you tell me?
Right. It began with...

I see. So that's the Aureole. It isn't even close to what I thought it might be...
It sounds like there's little we can do about it for now.
Yes...Frustrating, but there it is.
We need to restore some semblance of order before worrying about anything else.
And it'll be nice to have a working phone, in that case.
Could you go ahead and get us set up, then?
Yes, just a moment...






It should work now. You won't be able to make calls until the receiver's phone is also functional, though.
Thank you! This is a big help.
Thank you, everyone. I'll repay you for this someday.
Hmmmmmm, well, in that case, your treat the next time we go out for drinks, then.
Haha! All right then.
Well, good to know there are some constants in the universe...I suppose...
We must depart soon to assist the other guildhouses. Before we leave, though, is there anything else we can help with?
Hmm. Since you offered...
Would you be willing to check the board for jobs? Also, if you could make a quick patrol circuit of the outskirts of Rolent, I would appreciate it. I'm rather worried about the Malga Mine in particular. Ridge went out there...
Huh? Did something happen at the mine?
No, it's nothing serious. He was just on guard duty. You remember how the cave-in a while back opened a tunnel to a monster nest, right? A few days ago, the mining crew began a serious effort to close that tunnel off.
And then right in the middle of that...I can understand your worry.
Yes, if you have some time, it would be nice if you can check on them.
Okay, sure. We'll check all the places outside town we know're inhabited, like Tio's place and the mines.
Yes, let's keep an eye out.
Hmmhmm. I appreciate it.



There's one more bounty in Rolent, further down the road.





-Obstructive Existence-



More Ouroboros heavies, backed up by Renne's toys.



Just like before, you can counter these with anti-Petrify, anti-Poison, and ADF boosts.





See?! See?! I was right about the poison!













Next time, we'll check out Malga Mine.