Part 31: Geez, is there anything this nutcase doesn't have up his sleeve?

-Factory City of Zeiss-

We've got a few orders of business before we hit Wolf Fort.



There's a job that can be finished while saying hi to everybody who pitched in on the Leiston Fortress caper...



...and speak of the devil, it seems the army command has asked for Estelle by name, ASAP.

I do hope there's no connection there.









Will you help with the investigation too?
Y-Yeah, that's the idea. So by the sign, do you mean the sign with the crest that hangs outside the branch?
Yes, that sign was stolen. There're no particular practical problems as-is, but the emblem is the symbol of the guild's mission and duty...
With that stolen, we can't just sit quietly.
I, I see...Yeah, kinda hard to ignore that.
Hmph, looks like someone's insulted us.
...So, how did it go down?
It was discovered yesterday around noon by branch bracer Wong. When he came back to report, he realized the sign was missing.
We think the crime happened during the day then. I was away at the time on other business, but a worker in front of the branch witnessed it.
It seems the criminal was a person in disguise.
D-Disguise?
E-Estelle...Could it be...
No...No way.
It seems you have a suspicion.
So...how about this?



This card was sent shortly after the crime was discovered. From the content, I assume it's declaring responsibility for the crime.
...
It seems it is certain.
*sigh* I knew it. It's him.
By 'him,' I assume you mean Phantom Thief Bleublanc?
I have heard about the events in Ruan from Jean. I suppose this case marks a challenge from Phantom Thief B.
Heh, interesting. It is a challenge from none other than my rival. Of course I shall accept.
I dunno, it seems one-sided, yeah?
Don't matter. He picked this fight. We've gotta take it back. Anyway, let's start our investigation with what the card says.
Let's see, the card's words...'In the city,' and 'the back of the forty-year-old man,' huh. Hmm, if we take it straight as-is, I guess we gotta look for an older guy.
Hm, certainly looking at it in a literal sense it would mean that, but...After the case at the school, I think it's clear that it won't be so straightforward.
Let's...not go searching the backs of forty-year-old men just yet. For one thing, we don't have any rubber gloves.
Those messages were all metaphors, weren't they? I wonder if this one is too.
Well, who knows...
No point in worryin' 'bout it. Let's start investigating the city.
Yes, I think that's the only real option. Well, then, I'll expect good results.
Heh, leave it to us.
Let's be off.



Looks like he just lifted the damn thing.
Bastard thinks he's clever, huh?
Hmm, without the crest there, it just doesn't feel right.
We really need to get our sign back...



Jinkies! If my recollections are accurate, that is approximately forty years ago.



Holy crap!
Find somethin'?
Yeah...You could say that.



That's his card.
So what's written on it?
One second...



Aaaaand that's it for our next hint.
Next stop's the Central Factory, then?
Yeah, we know the place, but...Who do you think this 'Wisest One' is?
It's not Professor Russell, right?
Well, whoever it is, we know where we'll find it. Let's go check it out.
Let's be off.
Yeah, let's go.



Ah, Father Vixen.
Um...Thank you again for your help before.
...I owe ya.
Father Vixen: Ohh, you look to be doing well. If you've recovered this much, then my worries are for naught. However, you mustn't overextend yourself, no matter how much you've recovered.
Yeah, I get it.
I mean, I'm not a kid. You don't need to fuss like that.
Father Vixen: Hmm. Well, as long as you understand. But remember, it was the will of the Goddess that saved you. It means you still have a duty that you must perform. Please, do not let the precious gift that is your life go to waste...Though this is but my own wish for you, mind.
...
Father Vixen: My, pardon me! That nearly became a lecture all its own. Please, feel free to drop by anytime. If I can be of aid, I will happily provide it.
All right. Thank you! Your concern is appreciated.



Rehmann: If things go pear-shaped when descending, there's not much we pilots can do. I bet the guys piloting the scheduled liners sweat over that way more than me.
Priam: *phew* That earthquake was quite the shock. Well, when you're shocked, you should have something to drink and calm down. So, how about a cold drink?




Simon: I-It's okay. I'm okay. *pheeeew* Deeeeep breaths...
Mirano: Simon, if you're rattled by a tiny thing like an earthquake, there's no hope for you in negotiations. Keep it together, will you. That earthquake...No way it could have reached as far as Bose, right? My mother would probably die of shock if she felt one of those things.



Igor: In my youth, we kept on experimenting right through a fire. I mean, look at Russell. You only get crazy hair like that when it all burns off once or twice. Really, the recent crop of researchers are such cowards. I'm pretty sure the story about Russell's head is a joke, though.
Freddy: Huh...!? I-Is it really you, Estelle?!
Freddy?! What the heck are you doing here?
You two know each other?
Yeah. He works at the orbal factory in Rolent.
Oh, yeah, how's the store?
Freddy: Well, I've left things in Rolent to my dad and came here to train. I'm learning about the new orbment models.
So there's training for that, huh.
Oh, yeah, you said you'd studied here before, didn't you, Freddy?
Freddy: Yep. Had the basics beaten into me when I was young. Well, I guess even now I'm having the basics of the new model beaten into me. Heh. By the way, Joshua's not with you?
Ah, y-yeah...
Some stuff came up, so we're, ah, working separately for now.
Freddy: Huh, too bad. Would've been nice to see Joshua too. But, I'm pretty happy just to run into you here. It'll be a good story to tell my dad once I get back to Rolent. Seems like you're doing really well. That's a bit of a relief. Anyway, good luck with your work.
Good luck on your end too, Freddy.
The Central Factory maintenance desk has a line of tier 2 quartz, but I wasn't able to put together any new arts with them. For now, I'll save my sepith.



Ah, hey, Hazel. It's been a while.
Yeah, it has.
Hazel: Glad to see you're all in good health. Hmm, I see...So that's what it was.
Huh, what was what?
Hazel: Ah, well, Kilika said she'd called for assistance. She must have meant all of you.
Ah, probably, yeah. We'll be in Zeiss for a while. We're looking forward to working with you.
Hazel: Yes, as am I with you. Well, then, good luck on your end.
Yeah, you too, Hazel!



Constance: You're that person who found me a book a while back.
Ah, yeah, that did happen.
Th-The memory seems really painful somehow, though.
Constance: Hmmhmm, don't worry. I don't intend to put out any new requests any time soon. There was a newbie posted here recently, so I'm leaving little tasks to her.
Huh, nice.
Constance: Well, for now. If something comes up that's too much for her, I'll probably ask the guild. I hope you'll help me out when the time comes.
Sure thing.
Constance: Thank you!



Muriel: Well, it's probably more like fifty percent earthquake, fifty percent lazy boss...Right now, I'm just an office newbie. Uuuugh. I'm getting sick of this. Rearranging books is soooo boring.



And Agate, too.
Hey, it's been a while.
Hi, Chief Murdock. Long time no see. Not since the birthday celebration, right?
Yes, indeed. Seems like a lot's happened since then. I'm glad to see you well.
Ahaha...Thanks, sir.
For the moment it seems like you'll be staying here to back up the Zeiss branch. It's very reassuring having you all here. I hope for the best.
Yeah, leave it to us.
Yeah, we'll do our best. That reminds me. I hear you'll be cooperating with the guild, sir.
Yes, Kilika rang me up after that earthquake. I'll be gathering information on whether or not there was anything out of the ordinary before or after that earthquake.
I've just started, though, so I don't have much for you yet.
Guess it's not that easy to get answers, huh.
Well, our next step is to check out the Wolf Fort, so...Good luck with the investigation within the city, sir.
Yes, if I find anything out I'll contact the guild. You all take care, Estelle.
Yeah, later.



Prometheus: It's weird. It doesn't share any similarities with our previous data on earthquakes. It may have been an earthquake caused by some special source.



Been a long time, guys.
Ahaha, yeah it has! You're looking well, Gustav.
Here on work again?
Yeah, we're filling in a bit for the Zeiss branch. So, we'll be in town for a bit.
Well that's good to hear. If anything comes up, you'll be the first one I call.
Yeah, leave it to us!
By the way, did you go see the professor yet?
Ah, we just went, yeah.
W-We got quite the reception from Tita.
Haha, I bet you did. She really does admire you, you know.
Tita's excited face...Haha, I can picture it. After all, she does adore you.
Hugo: We're scheduled to load the new engine onto the Arseille very soon. Right now I'm working with the maintenance chief to put together a plan for the job. I'm really relieved there was no damage from the earthquake. It would be pretty sad if our preparations for the work got delayed.



It'll still take me a bit of time to get ready. Once I'm prepared, I'll contact the guild.
Oh, hey, guys! I'm sure the device we're preparing now will be useful. We'll work on it as fast as we can, so wait just a bit longer.
What, that interested in my invention, are you?
Heh heh heh, look forward to it, then.



We're from the guild.
Karl: Oh, you came! H-Huh...?!
What is it?
Karl: No, you...Aren't you the person who delivered that prototype from Ruan a while back?
D-Did I?!
Karl: Yeah, I'm pretty sure. You came to the weapon shop with a black-haired boy.
Black-haired boy...That's gotta be Joshua. Hmm, thinking about it, I guess that might have happened.
Well, if you're curious, have a look in your Notebook.
More importantly, right now we should talk work.
Ahh, right.
Karl: ...So then, did you come because you saw the board?
Of course. Looks like you're recruiting testers for an orbal gun.
Karl: Yeah, actually, but...Actually I was just having problems because I wasn't getting many respondents. I know it's kinda sudden, but can I give you the explanation of the job now?
Yeah, go ahead.
Karl: Well, then, let me explain. As you know my request is a test of an orbal gun. I want you to check the reliability of this gun through live battle.
Check the reliability?
Karl: To put it very simply, I want you to test its endurance. All machines have failings you'd never know unless you used them. The causes of many problems are usually things no one even imagined during the development period. I want to pinpoint any hidden weaknesses, and strengthen the reliability of my gun as a weapon. That's the goal of this test.
Hm, I believe I understand the intent. To use a bit more specialized term...you want a combat demonstration.
Karl: Yes, exactly. Incidentally, are you the shooter who'll be doing the test?
Heh, it is a singular pleasure to meet you. I am the roaming poet and musician...the indomitable hunter of love...the one and only, Olivier Lenheim.
Karl H-Hunter of...?
Just ignore that. Sure, he might be a total weirdo, but his skill with a gun is legit.
Oh, what's that? Did I detect a slight imbalance of emphasis on the former part of your speech rather than the latter...?
Well, what does it matter? Everyone acknowledges your skills.
Karl: I-I see...Well, in that case I guess I'll trust you.
Hahaha. Consider yourself without fear, my good man.
Karl: (W-Will this really be okay...?) Uh, anyway...For now, here's the gun.
Sorry, Karl, but nobody else on the team is willing to handle guns, just in case that's what made Olivier the way he is.




Karl: As thanks for coming, I'll let you have that gratis.
Hm, well that is a most generous gift.
Still, this gun...It's got a somewhat...unique structure.
Karl: Haha, of course it does. I'd be more upset if you were familiar with it. After all, the drive portion of this is a new model I developed. How about it? Think you can handle it?



I'm sure that this gun will play a most beauteous harmony.
Karl: Gr-Great to hear...
If you're done stroking that gun, Olivier, we'd like to know more about the job.
We still haven't heard exactly what we should be doing.
Ohh! Haha! True enough. Well, please go on.
Karl: It's more or less as you said. Basically, I want you to wield this gun in live combat then come back with the results. I'd like you to test it over on the Tratt Plains Road. That way, even if trouble comes up, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Understood. The Tratt Plains Road.
Karl: At a minimum I'd like you to fight ten battles. Of course, I want you to fight them to the end. Fleeing over and over wouldn't be much of a combat test.
Hmm, let me check then...Go out onto the Tratt Plains Road equipped with this gun...Then fight about ten battles to victory there.
Then, once that's settled, come back here and report...That it?
Karl: Yeah, I think that should do it. If you don't have any more questions, I'd like you to get to it. Everything clear?
I'm still fuzzy on the details. Could we try rephrasing everything a few dozen times more?
Yup. I think we got it. We'll be back soon.
Karl: Olivier...I'm trusting you.
Famous last words.
Heh, worry not. I never disappoint.



The prototype isn't quite as good as the new gun you can buy in town, but it's free and it's only a few points off.



Ah, Dr. Miriam.
Thank you very much again for your help back then.
Yeah, I owe you.
Dr. Miriam: Agate. I'm glad to see you're well. How have you been since then?
No problem at all. I'm totally back to normal. Thanks for askin'.
Dr. Miriam: Well, that's good. It doesn't seem like there were any aftereffects, in that case. Hmmhmm, what an incredible recovery ability. I guess that's a bracer for you. Your body is your capital.
Well, that's Agate, anyway. If nothing else, he's a walking damage sponge.
Dr. Miriam: If anything comes up, stop by any time. Of course, I never want to see an injury like that again.
Yeah, no worries. I never wanna be injured like that again, anyway.
Dr. Miriam: Yes, don't forget those words. Do be very careful as you attend to your work.
Yeah, you got it. Well, see you later, Dr. Miriam.
Dr. Miriam: If anything comes up, stop by any time. I'll probably be right here if you need me.



Stay frosty, Antoine. We might have to scramble for another covert op at any moment.



Terry: I'm Terry! I was doing research on sneakers. Please say you remember me...
Ahaha, don't worry. I remember you. It was a job for Stregas! No way I'd forget a dream job like that.
So, still researching shoes, Terry?
Terry: Not anymore. Thanks to your help getting that data before, I was able to achieve my research goals. After handing the findings over to the Strega Corporation, my job was finished. Oh, yeah. I gave them your message like I said I would. I told them a bracer fan said she 'couldn't wait to see the new product.'
R-Really?!
Terry: Yeah, of course. The Strega developers were really touched. They were making jokes about making a bracer model next.
Aww, it was just a joke...?
Terry: Haha, who knows? I thought it was a joke, anyway. One way or another, I got more research funding. So right now, I'm looking for a new research theme. I might ask the guild for help again. I hope I can count on you like before if anything comes up.
Yeah. Don't hesitate to contact us.
Also, I'm sure you know, but...
Be sure to prioritize requests from the Strega Corporation, okay?! And if you need a bracer, I'm your woman!
Terry: Hahaha, understood.



Ray: Though, to be honest, I'll be leaving most of it to Terry. I wonder if there isn't some more interesting direction I could take using the greenhouse...




Ahaha, yeah, it has.
How's Capel doing?
Supervisor Travis: Oh, thanks for asking. It's doing great. There's no sign of any real damage from the earthquake at the moment. If needed, you can use it any time to look up things. After all, we owe you a lot when it comes to the Capel. I'd say you've more than earned the right.
Th-Thanks. Well, if needed, we'll be sure to make use of it.
Supervisor Travis: Sure thing. Any time.



The Capel has had a couple new entries since FC. One is official...





...the other seems slightly less so.





~=Ur SiTe N uR mOm PwNz0reD bY //XXbl00bl4nqf4nt0m69X//=~

H-Hey, this...Why the heck is something like this written in the Capel?!
How such a thing was accomplished, I do not know, but the data appears to have been overwritten.
Hahaha. Even for my enemy, I must say, 'bravo!'
Geez, is there anything this nutcase doesn't have up his sleeve?
Whatever. You wrote that down, right?
Yeah, of course.
Our next stop's somewhere in the town.
I believe we're searching for 'Three Hatted Brothers.' It must be a metaphor of some kind.
All right, that's plenty to work off of. Let's move.



Hey, don't you think this could be the 'Three Hatted Brothers'?



I see...Perhaps this is what was meant by 'brothers.'
Seems like it's the only building with three chimneys at different heights. I'd say it's possible. Why don't we check it out?

All right, found it!



*phew* I think this next step is the last. (Please let it be the last one...)
Still, 'chant to the Goddess' in 'the quiet earth,' of all things...
The 'quiet earth' is probably exactly what it sounds like: somewhere underground. The problem is 'goddess' and the incomprehensible part after that.
Well, for now, let's go 'underground.' There's only one place I think of when you say 'underground' in Zeiss.
Yeah, let's get goin'.



Faye: Been a while. How ya been?
Ah, Faye!
It's been all right. How about you?
Faye: Haha, things are crazy busy here as always. And thanks to you I made up with Brahm. So, I'd say my life's pretty good at the moment. You here on the job too?
Yeah, basically. So, there's something we'd like to ask you.
Faye: Oh, what's that?
Could you look at this?


Faye: Hmm...'The quiet earth...chant to the Goddess...' and a text string...What about it?
We think it's talkin' about this spot, but there's parts we don't understand. We're askin' you since we thought you might have an idea.
Faye: So, you think this message is about the basement factory? If that's the case, then...
Did you think of something?
Faye: C-Could this 'Goddess' be me?!
Er, uh...We're not too worried about that part. It's the bit below that. The number thingy.
Faye: Ah...R-Right. Right, this text string...C-26D-E. From the look of it, I'd say it's a product ID code.
A product code?
Faye: Yeah, all the things in the warehouse are organized by those codes. So, as long as you know the code we should be able to call it up by using the conveyor.
So, could you call out this number?
Faye: Sure. Wanna give it a try?
Yeah, if you would.
Faye: No problem! Gimme one second...



Faye: I'd like you to send item C-26D-E over here. Yeah, C-26D-E...Thanks, appreciate it. Well, you're in luck. They said they found something under that number. They're sending it out.
I-It really WAS here?!
Faye: Seems like the person in charge over there was pretty shocked too. Now, then, let's see what we get...







Faye: Seems kinda familiar...
*sigh* Thank goodness. FINALLY found it.
Faye: Oh! Isn't that the Bracer Guild...?
Yup.
Thanks. 'Preciate the help.
Faye: It was nothing, really, but...Why the heck was the guild sign in our warehouse?!
Ah...haha...Where to even start...? I'd sit down if I were you. It's a long story.











I had every confidence in you.
Glad we were able to live up to your expectations.
But, man, this time we really got jerked around by Phantom Thief B.
Yeah, feels like once again we got a good picture of how strong he is.
Maybe that was his goal all along.
He's trying to intimidate us by showing off his power, in other words?
Personally, I think Bleublanc is ten times more frightening now that we know he edits wikis in his spare time.
Dunno if he thought it through that far, but still...
One way or the other, it's obvious he's no ordinary foe.
Be sure to tread with caution.
Wise words from a wise woman.
Yeah...
This task is officially complete. With that, I'd like for you to return to your main mission.
Got it.
If you'll excuse me.

Now to prepare for Leiston Fortress.



Elkan: That earthquake was a shock, but I'm not that fussed. Earthquakes are just a natural phenomenon that periodically occur. That's it. I would hope that the people of this technology town would respond a bit more calmly.
That all depends on how much of their technology can rattle off the shelves and smash into a million pieces.



Estelle's laundry pole and the loot armor from Chapter 1 all hold up pretty well against Stain's wares, and Olivier has his test gun, but there are a few good upgrades here.



Ben: Yeah, you're the bracers who brought me that Acerbic Tomato!
Ah, you remember us?
Ben: Heh, you bet I do. I owe you a lot. My 'bitter tomato cooking' is pretty popular now.
...Seriously?!
Y-You're kidding, right?
Ben: Hahaha. No kidding, right? Those researchers can't get enough of it. It's got a rep for being the best cure for a little fatigue. You can imagine why scientists would be all over that kind of thing.
Hmmm, I dunno. I still struggle to understand how the benefits would outweigh a flavor like that...
Ben: Hey, since you're here, give my new recipe a try! What do you say? It's my treat, of course. Eat some of my super nutritious cookin' and keep up the good work, and you'll go far. I guarantee it! Catch y'all later. Lookin' forward to your business.




Elwyn: I refuse to give in to any earthquakes, so we're open for business today too!



Bell Station has the latest Liberl News, and some freeze-preventing woolly hats that will come in handy soon.

Next stop: Leiston Fortress.