Part 35: You really have become much more of a true bracer.

The stone circle is right next door to another ancient tower.



-Tetracyclic Tower-









Another weapon-element addon like the Sapphire Talisman.






So many Poms.



If there's a way to get through this room without tripping over at least one of them, I don't know it.





Some of the Spike Jellies can spawn with six Shining Poms, although none of them did this time.









Tita's base damage is as good as Agate's right now, although her S-Craft is weaker and she lacks any sort of Cute Rage cheese.



The Flame Velgrs have a nasty AoE, but they're easy to handle if you can blind them with Smoke Cannon and/or knock them away with Flame Smash.





If you thought Agate was getting hit on a lot before, just wait until everyone gets a load of his new heelys.





I'll miss the Laundry Pole's extra range, especially against exploding monsters. Oh well.



Speaking of...



-Obstructive Existence-











-Tetracyclic Tower-









And that's it for Carnelia Tower.



-Factory City of Zeiss-



Erick: Are you looking for something?
Er, aren't you the one looking for us?
Erick: Me looking for...? Wait. Ah, are you guys bracers, then?
Yeah, we saw your request on the board.
Erick: Ah, th-thanks for coming. I really am in a bit of a fix. Anyway, do you have time to hear about the problem?
Yeah, sure. To get right to it, it sounds like you're looking for something.
Erick: Yes, I'm looking for some small orbment parts. I was going around checking to see if the equipment in here was unharmed...And I guess they all spilled out of the hole in my pocket while I was moving around.
You had a hole in your pocket?
Yeah, that'd do it.
Erick: Y-Yeah...This is totally my mistake. I knew it was starting to tear, but, well...I was freaking out when the earthquake happened, and I just stuffed them in my pocket without thinking.
So, they all fell out while you were walking around...I see, I think we get the situation.
So the job's to find those parts?
Erick: Yes, that's right.
But, many orbment parts are very small. Searching for them sounds like it could be quite the task.
Now that you mention it, that does sound like a pain.
Erick: Yeah, I think so too. But fear not! I have a secret weapon for you.
Getting some other suckers to do it? I don't know if that would work twice.
A secret weapon...?!
Erick: Please use this.

What's this?
Erick: Er, so this is a bit of an oddball metal detector we've invented. This metal detector can pinpoint specific metals. In other words, you can select a specific material to search for.
Th-That does sound pretty incredible, but...
What does it have to do with the job?
Erick: A lot, of course.
I think I get it. If we set it to search just for the kinds of metals used in the parts...
So it will only respond to the parts, then.
Ah, okay. So that's how it works.
Erick: Yes, exactly. Get close to something that looks promising, then use the detector. If there are any parts, there should be some kind of response.
Yeah, got it.
The machine'll help, but we'd like to cut down the areas we have to search, too. When you dropped the parts, do you remember where you'd been?
Erick: Hmm...I was in the workshop on the third floor and the lab on the fourth floor. I've already checked the elevator and hallways. So please just focus your search on those two rooms.
The third floor workshop and the lab on the fourth floor...All right, got it.
Erick: I think there should be about eight parts that I lost. If you could find at least half, it'd be a big help.
Well, we'll do our best. If we find any parts, we'll come back here.
Erick: Yes, please do. I'll also ask you return the detector then.
Got any other info? If not, we'll be going.
Erick: Ah, yeah, there is one more thing. Give the Lab on the fourth floor a real one-over. I played with Antoine while I was up there for a bit. I'm sure I probably dropped a bunch of parts there.
Antoine...You mean the cat living in the factory?
Erick: Yeah, that Antoine. He can be pretty cute, but this time I'm annoyed with him. Well, I mean, I'm not trying to blame him, but I'm sure I lost a lot of parts playing with him.
Awww, now I feel kinda bad for Antoine.
Well, let's get movin'.
Erick: Good luck! I'm counting on you guys!
Roger that. We'll be back when we find something.

This metal detector is not very user friendly. You have to use it from your Items menu, scan a tiny area, move five feet if you don't get a response, then repeat until you find some parts.















There are only seven parts to find in the Central Factory's workshop and lab. For the last, you have to remember a simple but universal truth:



Cats are assholes.



Antoine, you sneaky little cat! So you were carrying one of the parts!
That one would've been easy to miss.
Come to think of it, Erick said he played with him for a bit. Maybe he found the part and carried it back with him?
I think so, but...
For him to bring it with him? Man.
Antoine: Myaon?
Hmhm. Sorry, Antoine. We have to take your toy away.
We'll get Erick to make it up to you. See you later, Antoine.
Antoine: Nya~on.



It's going okay...I guess. For now we'll report what we've got.


Erick: Wait, did you...D-Did you really find all eight parts?
Oh, did we get them all?
Erick: I-Incredible. I'd totally given up. A-Anyway, if you could give me the parts and the detector. *pheeew* Thank you so much. I didn't think all the parts would be found.
Ahaha, glad we could find them for you. Will this be enough for the job?
Erick: Yes, of course. I kind of feel bad making you go this far. Ah, right. That reminds me, I had that...Here, please, take this. It may not be much, but think of it as a symbol of my sincere and super relieved thanks.


Now this is pretty sweet. Keep it on your best caster whenever possible.



Wow, thank you!
Are you sure we can have it?
Erick: Yes, don't worry about it. You really saved my butt. Anyway, thanks again for today. Thanks to you guys I should be able to catch back up on the work I was doing.
That's good, but...
Um, you should really fix the hole in your pocket.
Erick: Ah, y-yeah, I probably should. Guess I'd better find a sewing kit.
If you need help with that, just contact the guild. We'll arrive anytime, thread and needle in hand.
Erick: Ahaha, thanks for your thoughtfulness. Anyway, thanks again for today. I hope to see you again...You can leave the thread and needle behind, though.
Yeah, next time.
Well then, later.



This monster is practically on the doorstep of Leiston Fortress. Why couldn't the army handle this one? They have gunships.

And Cid. And Cassius.



-Obstructive Existence-



This bounty monster actually has a halfway decent variety of backup.









guys I think Chain Craft might be kinda op



The Bloody Saber has Death Throes just like the others, but he was the last enemy to drop.



-Border Patrol Isn't Easy-







I know we were just here to help with the training, but it still makes me feel kinda nostalgic.
Heehee! I kinda thought that, too.
It was night when we were here last, so it feels different, though. Happier, maybe?
Well, we DID break in not that long ago. Looking back on how good we did makes it all the better.
Erm, wait a moment...you actually...? I'm, um, a little amazed you managed to break into the legendary Leiston Fortress! (I'm also not sure I should be hearing that...)
Eh-hehehe...Leeeeet's just say we had a trick up our sleeves and leave it at that!
Anyway, let's get this measuring thingy set up!
Ah, it might be a good idea to get permission from the gate guard before stickin' anything in front of the fort. Kilika should've called ahead, so this should be a snap.
All right, then!



Private Samuel: I'm sorry, but civilians are not permitted entry at this time. I'll have to ask you to leave the premises at once.
I know how guarding can be, Samuel, but switch the brain back on for a second here.
Um, but we're from the Bracer Guild...
Private Samuel: Oh, right, you folks. Command already passed down word. You need to place some form of measuring device near the gate, right?
Told you it'd be quick. So it's cool if we put this thing wherever?
Private Samuel: You have permission, so go right ahead. Wherever you want. Well, anywhere except the road itself, if you don't mind. We would prefer to keep that open for vehicle traffic.
Sure, no problem. Okay, let's find a good place!
Okay!



Hmmmmm. Let me think...





And Zeiss is in that direction, so the angle...Yep! This'll be perfect!
I know it's right in front of the sign, but right here is the best spot for it! Should we set it up?



Okay, I'll start setting it up. Gimme juuuust a minute...



Well, flip that switch as hard as you can!
Flipping...NOW!

*bop*

Yay! Now it works!
Great work, shortstuff.
Man's Voice: Well, it looks like you're certainly keeping busy.
Huh...?
Another ambush?!



Cassius...!



I know it's a little late, but good work with your training, Estelle.
Heeey! 'Good work'?! You don't know the half of it! What are you doing here, anyway, Dad?
Haha! Well, I AM a member of the military, just in case you forgot. This is the strategic headquarters for the Royal Army, so most of the army brass works here.
Oh, okay.
So you WERE put in charge of the army, huh?
Yes...thanks in no small part to Morgan absolutely refusing to let go of the idea...In the end, let's say it came down to a battle of wills, and I lost. Thanks to that, I've not had a moment's rest in...days? Weeks? I can't even track the passage of time anymore.
Heh, for a workaholic like you, what's the problem?
Haha! Come on, Agate, be nice.
I have to admit, though...seeing you in a uniform again felt weird as heck at first, but...Now that I've gotten used to it? You really look at home in it.
Heheh! Naturally! You realize, of course, that you gaze upon he who was once the Great Dandy of the Royal Army! Even Richard wasn't half the lady-killer I was! Knew it, too.
I'm sure Mom would be thrilled to hear that, Dad.
Haha...I'm still glad. I'd heard you were really busy, so I've been a little worried...but it looks like you're okay.
I'm surviving, at least.
Anyway, Jean passed along the report from the guild. So. They've begun moving already. You found one in Ruan.
Oh...Yeah.
Yeah, we found one. A foot-soldier of Ouroboros.
Like the report said, those sons-of-dogs are probably even more dangerous than we'd figured. Any chance the military's got an ace in the hole for those animals?
Hmmmph...Honestly, if I could put together an agency to replace the Intelligence Division, that'd help...I've only just gotten the regular army and the border garrison welded back together and cohesive, though. And that was a challenge.
For the moment, we've little choice but to rely on the resources of the guild to investigate. I'm hoping you can look into these bizarre earthquakes we've been having while you're at it.
Son of a...Figures.
So you're relying on me for once, Dad? Don't worry, I'll shower you in filial piety! And success, too.
Haha. First time you've ever said something like that, Estelle. You look very good, too. You really have become much more of a true bracer. I'm sure Joshua would be impressed as well.
Oh, uh...
Haha, I, uh, guess so...
Man's Voice: General Bright!



Yo, Cid. Good to see you again.



It sounds like you've met recently.
Yes, sir. It was during the special training I mentioned. It was a huge success thanks to them.
I see. It's good you took the initiative so well in my absence. Now that you're a lieutenant colonel, I'll be expecting even greater things from you, you know. Otherwise I'll never be able to properly retire!
Well, we can't have you retiring too early, sir. At least wait until General Morgan has retired first.
*sigh* And that'll be when he keels over at his desk, most likely...
Anyway, Lieutenant Colonel. It sounded like you had some business with me.
Yes, sir. General Morgan will be arriving earlier than expected. He is due at the landing port within the hour.
For the love...That man has exactly zero patience, I swear...
As you can see, I've a meeting with some of the brass to attend. I'm sorry we can't talk longer, Estelle.
No, it's okay. I'm glad we got the chance to chat, even for a little bit.
So am I. Agate, I'm sorry to ask it of you, but please continue to watch over Estelle. She's a full bracer now, but she still lacks experience.
No worries, Cassius.
I see you're keeping up the hard work too, Tita. I imagine she can be a dunderhead of a sister sometimes, but help Estelle out as best you can, okay?
Heehee! I will, I promise!
Oh, oh! About the analysis of the Gospel unit...Grandpa said he found, um, an 'unexpected hint.' I think he'll want to talk to you soon.
I see. Sounds like we can expect some headway soon. Give my best to the professor when you see him.
I will!
And...Your Highness. You have my deepest gratitude for helping my daughter.
I'm aware of some of your other...concerns, however. I think you should discuss them with a few of the people you know. Not just Her Majesty, but Captain Schwarz and General Morgan as well. They both worry after you.
...I know.
I intend to explain it to everyone soon, and make them understand. This journey is something I need to do in order to find myself.
Haha! I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for, Your Highness.
Thank you, General Bright. It gives me strength to hear you say that.
Well, if you'll pardon me.
I won't have time to do much to help you directly, but if you find something too big for the guild, contact me any time. I'll help you as much as I possibly can.
Yeah...I'm counting on you if it happens, Dad.
Good luck with your work!
Haha, I'll need it to keep Morgan off my back!
Let's go, Lieutenant Colonel.
Sir!



We'll need to do our part as the guild and more!
You got it. Let's get some answers and leave the old man speechless. Anyway, that's two devices down. Let's go set up the last one.
Okay!