Part 8: I'm not trying to brag, but I'm all muscle, so I wouldn't make a tasty meal!

Welcome back. Last time we had sidequest fun. It was fun. Now it's time for non-sidequest fun. For the mayor, even.





But first, we need to finish up the last sidequest from last time.

Freddy: Oh hi, Estelle. From the look on your face, it seems like you finished the job.



Although we did have a few hang ups...

We thought we'd report to you as a matter of good measure.

Reported the events which occurred on the Milch Main Road.

Freddy: So it really was burnt out, huh? I'm sure it happened because we were late replacing it. Sorry, kids. You were put in harm's way because of me.

It was pretty fun, don't worry about it.

There's no need to apologize. It comes with the territory.

Dealing with dangerous jobs is a part of a bracer's work.

Freddy: I appreciate you saying that. Oh, I know. How about I give you this to make amends?

Received Impede 2 quartz.

Oh hell yes.

This is a quartz?

Freddy: Yep. It's an Impede 2 quartz. It can prevent an enemy's arts. It can be pretty useful if you use it effectively.

Thanks!

We appreciate it.

Freddy: No, thank you to the both of you today. If you need to discuss anything about orbments, then stop by anytime. Don't forget to swing by if you have any other business needs.



Anyway, Impede 2 is a pretty great quartz. Like you can see, it has a 50% chance of cancelling enemy arts when you whack them with your weapon of choice. It also has an elemental value of 3, unlike all the elemental values of 1 we've seen so far. This means if we give Estelle another Wind aligned Quartz, we can unlock Aerial, a moderately powerful area of effect art. We also get Sylphen Guard, which boots agility by 50%. Can't say I've ever really used it.



Next, we go and visit the mayor, whose house is pretty much the size of the rest of the town. Let's ignore the potential corruption scandal and go see what the man wants us to do.



Being as busy as he is, I'm sure there's a pretty good chance that he's out.

Mayor Klaus: Well, bless my soul. If it isn't Estelle and Joshua.



I hope we're not disturbing you, sir, but we've come on behalf of the Bracer Guild about a job you requested.
Yes, I heard from the guild that the two of you would be coming. So, you're taking over your father's work while he's away, are you?

Klaus has a big head, and so his screenshot snips off his rather impressive beard. Sorry Klaus.

Well, we're trying to at least...

And so far, a couple of unfortunate deaths aside, we're doing adequately.

I'm very sorry about my dad reneging on his promise like this.
There's no need for apologies. Knowing your father, it's typical for him to be swamped with work like this. Anyway, with Lita and my wife out and about, I'd like to move this conversation somewhere else. Why don't we head upstairs to my study and go over the details?



That's my favorite kind of request!

] And it's for that reason, I think, that asking the guild to do this job may have been a bit presumptuous. Unfortunately, I'm unable to get away from my work, and I had to break down and ask the guild for help.
We were informed that this job involves the transport of a certain something, but what is it exactly that you would like us to carry and where?

And would this transport have anything to do with why you have such a nice house?

Are... Are we gonna be mules?

I would like you to pick up a Septium Crystal from the Malga Mine and deliver it here.

Aw man, guess not. We don't get to do anything fun.

When you say septium... Do you mean like, sepith that we often come across?

Accurately speaking, sepith is fragmented septium which is too small to be used as precious stones. Therefore, this sepith is refined and processed into quartz which can be installed into orbments.

I'd complain about Joshua going all cap'n exposition, but I can't imagine Estelle actually knew. I don't think she slept through school so much so as she occasionally got schooled during her sleep.

So that's the difference, huh? I think I've got a better grasp on things now.
We've actually been able to obtain a certain kind of septium called [esmelas] from the Malga Mine since the olden days. However, since a large piece of this crystal was recently discovered, I've asked the mine chief to hold onto it until someone could pick it up.
So, you'd like us to pick up this crystal from the mine chief and bring it here, is that correct?
Precisely. So, what do you think? Is this something you think you can handle?
The transport of a precious gem, huh? It'll be a nice change from fighting monsters. Should keep us on our toes, too...
All right, we'll do it!
I appreciate your willingness to help. Please take this with you.

Received Mayor's Referral

If you show that to one of the workers, they should let you into the mine. Good luck.

Anyway, you remember where we found the White Bracelet? And the Firefly Fungus? Yeah, we want to go there again. I'm sure you're thinking, couldn't we have done that all in one trip?

Yes, yes we could have.



Miner Landan: If you're not here on business, then I'll have to ask you to leave.

Believe it or not, we are here on business!

He probably doesn't believe it. Fortunately...

Rolent's mayor, Klaus, has asked that we come here and pick up a certain septium crystal.

Estelle shows Landan the Mayor's Referral.

Miner Landan: Well, all right then. If you've got a referral from the mayor, then that's a different story. I don't mean to make your job any more difficult, but would you mind going inside and speaking with the boss directly? I'm supposed to stand watch out here.

Sure, that's fine but... why the boss? We're actually here to see the mine chief.

Uh, those are basically synonyms, Estelle.

Miner Landan: That mine chief you're talking about is actually our boss, Mr. Gaton. He manages the mine and all of its workers. He's the kind of guy who enjoys discovering a septium lode more than eating three meals a day. I'm fairly sure he's working down in the lower tunnels today.

Thanks for the tip. We'll go see if we can locate him.

---





Looks that way to me. How about we get in and see where it takes us?



Is this really even a question? Of course we're riding the mine cart.

It's basically asking “Are you a cool person/Are you kinda a boring drag?”



Yayyyyy!!!!



No wait damn it, I don't think that's right. Anyway, there's a miner here, and we could talk to him, but...



He'll just tell us to flip the switch. In a lot more words.



Why doesn't it work?
There's orbal energy running through it, but it appears to be mechanically locked.
Maybe we should go back and ask that miner about it.



So yeah, go back and hit the switch again.



Miner Miles: But...since you don't have one of your own, I'll help you out by lending you mine.

Borrowed Elevator Key.

And now, ride back...



And flip the switch again. We're the kings of flipping switches, aww yeah.



And there we go. You made mine carts boring. I'm so disappointed in you game.



We should be able to get the elevator working this time.

Used Elevator Key.

How about we head down into the lower tunnels?



There are no enemy encounters, but there is a healing station.

If that isn't a giant flashing neon “Shit's about go down” sign, I don't know what is. Beyond a literal giant flashing neon sign, that is.



We're playing “19th century Labor conditions”! It's not very fun.

You're the mine chief, right? Boy, am I glad to see you. We've been searching all over this dank place for you.
We're with the Bracer Guild, and we've come today on behalf of Mayor Klaus.

Handed over the Mayor's Referral.

Mine Chief Gaton: Hmmm, I see... So you kids are bracers, are you? That's quite a feat for being so young.

Tee hee. It's not that big of a deal.
By the way...you're supposed to have some sort of crystal for us, right?

Mine Chief Gaton: Oh right, give me a second. This little baby is something you don't see every day. Which is why I've been keeping it as close to myself as possible.

The mine chief pulls a large-grain crystal from his breast-pocket.



It's pretty sparkly, that's for sure.

I've never seen a crystal THIS big before.
That is impressive... There seems to be light swirling around inside, too.

Mine Chief Gaton: It's one of several types of septium. Specifically, it's an esmelas crystal which is endowed with the power of wind.

You might remember (you don't), that the nearby tower we went to earlier was also called Esmelas Tower.

Mine Chief Gaton: For a gem of this size, you're looking at a hefty price tag. I'm talking about a small fortune here. Make ABSOLUTELY sure that this gets to the mayor.

R-roger that...

Yeah sure, the mayor. Let's do that and not skip town and live like a princess and her manservant.

Received Septium Crystal.

It's soooo...beautiful... It feels like I'm carrying a little fairy in my hand...



Estelle proceeds to (I assume) chase her ponytails. Like my cat and his tail. My dumb, dumb cat.

This is super fun! Check this out, Joshua!
That's nice and all, but... How about you stop horsing around? If you drop it we could be in some real trouble.
Fine, you big killjoy.

Estelle put the crystal away in her pocket.

Well, I guess that's that. We'll get out of your hair now, Mr. Gaton, but don't worry, we'll make sure this gets to the mayor.

Mine Chief Gaton: I'm counting on you kids.



Mine Chief Gaton: Huh...?

What's the matter?

Mine Chief Gaton: That's odd... The airflow down here suddenly shifted...

The airflow...?
(This scent. It's...)



Is... Is it over?
Was that an earthquake just now?

Mine Chief Gaton: No...it seems that there's been a cave-in somewhere within the mine. I wonder if one of the miners hit a patch of loose ground. I'd better check on the extent of the damage...

Look out, Estelle!
Wha...





The name is somewhat misleading. They're more Mild Injuring Crabs.



Admittedly, starting the fight with two S-Crafts on the ready helps.



Wh-why are there... Do you usually have problems with monsters like this?

Mine Chief Gaton: No, this is the first time we've ever had anything like this happen down here! Monsters have a predisposition which attracts them to the glow of septium...so we've had a lot of them wander into the mine in the past, but...

Judging from the situation... It may be that the recent cave-in opened up a hole connected to a den of monsters.
D-did you say a den of monsters?

Man, I hope these miners get some nice risk compensation. Mining next to some random pockets of monsters sounds pretty terrifying.

Mine Chief Gaton: It's not inconceivable... But, this is no time to be standing around thinking about it. I've got to get the other workers out of here!

If that's the case, then how about letting us help you out?

Mine Chief Gaton: You're kidding, right?!

Monster extermination is right up our alley and besides, every minute counts.

Mine Chief Gaton: You're right...some extra help would be much appreciated.

So how many miners are we looking at in all?

Mine Chief Gaton: There should only be a total of four miners working here in the lower tunnels.

Got it! Now let's go find them!

Mine Chief Gaton: Sorry about all this... Oh right, take these and use them if you need to.

Received Tear Balm x2.

Anyway, let's go save some miners.



Miner Bones is a terribly unfortunate name.

Miner Bones: I'm not trying to brag, but I'm all muscle, so I wouldn't make a tasty meal!

Miner Bones is also a liar.

Miner Trent: All this flab would be terrible for a monster's health!

Trent is an honest man, though.



There are a variety of AoE spells. Some can be targeted anywhere, some are centered on an enemy of your choice, and some have different radii. Aeriel is the former, which makes it pretty versatile.



Yesssss, walk into my trap, my pretties.





It packs a pretty punch.



Miner Bones: Th-thank you for coming when you did...

Miner Trent: Oh man, for a minute there, I thought I'd never be able to sit down for another meal again...

Mine Chief Gaton: This is no time to feel relieved! We need to evacuate this place!

Moving on.



Miner Heinrich: H-hey, idiot! If you've got time to pray to the Goddess, then how about helping me take care of these creatures!



This dungeon is pretty fun. Since you've got the healing station, you can basically blow all your EP with reckless abandon, which is a good time and a half.

Is everyone all right?

Miner Pierre: W-we are now...thanks to you kids. This must also be the divine work of AIdios.

Checkmate atheists.

Miner Heinrich: If this was really the work of the Goddess, then she wouldn't have allowed us to get into this mess in the first place.

Miner Pierre: It's because of unbelievers like you that unfortunate accidents like this happen!

Miner Heinrich: How about you try and say that again, buddy?!

Miner Chief Gaton: Is this really the time or place for that kind of nonsense?! Now get out of here!

Miner Pierre: R-right away, boss!

Let's keep it going.

Miner-in-Training: Things weren't supposed to go like this... I don't wanna die! I haven't even had a girlfriend yet! Heeeeelp!

Lose the fedora. There, we helped.

Mine Chief Gaton: What?! We've still got another one down here?!

We'd better hurry and rescue him!



I am the puppermaster, dance my puppets, dance.



A handful of monsters are no match for the likes of a bracer.

Miner-in-training: Did you say b-b-bracers?!

No. We said bracers. C'mon man.

Mine Chief Gaton: By the soot on my boots, you're... the new recruit from yesterday! Why on earth are you digging down here in the lower tunnels?

Miner-In-Training: I was hoping to get a glimpse of how all you veteran miners work done here... yeah, that's it...

That hangs together.

Miner-In-Training: ...when suddenly, the wall collapsed and a flood of monsters came in from the other side.

Mine Chief Gaton: So we've got ourselves a veritable nest of monsters now, huh? It looks like you guessed right, kid.

So it seems...

Miner-In-Training: The area up ahead is dangerous. It's swarming with monsters. A-anyway, I'm outta here!



Would ya look at him run... He must've been really scared.
I bet...

That's everybody, so we can blow this joint.



Mine Chief Gaton: Yes, that should be everyone.

All right, then let's get out of here ourselves.



Miner Bones: I'm sure glad you're safe!

Mine Chief Gaton: You can thank these kids for that. By the way, is everyone accounted for?

Miner Landan: Yep, everyone's here. Well, except for the new guy who took off like a bat out of hell... The poor guy must have wet himself scared.

Mine Chief Gaton: I see... Well, I hope he doesn't give up on being a miner after this. Anyway, there's a high possibility that there are monsters still in the lower tunnels. Until we can confirm that it's safe, I don't want anyone using the elevator, you hear me?



Miner-In-Training: I never expected monsters to surface or bracers to show up. I guess I just have to report the truth about everything that happened.

Gasp! Quelle surprise!



Don't sweat it. We just did what anyone would have done in our position. And besides, it's all a part of our training to become full-fledged bracers.
By the way, what do you intend to do about the lower tunnels?

Mine Chief Gaton: I don't know, but we'll figure out some way to deal with it. There's always the option of sealing off the monster den with some explosives. Anyway, I may ask the guild for help if we run into any other serious trouble.

Sure, you can count on us. And we'll make sure this crystal gets to the mayor as intended.
You did make sure that you didn't drop it...right, Estelle?
How rude. I'm not that careless. Look, it's right...
...

Welp. We had a good run. Let's hope Cassius has a pretty giant nest egg built up, or else we're not gonna be in a good place from here on out.



Y-you didn't...

Mine Chief Gaton: Y-you lost it?!



Psych! I've got it right here! Let's go make that delivery, shall we?
You are unbelievable...

Mine Chief Gaton: Young lady, those are the kind of words that'll give an old man like me a heart-attack...

And that's the end of that. Let's head back. Skip town and live la vida loca.

---





And we walk in on the mayor alone with a high schooler. Forgetting skipping town, I've got a much better money making plan, and it rhymes with extortion because it is extortion.

I'm totally blown away after hearing that.
With war, it's easy to speak of tragedy. But I think what's important is the strength to overcome the pain and establish peace.
Well, who do we have here...?
We've come to deliver the object you requested. Um, did we catch you in the middle of something?

Something... scandalous?

Oh, Estelle and Joshua. You're no trouble at all. In fact you've come at a good time. Let me introduce you to my guest. This is Josette. She's a student at the Jenis Royal Academy.

We've actually seen here around town a couple of times, although she only just got a portrait.

The Jenis Royal Academy...
I've heard of it before. It's a boarding school for higher education in the Ruan Region, right?
Yes, that's right. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Josette Haar.
I'm Estelle. It's nice to meet you, Josette.
You can call me Joshua.
The two of them are actually bracers. I had asked them to do a personal job for me.
Bracers?! You mean the proud knights of freedom who love peace above all else and do not succumb to any power?!

Yeah, sure that's totally us. We're great, and not kinda irresponsible and moderately competant.

This is such an inspiring moment! I never thought I'd run into any real bracers!
The inspiring part sounds a little much... By the way, is it all right if I just call you, Josette?
Yes, please do.
So why did you come to Rolent? Are you a friend of the mayor's?
No, today is actually the first time we've ever met. I'm researching the important cultural assets of each region as a part of my independent studies. And although I thought he might be busy, I've been lucky enough to get an audience with the mayor.
You're really serious about your studies, aren't you? Maybe we're intruding a bit, huh?
No, I've already asked the mayor enough questions. Instead...maybe it is I who am in the way.
Don't be silly. It's not like that at all. Estelle, this is a great opportunity, so how about showing her what you've brought with you?
Sure. Hold on a second...



What a wonderful glow it gives off...
Yes, and its size is impressive, too. This is, indeed, a gift worthy of expressing the appreciation of all Rolent's citizens.
A gift?

For us, perhaps? Please?

Worthy of expressing our appreciation...
I see. So this is a gift for the Queen's anniversary.
You're sharp, Joshua. I intend to send an engraved orbment using this to the Queen. As a token of Rolent's citizens' appreciation to Her Majesty, who will be turning 60 years old.
So it's a present for the Queen!

Yes Estelle, yes it is. Good job only slightly trailing behind the conversation.

How delightful!
We, as citizens of Liberl, owe Her Majesty a great debt for all she has done for us. In fact, the reason why we can use an airliner with such ease is because of the support of the Royal Family.
I've even heard that the Bracer Guild in Liberl has received support from the Royal Family. We do owe her a great debt of gratitude.
Wow! That's pretty amazing!
And can you believe it, Joshua? We carried a present for the Queen with these very hands!
And what's more, you ran around with it in those hands like a wild maniac.

That's a once in a lifetime opportunity right there.

You weren't supposed to tell anyone!
Ha ha...
Ha ha ha. I wouldn't have imagined anything less from you, Estelle.
Y-you guys...
Here you go, Mayor Klaus. It has been faithfully delivered.

Gave Septium Crystal to the mayor.

Thank you very much. And as a matter of precaution...



Okay. It'll be safe in there.
Now all that's left is to have Melders Orbal Factory finish up the engraving on its orbment! I can't wait to see what it'll look like when it's done.
Don't hog it all to yourself when you do! Let me see it too when it's finished, okay?

You somehow didn't break it in the mines, but lightning doesn't exactly strike twice. So maybe no.

It's too bad I won't be here to see it for myself. But today I was lucky enough to speak with the mayor and see something as beautiful as that. How shall I ever thank you?
Don't mention it. This is all part of my job as a mayor.
Thank you for everything. But I think it's time for me to say goodbye.
I think we should be going ourselves.
Agreed. Have a nice day, Mayor Klaus.
Yourselves as well.



Yes, that's right. School's about to begin.
I see. So you used your school vacation time to come here.
That's too bad. We could have made great friends.
I hope we can meet again sometime.
There's nothing I would like more. Please have a wonderful day, Estelle, Joshua.



For looking like someone from a rich family she wasn't snooty at all.
Yeah...
Joshua? ...Oh? Could I be correct in assuming that...
...she's your type?
What...?
Wh-what are you talking about?
You're blushing! I'm really surprised! I had no idea that you were into the rich girl type. We'll have to get some pick-up lines ready for the next time you meet.

I'm sure Estelle's idea of a pick-up line would be equal parts disturbing, awkward, and hilarious, but I get the feeling Josh ain't interested.

Quit getting all excited about nothing.
Especially when you have no idea what others are thinking...

And what do you know, I was right.

I mean, I have played the game multiple times so it's not that impressive, but small victories..

Huh?
Just never mind...
Anyway, let's report to the guild. The next job we're doing for Dad will be the last one.
Oh, right...
All right, let's get pumped and knock this last one out!

Next time: We get pumped and knock the last one out!