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A Holistic View of Climate Change: Let’s Play Atelier Shallie DX! ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S NOTE FROM September 2020: ‘Sylphid’ posted:As you may recall from years ago, I started and finished an LP of the PS3 version of Shallie. At the time this was the markedly inferior version of the game as Shallie+ had recently been released in Japan, which featured two new party members (protagonists from the prior games), new events, and some altered ones of pre-existing scenes related to them, some gameplay changes, and some new bosses. In addition, even though Solle and Escha were DLC in the original game, they are part of Shallie+ from the start and have more content related to them. Given the fact the game wasn’t available in English at the time I did the LP, I did my utmost to bring you the complete experience of the original game. So, with that… With Sylphid’s blessing, and with the Dusk+ games having been ported to the Switch as Dusk DX, I’m launching this SSLP of Atelier Shallie DX to fill in on what he started. Shallie Plus/DX isn’t just a port of the original Shallie, but a veritable remaster. Shallie DX goes out of its way to not just polish the original plot from Chapter 6 onward, but also to follow up on plot devices from Ayesha and Escha & Logy and close out some hanging threads throughout the Dusk trilogy that the base game only touched on—if even that. Among the fanbase, there was some dissatisfaction over Ayesha and Logy, said two protagonists from the prior Dusk games, being relegated to cameos at the ending of OG Shallie; as you can tell from the box art, that won’t be a problem with Shallie DX. In fact, it’s going to be one of the first things you see addressed in the very first DX update. Overall, Shallie Plus/DX is much more holistic than OG Shallie, and does a fantastic job connecting with its two predecessors and linking Stellard with the rest of the rich setting we're about to return to in the world of Dusk. Okay, well, there’s a lot of old ground you’ll be retreading. How will you handle that? I’ll be linking to the original updates from Sylphid’s LP in the Archive and make new DX updates to cover the new ground from Chapter XIII onward—as Sylphid mentioned, this is where the changed material and new plotlines in Shallie DX begin in earnest. I’ll focus on including Shallie DX's changed/added material, since including everything from the base game and original updates would cause me to run far afoul of SA’s 50,000 character limit every time I update. For scenes that were left unchanged, I will include them at my discretion, and summarize/link to them if I don’t include them in the DX updates. So as for spoilers… It’s fair game to discuss anything that happened in the base version of the game from start to end, as it’s already on the Archive after all. Hell, I'll go as far as encourage you to read Sylphid’s LP of OG Shallie in the Archives so you can see how Shallie Plus/DX improved on the base game. As for anything that got changed for Shallie DX, if you know, then wait until the LP gets there itself. Updates Escha&Logy Plus/DX: A Seed and a Promise Chapter I: The Near Side of the Dusk Sea Chapter II: The Calamitous Side of the Promised Meeting Chapter III: The Dangerous Side of the Lush Archipelago Chapter IV: The Vanished Side of the Past World Chapter V: The Varied Side of the Converging Stories Bonus Update 1 Chapter VI: The Financial Side of the Girls' Journeys Chapter VII: The Unsure Side of the Twin Adventures Chapter VIII: The Energetic Side of the Talented Girl Chapter IX: The Final Side of the Separate Paths Chapter X: The Resolute Side of the Desperate Battle Bonus Update 2 Chapter XI: The Decisive Side of the Great Confrontation Chapter XII: The Efficient Side of the Job Taking DX updates start here! Chapter XIII: The Mysterious Side of the Eastern Lands (DX) Chapter XIV: The Ghostly Side of the Ship Graveyard (DX) Chapter XV: The Close Side of the Two Friends (DX) Bonus Update 3 Chapter XVI: The Aerial Side of the Alchemist’s Training (DX) Chapter XVII: The Wrathful Side of the Great Spirit (DX) Chapter XVII: The Illusory Side of the Floating Ruins (DX) Chapter XIX: The Daring Side of the Fugitive’s Tale Chapter XX: The True Side of the Buried Remains (DX) Bonus Update 4 Chapter XXI: The Contemplative Side of the Momentous Decision Chapter XXII: The Wistful Side of the Veteran Adventurers Chapter XXIII: The Valiant Side of the Great Heroes (DX) Chapter XXIV: The Far Side of the Twilight Ocean (DX) DX Bonus Update Endings Chapter XXV: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - Homeward Bound Chapter XXVI: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - Taskmasters Chapter XXVII: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - The Great Work (DX) Chapter XXVIII: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - Eternal Dream (DX) Chapter XXIX: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - My Fated Person (DX) Sylphid’s Atelier Dusk Trilogy SSLPs Atelier Ayesha Atelier Escha & Logy Atelier Shallie (OG) Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 14:18 on Jul 4, 2021 |
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ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S NOTE FROM September 2020: As you may recall from years ago, I started and finished an LP of the PS3 version of Shallie. At the time this was the markedly inferior version of the game as Shallie+ had recently been released in Japan, which featured two new party members (protagonists from the prior games), new events, and some altered ones of pre-existing scenes related to them, some gameplay changes, and some new bosses. In addition, even though Solle and Escha were DLC in the original game, they are part of Shallie+ from the start and have more content related to them. Given the fact the game wasn’t available in English at the time I did the LP, I did my utmost to bring you the complete experience of the original game. I stand by that work, but with the release of Shallie+ on the Vita as well as its home console availability on PSN/Switch/PC as Atelier Shallie DX, Jerry Manderbilt, who recently did an LP of Atelier Lydie & Suelle, was kind enough to update the old LP with the new content. In terms of new content, everything before beating the Sand Dragon is virtually the same, which is why the slightly-remade LP starts from the beginning of Chapter 6. If there are any changes prior to that point, I am unaware. Once the plot shifts to the eastern continent, however, new scenes will begin to start happening and keep happening until nearly the very end of the game, including a really substantially different, and more satisfying, ending. Well, the one change prior to the Sand Dragon starts at the title screen, as Shallie+, as well as every other Atelier in the + series (going back to Rorona, even though that was more a remake than a + version) has a costume feature, where you can customize most of the female characters in different outfits (and Logy in E&L+, the only customizable male character in either game), and give accessories to most characters, with some restrictions depending on the game. The Shallies in particular have costumes from Atelier Sophie, the next game in the series, based on the protagonists of that game. They look quite nice. Once Jerry’s new content reaches the final chapter, and after Solle gives you the last free-roam task (defeat the final boss, basically), I’ll return with another note to go over a few more changes. Until then, please enjoy the substantially different Shallie. Chapter XIII: The Mysterious Side of the Eastern Lands (DX) Original Update  Music: We'll Still Continue  Alchemists of the Dusk Sky Music: The Red Sky for Shallie  We can’t make light of it. This region was set as top priority in Central, and only just the other day. Ever since the slaying of the Sand Dragon, Stellard has become the center of their attention. If that’s the case, they could allocate more funds here… It seems my way of thinking is becoming more like “her”. Haha, I was reminded of the captain too. By the way, where’s Escha? Ah, you just missed her. She’s off investigating a distant area now. Really… She isn’t overdoing it again, is she? Hm, I think she’s still fine. I see. That’s good. That goes without saying. Of course that’s not all. You’ve been officially dispatched here. That’s not what I mean… Does Central really think that the situation with Stellard is serious enough that both Escha and I are needed here? I can’t speak of any particulars, but the signs say something big is about to happen here in Stellard. …That’s why I believe Central decided to dispatch you here. Please conduct your work under that assumption. …I see. I just hope whatever it is turns out to be good.  Yeah! Looks like this place still has plenty of food and water. The people in the village are also really kind… Um, now what’s left… …Hm? Huh? That person just now wasn’t dressed like the people around here… Anyway, I should head back soon…  Hey, Shallie and… Shallie. Shallie and Shallie, hehe… What? You’ve got the same name… I don’t really mind, but… I’m back!  Huh? …L-Logy?! …You seem to be doing well. Logy! Logy… When did you get here…!? And why…!? I received dispatch orders. It was sudden, so I couldn’t send a letter. And you happened to leave when I arrived… Waaah! Loooogy! H-hey… Escha. Could this guy be the one you were talking about, Escha…?! Yeah, you’re right… It must be him! Y-yes! …Oh no! W-we finally got to meet again, and I’m totally worn out and tired… This is embarrassing… Haha, that doesn’t matter. More importantly, let’s get that report done… Solle, please continue. Ah, yes… Anyway, about Harry. So those two went along, too? I don’t see them, though… Oh, um… They didn’t want to leave and said “We’ll stay here!”, so I left them. Seriously? Uh, what are you talking about? Oh! Hey, Shallies! I actually just came back from the eastern continent. Really? The eastern continent… Central knows the continent exists, but it’s still a mostly unexplored land. That’s why I wanted to see what it was like over there. So what did you see? It’s just like you said, there’re much fewer signs of drought there. There were flowers everywhere… Mmm… What else? Well, I didn’t really check if anything was edible, but a lot of stuff looked really tasty! Ugh. In other words, we still hardly know anything. Hmm… Shallie? Maybe we should come back after a bit… Sure thing. …Oh! I forgot something back at the Union… Ah! Well, we’re still in the area, so no harm in going back! Hello… Oh. …By the way, what’s the state of the Colseit branch after my transfer? Well, you and Escha were both transferred at the same time, so things are even more hectic than before. Hm… Our transfer is only temporary, but normally, replacement personnel would be dispatched there. I heard rumors that an alchemist with low experience but high abilities would be sent to replace you, as well. What!? Does that mean Logy and I don’t have a place in Colseit anymore!? Escha. Solle just said that this assignment is only temporary. Oh. That’s good, then… Central has their own way of doing things. The replacements were delayed, so the branch chief and Linca are working extra hard. Marion is… The same as usual. Ah, I can imagine it clearly! …That’s very nostalgic. Micie is also going out of his way to help Marion with paperwork. Considering he’s an auditor, that’s a little problematic… But it should be tolerable if it doesn’t affect his work. Still, I know the Stellard branch was set up in a hurry, but to think Escha, then Logy would be deployed here… I’m starting to see what Central is thinking. What do you mean? …Could this be a political thing, like what Raoul was worried about? I’m sure that’s part of it, but… It seems Central has a strong interest in the natural phenomena here, and fear the crisis in this area… Hey, you two were here? Um… Were we intruding? I’m sorry… No, don’t worry about it. It’s fine, we were basically just talking about old times. Hmm, but it seemed a bit more serious than that… Ah, want to take a look at Escha’s shop? That sounds good! She might have some wonderful things in stock…! A Site for a Seed Isn’t that… Escha, do you have a minute? I was in a hurry when I arrived, so I didn’t have time to give this to you. …I see. I didn’t want to lose it, so I left it back in Colseit… But why did you bring it? To tell the truth, Clone asked me to bring it. After my deployment to Stellard was decided, Flameu appeared again, and left a message for you, Escha. Wait, Flameu did? What did she say? That’s why Clone made sure that I brought the seed along… Where I am now… That means Stellard, right? What will happen with it? I don’t know. It could play some sort of role against the Dusk… Anyway, just keep it on hand, and take care of it. Now, see you la- I’m on the clock, of course I’m going now. Anyway, see you later. Ugh! Logy’s so narrow minded! W-we were kind of intruding, weren’t we… Ahaha. I-I’m sorry… Sigh… (He’d better come back to me the next break he gets!)If you’re wondering what that was all about, this follows from a scene added at the end of Escha & Logy Plus/DX, which you can read here. Flameu’s seed is a plotline that was brought up late in the base game, but was dropped immediately; Plus/DX makes sure to follow up on this as soon as Logy arrives around the midway point.  Another Promise So, you’ve been in Stellard long enough to get to know the city, huh? I sure have! Like this… Wow. You don’t see trees like this in Colseit or, really, anywhere in its vicinity. No kidding! And that flower blooming on its branch… I wonder what delicious fruits it might yield someday?! I wonder if things like this are an influence of ancient alchemy. Like with Colseit’s orchards and the research from Geosis… I know Stellard is nicknamed the City of Water, but public works like this fountain really drive it home… And this is just the least of it! Wait until you see the city’s water source… I am interested… but this has been enough of a change in pace. Let’s stop for a bit. Ehehe… I still can’t believe that we get to work together again. …It was pretty sudden, after all. I feel the same way as you, Escha. I’m happy we get to meet again so soon. I was always looking forward to your letters about Colseit. Everyone’s doing just fine. Although Marion is as busy as usual. Also, it seems like Micie really can’t forget about Katla. He’s still waiting for her to come back. Wow… That’s so wonderful! Katla and Micie… I hope they get to meet again. I wonder if it’ll work out. Katla always acts on a whim, who knows where she’ll go… That’s true. And it seems like Katla doesn’t realize Micie’s feelings at all. Oh… That reminds me, Nio came back to help with the apple harvest. Wait, she did?! She came back to find something she forgot, and Clone caught her. The harvest is bigger than usual, so she needed help. Wow, that sounds great…! I’m sure all the shiny red apples are really pretty… I want to harvest them, too. …To be honest, I’m a little scared. While I’m gone, my place in Colseit could just disappear. When I get back, a new alchemist could have replaced me, and nobody will need me anymore… That wouldn’t happen. Everyone is waiting for you to get back. That goes for me, too. Logy… Thank you so much! …Yeah, that’s a promise. Promise! Now, should we make our way to the City Water Supply? Sounds good! Lead the way. Ah, Shallies! …Could he be the one you were exchanging letters with…? W-what?! Just forget about that, you don’t need to bring it up! Anyone can tell just by looking. It’s pretty obvious… Isn’t it? I’m so jealous! You’ve got it great! S-Shallie, stop that…!Later…  Logy Joins I’ll explain it. You take some deep breaths and calm down, Escha. I-I understand! *Breathe*…! Wait, Logy’s going too? That sounds great! Central seems to think this region requires a thorough examination. I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ve done investigations before, and I also know how to fight, somewhat. That’s not true! You’re really strong at fighting, Logy… Let’s work together again! Anyway, there you have it. Just let me know when you’re going.The next day…  Job Offer Huh? Shallie! Shallie!The rest of this scene is the same: Perriend sends the Shallies to the Union regarding the eastern continent. As for the Union…  To the eastern continent (DX) The… Chairman…? Yes! He said there could be a way to stop the droughts! …drat old man. Me too! I'll go with her! Calm down, you two. I don't plan on sending anyone else over there for now. Nooo… Really? Why? The route is pretty long, and the entire thing is yet to be secured. We can't start the investigations without a supply route. Could maybe I go first? My village is threatened by a drought! No. It's too dangerous. Escha went there on her own! We'll be fine! We beat a Sand Dragon! Don't overestimate yourself. Do you think you can beat that thing alone? Especially you, Shallotte. You don't have people following you or a ship or the ability to take care of yourself. You need to have both feet on the ground before you start running. …I… … … Shallie… I'll go. Jurie… I heard everything. They were shouting pretty loudly. You can't tell a treasure hunter not to explore. I don't want to stop you… Unlike these two. No, them too. If they need something and it's on the eastern continent, they need to go. I'm not saying they can't go, they just need to wait. Everyone from the Union is still tired from fighting the dragon. They'll have their assignment once the route is secure. Just… Wait for now. I'll go with them. Please, Raoul. Kortes and Teo will be with us, too. Really? That's still not enough… Solle. Eastern continent. Go now, yes? Yes, Homura, the route is open. Though it is dangerous. Dangerous adventure. I welcome it. Hurry. Ready ship. Still not enough? Just do what you want. Yay! Thank you, all! Heh. Sounds fun. Well then, here is your official mission. But, I cannot guarantee your safety, since the route isn't secured… Crossing beyond the Eastern Sea of Smoke, follow the wear of the land to a settlement called Faav Village. Faav Village? Yes. It's the only place on the eastern continent that we've had contact with. You can meet up with the people I know. Okay! As for you folks from Central… Colseit… Solle, what will you three do? I may be better suited staying here, but I will go see the Eastern Continent with my own eyes. And Escha and Logy will be invaluable assets for the survey team. Sounds good. Still… I know I've said it already, but don't push yourselves too hard… Or get hurt. Especially you, Shallie! … Sheesh… That was a bit much… She was getting carried away by the Sand Dragon incident. That's when you're in the most danger. There's no one around to tell her any different. If no one else will say it, I have to say it myself. She'll be fine. Jurie and Homura will be with her. Leave to me. Solle. But reward be. Lots of shiny. Shallie…The next cutscenes on Stera and Lotte’s sides regarding Wilbell being a magician, Teo’s lecture about the people of Stellard, and Lotte and Wilbell arriving to the ship are all the same. So we’ll fast forward to the next changed scene, the trip to the eastern continent.  The horizon of dreams (DX) Oh, Shallie… Sorry for making you wait! Let's get going! To the east! Ah, are you okay? What? You mean what Raoul said? Eh, don't worry about it, I'm fine. Oh, that's good. What's more important is that we're heading east, which means we're going to have to cross the sea, right? Yes, Kortes and Teo are getting things ready. Alrighty! Let's find the cause of the drought! Yeah!! Music: Koinegaufune      We’re setting off!    This really brings back memories, doesn’t it, Logy? Sure does! From building the airship that let us reach the Unexplored Ruins to meeting Flameu… It all seems like yesterday! Speaking of which… I wonder if we’ll find the place Flameu was talking about on the Eastern Continent… Aah! Shallie! Get down, that’s not safe! Oh don’t worry, I’ll be fi-IIIIIIIIII  Aha, ahaha… Sheesh, Shal… Yeah, yeah… Oh, look! Over there! Wow… a rainbow… Somewhere beyond that rainbow lies the Eastern Continent… and maybe the answers you’ve been looking for as well. …I should check on Solle. He’s been cooped up in the cabin this whole trip… Excuse me… If I don’t take care of the paperwork every day, scary things happen. …Well even a hunter goes dull if they don’t do anything. Hard work is a virtue of humankind. You have to keep working to maintain a healthy mind and body… I can’t really sympathize, seeing how I don’t have a daily routine like that… Oh, right… …What? You attended school in Stellard, right? Would you mind helping me organize this paperwork? It will probably do wonders for your mind and… He’s pretty fast at running away, at least. I should’ve expected this much from a fisherman. I made a simple request, that’s all. I suppose I can’t help it. Perhaps I’ll ask you instead of… …Oh right, I’m actually really busy. Sorry, I’ll be going now! Logy’s quick reaction was amazing too…  The Landfall cutscene is in the same as the base version, so let’s fast forward a bit to the trek to Faav Village.  A hidden forest… It’s just as you said, Escha. Slowly but surely, it’s getting greener the further east we go. Yes! But the Crystal Valley is anything but. It’s just north of here. Onward! Music: Crystal Dance We can't get to where we need to go without passing through here. We have to go. Right? Yep! …Alright then, let's go. This valley looks huge… Let’s go! This’ll help us keep track of our progress. There are some really dangerous monsters here… but we have no choice but to fight at least one of them to make it through! Let’s break through with this one! For an enemy like this, I won’t hold back!  Now is not the time to hesitate!  Here! Did you call me? FJ: Double Draw End (Escha) Logy… I’m counting on you! Alright! We aren’t alone. The two of us can do this! DOUBLE DRAW END! We can’t lose in a place like this. We have to fulfill our promise! Wow! These two must be REALLY close to nail a move like that… Yeah! You think the two of us can be that close someday? I’m sure you will, if you keep growing and learning together. Yeah! Logy and I perfected this technique back when we were Colseit’s resident alchemists, after all. Anyway, we’ve almost made it through the valley! We just have to make it through here… but… Let’s get this over with. That wraps things up. Onward to Faav Village! The mysterious east Music: Red Light  Hmm, interesting… It really does exist! The culture doesn't seem that different from Stellard, but the atmosphere is totally distinct, even from Central… It sure is. How does it compare to your village, Shallie? My village is pretty small… But, this is the second time I've come to an unknown town. The world really is… Hahaha, that's what I was going to say. Hehe! I guess we're thinking the same thing! Well we shouldn't just stand around! Let's go in.  Dramatic Encounters And we came all this way… Huh? Them. I know! Music: Seeker's Tango  Hello hello! I'm Harry Olson, and I explore the world in search of knowledge.  And I'm Reyfer. I'm not one for bragging, but I'm a pretty adept treasure hunter. Hello. Reyfer. Well, if it isn't Homura. Quite a coincidence meeting in a place like this. Reyfer. You forget. Our work. No coincidences. What, really? Treasure hunters don't blindly blunder into random ruins. We wouldn't last very long if we did, if you get my drift. Only amateurs. Search random places. We study much. Before going. That's why. Always a reason. Treasure hunter appears. That means… Yes, you're pretty smart, you know. Have you happened to have heard of a Solle Grumman? Ah, Solle? Yes! I know him! We met each other during one of my great adventures from the past… Hmm, maybe this can be part of my book… Wait, you're a writer? Wait a minute, you don't know what a fabulous writer I am? How unfortunate. I'll have to find you some copies when we return to Stellard! Uhm… Thanks? Are you here because Solle asked you to come? Yeah. We came as a scouting group since we heard the route to the continent's reopening. We wanted to be first. Wait a minute… Could you two be the people Escha was talking about…? Yeah, she decided to go back first. It's actually quite common to send professional treasure hunters to check out ruins before an investigation. More often than not, there're hidden dangers about. There's something great just waiting for us on this continent! Grand relics of past civilizations! The automaton worshiped here as a goddess must have a ton of lost knowledge! Automaton as… A goddess? That's right, the people in town mentioned a goddess… There wasn't much in the town itself, though. Kinda disappointing. I see. We should take a look around town, too. Alright, sounds like a good idea.  Is this… A person?? Oh, that's an automaton. Automaton… A doll that looks just like a human? I didn't realize you know about things like this! I encountered a few near Stellard before, but I didn't really know much about them… Al asked for things like this, but, I don't think we can take it, huh… Al…? Oh, Perriend's son, right? I think this is what they were calling their goddess… They'd probably get upset if we took it. …Yeah, probably. So…I guess we didn't find out anything. Sure looks like it… We should get back to the ship. Wait up, ladies! Oh, Harry. Hello. What is it? Our meeting must be fate! I have some good information for you for a nominal cost! We're actually pretty low on cash… Don't be so tasteless, Reyfer. When it comes to turning a crisis into an opportunity, the Harry Company is the best in the business! Anyway, let us know if you're interested. It'd really help us out. Crisis Yes, the Dusk hasn't affected this place much yet… But I'm sure we'll find a clue to help save Lugion Village if we keep looking! Shallie! Huh? Escha! What are you doing here? Raoul sent me. He said to call you back. What? He did?? Call us back? There's something unusual happening with the city's water supply, and it's become a huge problem. What?! The water supply…! There aren't enough people around to help, so he wanted you to hurry back!! Alright, we'll head back now! Hey, wait for me!  The Dusk is finally showing its effects… What can we do…? Why now…? We haven't investigated enough yet… I know… But this issue could affect your village, too, Shallie. …My village is already in crisis. We've just managed to get by, for now. The best way of solving both our problems and the problem in Stellard is to investigate the Dusk… But what we really need to know is what's happening in the city. We have to find something new… Right? …I don't know. I hope we get back soon… This is as fast as the ship will go. We'll get there soon enough. Yeah… I guess…  Distance (DX) Raoul! What happened to the water supply? Don't worry, we've just finished implementing emergency measures. Emergency measures? An alchemist looked at the water supply control equipment, so, we're getting by for now. This matter was dealt with by the Corporation. All we received was a basic report after the fact. Wait, there was an amazing alchemist like that in this town? Apparently, the alchemist just happened to be visiting this city. As far as I’m aware, there’s only one person who could fit the bill. I’d be a little distressed if it was him though, so I hope it’s someone else. Problematic? Don't worry, it's not important right now. The point is that we've bought some time. What should we do? It looks like Central is finally starting their investigation, so you two should just hang out on standby for now. Okie dokey. We can't help that. But… Seeing as they have emergency measures, there probably wasn't a need to rush back… … …
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 16:36 on Oct 2, 2020 |
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Part XIV: The Ghostly Side of the Ship Graveyard (DX) Original Update  A family’s burden (DX)    Shallie… Coming home so suddenly… Isn’t fair… Now… You’ve found out… This sequence starts off the same as in the base game: a doctor sees Nady, but Lotte can tell her condition is much more severe than they’re letting on. So Lotte goes to Raoul…  …Who in turn informs her of her mother’s history with Perriend, and refers her to the Corporation…  And Perriend tells her of her mother’s heart condition. Afterwards, in Plus/DX, Lotte goes to Wilbell about this…  Hey, what exactly happened? Being lively was your only redeeming feature. You’re not acting like yourself. Uu, master… …*Sigh.* I didn’t even realize that my mom wasn’t feeling well. I was probably just in high spirits, after finally getting important work… My mom was hiding her illness for all this time, and supporting me. Yet I… Are you an idiot, Shallie? This isn’t your fault. It just means you’ve got a great mom. …Master Wilbell. C’mon, pull yourself together. There’s no point in moping around! B-but… What should I do? I want to save my mom. But Mr. Perriend said current medicine wouldn’t be able to… Is there anything I can do? “She”? Nothing, just talking to myself. More importantly, Shallie. Nothing will change if you just stand around here! Master Wilbell… Just do whatever you’re capable of for now! If you do that, you’ll find a path, for sure! Y-you’re right, master! There’s no point in getting depressed about it! Jeez, things really do have a way of happening all at once! Alright, time to do my best! …Shallie. Hmm… maybe I should drop by Miruca’s! … Still though, I can’t help but wonder about who Master Wilbell was talking about when she said "she"… Ideals and Viewpoints   Hey, why do you always say things like that!? I feel bad for Jurie. This has nothing to do with you, Shal. You don’t even know what we were talking about. Uu, that’s true, but… I understand some things, too. You’ve been acting weird ever since you came back from Central, Miruca. You’re too cold to Jurie. I haven’t changed at all. That’s a lie! True, you were always scowling since then, but you two got along really well! I thought it would be great to have a sister… This is making me sad. …Sorry. Maybe I went too far saying it has nothing to do with you. No, I was just being nosy and causing trouble for you, wasn’t I? But if it’s okay with you, can you talk about it? How you really feel… That’s why I came back here, and I don’t want to return. Yeah… But my sister’s different. She thinks I’m forcing myself to stay here. That’s why she’s taking dangerous jobs to save up money, so I can go back… Even though I don’t want her to. She said the important thing is to go back and become a great alchemist. I’m tired of her forcing her ideals on me. In the end, my sister doesn’t even try to understand my feelings. I get what you’re trying to say, Miruca. But look at it the other way. Have you tried to understand how Jurie feels? … I’m not asking you to see things the way she does, Miruca. I’m just saying… you should recognize that she cares for you and has your well-being at heart. I’ll think about it, Shal. But I won’t promise anything more. Please do! …If only I could have realized that sooner with my mom… …Shal? My mom… I just learned that she has a terminal illness. I'm still processing it all. And yet she's dedicated herself to supporting me despite it all… Shal… I'll keep your advice in mind. …Anyway, as I was saying, you oughta get a breath of fresh air. So let’s take a walk! From Central …What is it? Well, my former colleague Logy is actually working here now. He studied alchemy in Central, just like you! That’s why I thought you two might get along. I told her it wasn’t necessary and tried to stop her, but she never listens… Sorry for bothering you. M-Miruca! That’s going too far! No, I don’t mind. It’s true that there are people like she described. …You aren’t angry? Huh, there’s a first time for everything. I didn’t realize there were people who think the way you do. It’s true that they have things there that people desire, though. It’s not right to deny every aspect of Central. …You don’t have to tell me, I realize that much. Well, it’s not like everyone finds those things necessary. Just because you’re from Central doesn’t mean you’re great. That’s how I viewed it, too… All people care about is that you’re from Central, not what you accomplished. I hate that. The important thing is what you did there, after all. …That’s right. …Still, Central offers a lot of choices, and there are some good people there, too. Don’t hate them too much. …I’ll think about it. I’ve never seen Miruca act so upfront…! What are you talking about, Shal? I’ve always believed in being blunt and honest… Anyway, that’s enough fresh air. Already? Yes. I’ll see you three again in due time. Well, I… guess this was a worthwhile use of Logy’s break. I guess you could say that. We’ll be headed back to the Union now. Bye, you two! …All of a sudden, everyone left me out in the cold… Shallie! Shallie! What’s up? I wanted to visit the Union to see if Raoul had any jobs that needed doing, and I wanted for you to come with me. Sure thing! An Official’s Duty Hm? What’s wrong? Logy, do you know what happened to the reports that were here? Ah, those? I took care of them. I see, thank you. Oh, also, these documents… Ah, that really helps. … … …Still, it’s a little strange not having an atelier. I feel like I don’t have a place to go… Your duty here is to investigate the Dusk, after all. Besides, we already have other alchemists. I understand that, but… Thanks to this, I have even more work to do than back in Colseit. That’s pretty evident… You’ve got dark circles under your eyes. Maybe you should take a little break…? What are you talking about? No matter how much paperwork I process, it never goes away. It would only increase. That’s true, but… Hold on… N-no way… Maybe I’m just overthinking it… What are you muttering about? Please take care of these documents next. Oh, okay… T-this mood… It feels like we shouldn’t say anything to them… Let’s come back later… Oh! I just realized, we left without taking any jobs from Raoul… We did… Hmm… Oh! I remember Jurie telling me about a ghost ship somewhere in the Dusk Sea. We might have even seen something like that south of the place where we defeated the Sand Dragon… Good catch! There might even be some hidden treasure there. And there are sure to be monsters there that I’m sure Raoul would appreciate us suppressing. And it would be a good change of pace for the resident workaholics… So what are we waiting for? Let’s spread the word! En route to the Trade Ship Graveyard…  It wasn’t just me. Everyone worked together. Logy drafted the plans for the airship, while Wilbell and my other friends worked to procure the necessary supplies… But that’s amazing! I really want to fly through the sky! You too? I felt the same way… I was so elated when I finally got to…! I’m getting excited just hearing about it! I’d ridden in a balloon before, but it was completely different… That’s awesome! I wonder if I could see how far the Dusk Sea goes if I could fly?… Although, that might be a little disappointing… I don’t think so… Quite the opposite, actually! It’s wonderful to see how small your world really is, and see the whole world going on and on… I’ll find a way to fly myself someday…! I’m sure your dream will come true, Lotte! Yeah! Do your best, Shallie! Ah! I just remembered, Logy just said he was gonna need me for a little something right about now. See you soon! …Is that Solle and Jurie coming up here? By the way Jurie, do you know Raoul that well? Pretty much just as a coworker. Why? They might not talk much, but they seem to understand each other really well! Yes, that’s right. That’s why I was asking… …There’s nothing like what you’re thinking. So what is there, then? I told you… It’s just… you two seem like complete opposites. I didn’t think you would be able to get along at all. (So that’s all it was.) (S-she’ll hear you…!) …Yup. It’s probably just because we’ve known each other for so long. Hm, what’s the commotion downstairs…? Not really… Hmm. Well, you were using talismans, so I thought you’d be familiar with spirits. Spirits, huh… If only something like that were real… They really do exist! Are you stupid?! Who’re you calling stupid?! Kortes! Don’t get angry! Master! You’re getting too upset! But…! But…! (What should I do…) Everyone! We’ve arrived! Look! Off in the distance! That has to be it! Now for some good old-fashioned spelunking…Music: Within the Feelings Left Behind  
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 16:39 on Oct 2, 2020 |
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Sep 17, 2020 23:41
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Part XV: The Close Side of the Two Friends (DX) Original Update   The elusive alchemist The opening is the same: Solle forwards the Shallies to Perriend regarding Keithgriff…  …who in turn gives them Keith’s profile and mentions Nady. Moving on to the meat of the changed material for this chapter…  Distance (DX) Music: Droplets of Time The only thing we really found out was his name. He’s an amazing alchemist, and he has an automaton following him… That might be enough information. Yes, although… We don’t even know where to go and meet him… What!? Shallie, are you intending to go looking for him? Y-yes… I thought you would intend to do the same… It’s true I thought that at first, but… But you even said so yourself. We need to continue our investigations on our own. Even though we might figure everything out if we meet Keithgriff? You say that, but we don’t even know where he is. Also, always relying on others will never solve anything. It’s more important to do something, with our own strength… I never said that! …Ugh, why do you always have to take things so negatively? …I’m sorry. But I really do want to search for Keithgriff. This is the first real clue we’ve found to solve Lugion Village’s problems, after all. …I knew you’d say that. Well, I guess I can’t help it. Can’t help what? In the end, you see the issues facing this town as someone else’s problem. Why would you say something like that? That’s terrible! What!? When did I ever say that…!? You heard that a little issue happened in Stellard, and then, you had to rush back from the Eastern Continent… My village has been affected by drought for a long time already. Everyone’s barely hanging on. I know that, but… No, you don’t know. There’s no way you could understand… People living in such a blessed land could never understand our suffering. You’re acting like you’re the only one suffering! How stupid! It’s true that Stellard is blessed from your viewpoint. But that doesn’t mean that everyone living here is happy or blessed. My mom and I have had to work hard to get by. Yet something like that happened to her, and I have no idea what to do… “Something like that”? … Did something happen to your mother? That reminds me, back at Mr. Perriend’s place you… I… See… …Yes. If our goals differ, then there's no need to force ourselves to work together. Yeah, that’s right. I agree. This is where we split up. …  Hunting down (That's right, my situation is totally different from hers… She doesn't have any burdens. I'll definitely save Lugion…)Same as base game. Stera looks for Keithgriff…  A new direction?  While Lotte looks for work around town.    Wait, are you okay!? Don't worry about me, just get some rest! Don't worry, I'm sure I'll feel better in a little bit… But since you're home, would you mind talking a bit? … (No, I need to stay cheerful like always! I can't cause mom any worry.) I can tell that you’re feeling down, you know. It’s… I need to get work from Raoul, Mom. I’ll see you later. Now rest up! Take care. A brave face You're alone today? That's strange. That doesn't matter… More importantly, do you have any work? Hmm, let's see… What about a survey of the open sea? That sounds ideal for you. The sea? Uhm, you need a ship for that... Of course you do. That's why I asked you. Um, Solle? I wasn't in town for a while, so I really want to do something in Stellard! Work in the city…? I wasn't expecting that. I'll need some time to make changes. I'm sure I'll find something. Mind waiting a while? Oh, okay! I didn't expect you to say you won't work out of town. Did something happen? No… I'll do some work that uses the ship again soon! Leads and Feelings Rosemia… Oh! Maybe you'd know! Know what? I'm searching for an alchemist named Keithgriff Hazeldine. He came to town recently. He helped fix Stellard's water supply the other day, and he's supposed to be really smart. Since you always stay by the harbor, maybe you saw him, and… Hmm, so apparently this guy is a really great alchemist, huh? What was his name again? Keithgriff. Have you met him before? …No, I haven't. Hmmm. Was there something weird about him? He should have an automaton following him… That's it, really. An automaton, huh… Yes. Do you know about automatons? Of course… And actually, I have an idea about the person you mentioned. Really?? Yes, I think he went to the Union. Thank you so much! I'll check it out right now! I hope to meet you again, before you die. Maybe you should ask Escha. Well then, let’s get to it! Really? Do you know where he went?? I don't, but he said he was going to be checking out the area for a while. I'm sure he'll be back at some point… Some point? But… Oh uh, yeah, he gave me this alchemy recipe. He said, "Make this", but I have no idea what it's for. Recipe, huh… ...Uhm, may I take it? Huh? Um, sure! I’m not sure what he needs, and I have other things to attend to, so you can have at it. Thank you so much! Now then, I can tell that Keithgriff isn’t the only person on your mind. I… how do you mean? Shallie, your mood seems a bit different from usual. Huh…? Um, was I wrong? …You might be right. I did something like THAT, after all… Can I talk about it? Sure thing! Have a seat. I… had a huge fight with Shallie earlier today. Oh. So that’s why you’re alone today… I accused her of not caring about the burden I carry or the suffering of my people. I told her that someone from a place like Stellard could never understand what my people and I have been going through with the drought in Lugion. But when I think back on our fight, Shallie has burdens of her own, and I just couldn’t see that… or see how that would cause our priorities to differ. I see… That was the first time I ever had an argument like that… What should I do? …Um, is fighting really that bad? Huh? It’s nice to get along with someone forever, but I think that’s actually pretty rare. Everyone has their own point of view. If there’s a difference in the way you think, you can’t get along forever. That sounds very sad. That’s right. And that’s why you talk to people, to get even a little bit closer to them. But I… I said such awful things to Shallie. People can’t get truly serious with someone they don’t care about. Getting mad at, or sad about someone… Is probably because you really cherish that person, Shallie. I think that’s way more wonderful than just going along with someone, and only appearing to be friends on the surface. I always thought I had to be gentle with others. Because I’m a chief’s daughter. Because I don’t want to hurt anyone… Shallie is the first person you’ve gotten serious with. I’m sure she’ll understand. Escha… Yes, thank you! Now, time to see what Keithgriff wants… …Ugh, I’m still feeling rotten about earlier! I can’t focus on synthesizing at all! Guess I’ll go crash at Miruca’s for a bit… True Feelings Be quiet, Shal. Sorry… Did something happen? Yeah, to tell the truth… I got into a huge fight with Shallie earlier today. I told her she always relies on others, and accused her of not caring about the issues facing Stellard, and I even called her a spoiled little princess… it got REALLY heated, and it’s casting a cloud on everything I do now. Yeah, I know, but I’ve never had an argument with Shallie before. Everything was always kind of fun when we were together… This is kind of a shock. Also, Shallie looked like she was really hurt… Then just go apologize. But what should I apologize for? What do you mean? What I told her back then was how I actually felt. Those were my honest feelings. I asked her why she was always trying to rely on people she doesn’t know. I was really frustrated, and sad… …I see. I thought things would never change, that we would get along forever… But it seems like I didn’t actually know anything about Shallie. …My sister gave me some good sweets. You should have some. Okay… Sorry, Miruca… And thanks. Meeting him (DX) Oh… Right… Shallie was right… Why did it turn into an argument…? I wonder what she's doing… She probably hates me… Anyway, I should be helping however I can right now!  Hello, is Shallotte here? Ah, no… She's not. I see. How troublesome… I can't go visit her home myself... Why not? She didn't tell you? I guess that's not too surprising… Nady, Shallie's mom, is terminally ill. Has been for a very long time… Shallie's mom is sick?! The chairman found an alchemy book to help ease her condition, even if it's just a little bit… I need to get this book to Shallotte without Nady seeing it. This is a recipe to make heart medicine… Right? I believe so. Why can’t you let her find out? Nady is still hiding something from her daughter. She was even hiding the fact that she worked as the chairman’s secretary in the past… She laughed and said the past is all in the past, but her greatest fear was likely her illness coming to light… I see… Then that means your predecessor was… Yes, that’s right. That’s why she’s very important to us as well. Nady is the type of person who tries to carry all her burdens by herself… She could have relied on us more… (No, I’m sure that’s not the only reason… But I’m sure it’s related. Shallie is the type who tries to carry all her burdens by herself, too…) Shallie… If Shallotte happens to come by, could you tell her to come visit the Corporation and pick this up? Umm, if it's okay… I could give the book to her. Really? That would be helpful. Besides, I’m sure she’ll be happier receiving it from her friend… Y-yes… Please lend her strength. We wish to help her in whatever way possible, as well. I’ll be around if you need me. Oh… I know I heard Shallie talking about her mom with Mr. Perriend… Part of me probably just… Didn’t care. Or thought there wasn’t time for that. (Did I just want to find someone reliable to shove my responsibilities onto? No wonder Shallie would start to despise me…) It’s no good… Right now, there’s no way I can go and give her this book… But maybe if I was able to synthesize the medicine in here… Ah, right! I just synthesized the item from Keithgriff’s book. I should show Escha! Oh, Shallie, hi. (Huh? This person… I've met them before…) I finished the recipe you gave me. Wow, you must've worked really hard! Keith, this girl is an alchemist, too. …Keith? You don't mean… Keithgriff? Yes, this's him! Really?! …Hm. So, you Synthesized this? Yes. I asked Escha to let me make this. Hmm... I can use this. You have my thanks. AH! Uhm, you fixed this city's water supply equipment, right? Fixed? Haha, ah, don't make me laugh. That's just a temporary measure. That's good enough for me, please, teach me! The water in my village is drying up, just like it is here. Do you know how to save this city and my home village? And even if I did, there's nothing I can do. My only goal is to find the truth behind the Twilight. No… If you're an alchemist, you should look for the truth yourself. Not for the sake of others. You said there might be clues about the Dusk in the relics and ruins of this region… Right? … If you study relics from the past, maybe you can find the reason for the droughts? Maybe… I'm heading out, so how about I pay you for that Synthesis… You don't have to pay me. But, I would like you to teach me one thing... How to synthesize the items in this book… This is… For a kind of heart medicine. It’s for my friend’s terminally ill mother, so I surmise her heart is weakening… …I see. Read this book a little bit more, and then come meet me at the City Water Source. Keithgriff, I learned more about that heart disease we discussed…! Could there be a way to cure it!? Tell me more about what you’ve come up with. Then I can assess your conclusions. Reading this book more closely… I can tell that the recipe herein will be severely inadequate for treating what was described to me. At best, it can only pause further deterioration… It seems highly likely that it’s a disease of the respiratory and circulatory system. …So, why did you decide to come straight to me? Huh? Well, because… This is your friend’s mother’s illness, right? You’re an alchemist, why don’t you try to find a solution yourself? It’s true that the recipe you showed me before is useless in that state. It’ll only make her breathing easier, at best. …However, now that you know details of her condition, shouldn’t there be a way to improve the recipe? I’m sorry. I got too impatient… First, you need to think of ways to improve her condition. You could come to me after trying that, at least. I understand. I’ll try and think up a solution with alchemy on my own before asking you again. Very well. If your desire to learn turns out to be real, I’ll lend you my strength when the time comes. And once you have taken that next step, you know where you can find me. Keithgriff said that synthesizing it with so little information would be very difficult… Who could I ask to learn more…? Oh, I know, maybe Mr. Perriend would know!  Tell her. She's her friend's mother. It won't hurt if she knows. Very well, chairman. Nady's illness is a disease of the heart. It could be described as… a weak heart. One that can’t pump enough blood to her lungs, impairing her breathing. When she was with the Corporation, she was fine so long as she didn’t exert herself… but judging from what Shallotte told us the other day, even low-stress tasks can overload her heart now. …Thank you very much for telling me. If left alone, it’ll just keep progressing, right…? It's difficult to slow its progress, let alone cure it, even with alchemy. It's quite unfortunate… I’m sure the medicine recipe you gave me will be helpful. If I use that as a base, I know it’ll work… That’s why I’ll keep looking for a way to save Nady! I’d like to ask that as well. I can’t bear to simply sit by and do nothing… That goes for me, too. Nady is… Like a mother to me. …I understand! Shallistera. I may be speaking out of place, but… Linca… I asked questions about many things to learn about my current work. Please, don’t be afraid to do so as well… Linca… Thank you very much! (I should start with Teo. Lugion’s medical tradition may have something that could help cure Nady…) I know about medicine, but not much about illnesses themselves. According to your diagnosis, this medicine might form a proper foundation… Thank you, Teo…! But the disease sounds quite complicated, so I'm still worried, even with the medicine. No, that’s fine! I’ll use this, and think about it more myself! Hmm… who else do I know who might know something…     If I do this… Then this becomes like this… Okay! (This is everything I can come up with right now… Hopefully this brings me closer to the answer.) …It’s done! …Just wait, Shallie. Let’s see if Keithgriff thinks this’ll work… The Wanted By the way, I wonder if Nio managed to meet up with her older sister yet? …“Nio”? She’s an herbalist I know from Colseit. She’s about the same age as me, but she’s really smart and reliable. According to Nio, her sister was going to head toward Stellard. Maybe they’re traveling separately? …Do you two know this sister of hers? Nope. According to Nio, she’s the apprentice of an alchemist named Keithgriff Hazeldine. Apparently she’s investigating ancient ruins with him, but this Keithgriff guy is actually… Escha, do you know something? …I heard about him in Central. He’s a highly skilled alchemist. He’s also wanted for destroying facilities. Um, I think I’ve heard that name before… That reminds me, Nio’s sister was also wanted for destroying ruins… Like master, like apprentice. Right… Anyway, Escha, you were saying? Uu… Um, well… A little while back, a traveling alchemist named Keithgriff visited me. He asked me to synthesize something… Escha. I think that’s something you should have immediately reported to Solle… I didn’t think it was a big deal… I’m sorry! It’s fine! I won’t tell anyone about it. To tell the truth, Keith’s apprentice is a friend of mine. But I hadn’t even heard rumors about her. She’s supposed to have come here, right? And if that stubborn old man is here too… You might unexpectedly run into them. (So Keithgriff is… I can’t let that stop me. I have to get his input on this medicine!) … Many parts aren’t optimized, but the plan itself is fine. Then…! However, this still can’t be used on a patient. I-I see. So it’s no good… I don’t like people who give up easily. I told you, the plan itself is fine. Maybe I overreacted… I’m sorry. Stop apologizing. You’re making me feel I’ve done something wrong. …Hmm. I’d regret abandoning such a promising matter… I’ll adjust the recipe a little for you. The synthesis afterwards, however, will be dependent on your own efforts. R-really!? …Thank you so much! …I simply don’t agree with giving up on something with a chance of success. (Shallie… I’m sure your mother will be okay! I’ll make sure of it!) There we go! One Holinica Steel Plate! Strength and Helplessness Mom! I told you, you shouldn't be up! I'm fine, see? You collapsed the other day, mom! That's serious stuff! Go lie down! Oh my gosh, you're so scary! Ah, as I'd expect from my daughter. You've really grown up. Even the chairman of the Corporation was talking about giving me work… I'm glad you're working hard, but make sure you're taking care of yourself. I know you get hungry really quickly. …Yeah. I know. …I’ll be going for a walk, Mom. Make sure to be home before dinner! Mom was pushing herself to appear healthy… She should have just rested in bed! …Is there anything I can do for her? I have to know someone, ANYONE who knows! Yeah… I was just wondering if there’s anything I can do. I thought I became more capable, but there’s nothing I can do myself… Shal… Complaining to me won’t change anything… I don’t have the ability to help your mother, either. You should talk to other people… I’m sorry that I can’t help. That’s not true, Miruca. But you’re right! I should talk to lots of people! It’s too soon to quit… Ehehe. …Do your best, Shal. (I say that, but who should I talk to? …Oh, I know! Escha!) I didn’t know what to do about my mom’s illness, so I was pretending that I was just thinking about Stellard. No matter how I looked at her, I could see that she was weakening, but she always pretended to be well. After seeing that, I knew that I had to do something… I thought you, Escha… You’re a great alchemist, so you might know of some sort of way… Uu… I’d love to help if I could, but… I just studied whatever I liked, so I don’t know much about illness… T-this is no good. I need to study more, or I could never call myself a professional… I’m sorry, Shallie. There’s nothing to apologize for, Escha! It’s my fault for being so helpless! …Oh, I know. Are there any people around who have known your mother for a long time? Someone like that might have a hint for you, at the very least. Can you think of anyone?  Linca… My mom isn’t getting any better… Miss Nady… I was just trying to act strong last time I came here. But I can’t do anything for my mom. I thought Mr. Gerard might know something that could help. Anything would be fine. If I just have a hint, I’ll look for the rest. I’ll do anything. So please ask him…! Miss Shallie. The chairman is already searching for ways to save Miss Nady. He is…!? We’ll explain the situation later. For now, please just make sure Miss Nady has plenty of rest. Also… …Also, what!? Please, put your mother at ease. … I believe the only thing that can do that is you continuing to smile cheerfully. Miss Nady is a very strong woman. She wouldn’t pass away and leave you alone. That’s why… You need to retain hope, and watch over her. You mustn’t give up… …Okay! I really am useless, aren’t I Shallie? …Oh. (Shallotte… Shallistera… I have faith in you both…) Fairy No, this isn’t the time for saying such negative things. I NEED to make this. …*Sigh*. But first, I should eat some meat and get some energy… Huh!? …Okay? Ugh, I knew it. It’s written like usual. Only I could understand this. Details of materials are the most important part. This medicine is hard to make, after all. Good thing I came here. Um, who are you…? Oh, sorry for butting in all of a sudden. This Synthesis will be very difficult, so I came over to help. T-thank you very much…? Okay, first… Good, you have all the ingredients on hand. The trick with this medicine is when you put in the neutralizers. That’ll bring out the full potential of your materials. I see… Give me your hand, and I’ll help you through the motions. Every move you make must be precise and exacting… It’s done! I really made it! (Was that a dream? Or was she really a fairy…? But it’s true that she helped me. Her hands were warm… The medicine turned out fine, too… I really managed to make it…!) No time to waste! Miss Nady? Shallie! I’m sorry, my daughter is off running errands… I’m… not here for her today. I’m here because I heard about your illness from Mr. Perriend. …Take this medicine. It’ll help. Oh! Why, thank you! I gave her the medicine, but… Will it really work? (More importantly… Will she really trust me? Shallie’s mother was smiling, just like before, but… I said such terrible things to Shallie… Will she just think it’s too little, too late?) Wilbell…! To tell the truth… I was here for her mom. You know Keithgriff, right? What does he have to do with Shallie’s mom? I got him to help me come up with a medicine for her illness. But even then… I still needed help when synthesizing. Thankfully, a blonde, pretty fairy-like woman came to help me every step of the way. …I see. You really did it, Shallistera! You’re pretty amazing! …You think so? You worked really hard to make that, right? Of course it’ll work. It’ll be fine. I hope so… Hey, quit making such a worried face all the time! Smile more, smile! Still, to think you managed to catch that stubborn old man, and make him tell you how to make it. You’re pretty good. Do you know Keithgriff? From the past. We worked together just a little bit. He’s probably still as hard headed as before… Well, there’s no harm in meeting him I guess. …Wilbell? …Nah, it couldn’t be. (After all these years… was it really you, Ayesha?) It’s never too late (DX) Good job! You're alone today, too? Heh… Pretty much. Huh? You don't normally dodge subjects… Did something happen? Not really… Nothing happened. We're fine! Oh yeah? Well. That's good then… Solle, I sent the documents to Central. Thank you, Escha. Hello! Oh, hello, Shallie. What're you doing here? I figured I should get some work done. Haha, that’s good. …By the way, how’s your mom doing? Any improvement? No, nothing yet. But I haven’t given up hope! The other Shallie was asking Keith about it before, too… About her illness. Shallie was!? (…And by “Keith” could she mean… No way, there wouldn’t be a coincidence like that.) Shallie looked really worried, you know? Shallie… I see… Eh? Go where? Shallie's place, of course. Why? It looks like you want to say something. …I said something awful to Shallie… That's why I… Don't tell me about it, go talk to her about it yourself! Eeek! I'm sure the other Shallie is waiting for you. She was really worried. … She won't turn you away. Get going! Okay! But first, I should go home and check on Mom… Shallie! How are you feeling, Mom? I heard Shallie was looking for a way to help you… Much better now. Whatever she gave me, it really helped! So she really…! Now, Shallie… there’s someone else you should check in with, right? Making up (DX) Music: Aquamarine -Game Version- — Annabel  Shallie!? I heard from my mom that you brought her medicine… I just wanted to drop by and say thank you. N-no, don’t worry about it. Nady has been doing a lot to help me, too… But she seems to be feeling a lot better because of that… Thanks. A lot of people helped me make it. It wasn’t just me, so I really don’t deserve any gratitude… What’s that supposed to mean? I’m thanking you, so you should accept it… You’re acting pretty rotten. That’s not what I meant…! My mom was suffering, and I wanted to help her! But I couldn’t do anything… Then you brought that medicine, and I really am grateful about it. You could at least let me thank you! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, Shallie… …Don’t apologize. Even I realize I’m just venting my frustration off onto you… But we had an argument like that the other day… Yet you grew up so much while I was just moping around… It seems like you didn’t need me after all, and I’ve been left behind. I don’t even know what to do… …Shallie, you big idiot! Shallie…? You think you were the only one who felt sad? I… I was too… But I had no choice but to do this alone… You’re the one who’s crying, Shallie… Sniff… Ahem! I’ve been thinking all this time. About the other day… No, not just that, everything since coming here. I met a girl with the same name in a city I didn’t know… I felt like the heroine of some storybook. Yeah… That’s why I misunderstood. I thought we were special. I thought there was no way we could ever disagree with each other. But that wasn’t the case. We just happened to get along, and didn’t try to get to know each other more deeply… We aren’t special. We’re just normal girls… …Is that no good? Nope… And that’s why I started thinking about things that I could do to help you. Yes, same here… I think the fact that we’re different people… Is why being together gives me such a warm feeling… I wonder why I couldn’t figure this out earlier. I really am an idiot… Me too… We were finally able to make amends because of this. I feel like we’ll be spending a lot of time together. I’m still worried about things, but we can finally start moving forward. But first things first… should we go to the Corporation? I’m sure that Mr. Perriend and Linca will want to hear the good news about your mom. Sounds good! Alchemist of the Dusk Earth Music: Swaying Hair Clip for Shallie Still, you’ve really grown, Bell. Heh heh, I know right? You could say I’ve become more adult-like. Do you two know each other? Ah, Shallies. I might have mentioned this before, but she’s an old friend. You have apprentices, Bell!? Does that mean they’re both magicians? Nope. Only that one’s my apprentice. But they’re both alchemists like you, Ayesha. Well, except less experienced. Also, they’re both named Shallie. Shallie and Shallie? I see… Bell’s apprentice, huh… I’m Ayesha Altugle. I’ve come to investigate ancient ruins in this area. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Shallotte Elminus! I’m still just a novice, if you can even call me that. Oh, also… Please call me Lotte! My name is Shallistera Argo… Please call me Stera. Hehe. That’ll be a long story, so let’s save it for another time. This city’s drought seems to be related to what I’m investigating. I think I’ll be able to help you. Really!? Lotte… And Stera, right? You seem to get along really well, that’s nice. I’ll be in the area for a while. If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know! Ayesha’s a really skilled alchemist. You can rely on her. Alright! I’ll be looking forward to working with you, Ayesha!
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 16:41 on Oct 2, 2020 |
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Sep 19, 2020 21:59
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Jerry Manderbilt posted:
Kiss her, you fool! There'll never be a better time!
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Sep 20, 2020 03:01
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TheDavies posted:Kiss her, you fool! There'll never be a better time! look it's an atelier game, there's plenty more where that came from and like 40% of the game left to go
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Sep 20, 2020 04:23
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Part XVI: The Aerial Side of the Alchemist’s Training (DX) Original Update  Ideals and Viewpoints My mom makes a lot of assumptions, and does crazy things. It really causes trouble for me… Well, it’s true that your mother is a little intense. But at times like that, I’m doing my best to tell her how I actually feel. She’s always doing those crazy things for my sake. She’s thinking about what’s best for me. …I see. That’s why she really cares about what I actually want to do. I’m sure Jurie would think the same way. … Miruca, have you ever tried to directly tell Jurie how you feel? She won’t get it if you just keep repeating “I don’t want this” or “I don’t need that”. I think that’s why she’s still forcing herself to save up money, so you can be free to return to Central. …Show some respect, Shal. W-what’s that supposed to mean!? Growing up all on your own… I look like a child thanks to you. Miruca…? …I’ll try it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to tell her very well, but I can’t let you show off on your own. …Thanks for thinking about my sister. Oh, there you are, Shallie! And hello, Miruca! Shallie! Hello. This should be where Miruca’s atelier is, from what Escha told me. Hell… oh… An Imbuing Mess Uh. What do you mean? I mean, was there an earthquake, or did someone break in here? Of course not. If there’s something you want to say, say it clearly. Wait, are you telling me this mess was always here…!? You’re exaggerating. This is normal for an alchemist. Isn’t that right, Shal? Um, well that’s… B-but! I think Miruca’s Imbuing is really amazing! Uh… I understand how you feel, but you don’t need to force yourself… How can you properly Imbue with an atelier like this…? You’ll lose efficiency if things aren’t in order. That’s not your concern. I know where everything is, so there isn’t a problem. I see… If you say so. But still… …Can I at least put this bookshelf in order? No. Then at least let me put away all these tools spilled across the floor… No way. I-I see. That’s unfortunate… Ugh, I’m sorry! Miruca is always like this… No matter how much I tell her, she never listens. But she really is skilled at her work. Could you let this slide, Logy? …It’s fine. I understand her feelings. I wouldn’t want people messing around with my atelier, either. Exactly. If you understand, then leave. Yeah, sorry about that. Just let me ask one last thing. … What’s driving Logy to go so far… *Sigh*. The people you bring over are always so meddlesome, Shal. I don’t really mind, though… I’ll… be back some other time, then. Oh yeah, Shallie! I just realized something about Ayesha! You know how I told you that a lot of people helped me make the medicine for Nady? Yeah. So Ayesha… She was the one who came to my atelier to help me synthesize the medicine! The recipe Keith gave me was still REALLY hard… and Ayesha was the one who helped me see it through! So we have to thank her! What are we waiting for?! Yes! We both owe her a great deal! The Herbalist Turned Alchemist Uuuh, um, I heard from Stera that you helped make my mom’s medicine… Thank you very much! You don’t need to humble yourselves so much. I just did what’s natural for an herbalist. “Herbalist”…? You aren’t an alchemist? I was an herbalist back in my homeland. Hmm, but I guess it doesn’t matter what you call me now… Oh. And that’s why you know so much about medicine. More importantly, did the medicine work? Yeah! Even the doctor was surprised. He said she would be just fine if she got some rest! I see, that’s a relief. But that medicine isn’t a complete cure. It just stopped her from getting worse. …Really? This isn’t just a cold. I can’t believe Keith would come up with such a difficult medicine without seeing the patient… (It sounds to me like Ayesha is very close to Keithgriff…) Can I see how your mother is doing sometime soon? Of course! You’re more than welcome, Ayesha! That’s great, Lotte! Yeah! It really is…! Now that I’m here in Stellard, it really makes me think… The Herbalist’s Homeland I know, right? I’m really proud of this town! It’s completely different from my homeland… What’s your homeland like, Ayesha? It’s an atelier really far from here in the middle of a forest… The area is surrounded by forests, and the air is clean. There are lots of herbs, so it was hard learning them… …But that’s also why it didn’t feel very open, like this town is. Wow, there’s a place like that? …I want to try going there sometime. Me too! I want to see just how big and varied this world is! Hehe, you really are alchemists. If you want to know, I’m sure you’ll be able to fulfill that wish. …But first, we need to defend this city from the Dusk. Yeah. I want to save your village too, Stera. …I heard this desert was once an ocean. We can’t just watch while such a lovely town is consumed by the Dusk. There are plenty of keys here. That’s why I’m sure there’s a way… It’s possible that I’ll find a hint to the answers I seek, too… Let’s keep doing our best together! Ayesha… Yes! So next… we oughta check in with Solle! He and Escha and Logy were sent here to help investigate the Dusk, after all… so maybe they’ll have a big job for us! Competence and Convenience Do you have any big and exciting jobs for us? Logy. Those documents can be delayed until the day after tomorrow. Could you take care of these first? I got it. I’ll get working on those first. Thank you, please do so. Oh, Escha. Please make sure those documents are ready in time for the next postal flight. Okay! …Both of you, wait just a little bit. (Yeesh… Solle is really running these two ragged…) By the way, I need the documents I gave you yesterday by the end of the day… I’ve already finished that paperwork. Is this good? It’s fine, thank you. With this done, we should reach today’s goals. That’s a relief. I’m starting to feel pretty tired. Our efforts were worthwhile! By the way… I heard Logy’s work was Imbuing alchemy, but it seems like his job now is paperwork… …That’s right. I heard he was an alchemist who does really amazing work… Yeah, that’s right. But Logy’s also methodical, so he’s also really good at paperwork! I mostly carry around the paperwork that’s already finished. We’re splitting up the work pretty well! Yes, it really helps. Although I’ll need Logy to work even harder tomorrow. …I’ll have to do even more tomorrow? Yes, the deadlines are on the same day. Is that inconvenient for you, Logy? N-no! There’s no problem. I’m fine…! H-he seems to be having a hard time… Yeah. Being capable isn’t all glory, we got a glimpse of the sad side of it, too…! Speaking of being capable, I do indeed have a job for you, Shallies. Ooh! What kind of job? If you recall, there were dangerous slags in the Crystal Valley en route to Faav Village. There’s one called the Defender that I want you to take care of. Defender… I think we can handle it! There are also some beasts on the Eastern Continent that I’d like you to handle as well, if you’d be so kind. And don’t forget a report on these creatures… Can do! We can go right now, Shallie! Yes! I’ll have Teo get the ship ready. Oh yes, Escha, Logy, no running away from the paperwork on the way there or back. (Still though, while it’s nice to be relied on, we’d better watch it before we end up completely overworked like Logy over here…) I’m sure Al will be happy if we brought this to him. So might as well pick it up! Now, I believe the report said that the Defender was deeper in the valley… There’s the Defender! At least, that matches the description. There’s also a giant boar here. I think this is one of the beasts that Solle was talking about.    Use this well! One down! Too slow!  Now, for our target…  I made this myself. It should work well!  I’ll use this!  Ooh, those look like they’ll hurt once they land… better wrap this up quickly!      I’ll show you…  And that’s that! It’s nothing more than a hunk of junk now! Still, about those missiles it fired… They’re still in the air, right? Well, let’s leave before we find out where they land! Y-yes! Off to Faav Village! Logy… You’ve noticed too, haven’t you? About… Ayesha, was it? I swear that I’ve seen Nio use some of the same bombs that she uses. Back when Nio was with the Colseit R&D Team, anyway. It can’t be a coincidence, right? And Ayesha does bear a strong resemblance to Nio… We’ll have to ask Ayesha about that sometime later. You sure do some crazy things sometimes. I said I’d take care of it myself, but you decided to follow me anyway. What are you saying? I place great value on such experiences, which is why I’m paying so much for this! Gaining something by doing nothing is far too mundane. My pride as an adventurer would not stand for that! Is that so? I don’t understand things like that at all. Hey, Harry! Is what you said true!? What? That you’re paying money… Yeah, Harry’s actually a businessman with so much money he doesn’t need to find treasure himself. Reyfer, I’ve told you countless times that that’s a misunderstanding! Still, you have a lot of money, right? That’s what matters! I didn’t think this was worthy of mention before, but I’m Harry Olson, chairman of the Harry Company. Being wealthy is just a trivial detail to me. I’ve found something far more important. There’s something I want to ask! I want to get rich too, but… What should I do? You’re awfully direct! I don’t mind. That’s actually quite a lovely dream for a young person. However, you must understand something: Money is a result, it should not be a goal in and of itself. What’s that mean…? You shouldn’t just think about making money. If you work hard and make good choices, money will come to you. Huh, I see! It’s not good to be controlled by your own desires and greed. Allow me to cite an example for you… Even if you have a hot product, if all you do is sell that one item, people will eventually become tired of it. …I guess that’s true. On the other hand, I handle rare goods from various different regions, so of course I keep people’s interest. Oh, I get it! That really makes sense! That’s true, of course. I’ve been blessed by many capable employees. You’re talking about Marietta, right!? She’s so hard working and wonderful… Oh, Ayesha. You think so, too? The entire store’s propped up by her skills. Hehe, I wonder how she’s doing… Ah, you know this person too, Ayesha? Then does that mean this store is from the city where you met each other? That’s right. A certain someone was always complaining about how the owner only brings weird junk, though. W-Well, th-that’s just…a noble desire for new experiences and change… That also reminds me, they also said there wasn’t any room to store products that were in demand because of all that junk. It’s important to understand your customers’ needs. What a good employee that was… Right. Marietta never made compromises when it came to the store! A-Ahem! Uh, I apologize, but I just remembered some important business I need to attend to. We’ll speak again. Excuse me! Look at him go! I guess the heat was a little too much for him… …Master, was all that true? Of course it was. He couldn’t ever run a business himself. He just lucked out and found good employees. Still… I can’t really hold it against him. He’s just too likeable. I’ll give him that, at least… Yeah, that’s true. That might actually be an amazing talent. Anyway… I think we’re done here. Back to Stellard! Colseit Gossip Regardless of where you are, there are some duties which must be done. Okay, okay… We should take a little break now. Very well. Thanks to Logy, we’ve made good progress today. Logy was always really good at paperwork, after all. No, you’re just especially bad at paperwork, Escha… Although, compared to her time in Colseit, she’s made a market improvement. Huh, you got Solle to praise you? That’s pretty amazing, Escha. …I’m speaking in relative terms. Oh right, speaking of Colseit… Katla is here too, I’m glad to keep meeting so many people I know. Now that you mention it… Well, it’s Katla. If there's a business opportunity, she’ll appear anywhere. Since Katla’s here, I’m sure Micie is feeling really lonely. But when I told Katla about it, she didn’t really react much. That’s less of a lack of reaction, and more of a lack of awareness of Micie. She might not even remember him… What!? That’s terrible! You agree, right Logy!? Uh… This is an issue between them. I don’t think it’s something I should be butting into. Hmm, I wonder why Katla doesn’t notice Micie’s feelings… He made such an appeal to her and everything. Well, Micie didn’t exactly explain it clearly, and plus this is Katla we’re talking about. She would probably say… “Micie? Oh, you mean one of my customers! I’d be happy if he came shopping again!” …Or something like that? Wait, there’s someone who likes Katla!? How unexpected… Although that’s a bit rude to say. Ehehe, yeah, well you see… Everyone, please take your gossip elsewhere. This is a place for work. Eeek! S-sorry, we got carried away… Everyone, let’s go outside! …Oh right. I found this, so I just had to come drop it off… Sorry for intruding, see you later! Let’s go, Escha! *Sigh* …By the way, did you have some business here, Shallies? Oh, that’s right. But you’re on break now. Shouldn’t we save it for later? No… As I said, I’m on duty now… I don’t mind if it’s work related. Anyway, what business do you have, Shallies? We took care of the Defender in the Crystal Valley. That should help secure safe passage between Stellard, the Solice Trading Camp, and Faav Village. Also, we handled some of the beasts on the Eastern Continent. That’ll also help. Though now, I can’t help but wonder what lies beyond Faav Village… I see… In that case, we’ll confirm it as well. Still, you never seem to get agitated, Solle… …All things come through experience. Oh, Escha, I just remembered! I agreed to meet up with Ayesha right about now. Ayesha? Wait, you already know her? We met about ten years ago, but something came up six years ago and she vanished. I couldn’t find any trace of her at all for years, and then suddenly she turns up here in Stellard! So that’s why she and I want to catch up a bit more. Well, catch you later! So Wilbell also knows Ayesha… who had to go into hiding six years ago… Secrets to keep Hehe, you really are Bell… W-what!? I didn’t say anything weird, did I? No, you didn’t. I was just reminded that you’ve always been like this, and it made me happy. What are you talking about? You just said I grew up the other day. I was just talking about appearances. Inside, you’re still helpful and kind, but just a little bit of an over-worker. T-this is why ditzy people like her are scary… No wonder that stubborn old man is always lost for words with her. Anyway, I’m an adult woman inside now, too. I don’t do childish things like before. We were just talking about the past. Right, you’ve known each other for a long time! Ayesha! What kind of person was master in the past? Let’s see, back then, Bell was… Huh? Why are you getting so flustered? Yeah, I wasn’t intending to say anything weird. For example, in the past, Bell was… H-hey, I’m telling you to stop! Shallie, I’ll go and visit you later. Just go and continue your training! Ayesha, we’ll talk about the past when we’re alone! Whaaat? Why are you so against this? I know, right? Bell is acting weird. T-there’s nothing weird about me! Ugh, whatever. A-anyway, we’re leaving, Shallie! Huh!? Wait up, master!   
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 18:51 on Sep 29, 2020 |
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Sep 22, 2020 03:42
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Jerry Manderbilt posted:
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Sep 23, 2020 12:59
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This is probably revealed in the atelier Ayesha LP, but is Ayesha actually a fairy or are they being flowery when describing the fact that she has wings? Thanks for the videos to go with the screenshots, I like hearing the voices with the music 
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Sep 24, 2020 04:53
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Mecca-Benghazi posted:This is probably revealed in the atelier Ayesha LP, but is Ayesha actually a fairy or are they being flowery when describing the fact that she has wings? Ayesha is a regular human as much as Escha, Logy and the Shallies are; she just has a very particular aesthetic. And no problem! The good thing about Shallie DX is that the vast majority of added/changed scenes are voiced in the dub, and those are the ones this reboot will focus on covering.
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Sep 24, 2020 18:52
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Part XVII: The Wrathful Side of the Great Spirit (DX) Original Update   The big step What? It sounds like there's been a development from their investigation. What kind of development? Central didn't know much about the eastern continent before… But after reading some of Solle's report on your investigation, they're interested in Faav Village. Now?! What kinda timing… A little late, isn't it?? Yeah, but… Government work has so many procedures… I'm sorry. Oh, no! I'm not trying to blame you for this… Historians? Yeah, research about the ties of past civilizations to the Dusk. Wait a minute… Isn't the Dusk a natural phenomenon? Why would it be related to a civilization created by people? Well that's… Er, probably… You're saying the Dusk might not be natural? I… Uh don't really know… But… I do have ideas. You know where I’m from, right? Colseit? What of Colseit? There were floating ruins in the sky above Colseit, of an ancient alchemic facility called Geosis, that nobody could reach. Logy and I were the first to successfully reach Geosis, and there we met Flameu, the facility's administrator. Administrator… so Flameu managed that entire facility on her own? Yeah! We were able to find her because another friend of ours spent a few years as another ancient facility’s administrator. Oh! I remember Logy bringing you something from Flameu not long after he arrived here. A seed she gave you two? That’s right. Flameu knew that the land was growing less fertile, and that the earth was dying, and sought to revive nature. Geosis was the fruit of her labors. She learned how to make a special fertilizer, but despite her warnings, the ancient civilization’s humans overused it and exhausted nature's power even further… and so she became disillusioned with humanity, took Geosis, and flew into the sky so nobody could reach her. That all sounds very sad… Before Flameu left humanity behind, she gave Clone, my family’s automaton, a seed, which grew into my family’s apple orchard after a few centuries. And when Logy, Clone and I met her, we were able to reconcile with her. We restored her faith in humanity. …And that’s how we inherited that seed you saw. It’s an emblem of our promise to her. Promise or not, the story of Flameu and Geosis tells us something: that the ancient civilization knew the Dusk was coming, and didn’t just accept their doom. Even if one or two of their solutions ended up making things worse in the end… …Anyway, enough of that! We should ask Solle! Water, water, everywhere? (DX) Hehe! We're doing great! That's good. Solle, we heard there was a message from Central… Yes. And it's related to the drought we're experiencing. What did they say? There wasn't any sign of drought in Faav Village yet, right? Well, there wasn't exactly an abundance of water, but they weren't having any troubles, either. That's what got Central's attention, honestly. There's a difference in the rate of Dusk expansion region to region. Knowing why may be the key to the cause. How would we investigate that? We could compare investigations of the water management here to the water sources in other areas. And that could be helpful as evidence for the historians' new theory? Yes. However, they're still working to verify. Don't get your hopes up. Making a careful comparative analysis is necessary for reaching a more accurate conclusion, after all. Trial and error is only natural to reach such a point. Besides, there’s no other method available. But if it helps us with the drought even a little bit, then we need to do it. Yeah, we need to do everything we can, no matter how small. Well said… We can do it! This could be a way to save Stera's village! No, Lotte, not just my village… Stellard, too! They seem to be having fun. Yeah, you’re right. Stera and Lotte? Sounds like they've finally grown up a bit. Get ready, Escha and Logy. We’ll be joining them shortly. I remember a well in the Solice Trading Camp… Here we go! Though this is pretty anemic compared to Stellard’s water supply.  Who’d have thought there’d be this much clean water underground? I wonder what else is buried beneath the surface near Stellard… Especially since there’s no shortage of contaminated water on the surface, where the Slags roam… oh! This counts as a water source, even though I wouldn’t drink this… We’re doing pretty good for time, and we’ve found quite a bit in the Baskes region alone! So where should we go next? I think the islands south of Stellard may be a good bet. We were sent there to survey the land when we first arrived in Stellard, and I remember the area being relatively verdant. Bingo! Now, should we cross the Dusk Sea? We should. While we didn’t exactly see an abundance of water in Faav Village itself, we may see more abundant water sources if we travel beyond the village. Okay… let’s set sail! No, just a simple chat. Have you grown accustomed to this place yet, Logy? …Yeah, in terms of work at least. I know two people here, so that really helps. I see, that’s good. Just keep in mind that there could be unexpected obstacles in your work. Please be careful. Huh!? What do you mean, obstacles? …True, I never expected that I’d have to learn management after coming here… That’s an unexpected obstacle. That’s not what I’d call an obstacle. What!? There are even scarier obstacles than that!? Thank you. Here’s your compensation. Formality. No need. Between us! Ask again anytime. …What was that? Occasionally we get documents from other regions we can’t understand… I think that’s beyond the level of a simple obstacle…  There may be more beyond this point, but that’s enough for now. Let’s report back to Stellard! The rogue alchemist (DX) Escha! Thank you very much for before! What is it, Escha? Do you have a secret or something? U-um, you see… You’re about to go to the Union, right? Yes. What about it? Well, this is probably the case, but… I think they’ll mention Keith. By Keith, does she mean that one very skilled alchemist? The one who helped make the medicine… Yes. I was very surprised to meet him here. Him and Ayesha… Well… I want you to keep the fact that Keith came here a secret. Huh? …Why? How can I put it… You’ll know once you get there… And I hadn’t reported about Keith either… Uh, this is getting even more confusing. Ahaha… You’ll know when you go. I didn’t think it was a big deal… Uu, they’ll get mad if they find out… …What was she talking about? Guess we’ll find out soon enough… time to report! Alright then… What should we do? There's something I want to ask. What would that be? I want you to figure out where Keithgriff went. Keithgriff? …Why? He is, in fact, a Class 1 wanted criminal in Central… What?! Listen to the whole story. Due to his contributions to the city water equipment, he's been guaranteed freedom in Stellard. Uh, why is Keithgriff wanted? He's wanted for the destruction of ancient relics. He's put alchemy research back for years. But he's a skilled alchemist, isn't he? Yes, that's why it's so hard to understand his crimes. However, the irresponsible destruction of ruins and relics under research is still a crime. I kinda get it… But I kinda don't… In any case, Keith is probably the man closest to knowing the truth behind the Dusk. Seeing as Central's decided to recognize his actions here, we can't miss this opportunity to get his cooperation. I guess we can ask Keith for help, but I don't know if he's someone we should rely on... We need to do something about the drought. We'll use anything we can get. I get what you're saying, but… Lotte, I think everyone wants to do something about the Dusk. The goals of Stellard and Central are finally coinciding and they're trying to cooperate, even just a little. Maybe we should be the ones to lead everyone by example. I guess if you're going that far, we can try finding this rogue alchemist. Thanks, Lotte! Solle, we'll go find Keithgriff. Don't get too far ahead of yourselves… There aren't even any clues to where he is. You should ask at the Corporation… The chairman might know something. Yes! Perriend, do you know where Keith is? There's no way I would know that. I care about criminals' whereabouts as much as I care about Slag tears. No way... Maybe he's on the eastern continent? Huh? When Keithgriff visited the Corporation the other day, he hinted at an interest in the ruins around Faav Village. Ruins? Around Faav Village? Yes, he's studying the legends surrounding them. I'm sorry I don't know more than that. No, that's alright! Thank you, Linca! Let's go, Lotte! Okay! Um, I may be speaking out of place, but… Please try not to take the Chairman’s response too negatively. “If you wish to know, find out for yourself”… The Chairman simply wishes for you to learn that. That’s why, at least… …No, it’s exactly as Mr. Perriend says. We still have a habit of overly relying on other people. Mr. Perriend, we’ll do our best. I’m sorry about today…! You needn’t thank me. Now that you know what to look for, I trust that you know what steps to take next. Stera… Huh? Are you going east as well? And… Why? I… I want to do something about the drought in Stellard, and in Stera's village… Is it something you value so highly that you'd leave your sick mother? …I don't know. There's nothing I can do to cure my mom's illness. I can't do anything for her. That's why I want to at least show her I'm going to do the things I want to do, without regrets. That's all I can do right now. …Does that satisfy Nady? I think so, yes. …I see, very well. Be careful on your journey. …Thank you. Keithgriff wanted to know more about the eastern continent and ruins around Faav Village… so our best bet at tracking him down would be to learn more about the lore surrounding them. Jurie and Rosemia are especially knowledgeable about the legends and lore of this region. And Linca told me herself: it's one thing to just rely on other people, but there's no shame in requesting instruction to get ahead. Well then, let's go and ask them! Legends of the Dusk Sea Yes. You've traveled to many places, so I thought you might know something. The east was an unknown land for a long time… I don't know much about it. Oh… That's right. But I have heard some old sayings about it. Like what? That the Lord of Water spirits lives on the eastern continent. …Wha? Water spirits. We might not be able to see them, but they live everywhere there's water. And that's their Lord. The Lord of Water spirits… I wonder if there's any relation to the Dusk...? It's just a saying, I don't know if it's true. Where on the eastern continent should we meet them? No idea. Hello Rosemia. You seem… Busy. Yeah, pretty busy. The officials from Central work people to the bone! We travel to the east, and study water sources, and visit ruins... We're on the Dusk Sea a lot. Oh… Well, if you have time for a break, do you want to hear an interesting story about the Dusk Sea? A story? Whoa… That sounds exciting! Right?? The ruin is aptly named the Castle of Mirages. Mirages… That's a strange name. It's the name used by treasure hunters and adventurers, so it's no surprise. Why's it named that way? I don't understand… It's said the Castle of Mirages is somewhere in the Dusk Sea, but no one knows exactly where. It's there, for sure. The ruins are like a dream, though, and nobody knows much about it. How can you say it really exists, then? Heheh… I wonder why. If you're interested, you should search for a place where you can get a wide, open view of the Dusk Sea. Whaaa? Where's a high place where you can get a view like that? Also, both of you. Yes? If you're having trouble, I recommend you listen carefully. Wait, listen? Yes. It's possible that a mysterious singing voice will help guide you… We’ll keep our ears peeled! Now then, if we’re looking for Keithgriff, we’ll have to fly out to the Eastern Continent anyway. Let’s get going! To the place of destiny What is it, master? There's something I want to ask. Ask…? Mhmm, there's supposed to be a place called the Spirit's Altar on the eastern continent. It's north of Faav Village. Could you come with me? I don't mind… But why? I know you mentioned there's still plenty of water to the east, and I think it's because of that Lord of Water. They seem like they would know something about the water drying up in this town. What do you think? It sounds plausible a Lord of Water would know a lot about water… Good thinking, Wilbell! Ehehe! It's only natural. But master, when did you do all this research? When we went to the east, of course! As you were gathering information on the droughts, I was gathering information about spirits. Oooh, that's pretty clever! There's nothing to "Ooh" about. It's obvious. Anyway, let's get going. Master! You seem really excited! Why wouldn't I be?! Yeah, true... Lotte... You don't really seem like an apprentice. Oh ho ho! It's so lively in here! Oh, hello, Teo. Sorry we're always barging onto the ship like this. Haha, don't worry about it. So where're you going today? The Spirit's Altar. We're going to meet the Lord of Water. What? The Lord of Water? Why are you so surprised, Teo… It's said to be especially powerful, even compared to other Lord level spirits. Is it really that strong…? How do you know this, Teo? When I was a child, Lugion Village was still trading with the east. The waters there were ruled by that Lord of Water. I see, so stories about spirits aren't uncommon there, either. No worries, people. I've already contracted with the Lord of Fire and the Lord of Wind. What! You're crazy, master! How could you do all that?! Huh, I didn't tell you? Oh well. I'll contract with the Lord of Water, too. Alright, master! Let's hurry over!  How dazzling… this forest is bursting with life! It kinda reminds me of my homeland! You’re right. I haven’t seen a place like this in yeeeeeeeears… Anyway! Let’s push through!  Music: Sanctuary of Water I can feel it! The spirits’ power is getting stronger with each step I take! This area looks otherworldly, too… like something which couldn’t have been made by human hands. We can find whale whiskers, see giant whale bones, and even see lots of coral… Just a little further! Never say never We're finally here! …This is impossible. Huh? I… Can't handle this… This great power… Great anger… The Lord of Water is nearby? Just ahead… But we can't go any further. We have to go back... It's too dangerous. You're giving up after coming this far?! Is that okay?! I'm not stupid. Even I won't try to do something impossible. That doesn't sound like you at all! You haven't even met the Lord of Water yet! Shut up! …What do you know, you aren’t even a magician! Yeah…! Master! I finally found you! …Shallie. Why did you just leave like that? I was so surprised! The Spirits' Altar sure is a crazy place, though… It really felt like a place you can see spirits! Oh right… Um. … Master? Do you know how to contract with a spirit? …No. Is there some sort of… Really difficult incantation? No, you show them your true strength. As in, prove to them you're stronger. That sounds… Violent. You could say it's the capacity for your whole self. Capacity… Sorry. I'm actually kinda scared… I've never seen a spirit with so much power before. I got overwhelmed before even meeting it… I lost before it began. I know I don't act that serious... But I've got a lot of training in magic, at least. But… This difference is too much. I am a weakling… Could never contract with the Lord of Water… It’s impossible… Master… Huh? I know you're not really one to give up that easily. I'm sure you know from your own experience that you won't be able to beat the Lord of Water. I can't understand myself like that… I get carried away and fail, and end up running away. And I do it over and over again. Shallie… But I finally understand lately. One step at a time. I started by being a trash picker, and then learned alchemy, and now I'm all the way over on the eastern continent. It's amazing… I never would've thought I could do this just a short while ago. Though I still don't get it. I still don't know anything about myself… But I'm learning. What are you talking about…? That doesn't make any sense. Sorry! But you seem to understand yourself, master. You understand yourself, and that you won't be able to stand up to the Lord of Water. That is the right choice. You don't have to do it now. You can contract with the Lord of Water any time. You just need to take it one step at a time, get stronger, and try again. …Why are you only serious at a time like this? …I'm not serious all the time? Not… At all. …Whaaaattt? Whatever, I get it. Master? I actually don't understand myself at all, either. I was just scared by the Lord of Water's presence and tried to run away. … …Shallotte. Will you come with me? …Yes! Well then… this is the moment of truth! Maelstrom (DX) Music: Darkness of Oblivion Please be careful, Wilbell! I'm fine, leave this to me.   Leave this place. …Please. Oh Lord of Water, lend me your strength! The power of water. The source of life. You are foolish to seek such power, human. Your greed pollutes all that is pure. You know only selfish desire. Thirst, struggle, until you wither and die. …! Master!   Music: Contours of Thirst - ACRYLICSTAB    Here I go!  This is the result of my research!  Know my anger!  A gift from the earth!  FJ: Tausend Blitz I’ll use all my power… and put everything behind this technique! Let's end this now! Take THIS!  Sorry. But there’s a place I have to return to.  Huh?! Wilbell! Master! …Wilbell…! The contract is complete. Everything is clogged, getting dirty and polluted… Rotting… Drying out? …Is this inside of the earth? Master? Really?! Yeah, thanks to you. You really helped out! I… I didn't do much. Wilbell… Are you okay? Yeah. Sorry about running off before. Are you tired of me now? No way! I see… That's good. Thanks. But more importantly, there's something that's worrying me… What is it? Just now… I saw the Lord of Water's memories… They have to do with the water on this continent. Memories of water…?! Yes. It could be helpful in finding the cause of the droughts or the Dusk. Really?! Yes. I… I want to stop the Dusk. After seeing the Lord of Water's memories… I NEED to stop it. …But I don't know what to do. Master… Oh and Shallotte! What? Am I still your master?
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 16:48 on Oct 2, 2020 |
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Sep 26, 2020 00:01
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Part XVIII: The Illusory Side of the Floating Ruins (DX) Original Update  To the place of illusion Oh, Shallies, hello. Perfect timing. I have information concerning Keith. What?! Where is that geezer!? Apparently there're ruins in the Dusk Sea called the Castle of Mirages, and he's headed there. The Castle of Mirages… I hear it's in the deep sea near the eastern continent. Maybe you should ask the people in Faav Village? Got it! Thank you! If Keith is heading to the Castle of Mirages… then I guess it really does exist. He doesn’t seem like the type to waste his time looking for something he knows doesn’t exist. And if the Castle of Mirages is near the eastern continent… Then Faav Village would be a good place to gather information and pinpoint its exact location. …So that’s where Keith is… Tower of plants Mm? Oh, hello, ladies. We meet again! Sure… Hi… Um, Harry…? Do you know a man named Keithgriff? You're searching for Keith? Why? We have business… Wait. You know Keith?? I've never directly spoken to him, but I have seen him before. Unfortunately, I haven't seen him around here. Hmm, I see… More importantly, have you visited the Heaven's Vine? Heaven's… No…? What?! How have you not heard of it?! It's to the south of the town, beyond the cove. You should go there! Now! Go! Wait a second! We're looking for Keith! It's okay, Lotte. We don't have any other clues, so we can at least take a look. Whaaaa! ...You seem like you've slackened up a bit lately, Stera... Heh... I decided to relax a little bit... Thanks to you, Lotte.  Looks like we’ll have to get through these wrecked ships to get to the Heaven’s Vine. Yeah. Still though, now that I think about it…no wonder Rosemia knew something about the Castle of Mirages. Collecting from places like this is her bread and butter. And the Heaven’s Vine sounds like exactly the kind of place where we’d get to see the Dusk Sea from on high! The long climb Music: Sleeping Vines This is the Heaven's Vine?!… It's amazing! Are we… Supposed to climb this? I wonder how far it goes… Probably to. End of sky. Ugh. Hey, hey. What is it? Is it okay if I just fly up? … We’ll just have to see how far up this vine goes. The hard way… Uu, don’t look down…! Huh… Lotte, did you hear something? Hmm… no, not really. Why do you ask? I thought I heard a singing voice above us. Further up this vine… Castles in the sky W-wait… I need some time to get used to the height… Eeek, I looked down! Shal, weren't you saying before that you wanted to fly? I-it's completely different to fly yourself, and to be in a really high place! Huh…? Hey, what's that building? …Jurie! Yeah… That's probably the "Castle of Mirages". Do you think Keithgriff is there? How would we know? You should check. It's up to you to discover things on your own. And if there's something you want, you need to reach out and grab it yourself. That's what it means to be a treasure hunter. …Jurie, that is so cool! …Sounds like random guesswork to me, leaving things to chance. You shouldn’t be one to talk. I'm sure Al would be happy if we brought this to him. Though what a place to find it…  Looks like we still have quite a bit of this overgrown plant to get through before we get to the Castle of Mirages… Hmm… I haven’t heard that singing voice ever since we picked up that automaton and moved on. Could that have been it? Still… singing automatons? Keithgriff had an automaton with him, and she wasn’t the type to sing… It’s really jarring to go from the greenery of Faav Village and the Heaven’s Vine to a desolate, barren shell of a village like this… There are no humans who can live here anymore… Remember the assignment where you and I were sent to that village north of Colseit? Where the land went barren and the water dried up? Yeah. Seeing this place reminds me of how the villagers all had to leave when the drought wouldn’t stop… … Ah, Shallie! Sorry if that reminded you of your village’s situation… I-it’s fine… but that’s why we’re here looking for Keithgriff, right? If he has any information on how to stop the Dusk, or the droughts, then Lugion can be saved! And just a little further in, we’ll be at the Castle of Mirages! Still, though… I wonder how many abandoned villages like this there are around the Dusk Sea? And how long ago settlements like this were abandoned?  Ancient alchemy Music: Illusions Shown by the Corals We finally made it… The Castle of Mirages. Hmm, it smells kind of familiar… Apparently, this used to be an ocean. There're signs of water and seaweed scattered around from long ago. This was underwater?! Wow… Was the ocean really that big? It was probably a beautiful place… I'm curious to know what it looked like. These ruins… May have originally been created using alchemy. What? …All of this? Yeah... The floor and walls look a little familiar. It could be from a time period close to the alchemy I use. The alchemy you use... Isn't that a new type? Alchemy is all based off forgotten knowledge. The time when alchemy was flourishing lasted a long time. The alchemy you two use is close to the origin of alchemy, passed down through the ages. The alchemy I use was created after that era. So what's the difference? The alchemy I practice is easier to use, and designed for the general populace. That's why it's easier to learn. The alchemy you two use is greatly affected by natural talent, because it's much closer to pure alchemy. I didn't know… I hate to say it, but I don't have the natural talent you two have. That's why I decided to study this. Still, it's not something that just anyone can learn by studying hard. It's true! And you're helping us all out, Miruca! Miruca, you're amazing. Everyone oughta know. …Thanks, Jurie. Still though, now that we’re here… it’s not like it’s any easier to get around in here than it was to get here.  Oh… An automaton! I'm sure Al would be happy if we brought this to him. There’s no path to cross. I wonder what we could do to get across? These monsters might have something to do with it! Yeah. I get the sense that they’re here to stop us from reaching that room across the chasm…   Bingo! So we have to defeat the other two to cross! The Alchemists of Dusk (DX) That’s…! Hmm… Why have you come to this place? Ah, about my mom's illness… Thank you so much! Illness…? Yeah, it's related to what I asked before… Oh, that. I see. I'm not a doctor, I haven't done anything worth your gratitude. Still! I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to chat. If you have business with me, be quick about it. …We want you to lend us your strength, Keith. For what? You're investigating the Dusk, right? That's why you know so much about water sources and control equipment. We want you to investigate the droughts with us, and find the cause! I have no interest in that. You should ask the government about your water sources and equipment. But… Aren't the droughts related to the Dusk…? I won't deny it. Droughts are just one of many surface phenomena. Still… There're so many people suffering because of it… Charity isn't my thing. I simply want to find the truth behind this world. You can’t say that’s all, can you? A-Ayesha!? Is it really alright to say something like that to him!? Yes, I found some pretty interesting things. What!? You know each other!? …And actually, you seem to be even closer than that!? I see. I’ll listen to your report later. I’ll be finished here soon. Now, Stera and Lotte… Anyway, you’re saying that the droughts will lead us to the truth behind the Dusk? In what way? U-um… We really wanted to help the people suffering from the droughts! That led us to running into this big thing called the “Dusk”! We found that droughts aren’t the only symptom of the “Dusk” phenomenon happening to this world… That’s why we want to stop the Dusk, even if it’s only a little bit! Please! Lend us your strength! …You don't get it. Listen, if you want people to help you, you need some kind of incentive for them. If you can prove to me that helping you solve these droughts will help me find the truth... I might help you. An incentive? My studies have shown me that the droughts aren't directly causing it. There is a chance my conjecture is wrong… There's no hard evidence to assemble a theory behind it. And that means… You need to bring me some information worth verifying. Though I don’t doubt it’ll be hard to find. Odelia, I'm returning to Stellard after I'm done here. I'd like some time to sort my findings. Yes, sir. Let’s rendezvous again about your findings in Stellard, Ayesha. And as for you two… I will come to you once you’re prepared to make your case. Yeah, I am. And Keith’s the same as always. The same as always…? He’s always acting like that!? That’s right. It’s not like he’s not interested, though. I-I see… Keith is the type who won’t deal with you unless you’re serious, and he wants to work at his own pace… Ah! It does seem like he’d say that! But he feels stronger than anyone about where this world is heading. I’d be happy if you understand that. I didn’t know… Anyway, I’m going to go talk to Keith. I’ll see you later. And there she goes… Ayesha isn’t just pretty, she’s also a very admirable person… Yeah. I feel like I really understand what she was saying! …Although this is the first time I’ve actually felt like she’s Keith’s apprentice. Me too… It’s a little surprising. …Hey, Lotte? Let’s do our best to have Keithgriff recognize us, too! Of course! But what kind of information would Keithgriff find value in… That’s a difficult question… … Lotte? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking… About what? It’s not much… Do you remember how I told you about my dream before? Yes, about wanting to fly. Yeah… But that’s wrong. I just said that because I didn’t have another answer. But… Your real dream… Enough of that for now, though. What information do we have for Keithgriff regarding the Dusk or the droughts? Hmm… We did just meet the Lord of Water, and Wilbell received her memories when they formed the contract. I’ll never forget the words she had for us… And we had every indication that she would be that hostile to us, just remembering the legends Teo told us about. “A dreadful spirit who created the Dusk Sea”… but what if it wasn’t out of malice? What if it was because humans were misusing the water, abusing nature, and abusing her? Abusing nature… anger toward humans… you know what else that reminds me of? Escha’s story! That’s why Flameu took Geosis with her and abandoned the ancient humans! It's easy to see some common threads here. Between the Lord of Water and Flameu, I think we have enough leverage to get Keithgriff’s ear! Now, back to Stellard! Hey, Miruca. What was it like studying alchemy in Central? Pretty… Ordinary. That’s not what I meant! After watching Logy, it seems like Central style alchemy is really difficult… It sounds like something you’d have to be suited for… Mm, in that case… I understand the old style alchemy Shal uses, but I’m not very good at it… Central style isn’t based on being suited to it, it’s based on studying. But it’s better for attentive people. I-I see… Why do you bring it up? I thought I could try and master Central style alchemy, too… Even though you’re already good at old style alchemy? Then, when I go back to Colseit, I could surprise everyone… But… Escha, you should be more proud of your own alchemy… I see… It’s for attentive people, huh… I guess even Escha has things she worries about… I know she’s our senior, but I still feel a need to help her… It’s a little strange. Deeds of ages past (DX) …Also, “The Lord of Water rules the water of the Eastern Continent.” The “Lord of Water”? I thought you’d tell me something interesting, but instead you tell me folk tales? It’s not just a folk tale. I witnessed Master Wilbell form a contract with the Lord of Water. Hah. That fake magician likely just showed you a magic trick. Master Wilbell isn’t a fake magician! Also… I heard it. If we combine the Lord of Water’s words with Stera’s village legend, we can think of it this way… The Lord of Water ruled water in this region, but grew angry due to the actions of humans. Then she either decided to stop controlling its flow, or stop supplementing it. …Just like how the administrator of “Geosis” in the Colseit region grew disappointed in humanity. Hmph… Your reasoning is crude, but it’s logical, more or less. However, it all requires the assumption that this Lord of Water actually exists. Alright then, how about this? I’ll send all the memories I received from the Lord of Water into your head, too. Master Wilbell…! …You’re telling me to play along with your games? I don’t care what you say about me… But… These girls put a lot of serious effort into this… I’ll do anything to get you to help… …Calm down, witch. I was simply stating my own thoughts on the matter. However, I never expected to hear about the “administrator of Geosis” from your mouths. We heard about it from Escha. It was made by the ancient civilization to revive nature… But it’s also very sad. Indeed. It’s proof of the hubris of humanity… Now then, what do you infer from all of this? The Lord of Water grew disappointed by the actions of us humans. Out of all of it, the biggest factor was… “Selfish desire”… I think something was created with alchemy, only for the sake of humans… There may be a hint buried in the earth… You may find the deeds of humans hidden below. …Keithgriff, does this mean you’ll lend us your strength!? Your deductions were enough to capture my interest. I intend to provide advice, as compensation for your information. I’d like to sort out the hypothesis I just came up with… Give me a little time. You could practice your alchemy while you wait. …Lotte! We did it! We managed to persuade Keith! That having been said… getting him to help out here is a huge deal in and of itself. You oughta let Solle know! So close, yet so far away Oh, there you are. We heard there was a message from Central! Yes, from their investigation. Apparently the cause of the droughts is underground in this area. The information you got on the water sources was extremely useful. That's good! Solle, what's underground? We asked you here to find out. Huh?! Us? But isn't this a really important, high-profile investigation? Of course… And that's why we're asking you to do it. Nobody in this town knows more than you do. Raoul… Didn't you want a big job? This is perfect for you! …Yeah. But I don't really care if it's a big job or not… Are you kidding me? What changed? I don't care about fame. The reason I took up alchemy and became Master Wilbell's apprentice… It was so other people would accept me… I wanted to find something I could do on my own… But I had an epiphany of sorts while watching Stera. Me? Yeah. You said your dream was to save your village, and become someone worthy of becoming the next chief. It sounds simple, but it's actually pretty difficult, right? I understand now what I want to do, and it's simple, too. What do you want to do, Lotte? Mm. That's so simple it's boring. And that's totally fine! What I need to do right now is help save Stellard. I have to think about what I'll do after saving the city, though. Wow, that sure does sound pretty heroic. Hehe! Is there something wrong with that? No, it's great! It sounds like a dream you'd think up. I think so too… Lotte, you're so kind. I'm sure many people will be glad for your help. Stop it…! You're embarrassing me… Anyway, we need to do everything we can for Stellard right now. Solle, what can we do? The Union is using all its effort to find an entrance to the underground. Do you mind waiting for a little while? An entrance? Yes. The new theory says the droughts are caused by devices made by people. If that's the case, there should be an underground area people can enter. Maybe the device would be there… We're currently trying to find where the area could be, and how to get into it. A human made device? Keithgriff said the same thing... Really? He said… The deeds of humans are buried underground. Hmm… Raoul, mind if we call Keithgriff Hazeldine here? Go ahead. I'll have you two come back another day as well. By the way, Shallies! Come over to my shop, I’ve got something special for you! The Controller’s Friend …I heard the key points from my apprentice. Ah, Keith! Hello! There’s no need for greetings. Show me this so-called “seed”. “Seed” …Oh, you mean Flameu’s seed… Here you go! …So this is the “seed” the Geosis Controller entrusted to you. Don’t say it like that. Flameu is my friend. …Oh? You call a Controller your friend? You say the same things as my apprentice. Are you trying to say that this Controller, Flameu, has a personality, and its own will? Um… I heard that she was originally a girl who did research at Geosis. A device that allows a human to function as a Controller… This could be comparable to Nio’s case. It’s possible that this girl called Flameu was part of an alchemist lineage. Huh? …Flameu was an alchemist!? That’s simply a rough hypothesis. But she needn’t necessarily have been an alchemist herself to research at a facility like Geosis or belong to an alchemist lineage. Nio, after all, was not yet an alchemist when I saw her last, but she’s still the sister of my apprentice, who synthesizes using the old style of alchemy like their grandfather before her… and Nio and Ayesha share their family name with the plant-filled ruins of an alchemic facility near their atelier. Nio and Ayesha…? Keith’s apprentice…? That’s enough about Nio. I want to hear more about Geosis, and about this girl who was involved with this ancient facility from the beginning. …What did Flameu call this “seed”? She said it was “new life”. Also, “someday, beautiful flowers will bloom”… I see. I’d like to borrow this “seed” for a short while. There’s something I must research. Okay, go ahead… Wait, what!? You’re going to research it!? There’s no need to worry, it’s a valuable sample. I won’t dissect it. I’ll treat it with care. W-will it be okay…? I’m a little worried, too… A-anyway, Escha! You said something about having something special for us? Oh, that’s right! I have some recipe books for you. They’re pretty advanced, but you’ve both been growing so fast as alchemists. I think you can make good use of them! Escha…! We will!
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 16:54 on Oct 2, 2020 |
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Sep 28, 2020 04:34
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Part XIX: The Daring Side of the Fugitive’s Tale Original Update Alright, I think that’s the last of the recipes from Escha’s books! Let’s go get some fresh air! Right! Nio and Keith  Yeah. I heard from Bell that you two took good care of Nio. N-no, not at all! We’re the ones being helped by her! Right now, Nio’s looking after Escha’s family’s apple orchard. She’s really helping us out. I see, I feel better after hearing that. She always pushes herself, so I was worried about leaving her alone. Ayesha, you really one to talk? Still, I never expected to meet Nio’s older sister in this town… Why not? She’s Nio’s sister, of all people. It wouldn’t be strange to see her anywhere. What exactly were you imagining… …That reminds me, I heard you were traveling around with Keith. …This is getting even harder to believe. It’s true. Although I’m a little surprised that you were still at it. I wouldn’t want to spend even one day with such a stubborn old man. Really? I learned a lot while traveling with him. It was actually pretty fun, you know? Yeah, but… He seems like he would be really hard to please, or… Huh? That’s not true! Keith isn’t scary at all. That’s right. He’s a little picky, but he’s not scary at all. R-really…? I’m sure you two would get along! Ah, I think so too! …Sorry, I would prefer not to comment about it now. Talking about Ayesha’s little sister somehow turned into talking about Keithgriff. He seems liked by everyone. …What do you think, Lotte? Hmm… I know everyone seems to be having fun, but I don’t get much besides that right now. Ah, we oughta drop by the Union. We also have a ton of requests to report on! Absolutely! Well done, both of you! You’re welcome! Hehe… this should help fund more expenses for textbooks and ingredients. Right! And don’t forget Rosemia’s shop at the Solice Trading Camp. It’s out of the way compared to all the shops in Stellard, but she’s often had some rare and valuable texts for us! Anyway, I think we’re done here for the time being. Until we get new developments on the underground, anyway. Chasing the truth Ah, Ayesha and Escha. Hello! What were you talking about? Oh, Shallies. I was just asking Ayesha about Keith! Really!? I want to hear too! Um, I really don’t have much to say. That’s not true! Keith is really cool! Yeah… He’s very admirable. His pursuit of the truth hasn’t changed at all, ever since we first met… And he has some cute quirks too, right? You understand, Escha? Hehe. He’s also very kind, although he doesn’t show it much to other people… Really…!? Stera, Escha, could this mean… You think so too, Shallie? That’s so wonderful! I really admire that! But that doesn’t change the fact that I want to keep following after him forever… Uu, that’s so nice! You have a wonderful master too, Lotte. I-I… I want to go see Logy now! I see. So Escha is… Argh! Everyone’s so unfair! Huh? …Did I say something weird…? Let’s go, Stera! You were saying something about Rosemia, right? R-right! Still though, Ayesha seemed… really oblivious. Yeah, I guess you’re right about that… The recipes in here will yield the strongest metals you can synthesize. Do you think you’re up to the task…? We’re more than ready! So here’s the Cole! Thank you. No, thank you, Rosemia! Alright, now back to Colseit! Reclaiming Logy…? Ah, Shallies. Do you need something? Hm? Escha, did something happen? Your mood seems different from usual. Huh? N-nothing happened… Yeah, it’s nothing! I mean it! …So what happened? I finally get to work with Logy again, but whenever he has free time, he goes over to Miruca’s atelier… Miruca’s atelier? Huh… That’s kind of unexpected. Logy says he’s just going to clean the place up, but… Maybe he gets along with the same type of alchemist better. No way, Escha. There’s no way they would get along. They’re like water and oil. But! He never comes here to clean things up! Well… It’s true that Miruca’s atelier is always a mess… Logy seems like he’s really obsessed with cleanliness, too. Yeah, that’s right. Back in Colseit, he would clean up every day. It really helped me out. But now he’s leaving me alone, and going over to Miruca’s place… I know, maybe if I start making my shop a mess… It looks like she’s working it out on her own. Maybe we should come back later… I think I feel the exact same way as you right now, Lotte… Should we go back to the ship and look at the recipes from Rosemia’s book? Yeah. That’ll burn some time, at the very least… Oh, right! We’re running low on water for alchemy, so we should drop by the City Water Supply first. The fugitive’s tale I heard you left Nio back at home because you didn’t want to expose her to any danger. Yes. If this area was dangerous, I wouldn’t have been able to leave her alone… But… You go and investigate dangerous places too, right? Hmm. I’m used to exploring ruins, so I should be fine unless something really bad happened… …Being surrounded by a group of giant Slags, maybe? …Crossing the Dusk Sea alone seems very difficult, as well. Hold it, Escha. Normally, you wouldn’t even be able to survive that… Huh? That’s part of the assumption you make beforehand. …Wait up, my head can’t keep up with all this. Ruins usually have guardians inside, but they aren’t always docile, and the ruins could also have traps set… When I concentrate on exploring, I start to not see my surroundings… I’ve ended up breaking ruins because of that. That reminds me, you’re wanted for the crime of destroying ruins, Ayesha. All I did was try to force open a door leading to the depths. But then it all started crumbling… If Nio was with me at the time, she could have been hurt, right? It’s too dangerous to bring her… But if I knew Stellard was such a nice town, I would have brought her here… I’d have her stay while I’m exploring. Ayesha, you’re saying some crazy things like it’s nothing… Grr… Oh, Shallies! Want to walk with us back to the Union? Oh, uh, sure! (Well, I’m glad she found Logy after all…) Still though, speaking of Ayesha and Keith… But I was really surprised! Both Keith and Ayesha appeared in the same place! That’s no surprise, they’re just working together. Isn’t that normal? That’s not what I mean! What I’m trying to say is… Oh, I know this one! You’re talking about so many alchemists gathering here in Stellard, right? Gathering Putting aside our amazement… This seems like too much to be a coincidence. Is this what Solle was talking about? …What do you mean? I mean the Dusk encroaching on Stellard is is that serious of a situation. It’s as though this entire region is being tested, to see if we’ll find an answer to stop the Dusk. The people gathered here are all amazingly capable… Uu… I feel like we’re not going to be of any use. No, if you put it that way, people like Miruca and I are the ones who’ll be the least useful. Huh, why? I’m sure Miruca told you, but using old style alchemy like you two and Escha requires natural born talent. The new style alchemy taught by Central is a science designed to allow those without talent to use alchemy. That’s not true! I think you and Miruca both have amazing abilities! …Besides, I don’t think I have any sort of amazing talents. I-I feel the same as Lotte. Now, now. I think both the old style and the new style have their strong points. Everyone has things they’re good at and not good at, but you can always count on hard work. Y-you really think so? When you put it that way, it’s a little embarrassing… I agree. You’re counted among the alchemists gathered here, after all. I’d be happy if that’s the case… Yeah! I’m suddenly feeling really great! …I’m actually more surprised to hear such serious words coming out of your mouth, Escha. Huh!? What’s that supposed to mean, Logy!? I can think for myself too, you know! Y-Yeah. Sorry… (Hm, is it just me, or is Escha’s storefront messier than the last time I was on break…?)  Stera! Water Festival (DX) Ehehe! I’ve come to invite you! Invite? To… What? To a festival! Stellard’s traditional Water Festival. Water Festival…! Y’know how Stellard is famous as a city of water, right? That’s why the entire city goes swimming around this time of year, in gratitude. Huh? Is that really okay? They’re in the middle of a drought… That’s what I thought, too. But Mr. Perriend and Raoul said stopping it would only make people more anxious. I see… Yes, that’s true. But… Also, it seems the Lord of Water permitted it as well. In that case… It would be rude not to celebrate it. Exactly! …Wait, Ayesha, how do you know what the Lord of Water thinks!? I see… Wait, that’s no laughing matter! Are you going to participate too, Ayesha? Well, I actually have to go somewhere nearby for an investigation. It’s really important, so I can’t delay it. Aww… That’s too bad. I’ll be going now. I hope you all have fun! Shallie, Shallistera, you two know where to find me! What?! Change into what? Just do it!  I know that, but… I’ve never worn a swimsuit before… What?! Lugion doesn’t have swimsuits? How do you swim?! We don’t really swim like that… We even wear something thin when we bathe. No kidding! Well then, this’ll be your swimsuit debut! I’m not really used to showing this much skin in public… It’s embarrassing… Don’t worry, everyone will be dressed like that in town today. You won’t stand out at all. Let’s go! W-wait, Lotte!! Music: SAY YOU - mimimemeMIMI S-Shallie?! Hi, Teo! Let it go, Dad. It’s that time of the year in Stellard… Alright! Now time to round up the festival goers…     Ooh, Master! Having fun? You sound WAY too excited. Well, yeah, it’s a festival! Why are YOU in such a crummy mood? Anyone would be grumpy if you called them over only to strip off their clothes! Then how should I have invited you?! You could’ve just asked like a normal person! Hehe. You still seem to be having fun, Wilbell. Linca? Yes? Umm, you don’t seem to be enjoying yourself very much… That’s not true. I like the Water Festival a lot! I’m having a blast. You could at least crack a smile. …The water… So cold… You okay, Miruca? Do you need a towel? Or you wanna put on clothes…? Jurie, if you’re worried… Oh no! Is the water too cold, making your feet ache? Well, I have something for you! I don’t want it… Hey now, don’t say that! Just take a look! I don’t want it. You could just take a peek…! Uu… So cold… Hey, Miruca! Katla, you guys need to be more grateful for this water! It’s the water festival, you know. …This is why I said I’d just wait at home… Aaah! This is lovely… I’m glad we have water to use like this. Water is incredibly important to the people here. Yes, it is. We all need to protect it…!
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Sep 30, 2020 18:24
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Swimming pool party during a drought come on I am really confused on what Escha thinks is going on with Ayesha and Keith. I’m pretty sure she’s just seeing things?
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Oct 1, 2020 00:29
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Mecca-Benghazi posted:Swimming pool party during a drought come on Ayesha and Keith have a pretty strictly professional dynamic (which grew from the grudging mentor/mentee dynamic from her own home game); that having been said Ayesha/Keith is a ship you can find in the fandom. im not a fan personally Moving on! So far, with music links, I've only been including the tracks added for DX (so Logy and Escha/Logy's finishing jingles, and Logy and Ayesha's respective character themes). So far, I've passed on linking all the other tracks that have appeared in-game since the DX divergence, as I figured it'd be good enough that they're linked in Sylphid's OG Shallie updates. With that, I was wondering if I should also update all the posts I've made til now to include the rest of the game's music?
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Oct 1, 2020 01:48
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I'd say go for it, never hurts to have some background music in an LP.
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Oct 2, 2020 14:06
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Tesseraction posted:I'd say go for it, never hurts to have some background music in an LP. It has been done! And the next update will be coming this afternoon PST.
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Oct 2, 2020 16:56
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Yeah I’m pro more background music if it’s not extra work
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Oct 2, 2020 17:52
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Part XX: The True Side of the Buried Remains (DX) Original Update   The Apprentice's Investigation Yes… Then… The cause of the drought was nearby the whole time? This is hard to believe… Is it possible to get to where the device is? There's no doubt a path exists… The problem is the entrance. Where's the entrance? The Ruins of Frozen Time. What? No way… There's an enormous gate there. It has to be opened first. How would we open it? Opening a locked door is the same, no matter what the size of the door. You use a key, or destroy it. Can we really destroy it?? I've already tried, and no, we can't. I'll pretend I didn't hear that… Sounds like the only way is to find the key, then. Automatons? If you're curious, it's a singing type of automaton, a different model from myself. I… What? Automatons can sing? After examining the automaton left at the factory gate, there’s no mistake. My apprentice’s investigation backs it up too. …Ayesha’s investigation? Judging by the area surrounding the gate, including the one left, a total of 6 singing automatons exist. So the gate will open if we gather all 6? The resonance generated by the sounds made by all 6 will open the gates. But it's not like it's easy to find the automatons! There was one in Faav Village… The one they called a goddess. And then there's still 4 left. There's nobody who'd collect things like that, either… Wait… Music: Bursting March What's wrong? Ahhh!! There IS someone! Someone's who's really into that kinda stuff! Huh? Who? Albert! He paid Katla an exorbitant sum for the automaton she had for sale… and on top of that, we’ve already turned over three more automatons to him! So that’s four with Albert alone, one more already at the Ruins of Frozen Time… which leaves the last one at Faav Village. Speaking of Faav Village, my apprentice wants a word with you two about her findings. She’s waiting for you outside your ship. Ayesha… Lotte, let’s go! In Faav Village? Ayesha sure does a lot of work… Escha is amazing too, but I’d expect no less from Keith’s right hand… We need to work harder too. I wonder if I’ll ever become like Ayesha or Escha… I’m getting worried. Willpower is your only redeeming feature, you’ll do fine. Master Wilbell! That’s not helping at all! Faav Village is in a region controlled by the Lord of Water, but do you know of an automaton enshrined there? Ah… Yeah! That’s the “automaton that guards the altar of the goddess”. Although the villagers call her a goddess too… A goddess blessed by the Lord of Water… Did you find any more details? Unfortunately, that’s all I found. The legend itself has been long lost. But if we think of that automaton as a key to a device from the past age, you can look at it this way… In the past, the Lord of Water protected this land… … Speaking of Ayesha and Escha, there’s something I want to ask Escha. Stera, do you want to drop by her shop? Sure! …Thank you for telling us about the legend of the goddess, Ayesha. The Alchemists of Dusk Hmm, I can’t say I’m not homesick, but I want to do what I can right now, to the best of my abilities. Also, it’s not like I can never go back… Don’t you agree, Shallie? Yes… That’s right. I feel very similarly. To tell the truth, when I first arrived here, I wanted to complete my goal as quickly as possible, and go home. …You’re both strong. I talk big, but I’ve never really gone far from home… If the time comes when I need to do that, I wonder if I could still manage to do my best in a faraway place? Shallie, you can’t call someone strong just because they’re working in a place far from home. That’s right, Lotte. You just happened to need to work in Stellard this time… You’re plenty strong, too. I think so, too. Both of you Shallies are really strong… If Colseit was about to be consumed by the Dusk… I would probably feel the same way as you. I’ve been watching you this whole time. I can see why you have the strength to protect Stellard… You know, I actually think I’ve learned to be stronger from you two. Escha… This is a little embarrassing… Ehe. … Us, you, Logy, Keith, and… Ah, Escha! Keith has just wrapped up his analysis on the seed from Geosis. R-really?! Yeah! He wants you, Logy, Stera and Lotte to meet him at the City Water Source. He’ll tell you all about his findings there. W-we’ll head over right away! Yes, I can’t wait! I’ll go get Logy! Investigations  …However, the essence of the ancient civilization is compacted into this small object. Wait, really!? It doesn’t look like that at all… Yeah, not at all…! You say it’s not a normal seed? I’m interested to know more. Components, structure… I researched it from all possible points of view, but much of it evades my understanding. However, if it’s true that the Geosis Controller gave this to you, it cannot be unrelated to those functions. The environment of the land… What effects could it have? That’s the part I couldn’t decipher. Considering the function of Geosis, it could rapidly exhaust nutrients in the land… The risks are high. Exactly. However, if we build a hypothesis assuming that it retains its original use… But Flameu said that this seed was “new life”! That’s why it…! Listen to the end before making objections. What was the original goal of Geosis? Think about it. To revive a barren land… Right? Oh, then that means…! That could be a possibility… We don’t understand the inside completely, so it’s only a possibility, though. But if this seed is a key to stopping the advance of the Dusk, it would be wonderful. …I’ll return this for now. It seems to be personally important to you. Oh, yes. But are you done with it? You might figure out more if you checked it out more… I completed all of the investigations I could. Just wait for the results of the analysis. …I found a rather interesting research subject here. I haven’t spent such a fulfilling time in quite a while. Keith, could I borrow Stera for a while? I found something during my investigation that would be of interest to her. Very well. Tell her the things she needs to hear. So, Keith and I felt it wouldn’t be enough to investigate water in the Stellard region alone. To get the full picture, I also went beyond that to investigate neighboring areas’ water situations. …And that’s why I surveyed the area to the southwest of Stellard, but I found out something kind of interesting. What!? By the southwest, do you mean the Dusk Sea!? Yeah. I also investigated the village past it. …Ayesha, you’ve done some crazy things since a long time ago, but it sounds like you’ve gotten worse. Huh? Isn’t this normal? Anyway, about the terrain around here… Yeah, I went there. They seemed to be having trouble, but everyone was still living there. I see, that’s a relief… That’s great, Stera. Yes… It’s okay. I know there’s a way to help them. Anyway… Do you remember how we found water underground to the north of Stellard? I looked underground in the other areas to the southwest. Not only did I find groundwater, but I also was able to track a stream that led me all the way back to this region. …Or more like everything from the eastern continent to Stellard… The Lord of Water is in the eastern continent. This must be related! I think so, Bell. You’re the one who taught me that spirits are related to this world, after all. Hehe, pretty much! … So the waterway sourced from here crosses the Dusk Sea, and continues past it? To my village, as well… Yeah. At one time in the past, water flowed into the Dusk Sea, then branched into various directions from there. This is just a guess, but I think the Dusk Sea was originally some sort of lake. A very big one. …Without a map from the past, or a detailed geographical survey, we won’t know for sure, though. Even if the Dusk Sea dried up, the waterways underground still remain. That’s great! Yes! I can proudly return to the village now… But I feel like there’s still more that we can do! Considering all this, if we can do something about the water source here, everything will be solved! I don’t know about everything, but… If it goes well, it could give us a chance to do something about the Dusk. Ayesha, you’ve really been influenced by your master. You were way more easygoing before. Hey, don’t say that, Bell. I’ve grown too, you know! Still though, this is something… to think there could be this water source coursing underground, all the way from Lugion Village back to Stellard. I'm not even sure if my father knows about that. Still though, if the situation worsens, Lugion Village might not even have that. So we oughta see what else is buried under the Ruins of Frozen Time. Well, we only have two more automatons left to recover… and one of them is in Faav Village! The village goddess (DX) But… Can we really take it? No, we can’t! You can’t just take it on your own. Waaah! I told you… Can you leave this to me? I’ll try talking to them. Ayesha…! That reminds me, you were investigating the automaton in this village… Yup. That’s why I think they’ll let us borrow it if I talk to them… W-will they really let us borrow it that easily…?  You know more about our village’s legend than I myself do… So this is an automaton, and the goddess needs her automaton at her altar? I won’t argue with that. It’s yours. They let us borrow it! Ayesha… You must be trusted deeply by the villagers. I don’t know if it’s trust… W-what did you say to them? That the “goddess blessed by the Lord of Water” requires this automaton from this altar. And that the goddess would surely bless the village as a result… …See? They understood, just like I said. Whaaat…? That doesn’t seem right… Y-yeah… But Ayesha really is amazing, in many ways… It’s not easy to get someone to part with something so valuable to them. And for the last automaton with Al… that’s exactly what we’ll have to do, right? Oh! Y-yeah… I’m bracing myself!  She might not seem as lovely as Odelia, but she's a very, very special treasure to me… Don't worry, it's just a quick check! Hmm… Wow! She sang! Isn't she wonderful? I get to hear her lovely singing voice once in a while… There's no mistaking it. Albert… We have to borrow this! Okay, I don't min-… What? We're done here. We should get looking somewhere else. W-wait a minute! Why?! Why are you taking her away! Sorry, Al… This is an emergency. We'll return her later. We'll be using it for its original purpose… You don't need to apologize. You already have Odelia, why would you take Odetta too?! It's awful! Odetta? Did you name this automaton yourself, Al…?  Ancient song (DX) Yes, most likely. Let's go. I want to start the experiments. I wonder what will happen… I probably shouldn't be, but, I'm really excited! Wait a minute…! I'm going, too! Al? Why? Because I'm worried about my Odetta, that's why! …I see no harm in it. You may come. That's the last one…! Ahh… Don't treat Odetta so roughly… You aren't doing anything dangerous that could harm her, right?? …It should start now. That is… If my theory is correct. Music: Automata Song    …Ahh… Wow, they're really singing! I didn't know it'd come together in an actual song when all of them are together! So this is the “Altar of the Goddess”… But then, who’s the “goddess”…? You’ll find out when you enter. Lotte…! The Gate!  What…? What is this?! Let's go. The truth is in there. I-I didn't think Odetta had so much power… I really do love you, Odetta. What about him? Leave him. He won't be any use inside anyway. It's not that dangerous out here, so he should be fine. …I guess so… This is a large-scale teleportation device. We'll have to return to the ship to make it through. Let's go. Geofront… could it be like Geosis…? Odetta!!! Kortes? I was just thinking about how our ship is able to travel underground like this. It's really amazing! Where's this coming from all of a sudden? …Well… There's nothing in Lugion Village. It's like time itself has frozen in place there. Yet, we have a ship like this. Don't you think that's strange? What's wrong with that? Even Stellard doesn't have a ship like this. I just thought it's strange how we were able to build it. It must have been destiny for someone in the village to travel to a far off land. You're saying this ship was built by destiny? That's ridiculous. Well, I guess I can't rule that out for sure, after seeing this. If we're able to build a ship like this, maybe our homeland isn't so backwards after all… (But if that's true, is it really okay that I'm using it? Or maybe…) The world beneath Music: In the Old Road A mere shadow of the past civilization, I'm afraid. It's an example of the arrogance of mankind. Um... Do you not like people, Keith? Why do you ask? Whenever you mention things, you always seem like you feel that way… Human history is a record of the same errors over and over again. We're capable of learning, and thought, and yet everyone keeps making the same mistakes. You'll learn that after you've been around for a while, whether you want to or not. And it'll disgust you. And yet, you don't quit being an alchemist or seeking the truth… I wish to know the truth of this world… Not humanity. The truth… Of the world… Have you had enough pointless, idle chatter? We should keep moving. I know nobody has lived down here for centuries, but still, this place sure has seen better days… I don’t think we can get past that debris up ahead, for now. But there’s an open pathway to our right… This is… Another transportation device. Now if it takes us where I think it will… Evergreen garden Music: Primordial Aaah! What was that?! What is this place…? It doesn't look like the surface, but there're so many plants… We've been teleported to another area by a device left in the ruins… It's an underground herbal garden. Herbal garden? These are all herbs? Not all of them, exactly… Though there are signs of artificial cultivation. So you said we were teleported, but… Where are we? By the coordinates, we're to the southeast of Faav Village on the eastern continent. We came this far in just an instant?! The water is so pretty… I didn't know something like this could exist… This region isn't the only area places like this exist. Yes. They're at many important locations. Plants were important for discovering the source of life. The source of life? Alchemy was created to pursue these things. I didn't know… Plants require earth, water, and the appropriate atmosphere. Water, air, and earth? What are things like that called again? The four elements? I see… Plants would represent all of them. No, they represent all of them… Fire is heat, and heat drives all life forms. Ugh, this is too hard. I don't get it. Ohh, good answer Lotte! That makes it way easier to understand. Heh… I guess. I didn't really get the complicated stuff… Facilities like this are said to raise exceptional plants. Exceptional…? Then is the Heaven's Vine one of them…?! Wow… If that's true, alchemy is a truly wonderful, mysterious power. Wonderful?! Hah! Don't make me laugh. Ancient, powerful alchemy was forbidden. There's quite a bit of evidence. Forbidden power…?  Up ahead! Is this… A laboratory? Ancient library (DX) Yes, sir. This is a research center like the ones in other regions, and these documents are research data. There's control data that appears to be for water purification devices tied to various regions… As well as data about the manufacture of artificial life forms. Artificial… Lifeforms? I knew it… Part of the reason why the ocean in this region is now called the Dusk Sea. …As well as the deeds of humanity to fulfill such an end… I don’t understand… Take a careful look around this room. And think about what we’ve been discussing as of late. Even you will start to understand. What we’ve been discussing… So… a “goddess”… Controllers… and here, water purification devices and artificial lifeforms… And for all of these things, the common thread is ancient alchemy… Anyway, there’s clearly more to this facility than this garden and this library. Let’s press onward. Truth (DX) …This is…! According to records, this is an artificial lifeform, made to control this facility… It’s a “component”. A component…!? But that’s… No matter how I look at her, this is Linca… She’s human! …You already know of “administrators”, right? People like Flameu, who became part of the ancient facilities to control them? Yes… Ever since a certain era, suitable people were included in facilities as “controllers”. A certain era…? This person seems to be from an era even further in the past. Fully controlling complicated ancient facilities such as Geosis requires a being on the level of an administrator. Such complicated control requires intelligence… Thus administrators needed to be real human beings. That was after technology advanced, however… These ruins seem to be older. The structure is far more simple. Thus even an artificial lifeform could control it. Perhaps they didn’t have the technology to use a real human yet… Artificial… Humans? Even we don’t have that technology yet… And even if it was possible, the ethicality is… This specimen is the result. It works on the technical and structural side, thus a personality was unnecessary. You know that creatures such as Slags and Homunculi were manufactured before reaching this point as well, yes? Then, Homura is… … Homhom… …Anyway, this specimen was sufficient for the time. Even now, it still functions, and controls the facility. Don’t use words like “manufactured” and “functions”! She’s… She’s human. T-then, the Lincas are all... We’ll speak of that later. This is all still a simple deduction. I always thought… That alchemy is something to make people’s lives, and the world a better place… Me too… I thought that if I studied alchemy more, I could stop the drought, and help everyone… It’s helping us get by now, isn’t it? …Up to this point. No. We’ll… We’ll keep moving forward! Now, as for what this individual was controlling… The purification device here turned sea water and other sources into fresh water before distributing it. Huh? “Sea” water? Fresh water? Water from sources in this area, and water from the Dusk Sea… All water is brought here and then purified. T-that’s crazy. Exactly… The actions of humans are always reckless. …Settlements like Stellard that are ground level, with plentiful water, have relay versions of this device. That’s why, even as the Dusk progressed, villages like Lugion downstream still had water supplied to them. Your village likely has a relay device as well, Stera. There seems to be a problem with this device. It’s using much more sea water than the natural cycle can replenish. This fault comes from people thinking that sea water is limitless. In other words, when this device’s intake exceeded the supply of water, it started emitting contamination. Um, what do you mean? You’re saying that… The device started to break down? But the time when this device started to emit contamination, and the time when the droughts started, are different. So, they kept it going as it was spewing pollutants. About that matter… Mind if I take over? What is it? It’s all coming together now. The memories of the Lord of Water… Yeah. I saw them when I formed the contract. Keith, please believe her! I was there too…! I never said I didn’t believe her. That’s why I’m here listening. Then… Anyway. I’ll listen. …To protect this land, the Lord of Water poured her own power into the water and land itself. However, the water management device created by humans wouldn’t stop, and steadily drained the water and land. That’s why even when the device started failing, the water supply was fine as long as the Lord of Water could hold on. That’s an obvious conclusion. Humans never care to know about what’s keeping them alive. It’s possible that by that time, nobody even knew about the underground facility, let alone manage it. …What’s the point in such a device continuing to operate? It only makes the sins of humanity grow heavier. Unfortunately, you’re right. That’s why the Lord of Water grew more and more disappointed in humans. Finally, she stopped being concerned with them entirely. … …That’s the end of my story. I hope it helps. Of course it does, Bell… Isn’t that right, Keith? Hah… I never expected to gain information like this. …Are you still saying you don’t believe in magic? That doesn’t matter. I’ve told you what needs to be said. What a simple minded girl, as usual. This world isn’t blemished by the deeds of humans alone… The truth is far deeper. That’s all I have to say. Right back at you. You’re a stubborn old man, as usual. Master… Well then… As for you two… Now that you’ve had time to reason through this, what will you do? If we don’t, the damage will just get worse, right? And what would you do if that completely stopped the distribution of water? What? This thing continues to take in what little water remains. If you leave it, the water will go dry eventually, and it will keep spitting out pollutants. But not right away. If you stop it, the natural cycle might help it recover eventually. But the chances are low. Also, even if it did, it would take an unbelievable amount of time for the water sources to go back to normal. At that time… I’m unsure if humanity would be able to survive. …But… We might have to accept that as a result. Yeah… Though, nature is pretty resilient, I’m sure it’ll bounce back quickly. The Lord of Water lent Master her strength, and these plants are doing so well, too…! Even if it’s not within our lifetimes, I think nature would return to life. Think deeply about it. You’re the ones who will make the decision. …Lotte, let’s go back to Stellard first… We can’t decide this on your own. Yeah… We need to talk with Raoul and Mr. Perriend and have everyone decide. A Course for Humanity Keith and Logy… And Solle? …What could they be talking about? …That’s true. The cause of the Dusk is not a natural phenomenon. I believe that’s become quite obvious. This is all the result of the deeds of humans… Furthermore, humans refuse to learn from their past mistakes. But we’ve learned the legacy of the past, in other words alchemy, and can use it to prolong our existence. For better or worse. If we depend on the culture of the past, humanity has no means to survive at a fundamental level. That’s why we must learn the truths of the past civilization, and realize their mistakes. I agree with your assertions. However, these intellectual relics should be shared among all, not destroyed… I kind of understand how he feels… It’s true that there are no small number of people who abuse alchemy. It would be better to keep such things out of their reach, given the option. I realize my method is hasty, but there are far too many villains who exploit knowledge for their own filthy desires. If you mean the leaking of information, that could be a problem with Central’s own administrative abilities. But this isn’t something for an individual to decide… Then who will correct such deficiencies in the system? The one upside is that to use advanced ancient alchemy, considerable talent and knowledge is needed. Unfortunately, with greater talent comes greater ambitions. And if there is a defect in the organization of Central itself, the control of knowledge would… Considering the innate nature of humans, someone wicked would certainly appear. I see humans as fundamentally depraved. But we can’t discard the possibility that those on the side of good would defuse such situations. I can’t say much on that subject, but considering past precedents… They’re all unexpectedly argumentative… We’ve arrived back in Stellard! Can you lot pick this back up somewhere else? Very well. …I’ve much to think about… Drought is only one part of the phenomenon known as the Dusk… I told you this before. After investigating various ruins… I determined that the legacy of alchemy culture exhausted the planet itself. The symptoms are occurring in all regions, to a greater or lesser extent. This is a rather vague way of expressing it, but… This is likely the anger of the planet toward the sins of humanity. Simply culling the human species would not solve the problem. This has happened many times in history, after all. Exactly. If water dries up, and the land becomes barren, all creatures would die. But… Colseit is a city that grew from a land with nothing. The apple orchard is growing just fine…! A few other lands like that exist. Most of them have ancient underground devices to grow plants efficiently… Plants growing abundantly is evidence of a stable absorption and return cycle to the earth in that place. Or… I can’t say whether or not that will serve the role of reviving the power of the land. I wouldn’t hold high hopes… I believe the water source of Stellard is one example of such a device allowing the land to survive for longer. Does that mean all the keys lie underground here? Until I confirm it with my own eyes, it’s simply an inference. But… The people in the past didn’t just sit around waiting for their ruin, right? Didn’t they try all kinds of things to bring life back to the land, and water? In the end, it was only a stopgap measure… It was just an effort to preserve the environment for humans. Indeed. As long as we rely on the legacy of the past, we cannot stop the Dusk. We can only delay its advance. But nature and spirits in this world should be stronger than humans. Even Flameu was searching for an answer… …In the past, countless spirits inhabited this planet, but now they mostly just exist in legend. Still, we can’t give up. I want to believe that alchemy can be used for good, too! That’s why we wanted to give it a try. To see exactly what truth we could find through our actions… And speaking of actions… you two are about to take an action whose consequences will reverberate throughout this city and region. You would be well-advised to seek input before you follow through on your decision. Lots of it.
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 23:18 on Oct 2, 2020 |
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Oct 2, 2020 23:06
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Part XXI: The Contemplative Side of the Momentous Decision Original Update  Everyone’s Thoughts Hmm… Am I seeing things, Lotte? Or is that… Solle? Out here? It’s kind of unusual to see you away from your desk, Solle. I require time to rest my mind as well, you know. Especially after the things we saw in the herb garden. Yeah… That was a lot to take in… To be honest, the current matter has forced me to think quite a lot. How can I report this to Central? How to report it…? Yes. It’s true that Central seeks countermeasures against the Dusk. It’s quite urgent, after all. They haven’t learned from the past, and want to revive alchemy culture… Is that right? You are correct. That having been said… I’m simply an official, I may be worrying about things beyond my position. If Central won’t learn from the past, and they’re going full speed ahead with reviving alchemy culture… Then… Are they making artificial humans like Linca…? With our current technology, creating artificial lifeforms would be a dream beyond our dreams… After seeing creations like her, I started to think about what exactly I need to do. As an official, I naturally seek a solution to the drought… But what decisions are necessary, and what would result from such a thing…? Hmm… I can’t say that we have the answers right now… but all the alchemists gathered here in Stellard want to end the drought and stop the Dusk. And after learning about the truth, we know that to really make headway, we need to fix the mistakes the ancient civilization made. That is a relief… Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll need some more time alone before I can head back to work. Oh, and Escha and Logy are both on break now. It would be worth speaking to them as well. Escha’s shop is this way. Let’s hear what she has to say! We should! Not only is she our senior, but she has a strong belief that the seed from Geosis will be key to solving this crisis. Shallies, here… I want you to take a look again. Flameu, was it? You said she became a Controller or something… Yeah. I know her story is a mouthful, so I’ll give you another rundown. She was a human girl who, centuries ago, became a Controller. In an ancient ruin called “Geosis”, built to bring life back to the land. Flameu had lost hope, but she found new hope. She decided to support us… That’s why I want to believe in her. That this land has the power to come back to life… No, I DO believe. Escha… Just hearing your talk about Flameu again makes me want to believe, too! Yes! I know we can make things right again! Ah, do you know where we can find Logy? I heard from Solle that he’s also on break. Oh! He’s… at the harbor, I think. That’s what he told me, anyway. That’s why I can’t unconditionally believe that if we stop the device, nature has the strength left to recover. It’s as Keith told us. It’s true that we have no basis to believe that… When you put it that way, you’re right… But still… Yeah. Even considering that, I think it’s wrong to leave a broken device running on its own. I only just recently came to this city, so my words might not mean much. But ignoring a mistake won’t solve anything. In fact, it would only magnify the damage done. …If I couldn’t face my mistakes, I would have never been able to work on developing airships again. …Airships? …Yeah. Escha gave me courage. That’s why we were able to reach the Unexplored Ruins, and reconcile with Flameu. As alchemists, we should do that much, come what may. Speaking of past mistakes… I think Master Wilbell would have good input on what to do! Especially given her contract with the Lord of Water! Oh, you’re right! She should still be hanging around the ship! …Master Wilbell. Also, I’m a magician. I’m in a different position from you alchemists. But… If you’re willing, please tell us what you think. Master Wilbell! Please! Sorry for putting on airs. But I can only talk from the point of view of a magician. Up to now, I’ve formed contracts with the Lords of Wind, Fire… and Water. I didn’t realize this when I was younger, but I know now. Spirits still live on this planet. This planet is their home, of course they wouldn’t just allow nature to fall to ruin. The spirits might not be able to forgive humanity immediately… But… If we humans fix our mistakes, I think we can get along with them again someday. Master Wilbell…! That goes for you too, Shallistera. You’re an important friend of my incompetent apprentice, after all… Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?! Just having a little fun! Anyway… now that you’ve heard my point of view as a magician, I think you oughta hear from a few more alchemists before going to the city leaders with your decision. Ah… Sounds good. So for the alchemists we haven’t talked to yet… At this point, just Ayesha, Keith, and Miruca. Ayesha should still be hanging around Stellard Plaza, and Miruca’s atelier is there as well. So we oughta chat with Ayesha first. Then we can talk with Keith at the Water Supply. We learned so much at once, I still feel confused. Me too… I know what we need to do, but this gloomy feeling won’t go away… Yeah, I don’t blame you. I felt the same way… I was originally an herbalist, so it’s hard to believe this world is built only on alchemy. That’s why… Stera. About Lugion Village’s drought… I think it’ll be solved. You really think so!? Of course, not right this moment. But Lugion and other villages in the area grew along natural waterways. If we return the water device to normal, and the Lord of Water forgives humans even a little… If she understands… Yes… I want to believe! You made me feel a lot better the decision we have to make, Ayesha! Now, then… it’s just Miruca and Keith left. You should already know this, Shal. I don’t like humans. We’re selfish, and foolish, and pretentious, and greedy. If falling to ruin is our fate, so be it… Miruca… But that’s also why I think we humans need to take responsibility. We need to know that much shame, at least. I don’t know if the alchemy we learned has caused more good or bad up until now. That’s why we need to pay back our debts, as much as possible. If not, we would simply be fools as well… I’ve believed this since I was in Central. In the past, I thought the people of Central would believe it too. …But this matter has fully convinced me. We can’t leave a broken relic of the past as it is now. …Even if the result is a drought that wipes out humanity… You were thinking like that, Miruca…? Shal, Shallie. If you want to hate me, go ahead. Hey, why do you always say things like that, Miruca? …What? I think you’re great, Miruca. I probably would have never thought that way. Yes. I can sympathize with your feelings too, Miruca. …I see. I’m glad if I was of use. Haha, well… Thanks for the vote of confidence. Thanks for your input, Miruca. Now… It’s the right of the people of this city to make the final decision. This is not my place to interfere. However, I don’t believe in doing nothing, and simply giving up. I’ll think of my own measures. You haven’t spoken to anyone yet… Have you decided what to report already? We may not have spoken to Raoul or Perriend, but… we got all the input we could from the other alchemists, Wilbell, and Solle. Now more than ever, we know what must be done. …I see. Very well, then go. Abundant City of Water Yes. We think we should stop that purification device. At this rate, all water sources will end up dry, like the Dusk Sea… What would happen to the city if you shut it down? It would no longer be an oasis. The water would drop to incomparable levels. Still, at this rate, the water in all the towns, not just Stellard, will go dry. That's why… Sounds like it's decided. There's no room for argument... Go shut the device down. …I don't like it. ...What? As a city of water, Stellard has great influence over the settlements around it, and Central. If the water is lost, Stellard will lose its reputation. Wait a minute, please tell me you're not trying to save face at a time like this, chairman. Now's the time to think about water everywhere, not just in our own town. Saving face… I guess I can't help that you'd feel that way. I just want to protect the city's honor and prosperity. There was no guess to why people gathered here with its water. It's essential for agriculture, after all. Settlements started dotting the area in pursuit of the water, and Stellard grew as a city. It became a hub for commerce and production, and developed quickly. But other than Stellard, the region wasn't as abundant with water sources… Conflicts over water erupted between settlements, and the gap between the classes got bigger. People cannot survive without water. That's why Stellard started using its water supply control system to manage the water. It was to distribute it to the places that need it, and prevent wasting it. That's how the city continued to protect the water for the region. If we can't control the water, conflicts will start happening again. And mostly, Stellard is hope for people suffering from lack of water. If the water here disappears, the hope will disappear from everyone in the region. I can't agree about shutting down the device… Still, chairman… I know. There's no other way. I just don't want to see the city wither away… Do whatever you like. …Perriend. I'm sorry. It'll be okay, Perriend, this town is really strong! Even without water, Stellard will still be Stellard! …Of course. Now, have you found a way to reach the purification device underground? We found that the underground city was linked to an herb garden on the eastern continent, and found the facility’s Controller there. But we couldn’t find the device itself in the garden. We know it’s buried deeper beneath the Ruins of Frozen Time, but there’s still lots of debris blocking our way. I can have some of my men move that rubble out of the way. For the time being, you two and the others can stand by. Speaking of Controllers… I want you two to come with me. Bring the alchemists working with the government as well. My apprentice and I have more to say about the facility’s Controller. Clones The system likely noticed issues in the extensions, and started creating them a relatively short time ago. Without even knowing that human civilization at the time had already fallen into ruin. And due to some sort of bug, they left the facility before being completed, and grew up as the Lincas… The Linca in Colseit said that during her childhood, she remembers being taken from somewhere. This must be it… Other such facilities may exist, but the one who discovered the facility was likely an alchemist. That’s awful! I don’t understand the difficult parts, but I feel bad for the Lincas…! Yes, it’s an awful story. Despite the progress of civilization, the deeds of humans never change. But I don’t think the Lincas right now are unhappy. …Right. Being so quick to pity them is actually rude. Logy! No way…! After how the Lincas were treated… Escha. I’m just saying that we don’t have the power to do anything about Linca’s past. Also, right now, Linca is enjoying herself despite such a past. What’s important is the present, not the past. Logy… You’re right about that. But there’s alchemy that brings sorrow to people… I find that really scary! I want to use alchemy to make everyone happy… This is all too sad. …That’s right! I don’t get the difficult stuff either… But I don’t want to use it to make people unhappy! Me too…! We’ve done that up until now, and that won’t change going forward. Isn’t that right, Escha? Logy… That’s right! (Now… I have some official business with the Corporation, but I know that the Linca there needs to hear about this.) The Other Lincas Ah, Shallistera and Shallotte. How may I help you? I’m sure Escha was telling you about it just now, but… To tell the truth, I already had the feeling that my sisters and I were created through unnatural means. I have memories of escaping from a dark place with my sisters when we were very young, led out by someone. After that, we sisters were split up. So the dark place was that underground facility… I haven't seen it for myself so I can't be sure, but that's likely it. I didn't know about the existence of artificial lifeforms, so I thought we had fled from some sort of institution. The Linca in Colseit said that she met Linca number three, and that her personality was completely different. She seemed to want to find her long lost sisters. She also wanted to know the reason she was born… I don't know how my sisters feel. But I for one don't really care to know the truth. …My life right now is everything to me. I have no need to change that. Ms. Linca… I still have mixed feelings about wanting to know, and not wanting to know. …Who am I, and why was I created? …That reminds me, Keithgriff mentioned something before. I can understand why Keith has such mixed feelings toward alchemy… …But still, I'm glad to have met you, Ms. Linca. You helped me so many times, while I was still getting used to Mr. Perriend's behavior… It's true that the chairman's behavior can cause misunderstandings… There’s more that I and a friend of mine can tell you, Linca. Could this be… I see… So one of our sisters went to challenge the youngest. I’m sure that caused much anxiety. Yes, we were being targeted by another sister. I met her, but the only similarity was her appearance. The Linca that Ayesha got to know is in Colseit with Marion right now. Oh, but the one who came to visit Colseit was the third one. She was a very cheerful girl… …For better or for worse, none of our sisters have come to visit me yet. I only lived with the youngest during our childhood. She was awkward ever since then. You don’t want to meet the other Lincas… Right? …Yes. For now, at least. I’m happy enough working as the chairman’s secretary. …I see. Not even the Linca in Colseit…? …It sounds like the youngest is living happily in Colseit. Yeah! She’s still working with Marion. She doesn’t care for paperwork much, but she still gets along with everyone! I see… I’m happy if the youngest is living a happy life. But you’re right… I do want to meet the youngest, someday. To be honest, for some reason I still remember her, out of everyone else. I have no idea why… It’s possible that part of her was similar to me… It’s making me feel happy, too…
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Oct 3, 2020 20:35
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Lots of takeaways from this update, but the main one is that Albert has Problems Edit: an update appeared. I stand by my statement about Albert  happy that our Linca is doing okay
Mecca-Benghazi fucked around with this message at 22:35 on Oct 3, 2020 |
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Oct 3, 2020 22:10
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Mecca-Benghazi posted:Lots of takeaways from this update, but the main one is that Albert has Problems his Japanese voice acting is better (or worse?) in that he sounds like even more of a goony creep! and yeah, it's real  to see that despite everything, the Lincas of Stellard and Colseit are doing great and happy with their lives. Speaking of which, the latter Linca is a party member in both Atelier Ayesha and Atelier Escha & Logy; you can read those respective SSLPs if you want to get to know her better.Finally, as for coverage, the next update will close out Chapter 9, and Sylphid will have another message as Chapter 10 kicks off. Can't believe things have moved this quickly!
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Oct 4, 2020 00:07
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Part XXII: The Wistful Side of the Veteran Adventurers Original Update  Role Models I want to know too! Let’s see, in my case, there was something I wanted to accomplish. Something to accomplish…? Yeah. With me I always wanted to fly, and also bring happiness to everyone in Colseit… As I concentrated on that work, I started liking alchemy more and more. I think that’s about it? For me, there was something I wanted to obtain… No, it was something I needed to obtain. I kept moving forward, engrossed in that thought, and ended up here before I knew it… Or something like that. …I see. I feel like I’ve been going forward blindly, and getting nowhere… Me too… That’s not true! When people really want to do something, they can work harder than they think they’re capable of. Is that really how it works? Yeah! Both of you are working super hard. It’s not a wasted effort at all. R-really…? I feel a little better… Alchemy isn’t the power of dreams… We alchemists are capable of creating all kinds of things. However… We’re borrowing the hidden power of materials in this world. That’s why we need to give in return, too… Yeah, me too… Alchemy has taught us a lot, and I want to fulfill my promise with everyone. I never even thought of that… I see… You’re right! Me too… I feel like the things I want to do… No, the things I should do, have grown. Yeah! And the biggest thing we have to do will be upon us soon. And then… (Then… Hm…) Apprentices (Master… What’ll happen after this?) What’s wrong, Lotte? You don't look very cheerful. …Ayesha. I think we oughta go somewhere else to talk about what’s on my mind right now… Sure thing. But weren’t you about to talk to Bell? That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about, Ayesha. I’ve been thinking lately, after we go back to Geofront and shut down the device… that’ll be it and we’ll all move on afterwards, right? Wilbell won’t have any more reason to stay here anymore, since she’s already made her contract with the Lord of Water, and then done something about the water situation here… so will that be it for her and me? …I see. This is about Bell… Yeah. Whenever I see her, I remember how she said she won’t be looking after me forever… It’s true that Master Wilbell is a magician, and I’m not… But I thought we could stay like this forever… When I see you and Keith, I start thinking that even more… I really am just a weak coward…! That’s not true. That just shows how much you like Bell, Lotte. …Is that really all? You see, a master and apprentice are like a senior and junior working together toward the same goal. T-that’s right. Thinking about it that way makes me feel a little better. You and Stera are already Keith’s apprentices too, you know? Whaaat!? W-we are!? Even Keith said that it’s worthwhile teaching you. I-I don’t know about that… But you two won’t be with Keith forever, will you? Y-yeah, that’s true… Keith and I have times like that, and we sometimes work independently. I think that’ll keep happening, too. … I thought you and Keith were always together… The world is a big place. We wouldn’t be able to investigate everything we wanted to if we’re together. But we’re looking for the same things, so I know we’ll meet again somewhere. It’ll be the same for you and Bell too, if the time comes when you go your separate ways. …I see. That’s right! No matter what happens, Master Wilbell will always be my master…! It looks like Bell found a great apprentice. I’m a little jealous… You are…? Ah, there you are, Lotte! I was wondering where you ran off to! Stera! …Thanks for your time and advice, Ayesha! Anytime, Lotte! I’ll see you around! Anyway, Lotte, I was thinking that we should drop by Miruca’s atelier. Remember what we said earlier? That we should get some better weapons, since the last mission will be upon us? Right! And the weapons she imbued should be ready right about now, to boot. Let’s go! Beloved …By the way, when this is over, do you plan to go to Colseit and meet Nio? Yeah. That’s what I intended to do, but… Huh? Ahaha, you realized it? The Stellard region has become a very popular topic… You and Keith should have already known that there’s a safe city here. Escha, you’re really sharp… To be honest, that’s right. Nio said that Colseit is very pleasant to live in, so I wanted her to stay in a town that she was already accustomed to. I never expected to meet you, the person who was looking after her, though. Yes, me too! …But can you explain why you did this? Well… To tell the truth, I want Nio to live as normal of a life as possible. Keith and I basically have to hide from society, but Nio’s different. Huh? But weren’t you traveling together? Nio hadn’t decided what to do with her life yet… That’s why I want to make it so she can choose for herself. Choose for herself? Yeah. If Nio decides it for herself, I wouldn’t mind if she lives like us. And if not… then she’ll still be fine. You can use alchemy anywhere. If Nio finds a path in life among other people, then that’s wonderful too… …You don’t feel lonely? Do you mean Clone? That’s… Of course! I do want to see her from time to time, but I can always go and see her! I think it’s similar to that. …I see. Nio has a great older sister… This is nice! I want to be included too! I hope we’ll be included, someday… Maybe if our paths ever cross with Nio’s! Or even if we don’t… old friends like that are so wonderful! And speaking of old friends… Proto Phantom It has a very complex design… Logy can use something like this…? The gimmicks aren’t just for show. They help an alchemist draw out their power… Apparently. Huh? “Apparently”? I didn’t understand some parts of the blueprints I received… I made it while researching. But I think it should work. Yes… I’m sure Logy will be able to use it! From what Logy said when he handed me the blueprints, this was apparently the first alchemic sword ever designed… I’ve seen a few back when I was in Central, but they’re nothing compared to this. Anyway, next up… Fairy Queen Staff Wow… Ayesha’s weapon is modeled after plants… Yeah, it’s perfect for Ayesha! You’re really amazing, Miruca! …Oh? I made it while imagining Ayesha, and it just turned out this way… In addition, this can also be used to mix cauldrons… Now that seems picture perfect! I’m sure Ayesha will be really happy! Happy about what… As a staff, or as a mixing rod? Hmm… Both, I’m sure! Speaking of this staff… Ayesha really does look like a fairy queen! That’s that, then. Thanks for your business. …Hmm, I seem to be running low… This isn’t good. You’ve been smoking too much, master. It’s true that quitting wouldn’t affect my life much, but… It’s good to have some luxuries. I’m sure you can sympathize with that. There’s something that you can’t seem to live without either. A luxury… I suppose you mean my sweets. I agree completely. Oh, yes. What do you need? I’d like you to gather the herbs listed here. I don’t mind if other varieties are mixed in, so try to hurry. Hmm… Looks like we’ve already got all the herbs Keith wants! Sorry about that. I’ll be more careful not to run out in the future. Gah! What’s this flavor!? I… Did I bring the wrong thing!? …I can’t smoke this! How awful…!! Yes, this is the flavor… Oh, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to say that what you brought is bad. It seems that I’ve grown accustomed to this medicinal herb mix, and can’t use anything else… (I thought it smelled good, but I didn’t know it was medicine…) Is there something special in it? It’s simply not harmful to the body. My unworthy apprentice would get angry when I smoked tobacco, after all… I’ve been using this herbal mix since then, so she stops pestering me about my health… (Wait, was this mix synthesized by Ayesha…?) Does it have any special effects? I’m not so shameless as to go around calling you my “one and only” apprentice, that’s all. Those herbs have the effect of purging the filth from all the tobacco you smoked, and strengthening your lungs. …Well, it’s true that it’s easier to breathe after switching to this. …It seems he’s finally calmed down. Perhaps I should eat some sweets myself… Should I make some tea? I’ll prepare some snacks! …When it comes to mixing herbs, it seems none can compare to the greatest of herbalists. …Well, I suppose a break like this is good once in a while, too. Secret Smoke Keith, are you smoking? Here you go, more of your herbal smoking mix. You were running short, right? Yes, thank you. I heard about it from Stera. You seemed to be acting odd lately… I told you to let me know if you ever start running short. I wasn’t acting oddly. I just wanted to start making it myself… I’m sorry to tell you, but there’s actually a trick to making this herbal mix. And while they may be herbs, it isn’t good to smoke too much of it. You’re always saying not to be excessive. I know. However, I need this when I’m thinking. …Besides, you’ve already learned all of my techniques. My death shouldn’t inconvenience you in any way. That’s why you need to stay healthy forever. You’re simply being idealistic. As you already know, humans have a limited life span. However… I’ll try my best. I feel like we saw something great…! Right! We should get going! Acknowledged …Master? Master Wilbell!? What’s wrong!? What happened…? …It happened. …Huh? Wait, was someone picking on you, master!? No, you idiot… I was finally recognized by the grand witch. That’s it? I was worried for a moment… Wait, didn’t you just say something really amazing? If I recall, the grand witch was supposed to be really scary. And she recognized you… That’s right… I suddenly received a message a little while ago, saying “you did well”… In the past, I was disinherited… I thought I’d never see the day when she would have words like that for me. That means… Does that mean it’s because you formed a contract with the Lord of Water? Yeah, that seems like the main reason. She even took back disinheriting me. Are you stupid? Why are you crying over it? Of course I’m happy, super happy. But to be honest, I still don’t feel like it actually happened. I’ve done all this training to have my power recognized, but… Now I feel like I wasn’t very significant. Even though the grand witch says I’m a full-fledged magician, I don’t feel like it at all. Isn’t that weird? Well, I’ll need to think long and hard about how to use this power… And figure it out for myself. Master Wilbell… You’re so cool. A-Ayesha…! Uu… Waaaah…! Hey, Bell? The first time we met, I never even thought we’d have a future like this in store for us… Ayesha, you’re unfair…! …Congratulations, master. Ehe, this is making me want to cry too… 
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Oct 8, 2020 21:50
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What kind of alchemy is Keithgriff up to that quitting smoking wouldn’t make anything better
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Oct 26, 2020 01:14
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Mecca-Benghazi posted:What kind of alchemy is Keithgriff up to that quitting smoking wouldn’t make anything better being a 55 year old man ANYWAY I've been sitting on the footage for the DX/DLC bosses, the final boss, and the ending(s) for a while now; I'm just waiting on Sylphid's input for the start of chapter 10 before I get rolling with it. Stay tuned!
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Oct 26, 2020 04:08
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Part XXIII: The Valiant Side of the Great Heroes (DX) Original Update quote:ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S NOTE FROM DECEMBER 25, 2020: The last thing I’ll be saying about the Dusk Trilogy on Something Awful. At least for now, that is.   The last job Everyone. We've received a message from Central. We've been waiting! What does it say? They say it's both the jurisdiction and responsibility of Stellard to correct the ancient water device. Vague words, as usual from Central. Agreed, but, you're not one to talk. Pireit, are you on Stellard or Central's side? Of course I'm with Stellard. I have to look out for the people in this town. Hah… That's my line… Right… Anyway, Shallistera. Yes? I know you're not from around here, and I'm really sorry for involving you in our problems. But I want to ask for your help one more time. We need your strength. No, don't worry about it. I'll save both my village and Stellard. Haha, we're all counting on you! What, nothing to say to me?! Yeah? Wait… What's that supposed to mean? Haha, I'm kidding. You've really changed! I'm sure you'll be someone who changes the entire town. …I'm counting on you, too. Thanks! But before we go… (I wanna see if I can make the Flying Board!) Here goes! Alriiight! It's finally complete! I should go tell master right away! What? That's the item you made to fly!? So you really did make it! That's great! I talked to lots of people and got some help. But I should be able to fly with this! I'll try riding it now! B-be careful, okay…!?   Owwwww… T-that was bad. Are you alright? …It was just a moment. Huh? It was just a moment, but I flew! I really flew!! Shallie... Y-yeah, you did. Good work. Although it looks like you still have plenty of room for improvement. Yeah! Alright, time to start improving it! (I did it, I'm one stop closer to reaching my dream!) Fine-tuning  Huh? That’s strange… What could be wrong? Hey, are you okay? Well, yeah… Oh no… You saw something really embarrassing. I don’t think you’re going about it the wrong way. You modeled the output device after an airship engine, right? That’s right, but… W-wait, how do you know about that!? I dabbled in such things before. I think I could help you make some adjustments. What!? You’re already amazing at alchemy, but you’re also good at cleaning, and paperwork… And on top of that, you can also work on machines… Logy, who exactly are you!? …I’m not a big deal. Anyway, just let me take a look. O-okay! Here you go! …Just hold on a minute. It’ll be fixed with just a little work. Hm, I see… I just need to tune it down this much… and, done! Oh, really? I just enjoy doing things like this. Ah, Master Wilbell! Logy’s really amazing, isn’t he!? This is nothing for him. He designed an airship himself, after all. What!? Are you serious!? That’s even more amazing! …By the way, you also go to Miruca’s place to clean up. Logy, exactly how much do you enjoy taking care of others? I don’t know if it’s about taking care of people, but… I think it would be faster for me to do a job like this. …Sheesh, no wonder Escha is always complaining. Put yourself in her shoes. …Escha was complaining to you, Wilbell? Why? A-ahaha… Now that you mention it… I don’t understand what the problem would be. Uh… …Just a friendly suggestion! Anyway, should we get going? Y-yeah! About that, before we go back to Geofront, I’ve heard some rumors that lately, an extremely dangerous dragon has been sinking ships in the northern Dusk Sea. It’s more or less along the way anyway, so let’s bear east for a bit before coming back to deal with the purification device. Eek! Something big’s coming! Raging Wave Music: Raging Wave  I’ll use the power of Earth!   This sure is convenient…   FJ: Double Draw End (Logy) Escha, let’s go! Yeeah, Logy!! This’ll decide everything! DOUBLE DRAW END!  For the sake of those we want to protect, we can’t be defeated here! Wow! That was something… now, let’s go! Back into the depths of the earth! The Truth Seeker Yes…! That’s about… The proper way of using alchemy, right? Yeah… In the past, my little sister was taken by an ancient ruin called “Yggdrasil”, and nearly absorbed. Yggdrasil was part of a protective system of the former civilization, called the Two Cradles. One was a library to protect knowledge, while Yggdrasil was a system to protect life, to carry over to the next era... Why did it take Nio…? “He”, like the guardian of knowledge, was still functioning. He likely decided to protect Nio. …Nio had an accident, so he took her in to save her life. But he no longer had anyone to provide new orders. Continuing to follow his now meaningless orders, he refused to release Nio… That’s why I had to stop him. You had no choice if you wanted to save Nio, right? I… Kind of understand. Ancient alchemy has left some things that were originally created with good motives. But I don’t think people like Flameu or Linca were happy… That’s… I think so, too. But I’m sure the people of the past wanted to leave something for the future… Hehe. Stera, Lotte, neither of your feelings are wrong. That’s why I keep looking for the answer… I want to know if we aren’t following the wrong path again. I might end up hesitating, or going astray, when I try to decide what needs to be done from here on out. But it’ll be the best answer I can come up with right now. I feel the same as Lotte. I think we’ll be carrying the results for a long time, no matter what they are. If all alchemists were like you two, I don’t think any more sad mistakes would happen. That’s why we need to push forward, towards the future. Disillusioned Central gathers knowledge of ancient alchemy in one place, and only tries to follow the old ways. Oh? …I never expected such a young alchemist to think that way. Hm… This is the first time I’ve ever been criticized from that point of view. Hey Miruca, stop encouraging him to destroy things. …I know I don’t have the talent to use ancient-style alchemy. But I can still think for myself. There are still things I want to do in Stellard. Studying the knowledge of new-style alchemy, and researching the past civilization is still possible for me. It’s pretty obvious that it isn’t necessary to go to Central to do that… …For what purpose would you perform research? Do you seek wisdom? No. I want to apply knowledge from the past civilization to current techniques… I want to find a way. Miruca, that’s an awesome dream! That makes you no different from Central in the end. You’ll only repeat the mistakes of the past. No, I think there are things to be learned from mistakes… That’s the point of view missing in Central. Seeking immediate gain, and ignoring the results… That’s evidence of stupidity. I want to evaluate the past properly. …A harsh path awaits you. Make no mistake, you will grow to hate the existence of humans. I’ve never liked humans to begin with, so that’s not a problem. …I see. By the time your preparations are complete, we could probably exchange knowledge. I’ll do my best, to make sure these aren’t empty words. That’s really admirable, Miruca! Yeah! I’m sure you can do it, Miruca! …I’m suddenly feeling uneasy about it. Anyway, now that the Union has cleared the way for us, let’s get going.   (Why have you entered our world and disturbed our lives? I am the "King of Ancient Beasts." We were born here in this city, in ancient times… After the humans who lived here died, we took over. You appear to be the descendants of humans… Who drown in their own knowledge. Only we can use these ruins. Our time has passed long ago, but we haven't disappeared, either. Do you… Choose to live along side us?) This voice… Is that the beast talking…? It's not a voice… I can hear it inside my head!? It's telepathy. It's to the point where it can't speak anymore… What do we do? Is this a challenge?! Looks like we have no choice...! Vortex (DX)   We won? The "King of Ancient Beasts"... What WAS it? Our people call them "Beastmen". There're ruins of underground cities all around the world, and it's confirmed that Beastmen lived in them. But thanks to having a certain alchemic item, my theory has developed in an unexpected direction… It's common knowledge that here are several gaps in the history of current human civilizations. Something should bridge the gap between civilizations, but it was a mystery until now… Apparently Beastmen fill the gap. This talisman made it so we could understand them…? Unfortunately, there aren't many Beastmen left… Logy… Yeah, I remember. We fought one of them near Colseit… Who knew they’d be connected to this underground city?  I see two travel gates here… I wonder which one will take us where we need to? Another ancient city? The ancient civilization built the other underground city on top of this one… Maybe they were trying to keep something out. I don’t like the sound of that… But maybe that means we’re heading in the right direction! Well, we’re already in pretty deep! Another beastman! This one looks even stronger than the King of Ancient Beasts… And we’ve no choice but to fight it if we want to proceed! King among Kings Music: Mighty Beast  I’ll never run… No matter what! I’ll show you the true power of alchemy… This should work… come on!  Now, shall we proceed?       Typhoon (DX) Eek! Is this… It’s a Controller! But…  It was definitely a Controller, but… this isn’t the one responsible for the Water Device. Oh… But it was still valuable in and of itself to destroy this one. Let’s go. Hm? Did you forget something? It’s just that… We may have defeated a Controller there, but I feel that wasn’t the only thing lurking in the depths of that other ancient city. I want to go back and check. Aha! Almighty Music: Sleeping Star  Careful! It’ll be hard to tell who’s who under these conditions… Stand aside. FJ: Hand of Dusk This time, I’ll have you accept me as the one who controls you! The Twilight cannot be stopped. That… is the truth. Well, that’s that… and I don’t think this was the Controller either. It wasn’t. Come to think of it, we didn’t hear Linca’s voice at all for either of the Controllers we just fought. Do you think that we will, once the time comes…? Well, we’ve only got that other travel gate left to take now. We’ll find out, sooner rather than later. By the way, Keith… Yes? You said that “the Twilight cannot be stopped”… How do you mean? And does that mean everything we’re doing right now is meaningless? That’s merely the conclusion I’ve come up with after all this time. However, what you two are about to do may very well change the calculus and force me to reevaluate my prior assumptions. … So… the hour is upon us. Show me the strength of your resolve.
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 00:51 on Dec 26, 2020 |
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Dec 26, 2020 00:45
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Part XXIV: The Far Side of the Twilight Ocean (DX) Original Update   The abyss  Yep. If we stop the purification device, the water will go back to normal eventually... Right? It would probably take a long time. This was caused by humans in the first place... We need to take responsibility. Hah… You don't need to think that way… Of course a human should stop a device a human created. This is a result they brought upon themselves. Hmm… If we stop it, will the Dusk stop too? The Dusk isn't an individual phenomenon, it's a condition. A collapsed system isn't easily restored. I guess that would be too easy… In the long term, the condition should be more favorable for people, even if the world itself doesn't want it. The world doesn't want it? This is the path you chose. We just need to do what we can, Stera! You're right. Let's go, Lotte! Music: Narcolepsist In the very deepest depths of these ruins, we’ll find the Water Control Device. And the Controller that presides over it. Let’s go! Ocean-colored (DX) Wow, I didn't think there'd be a place like this underground… Lotte! Look!  What’s that? Then, if we stop that…! Stay on your guard. Huh? Linca’s voice!? …I knew it. The controller of that device is the artificial lifeform we witnessed in the botanical garden. The device may be malfunctioning, but as long as the controller functions, it can continue to operate. “Intruders, leave immediately. If not, you will be eliminated.” If we destroy this device, will it hurt that other Linca!? Probably a little, at least… It was the same for Flameu. If she operates the whole facility, damaging the devices will likely have an effect on the controller. T-then we can’t attack it…! Didn’t I tell you before? Humans only repeat the same mistakes. That’s right, Lotte. We need to be the ones who overcome these mistakes…! A malfunctioning device is probably painful for the controller, too! “Intruders recognized as having no will to leave. Commencing elimination immediately.” You’re right, Stera. We definitely need to stop this device! Alright!!  Music: Tsunami  “Minor damage sustained. Continuing elimination.” “Moderate damage sustained. Continuing elimination.”  “Critical damage sustained. Transitioning to final form.” Music: Luto -The Controller- - mao  FJ: Guardian Summon  I’ll show you the full extent of the alchemy I’ve researched! I can’t stop in a place like this…!   “Control device, and purification device, functions terminated.” It’s over. “Restarting purification device.” The device has restarted under normal operation conditions. Restarted? The problem wasn’t the device, it was what was controlling it. This should buy a little time. Is it okay not to stop it? I’ve fixed the levels for the intake and output. It won’t intake more than necessary. Better than nothing. The rest is up to nature. The power of nature… U-um! I found something out! About the seed Flameu entrusted to me… I think this seed was for a time like this… It’s possible… No, I’m sure of it! The seed from Geosis… Plants require water and earth… Yeah, that seems right. However, that seed is no ordinary plant seed. There are too many unknown factors. …Determination? Yes. I’ll repeat myself, that seed is a product of Geosis. Remember that Geosis was a failed project. It’s safe to assume that it contains the functions of Geosis as well. It’s true that Geosis failed… Or more like an incomplete device. But Flameu wished for the earth to be revived, and gave this to us. She said it was needed for this land… I can’t see it harming the land, or repeating the same mistakes as before! You believe the intention of Geosis was to solve the Dusk? …Yes! …I gave you my advice. Make the final decision for yourselves. The administrator of Geosis… I’d like to have a chance to speak to this Flameu as well. You’ll see her! …Someday, I’m sure! Yeah. It seems like Flameu herself wanted it to grow somewhere in this region as well. Wait… Us!? U-um… T-then! I have an idea! This seed… Maybe we can plant it in Lugion Village? L-Lotte!? It’s a seed that can help the land regain its energy, and let plants take root again, right? If we plant it downstream from the water source, it could help weaker land regain its strength. Two birds with one stone. I’m thankful for your thoughts, but… I don’t think that would actually solve the root of the problem. B-but…! Your village is close to running out of water, Stera…! Still, I think Flameu’s seed should be planted in the best place to make a stand against the Dusk. …I think either idea could work… …That’s right. The Dusk isn’t a phenomenon that originates from a particular point. It’s a global issue. Yeah! I think so, too. The ones to decide will be Stera and Lotte… You’re the ones who’ve brought us this far, after all. …Stera. Please, give me a little time to think. (Wait, I did…?) I talked with Lotte, and we made a decision. Lotte and myself, as Lugion Village representative, decided… That this seed should be planted near the altar of the Lord of Water. …On what basis? We believe, by showing the Lord of Water that humans want to restore the land and water, her anger will subside. …Can you really prove that this decision isn’t only for the sake of humans? We’re here to try, and find out. It might be hard to express, but… We want to use alchemy, and Flameu’s seed, for the sake of the world… We want to learn more, to accomplish that. That’s what Lotte and I decided. …Well, that sounds like an answer you two would come up with. I’m sure the Lord of Water will be happy to hear it.  Alright, Stera. Are you really okay with this? Of course, Lotte. If it comes to the village, I’m sure we’ll find a way to pull through. You’ve gotten strong, Stera. It’s because I had everyone supporting me… Especially you, Lotte. Ehehe… Anyway, should we plant it? …Yes. I see. I hope your decision brings favorable results. There’s no need to worry, Keith. That isn’t a naughty seed. Your statements are illogical from time to time, I have a hard time responding… That seed… If only we had more of them… Then we might be able to solve the Dusk super quick! You’re hoping for too much. Oh, I know! Keith… Can you make more of those seeds? I-I think that would be impossible, even for Keithgriff… That seed contains complex structures, most of which are still unknown to us. Ah, that’s right… But I want to make more of them, too. …If this is the intent of Geosis, it may be worth challenging. We should continue our research. I merely seek the truth. However, you taught me that action can bring about the truth as well.  Yes. A lot of things happened… …And this isn’t the end. This is only the beginning. You’re right. It’s not like this will change things immediately… But still, Lotte. I learned so many different things. Including the fact that I still know nothing at all. Yeah. Me too! I don’t need to overreach myself. There are still plenty of things that I can accomplish…! …Hehe. This is the first time I’ve heard you sing, Lotte. Anyway… Let’s go home! Back to our home, Stellard! Graduation (DX) I'll put the material in here. Easy! …What a weird song. Hey, Miruca! You're late. You said you'd teach me alchemy from Central today! There's not much I can teach. You've gotten really good at alchemy, Shal. What? No way! Not at all. I can't do anything about the Dusk like this! Well to be honest, you HAVE gotten pretty skilled at alchemy. Wait, really? Stop! You're embarrassing me! Today's your initiation! Huh? There's nothing else I can teach you. Not for a while, actually. Hahh. Now I can finally get back to my magic training! Wait, does that mean I won't be your apprentice anymore? I guess you could say that... Though I was never an alchemist in the first place. That okay? No, it's not okay! You're my master! You say that, but, the apprentice is more skilled than the master, here… Please, Master! I want you to stay as my master! I want to learn more! I just told you… Please! Please… Shal? There're things I need to do, just like you. Or more like, I found out what I need to do. That's why I can't just be thinking about alchemy all the time. You'll be fine, your alchemy is amazing! I taught you, so there's no doubt! I know you'll try your hardest!     Future plans Looks like it's finally over, Shallie. In the end, I wasn't able to help the village… But that's okay, we know why the water was drying up, and what to do about it. You've changed since coming to Stellard. Really? Yeah. A lot. You've changed too, haven't you? Have I? Yes. Well it's nothing compared to you… All I learned is that there's a lot I don't know. Are you… Going to go on another journey? I want to, if I can. Though I know there're probably things to do around the village… Do you want to travel the seas with me? Jurie… I'm trying to get rich. Get rich?! I need to look out for Shallie. She's going to be the next chief. I can't just mess around. …No, it's okay if you go. What? The Village will be fine. I'll definitely find something to do about it. That's why I want you to do what your heart tells you, Kortes. I guess I don't have a say in this one… I'm gonna get going… What about you? Where're you going? The Dusk Sea. To each their own (DX) Solle. Skills grow. Again. Homuran, try this one too! Escha. That name. Not. For skilled hunter… Nom nom. What! Why is it okay when Shallie calls you Homhom, but I can't call you Homuran? Reasons… Om nom nom. This flavor. Colseit apples! Jeez… Are you two trying to make Homura get fat? Hello. Mm… Something smells good! Shallies! You two should try this! It’s my special recipe. These apple tarts… They smell so good!! This is a specialty of your homeland, right? They look delicious! I made these using apples from my family’s orchard. This year’s harvest was pretty big. I still remember Nio complaining that she couldn’t even move her arms. Me too…! I wonder if she’s like Ayesha? They’re sisters, but they’re actually pretty different. Wow, now I want to meet her even more! Escha, Logy. We should end our break soon. Please return to your work. Uu… Okay. I guess I’ll continue where I left off. W-wait, we still can’t go home!? Uu, I want to go and see everyone…! There’s no sense complaining. I’m here at least, let’s work together to clean up these problems before leaving. …Logy… Yeah, I’ll do my best! Escha. Tarts. More please. Yep, coming! We still have plenty of apples! Shallies, please, eat as much as you like! O-oh! Thank you! Oh, Harry, hello. Why are you here? I guess you could call it a celebrity gathering. Celebrity… What? Olson runs a global company that publishes books, and is still quite an agreeable fellow. Ohh, Mr. Perriend, your deep knowledge of ancient history and noble character are quite the accomplishment! Sounds like… You're getting along? We're planning a cooperation between the Harry Company and Perriend Corporation, to spread information and goods! I didn't think I'd make a business venture like this at my age, but this is a breath of fresh air. I agree, that sense of adventure is just what's needed to overcome the Dusk! Heh heh… You're both capable with business… Yet daring. I've never seen Mr. Perriend smile before! Stellard looks like it'll become even more prosperous. Shallie, what happened with the water control device? Did you shut it down? Um… Well, when we investigated it closer, it turned out the being that was controlling the device was the problem with it. We defeated the Controller, and then the device restarted. Keith properly recalibrated it so that it won’t take in more water than it produces. I see… It sounds like the city's water supply will be safe? The rest is up to nature. I see... I guess that was the best possible outcome, given the circumstances. A marvelous one, indeed! We didn’t know if we should tell you… Uh… No… Thanks to you, I can finally feel some closure. Without you two, I might’ve never learned the truth. From what I hear, Ayesha, Escha, Logy are all acquainted with your youngest sister. The one in Colseit. …I see. I’d like to meet the youngest who lives in Colseit some time. I hope that day comes… It will! You might end up getting along unexpectedly well, too. Maybe you should just pack your bags and get going, without thinking too much? No, it would be strange to go visit them myself. …Stylish? Hahaha… Oh, Keithgriff and Odelia…and Ayesha too… Are you going somewhere?. Yes, I’m done here. You could relax and take your time. We can’t do that. We need to do some research on that seed, and we need to investigate ruins in other areas… …You’re very busy. We ended up staying here far longer than expected, after all. But I’m sure we’ll meet again. We still have plenty of stuff to research here. Master. What? That's not a big loss. I'll buy you something sweet later. Okay… Uh, you can have this if you want… !… This is! Solle made it. Thank you… A delicate texture and flavor… With a feeling of love and care for the person eating it… The vanilla is nostalgic, and the cinnamon and orange are a perfect blend... This was a lovely experience. Thank you. Hehe! You're pretty cute sometimes, Odelia. Anyway, we’re leaving. Ayesha, Odelia. Understood. Thank you for helping me with alchemy… And seeing the truth. See you again sometime! And off they go… and as for myself… Your task is done too, right? Raise the sails (DX) Yeah, I feel the same way… But, after coming here and meeting you, and experiencing so much, I feel like a brand new person! A new person, eh? I wonder if I've been able to move forward at all. You have, for sure. I hope so… You're going back to your village, right? …Yeah. I know what I need to do, and what's the most important to me. So… I see... Okay, I guess I have another dream...  Mmm...             A weave of memories (DX) Music: Last Wanderlust - matryoshka       
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Dec 26, 2020 19:02
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It looks like they re-wrote parts of the ending to make more sense. I remember the last thread on this game being "Congrats! You destroyed city's main water source and left everyone to fend for themselves as nature might be able to heal it's self (without knowing how long that would take)" and then everyone congratulating themselves. I was actually dumbfounded at that ending. Maybe I missed something.. However, Keith's cryptic "do you really want to do this" stuff still kinda bothers me. Unless there's a 4th game in the works set in the aftermath of this game, his plot-points never get developed more than as a philosophical question that you never get to explore since you're railroad-ed into doing it all anyway. It also looks like Keith ends up fixing the device behind the scenes while you're fighting to shut it off, so what was the point? I think part of this is also because the writing seems to lessen the person-to-person conflicts of everyone around you. It feels like, and I've said this before, everyone is your friend and looking out for you. All these games feel this way and it's a bit unnerving when most other JRPG NPCs have more hostility to the player. If I could talk to the writers/producers of these games, I'd like to say that it's ok that not everybody likes you and even makes things interesting if NPCs are actually totally hostile and against you, even if you don't necessarily end up resolving these conflicts. It doesn't have to be all Grimdark with slavery, rape, and murder, but in reality, not everyone is going to love and protect you just because you are there, and that's ok. Even in writing, this is necessary because it keeps your audience interested and guessing how the plot is going to resolve. In these games, you know that no matter what happens, everyone will love you and protect you and you will grow as a person. Coming back to Keith, he seems to be the only one that tries to go against this weird "love and protect the protagonist no matter what" mentality by challenging your mission and end-goals, even if only philosophically, but in the end he's the same as everyone else to you. Anyway, thank you for playing through this game and happy holidays!
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Dec 26, 2020 22:57
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I'm not sure how much I agree with that take, especially in the context of Shallie; going back to the earliest chapters of the game, Perriend is understandably rather hostile to Stera and the others from Lugion for causing quite some wreckage with their airship, Raoul is able to openly use both Shallies due to Lotte being impoverished and having no choice but to accept whatever garbage gigs he gives her and Stera being an isolated princess from the village who has no idea how to interact with city folk, and Stellard's leaders are pretty up front about using Stera and her ship as bait to draw out the Sand Dragon. and the Water Control Device is one thing, and with that fixed, Stellard's water looks fine for now, but no one in the party is satisfied with just that now; Stellard is just one locale in this whole wide dying world of Dusk. So with that, what can the Shallies, or Ayesha, or Escha or Logy, or Keith do? Is planting Flameu's seed at the altar enough? Can the Dusk be stopped, and can nature heal? Keith isn't wrong that no one has any idea how the Shallies' gesture here will turn out; it is all they can do to see it through, hope for the best, and accept whatever results come from their decision. Maybe some of this can be addressed in a hypothetical Dusk 4—lord knows a lot of fans have been clamoring for that for years now, especially after Lulua's release ten years after the end of the OG Arland trilogy. And season's greetings to you as well! I'll be compiling a DX bonus update with the added Plus/DX tracks and composers' notes, as well as some OAs and costumes, perhaps. Then I'll get started with the endings; three of the game's five endings got changed in Plus/DX due to casting changes, so I'll transcribe them and link to the original endings for the other two.
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Dec 27, 2020 02:11
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Interesting game, thanks for the LP! I guess that choice at the end is flavor text? Or does it affect a new game+ mode? Edit: ooh, multiple endings!
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Dec 27, 2020 02:41
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Jerry Manderbilt posted:I'm not sure how much I agree with that take, especially in the context of Shallie; going back to the earliest chapters of the game, Perriend is understandably rather hostile to Stera and the others from Lugion for causing quite some wreckage with their airship, Raoul is able to openly use both Shallies due to Lotte being impoverished and having no choice but to accept whatever garbage gigs he gives her and Stera being an isolated princess from the village who has no idea how to interact with city folk, and Stellard's leaders are pretty up front about using Stera and her ship as bait to draw out the Sand Dragon. In other RPGs your character gets tricked and/or betrayed. In this, that doesn't really happen. My take was that green Shallie worked for Raoul. Even if Raoul is using them, there doesn't appear to be any negative consequence to it. He doesn't take their credit or openly screw them over with the rewards for completing jobs (he might be, but it's not really shown or proven). If anything, the relationship is symbiotic. As for the bait thing, they are at least upfront with it and don't try to trick her into it. Their logic seems sound as well if you look at it from their point of view.
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Dec 27, 2020 03:29
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Bonus Update (DX) DX Official Art Ayesha Logy BONUS: 2019 Promotional Art for Dusk DX DX Music Raging Wave Plus Version additional tracks start here. I feel like there were a lot of extra tracks this time. Please play the game until the very end! (Yanagawa) This plays for the Coral Dragon, the first of the Plus/DX-exclusive bosses. It’s my personal favorite of the three new boss themes, and there’s a lot of dynamism with the way this track uses its flutes and violins. Mighty Beast Just like character themes, we’ve done some flashy and extravagant arrangements for battle tracks. Going along with the boss’s appearance, I mixed a Japanese air with Western instruments. (Yano) As you may have guessed from Yano’s comments, this plays for the Ruler of Beast Kings. Sleeping Star Thank you for playing! The flute was performed by Yanagawa. I mixed several of Shallie’s themes, and the herb garden theme at the end. The name borrows from these tracks. Star, stellar, Stera. (Asano) Fun fact: the herb garden theme, and by extension this track, brings in a motif from the beginning of Sleeping Earth, which is the theme for the Altugle Herb Garden—the ruins behind Ayesha’s house and where she begins her journey in her home game. Bringing that back in this way, for the last game in the Dusk trilogy, is a pretty nice bookend. Swaying Hair Clip for Shallie Ayesha’s character theme. She’s 27 years old, same as me. Society puts a lot of pressure on people around this age. I wonder how she would face such a reality? (Yano) Tell me about it, Yano  Anyway, the way this rendition of Ayesha’s theme plays, it gets across how much more mature and wise Ayesha is in this game. (For comparison.) And to think she was completely AWOL in Eschatology and relegated to a cameo at the very end of OG Shallie!The Red Sky for Shallie Logy’s character theme. Centering around a gypsy-like (sic) atmosphere, I selected instruments that would help one feel the Dusk sky, and arranged the track. (Yano) This rendition of Logy’s theme sounds… noticeably less angsty than it does in his home game. For comparison. FJ: Guardian Summon After seeing THAT ultimate attack, I just had to arrange a track like this! I decided on this one pretty much instantly, and went ahead and composed it. (Yanagawa) If you’ve played Ayesha’s home game, you’d instantly get what Yanagawa means—what else but MARIA, the final boss theme, right? FJ: Tausend Blitz I borrowed some phrases from Logy’s atelier theme in the previous game. I also kept the previous instrument lineup in mind. (Yanagawa) Said atelier theme would be Magnum Opus, which plays in the atelier for Eschatology if Logy is your chosen protagonist. Speaking of, if you've played Eschatology, you’d recognize the name of this move as being that of his capstone bomb, the Tauzent Blitz. Yes, it was spelled that way in his home game, and yes, dubbed names for items and even locations can and often do change between different games even within the same sub-series. FJ: Double Draw End (Escha) Double Draw activated by Escha. It’s basically the same as Logy’s, but I made some small changes. (Yanagawa) FJ: Double Draw End (Logy) Double Draw activated by Logy. When these two form a single team, they shine far more brightly. (Yanagawa) Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 23:41 on Dec 31, 2020 |
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Dec 31, 2020 23:37
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Part XXVII: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - The Great Work (DX) Original Ending    Ahem! Today marks the opening of the Stellard branch… Hey, chief, you don't have to sound so tense! Grumman, part of the city is on Central's… No, YOUR jurisdiction with this. I'd like to see your best efforts for the sake of the city. I hope I can be of use to the people of this city… Also… My staff would like to make their own introductions. I'm Escha Malier, member of the Stellard branch. I hope I can help everyone out with anything they need. I’m also a member of the Stellard branch, Logix Ficsario. I hope to bring regular airship service to this city… O-oh. Right… This is my new assignment, starting today… Um… I'm Shallistera Argo. I'm happy to be here. I'm Shallotte Elminus! I'll do whatever I can for this town! Homura. Full-time employee. Be here awhile. …I'm Miruca Crotze. Hehehe! What a solid lineup! Please hold your comments for later. As members of this new branch, I’ll have you working as my right and left hands, Escha and Logy. Um, Solle’s flat out saying we’re working directly under him… What are you saying, after all this time? An official’s work is always difficult. …I doubt it’ll be any different from before. Why are you getting scared? I don’t understand. Ah! Don’t say that! Solle. Paperwork. Done. You didn't just duplicate it, did you? Doubtful. Solle. Duplication. Too much work. Homhom's work is always perfect! You could learn from him, Shal. Whaaat! Miruca, you're such a fast learner! You're so helpful! It's easy when you get used to it. At this rate, the Stellard branch development team will get to start working faster than expected. We’ll get our own atelier again, Logy. Well, the development team has quite the lineup of personnel, so all alchemists will be sharing the same atelier. What!? Is there a problem? N-no… Well, um… Whaaat!? Please, no more paperwork… This is… Going to be pretty tough. Solle, I’ve got some documents from the Corporation! They look urgent. Shallie, I'm sorry, I know you just got back. No problem, it's my job! But it's kind of crazy how you came back to be an official all of a sudden. The water distribution in Lugion Village seems like it's stabilized, so… I came here because I thought I could find out more about the Dusk… You showed up way faster than I expected! I was so surprised! I don't mind if you two are talking, but make sure you're working, too… Whaa! I'm sorry! Shallie, I'll take care of those documents. Thank you…! Hey, about this line. Isn’t this a mistake? Anyone would realize something like this, if they work long enough. Logy never had any problems with paperwork, from the very start. I wasn't expecting this at all. You didn't expect that!? This is normal government official work. Next is… Shallie! Reports of a rampaging Slag at a nearby water source! Ahhh! That's bad! Let's go Stera! Okay! Wait! Both of you don't need to go! One should stay behind to do paperwork… Sounds exciting. For treasure hunter. Wait, not you too, Homura…! Too late… They left. …They’re fast, but only at times like this. Alright everyone, let’s do our best! Yes, I do feel like I'm helping everyone in the city. Let's make Stellard the best city, together! Yeah!! Hey, Shallies. What is it, Homura? Make special goods. Of Stellard. Sweets. Oooh, that sounds like a great idea! Maybe, Stellard Water Buns! Mmm, we should take care of the work in front of us, first, okay? 
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Jan 1, 2021 22:13
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Part XXVIII: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - Eternal Dream (DX) Original Ending   I’m just passing through. I’ll be leaving again shortly… However… I came to give you this as a parting gift. What’s this…? A recipe for medicine. I’m sure you’d be able to make use of it. This… Isn’t for my mom, is it?? Yeah, that’s right. This one was created after properly diagnosing her symptoms, so it should work better. I’m fine with that! That’s already more than enough…! You can trust that it’ll be effective. Keith, Ayesha…! Ugh… You don’t need to cry… We’ll see you again, Lotte.  You’re as energetic as usual. Well, I was never worried about that, at least. Master Wilbell!? I ended up coming back. All things considered, this place will be the best for training. I guess you could call this an inseparable relationship, for better or for worse. Master Wilbell! Ready? Don't fall! Sorry, master! I know I'm always making trouble for you... I'm getting paid, too, so it's a real job! We'll both work hard, right? Of course! Alright! Cool. It'll be pretty hard to find the materials for that recipe, so you should be ready for it. Yeah! We'll gather the best quality materials around! Make sure you're back by dinner! Okaaaaay! Right, we're off! Be back later! Take care! 
Jerry Manderbilt fucked around with this message at 19:24 on Jan 3, 2021 |
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Jan 2, 2021 18:16
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Part XXIX: The Other Side of the Cloudy Glass - My Fated Person (DX) Original Ending  Music: Rusty Sky - Epilogue  Shal. Quit spacing out during synthesis. Oh! Right… Aren’t you getting tired? You’ve been working non-stop. I’m fine! It makes me really happy to see my customers so satisfied with their orders… You didn’t hear? Escha was saying that there’s finally going to be a regular route opening to Lugion Village… What!? That was today!? …Are you curious? You should go. Thanks, Miruca! …*Sigh*. She’s hopeless. I guess I’ll watch the cauldron for her. First Vierzeburg, now Lugion Village… This city is getting to be quite the hub! I thought a certain old man would complain about giving up autonomy to Central… I don't need to hear it from you, kiddo. Raoul! Mr. Perriend! Hey, alchemist! You're so late showing up I thought you'd passed out or something. I wouldn't do that! I heard unique, rare crops can be grown in Lugion. This trade route will definitely help us grow. Olson's work continues to inspire me. Shallie, you should go there and expand your own perspective. Heh, I guess my dream of buying a ship before the route opened didn't happen…  Stera! Hehe! I wanted to surprise you. I really wanted to see you… Me too… I wanted to see you since you left! I missed you! I wanted to see you more! I couldn't even sleep knowing I'd get to see you again so soon! And I've been losing sleep this entire time! Oh, Lotte, I got a request from Mr. Perriend… That was… To investigate water sources in various spots around the Dusk Sea? This environment is fragile and fleeting, and it's humanity's responsibility to preserve it. Lotte, do you want to hear my wish?     
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Jan 3, 2021 19:22
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aaaaaaaaand that's a wrap! I'll be seeing about getting this archived now!
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Jan 3, 2021 19:31
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https://lparchive.org/Atelier-Shallie-DX/ And that's a wrap! Thank you to all who read and to Sylphid for greenlighting this. With that, until next time!
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Jul 7, 2021 04:17
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