Update 21: I Already Used The Levelord Message Joke



Listen, Lanzon. I know you take great care of your body, but I think you could do even better with this amazing Swole-B-Get! Only twelve installments of 300 ental each!
Sasha, honey... I'm liking your enthusiasm, but cheap gimmicks would only lessen my regimen.
My products are not "cheap gimmicks!" They're legitimate business ventures that frequently improve the lives of the common person*!
Well, here's how you can improve the lives of the common person: I do situps and pushups every morning, drink plenty of juice, and I'm pretty great.
You can't ignore the factor that genetics play in your roguish attractiveness, Lanzon!
Are you going to market genetics to the common person*, then?
I... I am taking you off the raffle, young man!
Oh, what a shame.





Ahhh, a respite from that dreary enclosure of the undead.
I take it you don't like exploring the Vanguard's Mortuary.
Unfortunately. Everything in that stratum, save for...whatever the Noir monsters are, is undead. There's nothing to study about the undead!
So you're bored, then?
Beyond words.









You come across a large hollow gouged out of the cliff, like being underneath the crest of a wave. You would be protected from the elements here, so it might be a good place to rest.
Oh, why not?




You take a nice break and come away refreshed.
Welp, back to it.


















Bwaaaah!
Oh, come on, haven't you run into these skeletons enough to not be surprised by this point?
I-it's different at night!




BWAAAAH!
How did this small room in a separated section of the floor become host to this many restless undeads?
Mmmmmaybe they ran out of room on the other floors? Had to rebury themselves elsewhere to get better sleep?
...
...I-I'm just trying to spitball here!







Bleeeeeeh...
Why the long face? Didn't you guys just finish resting after doing all those weird hidden areas?
Yeah, but I'm bored. I haven't been able to sell anyone anything in forever, mostly because everything I could sell is already taken care of by Ceric!
You haven't checked on those...people at the bar? The ones that constantly make weird things?
Too busy being bored.
Well, one of them chucked this thing at my head after realizing it was useless. It's...a pen with a book-sized parasol inside it. I guess. Please don't ask me how that works.
...Dosen, you're a treasure, have I ever told you that? I know the perfect person to sell this to...



_{And of course we go in when I can't demo it.}














At the end of the corridor, you discover a small stone monument, probably someone's grave. It seems to have some writing engraved on it, but the ravages of time have left it unreadable. However, to the side of the words is what appears to be a picture of a cup.
...Deeeeeeughhhhh...
Goat horn cup?
Goat horn cup.
You recall the horn cup you picked up earlier. And upon closer inspection, what you thought was a picture seems to be an indentation large enough to fit the the cup itself.
Oh, thank the spirits, a chance to rid myself of this accursed object!
You take the cup from your bag and set it into the depression. The moment you do so, the monument suddenly starts moving as if satisfied with your actions. It leans backwards to expose a hollow cavity at its base. Taking care not to damage it, you peer inside to discover a large scythe, stained a deep crimson. Believing this to be the bone cup's gift to you, you take it.









14F, D4 Take Point

• Bamboo Flower. 60% chance. Sells for 100 en.
• 1 needed to make Medica III (Restores 200 HP to one party member).
• Zombie Birch. 25% chance. Sells for 120 en.
• 1 needed to make Stonard (Increases one party member's defense by 30% for 6 turns).
• Mist Flower. 15% chance. Sells for 600 en.
• 1 needed to make Fire/Ice/Volt Mist (Increases all party members' fire/ice/volt resistance by 35% for 6 turns).
• Ambush Chance: 5%

As you continue through this forest of the dead, filled with unsettling presence, you notice something in the shadow of the trees, poking out between a gap in the rocks. As you approach, you realize that it's part of an old, old tent that appears to bear an Earthrun coat of arms. As you search the area, you discover the rest of the tent scattered about, as if it had been hidden behind the rocks. While it's covered with countless years of dirt, it nonetheless appears to be in usable condition. If you like, you could set-up the tent and take a break.
I'm...hmaaaaauuuuuugggghhhhh...tired.
Haaaaaugh... Same. Can we please take a rest?
As long as someone keeps watch, I don't see why not.
Not it.
No no, you three most certainly are "it."
Damn you.
You gather up all assorted supports and miraculously unharmed fabric and whatnot and manage to erect the tent. Once you step inside, you're surprised to find that not only will this protect you from the elements, but it's also rather spacious. It must have belonged to a high ranking military officer. You feel like you could easily relax here and put down your belongings.


...Well, uh, Raven and Mio are out cold.
For being a 15 year old and 16 year old, they certainly tire out very quickly.
It's somewhat cute, though, isn't it?
I...can't refute that, I suppose.
_{Okay, this is the perfect chance...} So, Iseria, I have something that might interest you...


...Hm, I can see the merits of this...bizarre invention. However, I must ask--
MONSTER ALERT!
I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner.


...After a short nap, you sense something wrong and are startled awake! It seems the tent has been surrounded by monsters. You draw your weapons and prepare for a fight!



With the monsters defeated, you can either continue resting or leave.
...Let's continue fighting, shall we, dears?
Huh?
Why?
I can hear a restless voice begging us to continue...
Um, okay.


...Once again, you're awoken by the presence of monsters! You draw your weapons and fight!



With the monsters defeated, you can either continue resting or leave.
The voice...is still begging.
O...kay, then.


...And a third time!



With the monsters defeated, you can either continue resting or leave.
The voice seems quiet now... How about we rest one more time, just to make sure?
Well, um, Raven kinda collapsed after that last one, so...yeah, please.


...Having apparently exhausted the monsters, you wake up refreshed.


As you wake up, you notice a pile of eight Lunarian Silver Coins in the center of the tent. At the same time, a strong wind rattles the tent and you can hear a faint voice whispering "thank you."
You're quite welcome.
Perhaps it was just your imagination, or perhaps it was the tent's previous owners showing their appreciation for getting revenge on the monsters that killed. Having no way to know for sure, you gather up the coins and return to exploring.













...Um...
Those...those are some pretty big axes...



Mia: Oh, um. Hi. Everyone.
We got the things you need for your veil!
Mia: ...You-you brought the materials for the veil. Oh my goodness. Ohhh sweet heavens thank you thank you thank you thank you he'll be so delighted wait but I'm wearing it shouldn't I be happier about it than him but--
Please, dear, calm down. It's for your big event. You should be happy!
Mia: Sorry. I was. Super excited. But...really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Now our wedding can go smoothly. You've all done so much for us, you deserve more thanks than I can give, but the reward is the least I could do, I guess, it's nothing much but I hope you like it.
Look. Go be with Thaddeus. Don't worry about the reward or how many thanks you can give, just...go be with your soon-to-be husband.
Mia: I should, um. I should go now, I-I need to go tell Thaddeus. About this. Yes.
Yes, good. Best of luck, dear.


Ooh, ooh, Lanzon, while we're on this: do you ever want to get married?
Hm? That's quite an abrupt question. ...To answer you, Mio, dear: not right now, of course, I and the ghosts have our hands full with exploration. After this, however... Hm, yes, if someone particularly tickles my fancy.
Does...does anyone you know right now tickle your fancy?!
Mm... No.
...O-oh. Well, um, does anyone you know seem like someone that might eventually tickle your fancy?
That's a good question, actually... I would have to say... Either B or C. Preferably a combination of those two~
Wait, what?!
Lusting after the restless spirits of the dead seems dumb.
Oh, spirits below, not you two, no no no. Someone like you two, though.
_{...So much for Cecil x Lanzon...}






Looks like you completed Mia's request. Good work. The rings and the dress and the veil, all custom-made special orders. Those two are really going all out with this wedding. But it must be nice to see all your efforts finally bearing fruit. So what's next, having you play matchmaker at their wedding?
I, um, prefer to know who I'm shipping. Closely. There has to be a reason.
*chuckle* Don't worry, the explorer-client relationship isn't that close. ...I hope. Anyway, here's your reward. Keep it up.











Take a look-see: the Sapling Helmet! Ain't she a beaut? I'm putting her up for sale right away. Check it out if you're interested! ...*sigh*
Um, everything okay?
Is it...about your height?
Yeah, it's pretty inconvenient... Wait, no! I'm perfectly average for a Brownie! Sheesh! Can't a guy worry about something in peace?!
Um.
...Wait, just forget I said anything! Everything's just fine, nothing to see here! I-I left your reward with the same Lunarian chick as always, s-so why don't you go pick it up? I'll let you know if I need anything else!








So you finished Ceric's request? Good work.
I do wonder what he was sighing about...
I still say it's about his status as a tiny short small...shorty.
Hm? Ceric was sighing? That's unusual. He always seemed like to type who'd say "Who has time to worry when there's business to do?!" Oh, excuse me, maybe that was a bit prejudiced of me. Anyway, if he told you not to worry about it, then I think it's best to leave it alone. If it's important, I'm sure you'll hear about it. So moving right along, here's your reward. Keep it up.















14F, C6 Take Point

• Bamboo Flower. 26% chance. Sells for 100 en.
• 1 needed to make Medica III (Restores 200 HP to one party member).
• Zombie Birch. 59% chance. Sells for 120 en.
• 1 needed to make Stonard (Increases one party member's defense by 30% for 6 turns).
• Mist Flower. 15% chance. Sells for 600 en.
• 1 needed to make Fire/Ice/Volt Mist (Increases all party members' fire/ice/volt resistance by 35% for 6 turns).
• Ambush Chance: 5%

Welcome back, everyone. So you've got the ingredients? I'll be going over to deliver them to the client then. And see what this new recipe is all about while I'm at it. Just wait here until I get back, if you don't mind.




I'm back. It took a while to get here, but we've finally gotten a happy ending! The client took the ingredients and threw them into a new dish to show his manager right away. And that do you know, his manager said it was delicious. The client was so happy that he even started crying. I was surprised, obviously, but then the manager said something else. He told the client that his talent for cooking was unmatched, and to have more confidence in himself. All he needed to do was to stay focused and stop making all those stupid mistakes. And, well, think a bit more about the presentation of his dishes. The client was just so happy to hear that. Frankly, I had pegged the manager as this cruel taskmaster who was always screaming at this poor sap, and I was sure the client thought that too, but I guess I misunderstood. I'm kind of disgusted at myself for judging this guy so quickly, but I suppose even I have a lot to learn. And...that has nothing to do with your reward. Sorry, here you go. Take it with pride, you've earned it.














As you open the door and step into the next room, you notice a piece of parchment at your feet. Sasha bends over to pick it up and discovers that it's covered with red writing. "This is the realm of the Undead King. None may enter." The moment you've finished reading, the ground in front of you cracks open and monsters emerge!




The battle won, the parchment you picked up burst into a cold blue flame. As you stare at it in fascination, you hear a voice reverberate inside your skulls, as if someone is speaking directly to your minds!


I AM HE WHO HOLDS THE MANTLE OF LORD OF THE DEAD. BEFORE YOU LIES MY KINGDOM. ALL WHO ENTER SHALL EMBRACE DEATH.
Just hearing this cold, emotionless voice sends shivers down your spines. Is this where Soleil and Lily have gone? You continue on, more carefully than ever before.
"Lord of the dead," hm. Bit presumptuous, if you ask me.







So... I heard...that the 15th floor...is covered in POISONOUS SWAMPS...!?!?
The rest of the stratum has been, from what everyone's told me, so... I'd assume so.
SHRIEK OF HORRORRRRR!!! I don't suppose I could count on them turning into puddles of warm milk, could I...?



End of the stratum's in sight, huh? But, golly, that usually means there's some big monster waiting for you. You should make sure not to cut any corners on your equipment, and entirely coincidentally I just happen to have everything you'll need right here! Heheh, am I good at this or what?



The 15th floor is the third stratum's last floor, and the monsters will be more dangerous than ever. Be especially careful of the Demon's Coffin. They aren't one of those powerful foes you can see from afar, but they're more than enough to ruin your day. And unlike the more powerful monsters, you're going to end up fighting them whether you like it or not. Be careful.



Um, this one's from another group of explorers. I suppose the difference being that these guys are still brand new. They're in the bar now, so go talk to them for the details if you don't mind.
That one, huh? Thanks, you're a lifesaver. The client this time is a nobleman who collects armor, but I've had a hard time finding anyone to take it. Are you familiar with the monsters known as Decapitating Executioners, from the third stratum? Well, the client wants a Jet Black Slate from one. And that's not all. If you can get anything else from it, he wants those too. He'll pay more for anything beyond a Jet Black Slate. It's a tough opponent, but I can rest easy knowing you guys are on the job. Please, be careful and good luck.


Oh? The 15th floor already... I don't know why I'm still surprised. Ever since you got here you've been nothin' but surprising. But, still, that's the climax of the 3rd Stratum. I'm sure you've realized this by now, but there's always a reason people tend to get stuck at the end of a stratum--a big reason. No exceptions here. Nobody's ever gotten any further than this- it's the steepest wall you've ever had to climb. But, if anyone can do it, my gut tells me it's you all. Just... Take care of yourselves out there.



Try to keep up, milord.
Um...?
Oh, so you grind the fish into a paste with a mortar... And then what?
Oh.
Next, you roll the fish paste into balls--eh?
Greetings, Lord Remus.
Oh, hello there. I'm actually in the middle of having the Guildmaster teach me a Therian recipe for fish that he picked up.
So that's the gist of it. I've got a guild to be at. Try not to embarrass yourselves in front of Lord Remus, kids.


So. Nameless. Would you care to try out this Mountain Fish Soup with me?
Um, yes, a billion times yes. Bottoms up!
Great. I'll divide the portions accordingly. Apparently, in the Therian capital of Yamato, this is a traditional fish dish. The Skeletal Fish you can catch in the third stratum, I hear, makes for fantastic fish paste when ground with other fish. Ah, here you are. Watch out--it's hot.
...Haaaaaaaaaaaaah... You guys have to try this!
...Eh-heh, seeing you eat it so enthusiastically tells me it turned out alright. You grind up these Skeletal Fish with other fish from the Labyrinth, roll the paste into dumplings, and put them in the broth. It shouldn't be a problem if you use this special pot I ordered--this was to be my spare, but if you'd like it, you can keep it.



I hope Soleil and Lily are okay... But if you get injured, or worse, trying to save them, that's hardly an improvement. Iseria is looking a bit under the weather. Perhaps you should rest before returning to the Labyrinth.
Hm? No, I feel quite fine, aside from the normal exhaustion after clearing a floor.
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