Update 2: Revere the First Adventurers



So, where'd you all come from?
Well, Yuki and I are from Iorys.
I have never heard of anywhere like that. The hell are you talking about?
That's not unreasonable, I guess. We did come here from a strange-looking rip in space and time...
Rip in what now?
What, did you not come here through one?
No? I got on this ship like you would with any airship.
...What year is it here?
414 CY, of course.
Yeah, uh, see, it's around 900 CY where I come from.
Huh. Guess the Maginian government's got some weird bullshit technology on their hands. What about you two?
...What's a CY?
Common Year, Yuki. Anyway, well...
It's 4213 back where we came from.
In the standard calendar of the gods.
The standard calendar of the gods?
Yes. Is something odd about that?
From where I came from, the civilizations that used the standard calendar were...at least a million years old.
ANALYSIS: YUKIKO AND MARU'S LIVES BEGAN APPROXIMATELY ONE BILLION COMMON YEARS BEFORE THE PRESENT TIME.
...This is gonna take a lot of figuring out and getting used to, huh.


...What was that?



It sounds like someone is struggling against a dangerous beast. You can either try to rush to their rescue or cautiously advance to their location.
Make haste!
As you carefully make your way forward, you notice a girl collapsed upon the ground, surrounded by a group of monsters. The monsters are preparing to finish her off! There's no time to think--draw your weapons and prepare to fight!




Did-- Did it work?



Good to see you, Shadow.
W-Why does he look like that?
Because he's a reflection of my tainted soul.
Truly?
...Fine, it's because he looks cool like that.


I'm... I'm okay! I'm fine!


Swatted down.






She appears to be injured, although not severely.
I was told that this task would be simple... Seems like I'm not cut out for this.
Aw, don't sell yourself short.
Birgitta then looks around the immediate area, growing more and more distressed with each passing second.
Ahh! U-Um, excuse me, but... Laika's missing! I brought her with me because I thought it wouldn't be that dangerous out here... She's just like a little sister to me, and...
Laika is nowhere to be found... But, after a thorough search, you've found that the bushes to the north have been disturbed... Seems like something's run through this area. You can either tell the upset girl that you will assist her, or you can ignore her pleas.
My dark powers will guide us towards this... "Laika."
We are the Aeon Guild, by the by. It's nice to meet you.
Ruff!
Nyurm.
So, you're called Aeon Guild... Well, thank you so much! But, um... May I join you on the search? I won't be able to fight, so I'm sorry I can't be the most helpful...


The worried girl gives you a weak smile, then you head toward the disturbed bushes to the north.




This island is supposedly uninhabited. Why, then, are there ruins here? You keep that question in mind as you press forward, continuing your search for Laika.
Sir Cason, please remind me to discuss the presence of these ruins with Nadym and Magna-Calcula later. This is perplexing...

You look around the area, but Laika is nowhere to be seen.

Laika, where are you?
I'm sure they're around here somewhere.
Birgitta scans the area, a deep-set worry in her eyes. You reassure her that everything will be alright and continue on through the ruins.



Birgitta timidly asks.
Y--
...
Sir Cason...
...We don't have a map.
U-Um, if you want, you can use this one...
The girl offers you the map in her hand.


I have a back-up map for myself...
Thank you very much, Lady Birgitta.
After taking the map into your hands, she gestures towards it and asks you another question.
U-Um, I'm sorry to keep bothering you, but... Would you like me to teach you how to draw a map?
I can figure it out.
U-Um... Okay. Let's keep exploring, then.
You nod to Birgitta and proceed forward, map in hand.


Bugh...
I need...a gas mask...
The ruins now seem entirely cloaked in an awful odor that smells like sulfur that somehow spoiled.
U-Um... Is it just me, or do you smell something awful?
Gee, I wonder yes there's something awful around here.
Birgitta is looking around for the source of the smell as she uncomfortably pinches her nose.
It's... It's coming...from...the south...
Trin? Trin! Trin, stay awake!
Trinity, having the most sensitive sense of smell out of everyone in the party, points to the south as the likely source.



That skunk really isn't making it any better!

You...dick...


I can't...take this any more...
Sir Cason?! Sir Cason!

I'm sorry!

Phew...











...Thanks, you two.
Arf.
Nyurm.


Before you stands a wolf that seems to be attempting to escape the smell as well.
Grrrr...
Hiss...
U-Um-- There's this thing I've heard of where a beast sprays an airborne deterrent when it feels endangered... So, maybe the smell from earlier came from whatever got attacked by this wolf...
If Birgitta is correct, then the wolf before you must be irritated that its prey got away. Catching sight of you, the wolf begins closing the distance between you, licking its lips... It seems to believe you're a replacement meal! Escape is not an option--prepare your weapons and fight!
GRRRROR!




Quit...hitting me... Damn monsters.


Thank you, Shadow.

Why do I keep talking to an inanimate reflection of me.
Ahaha, I think it's cute.
Y-You do?



Uh, Cason, Shadow's starting to catch on fire.
WHOOPS. Alright, Shadow, time to merge.
_{...This boy's like an open book, hee-hee.}



It seems that the wolf didn't have any friends lurking in the area. You decide to keep moving forward while remaining alert.





So... What are you going to do now?
Birgitta asks what's next, but she's giving off a look that says she wants to get away from the foul-smelling area immediately.
Ack... Gack...
I...need...to get away...
H-Heath, Friedrich--koff--can you two do something...?


Ny-Nyurm...
Arf... RUFF!
When Heath walks up to the wall and gives it a solid kick, you hear a rustling noise coming from within... That sound of something moving gradually fades, seemingly increasing in distance from you. It may just be your imagination, but the terrible smell seems to slowly become weaker as well. Though the true source of the odor remains a mystery, you assume that it's well and gone and continue the expedition in a cheerful mood.
Good boys! Well done!






I'll never get tired of seeing that.
I-I can stop--
No, no, Trin, sorry, that wasn't sarcastic!








Treasure!


Well, one out of two ain't bad.

I love using enemies as springboards.

Though the hole is quite cramped, someone with a small frame should be able to crawl through.
D-Do you think this could be where Laika went?
With a worried expression on her face, Birgitta crouches and peeks through the hole, but has difficulty seeing anything in the dark. Her look shifts to one of determination as she announces that she'll enter the hole. You have the option to either watch over her or to enter the hole in her stead.
I guess it's worth checking, at any rate... We'll stand guard for you. You're small enough. Sorry...
Well then... Here I go.
The small girl gets on all fours and uses her hands and knees to crawl into the hole...
Kyaaah!
Birgitta shrieks and scurries out of the hole! Monsters then emerge from the hole, chasing the girl! Taken by surprise, you fall victim to the monsters' sneak attack!



I'm sorry my judgments are useless I shouldn't--
This isn't your fault.
...Sor--
Don't be sorry.


Didn't even hurt.
That could've been a lot worse!


SURGE OF DARKNESS FROM WITHIN, SMITE MINE ENEMIES!
...Are those incantations necessary?
_{...I-I just like saying them.}
Haha. I appreciate the honesty, at least.



...
Mrrr...
Nyurm...
Huh...?
Arf.
Nyurm.
...Thank you, you two.


The girl studies you worriedly as she removes some medicine from her pouch.
I-I know there isn't much, but here--have some medicine. I made it myself; it should help.
As Birgitta speaks, she applies a healthy amount of strongly-scented ointment to your wounds. You initially turn up your nose at the heavy smell, but immediately begin to feel your wounds heal!


When you thank Birgitta, she quietly replies that she's glad she could help. Having dealt with the situation, you decide to return to your exploration of the ruins.














Wh--
Ow, that actually hurt.
Oh, curses, my dress...
As you look up in shock, you find yourself under a web of tree branches and one particularly large leaf that sways high above. This leaf must be thick, as it repels water well--it holds a rather sizable pool of water within it, perhaps due to a recent shower. The swaying leaf eventually shifts and drenches you as you pass underneath it!
A-Are you okay!?
Birgitta, unsplashed at the end of the formation, inquires with a concerned tone.


Just when you are about to express how unlucky you are, you realize that the spilled water smells horrible! Was the water pooled in there for a long time? Or...is this even water? It gives off the worst smell you've ever experienced in your life!


Oh, fuck's sake, just my damn luck that I'd get splashed with acid!


ARP!
Nyurm?!
Okay, we need to take all of our damn gear off!
Unable to take the stench, Cason shouts that they want to remove and wash all their equipment without a moment's waste.
As much as I want to agree, is that the best idea while we're still in danger of running into monsters...?
Both opinions make sense...but the stench continues to torture you as you stand around deciding!


S--hah-hah-hah-- Someone, ple--gah-hah-hah-- Help, I can't--
Trin-- Okay, Ashley told me, take a deep breath, I'm gonna count to four...


Urgh...!
You have the option to either remove your equipment and wash off the stench, or continue the exploration. If you wish to remove your equipment, you must wash the equipment of the affected members on your own. If you think there's no need to remove them, you are free to keep moving from here.
...Edel's right, we can't remove our equipment without putting ourselves in even greater danger...

However, the stench of the splashed guildmates continues to torture you!


This really is not what I thought exploring would be like...
You must decide once again whether to remove your equipment or continue the exploration. If you wish to remove your equipment, you must wash the equipment of the affected members on your own. If you think there's no need to remove them, you are free to keep moving from here.
We must...keep going...


However, the stench starts irritating your nasal cavities and eventually starts to cause real pain!


I'm going to die. This is where I die. This is what--
Trin, please!
We're going to be okay, Trinity, please... Oh! I just remembered!
While suffering, Edelvale suddenly snaps their fingers and recalls hearing that vinegar gets rid of foul odors.
...Oh, that reminds me of...
Trinity replies that they once read something about how rinsing with lemon juice will remove a bad smell...
Arf!
Heath interjects with the knowledge that tea grounds will cover up most stenches.





While the party shares folk remedies and old pointers provided by their acquaintances... You realize that the stench is already starting to die down! There's no more need to worry about the stench affecting you. It's probably best that you be mindful of what's above you as you continue with the exploration.
Well... Good job, guys. Especially you, Trin.
W-What did I do...?
You helped, figurately, get the ball rolling, after I set it up. Without your recollection, we would've been driven mad by the stench!
...Oh. You're... You're welcome.
Now there's a billion ental smile.
I-It is not that.








This mysterious plant has white, beard-like tufts with countless thorns, which look like the spines of a hedgehog. Brimming with curiosity, Trinity reaches out to discover that the plant's thorns are soft, and could even be eaten if desired.
I... I think they're safe?
Hmm... Seems like it's a Hedgehog Mushroom.
Birgitta mutters behind you as she looks up your interesting find in her pocket guide.
U-Um, that mushroom's apparently edible, so... If you'd like, I can cook it...
With a slight tilt to her head, the young woman asks if you'd like to eat. If you are wounded, you may eat here and recover your health.
That sounds quite interesting. Go ahead!
When you confirm that you want to eat, Birgitta takes out her cooking utensils with delight. After lighting a fire and filling a pot with water, she chops the white mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and tosses them in the simmering pot.
I-It'll be done soon, so please be patient.
Birgitta says, as she takes out several herb-like items from her pouch and throws them into the pot... Eventually, the pot begins to emit an incredible smell that stimulates your appetite.
Hey, everyone--it's ready!
Oh gods that smells so good.
Hah-hah-hah.
Nyurm! Nyurm! Nyurm!
I haven't had a good meal in so long...
My word, that smells as wondeful as anything our cooks made.
You take a sip of the finished mushroom soup. Its texture is similar to that of seaweed, and it's fully absorbed the rich flavor of the broth.
I-I simmered it with some herbs that are good for recovering your energy.
Exactly as Birgitta stated, your body brims with stamina and health as you eat the soup!


Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh that was so good.
Now that you've gotten in a light meal, you decide to return to your expedition.







Aww, what a cute doggy.
Birgitta runs over to Laika and throws her arms around the dog. This must be Laika, Birgitta's little sister. Laika's tail wags in wild excitement as Birgitta embraces her. You're shocked it doesn't fall off from the sheer force of its movements.
Thank you so much, Aeon Guild! Without your help, I would have never found Laika!
It's-- It's nothing, truly...
Birgitta smiles to your group, then examines your surroundings. She seems to ponder something for a moment, then asks...
U-Um... Does... Does Maginia know about these ruins? Maybe you should report this to HQ...
I concur.
You nod in agreement, then begin the journey back to the city with Laika and Birgitta in tow.


I'll pay you back someday, I promise!
If you want to. See ya around.
She bows to you multiple times before disappearing into the crowd with Laika.











I got word that Birgitta made her way back to the medicine shop, and that it was Aeon Guild that helped her! Here's your reward! Thanks a lot!






I mean, I guess?
what you've discovered. I'd go, but I'm a bit laz-- Ahem, a bit busy, so could you go in my stead?
...Sure.



Huh?
Am I mistaken that you've brought something back from the labyrinths? Hee hee hee, I knew it! Right on the money. Of course you did! Anywho, back to business. Napier's Firm will buy any materials you may acquire on your explorations. Of course, you will be compensated adequately. Plus, selling new materials will bring new items to the shop's inventory. But that's not all--you can also use materials on the weapons you've made to enhance their attack power. Keep in mind, enhancing a weapon requires the materials used to craft that same weapon. Should you sell anything, the Firm will handle all the bookkeeping and stock management. You just focus on bringing in those materials! And, even if you don't have the materials on hand, you can still use an item called an ingot for enhancement. The more you know, yes?
...Could you repeat that? You spoke really quick there...



If they can't wait, then tell them to send someone who can help us secure the area!
Understood! I'll tell them HQ requests assistance!
...We might've arrived at a bad time.
Urgent message from those handling supplies at the Base Camp! They're under attack from wolf-like beasts on Isle of Origin's western shore! The situation isn't good, and they need reinforcements.
Send another squad immediately. That post is vital to our efforts. Eliminate the monsters and tell them more supplies are on the way!
Understood! We'll move out!
...The soldiers leave. The princess looks around, awaiting the next report... Her eyes then fall on you.
Who are you? This is the Expedition Headquarters, where we oversee our efforts to reach Yggdrasil. Only recognized guilds are allowed to set foot in here. You seem familiar, though... State your guild name.
Good afternoon, Princess Persephone. We are the Aeon Guild.
...We rescued a goat?
Ahh, I've heard stories from those in town. Good work saving that goat. They said you made rather capable shepherds.
...
Now then, Aeon Guild, state your business. Have you something to report?
We discovered some ancient ruins near Maginia.
...What!? Strange ruins west of the city...? Excellent work finding them. I'd like to have them investigated as soon as possible, but... Hmm...
The Aeon Guild, was it? We've currently deployed all of our capable adventurers to the labyrinth we just recently discovered. Investigating those ruins would be a simple task for them. However, it will be quite some time before they return. Here's my proposal, Aeon Guild. You're the first ones to find these ruins, so I hereby put you in charge of exploring them.
U-Um.
Chart your own map of the area before the other adventurers return. If you truly are proper adventurers, you wouldn't turn down the honor of being the first to explore a dungeon, would you?
I suppose we wouldn't.
Hmhm, good answer. You have your mission, then. Show us what you're capable of!


We shall chart the ruins posthaste, Princess Persephone.
Also, I should warn you... These ruins are uncharted territory, so tread lightly.
Don't need to tell us twice.




Its shape and form are similar to the beasts you have previously encountered, but this one is clearly more powerful... Just as you think on how best to approach the situation, the monster notices you and attacks without hesitation!


Pathetic.

Now that's what I'm talking about!


An acceptable substitute, I suppose.
...It's shining...
...Well, I won't turn down a shining ring.

Can't..escape...stink...
Let's wait on opening that door...

Water slowly drips into the pool from a pipe. There isn't a whole lot... But, it looks like the water is gradually flowing through an artificial filtration device. You can drink this water if you wish.
I'm gonna guess it's...probably safe. Enough.
You dip your cupped hands into the small pool, lift the water to your mouth, and take a sip. Filtered over a long period of time, this water is crystal-clear and has a pure, untainted flavor. You can almost feel it coursing through your body as it cures your fatigue.


I can't believe I'd ever say "yum" after drinking water, but... Yum.
How can water be this delicious... It's so good that you actually feel it stirring your emotions! Now that you've cured your fatigue, you decide to get back to the exploration. While slow, the flow continues to collect. You should be able to drink it again if you visit anytime tomorrow.


Is it looking for a meal? It hasn't yet noticed you, but it's vigilantly keeping an eye on its periphery. If you'd like, you can stick around to observe the animal.
Fuck it, I could use a break. Let's watch.
You decide to stay and observe the small animal for a little while to see what happens. As you get closer, you can see it more clearly. It has a brown fur coat and a distinctive tail that's bigger than its whole body. When it stands on its hind legs, you see it clutching some food with both of its paws while nibbling at it with its sharp incisors. Suddenly, the animal stops chewing away and freezes in place. Did it finally notice you? That's when some kind of bird zooms over you at lightning speed!
Ah--!
When it spreads its wings wide, you recognize the bird as a hawk right as it uses its sharp claws to strike at the small animal! However, sensing the hawk's attack, with no time to spare, the small animal dives into the brush, escaping by a hair's breadth! Denied a meal, the hawk returns to the skies to find itself another prey. You get closer to where the small animal was. There, you find several walnuts it left behind when it escaped with its life. The small animal most likely won't be returning to this spot anytime soon.
L-Lilian might like these.
You decide to take the remaining nuts. Once you break open the hard shell, you find the half-eaten but nutritious meat. You figure it's better than not to replenish your health.
...But i-it couldn't hurt to eat some ourselves...


After witnessing nature's savagery, and even gaining a tiny profit from it, you return to your exploration of the ruins.











U-Um, Lilian?
Mm? Yes, Trinity?
W-We got some...walnuts while exploring. They seemed...reasonably fresh...
Hm, let me have a look...
...Mm...
...Yes, these are very fresh. I could make pasta, slathered in a walnut sauce...
Th-- That sounds incredible! C-Can I watch?
Of course. Do you want to help me get some raw pasta from my room?
P-Please!

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