Update 2: Antlerlust



...What are those?
Oh? Are you not familiar with JRM and Associates?!
Can't say that I am.
They make the finest quality automatons in the world, and my shipment of their latest model of Byeahs has arrived!
Byeahs.
I had initially planned to make them my traveling companions, but now, they shall serve as our resource gatherers! Also, tremble in fear, at their instructions!
Byeah.
That's... That's fantastic. Can you please get them out of my sight as soon as possible? Possibly doing something useful?
Success! You are terrified!



















Keep up the good work, everyone.







You took the job from the leather crafter too, huh? Leather's pretty important, isn't it? All this town's basic necessities come from the Labyrinth. It's good business for adventurers like you and me. I'm gonna finish my drink and head down myself. Soft pelts... Clawed Moles and Tree Rats should do the trick.


Y'know... I enjoy getting to punch monsters... But can we, like, take a break? Go back and get some sleep? These things're...kinda heavy.
We're not stopping until we get all these damn hides.
Judith, I think you're a great leader, from the few minutes you've been one, but... Why are we trying to skin rats for leather?















Keep up the good work.
...What, that's it?
Sometimes more says less.
Like how a prized horse's head's a good way'a persuadin' someone, right, Vinny?
Ahm, y-yup.
I prefer fish heads from personal ponds, though. Gives off a more memorable smell.










Not really seeing how this stuff's holy.
Ooh, I've got an idea. Hey, Katya, do you think you can bless this stuff?
Uhh, no?
Oh, really? You looked so heavenly that I assumed you were sent from...heaven... Uh, wait.
Should probably workshop your lines.




Oh, welcome back. Can I assume that your return means you've collected the ingredients I asked for?
Three rat teeth-- Fangs. Rat fangs.
Thank you very much. Now I can make some fertilizer out of this and keep raising vegetables.
What kinds'a vegetables?
Oh, several. Carrots, cabbage, tomatoes... They all go into the meals I serve to my customers. Running the inn has a lot of hidden costs, so I need to save money when I can.
Should you really be sharing inn finances with its guests?
Oh, sorry. I may have said too much. The reward for this job is at the pub, so please go get it there. Thank you for your hard work.









The client was the first person to discover this water in the Labyrinth. He was attacked by monsters and at the verge of death when he crawled to the water for one last drink. But then, he suddenly felt a surge of inner strength...and he was able to make it back to town on his own.
It's just water!
It just looks like normal water to me...
Exactly!
But to him, I'm sure it's Holy Water.
...I...can't win, can I.
I'm sure he'll be happy to see this. Thank you, everyone. Still, maybe that water really does have mystical powers...
No it doesn't.
Haha, I'm just kidding.














So, you've finished the boy's request?
I still don't really get how rat fangs make fertilizer... Oh, right, yeah, done. It's done.
He's been busy lately, what with all the adventurers in town. Well, so have I, haven't I? In any event, here's your reward.







Oh, you're taking this quest? Thank you. This quest is from Shilleka's Goods. She's been running low on materials to make Nectar. Why don't you go ask her what she needs from you? Good luck!
Oh, decided to take that request, have you? Good, I've been hoping someone would. This client is a young lady who often heads into the Labyrinth on business. Apparently, she was attacked by a terrifying deer and had to flee. She did escape unharmed, thank goodness, but she dropped her basket that she uses to collect flowers. If it was any other basket, she'd just forget about it, but this was a present from her grandmother. So... She dropped it in the southwest of B2F, on the path used by a powerful deer. It might be scary, but as long as you're careful, you should be okay. Good luck!
Decided to take that request, have you? Good, I've been hoping someone would. Do you know of a place you can chop in the forest?
Two of 'em.
The client wants to know where it is. He's here in this pub. Why don't you go talk to him directly? He has a reputation for being somewhat difficult, but I'm sure you can handle him.


Hm? What is it you want? I don't have time to waste right now.
Hey, guido, we're the ones that took your request.
Ooh! So you're the courageous ones who took on my request! Let's get down to business, then. As I said, I don't have time to waste. Could you tell me of a place on B1F where you can chop? I hear you can sell what you get from chopping and make a tidy profit... Heh heh.
...
Er, sorry. You don't need to hear about that. Anyway, a chopping point on B1F. If you find one, come talk to me and point it out on your map to me.
Ah, it's you. Have you found a place on B1F where I can chop?


Yeah, right there.
There, eh? Fantastic! I'll send someone to scout out that location.


...You sent him to the out-of-the-way one on purpose, yeah?
Yep. Very perceptive of ya.
Heh heh, I like that. You're good, Ladette.


The spot you told me of is most definitely a place to chop! Now I have to hurry there and get chopping! I left the reward with the pub's owner, so go get it from her! Now, excuse me!


You're an adventurer who does business with us, right?
Shilleka's? Yeah, we might buy goods from her and sell goods to her.
Adventurers are our livelihood. Have you been finding materials in the forest? I hear you need certain skills to find some rare items. If you find something rare, please bring it to the shop! I've got... plans. For example, if I had Tiny Petal, I could make Medica II. Or Bravant with Crabapple... And with some Amber Lump, I could make Nectar. Adventurers need stuff like that, right? I'd like to sell it, but the ingredients are so hard to come by... So if you want a lot of Nectar, please sell a lot of the ingredients back to the shop. I hope to do more business with you in the future.
Oh, man... The forest is scary! I got tired of walking around B1F, so I headed on down to B2F. Suddenly a Forest Hare came out of nowhere and hit me with ice! It really hurt! How does a rabbit throw ice?! I mean, sure, it could kick me, but ice?! That doesn't make any sense! ...And then the Venomfly got a turn, and it went and used Poison Dust on me. It didn't hurt that bad, but I didn't have any medicine, so it just kept on hurting... Venomfly? It oughta be named something like "Miseryfly"! The forest's a scary place... I shoulda listened to my Pa...
Oh, you're... novice adventurers, correct? Ha, I can tell just by looking at your equipment. You're clearly still not used to being in the forest. Have you run into any monsters that are much more powerful than the others? Let me give you a warning. You shouldn't try to take on the Ragelope on B2F. It is, of course, very strong, but the most troublesome thing about it is its Baffling Step. Those who see that dance will become confused, and be unable to tell friend from foe. Being attacked from behind by an ally... Not a pleasant thought, is it? Well, it moves around simply, so if you pay attention, you should be able to avoid fighting it. Good luck, rookies.
Ugh, I can't take it anymore. All these monsters are knocking new adventurers down left and right... The clinic's been so busy lately. According to patients, a really tough monster can hit multiple people... Veterans should bind their arms or use ailments to deal with them. You should be careful, too. *sigh* I just hope that the number of adventurers being defeated by Zebratherium goes down. Then I'll get more time to rest...
Good thing we've got our own personal doc.
An' me. This shield's good for more than show, y'know.
Still value the doc more.


Hey, you! Yo! Have you heard?
...Yes?
I see... You knew... You knew that you know, and I haven't even asked you what you knew yet... Yeah, huh? I mean, running boulders. Anybody who's been down in the forest would know about that. But still... The Labyrinth is crazy.
Running boulders. Running boulders, what have I gotten myself into.








Materials you can obtain through chopping are rare, and worth a good amount of money. You should try it out. Still, I wonder if that man will be all right on his own...? He's just an ordinary townsperson. I hope he doesn't get reckless out there in the Labyrinth... At any rate, thank you. Here's your reward.












Huh? Oh, t'job about my Nectar? Y'took it? Oh, t'anks so much! T'at'll be a big help! Nectar is somet'in y'explorers are always usin' when y'get hurt! But I wasn't paying attention t'me stock, and I ran outta Amber Lump. Amber Lump is a rare item t'at can be taken. I t'ink it'll be easier for folks who're good at takin'. I just need you to do t'usual. Get t'at Nectar Lump and sell it t'me. I only need one!





Lemme introduce ya to The Left-Hand Rule!
Where in the world did you learn to do those ridiculous jumps to and from the back?
You learn a lotta ridiculous things when you grow up like I did.






Weren't there...supposed to be deer on this floor?
That don't sound like no deer I ever heard...



It lets out an eerie cry as it kicks the ground with its sharp hooves to threaten you! A dreadful enemy unlike any you have yet seen is fast approaching!


For every movement you make, it makes one as well. Consider any FOEs before taking action.





Aw, look, that fat rabbit's kinda cute.


Hope ya enjoyed a nice glass of Molotov Hooktail, bunny!
Do you really have a silly name for every kinda punch you know?
A silly name? I got a buncha names for the same kinda punch!


What happened to just using a weapon without saying something silly?


Is it really that hard?
Man, the people you fought with in the past must've been some serious wet blankets if you expect that.
Please don't remind me of the past.







It is a basket used to gather flowers. You recall the quest from the florist asking you to retrieve her lost basket. This must be the basket she dropped.


Aw, cute basket.
About the level of cuteness I'd expect from a grandma gift.
The florist's quest has been completed! All that remains is to return the basket to the pub the next time you go there.



The ears? Why shoot for the ears?
Just guessing where the ice comes from.


I'm a pretty lucky guesser.













Heh, this armor's cold-proof. ...A-almost.


Do you just cover that in more gunpowder to make it do that?
Already said: Monterey. Family. Secret.










A...zebra monkey? Weeeeird.

It'll take more'n that...t' take down Vicious Vinny.
So that's "Vicious Vinny's Vim and Vigor," huh? I've heard a lot about that. Survived thirty-two bullets from the Olbright Family's state-of-the-art gatling gun during that turf war over in Success Town. The whole group turned tail and ran when they saw this guy here, bleeding out of a bunch of holes and standing there, taking a drink from his flask and scoping out the birds in the sky like nothing was wrong.
...Y-yup.


I hope the monkey enjoyed that story while it could!






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









It seems that those bathed in that light are stronger than normal. From here on, you must decide carefully whether or not to engage these shining rare breeds.

The edible-looking fruit makes your mouth water. It would be no trouble to take the fruit and eat it.
Howzabout no? My dad's golden rule was always "never eat wild fruit that looks delicious."
If your dad raised such a lovely woman, I suppose he's worth listening to.
...?
Katya, you even aware you're being hit on?
Hit on by...what? Is there a mole nearby?!

An intermittent sound is coming from the brush. Something seems to be inside the tall grass before you. You peer futilely into it, wondering whether to chance it or leave the sound alone.
Eh, what's the harm?
As a party leader, Vince pushes back the tall grass.
What the... There's nothing in-- YEAAAAAAAAGH!
Suddenly, Vince feels a sharp pain on the hand! The noise seems to have come from a small snake. After biting Vince's outstretched hand, it slithers off into the forest.


You pull yourselves together and continue on the adventure.


Judging from its color and shape, it doesn't look edible. If you really wish, you can pluck the fruit and eat it.
Now that's my kinda fruit! Everyone, chow down!
Is that really a good-- Mgrk!
C'mon, eat!
Appearances to the contrary, the fruit is fresh and juicy.


I don't get this place.


...!


I-I thought that guy at the bar was just drunkenly rambling!


Worse, the beast is about to launch a deadly charge towards you!
OUT OF THE WAY!


Phew...


It seems that the boar mimics its surroundings until it spies prey, at which point it charges in for a kill. Your party cannot hope to outmatch its speed... You cannot be sure it is the only one of its kind. You must be wary of where you step in this place...




Oh. Oh, hello.
What now?
Cute girl, two o'clock!


_{Wait, wait, I'm almost there!}


What the--?! How long have you been standing there?!
Back off, bub! She's mine!
Has your flirting ever actually resulted in something?
...It got me slapped once.
I was just... It was spur of the moment, and... It's nothing, I swear! Ahem! I was merely given the task of guiding that young lady to Radha Hall, and that's exactly what I did. It was a job well done! I'm so busy today, anyway. Lots of stuff to do. Best of luck to you, adventurers!


Just between you and me, if you have the time, I'd like to ask you to perform a mission for me. I have my reasons to keep this mission from the public. If you're interested, come to me to hear the details.
Giving the rookies a mission that's on a need-to-know basis, eh?


So, you'll accept this one? Thank you. Allow me to tell you the details. There was an incident where a noble's son was attacked by a monster on one of the higher floors. Thankfully, the boy had a bodyguard on hand, and was not seriously injured. But his parents are enraged and insist that the monster cannot be suffered to live. They have requested us to slay it.
...A revenge mission to heal injured noble pride? Whadda we look like, goons?
Normally, we would put out the call to all explorers, but it seems they wish to keep the matter discreet. As for the monster that attacked the boy, we've had a report that it still wanders the 1st floor unchallenged. Though it's not in the best of shape, having lost an arm in the prior struggle. This is the perfect chance to slay it. You are to kill the one-armed monster on the 1st floor before the chance passes and bring back proof of its death. Though you have no great fame yet as a guild, I think that your skill makes you perfect for the mission. Well then, we'll be counting on you. Good luck in your task.











I'm sure the client will be very happy to see it undamaged. I'll give this basket to the client. Here's the reward.














How convenient.



Its body is red, as if it had been bathing in blood...
That's an amazin' shade'a crimson.


It may not have much will left to fight, since it is missing an arm as well. Regardless, you must catch up to the fiend and slay it!


C'mon, get over here so I can punshock ya!


...It's too quiet.
Could it have hidden itself somewhere? If you are to search, you must begin where you last detected its presence...


Okay, it was, like, 10 feet tall. How could we have--
Just as you are wondering if you should pick up the hunt elsewhere, you feel a foreboding presence behind you!



SHIT!


Just as you turn to see, a monster bursts from seclusion and slashes viciously at you! The cunning mantis seems to have wrought a scheme to lure you here and spring its trap... Alas, you have fallen for it completely and now have no choice but to fight your way out through your wounds! You see no way to survive the ambush than to fight! Draw your weapons now and face the horror!
Fight...fair!









You're not the only cutter in town!
...Your pickup lines and your one-liners both need work.


Hangin' on, even if by a thread: the Vicious Vinny guarantee.
Y-yeah, thank-- Hack, kaff, kohogh-- Thanks...


Heckuva carapace ya've got! What's it made of, metal?!


Hmph.





...How do you and Katya do those weird jumps?!



Now you're just a head, wings, and legs.


Do...do mantises have balls?
Can't say I'm really versed in insect anatomy.
Well...even if they don't, this one...does...


But I...barely even started...


Wait. Wait wait wait. Etria has medicine that brings back the dead?!
Uh, a-duh? Where the heck did you come from?
A land where you can't come back from death.


Monsters can't come back from death, at least!





Only now that the fray is over do you recall that you were asked to bring back proof that you have slain the fiend. You break off its signature scarlet scythe as a trophy of your victory.











It seems you've taken care of Bloody One-Arm. We will have the proof delivered to the petitioner. Now, about your reward... This is out of the ordinary, but we would like to present you with a tangible gift.
Money was plenty tangible.
The petitioner is a nobleman who is active in supporting young explorers such as your Tenebris Guild. Since you provided him such invaluable assistance, he has insisted that you be commensurately rewarded. And that is why we offer you your own guild house...the deed to a base of operations within Etria.
...Our own house? Probably outfitted by a nobleman? Heck yeah we'll take it!
This will be a special facility used only by your guild. I'll need you to register a name for it...



The nobleman has already prepared a site and staff to run it. But by all means, go to Logjammin and see it for yourselves.






C'mon c'mon c'mon!



...Be still my beating heart.
I am Rosa. I have been directed to assist the members of the guild at this mansion. I will do my best to be of service to you. ...I've received an item from my master to give to you.


Oh, all these pretty stones? Well, I can't--
Knock it off, Momoe.
Here it is. It is known as a Grimoire Stone. Apparently it holds a mysterious power that allows the bearer to use skills from other classes. My master has instructed me on how to manage them, so you can trust me to synthesize and equip them for you.













Eep.


Maybe there's something down this--


Never mind, I guess!



Y'think that's enough rock monsters?!







Even new adventurers such as yourself can clearly feel the overwhelming sensation... It is the specter of death, looming over you as you prepare to face unknown dangers. Take heed! Beasts red of tooth and claw run rampant here! Fleeing from these creatures is no shameful thing. In these depths, survival is paramount!
...Okay, are we done for the day yet?
I'm gonna say yes.



No-one's gonna die on my watch. Not after--
The inn stuff?
...Yup.



We short on supplies lately, so I han't been able t'make anyt'ing good... Whatever y'find in the forest, bring it here. I'll buy anyt'ing y'bring me!
We already do that.





Master and Madam Sheldon both praise my skills, and say that they feel reinvigorated after drinking them. I will be ready to quickly prepare a batch whenever you would like some.

Oh, maybe go on a-- Ow!
You're not hitting on our guildkeeper on my watch.



How come you didn't make them?
What's that? Why don't I make the recipes? ...Heh heh.
...I'm scared now.


Hm? Is that... a Grimoire Stone you have there? I'm surprised to see one here. Have you ever synthesized Grimoire Stones before? I can tell you how to do it if you like.
Oh gods, please, no, I'm so tired...
On the other hand, go on.
You can combine three separate Grimoire Stones into a single one. This is called Grimoire Synthesis. The first Grimoire is the base, which determines the number of skill slots in the final result. You can choose skills from the first and second Grimoires you use to place in the resulting Grimoire. The third Grimoire doesn't carry over any skills, but you can transfer the equipment bonus into the result. If you have the equipment to do so, you should definitely give it a try.
Oh, have you been having fun with the monsters? For example... Have you tried fighting a Reaping Shade?
That giant mantis we just saw? That's a big fat "no."
Reaping Shades are really strong, and scary... But there's a clever trick to defeating them. You'd like to know, right? Oh, I can tell you... But I'm a little hungry right now.
Skewered Mandrake over here, please!
...None of us gave you permission to spend that 10 en on her.
Oh! That's so kind of you! Let me tell you, then. When you're fighting a Reaping Shade, make sure you bind his arms. That way, you prevent its nasty attacks, and if you defeat it like that, you'll get a Tied Scythe! Mmm... Those blades are soooo sexy. You should try getting one, hm hm.
...Is... Is that what's "sexy" here in Etria? Tied up blades?
Can pretty safely give that a "hell no."
Rollers use Defense Shell to raise their defense. Mandrakess use Corrosive Aura to lower your entire party's defense. ...Each skill the monsters have was developed to defend themselves against other monsters in the wild. But what if a Mandrake used Corrosive Aura after a Mandrake raised its defense? That's right... The power up would be overridden by the power down. That goes the same for the opposite. If you power up when you're weakened, the buff will cancel out the weakness. If you're having trouble after being weakened, remember that. But monsters can give you hints about what they're going to do... I suggest you watch them carefully.
Ooh... You look like someone who just started in the forest. You got "Rookie" written all over your face. Let me give you some advice. You run into a Reaping Shade already?
Pretty sure we did.
There's one right when you reach the third floor, but don't think of taking it on. Running away is important. Take a good look at how it moves. It stops every once in a while, so use that time to slip past it. Heheh, I sound like a real vet. To tell you the truth, I haven't explored all that far myself. Tenebris, was it? Let's both do our best!


Decided to take that request, have you? Good, I've been hoping someone would. This job is from that merchant you worked with before. He was so happy to earn money thanks to that chopping point you showed him, and now he wants to expand. This time, he wants you to tell him where to find a place where he can take materials. He's right over there. Why don't you talk to him yourself?
Decided to take the request, have you? I've been hoping someone would. This is from an apprentice medicine woman. She was somewhere in B2F, gathering medicinal herbs, when she was attacked by Woodflies. She tried going back later, but it seems the Woodflies have set up a little nest there or something. She wants you to get rid of them so she can safely collect herbs from that part of the Labyrinth. The herbs grow on the northeast side of B2F, near the stairway leading down. We're counting on you.
Decided to take the request, have you? Good, I've been hoping someone would. If you've read the description, you should already know, but I'm the one who posted that job. You see, my niece is coming to visit, but I have something of a problem. She really liked the perfume I was wearing when she last visited, and she said she wanted some for herself. But I ran out recently, and none of the stores here have any right now. The ingredients to make more can be found in the Labyrinth, but I can't get them myself. So I called for explorers! So, to that end, can you go and take three Tiny Petals for me? You can find them at the taking points in the 1st Stratum. I'm counting on you.

*sigh* I don't have time for this... Ah, you... You're the adventurers who told me about that chopping spot earlier. Did you accept my job this time as well?
Yes.
Well done! I'd expect nothing less from you! You adventurers are so benevolent! But enough small talk. I'm a busy man, need I remind you. Can you tell me of a place on B2F where one can take? I've heard that you can get quite a lot of money by selling what you take from certain areas... Ha ha. Once you've found the place, please come talk to me and show me where it is on your map.


There's one right there.
There, eh? Fantastic! I'll send someone to scout out that location.







Still, I hope he doesn't go running into the forest without thinking, just because things are going well so far... I'm a little worried about him. But that's neither here nor there. Here's your reward.













Basic but sage advice. I guess.



Have we...what?
Actually, never mind. If your explorations are progressing without problems, then all is well.
That's not ominous at all.



Byeahs! Donut Formation!
Donuts. Byeah.
Ah, gods... What even...
Get them away from me, right now.







T'anks to t'Amber Lump y'sold me, I can sell Nectar again! Now, whenever someone in y'guild falls, y'can bring 'em back! But you'd best be careful! I can only make y'one Nectar for every Amber Lump y'sell me! Y'reward's at the pub, so don't forget t'pick it up! T'anks for takin' t'request. If anyt'in else comes up, I'll ask for you.
Byeah.








She was really worried this time, so she was very happy to be back in business. Here's your reward.














Thank you, everyone. This is a big help. My niece won't be disappointed with me now... Thank goodness.
You should, ahem, introduce her to me.
For all y'know, her niece could be, I'unno, 10 years old.
Ehh, Valerie's old enough that maybe--
What? No way. If she gets all moony over you, she's not going to want to spend time with me! So you can just give up on ever meeting her, got it? Knowing that she's coming to see me makes me work even harder. I hope she gets here soon. I can't wait!
You should maybe make the perfume first, y'know.
Oh, yes, that's right. I need to have it ready for her. I know I've already said this, but thank you again. Here's your reward.







Decided to take the request, have you? Good, I've been hoping someone would. Shilleka's Goods is this town's only weapon and armor shop. When her grandfather owned the store, he used to gather materials on his own and had a wide selection of goods. But since she took over... She does her best, y'know, but compared to the last owner, her selection is...eh. There's only so much one girl can do on her own. Could you help her out if you get the chance? Ask her what she needs in order to get more weapons made.


Can we please just go home already I'm so tired.
Not yet.
Let's see... I got t'list from t'boys in back, so mark t'is down. We need... Monkey Bone x1, and Beast Bone x6! When y'get t'materials, just sell 'em t'me like always.



Guys. Please. I'm about ready to collapse. Please can we just go back to Logjammin and sleep in those nice beds?
After this.
You recognize medical herbs growing all around your feet. This seems to be the place. You reach out to pick an herb. Without warning, Woodflies appear from above and attack you!












It seems you have successfully killed the butterflies that moved into this area. The client should be safe here. All that remains is to report your actions to the pub when you have time.
Are we finally done exploring for the day?
Yes. Gods.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.









The forest is a dangerous place, but there are a lot of useful things inside. Quests like this are pretty common. I know it's tough, but protecting ordinary townsfolk is one of the duties of adventurers here in Etria. Nice job! Here's a little something from me, for all your efforts. Please, take it.





Alright, I'm dead tired, I'm going to bed. G'niiiiiight everyone.
It's...morning.
Don't care.

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