There’s a lot of Bloom past Gouga Thicket.
And there’s a portal right here.
Now we have quick and easy access to the previous towns.
The Aizhen Kingdom is over here, but...
Let’s see what’s south first.
We can’t explore this cave yet, as this soldier will pretty much stop us from going anywhere.
So let’s head to the only other place we can right now, the Aizhen Kingdom.
Welcome to Aizhen.
Uhh, hold on a sec.
This was how much of the Bloom I had to clear out to get the prices back to normal.
Ark got a level up while I was clearing out the Bloom.
I was originally saving up for another level of POW, but I decided to go for a different skill instead. Namely, Act Natural. Which requires 3 levels in both POW and INT to unlock. So I invest everything into INT Bonus for now.
It's large, and shines most magnificently. I suppose an appraiser would call it a mere glass orb. It's so big that it looks tacky with my decor, but you might find it useful. 1000 G is a fair price, no?
We can talk to her again.
There’s something this Big Glass Orb can be used for later, but if you’re willing to do a particular quest, you won’t need it.
Every doctor I've called has declared it hopeless. I don't even have family. What on earth can I do for the rest of my life?
Stonols dispel Petrification, but we won’t be running into that ailment for quite a while.
Okay, so this NPC? He’s speaking the Aizo language. In the Japanese version, he was actually speaking Chinese (okay, Chinese that sounded like it was run through a machine translator). Due to the font limitations, the fan translation couldn’t preserve that, and had to settle for romanizing and truncating the text.
Here’s the equipment shop. Let’s see what they have. Any equipment you unlocked by selling to the vendor in Simon Village can be seen here.
Not much interesting in the way of equipment, unfortunately. In fact, most of these are kind of downgrades for our party. The only piece of equipment that can be considered an upgrade is the Doutanuki, which I buy for Haru.
At this point in the game, this is a ripoff. I already have 3 of those maps, and the 4th map I’ll be able to get pretty soon.
Entering this house earlier showed that there was a room on the right side. The entrance to that room is over here. Said room contains...
A joke item. But more importantly...
The Magic Regulator multiplies the amount of magic damage one party member takes by 75% for 5 turns. Not that great a deal, to be honest. Moving on...
I am a master gourmet, an expert in foods... the man with the golden tongue! I have tried dishes from every time and place... And now, I am taking the ultimate step into culinary history!! At last, I have decided to pursue the world's three supreme dishes! These legendary delicacies are difficult to procure. Aren't you travelers? You must search for me. I insist, you must help! Let me see... First, head west of Simon, into the Zenda Thicket. Zenda Bamboo is the first delicacy, served in a rare menma over ramen. Hurry up and head to Zenda at once! You must bring some back!
We can actually complete this quest now. But I’ll handle it later.
Now, hurry up and accept my request! Bring it back to me!!
...We’ll take that very questionable and possibly disgusting quest later.
Correction: Actually disgusting.
Just now someone with the Resistance was gathering folks...
Aren't they awful? The nobles all have such soft white hands...
Everyone always says I'm too longwinded to listen to... It'd be nice if someone would come and hear me out. Anybody?
This one can be handled now, and it’s pretty easy to get done.
That water was a lifeline for poor people like us. What do we do?
If you get rid of enough Bloom around the town, you’ll get this special item.
...I'll do my best... ...You do yours too...If you’re wondering what he had to say beforehand...
...The boy is crouching down, motionless. ...What is it......I don't have any money, leave me be......Are you guys those heroes?...Nothing particularly interesting, or something that indicates that you should get rid of the Bloom around the kingdom to get an item.
Dragon Eggs are extremely rare items. They restore one bar on the EX Gauge, and they’re the only way to regain EX outside of battle aside from using an inn. However, they’re not really useful items. Restoring one level of EX isn’t particularly useful considering how rare these items are. Not to mention it’s only really useful in dungeon crawling, since not many dragon or boss battles last long enough to justify using EX a 4th time. They’re a lot more powerful in the later games for various reasons, but they’re not too great in this game.
Dispels Paralysis. Exciting.
In this country, the weak can only perish. It's rotten to the core.
From ancient times, the Rushe have been slaves in Aizhen ~ No one knows how it started, but it's been the case for awhile ~ Although it's against the law, certain nobles seem to flout it ~ Not much difference between slaves and servants anyway ~ hic!
Boltstorm Scrolls deal Lightning damage to all enemies. They count as spells, and do scale off the user’s INT. They have a spell power and damage multiplier of 100%. So it’s a much weaker version of a Mage’s AOE spell. Also, since this is an item, it completely skips any accuracy checks, meaning that it won’t miss. So it’s useful in that regard, at least.
N-n-no, not at all! Why would you? You're imagining it!
The girl moves out of the way. If we didn’t send Shion over here, we wouldn’t be able to get down into the basement.
I opposed him from the start, but you can't win 'em all!
We need Shion here, but we have to keep his access restricted. It's suspicious for him to be in the ghetto, or outside Simon....Let’s talk to Shion.
...Several times I've tried to meet with His Majesty, with no luck. I know he is a very important man, but the situation is dire... Are direct measures the only way to help the situation?We can’t progress this sub-event until we kill the next Imperial Dragon, so let’s just move on.
For now, I take these 3 quests.
And turn in this one.
The reward is okay, but there are other pieces of equipment I would rather have on my party members right now. Anyways, let’s head into the palace.
Nowari exits the throne room.
Nowari leaves.
Before we head to the throne room, let’s take a look around the palace first.
The elemental scrolls have 2 versions of them, a single target version, and an AOE version. The single target versions have a spell power of 150% and have a damage multiplier of 100%. So they’re stronger than the AOE scrolls, but still aren’t stronger than a level 1 Mage spell.
Rubirias place a buff on the user that changes the element of their regular attacks to Fire to the duration of the battle. Considering that it only affects their regular attacks, it’s kind of garbage!
Heat Regulators only affect Fire damage, but they apply a 50% multiplier to any Fire damage the target takes for 5 turns. So it’s slightly better than the Magic Regulator in that regard.
According to reports, it lurks in the darkness of its deepest depths. And its weakness is light? Hmm... but how is one to get light down there?This is a hint for something we can do to tip the scales in our favor for when the time comes.
That’s enough plundering the palace. Let’s head into the throne room.
We can talk with him again.
Don’t leave the throne room yet, as there’s something that can be done here.
Namely, that there’s a secret passage on the left side of the screen.
Volcano Scrolls are the Fire versions of the AOE scrolls. But that’s not all that’s here.
There’s a hidden room down here! And this room contains something very important.
Ho hohoho! Whatever you desire, I already possess!
...What? Hunters? You look like beggars.Not those two ladies. No, the important thing is...
A quest! Oh but this quest is special. You see... 
THIS QUEST IS PERMANENTLY MISSABLE! If you kill Eclipse before you finish this quest, it can no longer be completed! Fortunately, that’s the last bit of permanently missable content in this game.
We’ve seen everything in the palace, so let’s leave.
THIS QUEST IS PERMANENTLY MISSABLE! If you kill Eclipse before you finish this quest, it can no longer be completed! Fortunately, that’s the last bit of permanently missable content in this game.We’ve seen everything in the palace, so let’s leave.
Still? What a weird guy.
Okay, now we’re really done with the palace. So let’s take on some quests. First up is Listen To My Story.
I love talking about my life, but... People tell me I drone on for way too long. So I really just want to tell someone a whole story, for once. ...So, should I start right away?
WARNING: Incoming wall of text!
Okay! Listen up, then.I wanted to tell you about my daughter! Her partner was a Hunter, this guy from Kazan. I know, I know. If it gets her out of these slums, it's good, right? At least then she'd be richer and happier. But... well, I was so poor. And I'd raised her myself. She was all I had. Even knowing it was best, it was hard to let go. I wonder how that guy is doing now... hard to remember. One time, I was real hungry, and my girl comes over to me... "Daddy, this is Zenda Bamboo!", she said. But, it was just local bamboo, overripe, not even cooked. I ate it up, though. What a sweet girl... Food for the heart. I was just reminded of it right now, so I thought I'd mention it. Anyway, the Hunter, he was a thrillseeker. Could've died anytime. Oh, not like you! You're totally different, I'm sure. ...Anyway, I worried. What if he dies right after they get married? No money, and my daughter in trouble... Or worse, what if they adventure together… and die together! Every day all I was doing was worrying about her. So, with this gnawing at my gut, I talk to him. And what do you think he says to me? "It'll be okay," he says! Just smiles, with no proof that'll be the case! ...It was plain on his face, the sincere love he had for my daughter. So yeah, that night I felt young again, and deep in love myself... I was like that then. Anyway, her mother... Today, I'm sure she looks just about dead, like I do. But she was a truly beautiful woman... a rose of the ghetto. She had men lining up to woo her... all desperately in love. And me too... Looking back, I must have been nuts. To get that gift for her, I snuck into the home of a nobleman. Then she tells me, "You're giving me stolen goods?!" She looked like she was going to slap me. I'd rather fight monsters. At the time I was torn up, but looking back, I got off pretty easy. ...Yeah, those were the days. I still love her, but she was way too much drama! I'll tell you something she wouldn't want me to say. Before, when I'd talk about kids, she'd say... "We better not have any!" and get just furious... I'd sneak bites from the stove and get a swat from her for it... How many years ago... Ah, I feel young now. This was a good idea. Oh, hey! Let me show you the trick to selling stuff for good money! That way I can keep talking at you a bit longer.
This quest is pretty worthwhile to do. It’s easy to get done, and nets you a very nice party skill.
Don't give up if your opponent makes a face. Keep at it and don't stop talking!
...Oh, what's that? Still want to talk?
Ah, that day… A nice day like this... My soul was afire. Why, you ask? Because I intended to propose to her! To whom? Heh heh, if I told you it'd spoil the ending! Quit annoying me and just listen! Now then, while I was trying to propose... Just saying my piece would have been no good. But, I had a gift. I didn't have the money for anything fancy... The reason for that being...Fade to black.
Fade to black.
Fade to black.
I feel as though I must have left out some parts.Fade to black.
But, after she said it, I didn't feel like a man....It's all right.
Plenty else happened, but I've had a decent life. And the weather looks good today, dontcha think? How do you feel, eh?
Not an interesting standard reward, but the Selling skill was definitely worth it.
Let’s check out this quest next.
We’ll handle that in a bit. Let’s see what Collect Slime Jelly entails.
Raw, baked, stewed, juice... add it up, I'll need more than one. Five should do it. No, it's not for food! I'm testing cosmetics.
West of Simon Village, Zenda Bamboo grows in abundance.
I would like to help, but I have duties... Ah! In Simon Village lives a brave mother. She taught me the art of cooking. Her skill is magnificent.
This is the woman we have to talk to.
I don't mind doing it, but I have no supplies. As you can see, I'm not living the high life around here. Hm, let's see... 4 Bird Legs, 6 Frogskins, and 3 Mushroom Stems should do it.Aaaaaaand, of course we have to do a fetch quest. At least it’s just a bunch of early-game monsters.
Buront got a level up while I was traveling around on the world map.
Chivalry is the Knight’s offensive mastery skill. At level 1, it applies a 110% multiplier to an equipped Sword’s attack power.
I had to head back to Kazan so I could farm up the items I needed for the quest. Incidentally, you can report what Sougen said to Menas. Of course he doesn’t think they can take down the Imperial Dragon as well.
Haru got a level up while farming. Though he couldn’t really do anything with his skill point.
I should also mention that this was the point where I finally got fed up with the game. The items I’m looking for all have 30% drop rates, yet I was farming for an entire hour, and not a single one of the items I needed dropped. So after that, I just decided to hex edit the items into my inventory. In fact, that’s what I’m gonna be doing for every fetch quest from now on. There is nothing engaging about killing weak enemies and hoping that the RNG place nice with the player. It’s just pointless busywork. So I have absolutely no qualms about doing that. I’ll only do it for the quests that are actually possible to complete at the time though, so no need to worry about that.
I should also mention that this was the point where I finally got fed up with the game. The items I’m looking for all have 30% drop rates, yet I was farming for an entire hour, and not a single one of the items I needed dropped. So after that, I just decided to hex edit the items into my inventory. In fact, that’s what I’m gonna be doing for every fetch quest from now on. There is nothing engaging about killing weak enemies and hoping that the RNG place nice with the player. It’s just pointless busywork. So I have absolutely no qualms about doing that. I’ll only do it for the quests that are actually possible to complete at the time though, so no need to worry about that.
We need to snag the Zenda Bamboo from this place, so let’s go do that.
If you remember, there was an oddly colored bamboo shoot at the end of the dungeon, so there’s where we need to go. That’s the reason why this shortcut is here.
The screen rumbles and shakes as the party members frantically look around.
The monster tackles the party, scattering them and sending them in a daze.
The monster then lunges at the party.
Video: Deathscissor
Deathscissor
Level: 21
LIFE: 2200
ATK: 90
DEF: 45
INT: 28
SPD: 28
Attack Type: Slash
Enemy Type: Boss
Exp: 2700
Gold: 160
Item Drops:
-Normal: Buggy Scissors - 100% Drop Rate. 1 needed to unlock the Zweihander. (Sword, +42 ATK, +5 DEF.)
--Pincers of Deathscissor.
-Rare: N/A
Damage Multipliers:
Slash: 75% Blunt: 100% Thrust: 100%
Fire: 100% Ice: 100% Lightning: 100%
Ailment Susceptibility:
Death: 0% Masked Pain: 100% Skill Seal: 5%
Fear: 10% Curse: 50% Bleed: 25%
Poison: 25% Sleep: 10% Confuse: 10%
Paralysis: 50% Blind: 25% Stun: 100%
Skills:
Double Scissors: Randomly attacks the party with Slash damage 2 times, dealing 100% melee ATK-based damage per hit. Has a speed modifier of 80%.
Sonic Boom: Deals 85% ranged ATK-based Slash damage to the entire party. Has a speed modifier of 80%.
Thunderbolt: Deals ranged INT-Based Lightning damage to one party member. Has a base damage of 80. Has a speed modifier of 80%.
Droning Buzz: 25% chance of inflicting Confusion on the entire party. Has a speed modifier of 75%.
The Deathscissor is an optional boss, and it does have a bit more to it than the Mantis Dragon. It has a few ways to attack multiple party members at once, and Thunderbolt hits pretty hard due to its high base damage. It also has access to Confusion, which can make for very bad times if your physical attackers get hit with it.
Standard opening tactics.
Shield Front only works against attacks that use the ATK stat. If they use the INT stat, it won’t be able to do a thing.
And the party is just gonna throw out EX boosted attacks for the rest of the battle.
Though I made a pretty stupid move here. I forgot that the Deathscissor resisted Slash attacks.
I rectified that mistake later, at least.
While the Deathscissor is on its last legs, it tries to confuse the party.
It doesn’t work.
Eventually it goes down.
A fairly simple boss fight, all things considered. Anyways, Simon Village is nearby, and I got the ingredients for a simple meal, so let’s drop those off.
Fade to black.
Before we head back to the Third Empress, let’s drop off the Slime Jellies.
This is absolutely... ...tasteless. Well, even if I can't eat it, there must be some use for it. Eh? What do you think? Tell me if you think of one! Your reward is in the Quest Office. See ya!
Now let’s drop off the Zenda Bamboo.
Cook, see here! The bamboo has arrived! Prepare Zenma at once! Y-yes! Right away!Fade to black.
Without further delay...Fade to black.
The screen switches from the house to a black screen a few times.
The flavor of bamboo!
The gourmet proceeds to have a hallucination of everyone turning into bamboo shoots. Just what was in that meal!?
Each bite is juicy! How thick it is, yet how perfectly crispy! Ohhhh....? But that's not all! This level of crispness, and yet, it melts! It melts in your mouth! Is it the bamboo's youth? It's said that young shoots are ideal...?!Ahh, I want to drink... To drink to excess! Bring me a mug of soda!
The chef bamboo walks over to give him some.
Well done, travelers. Hold on, Odyssey! I've left a handsome reward with the Quest Office. But you've earned this, too.
Just like that. This quest was definitely worth doing since that’s a very important party skill.
I am declaring you my elite provisioning task force. Do not object. From now on, you will quest for the greatest ingredients!
You must continue to track down each of the greatest ingredients!
Alright, now for the last quest.
My child is dead. Dead because of no food and higher taxes. Killed by Aizhen... no... Killed by the King! You! Has your belly ever been empty?! Have you clung to a child in the cold?! Have you wept all night with despair?! We are all citizens, but the gap is so great... Wretched, so wretched... ...!!Fade to black.
We can talk to her again.
"This" being the quest reward that we haven’t picked up yet.
We’re not gonna leave the palace just yet. Now that we know the Aizo language, there are some new things that the party can interact with.
Secrets of the Samurai Iai Stance lie within.
We learn one of the Samurai’s EX skills this way.
But it requires a rather hefty investment, and it’s ultimately a skill I’m not interested in. I’ll be sure to show off the EX skills later, once I get my hands on a certain item.
Beyond the mountains of Nevan is a frozen lake. Born in snowless Aizhen, I was transfixed by its austere, tranquil beauty. I shared the inn on the way with some warriors, which leads me to a story...
In Aizhen's 188-year history, two major cities have arisen. One to handle the government affairs, and one for commerce.
Well, they can’t all be useful. There was an NPC speaking in the Aizo language, so let’s see what he has to say.
It really soothes your mind when you're on your way to work....Exciting.
...At least we won’t run into any more Aizo related language barriers? Anyways, let’s go get our reward from that quest.
The reason this quest is permanently missable is because the reward from it is only usable in the next dungeon. After Eclipse, it’s pretty much useless.
Oh, and we can actually complete this quest now. So let’s head to Miross.
We could have gotten this book earlier, but without the Aizo language skill, we wouldn’t have been able to read it.
"Tenets of Zanbato" Secrets of the Zanbato Stance lie within.
And we unlock the Samurai’s 2nd EX skill. Which I have no interest in obtaining as well, since I don’t really consider it that useful. Now lets get that last quest done.
Reassurance that this quest is not timed.
Sure.
How soon you can complete this quest depends on the choice you want to make. In order to get the Sharp Fangs, we need to fight the Blue Wolves for them. So, sometime after Mt. Todowa is the earliest you can get a dog. Now let’s check out our dog.
And now we have a pet! It doesn’t do anything special, so this is just for aesthetics. But... what if we didn’t want a dog? Let’s rewind a bit.
Sure, why not?
Nighthawks drop Sharp Claws, so the earliest this quest can be done period is when you have access to Mt. Todowa.
And now we are the owner of a cat. However, the choice of animal we could get was up to a vote. And neither dogs or cats won. There’s actually a 3rd option we can take, so let’s check that out.
Yes, that’s right. We’re the proud owners of a cow now. And this can be acquired at the same time as a dog, since you need Sharp Claws for this choice.
Not much for a fetch quest, but hey, let’s check out our pet.
That’s right. We don’t have just any cow, we have a guard cow!
Anyways, that does it for all the side stuff. Next time, we’ll move on with the main plot.
Anyways, that does it for all the side stuff. Next time, we’ll move on with the main plot.