[ALBEDO] Aura's report states that there has been
no contact from any other Yggdrasil players
in our immediate vicinity.
But she is expanding her surveillance
to the great woodlands near Nazarick.
Hopefully, she'll have better luck there.
If they're out there, she'll find them.
Also, I have information from the man we captured.
He's from the Slane Theocracy and commands
their special ops unit.
[AINS] The Slane Theocracy.
It's a theocratic nation that wishes to unite humans
against all other races.
If given the chance, they'd wipe out the entire
population of ogres, goblins and lizardmen.
I believe it would be too dangerous to have
any contact with them now.
There's one last thing.
What should we do about the people we saved?
[AINS] Don't do anything that would make the citizens
of Carne Village see us in a negative light.
We gained that foothold on friendly terms
and I want it to stay that way.
Understood, master. That's it.
There is nothing left to discuss from the daily report.
[AINS] Good job.
I am unworthy of such praise. You are too kind.
I need you to take me right here and now.
Please, do whatever you want to me, my love.
[AINS] Albedo. I'm not going to take advantage of you.
I programmed you to have these feelings towards me.
That's all.
I honestly don't see what the problem is.
[AINS] Ah?
Tell me something.
Are you truly disturbed by my feelings?
Is my love a burden, master?
[AINS] No. That's not it at all.
Wonderful.
Our relationship can move to the next level.
[AINS] Uh...
I'm so happy that we both agree on this issue.
[AINS] But I messed with the settings
Tabula designed for you.
[ALBEDO] Lord Tabula wouldn't mind.
After all, I'm like a daughter to him.
He'd be happy to know that I found true love after he left.
[AINS] You really believe that?
Uh-huh.
[knocking]
[SHALLTEAR] Lord Ains.
I hope you are doing well on this beautiful day.
[AINS] I am doing very well, as I hope you are, Shalltear.
Is there something I can help you with?
Oh, no.
My day has already been improved just by laying eyes
on your exquisite form, my lord.
Well, if that's all you needed, why don't you
go bother someone else?
Lord Ains and I are busy right now,
and your pathetic flirting has interrupted us.
Shriveled old ladies can be such a bore,
don't you think? They cling to whomever they can
because they've passed their prime.
You're trying to pass yourself off
as young and perky. But I know the truth about
your two little friends that have suddenly appeared.
It's pitiful, stuffing your bra.
I will rip your hag face off!
Remind me, which one of us is a walking cadaver?
[SHALLTEAR growls]
[AINS] Knock it off, you two!
You're acting like children.
[ALBEDO, SHALLTEAR] Sorry, Lord Ains.
[AINS] Well? Why are you really here?
Right.
I'm getting ready to depart for my assignment with Sebas.
As I understand it, we may be away from Nazarick
for quite a while.
I wanted to make sure I said a proper goodbye
to my lord before I make my exit.
And I couldn't leave without one last look at you.
[MEN] Hm?
[MAN 5C] Hm?
[BRITTA] Huh?
Need a room?
Cost ya five bronze pieces each. Meals are gonna--
[AINS] I only need one room, thanks.
Forget the meals.
[SHOPKEEPER 5A] Hm? Oh, you're a low level copper plate.
This place is gonna be too expensive--
[AINS] It's our first time registering.
Unfortunately, they make you start at copper.
Now it's seven bronze pieces. Payment due up front.
[AINS] That's not a problem.
The room is upstairs in the back.
[AINS] Hm?
[THUGS chuckle]
[AINS] Hilarious.
[THUG 5A] Hey!
Watch where you're going, you big oaf.
How can I work with a busted ankle? Hm?
Lookie here.
Perhaps your little vixen can kiss it and make me feel better.
[AINS laughs] Not even in your dreams.
[THUG 5A] Hm?
[AINS] Your uncivilized behavior is quite amusing.
I can't help but laugh.
What?
[gags]
[AINS] Look at that.
You're not so funny when you can't breathe, are you?
Weakling.
[THUG 5A yells]
[gasps]
[AINS] So? Does anyone else have something humorous
they want to say about my companion? Because I--
[BRITTA screams]
[BRITTA] I cannot believe this!
What the hell, man?!
You just spilled my potion
all over the floor back there. It wasn't cheap y'know!
[AINS] Potion?
[BRITTA] Yeah, that's right.
Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting to buy that?
I had to skip meals and stop drinking
until I could afford it. Took months!
You better pay for it, or things are gonna get ugly.
[AINS] Excuse me.
But I believe these men should reimburse you.
You really think these drunks can pay me back?
I doubt they've ever seen a piece of gold in their life.
You on the other hand.
You're wearing some expensive looking armor
and I'm betting you have a healing potion or two in there.
I'd be happy with getting one of those.
--[AINS] Actually, I do. --[NARBERAL growling]
[AINS] Uh--
Wait! Wait!
Here you go.
[BRITTA] A red potion?
[AINS] That makes us even, right?
Sure. For now.
Lord Ains. You shouldn't have to stay
in such a small and disgusting place.
[AINS] It's not that bad, Narberal.
But the guild doesn't seem to set any member standards.
Hopefully, all adventurers don't act like hooligans.
Then again, when you're fighting monsters,
brains aren't much of a requirement.
What are we going to do about the woman
who took your potion?
[AINS] As an iron level adventurer, she currently
outranks us in this city. It's best to let her be for now.
We'll deal with her later in private.
I am curious about something.
What are your thoughts on humans?
Complete garbage.
[MOMONGA] Seriously? Her, too?
[AINS] Narberal.
I can't order you to change your feelings towards humans.
But I need you to control your hostility
while you're in public.
If you wish, then, I will try.
[AINS] Oh, and don't call me Ains.
Remember, I'm Momon in this city.
Of course, Lord Momon.
[AINS] It's just Momon!
And I will no longer call you Narberal Gamma.
You are now Momon's partner. Nabe.
Sorry, I won't forget again, Momon... sir?
[AINS] That's still a bit too formal.
But it'll work for now.
Anyway, we should discuss our plan of action
while in E-Rantel.
[NARBERAL] Yes!
[AINS] Uh-- Okay then.
Our main objective in this city is to gather
knowledge about this new world we've been transported to.
In order to obtain said information,
we will go undercover as low-level adventurers.
We will gain experience by completing quests.
With our skills, we should quickly reach the highest
ranks of mythril, orichalcum and adamantite.
Once there, we will be assigned harder quests
which should allow us to access the most useful intel.
Flawless plan, my lord. I'm in awe.
[AINS] It's Momon! But you're wrong.
There is one problem. Our currency is worthless!
The majority of our money is gold from Yggdrasil.
We can't use it.
It would be publicly announcing that we came from
somewhere else.
And, if there are other players that happen to be
living in this city,
there is no guarantee that they would be
friendly towards us.
Therefore, our first goal is to make ourselves some money!
Let's find a job!
[NPHIREA] Welcome!
Ah... Are you Mr. Nphirea Balear?
Yes. And how may I help you today, Miss?
I need you to appraise a potion for me.
[door creaks]
[NPHIREA] Grandma!
[LIZZY] Hm?
[NPHIREA] You've gotta see this!
[LIZZY] Hm? It's red.
What do you know about it?
First, I need to examine it properly.
[BRITTA] So this is Lizzy Balear, the famous pharmacist?
She's the best there is. Though, I may be biased.
I'll use my Appraise Magical Item spell.
It should detect any enchantments.
[gasps]
So? What's up with it?
[LIZZY laughs]
Huh?
Tell me, Nphirea.
The modern manufacturing process causes
all potions to turn blue, correct?
[NPHIREA] That's right.
[LIZZY] Well, this--
I've never seen anything like it.
It's made of pure magic like something from a fairytale.
"A true potion of healing resembles
the color of God's own blood."
I never believed it actually existed.
You are one lucky lady.
This is equal to a second tier healing spell.
Easily worth eight gold pieces.
But there are risks with having such a rare item.
There are people out there who would kill
to get their hands on a potion this powerful.
Huh?
I can help though.
You wouldn't have to worry if you sold it to me.
But I...
[LIZZY] Hm?
Uh...
[LIZZY sighs]
All right. I have another proposition for you.
Ah?
[ADVENTURER 5A] Wow. Check out that guy's armor.
Looks quite expensive.
And he's just a copper plate.
[ADVENTURER 5A] Typical rich kid playing pretend.
[ADVENTURER 5B] A shiny present from Daddy.
[ADVENTURERS laugh]
[MOMONGA] This is bad. I can't read these postings.
And Narberal isn't able to read any language.
Hm.
[AINS] Consider this quest done.
I'm very sorry, sir.
But you are only a copper plate
and this request is looking for a mythril.
[AINS] I'm aware.
You'll find me more than qualified.
I have to follow the guild's rules.
[AINS] The rules are wrong.
Guidelines are set for a reason.
Without the requisite experience,
you could get someone hurt or worse.
[AINS] Hah. You see my companion here?
She's a third tier magic user.
[ADVENTURER 5D] Third tier?
[ADVENTURER 5E] There's no way!
[AINS] I have the skills of a fighter comperable to her.
It would be a waste of our talents
to accept a mere copper plate quest.
I understand, but the rules are very clear.
I simply can't allow it.
[AINS] No problem. You're just doing your job.
Sorry if we came across as pompous.
Please sign us up for the most difficult quest
available in the copper plate field.
Yes. Of course.
Give me just a moment.
[MOMONGA] Perfect! I can't believe that worked.
[PETER] Hey, Mister, you two could join
our adventuring group if you're interested.
[AINS] Really?
[PETER] Let me introduce everyone.
We call ourselves The Swords of Darkness.
I'm Peter Mork, the leader.
Over to my left is our ranger, Lukrut Volve.
He's our eyes and ears in the field.
Ha, hi!
[PETER] Our capable Druid uses magic to heal us
and manipulate nature. Dyne Woodwonder.
Nice to meet you folks.
And last but not least is the brains of the operation.
Our magic user, Ninya the Spell Caster.
Hello there. Peter, stop it.
I keep telling you that nickname is embarrassing.
Why?
You know you should be proud of it.
Our Ninya here is a talent holder.
[AINS] Seriously? That's impressive.
[MOMONGA] In this world, that means he was born
with a special ability.
Ninya has a talent called Magic Affinity.
He's able to learn magic spells twice as fast
as the average caster. Isn't that right?
Uh...
[AINS] That's amazing.
It's not like I did anything to deserve this.
I'm lucky.
Part of me feels it's actually kind of an unfair advantage.
Such modesty. He's a famous talent holder.
We're proud to have him on our team.
Yeah, well.
Here in E-Rantel, there's a more famous talent holder.
That would be Master Balear.
[AINS] Who? Oh, how rude of me.
This is Nabe and I am Momon.
Glad to have you all watching our backs.
So. About this Balear guy.
What kind of talent does he possess?
You don't know?
There's absolutely no way you guys are from around here then,
and that actually explains a lot.
[AINS] You're correct. We just arrived yesterday.
Well, his name is Nphirea Balear.
He's the grandson of a well known pharmacist in E-Rantel.
He was born with a talent that allows him to use
any and all magical items without training.
[AINS] Impressive.
That could be useful.
[AINS] Agreed.
Now then.
I'm sure you're wondering why we need your help.
Our current objective is to destroy all the monsters
that have wandered too close to the city.
[AINS] You were hired to hunt monsters?
Not really.
It's actually an off-the-books expedition
that we decided to take on by ourselves.
[AINS] What does that mean?
We weren't exactly hired to do it,
but the guild will receive money from the city
based on the strength of the monsters we defeat.
We just have to collect our reward from the guild.
[MOMONGA] I get it.
It's like earning coins by collecting item drops.
It's a dull, but necessary task for us adventurers.
The job is pretty easy, and we get to keep people safe,
while also bringing home the tasty bacon.
It's totally a win-win situation for all parties involved.
So, you interested in joining us?
Our plan is to start clearing out the forest
just south of the city and working our way north.
Whaddya say?
The experience will help you rise above a copper plate.
[AINS] Sure. We're happy to come along.
[ADVENTURERS laugh]
[AINS] One thing. I should show you all my face
since we will be working together.
I hope it's not a shock.
Oh, interesting. I've heard of a country
south of here where a face like yours is common,
but you're the first that I've met in person.
He's older than I expected.
Don't be so rude.
[AINS] I've been hiding my face since we came to town.
Sometimes people have issues with foreigners.
And I didn't want to stir up any trouble.
[MOMONGA] They have no clue this face is an illusion.
[LUKRUT] Just out of curiosity,
what kind of partners are you two exactly?
[NINYA, PETER, DYNE groan]
[AINS] We're allies.
That's wonderful. 'Cause I'm in love!
Say you'll go on a date with me?
Watch your tongue, you dog.
Or I shall have to cut it out and serve it to you for dinner.
Learn your place and sit.
[AINS] She doesn't mean--
[LUKRUT] That kind of honest criticism is so rare these days!
You're right. We should just start as friends, for now.
You disgust me.
Perhaps I'll spoon out your eyes for fun.
[LUKRUT] That cool gaze of hers really does it for me.
I'm sorry about my friend's advances.
[AINS] Yes. I'm sorry as well.
If you and Nabe are ready to go,
I think it's best that we head out immediately.
[AINS] Agreed.
Mr. Momon?
[AINS] Hm?
Someone specifically requested you for a job.
[AINS] Do you know who asked for me?
Yes, Mr. Nphirea Balear.
[ADVENTURERS gasp]
[growls]
[AINS] Stop and think before you act.
I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
[AINS] I know you mean well.
But you have to learn not to overreact
to harmless situations. Understand?
[NPHIREA] Hello there.
I'm the one that specifically requested you.
[AINS] I'm sorry to disappoint.
But we have already accepted another position.
Perhaps after we have finished this job we can help you.
Don't be ridiculous! This could be big for you!
[AINS] I agreed to join up with your group.
What kind of a man would I be if I did not keep my word?
[NPHIREA, QUEST-GIVER 5A gasp]
But, it's a personal request.
[AINS] Okay. How about this:
I will listen to Mr. Balear's proposition,
and then make my choice.
[NPHIREA] My name is Nphirea Balear.
I'm a pharmacist here in the city.
Your job would be to protect me while I harvest
some herbs in the forest near Carne Village.
[MOMONGA] Carne Village?
Aside from escorting me there and back again,
I'd like for you to help me collect
the medicinal herbs that I need.
[AINS] A bodyguard assignment.
[MOMONGA] I don't know about this gig.
My skills and items aren't great at protecting others.
The reward for doing this is--
[AINS] Question, Peter.
How would you like to come on as my hired hand?
[PETER] What do you mean?
[AINS] I suggest we take these men
along for this excursion.
A ranger such as Mr. Lukrut would provide security.
And it would also be smart to have the skills of a Druid
like Mr. Dyne if we're going to be working in a forest.
Yes. You possess a keen insight, Mr. Momon.
I definitely don't mind tagging along.
It'd be an honor to escort you both.
More men equals more protection for me.
[AINS] That's settled then.
But... I'm still confused by one thing.
What's that?
[AINS] Why did you request me for this job?
Huh?
[AINS] I'm new to the area and don't have
any acquaintances in this city.
I'm very curious how a well-known citizen
such as yourself came to know my name.
May I ask how you heard of me?
I caught wind about what happened
with you at the inn yesterday.
[AINS] The fight at the inn?
Yeah.
A recent customer of mine told me about how
you easily took down several higher ranked adventurers
who were accosting you and your partner.
The person I used to hire as an escort
moved away from E-Rantel not too long ago.
So, now I'm in the market for a replacement warrior.
And to be perfectly honest with you,
it's a lot cheaper to hire a copper plate for the job.
[AINS] That's true...
Does anyone have another question?
[PETER] No. We're ready to leave whenever you are.
[AINS] I can't shake the feeling that something is off here.
Then let's get going. There's no time to waste.
[CLEMENTINE giggles]
[CLEMENTINE humming] This is it.
I'm coming down.
Khaji! I need to talk to you, old man.
Are you here?
[KHAJIT] I told you to stop calling me that.
It is disrespectful to the great name of Zuranon.
So tell me. Why have you come here?
[CLEMENTINE giggles] I thought you might be interested in this.
My god.
One of the treasures of the Slane Theocracy.
A fabled shaman princess wore that Crown of Wisdom.
[CLEMENTINE] Oh, I know.
A sweet little thing was going crazy while wearing it.
So, I did her a favor and snatched it off her pretty head.
[KHAJIT grunts] As a former member of the Black Scripture,
you should be well aware that this item
suppresses the soul of its bearer
and turns them into a magical conduit.
It's incredibly dangerous.
Simply touching it could have meant your end,
and yet you did it anyway.
Boring.
There's a one in a million chance
you could find a person who's compatible.
And without a true match, it's just a very fancy
piece of garbage.
That's why I came.
As a fellow member of the society of Zuranon,
you have to help me.
Isn't that right, Khajit Dale Badantel?
[growls] I don't answer to "Dale" anymore.
Now, what do you want from me?
[CLEMENTINE] I've heard rumors about a talent holder
in town that can use any magical item at will.
Do you think he can make this crown work for little ol' me?
I highly doubt that you need my assistance
kidnapping a defenseless boy.
Normally, no, but I intend to cause
a bit of an uproar in the process.
You plan on using chaos
as your means to escape the city.
How's this:
I'll participate in your ritual if you're a good boy
and help me out. Pretty enticing, right?
I'd be a fool to turn that offer down.
Let's figure out how to grab that talent holder.
[AINS] My first job as the adventurer, Momon,
is to serve as bodyguard to Nphirea, the pharmacist.
An adventurer group calling themselves
"The Swords of Darkness," accompany me on the journey.
And, even though their individual specialties
are vastly different, their teamwork is seamless.
Their strong bond reminds me of my old comrads
and all that we could accomplish together.
And the memories fill me with jealousy and melancholy.
Chapter six: "Journey."