Human story, chapter 5
You talk to Millio.
Millio: Hey, [big guy / lady]. Got a minute? I think I've decided I'm gonna be a Ranger. Yeah. But, now... You see. Cyan suddenly started saying she's gonna be a Ranger, too. That's cool and all but... When I told her I'm gonna be a Ranger too, she got all depressed. I don't get it. What, doesn't she want me around?
- I'm sure that's not it.
Millio: Then why would she get upset? I don't think I did anything wrong!
- I'm sure that's it.
Millio: Yeah? You think so? What am I supposed to do now? What should I do?
Millio: Aw, shoot! I don't know anymore! Hunter, Ranger, or even a Force? Which one should I be?
You talk to Millio again.
Millio: Wait, this isn't because I'm worried about what Cyan thinks, or anything! Don't tell her I said anything, okay?
You talk to Cyan.
Cyan: Oh, hello, [mister / nice lady]. Um, er... I have a problem. Can you listen? I decided I wanna be a Ranger, then Millio suddenly said he's gonna be a Ranger too! What should I do? If I get the same job as Millio, Millio will always keep trying to protect me. I thought I could help and even protect Millio as a Ranger... [Mister / Nice lady], what do you think I should do?
Cyan: A Hunter? If Millio is gonna be a Ranger, I guess that'll work.
Cyan: Hmm, do you think? Working next to Millio might be okay, but...
Cyan: But then, I wouldn't be able to help Millio...
Cyan: Thank you, [mister / nice lady]. I'm gonna think it over.
You talk to Cyan again.
Cyan: So, maybe a Ranger? Um, what should I do?
You talk to Natsume.
Natsume: Oh, hey there. How's it going? I remember you told me you were a hunter, right? Well how about this juicy piece of news? The Hunters' Guild and the cable workers union are both run by the city, meaning the mayor is the head of both. Sure, he doesn't really run the cable workers union. Other people run things. But not a lot of people know about this. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but it's a lesson. Things aren't always as they seem. I think you'll learn more about that as you settle into your job.
You talk to Natsume again.
Natsume: What I said before, keep quiet about it, okay? It's not really a secret, but it's not something you want to blab about, either.
You talk to Ohyo.
Ohyo: Say, does it not pique your interest how our world looks today? I understand there were such things as maps of the world, once upon a time. Imagine it, our world in its entirety, represented on a single sheet of paper! How would our world appear on such a map? Would it be contorted from pollution? Or would it be unchanged? I long for the day when again we can gaze upon our whole world from high above. May it come soon.
You talk to Ohyo again.
Ohyo: Gradually, the pollution is receding. There is growing room for people day by day. Perhaps artifacts and maps can be found in ruins not yet explored. What I would give to see such things...
You talk to Gray.
Gray: Yo, how's it going? Did you want to see me?
- Just wanted to chat.
Gray: Hey, [NAME]. Have you been taking on quest jobs? The Hunters' Guild sometimes posts internally generated jobs that aren't tied to formal requests. Stuff like scouting potentially dangerous locations and exterminating hostiles. It's an attempt to stop losses before they happen, you know? We also work with ruins exploration teams, since they can come across hostiles while they're in the wild. On the other hand, cable workers tend to shun the help of hunters. It's odd, since they're the ones having to go to the most dangerous places. It must be a pride thing. They ask for our help when they're truly stuck, but that doesn't happen very often. When they do give us jobs, the rewards are usually way too generous. I'm guessing they don't know the going rates because they hardly ever give us any jobs.
- What's the Quest Counter?
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- Tell me about the Custom Shop.
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- I'm just saying hi.
The conversation ends.
You talk to Lindow.
Lindow: Oh, good day, [NAME]. It is good to see you. May I help you with anything today?
- Tell me what you do.
Lindow: My job? As you know, I am the mayor's secretary. My duties primarily consist of managing the mayor's schedule and interfacing externally, such as with guests. I have been awake for only a year, but I feel I have found my place in the city through my position here. In that context, I must say our mayor is ingenious at assigning personnel resources for optimal effect. That is all I know on the subject. Do you have any other questions?
- What is the Hunters' Guild?
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- Tell me about this city.
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- What jobs are there?
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- What races are there?
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- What is a Mag?
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- Nothing in particular.
Lindow: I see. If I may serve you in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.
The conversation ends.
You talk to Lindow again.
Lindow: Hello, [NAME]. It is good to see you. How may I serve you?
- Tell me what you do.
This text is unchanged.
- What is the Hunters' Guild?
This text is unchanged.
- Tell me about this city.
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- What jobs are there?
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- What races are there?
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- What is a Mag?
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- I wanted to see you!
Lindow: Hearing you say that to my face is disconcerting. Could you please not tease me so? Or are you actually not teasing? *Cough* I am always here, [NAME]. Please feel free to visit whenever you have free time.
The conversation ends.
- Nothing in particular.
Lindow: I see. If I may serve you in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.
The conversation ends.
You enter the mayor's office.
Dairon: Ogi! You've found yourself a new body!
Ogi: Indeed. I'm eager to start working off the time I was out of commission. The specs are less than ideal, but they should be adequate for me to continue work as a hunter.
Dairon: I'm glad to hear it. Thank you, all of you, for your help.
Kai: Let's put the praise parade on hold, Mayor. We've got something that needs reporting, ASAP.
Dairon: Coming from you, that makes me nervous. What's happened?
- Tell him about Reve.
Sarisa: Thanks, [NAME], but I can do it. I mean, please, let me tell him. I've kept this to myself for too long.
- Remain silent.
Sarisa: If you'll allow me to explain, sir.
Dairon: ... All records hold that the newman race died out centuries ago. It's a marvel to discover that they're still alive. But to think that I'd been conversing with one all along! Sarisa, that you...
Sarisa: I'm sorry, Mayor. I know I shouldn't have waited this long to tell you.
Dairon: No, no, child. There's nothing for you to apologize for. This is wonderful news! An entire race of brothers and sisters we thought we'd lost forever just came back from the dead, Sarisa.
Kai: I like your take on things, Dairon, but this brings up some serious issues. That newman Reve trashed the ruins, then went straight for our throats. I have no idea what his motives were, but I don't think he was looking to make new friends with us.
Dairon: Sarisa. As a newman yourself, what can you tell us about him? Could I ask you to share your knowledge with us?
Sarisa: ...
Ogi: ...Hm? What's that sound?
Dairon: Sound?
Ogi: You don't hear it? That whistling. It sounds like something streaking through the air.
Kai: I hear it now. It sounds... familiar.
An animated cutscene plays. Pods are flying through the sky.
Cityperson: What are those things?
The pods land in the mountains. Robots exit them, and start shooting at the city.
Cityperson: Run for your lives!
The robots take off towards the city.
The animated cutscene ends.
The party is standing outside.
Sarisa: No. No, NO!
Lindow: Mr. Mayor! We have an emergency! Distress signals from nearby cities report the impact of large, unidentified objects apparently fallen from orbit! Swarms of unknown hostiles are attacking!
Dairon: What?! What's happening? Where are they coming from?! No, the details can wait. The city is in danger. Alert all active hunters! Tell them to brace for the assault immediately! Form a defensive line and get all citizens indoors!
Lindow: Yes, sir!
Dairon: And contact the other cities in the area. Open a line of communication so we can offer support as needed.
Lindow: Right away, sir.
Kai: Could things get any stranger? First the newmans are back from the dead, now it's raining hostiles from space! Well, it looks like things are about to get busy. Tell us what we can do.
Dairon: I regret to burden you after just getting back from your last job. Do you mind?
Ogi: Absolutely not. It was the selfless work of others that got me this body. I would do no less for my fellow citizens. Sarisa? What is it? You seem unwell. Are you exhausted from the last mission?
Sarisa: Mm, what? Oh, no. I'm fine. It's nothing. ...I'm sure it's nothing.
Ogi: Your pulse is irregularly high for that to be the case. Are you certain?
Kai: ... Don't worry about her, Ogi. If she says she's all right, she's all right. We should go help with setting up a defensive perimeter. There'll be time to talk about all the nitty-gritty afterwards. Right?
Sarisa: R-Right.
The hunters and Dairon fight off the robots.
A couple days later...
Kai and Ogi approach you in the lobby.
Kai: Morning, [NAME]. You sleep well? For a two-day showdown, it felt like weeks. Those things are vicious.
Ogi: At least it looks like things have cooled down for now.
Kai: Hey, Ogi. I'm guessing you're here to see the mayor, too?
Ogi: Yes, he asked me here. I see I wasn't the only one. Hm? But where is Sarisa? Is she not with you today?
Kai: I'm guessing we'll see once we get inside. The mayor wouldn't bring all of us here under these circumstances unless it was important.
The party enters the mayor's office.
Dairon: Hello, [NAME], Kai, Ogi. Thank you for coming. We've been waiting for you.
Sarisa: Hello...
Ogi: What's going on, Mayor?
Dairon: Sarisa asked me to gather you all here today.
Sarisa: I'm sorry, guys, but we don't have any more time. I know I'm the one who wasted it all, but... But if we don't act soon, it'll be too late, and there'll be no turning back the clock.
Ogi: Turning back the clock after what?
Kai: Just one second, now. Are you really sure you're ready to do this? I mean, the same applies to you. Once you tell us, there's no turning back the clock, Sarisa.
Sarisa: You may be right. Even so... [NAME], Kai, Ogi... I need you all to listen carefully to what I have to say. For the sake of everyone's survival... And for the sake of our friendship...
Kai: Just as long as you're sure. I'm ready when you are, Sarisa. Lay it on us.
Sarisa: Okay. Here goes. First, those "shooting stars" are descent pods, like the ones we newmans used to come here from the moon.
Kai: What?
Ogi: My, my!
Dairon: The moon... meaning the one that floats in the sky at night? The MOON moon?
Sarisa: That's right. We newmans were born and raised there, on the moon's surface.
Dairon: Hm, this is a bit difficult to take in. I believe what you're saying is true, but it's a bit hard to process. That does explain why we've never encountered newmans living on the surface before. So, why come down here now?
Sarisa: Those were our orders. No... I suppose it'd be more accurate to say that it was prophesied.
Ogi: Prophesied? Care to elaborate on that one?
Sarisa: Um, I can try. Captain Reve was the one in command of the landing team, but he was taking orders from even higher up. I've never seen our leader in person, just seen relief carvings and statues of her.
Ogi: Wait, you've never seen her?
Sarisa: Right. Not in person. And not just me. That goes for most newmans. All of us, probably. I'm sure Reve hasn't either. I've heard everything operates in accordance with spoken commands she delivers remotely. Not that I've ever heard her voice myself, either.
Dairon: So you can't see her, or hear her, but her rule is absolute? It's as if she's some kind of deity.
Sarisa: A deity... might be the most accurate way to describe her. So it was by Mother Trinity's prophecy that we came here to the surface. Her word is the law, so I obeyed.
Ogi: Mother Trinity... That explains Reve's reference to a life-giving mother.
Dairon: I see. I find it strange that a people should follow a leader who hides herself from them, but that's unimportant now. What was the nature of the orders you were given?
Sarisa: Our mission was twofold. First, we were to monitor the human society on the surface. Second... Second, we were to prevent humans from unearthing the old technology, by lethal force if necessary.
Ogi: Were you told why?
Sarisa: We were taught that humans were the ones who reduced the planet to the wasteland it is today. That they chased off the newmans, forced the CASTs into slumber and drove the world around them to ruin. That's why we had to monitor them now. To make sure they didn't repeat the same mistakes again. That was the mission Mother Trinity gave us.
Dairon: That tale reeks of bias, but I suppose I'm biased myself as a human. Still, could our forefathers have done that?
Kai: Facts aside, five minutes with that Reve guy will tell you that these people are given a pretty skewed education.
Sarisa: I agree with you. I was a product of that education, too. At first I believed it, but the longer I spent here, the more I started doubting. I got to be so confused, I didn't think I could trust anything anymore. Anything but one fact, anyway. That whatever happened in the past, the people I saw living here today were trying their hardest to live good lives.
Kai: Which is why you stood up for us to him.
Ogi: At least this explains why he was so determined to destroy the ruins. He was afraid we would gain too much knowledge from them, and abuse it.
Dairon: Thankfully, there are newmans willing to look past their preconceptions to see us as peers. They aren't all enemies. Sarisa, you give me hope for a day when newmans can join in our society. But for now, the threat remains. Back to those "descent pods," as you called them. What are the hostiles being released from those pods?
Sarisa: Guard robots. They handled security and defense on the lunar surface. I'm sure Cap-- I'm sure Reve reported to Mother Trinity that humans and CASTs posed a threat to our survival.
Kai: Which led her to sic those robots on the cities, where the population's the densest.
Dairon: Do you suppose we could meet with her, to convince her that we desire peace with the newmans?
Sarisa: Honestly, I couldn't say. We'd have to give it a try. The problem is getting there.
Ogi: It's true, we have no means of space travel here. Do you have any way of communicating with the moon, Sarisa?
Sarisa: I don't. We were told that secure wireless communication on the surface wasn't possible.
Ogi: And I assume that as the name implies, descent pods only travel one way. But how was the team sent to the surface meant to get back home, then?
Sarisa: You remember Reve's airfcraft? It's capable of space flight. Everything else was built to be disposable.
Ogi: Understandable. Assuming the surface population is hostile, one wouldn't want to allow them access to the moon. Unfortunately, that leaves us with little recourse.
Dairon: ...Actually, you're in luck. As it just so happens--
Kai: Wait, what?! Have you been keeping some new secret weapon under wraps or something?!
Dairon: I only wish. Sorry, it, ah... it was a joke. If we had that sort of technology, we'd have used it long before now.
Kai: A joke?! Okay, first off, not funny! Second off, we're in real danger here, stop wasting time!
Dairon: Wasting time? Why, it's at times like these a little bit of levity is most--
Kai: ...
Dairon: I'm sorry. You're right. It wasn't amusing in the least. I'll stop. I promise.
Sarisa: Hm, there must be some way.
- Like a teleporter to the moon?
Kai: A teleporter to the moon? Come on, [NAME], if that existed, we'd know by now. We can't--
Sarisa: No, wait. A teleporter to the moon... Maybe. Just maybe! Back home, I had this book of stories. I guess they were more legends than historical fact, but still.
- Like a road up to the moon?
Kai: A road to the moon? Be serious. How do you walk to outer space? Climb the Celestial Pillar? Please.
Sarisa: A road to the... Climb the Celestial Pillar? Kai! Yes, that's it! [NAME], Kai, that's our ticket to the moon!
Sarisa: One story I read talked about a gate of light that connected the moon to the surface world. You don't suppose they meant--
Dairon: The Celestial Pillar!
Sarisa: That's what I'm wondering. That was my first thought when I saw it here. I can't say for sure, but it could be.
Dairon: Fantastical as it sounds, I suppose it is possible.
Ogi: Wait, a "gate of light"? Why does that sound familiar? Ah, there. In this body's sub-memory, I'm showing instances of that term. One instance contains at least partial directions to the site.
Dairon: I'd call this providence. That, and we don't have any other leads to go on. Looking for a road to the moon... It sounds like a pipe dream, but we'll have to trust in it for now. I'd like to ask the four of you to find that gate, if it exists, as soon as possible. I'll handle the guild side of things. You can take it on as a quest. I'm not asking you to fight alone. As soon as I can restore some order to the city, I'll send more hunters along.
- We'll find it.
Dairon: If anyone can, it's you.
- Is this going to take long?
Ogi: Don't worry, I have the rough coordinates. We'll head straight there.
- Walk toward the Pillar.
Kai: Whoa, whoa! You think we're walking there? Ha ha! [NAME], by the time we get there, this city'll be dust. Ogi says he's got directions. Let's plug those into the teleporter here and go from there.
Sarisa: Let's go.
Dairon: All our hopes go with you. Meanwhile, I'll prepare the city for every contingency I can think of.
You enter the mayor's office again.
Dairon: We've got a situation on our hands. The hunters have so far managed to hold the hostiles off, but it's only a matter of time before the city falls. The citizens are frightened by what has transpired. Though we've managed to maintain services for now... It is simply tearing me up as mayor! We're running out of time. Given the limited time and population of hunters, you are our only hope. This is my request to you as mayor. But it's also my hope as one human to another. [NAME], please save us.
You enter the mayor's office yet again.
Dairon: Ha! Since I've met you, I've been rather reliant on you, haven't I? This time, as well. I'm sorry.
You talk to Millio.
Millio: Hey, [big guy / lady]! You're okay! Wow, those hostiles before were amazing! Boy was I shocked to see them! You hunters have to fight those things all the time, don't you? You guys are so freaking cool. I really mean it! Oh, I just can't wait to join the Hunters' Guild! So, uh, yeah, I finally decided I'm gonna become a Ranger after all. I don't know what Cyan's gonna be, but I do know I should be sticking by her. When a hostile came up to us, all she could do was grab my hand and shiver like a little baby. I mean, she's like that now... And she wants to fight those things when she gets older? She just stood there shaking! But she wouldn't back down, either. She glared at that hostile even though I could tell she was about to cry. She's such a crybaby, sheesh! So what else can I do? I'm just gonna have to protect her, that's all. So, that's why I'm gonna be a Ranger. So I can protect her wherever we go. That's it. That's my decision! So now that's settled. Yeah. I'd better study up on what being a Ranger is all about now, huh?
You talk to Millio again.
Millio: Hey, don't tell anyone I said that, okay? I only told you, [big guy/lady]. We're quits if you blab!
You talk to Cyan.
Cyan: Oh, [mister / nice lady]! It was crazy! Really crazy! A hunter really helped us! Hostile machines came falling down. I tried to run away, but I tripped! Millio tried to pull me away, but they caught up with us, and I thought it was all over! And then a hunter person came! Like, swoosh, kazow! I was so scared, but the hunter person was cool. Cool and really strong. But I didn't do anything. Someone protected me like always. All I could do was hold Millio's hand like a stupid little baby. I thought about it. I don't wanna be protected all the time, you know? I've decided I'm gonna be a Hunter so I can protect other people. I'm gonna grow up fast and be a Hunter, so I can even protect Millio!
You talk to Cyan again.
Cyan: To be a Hunter, you have to be in good shape, don't you? I'll start working on it tomorrow.
You talk to Natsume.
Natsume: Oh, hey, [NAME]. I never expected to see hostiles in the city. What a shocker! I mean, the way they came tumbling down, that was just too much. But wow, everyone really pulled together, didn't they? We cable workers can put up a pretty good fight, you know. But yeah, for the big hostiles, we rely on you hunters to get the job done. When we're laying cables, it's not like we've got hunter support. We've really got to fend for ourselves. It's isn't easy trying to run away with spools of cables. It's a dangerous life, being a cable worker. Well, lately, thanks to you hunters, hostiles keep away from the city. Things are a lot easier now.
You talk to Natsume again.
Natsume: Those monsters that came down, I've never seen anything like them before. If they keep coming, things could get ugly. For you and for us, too.
You talk to Gray.
Gray: Yo, how's it going? Did you want to see me?
- Just wanted to chat.
Gray: Hostiles falling out of the sky? There's been a lot to digest lately, and I'm feeling run down. Frankly, I feel kind of out of it. But you'll never see me panicking, don't worry about that. Panicking is deadly to hunters. Even though I'm not a hunter anymore, lessons like that are ingrained. I know things are going down that I can't fix, but losing my wits over it won't help anyone. I can only do what I've always done. And that's to back you hunters up as best I can. I'm just saying don't worry about our end. You focus, bear down and do what you can, as best as you can.
- What's the Quest Counter?
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- Tell me about the Custom Shop.
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- I'm just saying hi.
The conversation ends.
- Quest name
- A Far Journey
- Description
- A portal to the moon is said to be at the Makara Grotto Ruins. Investigate at once.
- Difficulty
- 2 stars
You take the quest A Far Journey and travel to Makara Ruins.
Sarisa: This is the path to the Celestial Pillar?
- Is this the right way?
Sarisa: It's true, I feel as if we're headed in the opposite direction.
- What a creepy place.
Kai: I doubt this place sees much in the way of traffic. You three should be fine, though.
Sarisa: Don't you mean us four?
Kai: Forget it. Ogi, are we where we should be?
Ogi: We're on target. This is the spot they once called the path to the gate of light. I've verified the coordinates. It seems illogical, but this is our only lead. We'll have to trust it and push onward blind.
Kai: You're right. There's no sense in wasting time, over thinking it. Acting's always worked the best for me. Still... the Celestial Pillar. It's been awhile.
Sarisa: Wait, does that mean you've been there before, Kai?
Kai: Nope, never been there. I just know of a group of cocky kid hunters who tried to go there once.Sarisa: Really? Is that a human fable or something?
Kai: Heh, no. Definitely not a fable. And I'm afraid it's not the kind of story that'd make for an interesting read.
Sarisa: I don't know about that. I'm interested. Would you mind telling me about it?
Kai: ...Okay, but we should keep moving. Let's cover a little more ground first.
You reach the end of the Crystal cave area.
Sarisa: Okay, Kai. We've come a good ways. How about telling us that story now?
Kai: Story? Wait, what?
Ogi: The story of the hunters who set out for the Celestial Pillar. You mentioned it before. I'd thought deterioration in human memory didn't begin until a more advanced age, but allow me to ask-- Are you all right, Kai? Mentally, I mean?
Kai: Pretending to be worried doesn't give you a license to be sarcastic. And I didn't forget. I guess I just kind of spaced out. And I told you it's nothing that great, so you two can put away the expectant puppy-dog eyes, okay?
- I don't care if it's boring.
Sarisa: Yeah, we still want to hear it. It doesn't matter if it's exciting or not.
- Spice it up, then!
Kai: Hey, throw me a bone already!
Kai: Ugh, fine, but I'm giving you the short version.
Sarisa: That's fine!
Kai: So there was this city with a young, up-and-coming hunter. I'd say... Eh, around you and [NAME]'s age. Now, he was good. He'd take care of quests solo that gave the older hunters trouble in packs. A real ace. Well, it wasn't long before he got to thinking he could do anything. Strong or not, he was still just a dumb kid. He got a group of kids together, and they ran around going on and on about solving the world's mysteries. Well, what's obvious mystery number one? The Celestial Pillar. So they set out, with no idea of how far it was. Of course, all the adults were against it. Lots of folks had tried to reach the Pillar, but none had ever come back. Well, any fool could've told you that the grown-ups forbidding it would backfire. Call it reverse psychology. So they up and ran off one night, with no more than their youth and the stupid confidence it gave them. At first, the going was smooth. They were all skilled hunters. Hostiles went down with no problem. But as the days went on, as the months crept by, they started dropping off, one by one. Know why? It was the air. Invisible toxins in the polluted air, paired with exhaustion, made for a lethal combination. That's when they realized it. This was why nobody ever came back. This is what gets everyone in the end. But it was already too late. They'd lost track of the way back to the city. All they could do was keep moving on. Well, their numbers kept dropping until finally there was just one kid left, the boy who'd thought this all up. It didn't take a genius to see how stupid he'd been, how much suffering he'd caused his friends and family. But he couldn't stop now. He couldn't turn back. All he could do was keep walking towards the Celestial Pillar. And that's the story.
Sarisa: Wait, that's it?! How does it end? Did he ever make it?! Don't tell me he--
Kai: No, he didn't die. Seems he just so happened to have a naturally high resistance to the pollution. He kept on walking and walking. Long past the point where he knew why he was still walking.
Sarisa: And?
Kai: And the world's a big place and humans are a tough little species. He eventually ran smack into a city he'd never heard of before, and wound up settling down there. He forgot all about unraveling the world's mysteries and actually listened to the older hunters' advice. He grew up, and decided to take it easy.
Sarisa: Whaaat?!
Kai: Ah ha ha ha! You see? Heh, you look so disappointed. You can't say I didn't warn you it was gonna be a lame story. This isn't one of those fairy tales you like so much. It's the story of a dumb kid who thought he was special. Sorry you asked, now?
Sarisa: What? No, of course not. Even if it wasn't a big, romantic adventure, it has a good lesson. So, is that hunter still alive today?
Kai: Hm, who can say? I guess you could hunt around the city for him when we get back. You just might bump into him.
Sarisa: Yeah... Maybe I will. Thanks, Kai. It was a good story.
Kai: No biggie.
Ogi: Say, Kai. Sarisa didn't seem to pick up on it, but the way you told that story, you must be talking about your--
Kai: Some things are best left unsaid, Ogi. If Sarisa didn't pick up on something, then that's how we should leave it.
Ogi: I see. If that's what you'd like, I can respect that. I apologize. I shouldn't have said anything.
Kai: No, I'm the one who should apologize. That story gets more boring with every telling. Now let's pick up the pace.
You enter the Solace hill area.
Ogi: Sarisa, may I ask you a question?
Sarisa: Sure, what is it?
Ogi: Were there any CASTs in your city?
Sarisa: No... I'm sorry. We were taught about you in books, but I'd never seen one before I came here.
Ogi: I see. If there were, I'd hoped they might provide a clue to our lost memories.
- Were you surprised?
Sarisa: What, when I met my first CAST? Well sure I was surprised. Humans and newmans look pretty similar, but CASTs are totally different. I just tried not to be too obvious about it because I didn't want to arouse any suspicion.
- Were there no humans, either?
Sarisa: Nope, just us newmans. But humans and newmans look pretty similar, so it was no big surprise meeting humans for the first time.
Kai: Do all newmans think humans are a lesser race? Er, sorry. That sounded harsher than I meant it. I'm not attacking you. I'm just curious, after meeting Reve.
Sarisa: ...I'm afraid it's probably true. We've always been taught to think that. The first thing we learn in school is the cause of what you call the Great Blank. The atrocities of the humans. The wars they started, which chased newmans off of the planet. The way they forced the CASTs into stasis. And then how they destroyed the environment and turned the surface into a wasteland. That's what we're told, anyway.
Kai: I guess I can see how you'd think we're a pack of idiots if that's what you're raised to believe. And it's not like I know for a fact that all of that isn't true. We were taught that until a hundred or so years ago, our forefathers lived underground to avoid the pollution. I can't imagine they'd have destroyed their own world, but who knows? I guess stranger things have happened.
Sarisa: It's true, no one can really say for sure. Nobody's left who was alive back then. Still, with that said, I don't think that everything I learned on the moon is true anymore. At least, I know it's not true what they say about you all.
Ogi: Over thinking the matter is unlikely to yield any new conclusions. The data simply isn't there.
Kai: Exactly, so we just need to go up and have a little chat with Mother Trinity. That should clear everything up. Now c'mon. I'm sure everybody back at the city is working their tails off right about now. We should press on. The last thing I want to do when we get back is suffer through another lecture from the mayor.
You take the boss teleporter to the Hall of light area.
Sarisa: Is that... Is that a teleporter?
Kai: Looks like it, but it's huge. I've never seen one even close to that size before. Let's go check it out.
Ogi: ...Mm? Wait! We're not alone here! Be careful!
Loud steps are head, followed by a roar.
Kai: Ugh, nothing is ever easy! Get ready, guys! We've got hostiles on the way!
You defeat the monsters.
Sarisa: Okay, here goes... Hm? Hey, what gives? It's not working! Come on, teleporter. Teleport already!
Kai: Ugh, there must be a switch or something around here to activate it. A-ha! Over there. Okay, you guys sit tight. Nobody move, you hear me?
Ogi: Kai, wait! I have more experience with these old machines than you do.
Kai: You're in no shape to be pushing that body. Just stay there and keep those hostiles back!
Ogi: All right. I understand.
Kai runs to the switch.
Kai: Rgh! This would be a lot easier if I didn't have an endless train of hostiles to slog through!
Ogi: Kai, hurry! We can't keep this many at bay for long!
Kai: Working as fast as I can, thanks. Yes! There!
The button makes a sound as it's pressed.
Sarisa: Kai, what are you doing? If you found the switch, hit it and get back here!
Kai: I'm on my way! ...Heh, no I'm not. Sorry, guys.
Sarisa: Wait, what? What are you saying?! Kai!
Kai: Look at the situation, Sarisa. I can't get back there without bringing all these hostiles with me. You know what we have to do. What we came here to do. Given that, this is a no-brainer. Ogi, you understand me, right? [NAME]?
- Run to help Kai.
Kai: You idiot! Take a look around you!
- Leave Kai behind.
Kai: Thanks, [NAME]. You've made the right choice.
An animated cutscene plays.
Kai: Checkmate, guys. You three go on without me! Get to the moon... Promise me you'll save our friends living here on the surface!
Sarisa: No! Kai!
Ogi: Stop. It is too late.
Sarisa: Let go of me! Kai, Kai! Kai!
The teleporter activates.
The animated cutscene ends.
Main Page / Phantasy Star 0 / Script / Human story, chapter 5
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