Amdera

Amdera
'The all-devouring sand is both my power and my sin...'
Physical Information
Height	192cm
Weight	97kg
Age	34
Birthdate	May 9
Gender	Male
Identity	Earth Flux Professor
Like	Winds imbued with the scent of soil
Dislike	Gods
Weapon	Ancestral Blessings
Classification
Element	Earth
Class	Mage
Artist Credits
Artist	Zifu
CV	CN: 温健 (Wen Jian) EN: Josh Putnam JP: 阿座上洋平 (Yōhei Azakami)

Amdera - Warrior of Stormsand, Earth Flux Professor at Arcana Academy

Wielder of sand and rocks under the Earth God's curse

Intro

When you feel the heaviness of soil in the winds, you know it's him...

'Welcome! Same as usual? Never Isle Iced Tea?'

He was about to agree, but after a brief hesitation, he said, 'I would have a... Boreal Ash.'

Amdera was a regular, showing up two or three times every week. He's quite a big fellow, which led me to replace the bar's doorframe. My cocktail glasses look strange in his thick, sturdy hands, so I probably needed to get him some bigger ones. He's got a solid, muscular build that stands out even in the land of strapping men that is Never Isle. A warrior from the Oathblades? A mercenary from Blackflame City? Ha-ha! Neither. He's actually a professor at the Arcana Academy. But don't let his professorial status fool you. Amdera is a pro fighter! Just like that battle with the Shadow Spies a few days ago! Sandstorm swirled as the dark clouds descended. A thousand rock blades rained down upon the evil as a bulwark of sands rose from the ground to fend them off!

'Ahem! That's way too much exaggeration!'

'Hahaha! You are now a hero of Never Isle, Amdera! As a local resident, I can't help but feel grateful and admiring of you!'

'Hero? That's something I can never be...' Amdera's face was grim.

'This might be the last time you see me on Never Isle...' He put his glass down.

Hearing that he was leaving, I was surprised. I didn't understand... Even though I sensed he carried his own burdens from the moment I met him. But now, he had a beloved companion, the honor of a hero. What more was there to let go of?

I asked him why, and he shared his past experiences. It was something indescribable with words, a history of suffering. I hadn't lived through that kind of hardship, so I knew I couldn't persuade him.

'Well, if you have made up your mind, at least bid HIM farewell.'

'I will...' Amdera's words were filled with reluctance...

Because of that look of his, I couldn't help but offer some advice, 'You know, he genuinely cares about you, and you have feelings for him too...'

'It's precisely because he's been too good to me,' he interrupted me, 'that I can't be with him!' He stood up as he finished his words.

'I've been running away for too long. The sins must be severed, and the guilty must be punished!'

Forming a Pact

Amdera's rarity: SSR

Max Epiphany without Illumination: Level 6

The player can form a pact with Amdera by the following methods:

• Limited Summon
  • You can form a pact with Amdera by summoning him on his limited-time banner.

Skills

Basic

	Sand Blade Cost: 10 Mana Cool Down: None Flux: Earth Type: Ranged
Skill Description
Amdera deals M.DMG equal to M.ATK*[Skill Level] to 1 enemy target. If Amdera has any Shield effect, 10 Mana is restored to him. Skill Level 80% 87% 95% 102% 110%
Passives
Requires 50 Gyee Insight to unlock Sharp Stone Increases Sand Blade damage by 25%.

Advanced

	Earthen Shelter Cost: 30 Mana Cool Down: 2 Rounds Flux: Earth Type: Ranged
Skill Description
Amdera applies Boulder Barrier on 1 ally. Boulder Barrier: A Shield effect that absorbs damage equal to Amdera's M.ATK*[Skill Level] (5 times the effect in PvP). If the target is damaged by a single-target active skill while the shield is active, Amdera will deal M.DMG equal to M.ATK*130% to the attacker (each character may trigger this effect up to 2 times). When Boulder Barrier is removed, Amdera will unleash his wrath before his next round, dealing M.DMG equal to M.ATK*[Skill Level] to all enemy targets. Lasts 2 rounds and cannot be dispelled. Skill Level 204%, 109% 215%, 119% 227%, 129% 238%, 139% 250%, 150%
Passives
Requires 150 Gyee Insight each to unlock Thick Rock While Boulder Barrier is active, increases Amdera's true damage dealt equal to M.ATK*195% to the attacker. Fallen Rock When Boulder Barrier is removed, increases the damage dealt by 20%.

Ultimate

	Desert Storm Cost: 70 Mana Cool Down: 1 Rounds Flux: Earth Type: Ranged
Skill Description
Amdera deals M.DMG equal to M.ATK*[Skill Level] to 1 enemy target, applying Eye of Sandstorm to the main target. If Amdera has Sand Barrier active, he restores HP equal to 100% of remaining shield value of Sand Barrier. Afterwards, Amdera applies Sand Barrier to himself, no matter if he has Sand Barrier active or not (Requires to unlock the Mastery skill first). Eye of Sandstorm: A Special effect that prevents the target character from using any active skill. Does not be affected by God or other effects that grant control immunity. Lasts for 1 round and cannot be purified. Skill Level 293% 319% 345% 371% 397%
Passives
Requires 300 Gyee Insight each to unlock Rampant Tornado Increase Desert Storm's damage by 15%. Earthen Energy If the character has Sand Barrier, restores 30 Mana. All-devouring Sand While Eye of Sandstorm is active, increases character's damage taken by 20%.

Mastery

	Earth Shaman Cost: None Cool Down: None
Skill Description
Increases Amdera's skill damage by (15.00% + Mastery Bonus), and he becomes immune to Deform and Silence effects. While Amdera has any Shield effect, he takes 18% reduced damage and deals 18% increased damage. At the beginning of the battle, Amdera grants himself Sand Barrier. Sand Barrier: Absorbs damage equal to M.ATK*150% (5 times the effect in PvP). Each round before action, Amdera deals M.DMG equal to M.ATK*90% to 1 random enemy target. Lasts until battle ends and cannot be dispelled. The shield value resets when this effect is reapplied.

Imprint

Basic Engraving

• Wisdom Engraving (M.ATK +0.48% per Engraving level)
  • Each engraving level requires I.N. Flux - Earth x120 and Gold x25,000

Imprint Skill

The following Imprint Skill can be equipped on other Gyees and Avatars once unlocked.

	To be released Skill Type: Class Allowed: Banned:
Stage 1
To be released
Stage 2
To be released
Stage 3
To be released

Intimacy

Date Choices

Dates will give either 500, 700, or 900 intimacy points depending on the choice selected.

• Cursed Power - The all-devouring sand shielded the Arcana Nexus, thwarting the Shadow Spy's scheme. But Amdera himself doesn't seem proud of it…
  • Cue: It seems like this power is a burden to him.
    • (The stronger you are, the better.)
      500 Intimacy
    • (The most important thing about power is who uses it.)
      900 Intimacy
    • (I don't think this power is a 'curse.')
      900 Intimacy

• Lonely Revelry - If you don't like the taste, even a highly praised feast is just a bland ordeal…
  • Cue: I tried integrating myself. But not only did I fail, but I made myself miserable in the process.
    • You be you. You don't need to change for anyone!
      900 Intimacy
    • Humans are social creatures. You'd better find a way to integrate.
      500 Intimacy
    • Being alone isn't so bad!
      700 Intimacy

• Anticipated Classes - The academy's class schedule for the next month is about to be revealed. If I could get assigned to the Earth Flux Department as a teaching assistant, maybe I could... hehehe...
  • Cue: Heh heh...
    • (Invite Amdera to go to the baths together)
      500 Intimacy
    • (Invite Amdera to prepare the lab materials together)
      900 Intimacy
    • (Forget it, you'll just embarrass yourself. Better get ready for class!)
      700 Intimacy

Intimacy Blocks

To reach Intimacy levels 7 and 11, Amdera needs mementos (found in Darkflux Raid), reiki (found in Extreme Fight or Arcana Tracker), and the following block item:

• Intimacy Level 7
  • S - Beginner's Wrestling Guide
    • Written by a veteran who fought in the Battle of Azria and produced by the Oathblades, this introductory wrestling book aims to help fellow Gyees protect themselves when facing danger. Even those with no combat experience can learn and master basic wrestling techniques after studying this guide.
      Used to break through Amdera's Intimacy. Obtained in Extreme Fight.
• Intimacy Level 11
  • Delicate Sandproof Cape
    • A sandproof cape tailored from special River Bend Town cotton to fit Amdera's figure. Its exquisite design and smooth texture make it a must-have for any journey.
      Used to break through Amdera's Intimacy. Obtained in Extreme Fight.

Basic Drink Preferences

No bonus

25% bonus

50% bonus

50% bonus

Note: All blended drinks have a base preference bonus of 25% that can be modified by the drink's attributes.

Gift Preferences

50% bonus

25% bonus

No bonus

Views

Unlock views by leveling the intimacy of other gyees.

• Bidziil: I occasionally bump into him at the place where I usually drink. Even though we don't have much interaction, from his face, which seems unrelated to laughter, I sense that... he's like my past self, waiting for the sunshine that will come to his salvation...
  Bidziil's Intimacy reaches Lv.2 to unlock
• Vundo: It's my honor that Amdera chose to join the Arcana Academy. His profound knowledge and unique understanding of Earth Arcana have brought new perspectives to some stagnant research, filling the gaps in the academy's study of Earth Flux.
  Vundo's Intimacy reaches Lv.4 to unlock
• Gaar: Alright, I know what's on your guy's minds! But I'd advise you to keep your distance from this dude. Nine years ago, this guy's rage shook the Northern Desert, and even my hometown could feel the aftershocks of his wrath!
  Gaar's Intimacy reaches Lv.6 to unlock
• Batur: I crossed swords with him once. Unlike the Alterlans who revere the Forest God and channel the winds of the woods, Amdera's power stems from the earth, yet he despises the Earth God more than anyone. However, amidst his anger towards the gods, his winds carry more of his self-loathing... Mighty Limuthule, may your winds soothe Amdera's regrets...
  Batur's Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock
• Speakeasy Owner: Boreal Ash is a cocktail that embodies the fierce and fearless nature of the people of the Northern Desert. I used to think this drink was overly intense and spicy, lacking something. But upon seeing Amdera, I finally understood-it lacks the heftiness and sharpness of the desert's sand and winds.
• Arcana Academy Lecturer: Ah, Amdera. While his physique might be appreciated by many, myself included, where on earth did this guy come from? Doesn't know the latest trendy brands, never watched any hit shows, even Rupor Show... Even with a figure boasting a top-tier husband, I can't find any common ground to start a conversation. And on top of that, his usual grumpiness and lack of words give off an unapproachable, icy vibe. He doesn't seem to have many friends around the academy...
• Academy Office of Admissions: Ever since Professor Amdera joined the Arcana Academy, my place has been bustling day in and day out. People are clamoring to enroll in the Earth Flux Study program, and even those who couldn't secure a spot are signing up for other programs... Not just the young students with innate arcana talents, but many middle-aged folks with no arcane background have been trying to get enrolled, too! I just don't get it. What's the charm of Professor Amdera, really?
• Earth Flux Researcher: Amdera...? He's utterly exasperating! Why? Because the Earth Flux Research Department used to be a place where you could relax and take it easy! But he... oh boy... he's naturally talented, incredibly capable, and works so damn hard! He's about to steal my cushy job right from under me!

Scripts

Consolation Letter

Hello, this is a letter from Amdera.

Principal Vundo mentioned you're on vacation, so I thought I'd write you a letter instead of disturbing you. First and foremost, you don't need to worry too much about the Shadow Spy situation. The academy is conducting a thorough internal investigation, and I'm assisting as well. If I come across him again, I'll make sure to teach him a good lesson!

Also, there's something else. Hmm, how should I put it... You don't need to send me any more gifts... I've received quite a bunch, enough to last for years. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Helping you was a piece of cake for me, just colleagues looking out for each other. You really don't need to keep sending gifts to me for that.

Lastly, I've included some pain-relieving medicine that I've concocted in this letter. Hopefully, it'll help alleviate your discomfort. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Bath Drama

• Phew... Indeed, this is the most cozy place around here!
• No towels... Guess that's not a problem.
• The water seems a bit murky... No worries, I'll help you filter out the impurities!

Fave Hottie Slogan

The desert storm journeying alongside you!

Branch

This section contains spoilers for the Branch quest. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.

A Man With No Homeland

-Part 1

At night, Never Isle...

At the port...

Player: Phew.

Player: Well, we've finished our Oathblades commission. What's on the schedule for tomorrow, Billy?

Billy: ...

Billy: Haha, you've been so busy, you must've forgotten, Captain!

Billy: That was our last commission!

Player: Oh...

Player: You're right...

Player: We've been so busy the last few weeks...

Player: Finally, we can take a break!

Player: Billy, tell Kitty that we've got the next two days off. We're taking a well-earned rest!

Billy: Okay! The past few days, Kitty's been talking my ear off about how he wants to go hang out with Yaen at the Arcana Academy.

Billy: I'm gonna go hit the sack!

Billy: It's been a while since I've seen Master Turing!

Billy: Tomorrow I'm going to pay him a visit and see if he's made any cool new inventions!

Player: (smiles)

Billy: Do you have any plans for tomorrow, Captain?

Player: Me? I'm going to...

Player: (Hmm... What am I going to do tomorrow?)

Choice 1.1 - (Spend some time with Izumi?)

Player: (No, I can't do that...)

Player: (Izumi's got a date with Miles tomorrow.)

Player: (It's not every day that Miles gets time off, so I'd better let them have some alone time.)

Choice 1.1.1 - (Spend some time with Izumi?)

Go to Choice 1.1

Choice 1.1.2 - (Play chess with General Will?)

Go to Choice 1.2

Choice 1.1.3 - (Relax in a hot spring and get a massage?)

Go to Choice 1.3

Choice 1.1.4 - (Hmm... Looks like I'm going to be spending the day alone...)

Continue with the conversation

Choice 1.2 - (Play chess with General Will?)

Player: (Huh?)

Player: (That's a random thought, if I've ever had one.)

Player: (To say nothing of the fact that I wouldn't stand a chance...)

Player: (It would be a little weird to ask for a game of chess out of the blue, wouldn't it?)

Player: (Besides, General Will is a busy man.)

Player: (I'd better come up with another plan!)

Choice 1.2.1 - (Spend some time with Izumi?)

Go to Choice 1.1

Choice 1.2.2 - (Play chess with General Will?)

Go to Choice 1.2

Choice 1.2.3 - (Relax in a hot spring and get a massage?)

Go to Choice 1.3

Choice 1.2.4 - (Hmm... Looks like I'm going to be spending the day alone...)

Continue with the conversation

Choice 1.3 - (Relax in a hot spring and get a massage?)

Player: (Hey, that's not such a bad idea!)

Player: (But...)

Player: (Going to the hot springs and getting a massage all by myself wouldn't be much fun, would it?)

Player: (Forget it. I'll just spend the day sleeping.)

Choice 1.3.1 - (Spend some time with Izumi?)

Go to Choice 1.1

Choice 1.3.2 - (Play chess with General Will?)

Go to Choice 1.2

Choice 1.3.3 - (Relax in a hot spring and get a massage?)

Go to Choice 1.3

Choice 1.3.4 - (Hmm... Looks like I'm going to be spending the day alone...)

Continue with the conversation

Conversation continues after choices

Player: Uh...

Billy: Captain?

Player: Hmm... I don't have any plans for tomorrow. I'll just play it by ear!

Player: ...

Billy: ...

Player: Let's head back.

Billy: Right.

Player and Billy walk towards the airship

Player: ...

Billy: Captain? Are you okay?

Player: ...

Player: I'm fine...

Player looks over at Lake Bliss

Player: It's just that looking at this calm lake...

Player: It reminds me of a lake back home. The lake's surface is calm, just like this one.

Player: It reminds me of my family, my friends...

Player: ...

Player: Sigh...

Player: Now that I think of it, it's been years...

Billy: Captain...

Player: I...

Player: (Suddenly, I feel a little nostalgic.)

Billy: Captain...

Player: Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Let's go back!

Billy: ...

Billy: Captain, how about we...

Later, at a Speakeasy in Never Isle.

Player: A new bar opened up here? I had no idea.

Billy: You're usually so busy, you take your drinks in the Hottie Bar, but it's still nice to try out the bars on Never Isle from time to time.

Player: You're right.

Player: But...

Player: Are you sure this would be a good place to meet a nice, strong man?

Billy: Would I lie to you?

Bar Owner: Welcome! Sit wherever you like!

Player glances at the bar and sees three strong men: Sebastian, Rand and Bidziil

Player: Whoa!!

Player: ...

Billy: See! I told you!

They take a seat and the owner comes over to talk

Bar Owner: Oh, a new face!

Bar Owner: Welcome!

Bar Owner: New customers get their first drink on the house! What will you be having?

Player: Thank you.

Player: I'll take whatever's good...

Billy: Hey, boss! This is the captain that I've been telling you about!

Billy: The hero of Never Isle!

Player: What are you talking about, hero? Cut it out, Billy...

Bidziil: No, he's right.

Player: Bidziil...

Bidziil: You and Miles helped me escape BlackFlame City. For that, I am forever in your debt.

Player: We're all friends here. There's no need for such nonsense!

Rand: Player! Long time no see!

Player: Hey, Rand! Nothing to do over there in Eversun?

Rand: The Rupor Show is holding a special program tomorrow, and Rupor invited me to perform. Come cheer me on!

Rand: You guys should come show us a little support tomorrow, Player and Billy. Sebastian's going to be the guest of honor!

Player: Huh? Sebastian?

Sebastian: (Toasts Player)

Sebastian: I'll get you and Billy a couple of seats in the front row!

Player: Haha, thank you!

Bar Owner: So you're the famous Player.

Bar Owner: Here, have a glass of Never Isle Iced Tea.

Bar Owner: You're a busy man, Player. You don't often get a chance to spend time on Never Isle. This drink is a favorite among people who call Never Isle home...

Player: Home...

You take a sip of the drink the boss made for you.

It has the sweetness of cola, with a hint of sour lemon juice and the mellow burn of liquor.

The classic Never Isle Iced Tea is delicious beyond words.

But it doesn't taste like home to you.

Player: ...

Bar Owner: Not to your liking?

Player: No, it's delicious!

Player: I'll have another!

A few moments later...

Player: Hahaha... Another glass... Another glass!

Bar Owner: I think you're past your limit, Player...

Player: My limit? I've still got another one in me!

Billy: Captain...

Billy: It's okay, boss. Give the captain another one.

Bar Owner: Alright... If this Never Isle cocktail makes you feel at home, then...

Player: ...

Bidziil: I can find someone else to take care of the Oathblades recruits tomorrow, Player. Why don't I...

Player: No need! Go ahead with your business, Bidziil. I don't need anyone to hold my hand...

Player: Being on my own isn't so bad. I'm free to do whatever I want without any restrictions...

Sebastian: We can't choose our path in life, Player. All we can do is walk down it...

Player: Hahaha, you can say that again!

Rand: ...

Rand: I'm not very good with words, and I don't know how I can help you, but...

Rand: If there's ever anything I can help you with...

Player: Thanks!

Bar Owner: (Gives you another drink)

Bar Owner: Your home may be in another world, Player...

Bar Owner: But hopefully this place will let you rest your feet as you walk your difficult path.

Player: Rest my feet...

Another patron enters the bar

Bar Owner: Oh... Welcome!

Player: You've still got customers this late? Business must be booming!

Player: Uh...

Player gapes at the handsome newcomer and is at a loss for words

Player: ...

Rand: Look, a new face. Is this your friend, Player?

Player: I would like him to be...

Stone-faced Hunk: ...

Bar Owner: New customers get their first drink on the house. Sit wherever you'd like.

The man walks over to the bar and takes a spot next to Player

Bar Owner: Fancy a drink?

Stone-faced Hunk: You pick.

Player: The boss makes a mean Never Isle Iced Tea. I highly recommend it.

Stone-faced Hunk: Anything is fine with me!

Bar Owner: In that case...

Bar Owner: A glass of Boreal Ash. Enjoy...

Stone-faced Hunk: (surprised)

Bar Owner: Judging by your stature and the way you dress, you must be from the Northern Desert.

Bar Owner: Welcome to Never Isle.

Stone-faced Hunk: (Picks up glass and takes a sip...)

Stone-faced Hunk: Ugh!

Stone-faced Hunk: (Slowly places drink aside...)

Stone-faced Hunk: I haven't had a home to go back to for a long time now...

Stone-faced Hunk: Give me a glass of Never Isle Iced Tea!

Player: ...

Bar Owner: ...

Player: Boss! My new friend's drink is on me! I'll have a glass of Never Isle Iced Tea, too!

Bar Owner: Okay!

Stone-faced Hunk: You don't want to be my friend...

Stone-faced Hunk: I'll cover my own tab, boss.

Player: I don't have a home to go back to anymore, either.

Player: We've got that much in common. How about it? Friends?

Stone-faced Hunk: (surprised)

Stone-faced Hunk: ...

Stone-faced Hunk: In that case, thank you...

Player: Don't mention it!

Bar Owner: Two glasses of Never Isle Iced Tea!

A few moments later...

Player: Haha haha...

Rand: Hey now... Counting that last glass, you've already had twenty!

Billy: Captain! You can't drink anymore!

Player: I'm fine... I wanna keep drinking! I just made friends with this, er, hunk... I'm celebrating!

Player: Boss! Give me and my...new friend...two more glasses! To us, the homeless!

Billy: Uh...

Stone-faced Hunk: ...

Stone-faced Hunk: Boss, pour him a glass of juice on me. Let him sober up a bit.

The man gets up from his seat and places a sack of coins on the table.

Player: Huh? You're not... You're not drinking any more?

Stone-faced Hunk: Let's call it a night!

Stone-faced Hunk: If we fall down drunk, we'll only become another man's burden!

The man leaves

Player: Ha! Burden...

Player: Don't go!

Player: Don't go!!

Player tries to follow but is too drunk and blacks out

Player: Ugh...

Billy: Oh! Captain!!

...

...

Player: Ugh, my head is killing me...

Player: I'm on...the airship?

Player: When did I come back to the airship?

Player: Ugh...

That afternoon, on the bridge of the airship.

Billy: Captain! You're up!

Player: Billy... What happened?

Player: I remember I went to a bar to have a few drinks...

Player: How did I get back to the airship?

Billy: You don't remember, Captain?

A few moments later...

Billy: Finally, that hunk you were drinking with left.

Billy: You wanted to go after him, but you were so drunk that you toppled over when you stood up.

Billy: I had to carry you back to the airship.

Player: Ugh...

Player: I can't believe it...

Player: How embarrassing!

Player turns away in shame

Billy: Oh! Captain!

Billy: Captain?

Player: ...

Player remembers what that man said before he left the bar last night

Stone-faced Hunk: Let's call it a night!

Stone-faced Hunk: If we fall down drunk, we'll only become another man's burden!

Player: ...

Player: ...

Player turns back to Billy with a smile

Player: I'm okay!

Player: Oh! Weren't you going to pay Turing a visit today, Billy?

Billy: I can visit him any time.

Billy: I'm going to spend the day with you, Captain!

Player: (surprised)

Player: Thanks, but I've already got plans. Go see Turing!

Billy: But Captain...

Player: Don't worry! I was just a little dizzy, that's all!

Player: I'm right as rain now!

Player: I'm all sobered up! Don't worry about me, Billy!

Billy: Uh, but...

Player: That's enough! We've been working our butts off for weeks now. It's okay to enjoy a little time off!

A few moments later...

Player: Great! Everyone's enjoying their vacation. I just need to find something to do...

Player: Hmmm.

Player: I want to find that hunk and apologize.

Player: But I don't know his name or where to find him. I don't even know if he's still on Never Isle...

Just then, the airship's arcana comlink rings.

Player: Huh? Principal Vundo? At a time like this?

Player: (Picks up crystal.) Principal? How can I help you?

Arcana Comlink: Hey, Player. Can you come to the Academy for a bit?

Player: The Academy...

Player: What's going on?

Arcana Comlink: There's something I need your help with. I'll tell you more when you get here!

Player: Got it! (Closes comms.)

Player: ...

Player: I knew it.

Player: Another one of my special 'vacations'!

Player: Let's go!

A while later, at the Arcana Nexus.

Vundo meets with Izumi and an Order of Equality representative when Player enters

Player: Principal Vundo? You were looking for me?

Player: Hey! Izumi's here, too?

Izumi: ...

Player: What's going on?

Order of Equality Member: Player, the Order of Equality's intelligence network has discovered that a Shadow Spy has infiltrated the Arcana Academy.

Order of Equality Member: Their target may be the Arcana Nexus.

Vundo: The Arcana Nexus is the energy source for all the artifacts on Never Isle.

Vundo: We cannot let anything happen to it!

Izumi: The Defense Force wanted to lock down the Arcana Academy and investigate everyone on the grounds one by one.

Izumi: But this would only cause a panic and give the spy an opening to get away.

Player: Yeah... Investigating everyone would a massive undertaking. They'd miss something, for sure.

Player: We need to investigate in secret.

Vundo: That's why we've asked for your help, Player!

Vundo: If I or the Defense Force conduct an investigation, we could alert the enemy.

Vundo: I would like to hire you as a 'teaching assistant' here at the academy, Player.

Vundo: From the darkness, root out the Shadow Spy!

Player: Uh... A teaching assistant?

Player: Hmm... It's true, I'm always coming and going, and meeting with you. I am kind of an assistant already.

Player: Got it! Leave the investigation of the Shadow Spy to me!

Vundo: Great! I knew we could depend on you!

Vundo: I'll have someone draw up a contract right now and get you on board. We'll give you half a year's salary!

Player: Salary? Principal, that won't be necessary...

Vundo: In for a penny, in for a pound. Don't worry about it, Player!

Later, at the Arcana Academy.

Player walks around the Academy's large fountain, the area packed with students and faculty

Player: (Hmm... I know I promised Principal Vundo I'd help investigate the Shadow Spy...)

Player: (But the intelligence only says that there is a spy, it doesn't say anything more detailed than that.)

Player: (Where should I start?)

Player: Huh? That guy's figure, it looks familiar...

Player: Could it be?!

Player spots the man from the bar enter the Academy

Hunk from the Night Before: Ugh, this place...

Hunk from the Night Before: I'm back at the main hall?

Player: Hey there, we meet again!

Hunk from the Night Before: Huh? Who...?

Hunk from the Night Before: Ah, I remember now.

Player: I wanted to apologize. I had too much to drink last night and I got out of control.

Hunk from the Night Before: Ah...

Player: (Huh. I can tell by his expression that he really doesn't like me.)

Player: (What exactly did I do last night?)

Player: Are you having a hard time finding something? Maybe I can help!

Player: Let me make up for my rude behavior last night!

Hunk from the Night Before: Uh... That won't be necessary. I've already forgotten about last night.

Hunk from the Night Before: I have something I need to do, so I'll be going now.

The man starts to walk away

Player: Well that was a cold reception.

Hunk from the Night Before: ...

Player watches the man wander around a little, looking lost

Hunk from the Night Before: ...

Player: (smiles)

Player: Let me show you around the academy!

Hunk from the Night Before: ...

Hunk from the Night Before: Uh...

A while later, in front of the Arcana Nexus.

Player: Finally, this is the Arcana Nexus.

Player: At the end of the corridor above the nexus is the Earth Flux Research Center.

Player: And those are all the different areas of the academy!

Hunk from the Night Before: The Arcana Academy is such a big place, and yet you know it like the back of your hand.

Player: Ah. Well, I...

Player: Am a teaching assistant!

Hunk from the Night Before: Oh! You're a teacher here, too?

Player: Huh? 'Too?' But... I've never seen you around here before.

Hunk from the Night Before: I just got here yesterday. I'm the new professor of Earth Flux research.

Player: Professor of research? Amazing...

Hunk from the Night Before: The Arcana Academy is much bigger than the last research lab I worked at. If you hadn't shown me the way around, I don't know what I would've done.

Hunk from the Night Before: Thank you.

Player: You're welcome.

Academy Intercom: Teaching assistant Player, teaching assistant Player...

Academy Intercom: Please come to the principal's office on the top floor of the academy at once.

Player: (surprised)

Hunk from the Night Before: Thank you for your help. I think I can find my way around now. Go do what you need to do.

Player: In that case...

Hunk from the Night Before: Was there something else?

Player: I still don't know your name!

Hunk from the Night Before: Huh?

Player: If you run into any problems at the academy, I'm your man!

Player: Just call me Player!

Amdera: Thank you.

Amdera: My name is Amdera.

Player: ...

Player: I need to get moving!

Player takes off

Player: So his name is Amdera...

Player: (smiles)

Three days later, even after conducting a thorough investigation, you still have not been able to find any trace of the Shadow Spy.

Later...

Player: Huh? Is that person installing an artifact outside the Arcana Nexus?

Player: Hey, wait a minute...

Player: Who are you? What are you doing?

Suspicious Arcanist: Uh oh! (Quickly flees)

Player: Don't run!

A few moments later, in the Arcana Academy canteen...

Player: Tsk! He's trying to blend into the crowd and slip away.

Player: Hmm...

Player looks around and approaches a priest that seems out of place

Player: Ha! Your disguise can't fool me!

Suspicious Priest: Uh...

The priest dashes off

Player: Don't run!

Player chases after the priest but rams into Amdera

Player: Whoa!

Player: Ugh...

Amdera: Hey, Player!

Player: Whoa!!

Amdera: Let me help you up...

Player grabs Amdera's hand and gets up

Player: Amdera?

Player: (Damn, that guy got away...)

Player: (What happened?)

Amdera: Are you okay?

Player: ...

You suddenly understand what happened when you see an overturned plate next to you on the floor and soup all over Amdera's chest.

Player: Ah! I'm so sorry!

Player: I spilled your food all over you.

Amdera: ...

Player: Hey, waiter! We've got a mess that needs to be cleaned up!

Player: And bring me a meal befitting an esteemed guest!

Player: Amdera, let's go to the washroom and get you cleaned up!

Amdera: That's not necessary, I can do that by myself.

Player: Okay. I'll grab us a table.

A few moments later...

Player: I don't know if this is your kind of food...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: It's pretty good.

Player: ...

Player: (I think...he's angry.)

Player: (We've only met three times, and I made a complete ass out of myself in two of them.)

Player: (It's probably too much to hope that he wants to be my friend. I just hope he doesn't want to be my enemy...)

Amdera: Why are you staring at me? Eat! I can't finish this all on my own.

Player: Oh...yeah!

Amdera: (smiles)

A few moments later...

Player: (Hmm... Judging by his expression, he doesn't look furious, but he doesn't exactly look happy, either.)

Player: (I wonder if he's still a little ticked off...)

Amdera senses you looking at him and looks up.

In order to avoid awkward eye contact, you quickly turn your head.

Amdera: ...

Amdera: (Lowers his head and keeps eating)

???: Ah! Mr. Amdera!

Player: Huh?

A young student interrupts the meal

Amdera: I know you... You're the student who was sitting in the front row of my class just now.

Priddat: Yeah! The name's Priddat!

Priddat: Mr. Amdera, can I ask you a question?

Player: Uh, we're eating here...

Amdera: It's not a problem. What's your question?

Priddat: I was wondering: Since Earth Flux can control mud and stone...

Priddat: Then in theory, it should be able to cause earthquakes and tsunamis, too!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: In theory, yes. But it is taboo to do so!

A few moments later...

Amdera: In short...

Amdera: That power is forbidden by the gods. You must never attempt it!

Priddat: Attempt? To control the earth itself would require unbelievable flux power...

Priddat: There's no way a human could ever pull it off.

Amdera: Anyway, don't even think about it!

Priddat: Thank you, teacher. I'm going to go eat now!

Amdera: Mmm.

The student leaves

Player: Seems like people are already warming up to you, Amdera.

Amdera: Not really. That's one of my better students, that's all.

Player: (smiles)

Player: I bet you're really popular!

Amdera: What are you talking about?

Player: You're really patient and thorough with your students, your classes are high-level, you're in great shape...what's not to like?!

Amdera: I've only been here a couple of days. Who knows?

Player: Speaking of which, you're really strong!

Player: When I bumped into just now, it was like running into a wall!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: I'm sorry, I didn't see you running toward me.

Player: No, no...it was my mistake.

Player: I shouldn't be running in the canteen.

Amdera: Did you have something urgent to take care of?

Amdera: I don't want to hold you up.

Player: Uh...

Choice 2.1 - (Tell Amdera the truth)

Player: In reality...

Player: (Whispers) I was chasing someone I thought might be a Shadow Spy!

Amdera: What?

Amdera: ...

Player: ...

Player: (Don't give me that dumb look)

Player: I-in short, if you run into any suspicious characters, Amdera...

Player: Be sure to tell me or the principal! Do not act rashly!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Okay.

Choice 2.2 - (Make up an excuse)

Player: Actually...

Player: I wanted to get a glass of Ely River Dew.

Amdera: Huh?

Amdera: Ely River Dew?

Player: It's made from Elysiann bananas and bliss fruit. It tastes great!

Amdera: Yeah?

Amdera: I'll try it the next time I get a chance.

Conversation continues after choices

Amdera gets up from the table

Amdera: We've been here a while, Player. I've got to go prepare for my next class.

Player: Okay! I'll walk you there!

Amdera: That's not necessary. I know the way now.

Amdera: Bye.

Player stares at Amdera's backside as he leaves

Player: ...

Player: (smiles)

Player: Oh! This is no time to space out!

Player: I'll wait for lunch to end, then investigate the canteen.

Player: I should also let the principal know that he needs to send someone to guard the nexus.

Later that night...

Player patrols the Academy grounds

Player: ...

Player: I still haven't found a thing.

Player: This guy's going to be tougher to catch than I thought.

Player: Sigh...

Player: Whoa!

Player: Something's not right. That's the Arcana Nexus up ahead.

Player: The principal should've sent someone to guard it by now.

Player: So...where are they?

Player: Could it be...?

Player finds all of the guards on the ground

Player: Whoa!!

Player: Hey! Wake up! Snap out of it!

Fallen Arcanist: Ugh...

Player: These symptoms...I think he's been poisoned.

Player: I need to tell the principal right away! (Takes out communication crystal)

Player: ...

Player: No response. The flux signal is being blocked!

Player: The nexus... We can't lose the nexus!

Player runs in alone

The Arcana Nexus...

An older man examines the large, rotating crystal in the middle of the room - the Arcana Nexus

Shadow Spy: Hmm, so they have installed some defenses.

Shadow Spy: But this shouldn't be too difficult. All I need to do is...

Player: Stop right there!

Shadow Spy: I didn't expect them to send you.

Player: (It kind of sounds like he's been preparing for this.)

Player: (I need to be careful.)

Player: You're no match for me. Give it up!

Player: Surrender!

Shadow Spy: It doesn't matter...

Shadow Spy: I prepared this for Vundo, but...

Player: Stop talking to yourself!

Suddenly, you feel something beneath your feet, restraining you.

Player: Whoa!

A red mist starts to cloud around Player

Player: Huh? What's this? I feel dizzy...

Player: Hey, what are you doing?

You want to transfer your flux, but you have no energy.

Shadow Spy: Stop struggling! Not even Vundo could resist the corruption of Shadow Breath!

Suddenly, your stomach feels like it's been tied in a knot!

Player: Whoa!

Shadow Spy: How regrettable that I'm too busy to watch you suffer.

Shadow Spy: My Shadow Breath will show you what true pain feels like! Hahaha!

Player: Ugh... I can't breathe...

Player: If it keeps up like this...

Player: (Could it be? Am I going to die here?)

Player: (Ugh... I have no energy.)

Choice 3.1 - "(I can't... The nexus is in danger...)" OR Choice 3.2 - "(I can't die in a place like this...)" OR Choice 3.3 - "(No... I still haven't found a boyfriend...)"

Amidst your flurry of thoughts, you sense a comforting aura.

The feeling is like a warm, sunny beach.

Player: This feeling. Is this what dying feels like?

Player: The beach-like feeling keeps getting stronger.

Player: What the hell? There's sand in my eye!

Scene continues after choices

Suddenly, a sandstorm whips around Player, clearing the Shadow Breath but he still feels some of the poisonous effects

Player: !!

???: Player! Go!

Shadow Spy: What?

Amdera gets in between Player and the Shadow Spy

Amdera: ...

Player: Amdera!

Shadow Spy: Who do you think you are?

Player: Amdera, run! Go find the principal, find the Defense Force!

Player: Whoa... (My consciousness is getting more and more...)

Shadow Spy: So you're our new Earth Flux Professor.

Shadow Spy: You think a simple professor of research can stop me?

Shadow Spy: Unless you've got the power to summon an earthquake!

Amdera: I don't need that much power to stop you!

Amdera increases the intensity of the sandstorm

Amdera: Enjoy getting lost in a sandstorm!

Player: Whoa... I can't see a thing!

Player: Did Amdera summon this sandstorm?

Player: Ugh... My chest hurts. Why hasn't the poison gas...been blown away...?

Player collapses

Shadow Spy: You're stronger than you look!

Amdera: Drop the disguise and give up!

Shadow Spy: Huh? You can see through my disguise?

Amdera: You can't hide in this sand. Show your true face!

Shadow Spy: Ugh... I never thought...

Amdera approaches the Shadow Spy but in a bright flash of light, the spy disappears

Amdera: Don't even think about running away - you'll never find your way out of this sand!

Shadow Spy: Perhaps, but I'm not the one you should be worried about!

Amdera: ...

Shadow Spy: You may have dispelled my Shadow Breath, but Player has already been poisoned.

Shadow Spy: If you don't act fast, he'll die!

Amdera: Rrgh!

Amdera: Principal Vundo will be here any second. You're out of options!

Shadow Spy: Then pray to your god. Pray that your friend will survive until Vundo gets here!

Amdera: (angry)

Player, in a stupor: Amdera... Go find... the Principal.

Amdera: ...

In your stupor, you feel two large hands pick you up.

Amdera: Hey! Stay with me!

Cradled in Amdera's arms, Amdera's gaze fills Player's vision

Amdera: Hold on! I've got you. We're almost...

Continue to Intimacy Level 4

Intimacy Breakthrough

This section contains spoilers for Intimacy Breakthrough scenes.

-Intimacy Level 4

Flux Treatment Room, Arcana Academy...

Player: Ahhhhh!!!

Academy Arcanist: Look! Player has woken up!

Vundo: That's great! Thank Ka!

Vundo: Your timing is perfect. Can't imagine what would happen otherwise!

Player: ...

Player: What about everyone else that got poisoned?

Vundo: Rest easy! The arcanists guarding the Nexus are fine. They'll recover soon.

Vundo: Thanks to Wanderlight, the Shadow Poison in Player has been neutralized...

Vundo: Just take a good rest for a while, and you'll be fine.

Player: Amdera... Where's Amdera?

Vundo: Amdera is alright. he's giving a statement to the Defense Force right now...

Player: Right.

Player: ... Good to know.

Player: And what happened to that spy?

Vundo: I'm afraid he got away... Sorry.

Vundo: But we've discovered the traps he left near the Nexus...

Vundo: The researchers are working on this 'Shadow Breath' poison and will soon find a way to deal with it.

Player: That's some good news, at least.

Vundo: Now the spy's attempt to sabotage the Nexus is exposed, and the Defense Force has reinforced the security measures...

Vundo: I bet he'll stay low for a while.

Vundo: Player, you should stay here for a couple of days and take your time to recover.

Player: Hmmm.

A few moments later...

Amdera: You're up?!

Player: Amdera...

Player: Are you hurt?

Amdera: No worries, just a scratch.

Player: ...

Amdera: Now I see that you are awake, I can rest assured and get ready for my class. See you later.

Player: Hold on!

Amdera: Yes?

Player: Stay sharp. Even though the Shadow Spy won't act for now...

Player: Since you've crossed paths with him, he might take action against you!

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: I'll keep that in mind.

Player: Also!

Amdera: Yes?

Player: Thanks.

Amdera: (Nods)

Player: ...

-Intimacy Level 5

3F Faculty Office, Arcana Academy...

Academy Lecturer: Mr. Player, you are back!

Player: Yep! Rest is over, time to get to work!

Academy Lecturer: I've placed this month's class schedule on your desk, by the way!

Player: Thank you!

Player: Let me take a look...

Player: (Hmm... judging from this schedule, Principal Vundo wants me to investigate all research labs and faculty members systematically...)

Player: (To thoroughly search for the spy, that is...)

Gossipy Lecturer A: Hey, did you know we have a new Earth Flux Professor at our academy?

Gossipy Lecturer B: Oh, the one with the wild and strong demeanor?

Gossipy Lecturer B: I remember that guy seemed tough to approach, and he wasn't willing to chat with us lecturers...

Gossipy Lecturer B: He also often acted suspiciously and looked shifty...

Player: (Are they talking about Amdera?)

Gossipy Lecturer A: Hehe, I know why he looks so suspicious!

Gossipy Lecturer A: He's secretly meeting someone!

Player: !!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Oh?

Player: Wait! That can't be true!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Wow! Don't suddenly raise your voice like that, Player!

Gossipy Lecturer B: Oof... You scared me...

Player: Uh...

Player: I'm sorry...

Gossipy Lecturer B: So, Player is interested in this kind of stuff too? I thought you were the more aloof type...

Player: Not... not really... I was just... curious...

Gossipy Lecturer A: It's actually better when you join our discussion! Come on, I'll share a secret!

Player: Please!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Rumor has it that Amdera has been having lunch with a cute stud at the canteen every day recently!

Gossipy Lecturer B: A cute stud?

Player: (Err! Amdera... he's got a boyfriend already?!)

Gossipy Lecturer B: Isn't it normal to date at the academy? Why all the secrecy?

Gossipy Lecturer A: That's a very good question!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Why should a normal relationship be considered suspicious?

Gossipy Lecturer B: Could it be that the cute stud is someone else's husband?!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Very suspicious, right?

Player: No way!

Player: Amdera can't be that kind of person! Absolutely not!

Amdera: What was that?

Player: Oops! Nothing!

Amdera: Player...

Amdera walks up to you...

Gossipy Lecturer A: (whispering) Wow, is Mr. Badass gonna juggle two romantic interests?

Player: (Is Amdera pissed? Ehh, his face is so close!)

Amdera: Your face is flushed... You should probably take a few more days to rest...

Player: N-no! I'm fine!

Gossipy Lecturer B: Player's face is even more flushed now... Could it be that... Now I get it!

Player: Ahhh! Don't make wild guesses!

Player: I... I need to get ready for my next class!

-Intimacy Level 6

Port of Elysiann...

Player: (angry)

Billy: Captain...? You alright?

Player: ...

Billy: Captain?

Player: Yeah, Billy! What about it?

Billy: Captain...

Billy: You seem quite distracted lately...

Player: Is... that so?

Kitty: Since we left Never Isle, you've been absent-minded. We nearly messed up the Elysiann Executor's task!

Kitty: I had no idea you were so attached to Never Isle!

Player: Uh...

Player: I don't know what's wrong with me, either...

Player: Let's go back there ASAP.

Arcana Academy Canteen, Never Isle...

Player: ...

Amdera: Player!

Player: Amdera?

Amdera: Have you had lunch yet?

Amdera: Wanna sit together and eat something?

Player: With me? Are you alone, Amdera?

Amdera: Yes.

Player: Huh? Aren't you having lunch with a handsome guy together every day?

Amdera: Ha? A handsome guy? What are you talking about?

Amdera: Did you see a ghost or something?

Player: Ehh... No, that's not it...

Player: I must have gotten it wrong...

Amdera: It was probably Priddat you saw. He sometimes asks me questions at lunch...

Player: !!

Amdera: So... Wanna join me?

Player: Of course!

A moment later, at the dining table...

Amdera: My colleagues seem obsessed with some kind of show lately...

Player: What show?

Amdera: It's like... a strange event where a few men go on stage to showcase their talents and compete, and the audience gives them scores.

Player: Oh! You mean the Rupor Show...

Amdera: Yeah! That's it!

Amdera: I don't want to be too out of touch. Could you please explain to me how this Rupor Show works?

Player: (smiles)

Player: No Problem!

-Intimacy Level 7

Late night at the Speakeasy on Never Isle.

Bar Owner: Welcome, Player!

Amdera: Player!

Player: Oh! Amdera!

Bar Owner: What are you drinking, Player?

Player: One Never Isle Iced Tea.

Bar Owner: Okay!

As you walk over to a stool at the bar, Amdera stands up.

Amdera: The money for my tab's on the bar.

Player: Huh? You're leaving?

Amdera: Yeah! I've got an early class tomorrow, so I should be getting back.

With that said, Amdera leaves the bar.

Player: ...

Bar Owner: If you like him that much, why don't you tell him?

Player: Huh!

Player: What are you talking about?!

Bar Owner: See? Your face is already red, and you haven't even had a drink yet.

Bar Owner: The second you came in, you were looking at him.

Bar Owner: So unless there was something on his face, you like him!

Player: I... I can't help myself.

Player: Whenever I see him, my heart feels warm.

Bar Owner: So why don't you admit it?

Player: Whoa!

Player: ...

Bar Owner: Here's your Never Isle Iced Tea.

Bar Owner: If you've got something on your mind, just say it.

Player: (Picks up glass of alcohol)

Player: The day he saved my life, he held me. When I was in his embrace...

Player: I saw...

Player: He was staring resolutely ahead, his gaze unwavering. It was as if his will were totally unshakable.

Player: His voice kept calling my name.

Player: I remember every detail clearly.

Player: But now is not the time!

Player: Never Isle is in danger.

Player: I can't face my feelings for him right now.

Bar Owner: Perhaps there's no conflict between these two.

Player: Conflict?

Bar Owner: Who said that heroes can't find love while they're saving the world?

Bar Owner: Maybe a hero with no worries or regrets is stronger because of it.

Player: !!

Player: But I...

Bar Owner: Take some initiative!

Bar Owner: Amdera comes back every night. So...

Bar Owner: The ball's in your court!

Player: (surprised)

Player: ...

The next day, at the Speakeasy.

Amdera: Player!

Player: Hey, Amdera! What a coincidence!

Amdera sits down next to Player

Amdera: Boss, I'll have a glass of Never Isle Iced T-

Amdera: Ah, forget it. Just give me whatever you've got.

Amdera: ...

Player: Having a bad day?

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Sigh... Not really...

Bar Owner: Here you go! A Starry Night!

Bar Owner: Your lips tell me that nothing's wrong, Amdera, but your face is telling me something different.

Amdera: ...

Amdera: I'm fine...

Amdera is leaning on the bar with his left hand supporting his head.

He takes a sip of wine from the glass in his right hand.

He then puts down his glass and sighs.

Amdera: ...

He spreads out the fingers on his right hand and looks at his palm.

Player: Wow! You must be good at wrestling, Amdera!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Huh?

Player: Your palm is wide and thick, and your forearms are solid.

Player: Also, your upper arms look strong and your chest is thick.

Bar Owner: If you keep talking like this, I'm afraid you'll scare away everyone in a 500-mile radius.

Amdera: Hahahahaha!

Amdera: Actually, these characteristics you speak of have nothing to do with wrestling.

Player: Uh...

Player: Really?

Amdera: But I do know a thing or two about wrestling.

Player: I knew it.

Player: Well, then! How about a sparring session?

Amdera: Player?

Player: Don't underestimate me!

Player: (Whispers) But also don't take it too seriously. I don't want to wrestle to the death!

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: Okay! Boss, is there a suitable place in your bar?

Bar Owner: There's no one here tonight. You guys can wrestle on the dance floor!

Player: Come on!

A few moments later...

Player: Gasp... Pant... I'm beat...

Player: As I expected. In both physical skill and strength...

Player: You are a force to be reckoned with!

Amdera: It's been many years since I've wrestled with somebody like that.

Amdera: Player, you're better at that than the vast majority of people!

Player: Honestly, Amdera, you're strong. Ridiculously strong.

Player: That day when you summoned the massive sandstorm at the altar, I had no idea you were such a strong wrestler!

Player: You must have been the strongest warrior in your tribe. Right, Amdera?

Amdera: Actually, I was my tribe's Varn for several years.

Player: Varn?

Amdera: It means, the strongest warrior.

Bar Owner: I think I've heard about that. Every year, the Northern Desert tribes would hold a massive tribute ceremony.

Bar Owner: Before the tribute ceremony, all the men of the tribes would hold battles to determine who was that year's Varn.

Amdera: The Varn would then represent the tribe at the ceremony, which would be led by the elders, who would pray for good weather that year.

Player: It sounds like a holiday where they say goodbye to the old and welcome the new, kind of like the Ice Spirit Festival!

Amdera: That's right! All the people of the tribes prepare events and join the tribute ceremony.

Amdera: During that time, there's no need to work or hunt. Everyone prepares a sumptuous feast.

Player: Wow.

Player: If you were the Varn for several years, you really must have been the strongest warrior!

Amdera: Haha! Compared to my father, I'm just...

Amdera: !!

Amdera: (sad)

Amdera plays with the bracelet on his right hand and watches it sparkle.

He lightly touches the bracelet, and its glow fades.

Amdera: ...

Player: What's wrong?

Amdera: (angry) Nothing!

Amdera's sudden outburst catches Player off guard

Player: Uh...

Amdera: I'm sorry...

Amdera: I need to be going.

Amdera quickly leaves

Player: Huh? Amdera!

Bar Owner: Player!

Player: That was sudden. What's wrong?

Bar Owner: Ever since the first time I saw Amdera, I could tell that he carries a huge burden.

Bar Owner: He wants to break free of this burden. The fleeting happiness you witnessed just now is proof of that.

Bar Owner: Will you help him shed his burden, Player?

Player: ...

-Intimacy Level 8

Arcana Academy Canteen...

Player: Yo! Is this seat free?

Amdera: No.

Player: (Sitting down across from Amdera...)

Amdera: ...

Player: Don't be so surprised. We both work at the academy, so bumping into each other during lunch is totally normal!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Maybe...

Player: (smiles)

Amdera: Player...

Player: Yes?

Amdera: I want to apologize for what happened last night...

Player: ...

Amdera: I was rude to abruptly leave like that... I'm sorry.

Player: Haha! When we first met, I was quite rough with you as well, right? Now we're square!

Amdera: ...

Amdera picks up his fork in his right, then places his left hand on the table...

He first looks down at his plate, then lifts his head...

Amdera: Why... Why are you willing to get close to me?

Player: Yes?

Amdera: Even though I'm a Gyee, I'm still an outsider...

Amdera: I don't like Rupor Show, and I can't appreciate the popular trends that everyone else enjoys...

Amdera: We don't share common interests. We don't even talk much...

Amdera: And there have been plenty of rumors about me...

Player: So what?

Amdera: You don't care?

Player: (smiles)

Player: At first, I just wanted to apologize for the day when I got drunk...

Player: And I ended up knocking over your lunch...

Player: I didn't want you to misunderstand, so I was going to explain to you...

Player: Then you know what happened at the Arcana Nexus...

Player: Since then, I realized you were a decent guy, so I wanted to get to know you more!

Amdera: A 'decent guy'...?

Amdera: You don't really know me... I'm not even close to 'decent'...

Player: ...

Player: And you don't know me either...

You place your right hand on Amdera's left...

Amdera: Hmm... Your hand...

Amdera: (surprised)

Amdera: How many battles have you been through?

Player: I can't remember...

Player: After all, being an assistant at the Arcana Academy is just my part-time gig.

Amdera: Ha!

Player: We both have complicated, heavy pasts...

Player: But, you know, compared to the past, I care more about the present, about the now!

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: I didn't expect you to be quite a skilled fighter...

Amdera: How about sparring with me again tonight?

Player: ...

Player: Sure!

Player: I know a great place!

-Intimacy Level 9

A certain bathhouse, Never Isle...

Player: Phew.

Player: This feels just too good!

Amdera: (smiles)

Player: Nothing gets even close to soaking in a hot bath after a day of work!

Player: Don't you think?

Amdera: Yes.

Player: (Looking at Amdera's body...) Hmm...

Amdera: What's wrong?

Player: No, it's nothing...

Player: I mean, you look quite muscular even when you're dressed...

Player: But now, in the bathroom, you just look... majestic!

Amdera: Really?

Player: Yeah! Your broad chest and strong belly are like a big bed...

Player: I feel like I could just lie down on them!

Amdera: Uh...

Player: Hahaha! I'm just joking!

Player: But with that kind of build, why did you decide to teach students at the Arcana Academy?

Player: Whether as a bodyguard or a mercenary, you'd surely excel and make more money!

Amdera: Why? Can't a big guy be a teacher?

Amdera: Principal Vundo is also a big guy, isn't he?

Player: True! But a teacher with your build and fighting skills... it's indeed rare...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Conflicts never end. Hatred and violence lead only to death...

Amdera: Compared to that, education is a much more meaningful career!

Player: (surprised)

Player: Yes.

A few moments later...

Player: We've been soaking for quite a while. Amdera, should I give you a back rub?

Amdera: ...

Player: Amdera?

Amdera: Huff, puff...

Player: He fell asleep!

In his sleep, Amdera's left hand clenches a bracelet on his right wrist...

It seems to be something very precious...

Player: You've had a lot on your plate lately, it must be exhausting.

Player: I should let you get some rest.

A few moments later...

Player: Hmm... if he sleeps too much, he might get dehydrated. Maybe I should wake him up...

You gently pat Amdera on his shoulder...

Instantly, you notice that although in his sleep, Amdera's body is still tense...

Amdera: Whoa!!

Amdera suddenly wakes up...

Amdera: Uh... Sorry, I fell asleep...

Player: It's okay. Can I give you a back rub?

Amdera: Thanks, no need for that.

Player: Then... how about you give me a back rub instead?

Amdera: (surprised)

Amdera: Okay.

After a moment, you lie down on the table...

You thought with Amdera's strength, a massage might hurt...

But it turns out he controls the pressure really well, and it feels very comfortable...

Player: Amdera, you're still wearing your bracelet in the bath...

Player: It must be something very precious, I suppose?

Amdera: Yes.

Player: Was it a gift from a loved one?

Amdera: It's from my father...

Player: (Letting out a breath of relief...)

Player: I can sense a strong flow of energy. Is it an artifact that enhances your strength?

Amdera: It does enhance my strength, but in our culture, this is a talisman...

Player: I see...

Amdera: Is this pressure okay? If it hurts, just let me know!

Player: It's perfect! Please go on!

-Intimacy Level 10

Earth Flux Classroom, Arcana Academy...

Amdera: Alright! That concludes today's lesson...

Amdera: Player, please collect today's class assignments.

Player: Sure! When everyone leaves the classroom, they can hand in their assignments to me!

A moment later, the classroom is empty except for you and Amdera...

Player: Amdera, the class assignments!

Amdera: Thanks.

Amdera: How did it go, Player?

Player: Huh...? What are you talking about?

Amdera: Principal Vundo's task...

Player: Oh... During the class test, I discreetly performed subtle energy flow checks...

Player: There are basically no issues...

Player: Except that one student's energy levels are significantly higher than others.

Amdera: Huh? Who is it?

You walk up to a seat...

Player: This one.

Amdera: Oh, you mean Priddat? It makes sense, then.

Player: Do you know him?

Amdera: Remember the first time we met at the canteen, there was a student who came to ask questions?

Player: Yes... but vaguely.

Amdera: That kid has great potential. Diligent, inquisitive, and talented in flux control...

Amdera: Given time, he would make an outstanding arcanist!

Player: It seems you think highly of him!

Amdera: Teaching useful things to kids and helping them pave their own paths...

Amdera: Seeing them grow gives me a sense of comfort...

Amdera: It's the least I can do to repay my debt...

Player: (surprised)

Amdera: So, there's no sign of the spy in the Earth Flux Classroom right?

Player: Yeah, since the only unusual reading was from a gifted student...

Player: I don't see any problem with that!

Amdera: That's great!

Amdera: I can't imagine if the spy really disguised as a student and plotted on something...

Amdera: I won't allow such a thing to happen!

Player: (smiles)

Choice 1.1 - Ah... I wish I could be Amdera's student!

Player: Ah... I wish I could be Amdera's student!

Amdera: But with your arcana capabilities, Player, I'm sure you can be a lecture professor if you want...

Amdera: There's nothing I could teach you at all.

Player: (whispering) I was hoping you would protect me like you do with your students... you dummy...

Amdera: What did you say?

Player: Nothing?

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: Oh! I got it!

Amdera suddenly rushes in front of you...

Player: Yes?

In an instant, he lifts you up and forcefully throws you to the ground...

But just before you land, he firmly catches you in his hands...

Player: Uh...

Amdera: You need a strong back to steady your balance! Always, stay vigilant, Player!

Player: What?

Amdera: You want to be my student, right?

Player: (smiles)

Player: You...!

Some time later, in the Earth Flux Lab...

Amdera: All the instruments used for the class are packed up, and the overturned tables and chairs are tidied up. What's next... Huh?

Player: (angry)

Amdera: Player, what's that look on your face?

Player: It's not fair!

Player: You're so much bigger and stronger than me, yet you're unbelievably agile...

Player: And you literally have no flaws in your techniques! How could I possibly beat you in wrestling?

Amdera: You're the most hot-headed student I've ever taught!

Amdera: Alright, time for lunch!

Player: I want to eat meat! Grilled meat!

Player: Just wait until I bulk up more than you, you'll see!

Amdera: Good! I'll be waiting!

Continue to Trifle - Unforgivable Sin

Choice 1.2 - You're such a great teacher!

Amdera: Nothing. Just doing my duty.

Player: (smiles)

Player: Come on, I'll help you pack up!

Player: Should we take this big rock back to the lab?

Amdera: Yes, that's a flux stone for students to practice Earth Arcana...

Player: Got it! (Rolls up sleeves to lift the rock...)

Amdera: Uh! This is heavy!

Player: Don't underestimate me! Watch this!

You manage to lift the rock, but it seems slightly beyond your limit...

Player: (Ugh! I can't keep my balance!)

At this critical moment, Amdera supports your hand, holding up the rock, then gently lowers it...

Player: Thank... Thank you...

Amdera: Player! Are you hurt?

Player: Yes... I'm fine...

Player: I didn't expect it to be so heavy...

Player: Ouch! My back!

Amdera: Wait here. I'll go get you some pills!

Player: T-thanks!

A few moments later, Earth Flux Lab...

Amdera: Do you feel better?

Player: Yes! It doesn't hurt anymore!

Player: I'm sorry... for causing you trouble again.

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Instead of saying that, why don't you think about what we should have for lunch!

Player: (surprised)

Player: Billy recommended a barbecue place to me yesterday. You might like it too!

Amdera: Sounds good! After you!

Continue to Trifle - Unforgivable Sin

-Intimacy Level 11

Speakeasy, Never Isle, At Night...

Billy: Oh?

Bar Owner: So you've finally made up your mind?

Player: Of course!

Player: I'm going to tell Amdera how I feel tonight!

Player: I've even prepared a present for him. I hope he likes it.

Bar Owner: ...

Player: I've already made a date with him. He'll be here in a bit.

Player: Once Amdera gets here, you two will need to control your expressions!

Player: Don't let him spot you!

Billy: Relax, Captain!

Bar Owner: But Player...

Bar Owner: If you're going to express your feelings, you need to prepare yourself for the possibility that you will be rejected.

Billy: Amdera has feelings for the captain. Anyone can see it.

Billy: Why would he reject him?

Player: If he rejects me, I'll just pursue him for another few months, then confess again!

Player: I will not give up!

Outside Never Isle's Speakeasy.

Amdera stands just outside of the entrance, overhearing the conversation inside

Indistinct Voice: If he rejects me, I'll just pursue him for another few months...

Indistinct Voice: I will not give up!

Amdera: (surprised)

Amdera: (sad) Player...

Inside...

Billy: Captain! Captain!

Billy: He's here!

Player: !!

Amdera: Hey! Player!

Player: Amdera!

Bar Owner: Fancy a drink?

Amdera: A Never Isle Iced Tea!

Amdera: Player seems to be in a good mood!

Player: Yeah! We uncovered the Shadow Spy and saved Never Isle.

Player: Amdera's all better now and can resume work.

Player: Now we can go back to the way things were! We can go to the Arcana Academy together, hold class together, eat meals together...

Amdera: Hmm... yeah...

Player: Do you remember the first time we met?

Amdera: Yeah. You had too much to drink, and you were talking too much.

Player: Yep. I was about to give up on myself, but you talked some sense into me.

Player: You said, people like us don't have the right to get drunk.

Player: Because if we fall over, we burden others.

Amdera: ...

Amdera: I didn't think you'd remember that.

Player: (smiles)

Player: Amdera, can I be your boyfriend?

Billy: (Whispers) Ooooh!

Amdera: Player...

Player: From now on, you don't need to be so tense, Amdera.

Player: Whether you're happy or sad, you don't need to restrain yourself.

Player: Even if you fall down drunk, I will be there to carry you home.

Player: As long as we have each other, we'll never burden anyone else!

Amdera: (sad)

Player: Amdera, will you be my boyfriend?

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera holds you tightly...

You feel his warmth.

Billy: (Whispers) Yes!!

Amdera: Player, thank you...

Player: Amdera!

Amdera: (Sighs softly)

Amdera: But I have to say no.

Player: !!

Amdera: I'm sorry...

Continue to Trifle - Unforgivable One

-Intimacy Level 12

...

...

Amdera: Player, Player!

Player: Amdera...

Player: Uhm! Amdera!

Bernard: Thank Ursus! You are finally awake!

Player: I remember... Amdera and I fell into the underground...

Amdera: It was your bracelet that saved us...

Player: Uh...

Amdera: I had already depleted my energy creating the sandstorm...

Amdera: After falling from the Flux Nexus, I couldn't use its energy anymore...

Amdera: At that critical moment, I felt the power within that bracelet!

Amdera: That's how I gathered the sand and caught us in mid-fall...

Player: (surprised)

Amdera holds you tightly...

Amdera: Player... I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!

Amdera: If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have... I should've listened to you earlier...

Player: (smiles)

Player: It's still not too late.

A few moments later...

Bernard: You may both leave. We'll handle the repairs to the Nexus.

Player: Hmm... Is it really okay?

Bernard: No worries. The Earth Nexus wasn't damaged...

Bernard: You almost died because of my brothers' mistake...

Bernard: Please accept my sincere apology...

Player: They were just doing their duty.

Player: Amdera, let's go back...

Amdera: Of course!

Principal's Office, Arcana Academy...

Vundo: Hmm... So that's what happened...

Amdera: Sorry for causing trouble for you, Principal Vundo! I deeply apologize!

Vundo: Don't worry. The Earth Nexus wasn't damaged!

Amdera: Huh? But I...

Vundo: If something like this happens again, just let me know.

Vundo: As long as it's within the regular range of research, I'll approve it!

Amdera: Oh... All right.

A moment later, outside the Arcana Academy...

Amdera: I thought I'd have to spend a few days in the Defense Force's prison for breaking into the Nexus...

Player: See? I've told you before.

Player: Principal Vundo and Captain Bernard are both good people.

Amdera: Hmm... Yeah.

Player: It's a bit early for lunch at this time.

Player: The weather's nice today. How about we go to the beach near the port and enjoy the sun!

Amdera: Sounds good to me!

A few moments later...

Amdera looks at the sky...

And then lets out a breath of relief...

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: Thanks for holding onto me at the Earth Nexus yesterday...

Amdera: Otherwise, I wouldn't get to see such beautiful sunlight.

Player: (You flip over, lying on Amdera's chest...)

Player: Don't worry. From now on, I'll always hold onto you!

Amdera: Whoa!!

Player: Amdera...

Player: Your face looks quite flushed!

Amdera: Um... it's hot... the weather is very hot...

Player: (smiles)

You rest your head against Amdera's chest...

Gently tracing his contours with your left hand...

Amdera: Mmmh!

Amdera's body seems to contain the energy of an excited bull...

That fiercely pounds against his chest...

Amdera: Rrragh!

Amdera suddenly rolls aside and stands up...

Amdera: Huff, puff...

Amdera: Player...

Amdera: Let's... let's find something to eat!

Amdera: I... I'm hungry...

Player: Sure.

-Intimacy Level 13

Speakeasy, Never Isle, At Night...

Player: Uh...

Bar Owner: Player, not in a good mood today?

Player: Uh...

Player: Amdera has been acting mysteriously lately...

Bar Owner: Oh?

Player: Especially today, he went off the island with Billy, and I have no idea where they went...

Player: And they even kept it from me!

Bar Owner: Player, you have to give him some personal space.

Player: I get it!

Player: I'm not saying he can't do what he wants. Going to those kinds of bars, drinking, and dancing with other guys is fine!

Player: Ugh...

Player: I should probably go with him instead...

Bar Owner: *Puff*...

Player: In any case!

Player: I support Amdera if he wants to meet people and make friends!

Player: But clearly...

Player: Amdera is planning something!

Player: Yet he's dragging Billy into it!

Player: And keeping it from me!

Player: SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY NOT RIGHT!

Billy: A Never Isle Iced Tea, please!

Amdera: And a Light of Lights for me, please!

Bar Owner: Okay!

Player: (Staring at Amdera...)

Amdera: Player...

Amdera: Mmm... (swallows...)

Player: Amdera, where did you go today?

Player: And you, Billy!

Billy: Whoa! Captain looks terrifying...

Amdera: I...

Player: You've never been good at lying, so I advise you to tell the truth!

Amdera: I... I was with Billy today... learning... how to repair the airship...

Billy: Oh yeah!

Billy: Amdera... he learned really fast!

Billy: At... this rate, it won't be long...

Billy: Until he can be... my assistant!

Amdera: That's right! I've always wanted to be Billy's assistant!

Player: ...

Bar Owner: That's truly the worst and most ridiculous lie I've ever heard...

Player: They're trying so hard to make it up. It's almost embarrassing to expose them...

Player: Tell me what's really going on!

Amdera: ...

Amdera takes out an exquisite box from behind...

Amdera: It's... It's for you.

Player: What...? (opening the gift box...)

Inside the box is a bracelet, the same style as the one on Amdera's left wrist...

You sense a faint flux energy wave on the bracelet, flowing under its beautiful natural rock patterns...

As soon as you try it on, you realize it fits perfectly...

Although made of rock, it's been polished so well that it almost feels like jade...

Player: So, this is why you've been acting suspiciously for the past few days...

Billy: Amdera asked me to take him to the Northern Desert...

Billy: Captain, he put a lot of effort into finding the right stone...

Billy: Then he meticulously made and polished it...

Amdera: Um... Billy...

Billy: Oh, oh. Sorry, Amdera. Please go on...

Amdera: I performed the tribute ceremony of the Varn Tribe on this bracelet, it now carries my flux energy...

Amdera: It can keep you safe!

Amdera: Player, would you accept this bracelet...

Amdera: And be my boyfriend?

Player: !!!

Player: Amdera!

Player: (Holding Amdera tightly...)

Player: Yes! I will!

Billy: Great!

Bar Owner: To celebrate Amdera's successful confession!

Bar Owner: Drinks are on the house tonight! Let's have a blast!

Later that night...

Amdera: (smiles)

Billy: Mmm... Mmm... I'm not drunk yet! I want more...

Player: Huff, puff...

Bar Owner: Amdera... you... you're literally unbreakable...

Amdera: I grew up in the tribe, remember? Of course, I can drink quite a lot...

Player: Amdera... you're mine...

Amdera: Okay, okay.

Amdera: (Lifting you up...)

Amdera: Could you keep an eye on Billy...?

Amdera: I'll take Player home first.

-Intimacy Level 14

Airship Bridge, Deep in the Night...

Amdera: Player!

Player: Amdera, you're back!

Amdera: Sorry, I'm late...

Player: It's okay. You had something important to discuss with the Principal, right?

Player: So, how did it go? What did Principal Vundo say?

Amdera: He agreed.

Amdera: I'm now a Visiting Professor and an Earth Flux Consultant for the Arcana Academy...

Amdera: I'll give occasional lectures and participate in their research...

Amdera: As for the rest of the time, I'll be going on adventures with you, Player!

Player: It'll be great!

Player: Actually, you don't have to work. My savings are enough...

Amdera: What are you talking about?

Amdera: As Player's boyfriend, I can't just live off you?

Player: Then I'll have to collect rent from you every month!

Amdera: Sure!

Player: Hahaha, just kidding!

Player: Are you hungry? I can prepare some midnight snacks for you!

Amdera: No need for that. I had a full dinner...

Amdera: But I could use a good bath. It was really hot today, and I sweated a lot...

A few moments later...

In the Hottie Bar's communal baths.

Amdera: Phew.

Player: Nothing's better than a bath after a busy day!

Amdera: Yes.

Amdera: Hey! You have a bruise on your left rib. You're injured!

Player: I was a bit careless while handling a task today...

Player: It's not even a scratch. A good night's sleep will fix it!

Amdera: Uh...

Amdera's gently places his hand on your rib...

And his warmth flows into your body...

Amdera: Do you feel better?

Player: Mmm! I feel much better now!

Amdera: Now you have me by your side... I won't let you suffer any harm!

Amdera wraps his arms around you...

Player: Whoa!

Amdera: You once said my chest and belly are like a big bed...

Amdera: Come on then, lie down.

Player: You still remember...

Player: (You bury your head in Amdera's chest...)

Player: Indeed, it's quite spacious...

Player: Big, soft, and sturdy, my entire body can lie on it!

Amdera's legs wrap around your back, and you rest securely on him...

Amdera: Phew, Player...

Player: Amdera...

Steam rises as you and Amdera embrace tightly, and your lips meet with a tantalizing urgency...

With rising body temperature, a symphony of electric sparks coursed through your veins...

You put your hands over Amdera's shoulders as his hands cradles your lower back...

Amdera: Huff, puff...

Amdera: Player... I... I'm putting it in...

Player: Mmmh...

Player: Ngh!!!

After a brief surge of painful sensation, your consciousness is melted by Amdera's rock...

The sunlight at noon shines through the window, landing on the large bed in your room...

Player: Whoa!!

You realize you and Amdera are entwined on the bed, completely bare...

Half of his body is draped over yours, soft, solid, and warm...

Even without a blanket, you don't feel cold at all...

Amdera: Huff, puff...

Amdera's steady and rhythmic breathing shows he's sleeping soundly...

Player: (smiles)

You spread out the blanket piled on the bed and gently cover Amdera with it...

Player: Sleeping without a blanket, and you may catch a cold...

Then, you slip under Amdera's body...

And soon fall asleep again...

Dates

This section contains spoilers for Date scenes.

Cursed Power

-Intro

3F Faculty Office, Arcana Academy...

Amdera: Hmm... A lot of students got these questions wrong.

Amdera: Maybe I didn't explain it clearly?

Amdera: I'll cover it again next class.

Player: ...

Player: According to the class schedule...

Player: Amdera shouldn't have class today.

Player: I haven't properly thanked him for what he did at the Arcana Nexus.

Player: What if...

Player: (Invite Amdera to join you on the airship...)

After some time, at Hottie Bar...

After three rounds...

Player: Are the drinks at the Hottie Bar to your liking?

Amdera: They're very good. Thank you for inviting me here.

Player: There's no need to thank me.

Player: I invited you here to express my thanks, in fact.

Player: It should be me thanking you.

Amdera: It was nothing. Don't mention it.

Player: Haha. With a wave of your hand, you can summon sand.

Player: It's incredible!

Player: Now, everyone at the Arcana Academy is talking about you.

Player: Lots of people are calling you the 'Wind God!'

Amdera: The Wind God...

Amdera: Forget it. Those people have no idea what they're talking about.

Player: Uh...

Amdera: !!

Amdera: Sorry, I didn't mean you.

Amdera: (sad)

Amdera: It's not a power that deserves praise.

Amdera: I don't use this power unless I'm forced to.

Player: Oh?

Player: But your sandstorms can even block out the sun. They're really powerful!

Player: They're strong enough to give anyone pause!

Amdera: You're right, they are powerful.

Amdera: But great power does not bring good things.

Amdera: Wherever power goes, tragedy and misfortune follow!

Amdera: That's why this power is nothing but a curse.

Amdera: (sad)

Amdera's eyes darken and his expression becomes serious.

It seems like this power is a burden to him.

Player: ...

-(The stronger you are, the better.) - 500 Intimacy

Player: You don't know how lucky you are.

Player: In this dog-eat-dog world...

Player: Wielding great power means others won't be so quick to pick on you.

Player: It means you can defend people and things that are precious to you.

Player: It also means you have the power to realize your dreams.

Player: That's something most people can't even fathom.

Amdera: ...

Amdera: You're right.

Amdera: Power can take all. But it can also destroy all.

Player: Why?

Amdera: ...

Amdera: I hope you will never understand.

Amdera: Thank you for the drinks today, Player.

Amdera: I need to go get ready for class. See you.

-(The most important thing about power is who uses it.) - 900 Intimacy

Player: I don't think power in itself is the problem.

Player: What's important is who uses it.

Amdera: Sadly, power often ends up in the wrong hands.

Player: Indeed...

Player: But I think it's good that the power of sand is in your hands!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: I wouldn't be so quick with that judgment. You don't know me that well.

Player: At least you're a good person.

Player: You used this power to protect the nexus and everyone on Never Isle!

Amdera: (surprised)

Amdera: A good person?

Amdera: My colleagues are all terrified of me. They don't even want to come near me.

Amdera: For you to think of me that way...

Amdera: You're a really strange guy!

Player: Hahaha! A strange guy and a guy that terrifies people.

Player: That makes us a good match, doesn't it?

Amdera: Haha!

-(I don't think this power is a 'curse.') - 900 Intimacy

Player: I don't think your sandstorm power is a curse!

Player: Because a true curse wouldn't be able to save people!

Player: But your power saved my life!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: You don't understand...

Amdera: True evil always puts on a good face.

Player: But if this 'true evil' only does good and doesn't actually do any evil...

Player: How is it any different from 'pure good?'

Player: If a 'curse' is able to protect people and eliminate Shadows...

Player: Then isn't that actually a 'blessing?'

Amdera: !!

Player: At the very least, whether these sandstorms are a 'curse' or a 'blessing'...

Player: Is totally up to you!

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: I didn't expect someone as young as you to have such a profound understanding, Player.

Amdera: Just goes to show, you really can't judge a book by its cover!

Player: Hey, are you calling me old?

Player: That's mean! You owe me a drink!

Amdera: Hahaha!

Lonely Revelry

-Intro

Never Isle, at the Arcana Academy.

Amdera: Sigh...

Player: Whoa!

Player: Isn't that Amdera?

Amdera: ...

Player: He looks unhappy.

Player: (Go up and talk to him.)

Player: Amdera?

Amdera: Oh! Player!

Player: Are you okay?

Amdera: Oh, I'm fine...

Player: But you don't look fine. Are you feeling unwell?

Amdera: No, I feel well enough. I'm okay.

Player: ...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Player, why are you so willing to approach me and make conversation?

Player: Huh? Why would you ask a question like that?

Player: I don't know...

Player: It's probably because we met at that bar, then experienced that incident at the Arcana Nexus.

Player: Slowly, I've been getting closer to you.

Player: I guess that's about it.

Amdera: I see...

Player: Is something wrong?

Amdera: Sigh.

Amdera: Today I went to the Rupor Show with several of my fellow researchers from the Earth Flux lab.

Amdera: They were all very excited, but I thought it was boring.

Player: Huh? You thought the Rupor Show was boring?!

Amdera: I didn't get it.

Amdera: Some men put on a show, but it didn't make any sense, and I didn't know why the audience was cheering and laughing.

Amdera: One weak-looking guy took the stage, and the audience cheered.

Amdera: Then there was a fitness instructor who performed some simple moves, and the audience cheered.

Amdera: Someone dressed up like a researcher from the academy summoned a few fireballs, and the audience cheered.

Amdera: They just kept cheering. Finally, everyone voted, and the fitness instructor won.

Amdera: I don't get what the point of the program was?

Player: Haha, well... Those kinds of programs are like that.

Amdera: But why were those people chosen?

Amdera: One was weak, another wasn't a strong fighter, and the last wasn't any good with arcana.

Player: But the audience still ate it up. It's a popularity contest.

Amdera: Well... I don't understand popularity, I guess.

Amdera: But why not hold an actual fighting or arcana competition?

Amdera: At least pick the best warrior or sha- battle arcanist.

Amdera: That would improve Never Isle's defenses.

Player: Hahaha, you've got a unique point of view, Amdera.

Amdera: I wish my coworkers felt the same way.

Player: ...

Player: You don't speak a common language with them.

Amdera: I tried integrating myself. But not only did I fail, but I made myself miserable in the process.

Player: ...

-You be you. You don't need to change for anyone! - 900 Intimacy

Amdera: But I want to live on Never Isle.

Amdera: I don't want to be isolated from everyone else.

Player: Who said that you need to like the Rupor Show to live on Never Isle?

Player: There are lots of people on Never Isle. Make friends with people who feel the same way that you do!

Player: You're a strong guy who likes to wrestle. Try paying a visit to the Oathblades!

Player: You'd have a lot to talk about with Commander Miles!

Player: And there are plenty of people at the Arcana Academy who love research and are good at using flux!

Player: We need to find a way to survive in this complicated world of ours.

Player: But if you try to change yourself just to integrate...

Player: Isn't that backwards?

Amdera: (surprised)

Player: So don't worry!

Player: Just be yourself!

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: You're so insightful, Player.

Player: Not really!

Amdera: You look like you're experienced in combat, Player.

Amdera: Would you be interested in getting 'close' to me?

-Humans are social creatures. You'd better find a way to integrate. - 500 Intimacy

Player: There's nothing you can do about it.

Player: This world is complex. If you want to survive, you have to adapt.

Amdera: I know...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Perhaps if I watch the Rupor Show more, I'll come to like it.

-Being alone isn't so bad! - 700 Intimacy

Player: I don't understand why people form cliques.

Player: Even when people in cliques are like-minded, they're ultimately different people.

Player: You're definitely going to have disagreements with people!

Player: When that happens, for various reasons, you may get into a disagreement.

Player: It makes me tired just thinking about it.

Amdera: Hmm... When you put it like that...

Amdera: I used to say dumb things.

Player: As long as you obey the law and don't get out of line...

Player: As long as you work hard, and make money, you'll be able to eat.

Player: Everything else is up to you!

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: You're right!

Amdera: I'm going to scrap the plans I had for this afternoon!

Amdera: I'm going to hit the spa and relax!

Anticipated Classes

-Intro

3F Faculty Office, Arcana Academy...

Player: ...

Player: ...

Player: Ahhhhh!!!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Mr. Player?

Player: Man! Where's the class schedule?

Gossipy Lecturer A: Someone's gone to get it, no need to be impatient.

Player: Huh? How long has he been gone?

Gossipy Lecturer A: Uh, about ten minutes?

Player: Oh? Huh?

Gossipy Lecturer A: Seriously! Ten minutes...

Player: Uh...

A few moments later...

Player: By the grace of Ka! Why hasn't he come back yet?

Amdera: Don't rely on vain creatures such as gods, Player!

Amdera: If you run into any trouble, I'll help you!

Player: Oh! Amdera!

Amdera: Is something wrong?

Player: (Beat around the bush.)

Player: Nothing...

Player: Mr. Amdera! What are you doing back so early today?

Gossipy Lecturer A: Amdera, you're finally back.

Gossipy Lecturer A: Mr. Player has been driving everyone in the office nuts for almost an hour now.

Amdera: Oh! What happened?

Player: Nothing!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Player seems to be unusually interested in this month's class schedule.

Amdera: Class schedule?

Gossipy Lecturer B: The class schedule is here!

Player: Let me see! Thank you!

Player: Hmm... (Studies class schedule)

Player: Aha!

Player: (Just as I expected.)

Player: (Next month, I'm going to be Amdera's assistant teacher!)

Player: (Amdera just arrived at the Arcana Academy. I bet he's not too familiar with the schedule.)

Player: (Amdera's next class isn't for another two hours.)

Player: (I've got time. Maybe I should take this opportunity...)

Player: Heh heh...

-(Invite Amdera to go to the baths together) - 500 Intimacy

Player: Amdera, from now until the end of next month...

Player: I'm going to be your teaching assistant!

Amdera: Oh! That's good.

Amdera: I look forward to working with you!

Player: But before I officially become your assistant!

Player: We have an unwritten rule here at the academy.

Amdera: Oh?

Player gets closer to Amdera and speaks in a low voice

Player: Instructors and their assistants must shower together, to get to know each other better!

Amdera: Huh?!

Gossipy Lecturer A: What's wrong?

Player: Uh...

Player turns to the lecturer

Player: Don't worry about it! It's got nothing to do with you!

Amdera: Do instructors and their teaching assistants need to shower together before classes start?

Gossipy Lecturer B: Huh? What?

Gossipy Lecturer A: Whoa, whoa. What are you guys thinking?

Gossipy Lecturer A: This is the Arcana Academy, it's not some spa. What are you talking about, shower?

Amdera: Player!

Player: Uh... If you don't want to, Amdera, it's okay!

Player: Don't hit me...

Amdera: (smiles)

Amdera: Let's get our work done. We'll talk about showering later.

-(Invite Amdera to prepare the lab materials together) - 900 Intimacy

Player: Amdera, from now until the end of next month...

Player: I'm going to be your teaching assistant.

Amdera: Good. I may need some pointers.

Player: No way...

Player: I'm not all that familiar with Earth Flux.

Player: Would you be willing to share some of your lesson plans, Mr. Amdera?

Amdera: No problem!

Player gives a sly wink to the two lecturers

Gossipy Lecturer A: Why are you winking, Player?

Player: (Oh... Two third wheelers!)

Player: It's nothing.

Player turns back to Amdera

Player: The next class starts in two hours.

Player: I'm not all that familiar with Earth Flux artifacts, flux devices, and teaching equipment.

Player: Could you give me a quick tutorial, Mr. Amdera?

Amdera: Sure! There's nobody in the lab right now.

Amdera: Let me tell you about the artifacts we'll need for our next class and in the future!

Player: Okay!

-(Forget it, you'll just embarrass yourself. Better get ready for class!) - 700 Intimacy

Player: Amdera, you've got an Earth Flux class in two hours. Don't be late!

Amdera: Yeah, I know!

Amdera: Wait, why do you know my class schedule?

Player: Hehe!

Player: I'm going to go get ready!

Player leaves with a smile on his face

Amdera: Well he sure seems happy...

Gossipy Lecturer B: Player will be your teaching assistant for the next month, Mr. Player.

Amdera: !!

Amdera: So that's why...

Gossipy Lecturer A: Oh! Look, Mr. Amdera is smiling!

Gossipy Lecturer B: What a genuine smile. Don't tell me...

Gossipy Lecturer A: Amdera and Player...

Amdera: You two!

Gossipy Lecturer A: Uh oh! He's angry!

Gossipy Lecturer B: (Whispers) Just as I thought. Amdera...

Amdera: Sigh...

Amdera picks up the class schedule.

Amdera: (smiles)

Trifle

This section contains spoilers for the Trifle. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.

Unforgivable Sin

Minions of the Shadow stir restlessly, shrouding the Arcana Nexus and seeking new opportunities...

-Part 1

Somewhere at the Arcana Academy.

Adolescent's Voice: You were looking for me...

Deep Voice: Yes. I know who you are.

Adolescent's Voice: What are you talking about?

Deep Voice: Don't pretend with me. I know what you're trying to do.

Deep Voice: If you really still think you've got a chance, just try it!

Adolescent's Voice: Ugh... I'm nowhere near good enough yet...

Deep Voice: You still have talent. You are sure to make great progress in the future.

Deep Voice: If you stop now, I'll turn a blind eye.

Adolescent's Voice: ...

Deep Voice: Before you do something you can't undo...

Deep Voice: Turn back!

Deep Voice: Don't be like me.

Outside the principal's office at the Arcana Academy.

Player: You were looking for me, Principal Vundo?

Vundo: Yes. How is your investigation into the spy going?

Player: (Shakes head...)

Player: I haven't found a single clue yet.

Vundo: Alright... After the plot to destroy the nexus failed...

Vundo: The Shadow Spy went back into hiding. That's to be expected.

Vundo: There is one urgent thing that I need your help with, Player.

Player: What is it, principal?

Vundo: The Alterland that lives in the Star Woods wants to establish a friendly relationship with Never Isle.

Vundo: They've sent a group of people to come check out the island.

Player: Alterland?

Player: Chief Batur wants to open relations with Never Isle?

Vundo: The Alterland could be a valuable friend to us. Never Isle wants to leave a good impression on them.

Vundo: In light of your positive relationship with Alterland Chieftain Batur...

Vundo: Would you be willing to show the Alterlan visitors around, on behalf of Never Isle?

Vundo: Never Isle would cover all expenses!

Player: Okay! No problem!

Player: But, the spy hiding in the Academy...

Vundo: I'll strengthen security at the nexus for the next few days.

Vundo: Take this opportunity to enjoy yourself and get some rest, Player.

Vundo: While it's true that the matter of the spy is important, we cannot let the enemy lead us around by the nose.

Vundo: The group from Alterland will arrive tomorrow morning.

Vundo: I'll have someone else take over your classes for the day. Go get ready!

Player: Oh! That won't be necessary.

Player: Don't worry, principal. I can do both!

Vundo: Huh? You can put off the teaching assistant work. Why don't you go take off early and go get some rest?

Player: That really won't be necessary! I need to finish my teaching assistant work today! Otherwise, I won't be able to rest easy.

Vundo: Well, if you say so. Thanks for the hard work!

Player: Yes, sir. Thank you, principal!

Later, in front of the Earth Flux classroom.

Arcana Academy Student: Finally! I thought that class would never end!

Arcana Academy Student: What time is it? Can we still catch the Rupor Show?!

Arcana Academy Student: It's just about to start! Let's hurry!

As the group of students leave for the show, Amdera talks with Player as they leave the classroom

Amdera: Thank you! Your demonstration in the classroom was incredible!

Player: Ha. Well, I'm quite confident when it comes to my arcana.

Player: Do you have any plans this evening?

Amdera: Hmm... Not really.

Player: Then why don't we find something to do together?

Amdera: Okay! I heard some of the students say that there will be a Rupor Show this evening. If you're interested, we could go together.

Player: But I thought you didn't like the Rupor Show.

Amdera: Actually, it's all right. If you're going, let's go together. Otherwise, I'll be all alone, and that wouldn't be very fun.

Player: (smiles)

Player: The Rupor Show is too noisy. I'd rather find some place a little more quiet.

Player: Hmm... How about the training grounds?

Player: I want to practice those movements you taught me the other day.

Amdera: Okay!

???: Mr. Amdera! Mr. Player!

Amdera: Priddat! Aren't you going to the Rupor Show with your classmates?

Priddat: I'd much rather study arcana than go to a noisy place like that!

Player: Whoa. That's not very common for someone your age.

Priddat: Mr. Amdera, Mr. Player. About the class...

Priddat: I have some ideas!

A few moments later...

Priddat: I see!

Priddat: Thank you, Mr. Amdera. Thank you, Mr. Player.

Amdera: I'm telling you, Priddat - don't forget!

Priddat: (Nods) Got it!

Priddat leaves

Player: That Priddat is a smart kid.

Amdera: Yes, he's very studious, and has lots of potential.

Player: Using solid and plastic attributes of Earth Flux molecules to create a cage...

Player: It actually might help trap Shadow Flux on the molecular level.

Player: It would place a great burden on its summoner...

Player: But it's an interesting direction!

Amdera: Actually, after the attack on the Arcana Nexus...

Amdera: Principal Vundo used Earth Flux to create a defensive array to deal with Shadow poison attacks.

Player: !!

Suddenly, the sound of a flux crystal rings out nearby.

Player: Oh! I don't think that's mine...

Amdera: It's mine.

Amdera: Hello? Yes, it's me.

Amdera: What? Oh... Okay.

Amdera: Understood. I'll be there in a little bit.

Player: What's wrong?

Amdera: ...

Amdera: The lab needs me to go back.

Amdera: About tonight, I won't be able to...

Player: Your work is more important! If you don't have time today, then we can go some other time!

Amdera: Sorry...

Amdera: Well then, Player... See you tomorrow?

Player: I won't be able to make tomorrow's class.

Amdera: Huh? You've got something you need to do tomorrow, Player?

Player: Yeah. A new task from Principal Vundo.

Player: He wants me to be a guide for a group of visitors from the Alterland.

Amdera: Alterland?

Player: They're the largest tribe in the Star Woods. They used to be closed off from the rest of the world, but now they're willing to open relations with Never Isle.

Amdera: A reclusive tribe. It's not every day you come into contact with one of those. I want to go with you!

Player: No, no. You still have class tomorrow!

Player: A long time ago, the Alterland was having some trouble. I fought the White Capes alongside them.

Player: I'm friends with the Alterland Chieftain as well as many of its members. We're also brothers-in-arms.

Amdera: Oh... Okay.

Amdera: ...

Player: You're going to miss me, aren't you?

Amdera: (blushes) !!

Player: Once I'm finished with what I have to do tomorrow, I'll come find you.

Amdera: No! Do what you have to do.

Amdera: I was just wondering if there was any way I could help.

Amdera: (His communication crystal rings again)

Amdera: I need to go!

Several hours later, outside the Earth Flux lab.

Academy Researcher: Ah! It's a good thing Mr. Amdera's here to help us, otherwise we would've had a real mess on our hands!

Academy Researcher: Thank you, thank you so much!

Amdera: Don't mention it.

Amdera: Have you heard of the Alterland?

The next day, late at night...

At one of Never Isle's plazas, Player talks with Kamui, Batur and the rest of the Alterland visitors

Kamui: Leave it to me, brother!

Kamui: I'll make friends with Never Isle!

Kamui: I'm familiar with this place! I can stay behind, and speak on Alterland's behalf!

Batur: Don't be hasty, Kamui.

Batur: Before we can officially establish a relationship with Never Isle, I need to go back to Alterland and talk it over with the elders!

Batur: I'm confident the elders will have no objections.

Player: Thank you for your willingness to trust Never Isle, Chief Batur, and for giving us a chance!

Batur: No, Player...

Batur: I should be thanking you.

Batur: You have given Alterland a chance at a very different future.

Player: You're too kind.

Player: It's getting late. Next, I'm going to take you all to the hotel.

Player: Get some rest. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me.

Player: There are a lot of places worth seeing on Never Isle!

Batur: Player!

Batur: Does Never Isle have any quiet open areas?

Batur: We want to conduct a simple tribute ceremony.

Player: Let me think. At this hour...

Player: The area outside the Arcana Academy's Flux Arboretum is nice.

Player: I'll take you there!

Batur: Thank you. It is my custom to commune with the Forest God every day.

Player: I may not be able to commune with the Forest God myself, but I still remember Alterlan...

Batur: Whoa!!

Batur notices a strong presence approaching

Kamui: Brother!

Batur: Get back, Player!

Amdera runs to Player

Amdera: Player!

Amdera: Out of the way, Alterlans!

Batur: Why are you following us late at night, stranger?

Batur: State your intentions!

Amdera: I'm here for Player. It's got nothing to do with you!

Player: Batur, this is...

Kamui: Brother, this man isn't dressed like someone from Never Isle!

Batur: Could it be...?

Kamui: You're here to cause trouble for Player? You'll have to come through me first!

Player: Hey! Hold on, he's...

Batur: State your intentions, stranger!

Amdera: ...

Amdera and Batur get into fighting stances

Amdera: Hya!

Batur: Humph!

Player: Stop it!!

Player gets in between the two

Player: Stop!!!

Batur: Player, be careful!

Amdera: Player!

Player: Quiet!

Player: Amdera, this is Chief Batur of the Alterland.

Player: Chief Batur, this is Amdera, a professor of Earth Flux at the Arcana Academy. We're all friends here!

Amdera: ...

Batur: Oh... So you're Player's friend...

Batur: I'm sorry. I acted impulsively.

Kamui: Then why are you following us?

Amdera: ...

Player: ...

Player: Amdera, I'm fine. Chief Batur and Kamui are my friends.

Player: I'm taking Batur and the others to the academy's arboretum. It's fine.

Player: Later, I'll come...

Amdera: Don't go, Player!

Player: Whoa!

Batur: ...

Batur: Mr. Amdera, we are simply looking for a quiet place where we can carry out a simple tribute ceremony.

Amdera: No!

Amdera: The academy arboretum is on the west side of the island. The entrance to the Kaist Church is just on the right!

Amdera: Why can't you go by yourselves?

Player: Amdera?

Amdera: Don't trust them, Player!

Player: What?

Amdera: Do not trust the gods. Their words are all lies meant to deceive you!

Amdera: And you definitely can't trust their followers! They're the same as the gods!

Amdera: You cannot trust them!

Batur: !!

Kamui: !!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: ...

Player: Amdera...

Player: Chief Batur, Kamui...

Kamui: It's fine, Player! Many people do not understand the faith of the Forest God. It's normal!

Kamui: You blockhead. I don't know what you've been through...

Kamui: But the Forest God is no ordinary god.

Kamui: He granted our promised land to our ancestors and spared us from destruction.

Kamui: His power protects Alterland. His guidance is what led Player to us...

Kamui: Alterland has a chance to...

Amdera: Are you done yet?

Batur: Stranger, I would like to invite you to join us in prayer.

Batur: The wind will soothe your remorse. The wind will guide you home...

Amdera: I have no home!

Amdera: You! Get out of here!

Player: That's enough!

Player: Amdera, you and I, we're going to take Batur and his people to the academy arboretum!

Player: Once we've reached the arboretum, you and I are going to leave these people alone!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Alright...

A few moments later...

Player and Amdera watch as the Alterlans perform their ritual

Player: Take a look. Batur and his people aren't fanatics. They're not bad people!

Amdera: They just haven't shown their true faces yet, that's all!

Amdera: Their power is very dangerous! Trust me!

Player: Amdera, listen to me!

Player: Of course, I trust you.

Player: But you also need to trust me, okay?

Player: Chief Batur, Kamui, and I fought the White Capes side-by-side.

Player: We fought in countless battles, and countless people died.

Player: They are my friends. I would put my life in their hands!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: You'd put your life in their hands...

Player: I was planning on introducing you tomorrow around noon or whenever...

Player: Batur and Kamui are outstanding warriors, and they are kind people.

Player: You and Batur would have a lot to talk about, for sure!

Player: But now...

Amdera: Player...

Player: I know Batur. He wouldn't hold what happened today against you.

Player: This won't affect the relationship that Alterland is trying to build with Never Isle.

Player: But, Amdera...why?

Player: I know you're not an impetuous guy.

Player: But today...why?

Amdera: Because...

Amdera: Because I've seen it with my own eyes!

Amdera: I have seen with my own eyes the power of the gods wipe out thousands of people!

Player: !!

Player: But the Forest God Limuthule is a warm and loving god.

Amdera: No!!!!

Amdera: I know! When you've got such big, strong, reliable brothers with whom you've fought side-by-side...

Amdera: I...

Amdera: Why would you trust me?

Amdera: Just remember!

Amdera: Never, ever trust a god! And never trust those who follow gods!

Amdera: They are all liars! Any protection or benevolence they offer is a trap!

Player: Whoa!

Amdera storms off

Player: Amdera!

A while later, in front of the Arcana Academy.

Priddat: Mr. Amdera, everything is going smoothly over at the lab.

Amdera: (sad)

Priddat: Teacher?

Amdera: Ah? I'll stay at the lab tonight. You go home and rest.

Priddat: Oh...

Priddat: But are you okay, Mr. Amdera?

Amdera: I'm fine...

Amdera: Go back and rest.

Priddat: Right.

Priddat: ...

Back at the academy arboretum...

Batur: O great Forest God, please look upon Amdera's path.

Batur: May your wind calm the resentment and anger in his heart.

Later that night...

Billy and Player sit down at the Speakeasy's bar

Billy: Captain...

Player: ...

Bar Owner: Something wrong tonight?

Player: Not really...

Player: It's just that Amdera...

Player: When I was showing some of my friends around Never Isle, he suddenly appeared and said things to them that weren't nice, and even tried to start a fight with them.

Player: He said some really mean, strange things.

Player: My friends and I are close - they don't care.

Player: Sigh... It's just that Amdera seemed like a different person today.

Player: And I have no idea why.

Player: I know he's been through a lot, and I told him that I don't care.

Player: But...

Player: But I still don't fully understand him.

Player: Or would it be better to say, he's still hiding something from me?

You pick up the glass of liquor in front of you and drink it down in one gulp.

Billy: Captain. Amdera's not a bad guy, is he?

Billy: Could he have an ulterior motive in getting close to you?

Player: Huh? No! I...

Player: That can't be! I trust...

Player: But objectively speaking, I haven't considered any other possibilities.

Bar Owner: I can tell that you like him.

Player: Uh...

Player: Absolutely!

Player: I like the feeling that I get when I'm with him.

Player: But I really don't understand.

Player: Why did he act like that today?

Bar Owner: Don't overthink it!

Bar Owner: Don't use your head to try to figure out something you can't understand.

Bar Owner: Use your heart to feel, and then maybe you'll find the answer.

Player: ...

Player: Use my heart...

Player: ...

Player: Hold on. Could it be...

Player: Haha! Hahaha!

Billy: Huh? Are you all right, Captain? Don't scare me like that!

Player: I just thought of a possibility, Billy.

Player: Amdera, he...

Suddenly, a low rumble passes through the bar

Bar Owner: Huh? The ground is shaking. An earthquake?

Player: No, that was an explosion!

Player: The shaking came from the Arcana Academy.

Player: Ah!!

You throw a sack of coins on the table.

Player: Keep the change!

Player: Billy, stay here and call Izumi. Ask him what happened!

Billy: Oh!

Player: I'm going to the Arcana Academy!

Later, at the Arcana Nexus.

Vundo, Amdera and many of the academy arcanists deal with the explosion that just happened there

Amdera: (surprised)

Player quickly gets to the scene and spots Amdera

Player: Amdera! Are you okay?

Amdera: Player!

Amdera: I'm fine...

Amdera: I was in the Earth Flux lab when the explosion occurred.

Player: Good. That's good.

Player: Did they catch the person who blew up the nexus?

Amdera: Doesn't seem like it.

Vundo: Player! Come here!

Player: Amdera...

Amdera: I'm fine. Go!

Amdera: I'm going to see if there's any way I can help.

Player: Principal! Is everything okay?

Vundo: The Arcana Nexus has been attacked. The artifacts that were protecting Never Isle went down for about ten minutes.

Player: Never Isle was exposed for ten whole minutes?!

Player: This is my fault. I didn't find him...

Vundo: Don't blame yourself, Player. I was the one who underestimated the spy.

Vundo: The silver lining is that the Defense Force hasn't found any Shadow Troops at Lake Bliss.

Vundo: Ten-minute isn't long enough for Shadow artifacts to get a clear fix on Never Isle's position from so far away.

Player: Phew. Thanks to your quick response, Never Isle's position wasn't given away, principal.

Player: Hmm. That means the Shadows' plans failed.

Player: And that means they're going to try again!

Vundo: Yes, you're right!

Player: Where are the arcanists and Defense Force members who were guarding the nexus? Did they find anything?

Vundo: ...

Vundo shakes his head.

Vundo: There were no survivors.

Player: Whoa!!

Player: Dammit...

Player: Looks like whoever we're dealing with is not only skilled with poisons, he also is a forced to be reckoned with in head-on combat.

Player: Did the arcana detectors we deployed deflect any Shadow traps?

Player: And what about the flux molecule cage that was supposed to stop Shadow flux?

Vundo: They broke through all of them. There were no helpful clues left on the scene.

Player: Uh...

Player: How can that be? The only people who knew about the defensive deployments at the nexus were me, Principal Vundo...

Player: And several of the academy's high-level arcanists.

Player: Could it be that we have a mole?

Vundo: I've already looked into it.

Vundo: The high-level arcanists who helped us deploy the defenses at the nexus all have alibis.

Player: Then what happened?

Vundo: There was an Earth Flux specialist who knew about our deployments.

Player: An Earth Flux specialist?

Vundo: Amdera.

Player: Whoa!!

Vundo: Mr. Amdera helped us develop the Arcane Cell to help resist the Shadow flux.

Vundo: Actually, the arcana we used to resist the Shadows was developed by Amdera himself.

Vundo: And out of all the Arcana Academy's research professors, he was the only one who knew the structure of the Earth Flux our arcana was using.

Player: That can't be...

Vundo: Amdera was in the Earth Flux lab all night. He was the only one there.

Player: It can't be Amdera!

Player: He saved my life! There's no way he's a Shadow Spy!

Vundo: That time he saved you might have been a ruse put on by him and his companion.

Vundo: His goal may have been to win our trust, and get us to let down our guard!

Player: No...

Defense Force Warrior: Mr. Amdera, come with us!

Defense Force warriors and academy arcanists surround Amdera

Player: Wait!

Vundo: Player...

Vundo: We got lucky this time. The damage to the nexus wasn't severe. We were able to stop the worst from happening in time.

Vundo: Next time, I don't know if we'll get so lucky.

Player: (angry)

Player: If it really is Amdera, what will happen to him?

Vundo: He'll be publicly tried, and dealt with according to the law.

Vundo: The crimes of espionage and attempting to destroy Never Isle cannot be forgiven!

Vundo: Player...

Player: I know...

Player: Amdera saved my life.

Player: But the safety of Never Isle is more important than anything else.

Player: I know what needs to be done.

Early the next morning, in the Arcana Academy's library.

Player: (Yawns)

Priddat: Do you want to try it again, Mr. Player?

Player: Hold on. I need to confirm this arcana.

Player: Okay! I'm ready! It's all you, Priddat!

Priddat: Get ready!

Academy Arcanist: Hey! You guys have been doing this all night long. You can't use arcana in the library!

Academy Arcanist: Sigh, forget it.

The arcanist leaves just as Priddat recreates Amdera's Arcane Cell

Player: Okay. Steady, steady...

Player triggers the Arcane Cell and is trapped

Player: Whoa!!!

Priddat: As expected, Mr. Amdera's arcana is flawless.

Player: Sigh...

Priddat: You know enough about Earth Flux, Mr. Player.

Priddat: But even somebody like you can't become as an Earth Flux master to rival Amdera in just a single night.

Player: Our flux molecule cages and arcana defenses are not easy to break through.

Priddat: Couple that with the fact that this is Mr. Amdera's design...

Priddat: I'm afraid there isn't anyone else in the entire Arcana Academy who could break through this array.

Priddat releases the array

Player: ...

Player: I kept you busy all night, Priddat.

Player: Go back and get some rest!

Priddat: Yawn! It's not a problem. Mr. Amdera's in trouble. I want to help, too!

Player: Thanks.

Player: You've already helped me a lot. Go get some rest. Don't you have classes this afternoon?

Priddat: Mr. Player, like you, I also don't believe that Mr. Amdera could be a spy!

Priddat: I'm willing to help you whenever you need it!

Player: (smiles)

Player: Yes.

Priddat leaves

Player: (Takes out communication crystal.)

Player: Billy, I need a favor.

Two days later, at the Arcana Nexus.

One of the academy's arcanist helps Player search through their records for any clues

Player: ...

Player: ...

Player: Is this everything?

Academy Arcanist: Yes, these are all the records from the Arcana Academy's monitoring crystals and arrays from the last month.

Player: ...

Academy Arcanist: Truth be told, you've already been looking through these for two days.

Academy Arcanist: In that time, Amdera has frequently appeared outside the Arcana Nexus.

Academy Arcanist: Including the evening of the incident at the nexus!

Player: I know...

Billy: Captain! Captain!

Billy enters

Player: Billy! Good to see you.

Player: That thing I talked to you about two days ago.

Billy: ...

Billy: Captain, you've barely shut your eyes the past few days. You'd better...

Player: Billy, that thing I asked you to do.

Billy: Yeah. I went to the Defense Force and looked into all the entry-exit records since the incident occurred.

Billy: We didn't see anyone suspicious.

Player: Understood.

Billy: Captain, you'd better get a little rest.

Billy: You've been so focused on investigating Amdera lately!

Player: ...

Billy: But after all this time you've spent investigating...

Billy: There is only one conclusion, right?

Player: I know...

Player: I know!

Player angrily steps away from the records

Billy: Captain...

Player: Billy, tell me. Am I missing something?

Player: It's true that there are only a handful of Earth Flux specialists who can unlock these traps...

Player: Plus Amdera's strange activity outside the nexus...

Player: And no arcana specialists or suspicious characters have left Never Isle.

Player: What am I missing?

Billy: Is there another possibility, Captain? I'm just saying it's a possibility...

Billy: Maybe it really is Amdera.

Player: ...

Player: That time I ran into the Shadow Spy at the nexus...

Player: If he really was the spy, then why would he save me?

Player: And why would he fight with his own partner-in-crime?

Billy: The principal talked about this. He said that maybe they were putting on a ruse.

Billy: In order to win the trust of Principal Vundo and yourself.

Billy: That way, they could attack the Arcana Nexus again with our guard down.

Player: ...

Billy: What's more, two days ago, Amdera acted very strangely.

Billy: He almost got into a fight with Batur and Kamui...

Player: That's enough...

Choice 1.1 - I trust Amdera!

Player: Even though we haven't known each other for very long.

Player: He saved my life.

Player: The feeling I got when I saw Amdera...

Player: I felt warm all over my body.

Player: And lately, we've held class together, we've eaten meals together, we've spent so much time together.

Player: None of it was fake!

Billy: Well, if you trust him, Captain...

Billy: Then I'll trust him too! Let's prove Amdera's innocence!

Player: That said, our investigation has reached a bottleneck. All the clues and proof point toward Amdera.

Billy: It's clear that someone is trying to frame him.

Billy: Perhaps Amdera knows something!

Player: (surprised)

Billy: But Principal Vundo won't let us see him.

Player: He won't, huh?

Choice 1.2 - I don't even know anymore...

Player: We haven't known each other for very long...

Player: But the feeling he gives me is one of warmth and dependability.

Player: Could it be? That the kindness he's shown me...

Player: He was just using me?

Billy: Captain...

Player: Is he really just using me?

Billy: If it really is Amdera, do we need to keep investigating?

Player: ...

Player: We need to find a way to confirm all this.

Billy: Confirm?

Scene continues after choices

The next day, at the Defense Force jail.

Academy Arcanist: Mr. Player, you've been here several times already.

Academy Arcanist: I've already told you, considering your special situation...

Academy Arcanist: The Never Isle Official will not let you see him!

Player: I know. I understand. And I respect that!

Player: All I want is to ask Amdera a couple of questions. You can even come with me and listen in!

Defense Force Warrior: I'm sorry, Player. Unless Never Isle Officials approve, otherwise, you cannot see him!

Player: ...

Player: Alright...

Player: All I need...

Player sets off a bright flash, blinding the arcanist and warrior to sneak inside the prison

Defense Force Warrior: Whoa!!

Defense Force Warrior: Player disappeared!

Academy Arcanist: Summon the guards, and alert the principal. Player may have broken into the prison!

Meanwhile, deep inside the Defense Force jail.

Two guards stand outside of Amdera's cell

Prison Guard A: Huh? Did you hear that? Sounds like something's happening out there.

Prison Guard B: We have orders from above to guard this place with our lives and to stick to this spot.

Boom!

Amdera: Whoa!!

Prison Guard A: There's been an explosion outside Amdera's cell!

Prison Guard B: This is the guard at Amdera's cell. There's been an explosion nearby. We need reinforcements!

Player runs in

Player: Enemies... Enemies are attacking! There's fighting over there. We're being suppressed!

Player: Go!

Prison Guard A: Oh, it's...!

The guards leave

Amdera: What are you doing here, Player?

Player: Amdera! Are you okay?

Amdera: I'm okay. They've been pretty nice to me.

Player: All right, let's keep this quick.

Player: Amdera, do you know who would want to hurt you?

Amdera: (surprised)

Defense Force Warrior: Player! You are not permitted to come into contact with Amdera! Player!

Amdera: Look out for yourself, Player! Don't worry about me!

Amdera: I don't want you to get in trouble with Principal Vundo because of me!

Player: Hey! Amdera! Calm down!

Player: Amdera! I need to ask you a question!

Player: Are you a Shadow Spy?

Amdera: Of course not!

Player: That's all I needed to hear!

Player: Trust me! I will find that spy!

Amdera: No, listen to me...

Academy Arcanist: Player!!

Player: Time to run. Take care of yourself!

Player leaves

Amdera: Player...

Amdera: You can find him.

Amdera: But whatever you do, just be careful!

A few moments later...

Vundo: What are you trying to do, Player?

Vundo: Forget about the experiments you were conducting in the academy's library.

Vundo: Now you're planning prison breaks?

Player: Principal Vundo, I just came to the prison to ask Amdera a few questions.

Player: I never intended to break him out.

Player: Principal, if Amdera has been framed...

Player: Then the nexus is still in danger!

Player: Principal! We cannot let our guard down!

Vundo: (angry)

Vundo: Well, did you ask your questions?

Player: Yes.

Vundo: Then go back! There better not be a next time!

Player: Thank you, Principal! Thank you!

Two days later...

Billy and Player talk on the bridge of the airship

Billy: Another two days of investigating, and still no progress.

Player: Well, we've investigated everything we can.

Player: We've collected enough information, but we still haven't found any clues.

Player: What are we missing?

Billy: Right now, there are two damning pieces of evidence against Amdera.

Billy: The first: of the professors and researchers at the academy, only Amdera could break the defensive array at the nexus so quickly.

Billy: The second: the night of the incident, the vast majority of the professors and researchers were not on the academy grounds...

Billy: But not only was Amdera in the Earth Flux lab, he was spotted in front of the nexus an hour before the incident occurred.

Player: ...

Player: Hmm... This evidence is pretty damning, indeed.

Player: Calm down. Think.

Player: I have to be missing something.

Player: I just have to be missing something.

Suddenly, your communication crystal rings.

Player: Principal Vundo?

Communication crystal: Player, Amdera has broken out!

Player: What?

A while later, in the main hall of the Arcana Academy.

Vundo directs a large group of arcanists and Defense Force warriors

Vundo: The two of you need to go evacuate the students.

Vundo: You two go support the nexus!

Academy Arcanist: Yes, sir!

Player reaches Vundo

Player: Principal! Amdera...

Vundo: Where is Amdera?

Player: I don't know. He hasn't contacted me!

Vundo: Are you sure?

Player: If Amdera had come to me, why would I be here looking for you?

Vundo: (angry)

Vundo: Okay. We don't know where he went.

Vundo: He turned half the prison into sand, then used the ensuing sandstorm to escape.

Vundo: I've already notified the Oathblades and the Light of Purity. They are searching all over the city for Amdera!

Vundo: Player, can you help defend the nexus?

Player: ...

Player: Got it!

Outside the Arcana Nexus.

Izumi stands guard outside the Nexus with many Defense Force warriors

Izumi: Player!

Player: (surprised)

Player: Izumi, how many men did you bring?

Izumi: Don't worry! Half the Defense Force is here!

Player: !!

Player: Great! The nexus will be safe for sure!

Player: ...

Player: No... Something's not right.

Player: The nexus is an impenetrable fortress right now. There's no way the Shadow Spy is getting in!

Player: So what's really going on?

Player: Why did Amdera suddenly break out of prison?

Player: Is this because of the Shadow Spy?

Player: Could it be that the spy delivered some kind of message to Amdera?

Player: Amdera broke out of prison...

Player: But why?

Player: Huh? My communication crystal's ringing. It's an unknown signal. At this hour?

Player: (Picks up crystal) Hello?

Unfamiliar Voice: Hey! Is this Player?

Unfamiliar Voice: I've seen Amdera!

Player: What?

Player: Where is he?

Unfamiliar Voice: In the Earth Flux lab! (hangs up)

Player: Wait, who is this?!

Player: ...

Player: The Flux Nexus lab...

Later...

Amdera: I gave you a chance. I gave you too many chances!

Amdera: That was the last straw!

???: Please, Mr. Amdera! No!

Player: Amdera!

Player runs into the lab to find Amdera ready to attack Priddat

Player: Stop it, you guys!

Priddat: Amdera is the Shadow Spy!

Amdera: Player!!

Priddat: Help me!

Amdera: No! I'm not the Shadow Spy!

Priddat: When my friends and I were evacuated, we bumped into Amdera as he was sneaking around above the nexus.

Priddat: He was using the Earth Flux to break apart the floor so he could get into the nexus...

Priddat: Mr. Amdera wanted to kill me to keep me quiet. I didn't want to die!

Amdera: No, Player! Don't listen to his nonsense!

Priddat: If I wanted to frame Mr. Amdera...

Priddat: Why would I help Mr. Player investigate the incident at the nexus, and find evidence to exonerate Mr. Amdera?

Player: ...

Player: (Stay calm, stay calm...)

Player: (I can sense that the truth is right in front of me.)

Choice 2.1 - (Amdera is the Shadow Spy!)

Player confronts Amdera

Amdera: Player?

Player: It's time to face the truth.

Player: Amdera, the night of the incident, you were at the Arcana Academy.

Player: And you were the one who set up the defensive array to fend off the Shadows.

Player: You are the only person who had the chance to destroy the nexus.

Amdera: No, Player! It wasn't me...

Player: Why, Amdera? Why would you betray...

Priddat: ...

While Player is focused on Amdera, Priddat quietly removes his disguise to reveal that he was a Shadowcult Priest

Amdera: Whoa!!

Priddat shoots a beam of Shadow Flux at Player

Amdera: Player!!!

Player: Whoa!

Amdera quickly pushes Player aside and takes the hit

Amdera: Argh!!

Player: Amdera! Amdera!

Priddat: Mr. Amdera! I'm no match for you...

Priddat: But as strong as you are, you still have a weakness: Player.

Priddat: My mission is complete. See you, Mr. Player!

Priddat teleports away

Amdera: You aren't hurt, Player...

Amdera: Are you?

Amdera: ...

Amdera collapses

Player: Amdera!

Player: Amdera!

(Has Amdera met his end?)

(If only you'd believed in him from the very beginning...)

(Perhaps...)

Scene ends - bad ending

Choice 2.2 - (Priddat is the Shadow Spy!)

Player gets between Amdera and Priddat

Priddat: Mr. Player?!

Player: Amdera, you should've told me sooner!

Player: You already knew this guy was the Shadow Spy!

Amdera: !!

Choice 2.3 - (This is all a big misunderstanding...)

Player gets between Amdera and Priddat

Player: T-this has to be a misunderstanding!

Player turns to Amdera

Player: Amdera, aren't you Priddat's best friend?

Amdera: No! Priddat is the Shadow Spy!

Player: What...

Priddat: ...

While Player is focused on Amdera, Priddat quietly removes his disguise to reveal that he was a Shadowcult Priest

Amdera: Whoa!!

Priddat shoots a beam of Shadow Flux at Player

Amdera: Player!!!

Player: Whoa!

Amdera quickly pushes Player aside and takes the hit

Amdera: Argh!!

Player: Amdera! Amdera!

Priddat: Mr. Amdera! I'm no match for you...

Priddat: But as strong as you are, you still have a weakness: Player.

Priddat: My mission is complete. See you, Mr. Player!

Priddat teleports away

Amdera: You aren't hurt, Player...

Amdera: Are you?

Amdera: ...

Amdera collapses

Player: Amdera!

Player: Amdera!

(Has Amdera met his end?)

(If only you'd believed in him from the very beginning...)

(Perhaps...)

Scene ends - bad ending

Choice 2.4 - (Stand with Amdera!)

Player gets between Amdera and Priddat

Priddat: Mr. Player?!

Player: Amdera saved my life.

Player: I don't care who he is, I need to stand with him!

Player: I owe it to him.

Amdera: (surprised)

Amdera: Careful, Player! Priddat is spying on the Arcana Academy!

Player: Huh? What?!

Player: Uh, if that's the case...

Scene continues after choices

Player: I should've known sooner.

Player: Priddat, don't you think it's a waste of your talents to be a student?

Priddat: What are you talking about, Mr. Player? I'm just an ordinary student.

Player: I was very grateful that you helped with the Shadow defense array.

Player: But it was just an advanced arcana used by the academy to deal with Shadows.

Player: Aren't you a little talented for that?

Priddat: !!

Player: The day before the incident at the nexus, you asked us about the possibility of Earth Flux sealing Shadow Flux.

Player: You were always looking for us so you could ask us questions. You were keeping an eye on me and Amdera!

Player: I needed to show the Alterlans around the island, and Amdera got into a fight with them...

Player: The night the incident happened, the night Amdera and I got in an argument... I knew all this.

Player: Then, you took advantage of the fact that Amdera was at the academy, and that my focus was on the Alterlans.

Player: You took advantage of all that to attack the nexus and frame Amdera!

Player: As for Amdera, you didn't ask me anything about the Shadow Spy when I was showing the Alterlans around.

Player: You were really concerned about the spy before, worried that the Shadow Spy would hurt the students.

Player: After you were arrested, you cooperated with the Defense Force and waited patiently in the jail...

Player: You were afraid of getting me involved.

Amdera: (surprised)

Amdera: You figured that out, too?

Player: I didn't have a choice. Ever since I laid eyes on you...

Player: I can't get away.

Amdera: (blushes)

Player: As for you, I'm surprised you were ballsy enough to go to the jail to provoke Amdera.

Player: I'm also surprised that Amdera broke out of the jail and that the nexus would become an impenetrable fortress!

Player: Your plan's been exposed! Turn yourself in, you traitor!

Priddat: All right. I guess there's no point in denying it now.

Priddat: Very good, Player. That mustn't have been easy to figure out?

Priddat: But there is one thing you didn't count on...

Player: Oh?

Priddat: (Smiles) Ha! When I went to the jail, I told Amdera that you were my next target to provoke him.

Priddat: That's because the Arcana Nexus was no longer my actual target!

Player: What?

Player: (angry)

Player: Uh...

Suddenly, you notice a hidden array around you.

Player: Amdera! Look out!

Suddenly, the bracelet on Amdera's right arm begins to glow.

Amdera: Stones into sand, sand into walls!

Amdera: Flesh of the earth, hear my call! Become my shield!

Player: !!!

Just as Priddat releases a cloud of Shadow Breath, Amdera blocks it with a wall of rock

Priddat: You melted half a floor's worth of rock wall to stop the dissemination of Shadow Breath!

Priddat: The master was right! Your very existence threatens all the Shadows!

Priddat: But don't think you've won yet! I'll be back!

Amdera: Don't run!

Priddat: Huh! I can't summon a portal...

Priddat: Don't tell me you used Earth Flux to seal off the entire Arcana Academy's flux signals?

Priddat: You did that all on your own?

Priddat: Monster! You're a monster!

Amdera: Hrrrraahhh!!!

Amdera surrounds Priddat with a wall of stone

Vundo: Defense Force! Arcanists! Capture that student!

Priddat: Damn!!!

Suddenly there is a crisp cracking sound.

Amdera's bracelet dissolves into sand.

Amdera: Ugh...

Amdera faints

Player: Amdera!

A week later, in the Arcana Academy clinic.

Player: Amdera! You're awake!

Amdera: Player...

Player: How are you? Any pain?

Amdera: No, I'm all better.

Amdera: ...

Player hands Amdera a bracelet

Amdera: Whoa!

Amdera: My bracelet... I remember using Earth Arcana, and it...

Player: Based on your old bracelet's design...

Player: With some refined flux ore and Master Sig's guidance, I made you one just like it.

Amdera: It looks...exactly the same.

Player: I know, the old bracelet... Your family gave it to you.

Player: And this bracelet may not be as powerful as that one...

Player: But I've heard that in the Northern Desert, giving jewelry to someone you care about can keep them safe, so...

Amdera: Oh!

Amdera: (blushes) Don't worry about old wives' tales like that.

Amdera: (Feels the bracelet in his hand)

Amdera: But I will cherish this very much. Thank you!

Player: Don't mention it!

Amdera: Whoa!

Amdera: I'm sorry!

Player: What's wrong?

Amdera: That day, in front of the Alterlan tourists, I went too far...

Amdera: Are they still on Never Isle? I'd like to make it up to them.

Player: Don't worry about it. They don't care!

Player: And...

Player: (Hugs Amdera)

Amdera: Player...

Player: I know you care about me a lot.

Player: That's why you were so mean to Batur and the others.

Amdera: !!

Player: Because of my special situation, I've got lots of friends, and I've had lots of experiences with those friends.

Player: But at the same time, I still remember when I was poisoned, the warmth I felt when you held me and called my name.

Player: I will never forget it.

Player: So it doesn't matter how many friends I have. You will always be special to me!

Player: Anyway, I'm happy that you were jealous over me!

Amdera: Oh! W-what are you saying?

Vundo comes to check on Amdera

Vundo: Amdera, you're awake!

Vundo: How do you feel?

Amdera: Hey, I'm okay!

Vundo: I know you're a specialist in Earth Flux...

Vundo: But to melt half a floor and turn it into a wall and cover the entire Arcana Academy with flux barrier...

Vundo: You're really putting your life at risk using that much flux!

Vundo: Luckily, you've only got moderate flux deficiency.

Amdera: Thank you for taking good care of me, Principal.

Vundo: Don't mention it. All of Never Isle owes you a great debt!

Player: I know you just woke up, Amdera, but you should get some more rest!

Player: What would you like to eat for lunch? I'll bring it to you!

Amdera: Let me see...

3 days later...

Vundo: Your test results came back - you're recovering nicely.

Vundo: We no longer need to keep you under observation here.

Vundo: I've arranged everything at the academy for you. You have some time off to rest.

Amdera: Thank you, Principal, but that won't be necessary.

Amdera: I need to get back so I can help repair the academy and the jail.

Vundo: Hahaha, Indeed, our construction team isn't nearly as efficient as your earth arcana!

Vundo: But you need to take good care of yourself. Don't push yourself too hard!

Amdera: ...

Vundo: Do you need anything else, Amdera?

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Priddat - what's going to happen to him?

Vundo: He's in jail awaiting trial.

Vundo: According to Never Isle law, he's going to be publicly executed.

Amdera: There isn't any other way?

Vundo: You want to plead for mercy?

Amdera: He used to be my student, after all.

Vundo: His true identity is that of a Shadowcult Priest. The student you knew was only a disguise!

Amdera: I know...

Vundo: Amdera, you know...

Vundo: There is no question as to Priddat's guilt!

Vundo: He must be held responsible for all our fallen compatriots!

Vundo: He betrayed Luxium and tried to destroy Never Isle!

Vundo: He has to pay the price!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Yes... For our fallen compatriots.

Amdera: The guilty must pay a price!

Continue to Intimacy Level 11

Unforgivable One

Time can mend ancient wounds, yet it can't erase scars from history. He's stifled by the sins from the past, struggling for breath, unable to see the sky that has turned blue...

-Part 1

Speakeasy, Never Isle, At Night...

An uncomfortable atmosphere fills the bar as Amdera just rejected Player

Amdera: I'm sorry...

Player: Why...?

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Since you uncovered the spy, you won't need to be a teaching assistant at the academy anymore, Player.

Amdera steps away

Amdera: You've probably got some real work to do. Or you want to return to Earth. Right?

Player: That doesn't mean we can't be together!

Player: Even if I won't be a teaching assistant, I still frequently return to Never Isle.

Player: We can still keep going like before!

Amdera: I've already sent my resignation to Never Isle.

Amdera: I will leave Never Isle in two days.

Player: What? Why?

Amdera: Like you, I also have work to do.

Player: Then I'll go with you! I can help you!

Amdera: You can't help me!

Player: How... how come?

Player: I've got an airship, so I have friends all over Luxium.

Player: I can help you for sure!

Amdera: No!

Amdera: Nobody can help me!

Player: Are you in trouble, Amdera?

Player: Tell me! Maybe we can find a solution together?

Amdera: Player! Stay out of my business!

Player: Stay out of your business? You know me better than that.

Player: I love sticking my nose in your business!

Player: You saved my life.

Player: If you're in trouble, I will spare no effort to help you!

Amdera: (angry)

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Sigh...

Amdera: Player...

Amdera: Are you really going to make me say it?

Player: Huh?

Amdera: You're not my type!

Player: But we've gotten along well these past few months, haven't we?

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Our relationship is not as good as you think it is!

Amdera: We are coworkers, that's it. We aren't even friends!

Player: What are you talking about?

Amdera: Well, if you really want to know, I'll tell you!

Amdera: I only got close to you so that I could get close to Principal Vundo.

Player: What?

Amdera: You heard me. I used you to achieve my own goals, that's all!

Amdera: I don't have any feelings for you whatsoever!

Player: !!!

Player: (angry)

Player: Why would you take all that time we spent together and throw it out like it meant nothing to you?

Billy: Amdera! Do you have any idea what you're saying?

Player: Amdera, I really... I really like you!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: So what if you like me? I don't like you!

Player: You weren't like this before.

Player: Where did the dependable, reliable, gentle, and kind Amdera go?

Amdera: I already told you.

Amdera: You don't know me!

Amdera: You got close to me. You fell in love with me. Who's to blame for that?

Player: ...

Player: (angry)

Billy: Amdera! That's enough!

Amdera turns to leave

Player: Wait!

Player: Since you insist on leaving...

Player: At least take this...

You take out the gift you prepared.

Player: It's a cloak. It's been made to fit your body.

Player: The one you're wearing has holes in it.

Player: With clothes that tattered, it'll be easy to catch a cold.

Amdera: ...

Amdera turns around and takes the cloak

Amdera: ...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: (Throws the present on the ground)

Player: !!

Billy: !!

Amdera: I don't need it!

Billy punches Amdera.

Player: Billy!

Billy: Get out of here! I don't want to see you ever again!

Billy: You manipulative bastard!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: (sad)

Amdera leaves the bar

Player: ...

Billy: Don't give this bastard the time of day, Captain!

Billy: He doesn't deserve you!

Billy: Don't worry. You'll find someone more handsome and strong than him!

Player: ...

Player: You don't have to say that.

Player: I... I'm fine.

The next day at noon, you receive an urgent message from Principal Vundo.

The Arcana Nexus has been infiltrated again.

Player and Billy meet Vundo at the Nexus

Player: ...

Billy: Who snuck into the nexus this time, Principal?

Vundo: Based on the sensors outside the nexus, it was Amdera.

Player: ...

Vundo: But he didn't damage the nexus.

Vundo: He only opened the defenses outside the nexus.

Vundo: It appears he was saying something to the Arcana Nexus.

Player: ...

Vundo: Player, are you okay?

Player: ...

Player: So it's true.

Player: He is planning something.

Billy: That bastard's objective has been the Arcana Nexus all along.

Vundo: Even though the nexus hasn't been damaged...

Vundo: I've sent people to find Amdera. I need an explanation from him.

Player: It's no use.

Player: He's gone.

A week later, at the Never Isle Speakeasy.

Bar Owner: It's been a while since I've seen you, Player.

Bar Owner: Fancy a drink?

Player: Hmmm.

Player: I'll have a glass of...Boreal Ash!

Bar Owner: Okay!

Bar Owner: If you're ordering this drink, it means you really haven't let go of Amdera.

Player: How could I let go of this feeling?

Bar Owner: Even if you can't let go of it, at least you're out and about.

Player: Well, you can't wallow in self-pity forever.

Player: I figure, he wouldn't want me to wallow, either.

Bar Owner: Oh?

Player: After I calmed down, I thought about it, and realized something.

Player: Amdera started a fight with me on purpose, and intentionally said those mean things to me.

Player: He was trying to get me to hate him!

Bar Owner: I see.

Player: Amdera didn't hesitate to break things off with me in the name of work.

Player: Nine times out of ten, he didn't want me to get in trouble on account of him.

Player: Sigh... I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid.

Bar Owner: ...

Bar Owner: Luck is on Amdera's side. He's naturally strong. He can take care of himself!

A few moments later...

Bar Owner: One glass of Boreal Ash!

Player: Thank you!

Bar Owner: Oh, Player!

Bar Owner: I checked out a book from the library a couple of days ago. It's very interesting.

Bar Owner: Interested in hearing about it?

Player: I've got time. What's the book?

Bar Owner: It's this one...

The bar owner hands you a book.

Player: 'The Earth God Faith and the Transformation of the Northern Tribes'

Player: I didn't take you for the type to be interested in history books!

Bar Owner: I just flip through it whenever I find myself with time on my hands.

Player: Well, since you recommended it, I'll take a look!

A few moments later...

Player: (Sips liquor)

Player: I had no idea the Northern Desert had so many myths and legends. Most of them are about the Earth God.

Player: It looks like the Earth God is very important to the tribesmen of the Northern Desert.

Player: Speaking of which, Amdera always told me not to believe in gods.

Player: He had a very low opinion of faith.

Player: He was never willing to tell me the reason, though.

Player: Could it be...?

Player: (Flips through book)

Player: 'The Fury of the Earth God'

Player: 'In year 1108 of the New Era, the Varn Tribe that had controlled the Northern Desert for a century was wiped out.'

Player: Varn! Amdera said that means 'the strongest warrior.'

Player: 'According to regional legends and the records of the other tribes...'

Player: 'A Varn Tribe shaman used a forbidden earth arcana during a tribal war.'

Player: 'This act incurred the wrath of the Earth God, and divine punishment was issued.'

Player: 'The legendary Varn had finally fallen.'

Player: The taboo of the Earth God. I remember the first half of the book saying something about that.

Player: (Flips through book)

Player: 'The Earth God granted his people the power to control earth flux.'

Player: 'Outstanding shamans can concentrate grains of sand and stone and form massive storms.'

Player: 'But there are no limits to this power.'

Player: 'There is one taboo that must absolutely not be violated.'

Player: 'The Earth God's people must never use the power of the earth to shake the earth!'

Player: 'Any who violate this law blaspheme the Earth God. These blasphemers will be subject to divine punishment!'

Player: Shake the earth? Meaning cause earthquakes?

Player: (Flips through book)

Player: 'The legendary Varn had finally fallen.'

Player: 'Local stories and records are often littered with legends.'

Player: 'The shamans who worship the gods also use fantastical stories to strengthen and proselytize their faith.'

Player: 'But judging by my investigation of the area, the Varn Tribe's destruction is not entirely legend.'

Player: 'According to the records of the Kaigon Geological Study Department...'

Player: 'In year 1107 of the New Era, an earthquake occurred in the region where the Varn Tribe was located. The earthquake resulted in ground fissures.'

Player: 'The epicenter of this earthquake was located in a known inter-tribal conflict area.'

Player: 'What is interesting is that the earthquake helped the Varn Tribe secure victory in their war.'

Player: 'At the same time, this powerful earthquake altered the topography of the Northern Desert over an area with a radius of several hundred miles.'

Player: 'This diverted several rivers that passed through Varn territory.'

Player: 'The diversion turned the already-dry Northern Desert into an area in which survival is completely impossible. As a result, within a year, the Varn Tribe went extinct.'

Player: 'Modern scientists maintain that the origin of the faith in the Earth God is flux radiation from the Earth Nexus...'

Player: 'And that the demise of the rulers of the Northern Desert was the result of a natural disaster.'

Player: 'Yet the nearby tribes paint this tragic story with mysterious hues.'

Player: 'In the end, it has become legend in the Northern Desert.'

Player: ...

Player: Earthquakes, fissures... The demise of the Varn Tribe.

Player: The taboo of the Earth God, divine punishment...

Player: The nexus...

Player gets up from his stool

Player: Whoa!!

Bar Owner: Another glass, Player?

Player: No, I need to go!

3 days later...

Player: Billy! Has there been any news about Amdera yet?

Billy: Not yet, Captain.

Billy: I don't understand. That bastard played with your emotions.

Billy: Why are you still trying to find him?

Player: Amdera needs me!

Billy: Sigh...

Billy: All right. I'll ask our friends around Luxium if they've heard anything.

Player: It's been three days...

Player: We haven't heard any news from anywhere in Luxium.

Player: That means he hasn't taken action yet.

Billy: Whoa! We just received an urgent message from the Ursus Altar.

Player: Pick it up!

Urgent Communication: This is...

Urgent Communication: We're under...attack...

Urgent Communication: We need...help...

Billy: Huh. The transmission was cut off.

Billy: Seems like the Ursus Altar's having a bit of bad weather.

Player: Weather?

Player: Billy! We need to go to the Ursus Altar immediately!

Billy: Yes, sir!

Later, at the Ursus Altar.

A sandstorm rages on the altar grounds as Player talks to Bernard

Bernard: Thank Ursus you're here!

Bernard: Cough... This sand...

Bernard: You're a sight for sore eyes, Player!

Player: Bernard! What's going...ack!

Bernard: Several hours ago, a sandstorm began to hit the Ursus Altar.

Bernard: We didn't pay much attention to it at first, but it just kept getting stronger.

Bernard: Now, we can barely see our hands in front of our faces.

Player: Uh...

Bernard: We wanted to call for reinforcements, but this sand jammed our call for help.

Bernard: I've been stationed at this altar for more than ten years, and I've never seen a sandstorm like this before!

Bernard: This is probably a Shadow trick!

Player: No, it's not the Shadows!

Bernard: It's not the Shadows?

Player: I'm afraid this is the power of a friend of mine.

Bernard: A friend of yours, Player?

Bernard: How can that be? This sandstorm's been raging for hours! Even for a Gyee with a preternatural talent for controlling flux...

Player: His power comes from Earth Flux. I think he must be at the Earth Nexus.

Player: Bernard, he's not a Shadow, and he's not a bad guy.

Player: Please do not dispatch any of your men. I will go to the nexus and convince him to stop!

Bernard: I trust you, Player, but the sand is especially strong in the nexus.

Bernard: I'm afraid you won't be able to see more than two meters in front of you.

Bernard: And it's not just you, Player. Even I would get lost in there.

Player: ...

Player: He needs me. I have to go find him!

Bernard: ...

Bernard: Understood!

Bernard: I know the altar better than anyone. I'll go in with you!

Player: No, Bernard!

Player: You need to stay and guard the altar's perimeter, to stop any Shadows from trying to sneak in.

Player: If possible, you can send a couple of your warriors who are familiar with the altar to go in with me.

Bernard: Okay!

At the Earth Nexus.

The sandstorm is much stronger inside

Bear Warrior A: Whoa! This sandstorm just keeps getting stronger!

Bear Warrior B: Stay close, everyone! Do not split up!

Player: Okay!

A few moments later...

Bear Warrior B: I see the door!

Bear Warrior A: Good!

Bear Warrior B: Hold on! This door... This is the door that leads to the outside!

Player: What?

Player: We went in a big circle!

Player: Calm down! We can't get our bearings visually, it's impossible to travel in a straight line.

Player: Every three steps, let's take one step to the right!

Bear Warrior A: Good idea!

Suddenly, a terrible wind blows in your face.

The wind is so powerful that it blows you back.

Bear Warrior A: Player... You're...

Bear Warrior B: No... We'll... find you...

Player: Damn! We got separated!

Player: The wind is too strong. I couldn't even hear what he was saying.

Player: All I can do is keep going forward.

A few moments later...

Player: Whoa! It's a door!

Player: This door... It looks different from the entrance!

Player: I finally found it!

Player: Amdera, I'm coming!

At the Earth Nexus.

The sandstorm increases in intensity as Player gets further inside

Player can barely see his own hand in front of his face

Player: Heavens...

Player: Amdera, you'll go to any length to avoid being disturbed, won't you?

Player: But I'm sorry, I'm just not the type to give up!

Player continues further

Meanwhile...

Amdera stands in front of a large stone head - the Earth Nexus

Earth Nexus: Young one, why have you summoned me?

Earth Nexus: You bear a familiar scent...

Amdera: Good day, my lord!

Earth Nexus: Huh, I have not been summoned for many years.

Earth Nexus: Shaman of the Northern Desert, do you need anything?

Amdera: My lord, do you remember? Eight years ago, you rendered your judgment and eliminated an entire tribe!

Earth Nexus: Eight years ago, some of my followers disappeared from the world of Luxium.

Amdera: Good, so you still remember.

A few moments later...

Player: Huff, puff...

Player: I'm so tired.

Player: It feels like I've got iron chains around my ankles.

Player: But I can sense Amdera's aura.

Player: I'm getting closer.

Player: Phew.

Player finally reaches the Earth Nexus

Player: Oh! I'm out of it!

Player: The Earth Nexus is safe!

Player: Looks like I'm finally here.

Player: But where's Amdera?

Player looks around

Player: Whoa!

Player: Amdera!

Amdera: Player! What are you doing here?

Amdera: This is impossible! The nexus was engulfed in my sandstorm! The Ursus Altar was evacuated!

Player: Amdera!

Amdera: Could it be? Did you trudge through the sandstorm from outside?

Amdera: That's not possible! Except for me, no one can make it through a Northern Desert sandstorm!

Player: Honestly, I don't know how I made it through, either.

Player: Except that the only thing that got me through it was the thought of you!

Amdera: Player...

Amdera: ...

Amdera: Why are you here? Didn't I already explain everything to you?

Player: Don't put on a cold face with me again. Acting has never been your strong suit!

Player: I know what you're really going through!

Amdera: Uh...

Player: You came to teach at the Arcana Academy so that you could get close to the Arcana Nexus.

Player: After all, the Star Woods is a labyrinth, the Metal Nexus's entrance is hard to find, and the Fire and Water Nexuses are both guarded by the Shadowhunters.

Player: You came to the Arcana Academy and in secret studied how to awaken and commune with a nexus.

Player: A few days ago, you awakened the Arcana Nexus and it told you how to take on the Earth God.

Player: But did you stop to think why the Arcana Nexus would tell you how to kill a god?

Player: Amdera, what happened to the Varn Tribe wasn't the work of the Earth God.

Amdera: ...

Player: It was because the geological structure of the desert was unstable. An earthquake split the ground and altered the topography of the region.

Player: This caused the river to divert, precipitation to plummet, and the oasis disappeared.

Player: It was a natural occurrence. You don't need to destroy the nexus or get revenge on the Earth God!

Amdera: I know...

Player: Huh? You know?

Amdera: After my tribe died, I maintained a belief that the Earth God killed my people.

Amdera: But as I spent the last few years traveling around Luxium, I learned about geology.

Amdera: I gradually came to understand that the Earth God had nothing to do with the death of my people.

Amdera: Today, I came to the Earth Nexus to hear this from the mouth of the Earth God himself.

Amdera: The truth was as I thought.

Player: I see. Then let's go back!

Player: I'll explain everything to Bernard. The Shadowhunters won't give you any trouble, and I won't be implicated, either.

Amdera: I'm sorry. I can't leave here.

Player: You can't leave here?

Amdera: The earthquake in the Northern Desert eight years ago...

Amdera: It was my fault.

Amdera: Back then, the tribe was at war. I was the tribe's war shaman.

Amdera: My tribe was ambushed by an enemy tribe.

Amdera: We were greatly outnumbered, and I witnessed the death of my brothers with my own eyes.

Amdera: I channeled Earth Flux and used an earthquake to engulf the enemy.

Amdera: Although I saved the warriors that I was fighting with, I ultimately destroyed the entire tribe.

Player: Amdera...

Amdera: For months, we could not find enough food or water to survive.

Amdera: We'd even eaten our camels and horses.

Amdera: I watched my people starve to death, one after the other.

Amdera: And I was found by a caravan from River Bend Town. They took me to River Bend Town, and I survived.

Amdera: Actually, I already knew that I was the one who killed my people.

Amdera: These past few years, I used my hatred and my anger to deceive myself.

Amdera: I was trying to shift my guilt onto the gods.

Amdera: But how can I take this unpardonable guilt and give it to someone else?

Amdera: The guilty should pay the price for their sins.

Amdera: The past few months I've spent with you have been the happiest of my entire life.

Amdera: Thank you.

Amdera: Player, get out of here!

Player: No. I'm not going anywhere!

Amdera: You have so many friends, so many brothers who have fought side-by-side with you.

Amdera: Many of them are tall, strong, upstanding, virtuous men.

Amdera: So forget about me, the sinner who cannot be pardoned!

Amdera: Farewell, Player!

Amdera prepares to throw himself into the deep chasm that surrounds the Nexus but Player grabs his arm just in time

Player: Amdera, no!!

You hold on to Amdera tightly.

Amdera: Player, it's dangerous! You can't hold onto me!

Player: I'll try my damndest!

Amdera: (Pushes forward)

Player: (Holds on tightly)

Player: If you're so determined to die, take me with you!

Amdera: Don't be like this, Player.

Amdera: I'm a sinner.

Amdera: If I don't die, then how will the souls of my people ever find peace?

Player: And what will happen if you die?

Player: You'll have died for no reason.

Player: If you die, do you think that will please your mother and your father?

Player: Your father made that bracelet for you because he wanted you to live!

Player: And even though your old bracelet is gone...

Player: I gave you a new one in the hopes that it would protect you, because I want you to live, too!

Amdera: !!

Amdera: Player...

Amdera: I'm begging you, forget about me!

Player: That's easier said than done. I can't forget you!

Player: From the very moment I laid eyes on you...

Player: I can't stop thinking about you!

Player: Do you have any idea the state I've been in since you ditched me a few days ago?

Player: Every night, the time we spent together is like a slideshow playing over and over again.

Player: Do you want me to spend the rest of my life reliving our memories?

Amdera: !!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: I'm sorry...

Player: Amdera, you summoned an earthquake to save your people. You did the only thing that you could under the circumstances!

Player: You couldn't have known what would happen afterward!

Player: The tragedy that befell the Varn Tribe wasn't your fault!

Amdera: ...

Amdera: But it was the forbidden tricks I used that destroyed the tribe.

Player: The past is in the past! It cannot be changed!

Player: It doesn't matter how many years you spend blaming yourself.

Player: It doesn't matter whether you die here or not.

Player: The past cannot be changed!

Amdera: ...

Player: But the future can be!

Amdera: The future?

Player: Yeah!

Player: If you really mean it when you tell me you're sorry, then stop looking backward and start looking forward!

Player: Let's go back to Never Isle. You can keep being a professor, and I will be your teaching assistant!

Player: You still need to teach me how to wrestle, and we still need to take a hot bath together!

Player: Think of all the endless possibilities the future holds?

Amdera: ...

Player: Amdera, give yourself a chance. Give your future a chance.

Player: Forgive yourself!

Amdera: Player...

The sandstorm dies down

Amdera: Player, Player...

With the sandstorm dispelled, Bernard makes it into the Nexus

Bernard: The sandstorm is over! Protect Player!

Shadowhunters Warrior: I've spotted the culprit behind the sandstorm! Player may be in danger! Fire!

The Shadowhunter fires an explosive round that hits near Amdera and Player

Bernard: Stop! Do not fire!

Because of the explosive strike and the fact that Amdera used a large amount of the flux from the nexus...

The ground beneath your feet begins to shake.

Before you and Amdera can react, you fall down into a deep chasm.

Player: Whoa!!!

Amdera: Player!!

Continue to Intimacy Level 12

Gallery

Skins

Default Skin

Model
Default
Front	Back
Right	Left
Right back diagonal	Left back diagonal

Epiphany Skin Reach Epiphany Level 4 to unlock

Model
Default
Front	Back
Right	Left
Right back diagonal	Left back diagonal

Cool Skin Unlock with Cool Skin Coupon x100

Model
Default
Front	Back
Right	Left
Right back diagonal	Left back diagonal

Speech

Normal

Surprised

Happy

Embarrass

Angry

Shy

Sad

Funny

Photos

Title: Dust Off Artist: Zifu Unlock requirements: Amdera's Intimacy reaches Lv.7 to unlock

Audio

Note: Skins will use the audio from the basic skin unless indicated otherwise.

Amdera's Basic Skin

• Butler Interactions
  • Before Intimacy Level 7
    • Head: Air here is weak!
          ENG     CN     JP
    • Torso: Never trust the gods! They are all liars!!
          ENG     CN     JP
    • Waist: Sand and gravel everywhere... Uh... Sorry about the mess...
          ENG     CN     JP
  • After reaching Intimacy Level 7
    • Head: Wind... without sand and dirt. Strange...... but fresh.
          ENG     CN     JP
    • Torso: I like the bracelet you gave me. Just looking at it makes my heart warm...
          ENG     CN     JP
    • Waist: The sandstorm has passed... Shall we embrace a new journey together?
          ENG     CN     JP
• Skills
  • Basic: Sand blade!
        ENG     CN     JP
  • Advanced 1: Rise, rampart of stone!
        ENG     CN     JP
  • Advanced 2: Ha!
        ENG     CN     JP
  • Ultimate: Lost in a sandstorm of the North!
        ENG     CN     JP
• Arrival: The sky-devouring sand is my power... and my sin.
      ENG     CN     JP
• Display Voice 1: Power of the gods... is all cursed!
      ENG     CN     JP
• Display Voice 2: You are no match for North Desert warrior!
      ENG     CN     JP
• Display Voice 3: When it's quiet, I can still feel the wind of my homeland.
      ENG     CN     JP
• Hit: *grunts*
      ENG     CN     JP
• Dying: Earth, I'm not...
      ENG     CN     JP

Videos

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