De La Fère - Honest and courageous, sees things in black and white. Makes it his mission to revive his family's name.
His lance charges into battle against thousands of enemies; his thunder passes on the courageous warrior spirit.
Intro[]
This is a story about a hero.
A thousand years ago, the second Shadow War broke out and the Shadows quickly took control over most of the Northern Desert. The Shadow army soon went south and the River Bend Town was in danger. The town chief and aristocrats had retreated with the Shadowhunters long ago, and so only civilians and a small number of Shadowhunters who didn't want to abandon the people were left to guard the River Bend Town. When everyone lost hope, one Shadowhunter stepped forward. He was strong, wearing tattered Shadowhunter standard armor on his lower body and a bloodstained cloak over his chest while holding a giant blue lance. He raised the lance and a sudden thunder cut through the sky. He called on the people to unite and fight the Shadows.
If the Shadows attacked the River Bend Town, then everyone would surely die, but they might still have a chance of survival if they went to battle! The battle for the defense of the River Bend Town then broke out, and that Shadowhunters Warrior led everyone to charge right into the invading Shadows. His lance gathered thunder, and electricity flashed and thundered wherever the tip of the lance went. The Shadows knew no fatigue and attacked like a tidal wave. He, on the other hand, was like a god of war descending to earth, swimming like a dragon within the enemy formation, while leading the warriors and the people to block one attack after another. No one knew how long it took, but his body, his armor, and his cloak were all dyed black with blood. He roared and growled like a dark, ferocious beast, and the Shadows eventually retreated.
Despite the heavy casualties, most of the people survived, and he collapsed in a state of weakness. It was only then that the people remembered that he was not a god, he didn't even come from a famous family; he was just an ordinary Shadowhunters Warrior. No one knew his name, only that he came from a small town called Fère to the north of Loong Mountains.
A thousand years later, bursts of thunder could still be heard in the Northern Desert on sunny days. That's the sound of the heroes who have passed on their glory and continue to defend this land.
Forming a Pact[]
De La Fère's rarity: SSR
Max Epiphany without Illumination: Level 6
The player can form a pact with De La Fère by the following methods:
- Limited Summon
- You can form a pact with De La Fère by summoning him on his limited-time banner.
Skills[]
Basic[]
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Fallen Thunder Cost: 10 Mana Cool Down: None Flux: Water Type: Ranged |
| Skill Description | |
| De La Fère deals P.DMG equals to P.ATK*[Skill Level] to 1 enemy target. If the target carries Paralysis, then restores 10 Mana for self.
Skill Level
| |
| Passives | |
Requires 50 Gyee Insight to unlock
| |
Advanced[]
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Lance of Charge Cost: 30 Mana Cool Down: 2 Rounds Flux: Water Type: Melee |
| Skill Description | |
De La Fère deals P.DMG equals to P.ATK*[Skill Level] to 1 enemy target. If self carries at least 3 stacks of Storm Legacy, then deals additional 50% splash damage to targets on both sides. Afterward, grants self EM Barrier for 1 round.
Skill Level
| |
| Passives | |
Requires 150 Gyee Insight each to unlock
| |
Ultimate[]
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Thunder of Destruction Cost: 70 Mana Cool Down: 1 Rounds Flux: Water Type: Melee |
| Skill Description | |
| De La Fère deals P.DMG equals to P.DMG*[Skill Level] to 1 enemy target plus 50% splash damage to targets on both sides. If self carries 6 stacks of Storm Legacy, then this attack ignores all targets' P.DEF.
Skill Level
| |
| Passives | |
Requires 300 Gyee Insight each to unlock
| |
Mastery[]
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Lance of Glory and Thunder Cost: None Cool Down: None |
| Skill Description | |
As De La Fère deals relatively low basic Crit Damage, his skill damage is increased by (8.00% + Mastery Bonus), and he's immune to Paralysis and Silence. After taking action each round, Fère gains 1 stack of Storm Legacy. After dealing Crit Damage, Fère will recover 5 Mana, HP equals to P.ATK*100% and gains 1 stack of Storm Legacy.
| |
Imprint[]
Basic Engraving[]
- Valor Engraving (MaxHP +1.92% per Engraving level)
- Each engraving level requires I.N. Flux - Water 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.
- Loneliness - It is said that loneliness is one person's carnival, but after that, only loneliness remains...
- Cue: Mr. Player, do you have recommendations?
- (A famous company is performing at the theater...)
900 Intimacy - (Take De La Fère to the Rupor Show...)
500 Intimacy - (Get a massage together...)
700 Intimacy
- (A famous company is performing at the theater...)
- Cue: Mr. Player, do you have recommendations?
- Stain - Soaked in filth for a long time, even the purest clothes cannot be washed clean. But it still can bring warmth and resist the cold winter.
- Cue: Oh my...this is too vulgar...
- If you've made up your mind, then you shouldn't give up.
700 Intimacy - What others think may be important, but you still have to be yourself!
900 Intimacy - Perhaps the issue will be resolved if you treat your warriors better...
500 Intimacy
- If you've made up your mind, then you shouldn't give up.
- Cue: Oh my...this is too vulgar...
- After Reading - Emperor, general, and common folk, who is more superior? Who is more pitiful?
- Cue: Player, what do you think about the story?
- The older brother's death was really sad...
700 Intimacy - I feel sorry for the younger brother who became king...
900 Intimacy - It doesn't matter if one kingdom takes over another, or if a kingdom flourishes, the suffering of the common people remains the same...
700 Intimacy
- The older brother's death was really sad...
- Cue: Player, what do you think about the story?
Intimacy Blocks[]
To reach Intimacy levels 7 and 11, De La Fère needs mementos (found in Darkflux Raid), reiki (found in Extreme Fight or Arcana Tracker), and the following block item:
- Intimacy Level 7
- S - Lake Bliss Manor Tea
- Lake Bliss Manor's tea is famous in Luxium for its unique fragrance. It tastes bitter at first with a sweetness to follow. Tea enthusiasts love this tea. However, it's quite expensive and only the upper class can afford it.
Used to break through De La Fère's Intimacy. Obtained from the Extreme Fight.
- Lake Bliss Manor's tea is famous in Luxium for its unique fragrance. It tastes bitter at first with a sweetness to follow. Tea enthusiasts love this tea. However, it's quite expensive and only the upper class can afford it.
- S - Lake Bliss Manor Tea
- Intimacy Level 11
- Mysterious Note
- A mysterious person left a scrunched up note in a hurry. The note contains information most vital to you at this moment.
Used to break through De La Fère's Intimacy. Obtained from the Extreme Fight.
- A mysterious person left a scrunched up note in a hurry. The note contains information most vital to you at this moment.
- Mysterious Note
Basic Drink Preferences[]
25% bonus
No bonus
No 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.
- Markus: De La Fère? There were many heroes in history who had this surname, and the Fère family used to be really famous in Luxium! Unfortunately, for some reason, the Fère family has not produced any outstanding warriors for a long time......
Markus's Intimacy reaches Lv.2 to unlock - Grancy: My family has been targeting the Fère family for as long as I can remember. But the Fère family has guarded the River Bend Town since time immemorial, and so I personally respect them very much.
Grancy's Intimacy reaches Lv.4 to unlock - Creed: Him? He's a brat who's always yelling about 'inheriting the Lance of Glory' and 'reviving the family.' He's arrogant and not good enough to carry on the Fère name with the trivial skills he has!
Creed's Intimacy reaches Lv.6 to unlock - Takashi: Eidos De La Fère was originally a warrior in the reserves. I recruited him to be the captain of a Fire Flux elite team. I didn't do so because of his superior fighting ability or his power to command thunder. Eidos's sense of justice and determination to guard his companions in battle remind me of the legendary Fère who protected the River Bend Town. Although he's wild and unruly now, in time he'll become a hero known throughout Luxium. The future of the Shadowhunters needs a young man like that!
Takashi's Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock - Ambush Force Warrior A: The captain? Uh...he will punish anyone who's not focused during training, anyone who's 5 seconds late to assembly, or anyone who chats with someone next to them! He's a complete maniac! Is he some kind of sadist?
- Ambush Force Warrior B: Even though the majority of Flux Nexus members have something against Captain De La Fère... In fact, if you follow the Shadowhunter Regulations to the dot, the captain is pretty easy-going. He may be strict, but he's strong! He's the only one from Flux Nexus who can go more than ten rounds with General Takashi without losing! We'll do great things with a captain like that!
- Bull Force Captain: Captain De La Fère? Hmm...he's really strong and fights well. He's self-disciplined, courageous and really clear about where he stands on important matters. He's definitely someone you can trust on the battlefield. Outside of the battlefield, he's a lone wolf and won't hang out with us commoners. He's a good person, just not that easy-going.
- River Bend Town Resident: Isn't he the youngest son of the Fère family? Even though he came from a aristocratic family, he's really polite to commoners like us and doesn't have much pride. The River Bend Town owes it to the Fère family for its survival!
Scripts[]
Consolation Letter[]
(Whoa! Such elegant and aristocratic handwriting, you can sense a wave of power seeping out...)
Hello, I'm De La Fère, the captain of the Shadowhunters Fire Flux Nexus Defense Ambush Force.
I'm writing on behalf of General Takashi pursuant to his order to invite you to a meeting in three days before sunset to discuss a commission. Details of commission will only be provided at the meeting. We hope you will be there on time. A deposit and certain gifts for this commission are enclosed in this letter.
Best wishes,
Note: According to the Shadowhunters Regulations, this letter serves as a one-time permit for access to the Fire Flux Nexus. Once you've entered the Flux Nexus, please abide by the visitor rules. Any violation of these Regulations will lead to the corresponding punishment by the Shadowhunters.
Bath Drama[]
- 泡澡……一起？唔……好吧……
- 請問，脈衝按摩功能在哪裡？沒有嗎？好吧……
- 想來點酥酥麻麻的感覺嗎？我可以幫忙~
Fave Hottie Slogan[]
May the light of justice guide you.
Branch[]
This section contains spoilers for the Branch quest. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.
Honorable Knight
-Part 1
- Note: This story refers to events from Takashi, Duran and Creed and occurs after the events from Eddie-Enraged Hawk, Miles-Blood Wolf and Izumi - Guardian Bear.
- The courageous hero shone brightly through the shadows...
- Yet the brighter he shone, the thicker the darkness that surrounded him...
- ...
- ...
- Kitty and Player talk on the deck of the airship
- Kitty looks excited but Player has a stern look on his face
- Kitty: Ah! It's so good to finally come out today! I haven't left the academy in the past few days. I'm so sick of it!
- Kitty: You managed to achieve something so important a while back, yet I couldn't participate due to academy matters. What a shame!
- Kitty: Going forward, I'm coming with you no matter where you're going!
- Kitty: Doing good all over Luxium is much more meaningful than studying at the academy!
- Player: Is that so...
- Player: But I'd rather lead a worry-free life in school as a student...
- Player: The world outside is much more complicated than inside the academy...
- Kitty: What's so complicated?
- Kitty: If I run into anyone who needs to be taught a lesson, I'll use my Cat Claw!
- With that, Kitty stroke a pose and began to charge his energy...
- Player: That's enough. I know how good you are! But we have a mission today.
- Player: Save your energy so that you can help the Order of Equality fight the White Capes!
- Kitty: Haha! It's bad luck for them if they run into me!
- Player: (smiles)
- Suddenly, you noticed something strange in the sky far away...
- Player: Huh? What...?
- Airship Communication: Captain, Kitty, a group of flying creatures are coming at us really fast. Come down now!
- Kitty: Eh? I've only just come out...
- Bat-like monsters begin to swarm the airship
- Player: What are those?
- Kitty: Monsters!
- Player: Those are Shadow Bats! There are too many of them. Head back to the airship now!
- Player and Kitty escape to the bridge
- Kitty: Uh...the Shadow Bats are everywhere!
- Player: Billy, what's the status?
- Billy: We may have entered the Shadow stronghold's airspace...
- Player: Shadow stronghold? Since when is there a Shadow strong...
- Boom! The Shadow Bats continue to ram against the airship
- Billy: Uh...
- Billy: I'm going to execute an airship maneuver. Hold on tight!
- Kitty: Ahhhhh!!!
- Player: Whoa!!
- Billy deftly maneuvers the airship but can't escape the bats
- Kitty: Damn it, these monsters...
- Player: Billy! Use our cannons!
- Billy: I don't think so. Those bats are tiny and agile, cannons won't work!
- Player: ...
- Boom!
- You looked at the airship communication terminal...
- The red dots of formation detection feedback were everywhere...
- Each red dot represented one Shadow, and they had surrounded the airship...
- Boom!
- Player: ...
- Player: This is bad...we can't escape...
- Billy: Captain, I'l think of something...
- Player: No, we don't have any weapons to use on tiny flying creatures!
- Player: Contact the Order of Equality and let them know that we've encountered a minor problem and won't be able to help.
- Billy: Why aren't we seeking their assistance...
- Player: There's no time...
- Player: Not to mention they have to fight the White Capes and save our people. Without us, the Order of Equality's armed forces will be smaller than expected...
- Player: (Looks at the arcana map...)
- Player: ...
- Player: We should fly north toward River Bend Town and the Fire Flux Nexus!
- Kitty: The Fire Nexus?
- Boom!
- Billy: I know what to do! We'll fire all the cannons toward north to open up a path!
- Billy: I'm not holding back!
- A few moments later...
- Ten or so kilometers south of the Fire Flux Nexus, Northern Desert
- The airship makes a rough landing in the desert sands
- Player: Cough, cough! Is anyone hurt?
- Kitty: I'm okay!
- Billy: Just some scratches. Nothing serious!
- Player: All right...
- Player: How's the damage to the airship?
- Billy: The emergency landing was successful and the main structure isn't damaged. However, the engine and the outer case are seriously damaged. I can't fix those by myself...
- Billy: To prevent the damage from spreading, I've sealed the entrance to the airship. But we still have to find help at the Fire Flux Nexus as soon as possible...
- Kitty: Damn it...these Shadows...
- Kitty: Once we get back, we must install ten thousand guns and arcana cannons!
- Billy: Hmmm...the airship can't fly with so many weapons.
- Kitty: It was just a metaphor...
- Billy: Metaphors can't fly either. I won't let you install one.
- Kitty: Ugh...never mind! I'm not talking to you anymore!
- Player: That's enough! The Shadows will be here soon. We don't have any advantage fighting in an open area!
- Player: There's still some way to go before we reach the Fire Flux Nexus. Let's go!
- A few moments later...
- Billy: Huff, puff...
- Kitty: How...how much further...
- Player: Hang in there for a bit longer. The Shadowhunters have guards at an outpost about ten kilometers from the nexus...
- Player: We'll get there really soon...
- Kitty: Hold on!
- Kitty: I hear something!
- Player: Don't tell me the Shadows are already...
- Kitty: No...it's coming from up ahead...
- Kitty: It doesn't sound like the Shadows. It sounds like armor.
- Player: Armor?
- You suddenly felt the convergence of arcana above your head...
- The next moment, you felt your head going numb and your hair standing up...
- Player: Fall back!
- Everyone manages to dodge just as a bolt of lightning strikes right where Player was standing
- Kitty: Ugh...what dared to ambush us?
- A blond-haired man holding a large lance approaches followed by a large contingent of warriors
- ???: Not bad. I didn't think you would be able to evade the imprisonment arcana of the Fère family...
- ???: Warriors, surround them!
- The warriors surround Player, Billy and Kitty
- Billy: Shadowhunters!
- Billy: That's great! We're saved!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: No one moves!
- Player: !!
- The Shadowhunters Warrior raised the flux detector beside him...
- Kitty: Sigh, please put the flux detector down!
- Kitty: You're Shadowhunters of the Fire Flux Nexus, right? We're...
- ???: Don't come any closer!
- Man with a lance: Commoners, state your names!
- You noticed a tiny movement next to him, as if he's operating something...
- The next instant, you felt a slight flux wave next to you...
- Player: !!
- Player: (Not someone I recognize...)
- Player: I am Player. This is Billy and Kitty...
- Player: And you are...
- Man with a lance: I'm the first son of the renowned Fère family, a Fère warrior...
- Man with a lance: The Legacy Lance of Glory and Thunder, a Shadowhunter, Captain of the Ambush Force at the Fire Nexus's Shadowhunter garrison...
- De La Fère: De La Fère!
- Billy: How did you manage to remember such a long name?
- Kitty: His name is just Fère! I've met people like that at the Arcana Academy...
- Kitty: Aristocrats from small towns are used to introducing themselves like that...
- De La Fère: Small...small town?
- De La Fère: Uh...
- De La Fère: I'm De La Fère!!
- Player: I apologize. We're from Never Isle and aren't familiar with the Northern Desert. Please forgive us...
- De La Fère: Commoners, this is a no-man zone. What are you doing here?
- Kitty: Ugh! Done with the questions already! Can't we get to the Fire Flux Nexus first before we talk? The Shadows...
- De La Fère: No rush!
- Player: We originally left Never Isle to go to the western border of the Star Woods...
- Player: But we entered the Shadow stronghold's airspace by mistake and were attacked by Shadow Bats...
- Player: In the end, we were forced to have an emergency landing nearby in order to seek help from the Shadowhunters.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Captain, the general often mentioned Player and how he offered help to the Shadowhunters many times...
- De La Fère: Have you met him before?
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: I haven't met him in person, but the arcana detector didn't find any Shadow energy...he should be...
- De La Fère: Then we must be careful! Many Shadow spies are able to evade the arcana detector!
- De La Fère: Not to mention, even more dangerous than Shadow spies...
- Billy: Spies? We're not Shadow spies!
- De La Fère: Commoners, show me your identification documents!
- Player: Documents...hmm...
- Billy: It was quite frantic during the emergency landing...we've left our documents on the airship...
- Kitty: No...if you don't believe us then you can ask Never Isle!
- Player: Kitty...
- Player: Captain De La Fère, I know you have doubts about us. But we're in an emergency...
- Player: This is an open area. If we stay any longer, the Shadow Bats will find us...
- Player: Everything will be clear once we see Takashi!
- De La Fère: Shadow Bats...
- De La Fère: Fine! So long as you promise to obey the Shadowhunters for the time being and handover your weapons...
- De La Fère: We'll take you to the Fire Flux Nexus!
- Kitty: Handover our weapons? What gives you the authority?
- De La Fère: According to the new Shadowhunters Regulations and the general's order, within 15 kilometers of any Flux Nexus and important Shadowhunter bases are prohibited areas...
- De La Fère: All unauthorized personnel must be disarmed and checked!
- Kitty: No...this is crucial. With our weapons, we can help if the Shadows attack us!
- De La Fère: Don't worry about safety. This area is managed by the Fire Flux Nexus...
- De La Fère: I will take care of your safety!
- Player: (They really have their guards up. Oh well, what's important is that we get to the Flux Nexus as soon as possible.)
- Player: Kitty, we'll work with the Shadowhunters!
- Kitty: Ugh...that's outrageous!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Captain, the temporary observation post reported that they found a large number of flying Shadows and a few massive Shadow Bats!
- Player: ...
- De La Fère: Notify the observation post to stay hidden while we get ready!
- Kitty: Give us back our weapons and we'll fight the Shadows with you!
- De La Fère: It's the duty of the Shadowhunters to eliminate the Shadows. We don't need help from outsiders like you!
- Kitty: You...
- Player: (Waves your hand to silence Kitty...)
- Player: We'll count on Captain De La Fère, then.
- De La Fère cocks an eye at Player for a moment then addresses his warriors
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Warriors, take cover with the 'guests' over there!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Hmm...all of us?
- De La Fère: You heard me right.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: And Captain you...
- De La Fère: I'll take care of those Shadows!
- A few moments later...
- De La Fère stands alone in the middle of the desert, lance raised to the sky
- De La Fère: ...
- The group of Shadowhunter Warriors and Player's group observe from farther away
- Player: !!
- Billy: Hey, what's he doing? Even I can see the Shadows coming this way!
- Kitty: Hmm...this doesn't feel right...
- Kitty: Don't tell me he thought he could handle so many Shadows by himself...
- Billy: We must help him!
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: The Captain made an order - you can't leave!
- Billy: Do you want to see your Captain gets killed by the Shadows?!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: It would be great if that actually happens...
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: (Whispers) Hey! What's this nonsense you're saying?!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Heck! Anyway, please stay put and work with us!
- Kitty: But...he...
- Player: Rather than worrying about him, why don't you have a moment of silence for the Shadows...
- Billy: What?
- Kitty: Come to think of it, the feeling I had earlier...
- Player: Hmmm...
- Player: He's charging energy...
- A crack of thunder echoes against the dry landscape
- Billy: That was thunder...is it going to rain?
- Kitty: Huh? It's such a sunny day, how is it going to rain?
- Suddenly, Shadow Bats descend on De La Fère's location
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Phew.
- De La Fère swipes his lance and a bolt of lightning fries the group
- More smaller Shadow Bats and a large Dread Bat converge on De La Fère
- Shadow Bats: Roar!!!
- De La Fère: Shadow monsters! Time to rout...
- De La Fère: Under the gleaming glory of the Fère family!
- De La Fère battles the Shadow Bats
- Shadow Bats: Rrragh!
- De La Fère: Evil things that have fallen into darkness and shadow...
- De La Fère: The captain of the glorious Shadowhunters Fire Flux Nexus Garrison, and the fearless lance of the Fère family...
- De La Fère: Will put an end to your sins!
- The fighting continues
- De La Fère: Phew...ha! Is that all you've got?
- De La Fère: You should give it your all!
- De La Fère: Eat this!
- The fighting continues
- De La Fère: For a Shadow, I should compliment you for enduring this long!
- De La Fère: However...I should wrap this up!
- Kitty: Wow...he talks so much when he fights...
- De La Fère single-handedly defeats all of the Shadow Bats, the Dread Bat is on it's last legs
- Shadow Bats: Ugh...
- De La Fère: Ha! The glory of victory belongs to the Fère family!
- De La Fère: You should be honored to have died from my lance!
- Player: I can't believe he eliminated so many Shadows all by himself..
- Billy: Impressive!!
- Kitty: What's the point of showing off for fighting those half-dead Shadows?
- Kitty: Shut up and kill that Shadow!
- Player spots a stray Shadow Bat sneak up behind De La Fère
- Player: Watch out!!
- De La Fère: !!
- De La Fère quickly turns around and kills the Shadow Bat
- De La Fère: Whoa!
- De La Fère: ...
- Everyone runs up to De La Fère
- Billy: Are you okay?
- Billy: You're brilliant! The lightning took out those monsters in no time!
- De La Fère: This is the Fère family's legacy arcana. Summoning the Thunderbolt is all but one of its power...
- De La Fère: This is not the kind of power people from a 'small town' can imagine.
- Kitty: Eh?
- De La Fère: While I appreciated your help, please had over your weapons...
- De La Fère: Before your identities are verified, you remain suspicious personnel.
- Billy: ...
- Player: ...
- Kitty: Hey...
- Player: Okay.
- De La Fère: Let's go! We're heading back to the Flux Nexus!
- Kitty: Is he nuts?
- Player: Don't mind him. Let's just go...
- Player: We still need Takashi's help to fix the airship...
- A while later, at the Fire Nexus.
- You, Billy and Kitty waited for an hour at the Fire Flux Nexus but still there's no sign of Takashi...
- De La Fère's group stands guard while Player's party waits in a holding cell
- Kitty: Ugh...I've had enough!
- Kitty: How much longer will they make us wait?
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Captain De La Fère has gone to deliver the message...
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Before he comes back, please wait for a while longer...
- Kitty: Captain De La Fère...that stupid captain again!
- Player: Kitty!
- Billy: I can wait, but I'm not sure if the airship can...
- Billy: Is it possible for you to provide us with some steel so I can go back to fix the airship?
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: We don't have such authority, sorry.
- Billy: Uh...
- Kitty: (Whispers) Player, Billy, come over here!
- Billy: Huh...this place is cramped. Where do you want to go?
- Kitty: We can't let the Shadowhunters hear us!
- Player: (With your voice...they have already heard you...)
- Player: Alright...
- Kitty leads Player and Billy to the back of the cell
- Kitty: What if we fight out way out?
- Kitty: This prison array isn't that complicated. I can disarm it!
- Kitty: I can also use my Cat Claw to stun the two guards...
- Billy: What?
- Billy: Is that what you wanted to say?
- Kitty: Hmm...don't you want to fix your airship?
- Billy: I'm worried about the airship...
- Player: No!
- Player: The damage to the airship is trivial when compared to getting on the bad side of the Shadowhunters!
- Player: That captain is acting by the rules. If we fight our way out now, it will only make us look guilty!
- Kitty: The rules are dead, but the people aren't!
- Kitty: Once we get out of here and the airship is fixed, we can clear things up with the Shadowhunters!
- Billy: If we end up having to fight, can we defeat that captain?
- Billy: There were so many Shadow Bats just now, not to mention the giant bat king...
- Billy: All those monsters were eliminated with just a few strikes of his lightning!
- Kitty: Pfft! He had an advantage because we were in an open area just now!
- Kitty: If we fight inside the Flux Nexus, I have a chance to win!
- Billy: But his power was real...
- Billy: Captain, have you heard about the Fère family that other captain mentioned?
- Player: Hmmm...I have actually heard about it...
- Player: I think it's a local family from River Bend Town which seems to have something to do with the Shadowhunters...
- Kitty: Is it one of the six families?
- Billy: No, there isn't a Fère family among them...
- Billy: Also, before the Shadowhunters went through what happened, the six families' were no longer that powerful.
- Kitty: You meant the Shadowhunters' internal unrest a while back?
- Kitty: Hmm...I've been studying at the Arcana Academy during that time and missed out on all the fun...
- Player: Kitty...that was no fun at all!
- Player: The Shadows took advantage of the cracks and conflicts among the Shadowhunter families and nearly destroyed the Shadowhunters...
- Player: If they took one wrong step back then...
- Player: Luxium...may not even exist anymore...
- Kitty: Uh...
- Player: That's enough! Stop getting any ideas!
- Player: If things escalate, we won't be able to explain ourselves...
- Player: If that happens, it's not just us...but even Never Isle will be affected...
- Kitty: Never Isle...
- Player: Let's just wait it out!
- Billy: ...
- After some time...
- Billy: After another hour...
- Billy: I hope the core insulation is still intact...
- Billy: Even though the outer case caught on fire and the temperature in the desert is high, a few more hours should be fine...
- Billy: It will be fine!
- Kitty: Billy...Billy is getting hysterical...
- Kitty: Player! You must think of something!
- Player: ...
- The Shadowhunter warriors standing guard talk amongst themselves
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Hmm...it's just some steel and wood after all...why don't we just give them some?
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Even though we aren't sure if he's really Player, the captain's detector didn't go off and he saved the captain. He should be on our side.
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Are you out of your mind?
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: If the captain found out...'misappropriation of Shadowhunter property...' 'release of unidentified persons of suspect...'
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Do you want to appear before the Westhold Tribunal?!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: You're exaggerating...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: You haven't been here at the Flux Nexus for long...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Last month, a veteran who have fought for the Flux Nexus for four years...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Let an old man into the Flux Nexus to get out of the rain and offered him some water out of kindness...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Was sent to the tribunal by the captain!
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Fortunately, that old man was just a commoner and the veteran only lost a year's pay as punishment...
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Eh? A year's pay! That's tough...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Sigh...a few of us helped him out and managed to get through the year...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Don't let the captain know I've told you about this or else we'll lose half a month's pay for gossiping!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: If that's how the Captain handles things, why can't we report to the Lieutenant or General Takashi?
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Report? How are you going to do that? The Captain is handling things in accordance with the Shadowhunter Regulations...
- Nearby Shadowhunter: (Whispers) Hey! You two...the Captain...
- De La Fère: Aww! Sweet talking?
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Whoa!
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Oh no...
- De La Fère glares down at the two gossiping warriors
- De La Fère: ...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: (Gulps)
- De La Fère turns to the other guards standing in front of the holding cell
- De La Fère: How are things?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Everything is under control, sir!
- De La Fère: Good!
- De La Fère: You two were gossiping about unrelated matters while carrying out a mission...
- De La Fère: According to the Shadowhunter Regulations, since this is your first violation and no harm was done, you will be fined with half a month's pay. The punishment will be more severe for repeated violations!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Uh...
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Y-Yes, sir!
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: We'll head to the disciplinary office for our punishment now...
- De La Fère: You'll go when the mission is over...
- De La Fère: I brought some water. Let's take a fifteen-minute break!
- Shadowhunters Warrior C: Yes, sir!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Thank you, captain...
- Player: (surprised)
- The Fire Flux Nexus is located in the hinterland of the Northern Desert...
- You're all beyond thirsty after the journey from the emergency landing spot to the Fire Flux Nexus...
- Seeing how the Shadowhunters pour water down their throats, the scorching air became unbearable...
- De La Fère: I've brought you guys some juice.
- Player: What?
- Billy: Eh! For us?
- Kitty: !!
- De La Fère: Hmm, the Shadow energy analysis came out. You guys have no trace of Shadow Arcana on you...
- De La Fère: And so I've bought some juice with my own money to thank you for saving my life.
- Player: (Accepted a bottle and used your energy to detect the juice...)
- Player: (It really was just ordinary juice...)
- Player: (You opened the bottle and took a swig...)
- Billy: Wow! Thank you so much! I'm dying of thirst!
- Kitty: We told you we're not bad people!
- Kitty: Please help us fix our airship so we can go home.
- De La Fère: Well...
- De La Fère: No!
- Kitty: Eh? Didn't you say we don't have any trace of Shadow Arcana on us?
- De La Fère: That's right, but it only proves that you aren't related to the Shadows...
- De La Fère: According to the Shadowhunter Regulations, the investigation against you hasn't ended!
- Player: (Hmmm...apart from the Shadows...what else is the Fire Flux Nexus being so guarded about?)
- Billy: Oh my...when will you leave us alone?
- De La Fère: This is for the safety of the Fire Flux Nexus, as well as the entire Luxium.
- De La Fère: If you're good people, then I apologize for this prolonged wait...
- Player: ...
- Player: Don't worry about it. We'll abide by the Shadowhunter Regulations! To the fullest!
- De La Fère: But if you have an ulterior motive...
- De La Fère: (Lifts the corner of his mouth...) You should take this idle time to write a will.
- De La Fère: Don't try any funny business...
- De La Fère: Any trick or conspiracy will be completely revealed under the radiance of the Shadowhunter heroes!
- De La Fère: The strongest and most brilliant man in this world will interrogate you himself!
- As De La Fère turns his back, Kitty mutters under his breath
- Kitty: (angry)
- Kitty: There is definitely something wrong with him...
- De La Fère: Time's up. Break is over. Watch them!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Roger, captain!
- The warriors move back to guarding the cell
- Player: ...
- Player: Oh well, we'll just have to wait!
- Billy: Hmmm...
- A while later, reception area...
- Player's group is escorted under heavy guard to meet Takashi
- De La Fère: Attention!
- De La Fère: This is the highest command of the Ambush Force at the Fire Nexus's Shadowhunter garrison...
- De La Fère: A member of the Shadowhunter Council, a hero who saved the Shadowhunters from dan...
- Player cuts De La Fère off
- Player: Takashi, it's been so long!
- De La Fère: Hmm...how...how dare you call the general by his name!
- De La Fère: Know your place!
- Takashi waved his hand as a signal for De La Fère to step back...
- Takashi: It's okay, De La Fère...
- Takashi: Warriors, you are dismissed. They are on our side.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Yes, General!
- De La Fère: General...
- The warriors leave and Takashi, his lieutenant and De La Fère talk to Player
- Takashi: Let me introduce you. This is Player...
- Takashi: An old friend of the Shadowhunters, and a good friend of mine.
- Takashi: And these are friends from Never Isle. They're all on our side.
- De La Fère: Uh...
- Takashi: Player, Billy, Kitty, this is Captain De La Fère...
- Takashi: The Captain of the Fire Nexus's Ambush Force.
- De La Fère gave you a standard Shadowhunter salute...
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi: It's you guys, Player.
- Takashi: I went to Westhold this morning and have only just returned...
- Takashi: Sorry to keep you waiting.
- Takashi: What brings you to the Fire Flux Nexus?
- Player: Actually, we were going to...
- After a while, you told Takashi what happened...
- Takashi: I see...
- Takashi: Lieutenant, take Mr. Billy to the military quarter!
- Takashi: Provide Mr. Billy with the materials as he requested.
- Takashi: Send a few technicians and Mr. Billy to where the airship was forced to land and fix it! Send two warriors to protect them on the way!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Yes, sir!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Mr. Billy, please follow me!
- Billy: Yay! There's hope for the airship now!
- Billy and the Lieutenant leave
- Player: Thank you so much, General Takashi!
- Takashi: Haha, you don't have to thank me!
- Takashi: As for the Shadow stronghold that appeared out of nowhere and the large amount of Shadow Bats...
- Takashi: De La Fère, according to the coordinates Player described...
- Takashi: Those Shadows should be the same group which we've been monitoring.
- De La Fère: General...
- Takashi: Player is no stranger. If it wasn't for Player, the Shadowhunters wouldn't be who we are today.
- De La Fère: Okay...
- De La Fère: You're right; that Shadow stronghold is the same one we've been monitoring.
- De La Fère: It only appeared a week ago. Our scouts are monitoring it 24/7 and reporting the status every three hours.
- De La Fère: Earlier on, a large number of Shadow Bats were sent out from that Shadow stronghold. The warriors and I immediately went to handle it...
- De La Fère: On our way there, we ran into Player and the others.
- De La Fère: Other than that, the Shadows didn't take any action!
- Takashi: Good! Make sure the scouts are monitoring!
- Takashi: Hmm...a newly formed Shadow stronghold with no action normally...
- Takashi: But as soon as an airship got close Shadow Bats were sent to attack it...
- Takashi: Looks like the Shadows thought your airship was a scouting airship.
- Player: So...what are they hiding?
- De La Fère: General, let me go and eliminate them!
- De La Fère: Show them the Shadowhunters' determination!
- Takashi: No, until we know what the Shadows' purpose is, no action is allowed!
- De La Fère: Okay...
- Takashi: ...
- Takashi: Ever since you've come to the Fire Flux Nexus, there hasn't been a proper battle yet...
- Takashi: You didn't think it would be so boring here, did you?
- De La Fère: Huh? No!
- De La Fère: It's my greatest honor to have come to the Fire Flux Nexus and work for you, General!
- Takashi: As a warrior, you must stay calm and take each moment to better yourself so as to become a concealed blade.
- Takashi: When a blood war comes, you can then become an unrivaled force and take the enemy's life outright!
- De La Fère: Yes, sir!
- Takashi: As the commander, my job is to prevent a blood war from happening to the best of my abilities.
- De La Fère: Yes, General!
- De La Fère: Eh? Then...we won't be of use?
- Takashi: Warriors aren't the tools of a war, and they aren't the sacrifice of victory...
- Takashi: Instead, warriors are brothers with a joint enemy whom you see every day and will protect our home together.
- De La Fère: Brothers...
- De La Fère looked unconvinced...
- Clearly, he had a different opinion...
- Takashi: One day, you will understand.
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi: Anyway, even though we don't have a battle quest, there's something else...
- Takashi: A batch of warriors who have just passed the test in the reserves have come to the Flux Nexus...
- Takashi: I want you to show them around the Flux Nexus and explain to them the new Shadowhunter Regulations.
- De La Fère: Yes, sir!
- De La Fère exits
- Takashi: Player, about Never Isle...
- Takashi: What happened at the Azria Ruins...
- Takashi: I should have brought along some Shadowhunters from the Flux Nexus to help, I'm sorry...
- Player: You don't have to apologize, quite a number of the Shadowhunters who fought at the Loong Mountain Defensive Line were lost...
- Takashi: ...
- Player: Let bygones be bygones. In any event, we lived to tell the tale this time...
- Takashi: Sounds good!
- Takashi: Player, I know you need to charge your Wheel of Fate...
- Takashi: However, the energy that erupted from the destruction of the Shadow base at the Azria Ruins shook the foundations of the Luxium world...
- Takashi: The center of all Flux Nexus has been closed, and while the Flux Nexus are repairing the damage to the world, no one can get in.
- Player: I understand. There's nothing we can do about that...
- Player: Please let me know when the center of the Flux Nexus is opened.
- Takashi: Of course.
- Player: The matter regarding the Wheel of Fate isn't urgent, but...
- Player: Takashi...has the Fire Flux Nexus run into some kind of trouble?
- Takashi: (surprised)
- Player: On the way here, a few of the outposts on furthest away from the Flux Nexus were canceled...
- Player: The checks for entering the Flux Nexus are stricter than normal...
- Player: Also, judging from what De La Fère said, you guys seem to be wary of something.
- Takashi: ...
- Takashi smiles at Player's deductions
- Player: Initially, I thought it was the Shadows...
- Player: But I saw that there are Shadowhunters monitoring the Shadow's base. They are familiar with their actions and calm with their countermeasures...
- Player: And so I figured the Shadows aren't the issue.
- Takashi: Hahaha...
- Takashi: Player is as brilliant as usual...
- Takashi: The Shadowhunters have fought the Shadows for a thousand years. While they're tough, at least we know them well.
- Takashi: And when those who aren't Shadows, who we used to called our brothers...
- Takashi: When they took an opposing stance, they're much more difficult to deal with...
- Player: Eh! Could it be...
- Player: The previous Shadowhunters' six families?!
- Takashi: ...
- Takashi: Even though the six families secretly hate each other and taking into account the damage by the Shadows, it's not easy for them to rise to power again, not to mention continue with their control over the Shadowhunters...
- Takashi: But they did have control over the Shadowhunters for a thousand years after all, they couldn't just give up all the power and interests involved...
- Kitty: Aristocrats...
- Kitty: Hmm...these aristocratic bastards! Then why don't you eliminate them once and for all?
- Takashi: Among the old six great families, not everyone opposed to the Shadowhunter Council and many able and ambitious warriors support us.
- Takashi: Also, many of those in opposition were friends whom they fought along side with, so the warriors didn't have the heart to cross swords with them.
- Takashi: Most importantly, the Shadowhunters have only one enemy - the Shadows!
- Takashi: Whether they are aristocratic warriors or common warriors, we are all human. There's no difference that can't be resolved.
- Takashi: The Shadowhunter Council hasn't been established for long. It's not unusual to encounter resistance. This won't last long.
- Kitty: Hmph! Speaking of the aristocrats...
- Kitty: Isn't that Captain De La Fère a descendent of the Fère aristocrats?
- Kitty: He made it so difficult for us and his tone is really odd. What if he...
- Kitty: You should be wary of him!
- Player: Kitty...
- Takashi: De La Fère...
- Takashi: Player, Kitty...
- Takashi: Whatever De La Fère did to offend you two...
- Takashi: I apologize on his behalf.
- Player: (surprised)
- Choice 1.1 - No, if the Captain didn't get there in time...
- Player: There's a chance we won't be standing here right now.
- Player: Captain De La Fère save us...
- Player: We can't even thank him enough. Why would we blame him?
- Takashi: Thank you for your understanding...
- Choice 1.2 - Captain De La Fère was just doing his job, we understand...
- Player: We did set foot in the prohibited area of the Flux Nexus after all...
- Player: It's reasonable for Captain De La Fère to be suspicious of us.
- Player: It's natural for a Flux Nexus Shadowhunter to put the safety of the Flux Nexus first!
- Takashi: Thank you for your understanding...
- Choice 1.3 - Haha...well...let's hope our airship is salvageable...
- Takashi: I'm really sorry...
- Takashi: After all, it was all because of my order...
- Takashi: The situation has been tense lately, so I've ordered the warriors to step up patrols around the Flux Nexus...
- Takashi: And asked them to scrutinize anyone who got close to the Flux Nexus, which led to what happened.
- Takashi: I hope you won't blame him, Player.
- Player: Oh... I see...
- Takashi: If the airship can't be fixed so quickly, then please stay at the Flux Nexus...
- Takashi: During this time, you can use one of the Shadowhunter assault ship!
- Player: Eh! We can't possibly...
- Takashi: Nothing wrong with that!
- Takashi: Player, you've helped out the Shadowhunters a lot. We want to pay you back as well.
- Choice 1.4 - It's hard to get through to him...
- Takashi: Haha! I'm sorry...
- Takashi: This child is quite stubborn. Once he's formed his view on something...
- Takashi: Unless there's sufficient evidence, it will be really difficult to change his mind!
- Takashi: But De La Fère didn't mean any harm...
- Conversation continues after choices
- Takashi: Due to certain reasons, De La Fère spent six years in the Shadowhunter reserves...
- Takashi: He just passed the Shadowhunter officer's test and was promoted to Captain.
- Player: Eh? That can't be...
- Player: With De La Fère's abilities...he spent six years in the Shadowhunter reserves?
- Takashi: Hmmm...
- Takashi: Those were grudges during the ex-Shadowhunters time...
- Takashi: De La Fère really treasures the chance to join the Fire Flux Nexus and works really hard...
- Takashi: He can't get a handle on a lot of things and would end up doing too much.
- Takashi: It's not personal.
- Takashi: He's just young and always thinking about the glory and wanting to be a hero...
- Takashi: Deep down, he's a loyal and fearless warrior.
- Player: Takashi...you think really highly of De La Fère.
- Takashi: It's not easy to find a warrior like De La Fère who has a good heart, potential and is willing to dedicate themselves in the Shadowhunter business.
- Takashi: The future of the Shadowhunters and Luxium will depend on these youngsters!
- Kitty: In this case, he's not a bad person...
- Kitty: It's all good if he's not a bad person...
- Takashi: Believe me, he's someone you can trust your life with.
- At this moment, Takashi's Arcana Communication Crystal rang...
- Takashi: Hmm...excuse me, it's communication from Westhold...
- Takashi: Yes, Takashi speaking...
- Takashi: Hmm, in that case, let's proceed as discussed this morning.
- Takashi: (Shuts down communication)
- Takashi: ...
- Takashi: Player, now that you're here...
- Takashi: If you have time, please stay at the Flux Nexus for a while. Once I'm done with the matters at hand, we can have a good chat!
- Player: Thank you for your hospitality, Takashi, but we won't be staying long. We'll head back once Billy gets the airship fixed.
- Takashi: Next time, then! I'll take you guys out for drinks!
- Player: Sure! Thank you once again for your and De La Fère's help...
- Player: Should you run into any trouble in the future, so long as I and Never Isle can help, please don't hesitate to ask!
- Takashi: Haha. All right!
- A while later, near the reception area...
- Player: Once the airship is fixed, we'll return to Never Isle.
- Player: While we wait for Billy's news, we can walk around the Fire Flux Nexus...
- Kitty: This is nice, since I haven't been to the Fire Flux Nexus before!
- Player: Don't roam around and don't go into places prohibited by the Shadowhunters.
- Kitty: I'm not a child. Don't worry!
- De La Fère: Who do you think you're showing your aristocratic face to?
- Kitty: That voice...could it be...
- Player: Eh! Captain De La Fère?
- A short distance away, De La Fère speaks loudly to a group of Shadowhunter warriors
- De La Fère: The six families were manipulated by the Shadows to kill each other, nearly destroying the Shadowhunters!
- De La Fère: You are not here because of your origin or your wealth!
- De La Fère: It's because you passed the recruit test, because you have a big heart and you're willing to become a warrior and fight for Luxium!
- De La Fère: If you're expecting to make a living with the Shadowhunters based on your status and privileges, you're not going to get paid.
- De La Fère: And you should get the hell out!
- De La Fère: Since the day General Takashi figured out the Shadow's plot and fought to the death with all the warriors to remake the Shadowhunters...
- De La Fère: The old times are gone forever!
- De La Fère: That identity theory...
- De La Fère: How reserves didn't practice fighting, didn't train and all they knew was how to suck up to their superiors in the hopes that they would eventually make it into the regular forces...
- De La Fère: While upstanding and loyal warriors with no aristocratic background to speak of could never stand out in such an environment...
- De La Fère: And if you offended one of the six major families, you'd be sent to the Loong Mountain Defensive Line to die...
- De La Fère: The dirty and stinky six families are gone forever!
- De La Fère: As of now, the Shadowhunters have been reborn. The era of 'favors' has come to a definitive end...
- De La Fère: There is only justice and righteousness for the Shadowhunters now!
- De La Fère: I, De La Fère, and the Shadowhunters Warriors will give our lives to build the true shield of human civilization!
- Player: Looks like De La Fère's grievances against the six families run deep...
- Kitty: He's so strict...
- Having rested for a while at the Flux Nexus, Billy sent an update...
- The airship has been fixed, and you prepared to leave the Fire Flux Nexus...
- Takashi wanted to send you off, but he was too busy, and so...
- De La Fère: In the General's name, I'm here to escort the two of you out of the Fire Flux Nexus...
- Player: Thank you, Captain De La Fère!
- Kitty: Hmph! You know we're good people now, don't you?
- De La Fère: About before...
- De La Fère bowed at you respectfully...
- De La Fère: I'm really sorry for making so much trouble for you!
- Kitty: Wow!
- Player: Eh?
- Player: You don't have to do that, Captain De La Fère!
- De La Fère: The Fère family doesn't renege on its promises, and so of course I must apologize for wrongly accusing you...
- Player: You...actually remember...
- Kitty: That's okay. Apology accepted...
- Kitty: If you see us coming here again, please keep your weapons at by and treat us better!
- De La Fère: I can't guarantee that!
- Kitty: *Ahem* What?
- De La Fère: If you barge into the prohibited area again, I'll bring you back for inspection just like I did today...
- Kitty: Eh...then why did you even...apologize...
- Player: Haha, don't worry. We'll abide by the Shadowhunter Regulations! I promise!
- De La Fère: That's good.
- De La Fère: One more thing...
- De La Fère: Mr. Player, please let me have your communication crystal...
- Player: Eh? Oh...
- De La Fère: Hmm... All right...
- De La Fère: I've added my flux frequency to your communication crystal...
- De La Fère: Should you find yourself in danger, you can contact me directly.
- Kitty: Uh...
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: Thanks.
- Continue to Intimacy Level 4
Intimacy Breakthrough[]
This section contains spoilers for Intimacy Breakthrough scenes.
-Intimacy Level 4
- Once again you have returned to the Fire Nexus, this time to complete a commission from the Shadowhunters.
- Takashi: We meet again, Player!
- Player: I came as soon as I received the commission. What's going on?
- Takashi: Remember the Shadow stronghold that appeared?
- Takashi: After investigating it for two weeks, we discovered that the stronghold is a decoy.
- Player: A decoy?
- Takashi: The stronghold was built in the middle of the desert. It wasn't too large, but it never moved...
- Takashi: Its purpose was to provide cover for the two Shadowcult churches nearby.
- Takashi: In order to avoid alerting the enemy, the Fire Nexus plans to send two squads to attack the Shadowcult churches simultaneously.
- Player: Yes... Shadowcult churches will gradually corrupt the nearby villages and towns if left to their own devices. They need to be taken out at the same time!
- Player: So...what do you need me to do?
- Takashi: The operation on the Shadowcult churches will be run by the Fire Nexus Shadowhunters.
- Takashi: Currently, the Fire Nexus can only spare a couple of squads.
- Takashi: Those churches are far away from the Nexus.
- Takashi: In the event of an emergency, there wouldn't be enough time to call for reinforcements from other Shadowhunter bases.
- Takashi: So, I'd like you and your friends to be mobile troops for us, Player.
- Takashi: Standby to assist the warriors of the main attacking force should something unexpected happen.
- Player: I see. You can count on me!
- Takashi: Thank you, Player!
- Takashi: The Fire Nexus is going to dispatch the Bull Force and the Ambush Force. We're going to have a strategic meeting this afternoon.
- Player: (The Bull Force and the Ambush Force...)
- Player: (The Captain of the Ambush Force is...)
- A while later, at the Fire Nexus training grounds.
- The fighters have just finished training and are packing up their equipment.
- Some of them are getting ready to take a shower and change their clothes.
- Shadowhunters Captain: Phew~ Today's one-on-one training felt great! I really broke a sweat!
- De La Fère: ...
- Shadowhunters Captain: Captain De La Fère, your squad is free this afternoon, right?
- Shadowhunters Captain: We got our hands on some cards and two barrels of beer!
- Shadowhunters Captain: We're short one man. Wanna join?
- De La Fère sighs and visibly restrains himself.
- De La Fère: Captain of the Bull Force. Are you telling me that you are going to gamble on Nexus grounds? And you are inviting me?
- Bull Force Captain: Hey, we don't play with money! No betting! It's just a relaxing game between friends.
- Bull Force Captain: If you have time, you should come play a couple hands~
- De La Fère: Sorry, I'm busy this afternoon.
- Bull Force Captain: Oh... You have an activity with your team today?
- Bull Force Captain: Invite them to come along~ A few of the guys on our squad were looking to slaughter Shadows.
- Bull Force Captain: You and some of the guys on your squad are relatively new here. Let's take this opportunity to get to know each other~
- De La Fère couldn't help but roll his eyes. It is clear he is trying to control his expression.
- De La Fère: I must refuse.
- De La Fère: I prefer to spend what little spare time I get to go back to my dormitory and have some black tea.
- De La Fère: I like to drink tea and read.
- Bull Force Captain: Huh? Tea?
- De La Fère: (sad)
- De La Fère: Well, if you aren't here on official Shadowhunter business, then I will be going.
- De La Fère: Good-bye.
- De La Fère turns and leave...
- You happen to witness the entirety of this little interaction.
- And just as you finish watching this slice of life at the Fire Nexus, De La Fère sees you.
- De La Fère gives you a Shadowhunter salute and approaches.
- De La Fère: Mr. Player.
- Player: Uh... I overheard your conversation just now...
- Player: But I wasn't trying to eavesdrop!
- Player: That isn't a violation of the Shadowhunter Regulations, right?
- De La Fère: Of course not. It was just a friendly little conversation between two Shadowhunters.
- De La Fère: Oh! I'm sorry!
- De La Fère: I'm sorry for wasting your time on these trivial routines, Mr. Player!
- De La Fère: As a Shadowhunter, one should always refine themselves and be ready for a fight!
- Player: Come on, it's not a waste of my time.
- Player: Shadowhunters are people, not machines.
- De La Fère: But to waste your breath on people who don't deserve it...
- Player: People who don't deserve it?
- De La Fère: He's got a big frame. If he hadn't already been serving the general for years before I got here...
- De La Fère: Then based on his ability alone and his lackadaisical attitude...
- De La Fère: How could he become Captain of the Bull Force, Captain of the Nexus's Elites?
- Player: ...
- Player: Captain De La Fère, you can't judge others using yourself as a standard...
- De La Fère: The Shadows are very...difficult to deal with.
- De La Fère: If you're not strong enough, how can you expect to beat them?
- Player: ...
- Player: Fighting the Shadows does take a lot of power, but a person's strength is only one form of power.
- De La Fère: I've heard enough!
- De La Fère clutches his gun tightly.
- De La Fère: Mr. Player, I'd like to practice for another hour. I'll be going now.
- He bows slightly, then turns around and returns to the training ground.
- Player: ...
- Player: If he knew he were heading off to fight the Bull Force...
- Player: I wonder what his expression would look like then.
-Intimacy Level 5
- Two days later, two hundred kilometers south of the Fire Nexus...
- Comm Crystal: This is De La Fère. I'm in position!
- Comm Crystal: The Bull Force is in position!
- Player: Special Operation Group here. Roger that. Calibrating time. Prepare to move!
- A minute later, the warriors go into action.
- At first, the operation goes well. The two Shadowcult churches are eradicated, and the Shadows are purified.
- However, the Shadows react quickly, and begin to counter-surround the Shadowhunters.
- Billy: Captain! The Shadows' decoy stronghold is moving!
- Billy: Their armies on the move! They're coming from the east and the west!
- Player: Damn!
- Player: Bull Force, Ambush Force, pull back! The decoy stronghold is moving!
- Comm Crystal: No good. There are more enemies than expected. The Bull Force has already engaged the enemy and is unable to retreat!
- Comm Crystal: Stabilize the front line, draw the enemy closer, and I'll deal with them!
- Comm Crystal: Ambush Force is engaging additional enemies. We can handle it, no need to pull back!
- Player: Oh... Billy, go to the Shadows' decoy stronghold, initiate bombing, and stop the Shadow reinforcements!
- Billy: Yes, sir!
- Faced with the bombardment of the airships, the Shadows send Shadow Bats in to attack.
- Fortunately, the airship is equipped with air-to-air defenses, and the Shadow Bat attack does not inflict much damage.
- However, the Shadow Bat attack does buy time for other Shadows to strike.
- Billy: Uh... Captain, a large number of Shadows are approaching the strike team. The bombardment is not very effective.
- Player: Dammit...
- Player: Are there more Shadow reinforcements over there? Which strike team is under more pressure?
- Billy: To the east! 70% of the Shadows have surrounded the Ambush Force!
- Player: Let's head to the east and support them!
- Billy: Yes, sir!
- A while later...
- De La Fère: Crumble in the face of the Fère family's power!
- With a crack, a bolt of lightning strikes.
- De La Fère: Huff, puff...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: You can't hold out for very long on your own, Captain.
- De La Fère: Nonsense! Follow your orders, I'll take them head-on! Protect the flanks!
- De La Fère: The gun of the glorious Fère family will destroy all invaders!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain!!
- Comm Crystal: Player here. Airship is approaching. Beginning bombardment of enemy reinforcements!
- De La Fère: Oh! Player...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Yes!!
- De La Fère: Give me your comm crystal!
- De La Fère: Special Operation Team! We don't need reinforcements! Go help the Bull Force!
- Comm Crystal: The bulk of the Shadows' reinforcements are approaching your position. You can't hold them off all on your own!
- De La Fère: I know!
- De La Fère: But at least I'm here! The Bull Force isn't up to their task...
- De La Fère: You need to save them!
- Player: ...
- Player: Billy, reduce altitude. I'll go down and support Captain De La Fère...
- Player: You go support the Bull Force!
- Billy: ...
- Billy: Got it!
- A moment later, on the ground.
- De La Fère: Mr. Player!
- De La Fère: I said I could handle it!
- Player: Seventy percent of the forces from the Shadow decoy base are coming here!
- Player: Takashi gave me the commission. That means he trusts my judgment.
- Shadow Monster: Roar!
- Player: There's no time to waste. I'll defend the front with you!
- Player: Let's fight! Shadowhunters!
- De La Fère: (Charges energy.)
- De La Fère: Rrragh! Kill the Shadows!
-Intimacy Level 6
- The day after the Shadowcult churches are destroyed.
- Outside the Fire Nexus's reception area.
- Billy: And that concludes this commission!
- Billy: General Takashi paid us well!
- Kitty: How much dried fish can we buy with all this money?
- Player: Don't waste it all on dried fish. We need some for the airship's maintenance and daily operation expenses!
- Kitty: Don't worry, we know.
- On the way out of the Nexus, you notice De La Fère wearing a bandage.
- He is holding something in his hand, his eyes fixed forward.
- Player: Uh...
- Player: ...
- Player: Billy and Kitty, you guys go on back to the airship. I'll be back in a little while.
- You walk up to De La Fère.
- Although injured, he still cuts an imposing figure.
- But in his eyes, there is less arrogance, and more...
- More consternation.
- You now notice that he is looking toward the clinic on the east side of the Nexus.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Whoa!
- De La Fère: I'm sorry, Mr. Player. I didn't notice you there!
- De La Fère: (Bows) Thanks to your help, Mr. Player, everyone in the Ambush Force was able to make it back.
- Player: You... What are you doing? You don't need to bow to me!
- Player: The Shadows are our common enemy. Besides, I'd taken a commission from Takashi.
- Player: You're still wounded. You should get back to bed.
- De La Fère: They're only a few flesh wounds. I've already been seen to.
- You look toward the clinic.
- Player: (Is De La Fère worried about his men?)
- Player: (No, the Ambush Force's wounded warriors are at the clinic on the west side of the Nexus, not here.)
- Player: Are... Are you worried about the captain?
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: I heard that he's pretty hurt.
- De La Fère: He broke his right leg, left arm, and three places in his sternum.
- De La Fère: His injuries aren't life-threatening. I heard a priest and doctor say that he woke up about ten minutes ago.
- Player: He's awake? That's great!
- De La Fère: Yesterday... Even though they were only surrounded by thirty percent of the Shadows' forces...
- De La Fère: Those were the decoy stronghold's most elite troops.
- De La Fère: Even with the assistance of the airship, based on their strength and their usual condition...
- De La Fère: Their odds of survival weren't very high.
- De La Fère: But they fought like hell and managed to defeat the Shadows.
- De La Fère: As a fellow Shadowhunter, I am happy and honored to be able to fight with them.
- De La Fère: But from a rational point of view, I don't understand how they managed to defeat the Shadows...
- Player: ...
- Player: Honestly, the Shadows are pretty strong.
- Player: Shadow flux can corrupt all other types of flux.
- Player: Any single Shadow Monster has enough flux to rival that of even the greatest human arcana master. They are capable of unleashing extremely powerful Shadow arcana, too.
- Player: But it's been over 10,000 years, and humans are still alive and kicking.
- De La Fère: That's because throughout every era, we've had heroic humans to lead us through the darkness!
- Player: Heroes are well and good, but it takes more than just them.
- Player: The warriors of the Bull Force may not be as strong as you are...
- Player: But like you, they are Shadowhunters Warriors.
- Suddenly, you hear a roar come from the clinic.
- Injured Bull Force Captain: Rrrragh! Ow ow ow ow ow! Take it easy, will ya?!
- De La Fère: Stupid. These captains are all afraid of pain.
- De La Fère tightens his grip and reflexively takes a step forward.
- Then he stops again.
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: If you care so much about him, why don't you bring him a gift?
- De La Fère: C...Care about him...
- De La Fère: Are you joking?
- Player: Don't worry about me, there's no need to be embarrassed.
- Player: I'll go to River Bend Town to buy some fruit, then go with you to see him.
- De La Fère: He may be stuck in a hospital bed, but he's still just a drunkard buffoon!
- De La Fère: Why would I care about someone like him? I'd be wasting my time!
- Wounded Captain: Hold on! Don't give me a shot yet, just hold on!
- Wounded Captain: Ahhh!!!!
- De La Fère: Uh...
- De La Fère: Sorry, Mr. Player. I have a commission for you!
- Player: Huh?
- De La Fère: (Shows you the item he's holding in his hand) This is...
- De La Fère: The Fère family's special healing potion...
- De La Fère: Not only does it speed up the healing process, it also relieves pain and increases comfort!
- Player: Okay. So why don't you take it to him yourself?
- De La Fère: He's not worth it. It'd be a waste of my time!
- Player: What?!
- De La Fère: Please, Mr. Player! (Bows deeply)
- Player: Uh...
- Player: All right, all right! Take it easy! You don't want to reopen your wounds!
- De La Fère: Thank you!!
- De La Fère: I had my family send a bunch over. I'll go get it!
- De La Fère: The warriors of the Bull Force are counting on you, Mr. Player!
- Player: Huh?
- Player: The Bull Force... You mean everyone?!
-Intimacy Level 7
- Two months later, Fire Flux Nexus...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Player, what brings you here?
- Player: You're one of De La Fère's warriors. Are you on duty today?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Yes.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Are you here to see General Takashi? I'll let them know.
- Player: That's okay. I'm here for Captain De La Fère.
- Player: I'll just go and look for him.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain De La Fère?
- There's hesitation in the warriors' eyes...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain De La Fère...he...
- Player: What happened?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Nothing happened...it's just that...the captain isn't in a good state...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Sigh...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: You know the captain's temper well...
- Player: It's okay. Don't leave your stations. I'll take a look...
- Meanwhile...
- Fire Flux Nexus, training ground...
- Broken training robot parts surround De La Fère as he faces another bot
- De La Fère: Ahhhhh!!!
- De La Fère summons a bolt of lightning that destroys the bot to bits
- De La Fère: Ha... ha...
- De La Fère: Get me a few more robots!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain...you've been training continuously for over ten hours...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Your body won't be able to take it if you go on...
- De La Fère: Are you defying my order?!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Uh...
- Player: (Taps the Shadowhunters Warrior's shoulder...)
- Player: (Whispers) Return to your duties. I'll talk to De La Fère.
- The warrior leaves
- De La Fère: Who is it?
- De La Fère: Oh! Mr. Player!
- De La Fère: I apologize. I didn't know it was you, Mr. Player...
- De La Fère: Please excuse me...
- De La Fère: What's the point of having a guard when no one told me Mr. Player is here?!
- Player: I saw that you're training, and so I asked him not to disturb you.
- Player: If you're in the mood today, why don't we have a little friendly battle?
- De La Fère: Uh...
- Player: A warrior at your level won't get much improvement from destroying robots...
- Player: It'll just be a waste of the resources of the Flux Nexus.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Then I'll accept your offer, Player!
- Player: Come on!
- At first you thought you weren't a match for De La Fère's strength...
- However, both his speed of gathering Flux and his force when he swinging his lance had deteriorated...
- You won without breaking a sweat...
- De La Fère: Huff, puff...
- Player: Something's wrong with you, otherwise I wouldn't have won...
- Player: Your shoulders are about to collapse from swinging your lance...
- Player: You need to rest now...
- De La Fère: Why is this happening? Why have I slowed down that much?
- De La Fère: I can't believe this...I can't defeat anyone...
- De La Fère: This is shameful... If this goes on, I...
- De La Fère: (Mumbles softly...)
- De La Fère: (Mumbles softly...)
- Player: Are you... Are you okay?
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- As Player gets closer to De La Fère, he realizes that De La Fère is crying
- Player: Whoa!
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- Player: De La Fère...
- De La Fère: I'm fine... Don't worry...
- Even though he was smiling, tears were streaming down his face...
- Not far away, the Ambush Force Shadowhunters changed shifts...
- And were walking toward the training ground...
- De La Fère: (Flustered, trying to wipe away his tears...)
- De La Fère: Hmm...they can't...
- Player: ...
- Player: Come on! Follow me!
- De La Fère: What?
- Player: You don't want your comrades to see you...in this state, right?
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: This way!
- A few moments later...
- Hottie Bar, Airship.
- Player: Are you feeling better after the bath?
- De La Fère: Hmm. Thank you.
- De La Fère: Not only is there a bar on your airship, there's even a pool for bathing...
- De La Fère: I've never seen an airship like that in the market...
- Player: When the weather is nice, we can even sunbathe on the deck!
- Player: This airship is technically made-to-order for us. It's not a standard model.
- Player: Enough about this. I've brewed some tea. Want some?
- De La Fère: Tea...
- Player: I heard that you like this tea, so I bought some...
- Player: It was supposed to be a present for you. See if you like it.
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: Thank you.
- Player: You're welcome!
- A few moments later...
- De La Fère: (Took a sip...)
- De La Fère: Is this the Lake Bliss Manor Tea?
- Player: You can tell?
- De La Fère: It tastes sweet followed by a richness. It's species from the southern part of Luxium.
- De La Fère: There's a slight bitterness at the end with a bit of coldness. This is the flavor of Lake Bliss.
- Player: I don't know much about tea... I just think it's not as good as cocktails...
- De La Fère: My father loves tea, so I followed his footsteps. I know a little about tea.
- De La Fère: My father only became interested in tea when he got older...
- Player: Your father...
- De La Fère: I...
- De La Fère: I'm not a good son...
- Player: ...
- Player: There are no strangers here, and I'm not a Shadowhunter...
- Player: If you run into trouble, I can help.
- De La Fère: I...
- De La Fère: I've put my family to shame...
- The day before...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: No...oh no! Someone's barged into the Flux Nexus!
- De La Fère: What?!
- De La Fère: The Shadows?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: No, it's a man with a sickle and a scornful face. He said he wanted to see General Takashi...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: It's late and he didn't have any Shadowhunter documents or city-state invitation, so the patrols stopped him...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: In the end...
- ???: Turns out none of you can fight me...
- De La Fère: Everyone on high alert!
- Creed waltzes to the entrance of the Fire Nexus's command room alone
- Shadowhunters Warrior: You...the patrols...
- ???: Don't worry, I've only let them rest for a while...
- ???: They were in my way...
- De La Fère: Who are you? How dare you barge into the Flux Nexus?!
- ???: I'm Creed. What's going on? Didn't Takashi tell you about me?
- Creed: That's enough. I don't have time for this. Take me to Takashi!
- De La Fère: You barged into the Flux Nexus, injured Shadowhunters Warriors, and now you want to see the general?
- De La Fère: Who do you think us Shadowhunters are?!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain, he's not easy to deal with. I'll sound the alarm and seek assistance!
- De La Fère: No need!
- De La Fère: I'll deal with this mad man myself!
- De La Fère: Let the first son of the renowned Fère family...
- De La Fère: And the Legacy Lance of Glory and Thunder be your opponent!
- Creed: Fère, lance...
- Creed: The Second Shadow War, descendant of the River Bend Town Fère family.
- De La Fère: If you know about all that, you should surrender now!
- Creed: Looks like you really think I'm an evil person...
- Creed: Then you'll have to show me what you've got!
- Creed: You should all come at me together, if you want a fighting chance!
- The other warriors ready their weapons
- De La Fère: Stand down, all of you!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain, it'll be dangerous for you to go alone...
- De La Fère: Get out of my way!
- The warriors stand back
- De La Fère: If you know about my family's glory, then I'll show you what we're all about!
- De La Fère raises his lance and shows off a portion of his control of lightning
- Creed: (Smiles...)
- Creed: So naive...
- Creed used swift attacks to prevent De La Fère for charging energy...
- As he couldn't do anything about it, De La Fère switched to regular arcana and counterattack with his lance, yet these attacks were deflected by Creed...
- After more than ten rounds...
- De La Fère was spent after consuming both his strength and energy. He was soon losing the fight...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain!
- De La Fère: Stay...stay back!
- De La Fère: I'm...I'm still standing!
- Creed saunters up to a struggling De La Fère
- Creed: Channeling energy, attempting to strike me down with strong arcana. Not a bad idea...
- Creed: But the moment you decided to use arcana, your fate was sealed...
- Creed: You had the advantage of having more warriors, yet you chose to fight me alone just to show off...
- Creed: Even if it's a one-on-on battle...
- Creed: For a medium ranged battle, once your opponent sees that you're charging energy to channel arcana, they will definitely focus their attack on you...
- Creed: Even though you can use an energy field to defend yourself, any opponent who knows a bit of arcana can break it...
- Creed: Is this how Takashi...teaches his warriors?
- De La Fère: (The general has taught us that...for melee fights, there isn't time for powerful arcana...it's a taboo...)
- De La Fère: (Warriors in light armor can utilize their speed to engage the enemy and look for weak points...)
- De La Fère: (Warriors in heavy armor should engage the enemy in close fights instead, using their weapons to attack and defend at the same time...)
- De La Fère: I won't let you mock the general...
- Creed: Fère used to be a renowned family in Luxium...
- Creed: I never thought the Lance of Glory and Heroes would have deteriorated so much.
- Creed: You always mention your family every chance you get...
- Creed: Such self-righteous superiority and arrogance.
- Creed: Kid, the six families are gone...
- Creed: Your skills are mediocre, yet you have their attitude...
- Creed: Does the Fère family miss the old master?
- De La Fère: I...I won't let you humiliate the Fère family!
- De La Fère: Ahhh!!!
- De La Fère tries to make one last attack but Creed stops him with his sickle
- De La Fère: Whoa...
- Creed: Still trying to resist...
- Creed: That...was a warning...
- Creed: Your ancestors' achievements have nothing to do with you...
- Creed: If you really want to live up to your ancestors' name, shut up and work harder!
- Creed: Become a warrior and a hero to make your ancestors proud!
- Takashi steps out of the command room
- Takashi: Creed!
- Takashi: Creed, leave my warriors alone...
- Creed: I was just having some fun with them...
- Creed: Takashi, your soldiers...still have a long way to go.
- Creed begins to follow Takashi further inside the Nexus
- De La Fère: Hmm...don't go...
- De La Fère: Don't go...
- De La Fère tries to follow but collapses
- Takashi: Take the wounded warriors to the healers. The rest of you return to your stations!
- Creed: They're fine. I was holding back.
- Back at the Hottie Bar, De La Fère finishes telling Player his story
- Player: So that's why you trained for over ten hours straight?
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: (I know Creed didn't mean to hurt him, but...)
- Player: (Sigh...Creed's temper...)
- De La Fère: I stood there when he humiliated my family but there's nothing I could do...
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- De La Fère: I don't deserve to be alive!
- Player: De La Fère...
- Player: (He must be really hurt...)
- Player: (I shouldn't say anything at times like this. I'll just keep him company...)
- Player: Come here...
- Player: (Embraces De La Fère...)
- De La Fère hesitated and wanted to break free...
- But he held on to you and began to cry really hard...
-Intimacy Level 8
- Nighttime in the airship's guest room.
- De La Fère: Oh... Where am I?
- Player: Are you awake, De La Fère?
- Player: You're on my airship, don't you remember?
- De La Fère: Yes... I remember drinking black tea together... But...
- Player: You were so tired that you passed out while we were drinking.
- Player: Take it easy. Dinner will be ready in a little bit~
- De La Fère: Oh... Sorry for putting you to so much trouble, Player...
- De La Fère: Huh?! Dinner?!
- De La Fère: My patrol! I have a patrol tonight! What time is it?!
- Player: Don't worry about your patrol. Takashi's taken care of it.
- De La Fère: General Takashi?
- Player: Yeah. Takashi came by to visit you this afternoon, but he didn't want to disturb your sleep.
- Player: He wants you to take it easy for the next couple of days. You can go back to the Nexus once you've rested up.
- De La Fère: The general... He wasn't angry?
- Player: Why would he be angry?
- De La Fère: Because I'm not on guard at the Nexus.
- Player: Takashi knew you'd say that, so he wanted me to tell you...
- Player: Every soldier experiences his fair share of victories and defeats.
- Player: So long as a true hero's heart is still beating, they will always get up, no matter how many times they are knocked down, and they will always be stronger in the next battle than they were in the last one.
- Player: Think about why you joined the Shadowhunters in the first place!
- De La Fère: Why I joined...
- Player: Takashi thinks highly of you. Don't be so hard on yourself! Chin up!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- Some time later, on the deck of the airship.
- De La Fère stands on the deck looking up at the stars high above.
- You walk up to De La Fère.
- Player: The deck's the best spot on the whole airship. Glad you found it~
- De La Fère: Mr. Player...
- Player: Do you usually eat dinner? I wonder if you might like a little of my homemade food.
- De La Fère: Your cooking is delicious. Thank you for looking out for me, Mr. Player.
- Player: Phew. That's good. I was a little worried...
- De La Fère: Worried that it wasn't luxurious enough for me?
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: You're from a noble family, after all.
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: We Fères are not the nobles you think we are.
- De La Fère: Had you ever heard of the Fère family before you met me, Mr. Player?
- Player: I heard a commander say good things about the Fère family from River Bend Town.
- Player: Besides that... No, I'm sorry.
- De La Fère: That's more than most people have heard about us.
- De La Fère: But we are not from River Bend Town.
- Player: Oh?
- De La Fère: My ancestors originally came from the Shadowland.
- Player: Huh?! The Shadowland?!
- De La Fère: Yes. During the Second Shadow War, my ancestors left their homeland and joined the Shadowhunters.
- De La Fère: My ancestors were assigned to River Bend Town, to fight against the Shadows alongside the locals.
- De La Fère: They were armed only with lances and their courage, but they made countless contributions to the war effort.
- De La Fère: After the war, my ancestors stayed in River Bend Town and took it as their new home. That's when the Fère family began to take shape.
- Player: So Fère was originally the name of a place.
- De La Fère: River Bend Town became the hometown of the Fère family.
- De La Fère: My ancestors expected their progeny to be strong, upright, brave fighters.
- De La Fère: The Fère family encourages its children to travel the lands of Luxium in search of honor.
- De La Fère: Yet when danger rears its ugly head, the members of the family are expected to return to River Bend Town to protect their home.
- De La Fère: Whether as part of the Defense Force, on the front lines of the Loong Mountains, or as mercenaries...
- De La Fère: The strong, upright, brave fighters of the warriors of the Fère family have fought all over Luxium.
- De La Fère: Many of the heroes from the Second Shadow War were members of the Fère family.
- Player: Incredible!
- De La Fère: However, the big tree is the one that attracts the most attention, as they say, and the Fère family drew the attention of the Shadowhunters.
- De La Fère: The bastards of the six major families were so worried that we would threaten their position, they began to put pressure on us.
- De La Fère: We Fères are warriors of honor and justice. We are uninterested in power, and have never harbored any intention to interfere in Shadowhunter business!
- De La Fère: But the six major families not only barred us from joining the Shadowhunters, they also prevented us from joining the Defense Force.
- De La Fère: They even levied economic sanctions on River Bend Town for dubious reasons!
- Player: That's unbelievable!
- De La Fère: We Fères are warriors, not conspirators. We don't play politics.
- De La Fère: Seeing how River Bend Town was declining, the head of our family at the time decided to arrange a marriage with the Achray family, which was one of the six major families.
- De La Fère: He swore allegiance to them and we became their vassals.
- De La Fère: Since then, the influence of the Fère family has waned.
- Player: Why...
- De La Fère: Not only that, but the culture and habits of the six families have changed us...
- De La Fère: Gradually, the Fère family's upright and martial spirit began to fade, and was replaced by one of decadence, luxury, and consumption.
- De La Fère: More and more people abandoned the path of the warrior in pursuit of money and fame.
- De La Fère: Sigh...
- Player: Uh...
- De La Fère: But we have not forgotten the courage of our ancestors, and we have not forgotten the glory of being a warrior who protects our homeland!
- De La Fère: ...I haven't forgotten, anyway.
- De La Fère: I was my father's last son. The last scion of our family.
- De La Fère: My father and mother wanted me to become a politician, so they sent me to an aristocratic school in Kaigon, so that I could make friends and network.
- De La Fère: But I hated it!
- De La Fère: I hated those aristocratic brats, I hated those hypocritical social relationships!
- De La Fère: I wanted to be like my family's ancestors!
- De La Fère: My father and mother have not forgotten the teachings of my ancestors, and they supported my decision!
- De La Fère: Eventually, I learned the arcana of my family, practiced with my lance, and became a warrior!
- De La Fère: I vowed to revive my family's honor! I wanted to make the Fère family name once again synonymous with heroism in Luxium!
- Player: (smiles)
- De La Fère: I wanted to recreate the glory of my ancestors, so seven years ago, I joined the Shadowhunters.
- Player: But seven years ago, the six major families came to power. Didn't they put pressure on the Fère family?
- De La Fère: That's right. They put me on the reserves for six years.
- De La Fère: Back then, reserves didn't practice fighting. They didn't train. All they knew was how to suck up to their superiors, in the hopes that they would eventually make it into the regular forces.
- De La Fère: An upstanding and loyal warrior with no aristocratic background to speak of could never stand out in such an environment.
- De La Fère: And if you offended one of the six major families, you'd be sent to the Loong Mountains to die.
- De La Fère: (angry)
- De La Fère: The only reason they didn't throw me to the Shadows to die is because the Fère family is a vassal of the Achray family.
- De La Fère: But even though I was the top-ranking soldier in the reserves year after year, and even though my power and my arcana had long surpassed those of my instructors...
- De La Fère: I was still just a recruit in the reserves.
- Player: Oh...
- De La Fère: Until a year ago, when the Shadowhunters had their internal conflict, and General Takashi saw through the conspiracy of the six major families.
- De La Fère: After a brutal fight with you, Mr. Player, and all of your fellow warriors, the Shadowhunters and the other brave men of Luxium were finally able to see the light of day.
- De La Fère: The new Shadowhunters Council was formed, and the true warriors among their ranks could finally stand out!
- De La Fère: General Takashi took the initiative in organizing the military exercise assessment of all the Shadowhunters.
- De La Fère: Regardless of your identity, as long as you stand out in the assessment, you can get promoted!
- Player: I think you're going to get a pretty good score~
- De La Fère: Ha! I...
- De La Fère: I ranked first.
- Player: Wow! That's amazing!
- De La Fère: General Takashi transformed the Shadowhunters. He set up the Shadowhunters Council...
- De La Fère: He freed me from my suffering. He gave me the chance to really make a difference and restore my family's honor!
- De La Fère: The Fère family owes him its eternal gratitude! Ever since then, we've all been loyal to the general. We have sworn to fight for him!
- Player: The first time we met, you became a different person as soon as Takashi was mentioned. So that's why...
- De La Fère: But now, I admit defeat.
- De La Fère: I disgraced my family and the general...
- Player: Sigh... Actually, you're pretty strong. Very strong, in fact. The vast majority of the warriors in Luxium couldn't hold a candle to you.
- Player: But the world is a big place. There will always be somebody out there who is stronger than you are.
- De La Fère: I don't need you to comfort me! I know all this~
- De La Fère: All I've ever wanted was to become a hero of the Shadowhunters and redeem my family name.
- De La Fère: I used to think that I was the greatest, just because I'd passed my assessment with flying colors.
- De La Fère: But there's always someone stronger out there.
- De La Fère: In other words, even as I am now, I'm not nearly as strong as I should be.
- De La Fère: How could I, who cannot even beat Creed or Mr. Player, ever face off against the Shadows?
- Player: I'm not used to hearing you talk like this.
- De La Fère: You're strong, too, Mr. Player, but you and I have different burdens.
- De La Fère: Only true power can redeem the Fère family name in Luxium's eyes!
- Player: (surprised)
- De La Fère turns around and gives you a respectful salute.
- De La Fère: Thank you for looking after me, Mr. Player.
- De La Fère: I think I'm okay now. I'm going to go back to the Fire Nexus.
- Player: You're not going to work yourself to the bone with your training again, are you?
- De La Fère: You won't become stronger overnight!
- Player: All right! I'll walk you back to the Nexus!
-Intimacy Level 9
- The Fire Nexus, outside the command room.
- De La Fère is standing outside the door with a serious expression on his face.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Hmm...
- Player: What are you doing?
- De La Fère: Ah! (Covers mouth)
- De La Fère: It's you, Mr. Player...
- Player: Are you all right?
- De La Fère: I'm fine... What are you doing here, Mr. Player?
- Player: I'm here on behalf of Never Isle. I'm going to talk to General Takashi about the Shadowhunters' visit to Never Isle.
- Player: But it looks like Takashi is busy.
- De La Fère: Yes...
- Player: Why are you sneaking around with such a serious expression on your face?
- Player: Huh?! Don't tell me it's Takashi? Is something wrong?!
- De La Fère: No, no, the general is fine.
- De La Fère: But... Mr. Creed...
- De La Fère: Is often here around this time.
- Player: Huh? Creed may have a bad temper and a sharp tongue...
- Player: But he's not a bad guy.
- De La Fère: I know what happened is in the past...
- De La Fère: And that Creed is here on official business. But...
- Player: It's just...
- De La Fère: Every time the general sees Mr. Creed, his expression turns mean.
- Player: Huh?
- De La Fère: Of course, as a mere Shadowhunters Warrior, the commander's business is none of mine.
- De La Fère: But I still worry...
- Player: Compassion and righteousness are values that every warrior should possess.
- Player: Since you're so concerned about him, why don't you take the time to ask him?
- De La Fère: Ask him?
- De La Fère: No, no!
- De La Fère: I couldn't ask the general about his affairs!
- Player: Takashi has always treated you like a brother.
- Player: Maybe Takashi wants to share his burdens with you.
- De La Fère: !!
- De La Fère: General...
- Suddenly, Creed bursts out of the command room.
- Creed: ?
- Player: Oh, Creed...
- Creed notices you and De La Fère standing next to you.
- De La Fère: Good day, Mr. Creed.
- Player: Is everything all right?
- Creed: (angry)
- Creed: Player, lately I have been investigating...
- Takashi: Creed!
- Takashi: I have my limits.
- Creed: You...
- Creed: I don't care!
- With that, Creed storms out of the Nexus.
- Player: What's going on here?
- Takashi: ...
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi: It's okay. It's just a little personal matter that Creed is helping me with.
- Takashi: But you know what Creed is like, Player...
- Takashi: He gets a little over-excited sometimes.
- Player: Oh...
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi: Come, Player, let's talk about the Shadowhunter visit to Never Isle.
- Takashi: You've been working hard, De La Fère. Why don't you go get some rest?
- De La Fère lowers his head, but does not move to leave.
- Takashi: Is there something you need?
- De La Fère: (Saluting Takashi)
- De La Fère: General, I, De La Fère... I may not be the most capable soldier, but...
- De La Fère: But I swear on the Fère family name that I will always be loyal to you, sir!
- De La Fère: If there is anything on your mind, I will do whatever it takes to help you!
- Takashi: (surprised)
- Takashi: Hahaha, I know!
- Takashi: It brings me great comfort to hear you say such things.
- Takashi: Thank you.
- Takashi: De La Fère, from now on...
- Takashi: When I need help, you'll be the first person I ask!
- De La Fère: General...
- De La Fère: Do not worry, General!!
- Continue to Trifle - Dagger to the hero
-Intimacy Level 10
- Late at night, in River Bend Town.
- At the training ground in the courtyard of the Fère family mansion.
- De La Fère: Hya!
- A training dummy falls to the ground.
- On the periphery of the training ground.
- Security Forces Commander: ...
- House Fère's Butler: You must think of a way!
- House Fère's Butler: If he keeps training day and night like this, he's going to hurt himself!
- Security Forces Commander: What can I do about it? De La Fère has been a stubborn ass since he was but a babe. Even Father could not talk him out of something he'd set his mind to!
- House Fère's Butler: It simply won't do to carry on like this!
- Player: What are you guys looking so dour about today?
- Security Forces Commander: Mr. Player! Perfect timing.
- Security Forces Commander: De La Fère in one of his moods again. Could you talk to him and have him go back to bed?
- Player: Huh?
- Security Forces Commander: The butler and I both tried to talk to him, but he wasn't having it.
- Security Forces Commander: If he keeps this up, he's going to destroy his body!
- Player: So De La Fère's at it again, huh?
- Player: I'll go talk some sense into him.
- You walk up to De La Fère.
- House Fère's Butler: Mr. Player? Can you really talk sense to him?
- Security Forces Commander: You're a real pioneer, Mr. Player.
- House Fère's Butler: De La Fère's first foreign friend, De La Fère's first friend to visit our home, the first outsider to be invited to dinner...
- Security Forces Commander: That's right~ Let me tell you, Player and the Fère are friends by fate.
- Security Forces Commander: I knew it the first time I saw Player!
- House Fère's Butler: ...
- House Fère's Butler: If you can convince De La Fère to go back to bed, you can do anything!
- At the courtyard training ground.
- De La Fère: Don't even think about it, Brother! I'm not tired! I don't want to sleep!
- Player: Your brother isn't here. It's me~
- De La Fère: Mr. Player! Sorry, I didn't know it was you.
- Player: Stop calling me Mr. Player! We're friends...
- Player: What's going on? Are you training all day and all night again?
- De La Fère: I need to face the Shadowhunter traitors.
- De La Fère: They know me, they know my strength, and they know all of the Shadowhunters' tactics.
- De La Fère: Plus, I lost to Creed before! I'm nowhere near strong enough! I can't afford to slack off!
- Player: Then let me be your sparring partner!
- De La Fère: Please do, Player!
- You fight De La Fère over dozens of rounds.
- At first, because of your high stamina, you are able to tie with him.
- But after more than a dozen rounds, De La Fère begins to focus on attacking your weak points.
- In the end, he defeats you.
- Player: Ah... Ow, ow, ow...
- De La Fère: You let me win, Player!
- Player: Your moves are a lot more agile than they were last time. You've improved a lot!
- De La Fère: But I'm still not good enough. Not nearly good enough...
- De La Fère: If the traitors are stronger than Mr. Creed...
- De La Fère clenches his fists.
- Player: There's always someone stronger out there.
- Player: Even if it were possible to be invincible, it's not something that you could achieve overnight.
- Player: And training all night itself is definitely impossible.
- De La Fère: (sad)
- De La Fère: Then what should I do?
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunters traitor incident has massive implications. If I lose again...
- De La Fère: The Fire Nexus will be in serious danger, and the general will be framed.
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunters will be finished and we'll have to go home...
- De La Fère: And then I'll have failed my father's expectations.
- Player: Come on... What is this? What are you going on about?
- De La Fère: I'll shame my family. And then how could I ever look them in the eyes again?
- Player: ...
- You rest your head on De La Fère's chest and embrace him with one hand.
- De La Fère: Uh... Player... Mr. Player?
- Player: Your heart is pounding like a drum.
- Player: You're panicking.
- De La Fère: Whoa!!
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: We just sparred, Player. Of course my heart is going to beat fast. That's normal...
- Player: You're putting too much pressure on yourself. You're too worried about failure! If you work yourself into a panic like this, of course you're not going to win!
- Player: Take a deep breath and relax~
- De La Fère: But whenever I encounter an enemy I can't beat, I...
- Player: Have a little confidence in yourself. You're the most powerful warrior at the Fire Nexus!
- Player: Have a little faith in yourself and your brother!
- Player: I may not be able to beat you, but I've fought in countless battles, against bandits, beasts, Shadows, White Capes...
- Player: Your brother is also an excellent fighter!
- Player: No matter how strong the traitors are, do you really think they can beat the three of us?
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: Uh... If he's as strong as the general, then I'm afraid the three of us...
- Player: Come on, stop it!
- Player: Let's say the traitor is a legendarily strong fighter like Takashi!
- Player: Then run away!
- De La Fère: Huh?! Run away?
- De La Fère: As a knight of the Fère family, how could I do something like run away?
- Player: Your goal is to find and eliminate the traitors...
- Player: Let's say you die honorably in battle, and take everything you know with you. Then Takashi and the Nexus would really be in trouble, wouldn't it?
- Player: Your death will have been in vain.
- De La Fère: Indeed...
- Player: But if you run away...
- Player: The basic intel you've learned like the identity of the enemy and their capabilities could still be exposed.
- Player: The Shadowhunters would still be prepared to deal with the traitors.
- Player: And if that happened, you'd still be rewarded for your contributions.
- Player: And the Fère family name would benefit as well!
- De La Fère: Whoa!!
- Player: Heroes use the experience they gain from their failures to become stronger.
- Player: Then they utilize this new strength to better protect the weak and defend honor and justice!
- Player: If you charge into battle against someone who's stronger than you and die, that's just being reckless.
- Player: So, take a deep breath...
- Player: First of all, your brother is here, and I am here. You are not going into battle alone!
- Player: Second of all, even if we can't win, there's still a way out!
- De La Fère: Huff, puff...
- De La Fère begins to calm down.
- Your heartbeat slows.
- Player: How are you doing? Feeling better?
- De La Fère: Phew... Much better!
- De La Fère: I always feel better after talking to you, Player!
- You give De La Fère a gentle hug.
- Player: Don't be so hard on yourself.
- Player: If you fail, you can just try again!
- Player: But if you destroy your body, then you'll really be hopeless!
- De La Fère: (shy)
- De La Fère: All right, I get it!
- De La Fère: You want me to go back to bed, fine! I'm going!
- De La Fère: Can't believe my damn brother made you come over and talk to me, Player...
- Player: Good boy~
- Continue to Trifle - Prey close at hand
-Intimacy Level 11
- Outside Westhold...
- Player: The Shadowhunters Warriors who came along have already left..
- Player: To avoid the Shadowhunters' suspicion, Kitty and Billy, go back to Never Isle with Eddie!
- Billy: Hmmm...what about you, captain?
- Player: I have to go back and save De La Fère!
- Kitty: We'll go with you!
- Player: I must conceal my identity from now on. It's safer if I'm alone.
- Billy: Okay... Please be careful, captain!
- Eddie: If you need help, please contact us.
- Player: Don't worry!
- After a while, you took advantage of the dark and returned to the vicinity of the Westhold gate...
- Player: (If I get my hands on a set of Shadowhunter armor, it shouldn't be too difficult to get back into the basement...)
- Player: (The problem is that I don't know where De La Fère and his brother are held...)
- Player: (It would be troublesome if De La Fère was held in a high-tier arcana prison like I was...)
- Player: Uh...
- Suddenly, something hit your head softly...
- You prepared your weapons instantly...
- Player: (Who is that?)
- You looked around but didn't see anyone...
- There was only a ball of paper rolling around on the ground...
- Player: Eh!!
- Player: (Could it be that 'someone with Takashi' I met in the prison before?)
- You opened the ball of paper...
- Ball of paper: De La Fère is being held in the highest-tier area of the prison...
- Ball of paper: He's been sealed with the Shadowhunter 'Fortress' prison arcana.
- Ball of paper: This is how 'Fortress' can be disarmed...
- Ball of paper: (A large area of the ball of paper briefly illustrates the principle of the arcana of the Fortress and how to disarm it...)
- Ball of paper: In 15 minutes, I'll divert De La Fère's guard...
- Ball of paper: You must hurry if you want to save him!
- Player: This guy...
- Player: Hang in there, De La Fère. I'm coming to save you!
- Outside the Westhold basement...
- De La Fère sits alone in a cell
- Two guards stand just outside
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Hey! You two! Tell the investigation...
- ???: You two! Come with me!
- An arcanist approaches the two guards
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: I need more guards to transfer some criminals!
- Shadowhunter Guard: Hmmm...sir...do you mean us?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Do you see anyone else?
- Shadowhunter Guard: But we're guarding an important suspect of the River Bend Town assassination...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: There is the 'Fortress' arcana still, right?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: How can he escape?
- Shadowhunter Guard: Huh... but...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Why are you still here? Fine! If the transfer of criminals gets messed up, you'll be responsible!
- Shadowhunter Guard: No, please...we'll go right now.
- The guards take off
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Such morons...what a waste of time...
- The arcanist leaves
- De La Fère: ?
- De La Fère: It's just a matter of time...it doesn’t matter anymore...
- De La Fère resumes looking at the walls of his cell
- A moment later, the sounds of footsteps disturbs the silence
- De La Fère: Back so soon?
- Player: De La Fère, it's me!
- De La Fère: !!
- De La Fère: What are you doing here, Player?
- Player: Are you okay, De La Fère?
- Player: I hear that they've started with the punishment...
- De La Fère: This is nothing comparing to fighting in battles...just a few scratches...
- De La Fère: What about you? Did they hurt you?
- Player: No, the Shadowhunters can't afford to disrespect Never Isle.
- De La Fère: That's good...
- De La Fère: Well...since you're free, you should go!
- Player: I'm here to get you out!
- De La Fère: Get me out?
- Player: A mysterious person told me how to disarm the high-tier prison arcana...
- Player: Once I've got you out, we'll save your brother!
- De La Fère: What? A mysterious person?
- De La Fère: Player, that person may be...
- Player: Don't worry, it's not the person who got in touch with you before...
- Player: I think I know who this person is. We can trust him!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: Get back, De La Fère! I'm going to disarm the prison arcana!
- De La Fère: I'll get out soon...
- De La Fère: (angry)
- De La Fère: Hold on! Player, wait!
- Player: Huh? Why?
- Player: The battle isn't over yet. We must find out who the Shadowhunter traitors are!
- De La Fère: No!
- De La Fère: We've already lost!
- Player: Huh? Why would you say that?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: All this is a trap designed with me in mind!
- Player: Uh...
- De La Fère: Starting with the Shadowhunter who tried to bribe me at the Fire Flux Nexus six weeks ago...
- De La Fère: I had already fallen into the enemy's trap..
- De La Fère: No wonder the Lieutenant couldn't find any clues in River Bend Town...
- De La Fère: Everything the enemy had done was to affirm my belief that a Shadowhunter traitors exist, and that they wanted to cause Takashi harm...
- De La Fère: That the traitors came from inside the Fire Flux Nexus...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: In the end, they killed that Shadowhunter council member in River Bend Town and framed me for it...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: It's all my fault.
- De La Fère: I thought I suffered from my previous setbacks due to a lack of strength...
- De La Fère: That if I trained hard and better myself...if I became strong enough, I would be able to get rid of the evil and reinstate my family's glory...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Not only is my strength useless, I have already lost before seeing the enemy...
- Player: But we were right about one thing!
- Player: And that's the Shadowhunter traitors! They do exist!
- Player: And they're really strong, such that they are manipulating everything in secret!
- Player: While they haven't harm Takashi, so long as these cunning individuals exist, they are a threat to Takashi, the Shadowhunters and everyone else!
- Player: Did you forget about your promise to Takashi? We can't give up!
- Player: Get yourself together! We have to get out of here first...
- Player: We'll think about our next steps once we've escaped!
- De La Fère: It's too late!
- De La Fère: Not only is all the evidence pointing to my brother and me...
- De La Fère: Even the Fire Flux Nexus doesn't support me anymore...
- De La Fère: The warriors never liked me to begin with, and they knew how much I hated the six families...
- De La Fère: Once they heard that the council member who represented the six families was assassinated, they all suspected me...
- De La Fère: No matter what we say or do...we're bound to lose!
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère walks to the back of the cell
- De La Fère: Player, get out of here!
- De La Fère: I'll take responsibility for everything!
- De La Fère: I'll confess to the Shadowhunter investigation team that I alone plotted to assassinate the council member and tricked Player and my brother into helping me...
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: (angry)
- Player disarms the 'Fortress' arcana and approaches De La Fère
- (You embraced De La Fère tightly)
- Player: De La Fère!!
- De La Fère: !
- De La Fère: Player......
- Player: If you confessed, the Shadowhunters won't let you go!
- Player: This will only make those who care about you suffer while the real culprits go free!
- Player: If you weren't here anymore...
- Player: Your brother, your father, you family and all of your friends...
- Player: And me!
- Player: Everyone would...they would...
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- De La Fère: (Embraces you tightly...) Waaa!!!
- De La Fère cries on Player's shoulder
- De La Fère: I can't bear to leave you, Player, or my brother, my father and my family...
- De La Fère: I still want to fight under the general's leadership. I want to go to Shadowland to fight the Shadows...
- De La Fère: I also want to use my lance to bring glory to my family and leave my name behind...
- De La Fère: But...
- De La Fère: I can't do it anymore...
- De La Fère: The assassination of a council member is too serious...
- De La Fère: If I don't confess...my brother and you, Player, will also have to fear for your lives...
- De La Fère: My family will also be dragged into this, and my father's effort in upholding our family's reputation will be wasted!
- De La Fère: My father has already contacted the Shadowhunters in secret in an attempt to reach a deal with the six families in exchange for my life...
- De La Fère: I can't let my family be humiliated like it did a hundred years ago because of me!
- De La Fère: Not to mention that General Takashi will also be affected as he's my direct supervisor.
- De La Fère pushes away from Player
- De La Fère: This is the best option.
- Player: De La Fère...
- De La Fère: Player, get out of here!
- De La Fère: If there's an afterlife, I wish we can be good friends again!
- Player: No!
- Player: I told you I will be by your side as we watch those bastards get arrested and tried!
- Player: I won't allow you to give up before that!
- De La Fère: If my life can be taken in place of yours, my brother's and the general's...
- De La Fère: Then it's worth it!
- ???: If you still have any good in you, then don't give up your own life!
- Player: !!
- De La Fère: Who is it?
- A man in Shadowhunter lieutenant armor enters the cell
- ???: ...
- Continue to Trifle - Warsong of the Bull
-Intimacy Level 12
- River Bend Town, at the Fère family mansion.
- In the banquet hall...
- Bull Force Captain: Oh...
- Security Forces Commander: Yes...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Rrragh!!!
- Bull Force Captain: (Holds up bottle then drinks it all)
- Bull Force Captain: Hahaha! I haven't lost a drinking contest yet!!
- Security Forces Commander: That's because you haven't drunk with me yet!!
- Security Forces Commander: I'll show you the dashing heroism of a Fère!
- He drains two bottles in one gulp.
- Bull Force Captain: That is dashing and heroic! Let's have another!!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Rrragh!!!
- On a distant balcony, someone squints at the scene with their own glass of wine in hand.
- Creed: ...
- Creed: I'm already regretting this.
- Creed: (Takes a sip)
- Creed: Sure enough, human joy does not suit me.
- De La Fère walks over with a serious expression on his face.
- Creed: Huh?
- De La Fère: Ah! Mr. Creed...
- Creed: Hmph~ You can't stand the noise either, huh?
- De La Fère: I'm not used to things being so lively at home.
- De La Fère: But seeing our brothers let go of their worries, I feel relaxed now.
- Creed: Brothers...
- Creed: You've changed since the first time we met.
- De La Fère turns and bows to Creed.
- De La Fère: It's all thanks to your help, Mr. Creed.
- De La Fère: Thanks to you, the truth was revealed. Floyd and the Shadowhunter traitors were brought to justice.
- Creed: All right~
- Creed: I only intervened because I had a bone to pick with those bastards. I didn't do it to help you, and I didn't do it to help Takashi!
- Creed: Speaking of Takashi, where is he at today?
- De La Fère: The general went to Westhold on Shadowhunter Council business. He couldn't come.
- Creed: That old Floyd bastard is gone, so he and the council are pretty busy...
- Creed: What ended up happening?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunter Council court-martialed the members of the six major families who were directly involved in the events at River Bend Town.
- Creed: What about the rest of the six families?
- De La Fère: Those who did not participate in the plot or didn't know about it were not penalized. The general didn't want to kill them all.
- Creed: Floyd's co-conspirators died along with him, so the objective was more or less achieved.
- Creed: I once asked Takashi to pull the six families up by the roots and wipe them all out.
- Creed: But he disagreed and we got into a fight over it!
- Creed: If he'd only listened to me back then, this whole issue with Floyd never would have arisen.
- Creed: But then again, this is Takashi we're talking about.
- Creed: Do you think Takashi did the right thing, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: The general said that the Shadowhunters are not butchers. As a warrior under his command, I naturally agree with his decision.
- Creed: But chickens always come home to roost. Sooner or later, those greedy old powermongers will make a comeback.
- Creed: Maybe not in our lifetimes, but there could be revolts in the future worse than the one Floyd just tried to pull off.
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunters have forsaken prejudice, arrogance, and their old hatreds. We have become a shield of courage and honor!
- De La Fère: If someone tries do what Floyd did and threatens the Shadowhunters...
- De La Fère: Even if we're no longer around when it happens...
- De La Fère: Future brave and loyal Shadowhunters Warriors will crush them in our stead!
- Creed: Looks like Takashi was right and I was wrong...
- Creed: You really are kind of a hero.
- De La Fère: Whoa!!
- De La Fère: You're too kind, Mr. Creed. I'm far from a hero, besides...
- You notice the two of them chatting on the balcony.
- Player: There you are, De La Fère! I've been looking all over for you!
- De La Fère: You were looking for me, Player?
- De La Fère: (embarrassed)
- Creed notices De La Fère blushing.
- Player: A few of the warriors and I saw chess in the room next to the banquet hall. It looked pretty fun...
- Player: Can we play?
- De La Fère: Oh, the chess in the small recreation room. Of course!
- Player: Thank you~
- De La Fère watches you leave the banquet hall.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: The rules of that game are quite complicated. I might need to go give them a few pointers...
- De La Fère: Good bye, Mr. Creed!
- De La Fère leaves the banquet hall.
- Creed: I get it now...
- Creed: Ha! Heroes always fall hard for beauties. Ever has it been, since the days of yore, and ever will it be.
- Creed takes a sip of wine.
- Creed: What a simple yet adorable human being.
- Later that night...
- The noisy banquet hall quiets down.
- The Fère family wine knocks out most of the visitors.
- Bull Force Captain: I ain't drunk... I ain't drunk...
- De La Fère: Oh...
- De La Fère: Everyone's completely smashed. Good thing the general gave us a couple days off.
- De La Fère: Uncle, could you help find everyone a place to stay?
- Player: I'll clean the banquet hall~
- House Fère's Butler: How could I let you do a thing like that, Player?
- House Fère's Butler: Please wait a moment, Player, while I prepare your room so you can rest.
- House Fère's Butler: I need to do a headcount so that I can arrange the rooms.
- Creed: Arrange a room for me too, please. I feel like spending the day in River Bend Town tomorrow!
- De La Fère: Mr. Creed...
- Creed: Why? Is that not okay?
- De La Fère: Why wouldn't it be okay? Of course you can stay!
- House Fère's Butler: Hmm... If I arrange another room for Mr. Creed...
- House Fère's Butler: Oops!
- House Fère's Butler: Sir, the mansion is all out of available rooms.
- House Fère's Butler: We're short exactly one.
- Creed: Ah, that's too bad.
- De La Fère: Oh!
- Player: It's okay, I'll just go back to the airship to sleep!
- Player: The airship's also got some guest rooms if anybody else needs a place to crash the night.
- House Fère's Butler: We have enough rooms for everyone else. Terribly sorry to trouble you, Mr. Player...
- De La Fère: No!
- De La Fère: Mr. Player is a distinguished guest. We can't kick a distinguished guest out at night, can we?
- De La Fère: Besides, it's dark at night, and everyone's had so much to drink...
- De La Fère: How about this...
- De La Fère: (embarrassed)
- De La Fère: Mr. Player can stay in my room!
- De La Fère: I'll sleep on the floor...
- Player: You'll sleep on the floor? I couldn't make you do that.
- De La Fère: It's okay!
- Creed: De La Fère is trying to be a good host, Player...
- Creed: Why don't you 'let him have his way'?
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: I'm not putting you out, am I, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: (smiles)
-Intimacy Level 13
- River Bend Town, at the Fère family mansion.
- In De La Fère's room...
- De La Fère: Here's some stuff you can wash up with, Player.
- De La Fère: If my pajamas don't fit, I can bring in some of my brother's.
- De La Fère: Rest assured, they've all been washed clean. They don't have any of his stink on them!
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: Just treat me like you normally do, De La Fère.
- Player: I don't know why you're suddenly so polite today.
- De La Fère: We were so concentrated on investigating the traitors. That was different.
- De La Fère: I neglected Mr. Player...
- Player: Stop it!
- Player: You're starting to take it too far. You're even calling me 'Mr.' now!
- Player: We're close friends. Don't be so restrained!
- De La Fère: All right...
- De La Fère: In that case, don't call me De La Fère anymore, Player!
- Player: Huh? Why not?
- De La Fère: De La Fère is my family name. Outsiders call me by that name.
- De La Fère: My family... They call me by my given name.
- De La Fère: Can you call me by my given name from now on, Player?
- Eidos: My given name is Eidos.
- Player: !!
- Player: Okay~
- Player: Thank you for everything you've done today, Eidos.
- Eidos: !!
- Eidos: (smiles)
- Player: You put a lot of effort into entertaining us, didn't you?
- Eidos: My brother and the butler did all the work. I just helped out with a few chores here and there.
- Eidos: Player, tell me...
- Eidos: Did you enjoy the food tonight, Player?
- Player: Did I enjoy it? You must be joking.
- Player: I loved it! Every dish was delicious!
- Player: You guys get to eat such delicious barbecue and stew every day...
- Player: I'm curious how you guys stay in shape.
- Eidos: Hahaha! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Player!
- Player: People showed a different side of themselves tonight at the banquet, didn't they?
- Player: For example, the commander...he can really drink!
- Eidos: Ah! I don't want to talk about it! He made a real fool of himself!
- After a while, the two of you are chatting so happily that you forget about the bathwater being heated.
- It isn't until Eidos, wrapped in a bath towel and preparing to bathe, makes the discovery.
- Eidos: Oh... The bath water's scalding hot. I need to let it cool off a bit. Sorry...
- Player: Don't worry about it. I don't have anything important to do tomorrow, anyway.
- Eidos's figure is different from most big guys.
- He's big and sturdy, and every muscle in his body has its edges and corners.
- His massive pecs are like milling stones packed onto his chest.
- Not to mention the lower outer edges of his pecs, his nipples like two little red cherries...
- Plus that towel loosely wrapped around his waist.
- Player: Oh...
- Eidos: What's wrong, Player?
- Player: You've got a strong body...
- Eidos: Huh?
- Eidos stands up and pulls his towel to his chest.
- But he quickly wraps the towel back around his waist, as if realizing something.
- As if he were intentionally lowering it...
- Eidos: (embarrassed)
- Eidos: Uh... The water should be about the right temperature now. I'll go test it out...
- De La Fère rushes into the bathroom.
- You take a deep breath to force yourself to calm down.
- Player: (His figure, what he's wearing, the fact that we're alone together...)
- Player: (Any man would feel this way.)
- Player: (After all we've been through, I know Eidos is a good guy. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested...)
- Player: (But how does he feel about me? What if I make the first move and it turns out it's a misunderstanding?)
- Player: (It could ruin any chance we have at a friendship in the future.)
- After Eidos finishes his bath, you go into the bathroom.
- The temperature is just right and the water is comfortable.
- Suddenly, the wine rushes to your head.
- The haziness of the steam makes you dizzy.
- After your bath, you calm yourself then leave the bathroom.
- Eidos is already lying on the floor.
- When he sees you, he immediately stands up. He stands up too quickly, however, because his bare feet slip on the floor.
- You instinctively rush over to help him.
- Finally, your left hand catches the small of Eidos's back, and his right hand touches the left side of your chest.
- The two of you sit down on the bed.
- Eidos: (He looks right into your eyes, his face blushing.)
- Eidos: Your heart is pounding, Player...
- Player: Y-yeah?
- Eidos: I don't know what's wrong with my heart, either. It's thumping.
- Eidos: Hoo... I read in a book once...
- Eidos: Your heart beats faster during exercise and when you sweat...
- Eidos: Were you training in the bathroom, Player?
- Eidos: Haha, what am I saying? Why would someone train in the bathroom...
- Eidos: It's not because you were training, that room is just hot.
- Eidos: Or... Maybe it could be tachycardia...
- Eidos: That wouldn't be good.
- Looking at the red-faced, red-eared, broken Eidos, every muscle in your body wants to reach out and kiss him...
- Your limited faculty for reason is the only thing stopping them.
- Choice 1.1 - (Screw your reason, kiss De La Fère!)
- Player: (Holds De La Fère tightly and moves to kiss him.)
- Eidos: Oh!!!
- Without resisting, he places both hands on your waist and begins to show his true feelings for you with his mouth.
- A few moments later...
- Eidos: Oh... Oh... Player...
- Player: You know what else makes your heart beat faster? When your eyes fall upon a man that you love...
- Eidos: Whoa!!
- Eidos: But how? Clearly, I'm the one who likes you, Player...
- Player: That doesn't mean that I can't like you back...
- Eidos: Player...
- You hug each other tightly while your hands begin to partake in each other's flesh.
- Your tongue finds one of the little cherries on De La Fère's chest...
- And for his part, De La Fère rips the towel from your waist.
- Eidos: Ugh...
- Player: Huff, puff...
- ...
- Eidos: Ah... Player!
- Player: Eidos!
- ...
- The next day in bed, after making love...
- Eidos: ...
- Player: What's wrong?
- Eidos: What happened yesterday... Maybe we just had too much to drink. If you don't have feelings for me, Player...
- Player: Huh?!
- You roll over and give De La Fère another hug.
- Player: Do I behave inappropriately when I'm drunk?
- Player: I stuck by your side till the end of Floyd's little rebellion.
- Player: You need to stick by my side forever!
- Eidos: Whoa!!!
- Eidos: Good!
- Continue to Intimacy Level 14
- Choice 1.2 - (Fortify your reason and take a deep breath.)
- Player: Huff, puff...
- Player: Ei... De La Fère, it's getting late. Time to go to bed!
- Your words bring De La Fère to his senses.
- De La Fère: Whoa!!
- De La Fère: You're right! Sorry...
- You lie down on the bed and De La Fère takes his spot on the floor.
- The exciting moment the two of just shared is gone. Now you can't sleep.
- De La Fère lies on the floor in a state of deep guilt.
- De La Fère: (How could I get such ideas about Player? How selfish of me!)
- De La Fère: (Player is so famous, all of Luxium needs his power...)
- De La Fère: (I may know him, but it's only been a few months. How could I love him?)
- Thinking of what just happened, De La Fère is left in tears.
- He weeps for a long time, until the first rays of light sweep in from the east.
- The next morning, you receive a communication from the Arcana Academy.
- You rush back to Never Isle and commit yourself to Principal Vundo's latest commission.
- The incident at River Bend Town, Floyd's rebellion, and your days with De La Fère...
- Like so many others, they are lost in the sea of memories of your time in Luxium.
- Bad ending
-Intimacy Level 14
- In the Northern Desert, at the Fire Nexus.
- Early morning, pre-dawn.
- Player: Repolished lance...
- Player: Eidos's exclusive battle armor...
- Player: Two jars of black tea, your favorite bedtime novel, your new favorite opera...
- Player: A comfortable change of clothes, two sets of pajamas, new socks...
- Player: Huh? Why did you bring my dirty underwear?
- Eidos: Shh!! Not so loud, Player!
- Eidos: I threw it in my chest, that's all.
- Eidos: If my brothers from the Nexus overheard you...
- Player: All right, all right!
- Player: Just wash it, if you're gonna wear it!
- Eidos: This won't be my first time at the Nexus, you know!
- Eidos: You nag more than my butler does, Player!
- Player: Oh!
- Player: Annoyed with me already? Too bad! You're my man and that's that!
- Player: All right, enough joking around!
- Player: We won't see each other so often once you go back to the Nexus.
- Player: Make sure to eat on time, don't train too hard and hurt your stomach.
- Player: If you run into any trouble, don't get reckless. Just call for help, and I'll be right there!
- Player: I'm not worried that your brothers are going to bully you. But be careful not to bully your brothers!
- Eidos: Ha! Since when have I ever bullied someone?
- Eidos: But I must ask the same of you, Player.
- Eidos: These days, the Shadows have been quite active. I won't be there to protect you, so know your limits whenever you're out on commission, Player!
- Eidos: And if you get into any hairy situations, be sure to let me know!
- Player: Okay. It's a promise!
- Player: And before I forget, if you have any small problems with your men in the future, it's okay to turn a blind eye to it!
- Eidos: No way! I cannot compromise on issues of principle!
- Player: ...
- Eidos: Actually, I can't punish people for the time being.
- Player: Huh? What do you mean?
- Takashi: Here you are, De La Fère, Player.
- Takashi and the lieutenant walk over.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Perfect timing, De La Fère...
- Eidos: Do you have any orders for me, sir?
- Takashi: The lieutenant is planning to resign his position. He has recommended that you take his place.
- Eidos: What? Why?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Like you said, my strength in combat is barely above what it takes to qualify as an officer, which isn't suitable for a lieutenant on the front line.
- Eidos: Sigh... I'm sorry, I wasn't using my head when I said that.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: It's not that I took what you said personally - you were right. Now that there is a capable and ambitious candidate for the position, I should step aside.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: You showed no fear during Floyd's rebellion, and despite the desperate circumstances, you remained loyal to the Shadowhunters and to the general.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: At the most critical moment, you used your wisdom and courage to unite our warriors and turned the tide of the battle.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Add to that the considerable power that you've always displayed, it's clear that there is no one more suited to the position of lieutenant than you!
- Takashi: Of course, that's if De La Fère wants the position.
- Player: Wow! Eidos! This is what you've always wanted!
- Eidos: ...
- Eidos: General, Lieutenant, I'm sorry, but I must refuse!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Whoa!!!
- Takashi: (smiles)
- Eidos: I am not qualified to take on this big responsibility!
- Takashi: But based on how you handled the Floyd incident and the capability you displayed, you are over-qualified for the position of captain!
- Eidos: (surprised)
- Eidos: The traitors ultimately surrendered because the Nexus's warriors were united, loyal, and fearless. They fought bravely, and countless brothers gave their lives and blood...
- Eidos: Plus, we had Player, Mr. Creed, and Mr. Duran on our side.
- Eidos: If you really want to recognize people for their contributions, they should be recognized before me!
- Eidos: The lieutenant has stood by the general's side for many years. He has seen and learned much more than I have. There is no one more suitable for the lieutenant's position than its current occupant.
- Takashi: Well, there you have it, Lieutenant. De La Fère doesn't want it. I can't force the man.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: !!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Well, if the general does not mind, and I still have the trust of my brothers, then I...
- Takashi: That's right! Go prepare. After the morning training, we need to arrange the patrol missions for the next two days!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Yes, sir!
- Takashi: Return to your unit ASAP, De La Fère. Get started on the Ambush Force Warriors' training!
- Eidos: Hold on, general! I have a request!
- Takashi: What is it?
- Eidos: During the incident with Floyd, I felt inexperienced and lacking in too many areas...
- Eidos: So much so, that I was even used by the enemy, and almost caused a catastrophe.
- Eidos: Therefore, I humbly ask you to accept my resignation from the position of Captain of the Ambush Force so that I may retrain as a soldier!
- Player: What! De La Fère...
- Takashi: (surprised)
- Takashi: It was not easy for you to ascend to the rank of captain. Are you sure you want to resign?
- Eidos: I have not yet forgotten my goal and my ideals.
- Eidos: But the position of captain requires more than brute strength - it requires strategic thinking, wisdom, and richness of character!
- Eidos: I am not worthy, General. Please accept my request!
- Player: (smiles)
- Takashi: (smiles)
- Takashi: All right. You are now a common warrior of the Ambush Force. The position of Captain of the Ambush Force will be held by the Bull Force Captain for the time being!
- De La Fère gives Takashi the Shadowhunter salute.
- Eidos: Thank you, Sir!
- Takashi steps forward and helps De La Fère to his feet.
- Takashi: It is an honor for me to have a warrior like you, and it is an honor as a Shadowhunter, as well.
- Takashi: Since you've made up your mind, walk the path that you have chosen with unshakable resolve!
- Takashi: In the future, I am confident that you will make your ancestors proud!
Dates[]
This section contains spoilers for Date scenes.
Loneliness
-Intro
- Never Isle, Port Market
- De La Fère: Hmmm...
- A few moments later...
- De La Fère: Uh...
- De La Fère: How come...
- As you're grocery shopping, you noticed De La Fère wandering in the market...
- Player: That looks like De La Fère...
- Player: Why is he wandering in the market?
- Player: (Perhaps he needs help. I should say hi!)
- Player: Captain De La Fère? What a coincidence!
- You noticed a brand new copy of a Never Isle travel guide in De La Fère's hands...
- De La Fère: Mr. Player!
- De La Fère: Hello.
- Player: How did you make time to come to Never Isle today?
- De La Fère: The general sent me to Never Isle to handle some trade agreements...
- De La Fère: That has been dealt with, but there's still some time before the next airship to the Northern Desert...
- De La Fère: That's why I'm wandering around Never Isle...
- Player: I see...
- Player: Shouldn't someone accompany a Shadowhunters captain on a field mission?
- De La Fère: A few Ambush Force Warriors came with me...
- De La Fère: Now that the business has been dealt with, I've offered them some time to themselves.
- De La Fère: The warriors worked really hard at the Flux Nexus...
- De La Fère: They should be able to relax within the perimeters allowed by the Regulations.
- Player: Wow, De La Fère, you're such a great boss!
- De La Fère: I'm just fulfilling a captain's duties.
- Player: Do you have any plans?
- De La Fère: I was going to visit the famous Never Isle bazaar...
- De La Fère: Pick up some souvenirs or whatever to send to my family.
- Player: The bazaar? This isn't the bazaar...
- De La Fère: But this place...
- Player: This is the Never Isle port market...
- Player: The bazaar is on the east of Never Isle.
- De La Fère: What?
- De La Fère: No wonder I can't find any of the shops mentioned in the travel guide...
- Player: I'm quite familiar with Never Isle. Let me take you.
- De La Fère: No, I shouldn't bother Mr. Player on such a trivial matter.
- Player: Back in the Northern Desert, I couldn't have returned to Never Isle if it wasn't for your help.
- Player: Now that you're here, I should return the favor.
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: Not to mention, if you got lost, you would have wasted your time off.
- De La Fère: Indeed, Never Isle is much bigger than the River Bend Town and I'm not good at...
- De La Fère: In that case, thanks, Player!
- Player: Of course!
- A few moments later...
- De La Fère bought a set of hardcover books, an épée, some Arcana potion and a Flux hunting gun...
- He also bought a huge box for all these 'souvenirs.'
- Player: (surprised)
- De La Fère: What's wrong?
- Player: People who've come to Never Isle for the first time usually get souvenir shirts or decorations...
- Player: I get why you'd buy those books...
- Player: Who are the sword and the Flux gun for?
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: Hmm, I apologize. This is a personal matter and none of my business.
- De La Fère: It's okay. It's not a secret or anything...
- De La Fère: I've picked the presents according to my family members' interests.
- De La Fère: The books are for my father, and the sword is for my older brother.
- De La Fère: Never Isle's Arcana Academy is famous throughout Luxium. My sister is an Arcanist, and so I've got her some Arcana potion.
- De La Fère: As for the hunting gun, it's for our butler.
- Player: Uh...your butler?
- De La Fère: Our butler is a friend of my father's. We were all brought up by him, and he's family.
- Player: Didn't you get anything for yourself?
- De La Fère: Me? I don't want anything.
- Player: ...
- Player: Give me a minute!
- Player quickly runs back to the market
- De La Fère: Player?
- Player returns
- Player: Here, a souvenir for you.
- De La Fère: A badge with a relief of Never Isle?
- De La Fère: (Turns it over...) Friend?
- De La Fère: A friend from Never Isle...
- Player: I don't know what you like...
- Player: But this was well made and it's nothing too big. It'll be a good commemorative piece...
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère pinned the badge on his collar...
- De La Fère: Thanks, I love it.
- Player: That's great!
- Player: When are you taking the airship back?
- Player: If there's still time, would you like to go somewhere else?
- Player: There are many interesting places on Never Isle.
- De La Fère: We're taking the airship tonight, there are still a few hours left...
- De La Fère: Mr. Player, do you have recommendations?
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: Let me see...
-(A famous company is performing at the theater...) - 900 Intimacy
- Player: Let's watch a performance at the theater!
- De La Fère: Oh? Is there a performance?
- Player: Yea! I remember the Elysiann company is here and they're performing a story about the Shadow War.
- De La Fère: The Shadow War!
- De La Fère: Do you mean the really impressive performance that was recently on tour?
- De La Fère's eyes sparkled...
- Player: I'm not sure...
- Player: Let's go! We should get good seats still!
- De La Fère: Let's go!
- The performance was about the legendary story of the Second Shadow War...
- The once disjointed Humans joined forces to fight courageously against the Shadows who were stronger than them thousands of time over.
- In addition, the script was solid, the performers were brilliant, and the story just flowed...
- It was an outstanding war poem.
- After the performance...
- Judging from the smile on De La Fère's face and his proud posture...
- He was clearly still immersed in the story...
- Player and De La Fère talk about the opera while waiting at the port
- Player: What a performance...
- De La Fère: Indeed!
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunters inherited the courage of the past warriors...
- De La Fère: Thousands of years went by and they're still the same sturdy shield of Luxium and human civilization serving proudly in this world!
- De La Fère: Even though the Fère family held so much grudge against the six families...
- De La Fère: I remain proud as a Shadowhunter!
- Player: That was so passionate that it made me want to join the Shadowhunters!
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunters will always welcome fearless warriors!
- De La Fère: I've seen your strength, Mr. Player. I can put together a letter of recommendation if necessary.
- Player: Hahaha!
- De La Fère: It's a shame...there are fewer and fewer opera enthusiasts these days.
- De La Fère: I was worried that you'd find the opera boring...
- Player: How come?
- Player: It was a full house at the theater today!
- Player: It's just that there aren't many decent companies and scripts nowadays...
- De La Fère: You're right...
- De La Fère's two warriors arrive at the port
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain!
- De La Fère: You weren't late, very good.
- Player: Oh well, looks like our tour of Never Isle is coming to an end.
- De La Fère: Looks like we'll have to find another time to discuss the opera...
- De La Fère: I thought a day without training would be tough. I didn't think it would be so much fun.
- De La Fère: Turns out...when I have a friend around, a strange city can also feel like home...
- De La Fère: (Extends his right hand...) Thank you, Player...
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: (Shakes hands with De La Fère) Aren't we friends? You don't have to thank me.
- Player: Do come to Never Isle when you're free!
-(Take De La Fère to the Rupor Show...) - 500 Intimacy
- Player: This is the best time for the Rupor Show!
- De La Fère: Rupor Show...I think I've heard of it...
- De La Fère: Is it some kind of reality show?
- Player: Yes.
- Player: A reality show which is now popular throughout Luxium!
- De La Fère: Popular...
- De La Fère: I hope it won't be too crowded...
- Player: Oh no...
- Player: There must be a lot of people at the Rupor Show. Let's get tickets now!
- A while later, after the Rupor Show has ended.
- De La Fère: Uh...
- Player: Are you okay, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: The audience got excited, stood and up rushed forward all of a sudden...
- Player: If you weren't so quick to catch me...
- Player: I would have fallen down the terrace...
- De La Fère: That was so chaotic...
- De La Fère: As expected, events with too many people don't suit me.
- Player: I'm sorry, if I knew...
- De La Fère: No, Player, there's no need to apologize...
- De La Fère: The show itself was quite interesting...
- De La Fère: I'm just not great with chaotic situations.
- De La Fère looked at the time...
- De La Fère: I still have some time before I'll have to meet up with the warriors. I'll walk around for a bit by myself...
- De La Fère: Thank you, Player...
- De La Fère: I had fun today after all.
-(Get a massage together...) - 700 Intimacy
- Player: With so much time remaining...
- Player: Why don't we get a massage and relax?
- Player: We may even run into a handsome fellow! Haha.
- De La Fère: Massage...sure.
- Player: You don't sound too excited...
- De La Fère: It's not something to get excited about. Each Shadowhunter team has their own masseuse...
- De La Fère: We'll ask for his help whenever we pulled a muscle or our bodies don't feel right. He's pretty good.
- De La Fère: As for 'handsome fellows'...
- De La Fère: I can just head into the shower room after training...
- De La Fère: There's always someone who's handsome and strong.
- Player: ...
- Player: You win.
- De La Fère: Haha, it doesn't hurt to give the masseuses in the big city a try. Let's go.
- A few moments later...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère kept on moving different parts of his body...
- It seemed like he's uncomfortable all over.
- Player: Hmm, are you okay?
- De La Fère: (Shakes his shoulder with great force...)
- De La Fère: Uh...do you know what I mean by...
- De La Fère: A massage that's not deep enough?
- De La Fère: It felt okay, but just not deep enough...
- De La Fère: Just a bit more and it would have been great. Just a little bit...
- Player: You kept on saying 'harder, harder' during the massage.
- Player: Your masseuse was sweating a lot...
- De La Fère: We Shadowhunters Warriors train daily and often have to fight...
- De La Fère: So naturally our body is in a better shape than most people.
- De La Fère: I knew he tried his best. I shouldn't have asked too much of him.
- Player: ...
- De La Fère looked at the time...
- De La Fère: I still have some time before I'll have to meet up with the warriors. I'll walk around for a bit by myself...
- De La Fère: Thank you, Player...
- De La Fère: I had fun today after all.
Stain
-Intro
- Hottie Bar, Airship.
- Since you rarely get any time off, you ordered a glass of Light of Lights...
- You sat at the bar counter and admired the view of Lake Bliss outside the window...
- Player: (smiles)
- Suddenly, the door of Hottie Bar was shoved open forcibly...
- De La Fère: (awkwardly smiles)
- De La Fère: Hottie! A glass of Lonely Desert!
- Player: De La Fère?
- De La Fère: (awkwardly smiles)
- De La Fère: Hahaha! It's Player!
- De La Fère: Come here! We must have a good chat and drink until we drop!
- De La Fère: (awkwardly smiles)
- Player: (Is this really De La Fère?)
- Player: (De La Fère seems off. Ask him what's going on...)
- Player: Are you okay, De La Fère?
- Player: I thought you don't like drinking? You said you're worried that alcohol will numb your mind...
- Player: And so you usually just drink tea...
- De La Fère: Well...
- De La Fère: All men should drink! The higher the alcohol content, the more manly it is!
- Player: That's enough. This is not right!
- Player: Spill! Who are you and why are you impersonating De La Fère?
- De La Fère: I'm not an impersonator! I really am De La Fère...
- Player: Prove it!
- De La Fère: (awkwardly smiles)
- De La Fère: I'm the first son of the renowned Fère family, a Fère warrior...
- De La Fère: The Legacy Lance of Glory and Thunder, a Shadowhunter, Captain of the Ambush Force at the Fire Nexus's Shadowhunter garrison...
- De La Fère: De La Fère!!
- Player: Hmm...I suppose a normal person wouldn't be able to say all that with a straight face...
- Player: De La Fère, it really is you!
- Player: Why are you so...cavalier today...?
- De La Fère: It's too strange, isn't it?
- Player: It's...more than strange...
- Player: What happened? Why are you so clingy?
- De La Fère: I've been too aloof...
- De La Fère: Out-of-touch, unpleasant...
- Player: What brought this on?
- Player: Did you hear something?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: The warriors at the Flux Nexus were saying...
- De La Fère: 'Now that the six families are finally gone, this bastard Fère came along...'
- De La Fère: 'Hmph! De La Fère is always so aloof! He always turns us down when we asked him to go out with us!'
- De La Fère: 'We drink alcohol while he drinks tea. We go to see matches while he goes to the opera...'
- De La Fère: 'He's a descendant of aristocrats. Naturally, he won't hang out with commoners like us!'
- De La Fère: 'What has he achieved? What makes him think he can be so proud?'
- Player: Hmph! You don't have to care about what others think!
- De La Fère: I won't care if only a couple of people are saying that...
- De La Fère: But a lot of warriors are saying the same things...
- De La Fère: The Fère family started as commoners. Our ancestors' achievements were the result of their united efforts with the people of River Bend Town.
- De La Fère: Even our family motto is to guard River Bend Town and its people!
- De La Fère: In contrast, look at our style of living now...
- De La Fère: Clothes with embossed gold, expensive tea, elegant opera, even the way we talk...
- De La Fère: These all resulted from our marriages with the six families!
- De La Fère: It's useless!
- De La Fère: The warriors were right. The Shadowhunters need warriors and not arrogant aristocrats!
- De La Fère: Even though it'll be hard, but I will change!
- Player: However, De La Fère, you are a proud warrior! That's who you are!
- De La Fère: It's okay...
- De La Fère: Come on, Player! Down this!
- De La Fère: Oh my...this is too vulgar...
- Player: ...
-If you've made up your mind, then you shouldn't give up. - 700 Intimacy
- Player: Excuse me! Hottie, two glasses of Lonely Desert!
- Player: As the saying goes, a tiger can't change its stripes...
- Player: It's too difficult to change who you are. However, if you've made up your mind, I'll support you!
- De La Fère: I'll need your help with it, Player.
- Hottie Robot: Lonely Desert, two glasses, done...
- Payer and De La Fère pick up their glasses
- De La Fère: Cheers!
- Player: Cheers!
- De La Fère: (Looks at the drink in his hands...)
- De La Fère: (Takes a gulp)
- De La Fère: Cough! Cough cough! The taste of this drink...
- De La Fère: I don't recall it tasting like this. Why is it so strong?
- Player: Hmm...Lonely Desert is the strongest cocktail there is...
- Player: On top of that, those who frequently come to Hottie Bar have a high tolerance...
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- De La Fère: Whatever, it's fine. Let's continue...
- De La Fère: Ugh...
-What others think may be important, but you still have to be yourself! - 900 Intimacy
- De La Fère: Be myself...
- De La Fère: But the ancestors' motto...
- Player: I don't suppose the motto prohibits you from watching the opera or drinking tea, right?
- De La Fère: No...
- De La Fère: But those came from the six families' influence on us!
- De La Fère: The Fère family should stand with the people...
- Player: Are you saying that going to the opera and savoring tea are exclusive rights of aristocrats?
- De La Fère: Hmm...I wouldn't say that...
- Player: That's right. I like the opera. I've even performed in a drama before!
- Player: I'll brew some tea myself every now and then.
- Player: Yet I'm just a commoner.
- De La Fère: Uh...
- Player: Tea is a drink our human ancestors left behind, and the opera is a great form of art with a legacy of a thousand years...
- Player: What do they have anything to do with the six families?
- Player: As such, drinking tea and going to the opera are hobbies...
- Player: Having these hobbies won't stop you from standing with the people!
- De La Fère: But the six families did have a great influence on us Fère's...
- De La Fère: The current Fère is no longer the same Fère family from a thousand years ago.
- Player: If you swing your sword at your enemy, then you'll bound to get their blood on it...
- Player: Your history with the six families went on for a thousand years. There's no way you weren't influenced by them.
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: But what's wrong with that?
- Player: You weren't influenced by the six families' greed for fame and evil nature...
- Player: On the contrary, the Fère warriors never forgot their intentions and passed on the Fère family's glory...
- Player: You're all honest and brave, fair and fearless, not to mention really strong and are willing to fight in order to protect the people.
- Player: The Shadowhunters Warriors and people of River Bend Town won't care about how you live your life...
- Player: They are more concerned whether you can fight for them.
- De La Fère: That's a given! We'll fight no matter what!
- Player: That's right, and the Flux Nexus warriors understand this as well...
- Player: That's why they would make a fuss every now and then, and lament that you won't hang out with them. But that's it.
- Player: The Fire Flux Shadowhunters are known for their temper. If they really have something against you, they would have asked Takashi to fire you a long time ago!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: Hahaha.
- Player: Hottie, is my tea ready?
- Hottie: Affirmative, it's ready.
- Player: De La Fère, I've just come into some tea leaves of the highest quality...
- Player: Do you want to try some?
- De La Fère: Sure!
- You raised your cups and savored the tea...
- De La Fère: Phew.
- De La Fère: This taste, this feeling...that's what I'm talking about...
- Player: (smiles)
-Perhaps the issue will be resolved if you treat your warriors better... - 500 Intimacy
- Player: I think you had the wrong idea...
- De La Fère: Wrong idea?
- Player: The Shadowhunters Warriors didn't complain about you because of your interests and habits...
- De La Fère: Why then?
- Player: It's because you're too strict on them!
- Player: Every little mistake is punished in accordance with the Shadowhunters Regulations...
- Player: No wonder the warriors have complaints.
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: I see...
- Player: That's right.
- De La Fère: In that case, I don't have to change anything!
- De La Fère: The new Shadowhunters Regulations are the law of the Shadowhunters!
- De La Fère: That's the base line and no violation is allowed!
- De La Fère: Thanks, Player. Forget about the Lonely Desert!
- De La Fère: Looks like the Ambush Force Warriors' legal education needs to be strengthened!
- Player: Eh?
- De La Fère: Excuse me, Mr. Player!
- De La Fère leaves
- Player: Hold on! That's not what I meant!
- Player: Uh...
After Reading
-Intro
- Fire Flux Nexus, outskirt of the training ground...
- De La Fère stood at the edge of the training ground by himself...
- He looked out toward the White Capes Warriors who were training...
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: Isn't that De La Fère? What is he standing there all by himself?
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: Judging from the look on his face, something must have happened.
- Player: (Go up and say hi...)
- Player: De La Fère, are you taking a break?
- De La Fère: Player, what brings you here?
- Player: Don't worry! I've gone through all of the proper procedures! Everything was done by the rules!
- Player: Please don't arrest me!
- De La Fère: Hahaha!
- De La Fère: I know, General Takashi told me this morning.
- Player: Oh that's good, that's good.
- De La Fère: (Continues looking toward the training ground...)
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: ...
- Player: You've been staring at the White Capes training for a while now...
- Player: Is there someone you like among them?
- De La Fère: What?
- De La Fère: Player, you got it all wrong.
- De La Fère: No, us Ambush Force will be training here in two hours...
- De La Fère: I must make sure they clear out on time.
- Player: Eh...two hours in advance?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère sighed...
- De La Fère: As a Shadowhunter and a warrior, death is the ending for all of us...
- De La Fère: Do you know what's the most humiliating way to die for a warrior?
- Player: Hmmm...getting captured?
- De La Fère: (Shakes head...)
- De La Fère: Instead of dying in the battlefield, to die in the hands of someone you trusted the most...
- Player: Hmm...certainly...
- Player: Why did you bring this up?
- De La Fère: I read a book recently, a novel...
- De La Fère: Imprisoned by the Crown
- Player: I've read that. It's pretty good!
- Player: (This was written by an author in Luxium a hundred years ago...)
- Player: (The story was about two brothers living in a country ruled by a tyrant in an imaginary world...)
- Player: (The older brother was brave and fearless, while the younger brother was good at power play...)
- Player: (In the story, the two brothers overcame all the obstacles together, had the tyrant overthrown, and established a new kingdom.)
- Player: (The descriptions of the characters were outstanding...)
- Player: (Especially toward the end, when the younger brother who was crowned king wanted to safeguard his position...)
- Player: (And put his brother to death for conspiring against the kingdom.)
- Player: (As the story came to an end, the young brother looked out at his secured kingdom from his splendid palace...)
- Player: (And when he turned around, he realized that he was all alone in the massive palace.)
- Player: (Looks like De La Fère is sad about what happened to the older brother...)
- De La Fère: Player, what do you think about the story?
- Player: Hmmm...
-The older brother's death was really sad... - 700 Intimacy
- Player: The scene where the older brother died in tears was really wistful...
- De La Fère: Yea...
- Player: The general brought peace, yet the general wasn't allowed to savor it.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Ambitious men came forward and fought to protect their families so that they could have a new life...
- De La Fère: In the end, the leader whom they have sworn their loyalty to prohibited them from seeing the new era alive...
- De La Fère: There isn't anything sadder than that, is there?
- Player: ...
- Player: Uh...
- Player: It's okay. That was just a novel from a few hundreds of years ago.
- De La Fère: But wasn't history exactly like that?
- De La Fère: It just so happens that General Takashi claimed credit for establishing the new Shadowhunters...
- De La Fère: Which puts him in the same position as the older brother in the story.
- Player: Hmm, are you saying...
- Player: The Shadowhunters Council is displeased with Takashi?!
- De La Fère: No! Why would they?
- De La Fère: I'm just saying, the general's position is similar to that in the story...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: If the council really takes an opposite stance from the general...
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: You got too emotionally involved in the story!
- Player: Come on, stop watching the warriors train!
- Player: Let's take a walk!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: Okay!
-I feel sorry for the younger brother who became king... - 900 Intimacy
- De La Fère: Uh...
- De La Fère: Do you mean the book, Imprisoned by the Crown?
- Player: Haha...
- Player: Think about it, before the two brothers started the revolution...
- Player: Even though their lives were hard, they were happy.
- Player: The two brothers had each other, and they got to hang out with their friends...
- Player: It was the happiest time in the younger brother's life.
- De La Fère: Indeed!
- Player: As they started the revolution, they got stronger step by step...
- Player: As the younger brother got closer to the crown, he smiled less and less...
- Player: The younger brother became suspicious and paranoid, and their friends died one after another...
- Player: Then the younger brother was crowned king and feared his brother's authority in the army. He killed his own brother...
- Player: In the end, when he looked over his kingdom, he was all alone.
- Player: Sigh...if the younger brother got to choose again...
- Player: I think he would choose to travel back in time to the past with his brother and friends.
- De La Fère: Sigh, the younger brother wasn't always like that...
- Player: This must be the curse of the crown...
- Player: Come to think of it, the tyrant which was overthrown wasn't that cruel in the beginning...
- Player: I suppose that's why it's called 'Imprisoned by the Crown.'
- De La Fère: The king who answered to no one was just a prisoner of power...
- De La Fère: Even the farmers in the field lived more comfortably...
- De La Fère: How pathetic!
- Choice 1.1 - Perhaps that's what the author was trying to tell us...
- De La Fère: !!
- De La Fère: I see!
- De La Fère: I didn't think you would have such a deep understanding of the book!
- Player: I was just telling you my views.
- De La Fère: I must discuss literature more often with you going forward!
- Player: Sure! You're welcome any time!
- Choice 1.2 - Be it the king or commoner, everyone's pathetic...
- De La Fère: Everyone's pathetic? Can you elaborate?
- Player: The king is slave to power, and lives of the aristocrats are in the hands of the king...
- Player: And it doesn't matter whether the kingdom flourishes, as the common people will always suffer...
- Player: Everyone is just being toyed by destiny...
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: Perhaps the only one who's not pathetic are the gods...
- Player: Sigh...
- De La Fère: Gods are spared from sufferings in the human world, but they also won't know the happiness down here!
- De La Fère: Since there's no way to go against destiny, we should just be ourselves!
- De La Fère: Delicious food, beautiful scenery, strong men...aren't all these blessings to humans?
- Player: Delicious food, beautiful scenery, strong men!
- Player: Haha, you're right!
-It doesn't matter if one kingdom takes over another, or if a kingdom flourishes, the suffering of the common people remains the same... - 700 Intimacy
- Player: During peace time, government officials exploited the people and the people ended up suffering...
- Player: During war time, warlords fought incessantly and lives were lost...
- Player: The younger brother might have overthrown the tyrant...
- Player: But he went on the same path to become a tyrant...
- Player: The aristocrats always had to make difficult choices, while there's nothing which would compare to the people's suffering.
- De La Fère: Yea...
- Player: Fortunately, there are courageous people like Takashi, you and these training warriors...
- Player: Who would fight to protect the people and human civilization...
- Player: There's still hope for this world.
- De La Fère: Whoa!
- De La Fère: I still have a long way to go...
- Player: (smiles)
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: Having watched the White Capes train all day...
- De La Fère: I'm getting restless...
- Player: Then go and challenge the White Capes Captain!
- Player: I can see that he's not enjoying himself as he had to hold back while training the warriors...
- Player: Why don't you two have a real fight to lift the warriors' spirits?
- De La Fère: Sounds good!
Trifle[]
This section contains spoilers for the Trifle. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.
Dagger to the hero
De La Fère finally has some time off and invites you to a vacation in the River Bend Town. However, you know from experience that trouble always comes knocking on your door whenever you're about to let your guard down.
-Part 1
- Outside the Fire Nexus...
- A lone warrior waits in a small canyon in the Northern Desert when De La Fère arrives
- De La Fère: If you're trying to lure me out of the Nexus to a secluded place where you can ambush me...
- De La Fère: Then I am afraid you have sorely miscalculated!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: The Fère family is famous for their lance skills. Even if I brought two squads, we would be no match for Captain De La Fère!
- De La Fère: Hmph. Since you already know who I am, cut the flattery and state your intentions!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Just as expected, Captain De La Fère cuts a heroic figure and is a fast talker!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: But this is a matter that concerns General Takashi and the Shadowhunters Council. Please forgive my caution.
- De La Fère: Concerns the general?
- De La Fère: What is it? Spit it out!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain De La Fère, you are a young and able man not only proficient in cavalry tactics, but also familiar with the art of war.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: What's more, you also have an incredible talent for arcana, and you have mastered extremely powerful lightning arcana.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Isn't it a shame that someone such as yourself is merely a captain serving under Takashi?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Why don't you...
- De La Fère: This is why you're here? I must refuse.
- De La Fère: General Takashi treats me well. I am more than happy to serve him as a common soldier.
- De La Fère: Now, if you'll forgive me. I have no more time to waste. Excuse me.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: But Captain De La Fère? Don't you wish to restore your family's glory?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do that.
- De La Fère: Oh?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Takashi is too inflexible. He knows only brawn, not brains. That kind of mentality has no place in the Shadowhunters going forward.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: My commander is willing to appoint all members of the Fère family as officers...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: And Mr. De La Fère, you will become a member of the Shadowhunters Council.
- De La Fère: What's the catch?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: All you need to do is provide my commander with information on the Fire Nexus and Takashi's whereabouts, nothing more.
- De La Fère: Haha!
- De La Fère: And just like that, my people all become Shadowhunter officers?
- De La Fère: And I will be a member of the Shadowhunters Council?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: My commander has always respected the Fère family, and believes that you are capable enough to fill any role within the Shadowhunters organization.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: When this is all said and done, with your consent, Captain, you will take Takashi's position, and lead the garrison at the Fire Nexus.
- De La Fère: Music to my ears.
- De La Fère: I'm guessing you'll use the intel you get out of me to kill the general?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: General Takashi... Well, we have plans for him.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Do not worry, De La Fère.
- De La Fère: That's enough!
- De La Fère readies his lance
- De La Fère: You are suspected of endangering the Fire Nexus and attempting to undermine the authority of its commander!
- De La Fère: Traitor! Surrender now, and the general may spare your life!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: You and Takashi are both so stubborn...
- De La Fère: Save it for the dungeon!
- The warrior throws down a flash bomb and escapes
- De La Fère: Hmph! What a pedestrian scheme... (Opens comms crystal)
- De La Fère: This is De La Fère. I have captured a spy wearing a Shadowhunter disguise at the Fire Nexus.
- De La Fère: Set up roadblocks in a five-kilometer radius and check everyone!
- The spy's voice echoes against the canyon walls
- Spy's Voice: You ungrateful fool...
- Spy's Voice: No matter. We have people at the Fire Nexus!
- De La Fère looks around
- De La Fère: You...
- De La Fère: Coward! Show yourself!
- De La Fère: Fight me like a man!
- Spy's Voice: Hahaha!!!
- De La Fère: Ahhhh!!!
- The entire garrison of the Nexus was dispatched...
- But the mysterious spy seemed to disappear into thin air, and the Shadowhunters found no trace of him.
- Two weeks passed, and the whole Northern Desert was calm...
- The alert at the Fire Nexus was lifted and everything returned to normal......
- De La Fère was still concerned for Takashi's safety, but with no clues to go on, he had no choice but to drop the matter...
- Another two weeks passed, and it is De La Fère's turn to go on leave.
- It wasn't often that he got time off, so he returned to his hometown and made plans to meet with a friend.
- In the middle of the Northern Desert, at River Bend Town...
- De La Fère: Uh... You two can head on back.
- De La Fère: This is River Bend Town. Nothing's going to happen here!
- Security Forces Soldier A: No, sir. We have strict orders from the commander to protect you. We cannot disobey them!
- Security Forces Soldier B: The commander is worried about you. Let us come with!
- Security Forces Soldier B: We're here to protect you.
- De La Fère: All right, you can come along. But stop calling me 'sir'!
- Security Forces Soldier A: Yes, sir!
- Player walks by
- Player: I need to leave the port, then head toward...
- De La Fère: Over here, Player!
- Player: De La Fère!
- Security Forces Soldier A: Who are you? Identify yourself!
- Player: Uh... I'm Player from Never Isle. This is my...
- De La Fère: Hey! Out of the way, you two!
- Security Forces Soldier B: A suspicious man is approaching, sir. Leave him to us!
- De La Fère: A suspicious man?
- De La Fère: This is my friend. Get out of the way!
- Security Forces Soldier A: Oh...
- The guards stand back
- De La Fère: Are you okay, Player?
- Player: I'm okay, I'm okay... But these two...
- De La Fère: They're warriors from River Bend Town's security force.
- De La Fère: My brother sent them to protect us...
- Player: Oh! Hmm...
- De La Fère: Sorry for putting you through that, Player. I can't seem to shake them...
- Player: Hahaha!
- Player: It's nice to have someone who worries about you, though!
- De La Fère: I'm a captain of the Shadowhunters! I have no need of protection!
- Player: Just take it as a token brotherly love.
- Player: Call them over! The more, the merrier!
- De La Fère: As long as you don't mind them, Mr. Player...
- Player: Why are you calling me 'Mr.'? We're not at the Fire Nexus.
- Player: We've known each other a long time already. Just call me by my name~
- De La Fère: Okay. Come with me, Player!
- Player: Let's go!
- First, De La Fère takes you sandboarding.
- Even without power, the leather board snakes across the sand faster than a truck on a highway...
- When you get tired of that, De La Fère takes you back to the pack animal zoo.
- The unicorn that dives into sand dunes and the fire-spitting pack animal are both amazing to behold.
- Noon approaches, and it is time to stock up on energy for the afternoon's pleasures...
- Some time later, at a high-end restaurant in River Bend Town...
- You peruse the expensive items on the menu...
- Player: Uh...
- De La Fère: Don't like anything you see on the menu, Player?
- De La Fère: Sorry, River Bend Town isn't as rich as those big cities. Vegetables, seafood, and poultry are pretty scarce.
- De La Fère: Since we're in the hinterlands of the Northern Desert, the dishes are mainly cooked with animal meat.
- De La Fère: If you're not used to meals like this, Player...
- Player: No, no. Barbecue is my favorite!
- Player: It's just... The price...
- De La Fère: Hahaha! Don't worry about the price!
- De La Fère: This restaurant has the best chef in the whole Northern Desert. It's expensive, but the ingredients and taste are top-notch - it's well worth the price you pay!
- De La Fère: You've come all the way to River Bend Town. Let me be your host! I'll take care of the food and activities!
- Player: But... It's really too expensive.
- De La Fère: It's nothing compared to how much you've helped me, Player.
- De La Fère: I don't usually have much to spend money on, and I save all my wages from the military...
- De La Fère: Besides, my uncle runs this place! I can get a discount~
- One of the waiters behind De La Fère looks over after eavesdropping on the conversation
- Player: But...
- De La Fère: You refuse again, and I'll take it as an insult!
- Player: Okay. Then don't mind if I indulge a little bit. Let's have a good meal!
- De La Fère: That's the spirit!
- De La Fère: (Raises hand to signal the waiter...)
- Another waiter comes over to the table
- Waiter: Welcome to our restaurant. What will you be having today?
- De La Fère: Open a bottle of that 20-year-old wine you've been keeping in storage!
- De La Fère: And bring us an extra-large portion of the Desert Flame Roasted Sand Beast Short Ribs!
- A few moments later...
- Waiter: (Pours wine for you and De La Fère...)
- Waiter: This is a 20-year-old wine from our restaurant. Please enjoy.
- The waiter leaves
- Player: Speaking of which...
- Player: The owner of the place we went sandboarding this morning was your cousin...
- Player: Your father owns the pack animal zoo...
- Player: This fancy restaurant, your older brother on the River Bend Town Security Force...
- Player: De La Fère, you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, weren't you?
- De La Fère: Our family's had its fair share of challenges, but we still have roots in River Bend Town.
- Player: Incredible!
- De La Fère: But that's all. When you leave River Bend Town...
- De La Fère: Nobody knows the Fère family name.
- Player: It's still incredible!
- De La Fère: What's so incredible about it?
- De La Fère: All of this was built by your ancestors and passed down through your family.
- De La Fère: None of it's mine. I don't have a single achievement to my name!
- Player: What do you mean?
- Player: You're Captain of the Ambush Force at the Fire Nexus's Shadowhunter garrison!
- Player: You command the elite fighters of the Nexus! You're the cream of the crop!
- De La Fère: Elite...
- De La Fère: They can't tell you how many chapters there are in the new Shadowhunters Regulations. They don't even know the difference between a lance and a lucerne hammer!
- De La Fère: I've been a Shadowhunter for 7 years without putting a single achievement under my belt.
- De La Fère: And you call that 'elite'?
- Player: But you decided to forgo your inheritance and give up a life of luxury and elegance.
- Player: You've chosen to learn how to fight, to study arcana, and to join the Shadowhunters and fight on the frontlines in the war against the Shadows.
- Player: You've chosen to fight for glory and tradition, and for the revival of your family.
- Player: I bet in all of Luxium, there are only a handful of people as courageous and bold as you are!
- De La Fère: You flatter me, Player.
- Player: Seriously! If I were you, I'd kick back! I wouldn't do an honest day's work for the rest of my life!
- Player: So here's to you!
- Player: To your determination, and to your bravery!
- Player: I believe that you'll realize your wish to restore the Fère family name!
- De La Fère: (Eyes welling up with tears)
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: (Raises glass.)
- You and De La Fère share a few drinks.
- Player: This is really good stuff!
- De La Fère: (Gestures to the waiter to pour more wine...)
- The waiter spying on De La Fère earlier comes over
- De La Fère: Honestly, Player...
- De La Fère: I often doubt myself and my ability to restore my family's name.
- De La Fère: Can I be heroic like the Fères before me, who killed the Shadows and protected River Bend Town?
- Waiter: Never!
- Player: ?!
- The waiter picks up the bottle and pours it on De La Fère's head...
- Player: W-what the hell are you doing?!
- One of De La Fère's guards rushes over
- Security Forces Soldier A: You bastard, you have any idea who this is?
- De La Fère: (Signals Security Forces Soldiers to stand down)
- De La Fère: What is the meaning of this, sir?
- Waiter: You Fères are the cancer plaguing River Bend Town!
- The waiter's hysterical shouting catches the attention of the nearby diners...
- Player: !!
- De La Fère: ...
- Waiter: Do not think that just because you are a Shadowhunter that I will hold my tongue!
- Waiter: You and your lot collude with the Shadowhunters to allow those...mercenaries to trample over us and abuse us!
- De La Fère: Shadowhunter mercenaries?
- De La Fère: I am a captain of the Shadowhunters. If you have run into any trouble, you can tell me..
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunter Regulations stipulate that any members who abuse civilians will be fined and dismissed from their posts, and will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with local laws. Those whose violations are serious will even be subject to court martial!
- De La Fère: The Shadowhunters Council will see to it that you are afforded justice!
- Waiter: Justice? Well, then!
- Waiter: The leader of the Flux Nexus. The one they call Takashi...
- Waiter: He is the bastard who has unfairly persecuted River Bend Town and brought disaster upon its people!
- De La Fère: General Takashi?
- De La Fère: What happened? Do you have any evidence of this?
- Waiter: Evidence? You bastards are no petty criminals, I'll give you that. You lot are very careful to leave behind no evidence!
- Waiter: The Fère family and the Shadowhunter officials scratch each other's backs... You're like a nest of snakes and rats!
- De La Fère: He's been ranting for so long, he's not making sense anymore.
- De La Fère: Detain him, and let him cool off. Then we'll ask him to explain himself!
- Security Forces Soldier A: Yes, sir!
- The guard drags the waiter towards the door
- Security Forces Soldier A: Let's go!
- Waiter: The Fère family have betrayed River Bend Town and are permitting foreigners to exploit and trample all over us!
- Waiter: Takashi will pay! He and your damn family!
- De La Fère: ...
- The manager runs over to De La Fère
- Restaurant Manager: Heavens, Master De La Fère, I am so sorry!
- De La Fère: Don't worry about it. I'll just go clean up in the washroom...
- Player: De La Fère...
- De La Fère: Wait a moment, Player. We haven't had a chance to eat lunch yet~
- De La Fère excuses himself, the manager chasing after him
- Restaurant Manager: Master De La Fère, please accept my sincerest apologies!
- De La Fère: No need to say it twice. I'm fine. I'm sure you have other work to do!
- Moments later, De La Fère returns to his seat just as the food he ordered is set upon the table.
- The food is delicious, but the incident with the waiter cast a pall over the meal.
- A while later, after the meal...
- De La Fère: I wanted to treat you to a nice meal, and look how it turned out.
- De La Fère: I'm truly sorry!
- Player: Don't worry about it...
- Player: How about you? Are you okay?
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: Do you believe what he said, Player?
- De La Fère: That the general has unfairly persecuted River Bend Town and brought disaster upon its people...
- Player: Of course I don't believe it! I know Takashi too well for that!
- De La Fère: I don't believe it, either.
- De La Fère: It's just some nonsense. Let's forget about it.
- De La Fère: As for why that guy threw a fit...we'll just let the River Bend Town Security Forces worry about that.
- De La Fère: It'll give them and my brother something to do. They won't be watching us like hawks anymore!
- Player: Hahaha!
- De La Fère: Let's put it all behind us. In a little while, we're going to...
- A man in ornate armor enters the restaurant
- ???: De La Fère!
- De La Fère: Uh...
- De La Fère: What are you doing here?
- De La Fère: Player, this is my brother, commander of the River Bend Town Security Forces.
- Player: Oh, hello!
- Security Forces Commander: I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Player!
- Security Forces Commander: De La Fère speaks quite fondly of you. Thank you for looking after him while he's out of town.
- Player: No, no. De La Fère's helped me a lot, too.
- De La Fère: I was just about to take my friend for a walk around River Bend Town, brother. No need to worry about us.
- Security Forces Commander: I'm sorry for bothering you, but...well, it's necessary that we talk face-to-face about this matter!
- De La Fère: What's up?
- Security Forces Commander: That troublemaker you ran into inadvertently spilled the beans...
- Security Forces Commander: Someone is planning to assassinate General Takashi.
- De La Fère: What?!
- Player: Assassinate...
- Upon hearing the news, the three of you go to the River Bend Town prison.
- In consideration of your close relationship with the Shadowhunters...
- The Security Forces allow you and De La Fère to interrogate the deranged waiter.
- However, the waiter behaves just as he did at the restaurant...
- Spewing meaningless insults and accusations, as well as some cruel words to vent his anger...
- Some time later, at the River Bend Town prison...
- De La Fère's brother escort De La Fère and Player back to the entrance
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: I think this guy is talking nonsense.
- Player: He's all over the place. There's no logic or meaning to it.
- Security Forces Commander: Well... Based on my experience on the Security Forces...
- Security Forces Commander: I'd have to agree with Mr. Player.
- Security Forces Commander: Brother, you are a Shadowhunter, and have always held General Takashi in high regard. How would you like to handle this?
- De La Fère: That guy's words really don't make any sense.
- De La Fère: But, that said... There may be some merit to the possibility of an assassination attempt against General Takashi.
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: How so?
- De La Fère: About a month ago, I was approached by a suspicious individual at the Fire Nexus...
- De La Fère tells you about the suspicious man's attempts to bribe him.
- Security Forces Commander: Hmm... If he was able to escape from you and your men...
- Security Forces Commander: He must be formidable, indeed.
- Player: Afterward, you set up a blockade around the Fire Nexus, but you never caught him.
- Player: I'm afraid that suspicious person might have been a Shadowhunter of some rank.
- De La Fère: Well, that's what I thought too. So, we immediately informed the general.
- De La Fère: The Nexus was put on high alert for two weeks, but the guy didn't show up again, and we didn't find any additional clues, so we put a hold on the matter.
- De La Fère: But today...
- Security Forces Commander: Hmmm...
- Player: Well, if someone within the Shadowhunters organization were plotting against General Takashi...
- Player: Maybe after their attempt to bribe a warrior at the Fire Nexus failed, they decided to outright assassinate him!
- De La Fère: General Takashi is a talented man. Even if they sent a dozen assassins after him, they wouldn't be able to put a scratch on him!
- De La Fère: I'm worried they have someone on the inside at the Nexus waiting for the general to let his guard down.
- Player: Ugh...
- Player: How sinister!
- Security Forces Commander: The stakes are too high. I will contact the Shadowhunters at once! We will work with them to investigate this matter!
- De La Fère: No!
- De La Fère: If the enemy has infiltrated the Shadowhunters, then the man you contact may in fact be one of them!
- Player: Right. A joint investigation may simply alert them.
- De La Fère: These traitors are a disaster waiting to happen! This time, we cannot let them get away!
- De La Fère: I'm on leave, so I'll take care of the investigation myself!
- De La Fère: I'll start with this waiter, and investigate everyone he's come into contact with for the past month!
- Before De La Fère, his brother grabs his shoulder
- Security Forces Commander: Stop!
- De La Fère: Brother, time is running out, I have to hurry!
- Security Forces Commander: How many people do you think he, a waiter, has come into contact with over the past month?
- De La Fère: Well then, I'll just have to investigate...
- Security Forces Commander: You idiot!
- Security Forces Commander: What about me?
- De La Fère: Brother?
- Security Forces Commander: So you are aware that I am your brother?
- Security Forces Commander: Leave this matter to the Security Forces of River Bend Town! My men and I will find out the truth for you!
- Player: Let me help!
- De La Fère: But...
- Security Forces Commander: Are you that paranoid? You don't even trust your own flesh and blood?
- Security Forces Commander: I personally interviewed all of the warriors of the Security Forces myself. I know everything there is to know. They are absolutely reliable!
- Security Forces Commander: Besides, this incident happened in River Bend Town! It is our duty to investigate!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: It concerns the general's safety. I would be honored if you'd help!
- Security Forces Commander: So it turns out that the Shadowhunters have taught you a little respect the past few years!
- De La Fère's brother shouts a command to the other guards
- Security Forces Commander: With the exception of essential patrols, tell everyone to assemble!
- Security Forces Soldier: Yes, sir!
- Everyone's hard work paid off. After hours of investigation, clues were finally found.
- Late at night, in one of the side alleys of River Bend Town...
- Suspicious Villager: ...
- A suspicious man enters the alley, constantly looking over his shoulder
- De La Fère, his brother, Player and some of the security forces hide in the alley, out of sight
- De La Fère: ...
- The suspicious man enters the back door of a building
- Security Forces Commander: I'm going in!
- De La Fère: This must be their stronghold!
- Security Forces Commander: Team two, set up a defensive perimeter and checkpoints! Make sure no one escapes!
- Security Forces Commander: Team one is approaching. Prepare to blast the door!
- Security Forces Commander: De La Fère, Mr. Player, we're ready to go in!
- De La Fère's team leave their hiding place and hustle to the door
- Security Forces Commander: Everyone! Status report!
- Security Forces Message: Blockade is ready. We won't let a single fly get through without thoroughly investigating them first!
- Security Forces Message: Rear group is in place. We're ready to meet up with the assault team anytime!
- De La Fère: Player and I are ready!
- Security Forces Soldier: Breach explosives ready. Waiting for the go ahead.
- Security Forces Commander: Start the detonation program!
- The team blows off the door and rush inside
- Inside the base...
- Security Forces Commander: River Bend Town Security Forces! Nobody move!
- De La Fère: Surrender now!
- The team realizes that no one is inside
- Player: Ugh... Looks like we came up empty-handed.
- Security Forces Commander: Don't be too sure! It's a mess here, and they left in a hurry.
- Security Forces Commander: They must have left some kind of clue behind!
- De La Fère: (angry)
- Security Forces Commander: Men, spread out and search any books and documents left in the room!
- Security Forces Soldier: Yes, sir!
- Suddenly, you feel a faint flux wave in the room...
- Player: Be careful as you search. They may have left some arcana traps behind!
- A while later...
- Player: I found an arcana alarm.
- Player: These are usually used in conjunction with an external sensor arcana array...
- Player: A powerful arcanist can weaken any sign of an array such that nobody can spot it. Even flux detectors won't find them.
- Player: I'm afraid we were spotted long before we got here.
- Security Forces Commander: ...
- Security Forces Commander: Even so, it's hard to believe they'd be able to make such a hasty retreat without leaving behind some clue!
- Security Forces Soldier: Report to the Commander! We've scoured all the books on the scene.
- Security Forces Soldier: We didn't find any suspicious clues or information.
- Security Forces Soldier: However, we did find a secret passage leading directly outside city limits!
- Security Forces Commander: Okay...
- Player: Ugh...
- De La Fère: Brother, Player...
- Player: (Shakes head.)
- De La Fère: You didn't find anything?
- Security Forces Commander: Don't worry, Player discovered an arcana alarm.
- Security Forces Commander: We're not totally empty-handed.
- De La Fère: An arcana alarm?
- Player: This...
- De La Fère: Oh... I've seen something like this in one of the arcana books at the Fire Nexus!
- De La Fère: No wonder I felt a faint wave of flux in this room...
- De La Fère: (Takes the arcana alarm.)
- De La Fère: Huh? No, that can't be!
- De La Fère quickly goes to the other side of the room to a stack of books on the ground
- Player: Whoa!
- Security Forces Commander: What's wrong, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: The flux wave I'm sensing isn't coming from the alarm!
- De La Fère: Which means...
- De La Fère picks a book up off the ground...
- De La Fère: What a crafty trick! I think I still remember the arcana to dispel this...
- The book begins to glow and emit energy
- De La Fère: Whoa... This is...!
- De La Fère: Those...bastards!
- Player: What's wrong, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: Look at this, Player!
- Security Forces Commander: Whoa! Look out!
- Security Forces Commander: (Snatches the book from De La Fère's grasp)
- The book explodes
- Security Forces Commander: Cough! Cough!
- Player: Whoa... It blew up!
- De La Fère: Brother! Are you hurt?
- Security Forces Commander: Cough! I'm fine, just a little shaken up... Good thing I'm wearing thick armor!
- De La Fère: Are you out of your mind?
- Security Forces Commander: I figured if it was going to explode, better me than you!
- De La Fère: You son of a...
- Security Forces Commander: How can you talk to your brother like that? Get off my case, and let's get back on this one!
- Security Forces Commander: What was that thing?
- Player: They must have attached a defensive arcana to the illusion.
- Player: When the arcana isn't dispelled in a certain way, it triggers the book to self-destruct.
- Player: I may need to ask Principal Vundo what the specific principle behind it is.
- Player: But what is certain is that De La Fère's arcane power did not perceive the trap.
- Player: This shows that the individual who placed this arcana is at the very least a master with decades of experience.
- De La Fère: Whether they're a master or a grandmaster, I already saw what they were trying to hide!
- Security Forces Commander: What was written in the book?
- De La Fère: Detailed plans for the Shadowhunter visit to River Bend Town...
- De La Fère: Including the Shadowhunter delegation's plans and schedule.
- De La Fère: It even included details about the plans, like each person's specific position, attendance time, and whether they plan to deliver a speech...
- De La Fère: During the event, everything related to General Takashi was circled in red...
- Player: Really? How meticulous...
- Security Forces Commander: Wait! The Shadowhunters delegation doesn't come to River Bend Town for another two weeks!
- Security Forces Commander: I haven't seen any specific plans. Those are all being handled by the Shadowhunters themselves!
- De La Fère: This is all starting to make sense.
- De La Fère: The people who are going after the general are Shadowhunters themselves!
- Player: ...
- Security Forces Commander: Since they had the River Bend Town delegation's plans...
- Security Forces Commander: That means that they want to do it when General Takashi visits River Bend Town!
- Security Forces Commander: In that case, we've still got two weeks left.
- Security Forces Commander: These traitors are no ordinary Shadowhunters. Let's go home, De La Fère, and think this through!
- De La Fère: Traitors...
- De La Fère: I swear by my name that I will find you and bring you before the tribunal myself!
- Continue to Intimacy Level 10
Prey close at hand
The hunter found traces of their prey. However, a crafty rabbit has three burrows. It's a stone's throw away, but a world apart.
-Part 1
- At the Fire Nexus...
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Phew... I'm beat!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Our training's gotten really tough lately. I don't know if I can take much more of this.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: What you need is to relax with a nice smoke~
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: But that's against regulations...
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Are you sure it'll be okay if we sneak out?
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Don't worry about it! They're doing one-on-one training now.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: We've already qualified. There's no need for us to stand around and watch the others fight.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Besides, the Bull Force and some other guys from the ranks are on leave.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Their captain isn't paying attention.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Isn't De La Fère on leave? Stop worrying!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Maybe...
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Ahh... There's nothing like a good smoke!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: The guy I was training with is the captain of the Bull Force.
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: He's so strong. After one match, I feel like I'm going to collapse!
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: That's normal. After all, he's a captain.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Come here~ I'll give you a massage to help you relax.
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Thanks, that would be great.
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Drinks are on me when our wages come in.
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Don't worry about it! We're like brothers...like family...
- De La Fère: Two lone wolves licking their wounds...
- De La Fère: For a moment, they forgot the battlefield, the pursuit of glory, the pain... They saw only their own faces in each other's eyes.
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: A...narrator?
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Damn!
- De La Fère and Player walk in on the two lazy warriors
- De La Fère: All the scene needs is a stage and some lighting, plus a little accompaniment from some string instruments...
- De La Fère: And I'd be moved to tears. Alas...
- De La Fère: This is the Fire Nexus!
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: C-Captain...
- De La Fère: I've told you before: the training grounds are also a battlefield!
- De La Fère: Your brothers-in-arms are training their asses off, but here you are, taking it easy!
- De La Fère: What is the difference between this and desertion?!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Uh... They're training one-on-one... We've already fought...
- De La Fère: Oh? So now you're kicking back, huh?
- De La Fère: Shouldn't you stay, watch, and learn from the others? Gain experience and knowledge?
- De La Fère: Or are you already unbeatable in battle and don't have anything left to learn?
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: S... Sorry...
- De La Fère: I've been away for three days, and this is what's become of you.
- De La Fère: According to Shadowhunter Regulations, evasion of training calls for a punishment of one month's pay.
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: N-no, Captain! Please, don't dock our pay! Beat me up! Give me some more training!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Just don't dock our pay!
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Captain, he...
- De La Fère: Shut up! Stand up straight!
- De La Fère: If you are still Shadowhunters, if you are still men, then act like it!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: ...
- De La Fère: Return to your training, and when you finish there, head to the disciplinary office for your punishment!
- De La Fère: This better not happen again, or you'll be banished from the Fire Nexus!
- Shadowhunters Warrior B: Ugh...
- Shadowhunters Warrior A: Yes, sir...
- The two warriors scurry back to the training grounds'
- De La Fère: Sigh... What a bunch of layabouts.
- Player: You've been hard enough on them. You don't need to badmouth them, too.
- Player: They're your brothers, too.
- De La Fère: Every time we do military exercises, we lose to the Bull Force.
- De La Fère: In the individual competition, everyone has problems winning but me!
- De La Fère: What kind of Shadowhunters are they, with the state they're in? They should go back home and till the fields!
- Player: Well that would certainly make the Shadows happy.
- De La Fère: I never should've taken leave!
- Player: (You pat his shoulder.)
- Player: If you hadn't taken your leave, we wouldn't have learned about the traitors within the Shadowhunters organization.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: I'm sorry. I lost my temper...
- Player: It's normal to get upset when something like this happens...
- Player: But we need to get down to business.
- De La Fère: Yes! Thank you for reminding me, Player.
- De La Fère: Let's go find the general.
- In the situation room at the Flux Nexus.
- De La Fère and Player speak with Takashi and his lieutenant
- Takashi: You don't get many chances to take leave. Why are you back so early, De La Fère? And Player is here with you...
- De La Fère: General, I made a major discovery while I was on leave, so I have returned to inform you.
- Player: I hope you're ready for this, General.
- Takashi: What's wrong? Spit it out!
- De La Fère: (Looks at the lieutenant standing beside Takashi.)
- De La Fère: This is very important, General. Could we borrow you for a few moments?
- Takashi: ...
- Takashi: Go on, Lieutenant. I'll call you if I need you.
- Lieutenant: Yes, General!
- The lieutenant leaves
- Takashi: Now can we talk?
- De La Fère: General, please cancel your visit to River Bend Town!
- Takashi: Oh? Why?
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: ...
- The two of you tell Takashi about what happened in River Bend Town.
- De La Fère: The River Bend Town Security Forces are investigating, but for the sake of your safety...
- De La Fère: I would like you to cancel your visit to River Bend Town, please!
- Takashi: ...
- Takashi: Thank you, De La Fère, Player.
- Takashi: I know about the traitor within the Shadowhunters.
- Takashi: However, the visit to River Bend Town cannot be cancelled!
- Player: !!
- De La Fère: General, this is too dangerous! Please think about it!
- Takashi: The new Shadowhunters Council was has just been formed. All of Luxium is watching.
- Takashi: Not only does visiting the major towns in Luxium give the people some piece of mind...
- Takashi: It also helps maintain our organization's relationship with these towns, and at the same time gives people a good impression of the new council.
- Takashi: We've already visited Never Isle, Elysiann, Red Harbor, Crossport, and Eversun.
- Takashi: River Bend Town has been a loyal ally of the Shadowhunters since ancient times.
- Takashi: Our garrison here at the Fire Nexus has survived to this day thanks to the support and supplies of River Bend Town.
- Takashi: However, when the six major families were in power, they were wary of River Bend Town...
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi: Economic sanctions and resource constraints strained the relationship between River Bend Town and the Shadowhunters...
- Takashi: After the fall of the six major families, we reached out to River Bend Town many times, and finally managed to repair the relationship...
- Takashi: Everyone in River Bend Town is willing to strengthen their ties with us.
- Takashi: That's why a visit to River Bend Town is no less important than a visit to Never Isle!
- Takashi: If we suddenly cancel this visit now, everyone in Luxium will be wondering why.
- Takashi: It's not just about our relationship with River Bend Town. All of the hard work we've done up until now... It will all go down the drain.
- Takashi: Long story short, we cannot cancel the visit on my account.
- Takashi: We cannot let the Shadowhunters' efforts to get back on track go to waste!
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: ...
- De La Fère: General...
- De La Fère: Since your plans cannot be changed, I will find the traitors before the Shadowhunter delegation visits River Bend Town!
- Takashi: Based on what you've said, these traitors are well-organized, well-planned, and even backed by powerful arcanists.
- Takashi: They already know that you and the River Bend Town Security Forces are investigating. They will steer clear of you and the Fère family!
- Takashi: I'm afraid we can't rely on you alone.
- De La Fère: You mean...
- Takashi: There are traitors among the Shadowhunters. The Fire Nexus cannot sit by idly!
- Player: But if we're not careful, we'll alert the enemy!
- Player: If they are allowed to go back into hiding again, it would be a disaster...
- Takashi: So we need to do this quietly.
- Takashi: To help you, the Flux Nexus will send a team of warriors disguised as tourists to enter River Bend Town and investigate.
- De La Fère: Okay. We'll draw their attention, while your men conduct an in-depth investigation in secret!
- De La Fère: Do you have a candidate in mind to lead the secret investigation?
- Takashi: Of course!
- Takashi: Lieutenant, enter!
- De La Fère: Whoa!
- Looking at the lieutenant, De La Fère could barely contain his surprise.
- Lieutenant: General!
- De La Fère: General... Are you planning to...
- Takashi: I have absolute trust in all of you.
- Takashi: Now, De La Fère has discovered that there are traitors within the Shadowhunters, and they are planning to launch an attack while the Shadowhunters are visiting River Bend Town!
- Takashi: To avoid alerting the traitors...
- Takashi: I hope that you and De La Fère will take a team consisting only of people you trust absolutely to River Bend Town to conduct a secret investigation.
- Takashi: Root out the traitors before the Shadowhunter visit!
- Takashi: How we handle this matter could determine the future of the Shadowhunters, so be careful!
- Lieutenant: Understood!
- De La Fère: Wait, General! Lieutenant...
- Takashi: (Pats De La Fère on the shoulder...)
- Takashi: I know what you're going to say.
- Takashi: But I trust both of you. I hope that the two of you can also trust each other.
- Lieutenant: De La Fère, Mr. Player, I'm looking forward to working with you!
- Player: Yes, me too...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: ...The stake couldn't be higher, sir. We need to give it our all...
- De La Fère: General, Mr. Player and I will prepare the secret investigation and put things in motion.
- Takashi: Yes. Thank you.
- Player and De La Fère exit
- Lieutenant: I will be going now, General.
- Takashi: Before you leave the Flux Point, call Creed for me...
- Takashi: Let him know that when he has the time, I would like him to visit me here at the Nexus.
- Lieutenant: Yes, sir!
- The lieutenant leaves
- Takashi: (serious)
- Moments later, outside the operations room.
- De La Fère: Sigh...
- Player: Is something on your mind, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: I didn't expect the general would order his lieutenant to lead the secret investigation.
- De La Fère: Things are only going to get trickier from here on out.
- Player: The lieutenant has been with General Takashi for quite a while at this point. He must be pretty capable.
- De La Fère: Capable?
- De La Fère: He barely even passed the Shadowhunter officer assessment.
- De La Fère: What is he capable of? He's completely out of his element!
- Player: Ugh...
- De La Fère: But the general values his friendship, and he's served for a long time, so I guess that's why he's still at his side.
- Player: For our purposes, as long as he is loyal to Takashi, that should be good enough.
- De La Fère: That's the only good thing one can say in his favor.
- De La Fère: But loyalty alone will not help us find the traitors!
- De La Fère: We can only rely on ourselves.
- Player: Don't be so pessimistic!
- Player: What about the warriors in your Ambush Force?
- De La Fère: Yes...
- De La Fère: I'll go take a walk around the training grounds and find some suitable warriors...
- De La Fère: You head back to River Bend Town, Player.
- Player: Okay! See you there!
- De La Fère: Yes! (Bows slightly)
- Player: (I wonder how the River Bend Town Security Force's investigation is going.)
- As Player prepares to leave, he overhears a conversation between some of the Shadowhunters warriors
- Whisper: Didn't he go on leave? Why is he back?
- Whisper: Who knows?
- Whisper: That bastard!
- Player: Huh?
- Player: Is someone having an argument?
- Player eavesdrops on their conversation
- Depressed Warrior: (Sobbing quietly)
- Player: Oh... This looks like the warrior who got punished one month's pay by De La Fère.
- Depressed Warrior: (Sobbing quietly)
- Consoling Warrior: It's okay. It's just a month's pay. The other brothers in the squad will help you through it.
- Depressed Warrior: No, they've already given me too much. I've paid back hardly any of it.
- Consoling Warrior: Your family's having a hard time. It wasn't easy for you to join up at the Fire Nexus.
- Depressed Warrior: I think I'd better leave the Fire Nexus, find a squad with a little less pressure, with some peaceful patrols...
- Consoling Warrior: Come on, you've been serving at the Fire Nexus for over three years.
- Consoling Warrior: And those local troops don't get paid nearly as much as we do! Your family's under a lot of pressure...
- Depressed Warrior: I could find some part-time work...
- Depressed Warrior: I'm not strong-willed enough to be with the elites on the front lines.
- Consoling Warrior: Well, if you leave, I'm going to leave, too!
- Depressed Warrior: Hey, don't talk nonsense!
- Consoling Warrior: I'm not talking nonsense! You've looked after me for as long as I've been at the Fire Nexus. You're like my big brother!
- Consoling Warrior: But that damned De La Fère has never treated us like brothers!
- Consoling Warrior: He's a cold-blooded bastard!
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: (angry)
- Player interrupts the conversation
- Player: Ahem...
- Depressed Warrior: Mr. Player!
- Depressed Warrior: Everything you heard just now, it was all me!
- Consoling Warrior: Brother! No!
- Consoling Warrior: I always speak my mind, and I don't care who's listening!
- Consoling Warrior: Go tell Captain De La Fère, Player.
- Consoling Warrior: He's a bastard who doesn't treat his comrades as brothers!
- Consoling Warrior: Sooner or later, he'll lead the Ambush Force to ruin!
- Consoling Warrior: Give me a death sentence! Behead me, if he's got the balls!
- Player: Wow, what a tough guy. But that's enough. Lower your voice.
- Player: I'm not in the habit of snitching.
- Player: (Takes out a bag of gold)
- Player: Take this money and use it to help your family.
- Depressed Warrior: Whoa, Mr. Player! I couldn't...
- Player: Take it. Just take it!
- Player: It's just...
- Player: You misunderstand De La Fère.
- Player: He's not cold-blooded...
- Consoling Warrior: He's not cold-blooded?
- Consoling Warrior: Hmph! Even the flames of the Fire Nexus aren't hot enough to melt the ice in his heart!
- Player: ...
- Player: Please, just calm down...
- Player: If you're having trouble, you can talk to Captain De La Fère directly.
- Player: He'll definitely help.
- Player leaves
- Depressed Warrior: ...
- Consoling Warrior: ...
- The two warriors look at each other and then back at Player as he leaves
- Nighttime in River Bend Town.
- Player: You're back, De La Fère!
- De La Fère: Player...
- Player: Why didn't you go see your warriors?
- Player: Did they enter River Bend Town in disguise? I didn't even notice...
- De La Fère: No...
- De La Fère: It's just me.
- Player: Huh?
- De La Fère: There's a problem with the warriors of the Ambush Force.
- De La Fère: I... I cannot trust them. Not fully.
- Player: What?
- De La Fère: The stakes are high. We need to be cautious.
- De La Fère: It doesn't matter. I'm going to hunt down those ants who betrayed us, all on my own!
- Player: Okay... But you're not doing it all on your own. You've got me, don't you?
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: Thank you.
- De La Fère: I originally invited you to River Bend Town for a vacation...
- De La Fère: But then all because of my problems, I dragged you down. I'm really sorry...
- De La Fère: So...
- Player: What are you talking about? What do you mean, 'because of your problems'?
- Player: You and Takashi are friends of mine.
- Player: How could I sit idly by, knowing someone is trying to hurt Takashi?
- Player: I'll fight by your side until those Shadowhunter traitors are brought to justice!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: Thank you!
- Player: (smiles)
- A River Bend Town Security Forces soldiers runs up to De La Fère
- Security Forces Soldier: Great! You're back!
- De La Fère: Why the rush? What's wrong?
- Security Forces Soldier: Player, Master De La Fère, something has happened in the dungeon!
- Security Forces Soldier: The waiter who went crazy in the restaurant...
- Security Forces Soldier: He was assassinated!
- Player: What?
- De La Fère: What about my brother? The Security Forces Commander...
- Security Forces Soldier: He's fine.
- Security Forces Soldier: But someone broke into the dungeon's sewers, and the patrols and guards were knocked unconscious...
- De La Fère: At least no one on the Security Forces was killed.
- Player: Hmm... I should've been watching the dungeon.
- De La Fère: Don't blame yourself, this is a good thing!
- De La Fère: They didn't balk to take the risk and enter the dungeon to assassinate a witness...
- De La Fère: This proves that they're getting anxious. It also proves that our investigation is headed in the right direction!
- De La Fère raises his lance
- De La Fère: The war has begun!
- Early the next morning, at the River Bend Town morning market.
- Player watches the public mill around the market and spots a suspicious arcanist nearby
- Player: (Opens Arcana Comm Crystal)
- Player: (Whispers) I'm Player...
- Player: (Whispering) The target has appeared. The decoy has appeared as well.
- Arcana Communication: Good! Keep an eye on them, Player.
- Arcana Communication: This is the commander. Teams one and two have been deployed in a cordon. Team three is beginning to evacuate people at the market.
- Arcana Communication: It's all on you now, De La Fère!
- A little farther away...
- De La Fère: Roger! The trap array is ready!
- De La Fère: You think you're good at arcana, huh?
- De La Fère: Today, I'll give you a taste of your own medicine!
- Ten minutes later...
- Morning Market Traders: Sorry to keep you waiting. You ordered so many dishes, it took a while to pack them.
- Morning Market Traders: Come again soon!
- Suspicious Arcanist: ...
- Player: (Whispers) The target is ready to move!
- Arcana Communication: This is the captain of team 3. We've evacuated the residents of the outskirts!
- Arcana Communication: Okay! Security Forces, carry out your arrests!
- Two solders come to apprehend the suspicious arcanist
- Security Forces Soldier A: This is the River Bend Town Security Forces! Come with us and cooperate with our investigation!
- Suspicious Arcanist: ...
- Suspicious Arcanist: What are you doing?
- Security Forces Soldier B: You are suspected of endangering the safety of River Bend Town! Do not resist!
- The arcanists raises his hand and concentrates...
- Player: If only!
- ...but nothing happens
- Suspicious Arcanist: Huh? How...
- Security Forces Soldier B: That's all you've got? Stop resisting and hand yourself over!
- Suspicious Arcanist: ...
- The arcanists waves his arms and then instantly disappears
- Security Forces Soldier A: He's gone!
- Player runs over to where the arcanist was standing and concentrates
- Player: It's a teleportation arcana, but I've suppressed all flux in the vicinity. He's still nearby!
- Player: Don't worry. Half of the people in the market are our people. He can't escape!
- The arcanist appears again a little way away
- Security Forces Soldier B: I see him! Over here!
- Security Forces Soldier A: Let's get him!
- Suspicious Arcanist: Damn...
- The arcanist begins to run
- Player: (Picks up the comm crystal) The target is fleeing in the expected direction.
- Player: Begin phase two!
- De La Fère's brother's team makes chase
- Security Forces Commander: It's our turn. Arrest team, with me!
- The suspicious arcanist runs through a crowd of arcanists, all dressed similarly as him
- Security Forces Commander: Whoa!!
- Security Forces Commander: Where did all these arcanists come from? Who are they?
- Arcanist: What's wrong? Did something happen?
- Arcanist: Why did these soldiers show up all of a sudden?
- Security Forces Soldier: We just found out that they are scholars and researchers studying flux at the Crossport Arcane Research Center.
- Security Forces Soldier: That would give them everything they need to move through the city freely!
- Security Forces Commander: ...
- Security Forces Commander: Arrest team, verify each of the identities of these arcanists!
- Arcanist: Ah! What are you doing?
- Security Forces Soldier: River Bend Town Security Forces. Present your identification!
- Security Forces Commander: Why now...
- Nervous Arcanist: Ugh... These guys...
- One of the arcanists in the back begins to run
- Security Forces Soldier: Look! Over there! Someone's making a break for it!
- Security Forces Commander: So they finally show themselves! After them!
- The arcanist creates a wall of ice, blocking the commander's team from following
- Security Forces Soldier: Hey! Commander...
- Security Forces Commander: It's all right! Everything's going according to plan.
- At De La Fère's position...
- De La Fère: Received loud and clear! I've already spotted him.
- The arcanist runs into De La Fère
- Nervous Arcanist: These guys aren't playing around...
- De La Fère: Put your hands up, traitor!
- Nervous Arcanist: Whoa!
- De La Fère raises his lance and calls a bolt of lightning down on the arcanist
- The arcanist manages to just get up a shield to disburse the energy
- Nervous Arcanist: You can summon lightning? Just who are you?!
- De La Fère: I'm captain of the Shadowhunters Fire Nexus Garrison, De La Fère!
- Nervous Arcanist: Shadowhunters? What are the Shadowhunters doing here?
- De La Fère: Don't ask questions you already know the answer to, traitor!
- Nervous Arcanist: Traitor? Hold on a second!
- De La Fère prepares to attack again
- Nervous Arcanist: Whoa... Holy Light Flash!
- A bright light fills the area but the arcanist can't make an escape
- De La Fère: A useless trick!
- Nervous Arcanist: Ah!
- De La Fère traps the arcanist inside an array
- Nervous Arcanist: Oh, a flux reaction array.
- De La Fère: Why don't you go back and study some Shadowhunter tactics!
- De La Fère: Oops! I forgot. You'll never go back!
- De La Fère: De La Fère here. The target has been captured. Mission complete!
- De La Fère: I repeat, the target has been captured!
- De La Fère gets a closer look at the arcanist
- De La Fère: Identify yourself. Who do you work for?
- De La Fère: Where is your base? Who are your accomplices?
- Nervous Arcanist: What are you talking about?!
- De La Fère: Still playing coy, huh...
- De La Fère: Well then, I'll just have to tighten the screws a bit!
- De La Fère raises his lance once again, thunder cracks in the sky
- Nervous Arcanist: W-w-w-w-wait!!!
- De La Fère: Identify yourself. Tell me who you're working for, the location of your base, and the names of your accomplices!
- Nervous Arcanist: You guys have mistaken me for someone else!
- De La Fère: Fine then. Pay the price for your betrayal!
- De La Fère calls a bolt of lightning on the arcanist and this time he can't raise a shield
- Player and De La Fère's brother finally catch up
- Security Forces Commander: You... You killed him?
- De La Fère: Why would I do a thing like that? I was holding back.
- De La Fère: He refused to tell me anything, so I applied a little pressure, that's all.
- De La Fère: Come on. Let's carry him back to the dungeon, wait for him to wake up, then try again!
- Security Forces Soldier: Yes, sir!
- Player: I'm afraid if he's really determined, it might be hard to get anything out of him...
- You notice something out of your peripheral vision.
- A strange feeling compels you to take a closer look at his face.
- Player: Wait!
- Security Forces Commander: What's wrong, Mr. Player?
- Player: This is not the guy we're looking for!
- Security Forces Commander: What?
- Security Forces Soldier A: You're right... He's definitely not the guy!
- De La Fère: ...
- Suddenly, the sound of an explosion draws everyone's attention away from the arcanist
- De La Fère: Did you just hear an explosion?!
- Player: That sound came from the morning market!
- Security Forces Commander: Team one, team two, what was that explosion just now?
- Arcana Communication: (The panicked shouts of people can be heard coming from the comm crystal...)
- Arcana Communication: Commander, there was a gas explosion at the morning market...
- Arcana Communication: Everyone's are running toward the cordon. There are too many people! We can't hold them all!
- De La Fère: He's trying to blend in with the crowd so he can escape!
- Security Forces Commander: De La Fère, Arrest Team, help me control the scene!
- Security Forces Commander: Player, inform the fire brigade and the Kaist priests!
- Player: Got it!
- Although the Security Forces reacted quickly and kept civilian casualties to a minimum...
- The suspicious arcanist disappeared without a trace...
- Nighttime, outside the River Bend Town dungeon.
- Player and De La Fère talk to his brother about what happened
- Player: Commander...
- Security Forces Commander: The explosion at the morning market was caused by a breakfast stall's outdated equipment. Its pipes had corroded...
- Security Forces Commander: There's no sign that it was deliberate.
- Player: What?
- De La Fère: No... Corrosion and aging can be induced using arcana. This must be the work of our suspect!
- De La Fère: What about that arcanist that I knocked unconscious? What's his story?
- Security Forces Commander: He has nothing to do with the Shadowhunters, and even less to do with the assassination.
- Player: So why did he run away when he saw the Security Forces coming?
- Security Forces Commander: He's a professor at the Crossport Arcane Research Center.
- Security Forces Commander: He's under investigation in Crossport for accepting apprentices against regulations, reporting false research results, and illegally colluding with certain manufacturers to obtain illicit research funds.
- Security Forces Commander: He joined the Research Center's delegation team here in River Bend Town, and thought that we were trying to arrest him for his crimes.
- Player: So... That's the only reason?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère starts to leave without a word
- Player: De La Fère, where are you going?
- De La Fère: I'm going out for a walk.
- Player: Wait for me.
- Security Forces Commander: (Reaches out and stops you.)
- Security Forces Commander: The enemy pulled a fast one on him. He thought he'd finally found a clue, but his hopes were dashed again.
- Security Forces Commander: Give him some alone time.
- Player: ...
- Security Forces Commander: It's getting late. We'll talk tomorrow, Player. Get some rest.
- Player: Okay. You could use a little rest yourself, Commander.
- Security Forces Commander: Haha I'm all right. I'm going to take a look at some files to sort out some intel...
- Security Forces Commander: Maybe I'll find something.
- For the next few days, you stay in River Bend Town and work with the Fère family to investigate the Shadowhunter traitors...
- Several times, you manage to find traces of traitorous activity in the River Bend Town.
- But each time you follow the clues and attempt an arrest...
- The enemy slips through your fingers and you come back empty-handed.
- Before you know it, a week has passed...
- De La Fère's vacation is about to end.
- Late at night, inside the Fère family mansion...
- Butler: Young Master, you intend to go out this late?
- De La Fère: I'll never get a good night's sleep so long as those traitors are on the loose!
- Security Forces Commander: You haven't slept in days, little brother. You're supposed to go back to the Flux Nexus tomorrow. Are you out of your mind?
- De La Fère: If I can't even catch traitors, what use am I to them?
- Security Forces Commander: Are you listening to yourself?!
- Security Forces Commander: That's it! I've had enough of your sulking like a little kid. Go back to bed!
- De La Fère: I'm not a little kid!
- De La Fère storms out of the room.
- Security Forces Commander: What a child!
- Player: All right, all right! Take it easy!
- Player: I'll go talk some sense into him.
- Player steps outside the Fère family house
- Player: (Mere persuasion would never work on someone with De La Fère's temperament.)
- Player: (Why don't I...)
- A few moments later...
- Player: Oh, there you are!
- Player finds De La Fère looking out over River Bend Town's port and walks up to him
- De La Fère: Don't bother me, Brother. Even if Father himself were here, it'd be no use!
- De La Fère: I'm not going back until I catch those bastards!!
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: It's me...
- De La Fère turns around, surprised to see Player
- De La Fère: Player!
- De La Fère: Even you can't talk me into going back, Player.
- Player: You're mistaken.
- You take out the strong tea you just bought.
- Player: I've got strong tea, and I've got coffee. Pick your late-night poison!
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: ...I'll have coffee.
- Player: Here you are!
- De La Fère: (Takes the coffee.)
- Player: Not only do I have strong tea and coffee...
- Player: I've also got enough bread and bacon to last us the whole night!
- Player: So, what's going on? Did you find any clues?
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: Why are you looking at me like that?
- Player: Have you forgotten my promise?
- Player: I'll stay by your side till the bastards are caught!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: But then I'll be even more indebted to you...
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: Then be indebted to me. Then someday, when I need your help...
- Player: You help me in return~
- De La Fère: All right. By the Fère family name, I will fight with you through hell and high water, Player...
- Player: All right~
- Player: You don't need to make such lofty and yet somehow also intimidating promises.
- Player: As long as you treat me like a friend and a brother...
- Player: Then don't hesitate to ask for my help. We'll face our challenges together~
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: What are you staring at the river for? Have you found something?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: As a friend, I shouldn't have hidden this from you...
- De La Fère: Actually, I... Have no idea...
- De La Fère: I came out here to vent.
- De La Fère: I am sulking like a child.
- Player: It's okay, we still have time.
- De La Fère: But this afternoon in the town hall, my brother was rebuked by the mayor and the town's representatives.
- De La Fère: We've made a lot of noise this week, and people are already panicking...
- De La Fère: As a member of the Fère family, it is my responsibility to protect River Bend Town.
- De La Fère: Now, the traitors are at large, but the people of River Bend Town are suffering...
- De La Fère: Sigh...
- Player: ...
- De La Fère: I've made a mess of things again, Player.
- De La Fère: I've let down the general, my brother, and my family.
- De La Fère: I've also proven myself unworthy of your companionship, Mr. Player...
- De La Fère: I'm sorry...
- Player: You want to give up?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: Honestly, Player...
- De La Fère: I've thought about it.
- De La Fère: I seriously underestimated what the enemy is capable of.
- De La Fère: I've been using Shadowhunter tactics to deal with the enemy this whole time.
- De La Fère: And I've made a complete fool out of myself.
- De La Fère: I've been using Shadowhunter tactics to capture Shadowhunter traitors, and they've always been two steps ahead of me.
- Player: De La Fère...
- De La Fère: But I promised the general that I'd bring the traitors to justice.
- De La Fère: To give up halfway... Isn't that exactly what the enemy would want?
- De La Fère: The more the enemy puts pressure on us and the more they play with us, the more they prove that persistence is the proper course!
- De La Fère: I can't give up!
- De La Fère: 'Giving up' isn't in the Fère family dictionary!
- De La Fère confidently swipes his lance
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: As long as you don't set down your lance...
- Player: These all-nighters, these hardships that we've suffered, and the hard work of the commander and his warriors will not go to waste!
- Player: Come on. Let's toast to it.
- Player: Starting now, let's get back on our feet. The battle isn't over yet!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: I want to take another patrol around, Player!
- Player: All right. I'll go with you!
- A while later...
- Player: We've taken a walk around, but we didn't find anything.
- De La Fère: We've stepped up our patrols and investigations, but they've gotten away and have gone into hiding.
- De La Fère: What a bunch of cowards.
- Player: It may be cowardly, but it works.
- De La Fère: Our aimless investigations have turned up nothing. This is not the way to go.
- Player: I have an idea...
- Player: But you're not gonna like it.
- De La Fère: What's your idea? Why wouldn't I like it?
- Player: Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you!
- Player: Tomorrow, I will go back to the Nexus and ask the lieutenant how his team is doing.
- De La Fère: Whoa!
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: I know you have a problem with him, but this week we've been tangling with the enemy head-on.
- Player: We haven't arrested anyone, but their attention is squarely on us.
- Player: The lieutenant's squad could be just the thing we need!
- De La Fère: The general will be visiting River Bend Town in a week.
- De La Fère: Time is of the essence. I can set my feelings aside!
- De La Fère: Let's go back to the Nexus tomorrow morning!
- De La Fère: (Yawn~)
- Player: Look how tired you are. You should go back to sleep!
- De La Fère: Yeah!
- The next day...
- In the situation room at the Flux Nexus.
- You tell Takashi what you did and about your lack of results.
- Takashi: Whoa!!
- Lieutenant: !!
- Player: (Takashi's expression...)
- Player: (The fact that the enemy has repeatedly managed to evade capture is surprising, but not THAT surprising...)
- Takashi: You, Player, and the River Bend Town Security Forces are working together on the investigation...
- Takashi: But each time you got close to the suspect, he escaped...
- Player: That's right!
- De La Fère: (Shadowhunter salute) It's all because of my incompetence. I'll accept whatever punishment you see fit, General.
- Takashi: Stand up. It's been a hard two days.
- Takashi: Lieutenant, is there anything you would like to add to the investigation report you gave me last night?
- Lieutenant: Nothing new to report, General!
- Takashi: Hmm...
- Lieutenant: Although... There are some inconsistencies with De La Fère's report.
- Lieutenant: But I swear that every word and sentence of my report is true!
- Player: Can you give us a copy of your report, Lieutenant?
- Player: We may have some idea where to take the investigation if we compare intel.
- Lieutenant: Of course, but...
- De La Fère: Sir, we're running out of time. We all belong to the Fire Nexus.
- De La Fère: Speak openly and honestly. Don't hold anything back!
- Takashi: The lieutenant led his squad at River Bend Town, and didn't see any signs of a traitor.
- Player: Ugh...
- De La Fère: What?!
- De La Fère: Lieutenant, with all due respect, you should take your squad to the infirmary to get your eyes and ears checked!
- De La Fère: The traitors sabotaged the gas burner at the River Bend Town morning market, using the explosion to create panic...
- Lieutenant: That incident was caused by old equipment at a breakfast stall.
- De La Fère: Then how about when the traitors threatened the safety of River Bend Town's residents so that he could get away? It was despicable!
- De La Fère: Isn't that enough to prove they exist?
- Lieutenant: My men and I investigated these matters, Captain.
- Lieutenant: Two were accidents, and three were internal disputes among residents, neither of which prove the existence of traitors in the Shadowhunter organization.
- De La Fère: If there were nothing wrong in River Bend Town, why has there been one inexplicable incident after the other there?
- Lieutenant: I understand your feelings, De La Fère...
- Lieutenant: But please look at these accidents calmly and objectively.
- Lieutenant: There's no evidence that this has anything to do with Shadowhunter traitors!
- Player: ...
- After hearing the lieutenant's explanation, you think deeply about the things that have happened over the last week.
- Player: (The lieutenant is right. The succession of accidents is suspicious, there's no evidence that the accidents have anything to do with Shadowhunter traitors.)
- De La Fère: Lieutenant, can you prove that there are no traitors on your investigation team?
- Lieutenant: Captain, the warriors on my team were all carefully selected. We have been very thorough.
- Lieutenant: They are all loyal warriors who have served with distinction at the Fire Nexus for years!
- De La Fère: They seem to me like a bunch of layabouts! They wouldn't know a clue if it reached up and smacked them on the face!
- Lieutenant: That's crossing the line, Captain De La Fère!
- Takashi: 'Layabouts' is not how someone talks about their brothers-in-arms!
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi: De La Fère, Player...
- Takashi: Do you have any other evidence related to this supposed Shadowhunter traitor?
- Takashi: Any evidence that could prove their identity or their plans will do.
- Player: Uh...
- De La Fère: When I was in their hideout, I saw detailed plans about the Shadowhunter delegation to River Bend Town!
- Takashi: You've said that before, but these plans were destroyed by the defensive array.
- De La Fère: I swear by the honor of my family! I saw detailed plans about the delegation to River Bend Town!
- Takashi: All right, I believe you.
- Takashi: But let's let this matter go for now. De La Fère, you may return to your squad.
- De La Fère: What? General! I swear to you, there are traitors inside the Shadowhunters!
- De La Fère: I swear to Ka, if there is anything untrue about what I have said...
- Takashi: I will tell the council to double our security on the visit to River Bend Town!
- Takashi: Do not worry. If they dare try anything, they will be caught!
- De La Fère: General, this is too dangerous...
- Takashi: Enough! Drop the subject!
- Takashi: Recently, there has been a lot of Shadow activity in the northern area of the Nexus...
- Takashi: The Nexus needs your strength. It needs your lance.
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: ...
- You leave the operations room.
- De La Fère does not say a word.
- A while later, at the Fire Nexus.
- De La Fère puts on a brave face while talking to Player
- De La Fère: I'm sorry for putting you through all this trouble, Player.
- De La Fère: When the Shadowhunter visit is over, I'd like to invite you to come to River Bend Town and have some fun!
- Player: I don't have anything coming up, De La Fère. I can stay a while.
- De La Fère: I'm not a child, Player. I don't need you to babysit me.
- De La Fère: I'm fine, don't worry~
- De La Fère: I'm going to take some of the warriors on training patrols today!
- Player: ...
- Player: All right...
- Player: Give me a call if you need anything!
- De La Fère: Of course. We're friends - no, brothers!
- Player: See you!
- Player leaves
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère looks back at the Fire Nexus
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère walks to the middle of the training grounds
- De La Fère: ...
- He swipes his lance and thunder echoes all around
- De La Fère: Hear me out, traitor!
- De La Fère: Don't think for a second that I'm going to let you go just because you've gone into hiding!
- De La Fère: The second you make a move against the general or the Nexus, you're a dead man!
- De La Fère: Enjoy what little is left of your pathetic life!
- De La Fère: I will find you and tear you to pieces!!!
- De La Fère: Rrraghhhhhhhhhhh!
- De La Fère calls bolts of lightning to rain down all around him
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère leaves
- Shadowhunters Warrior: I think the Ambush Force Commander is under a lot of pressure...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Don't worry about him - he's out of his mind!
- Creed observes the intimidating outburst from the sidelines
- Creed: What's that kid so mad about?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain De La Fère is direct, but he means well. Don't worry about it, Mr. Creed.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: The general's already waiting in the reception area. Come along, Mr. Creed.
- Creed: (Smirks) The irascibility of youth...
- Late night, at the Fire Nexus.
- A light flickers in one of the windows of the Ambush Force's dormitory.
- Amid the snoring of his men, De La Fère sits at his desk, carefully studying books on military tactics.
- He is hoping to find a silver bullet, an astonishing tactic...
- That will help him capture the Shadowhunter traitors in one fell swoop.
- Suddenly, he hears a rustling sound at the door, and his ears perk up.
- A note slides under the door.
- De La Fère: Who's there?
- De La Fère gets up and opens the door, but the hallway is empty and quiet, and no one is there.
- Confused, he picks up the note and opens it...
- Mysterious Note: If you want to know who the traitor is...
- Mysterious Note: Come to River Bend Town, by the pool in the central square.
- Mysterious Note: I'll be waiting for you!
- Some time later, in River Bend Town.
- ???: You finally made it!
- De La Fère: If you've called me out here because you hope to assassinate me unawares...
- De La Fère: I advise you to perish the thought.
- Merchant-like Man: Me? Assassinate the Captain of the Fire Nexus's Ambush Force?
- Merchant-like Man: Even the White Capes aren't stupid enough to do a thing like that!
- De La Fère: Don't move. Identify yourself!
- Merchant-like Man: (Raises hands) Don't worry!
- Merchant-like Man: I'm not your enemy.
- Merchant-like Man: Not only that, but we have an enemy in common!
- Merchant-like Man: I've heard the Fère family's investigation has hit an impasse...
- Merchant-like Man: I can help~
- De La Fère: I'm listening...
- Merchant-like Man: First of all, stop trying to capture them... Because you can't!
- De La Fère: Why not?
- Merchant-like Man: There are too many of them. Many of them are high-ranking. Many of them are brave and skilled in combat...
- Merchant-like Man: They understand the tactical logic of the Shadowhunters inside and out, and they've got a lot of combat experience under their belts. You don't stand a chance against them!
- De La Fère: Sounds like you know a lot about these people.
- De La Fère: Who are they?
- Merchant-like Man: Think about it, who would want to assassinate Takashi?
- Merchant-like Man: Who stands to benefit if General Takashi buys the farm?
- De La Fère: You're talking about the surviving members of the six families?
- Merchant-like Man: Takashi took the initiative to deprive the six major families of their precious, cushy jobs.
- Merchant-like Man: Fame, status, wealth, identity... All went poof in an instant!
- Merchant-like Man: Wouldn't you hate the person who did that to you?
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Give me a name and I'll make him pay tonight!
- Merchant-like Man: Give me a break! You youngsters are all so anxious!
- Merchant-like Man: I know who they are, but what good will it do if I tell you their names?
- Merchant-like Man: You can't touch them without proof.
- De La Fère: You talk a lot, but you haven't said anything useful yet!
- De La Fère: How in the hell can I capture them?
- Merchant-like Man: Put yourself in their shoes, young man...
- Merchant-like Man: If you wanted to assassinate General Takashi, how would you do it?
- De La Fère: The Nexus is our base. It's heavily guarded, and there are many sentry posts. Attacking it would be tantamount to suicide!
- De La Fère: Food and water are automatically tested. There's no way to pull it off.
- Merchant-like Man: That's right. What else?
- De La Fère: It would be impossible to assassinate someone as powerful as a general from close range.
- De La Fère: Sniping is the only way!
- De La Fère: A sniper!!
- De La Fère: No wonder they are planning to strike during the general's visit to River Bend Town.
- Merchant-like Man: That's exactly right~
- Merchant-like Man: I don't know exactly where or when it's set to happen.
- Merchant-like Man: But this is River Bend Town!
- Merchant-like Man: No one in the world is knows this place better than the members of the Fère family.
- De La Fère: But to try to arrest the traitors while the Shadowhunters are visiting...
- Merchant-like Man: That's right. It's a big gamble, and the stakes are General Takashi's life.
- Merchant-like Man: So? You believe me?
- De La Fère: I don't have a choice...
- De La Fère: The six families...
- De La Fère: This time, I'll wipe you out for good!
- Merchant-like Man: (Smiles)
- De La Fère: Why are you telling me all this? What do you want?
- De La Fère: There's no such thing as a free lunch, after all.
- Merchant-like Man: Haha, don't be so sure, kid.
- Merchant-like Man: My only request...
- Merchant-like Man: Is that you make sure the six families pay dearly!
- De La Fère: Humph.
- De La Fère: It's a deal!
- Continue to Trifle - The perfect trap
The perfect trap
The Shadowhunters are on their way to the River Bend Town and you, De La Fère, have laid down the perfect trap. This time around, the traitors can't escape!
-Part 1
- River Bend Town, at the Fère family mansion.
- Knock, knock!
- Butler: Now who could that be? It's not even dawn yet!
- The Fère family butler opens the front door
- De La Fère: I'm sorry, I forgot my house key when I ran out in a hurry...
- Butler: Oh! Young master? But I thought you returned to the Fire Nexus!
- De La Fère: Where's my brother? Is he up yet?
- Player: De La Fère?
- Player and De La Fère's brother greet De La Fère at the main entrance
- Security Forces Commander: I thought you returned to the Fire Nexus!
- De La Fère: Brother... What is Player doing here?
- Player: Takashi may not want you to continue the investigation, but that doesn't mean I have to give up.
- Security Forces Commander: Those bastards made a mess out of River Bend Town. The people are terrified.
- Security Forces Commander: As the Commander of the Security Forces, it is my duty to uncover the truth behind all this!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: You guys are good brothers. No... You're great brothers!
- Security Forces Commander: That's very sweet of you to say.
- Security Forces Commander: But cut the chit-chat. Tell us what's going on!
- De La Fère: Just now, a mysterious person contacted me and told me who the traitors are.
- Player: What?
- De La Fère tells the two of you about his meeting with the mysterious man...
- Player: The surviving members of the six families, huh...
- Player: Takashi's been extremely lenient toward them. Who knew they were still so upset?
- Security Forces Commander: De La Fère, are you sure your informant is...credible?
- De La Fère: I don't know.
- De La Fère: But the information he revealed doesn't conflict with the information we have, and the logic is self-consistent.
- De La Fère: It also explains why we can find clues, but we can't catch suspects.
- Security Forces Commander: Today, Player and I dug through the archives, and my men stepped up their patrols of River Bend Town's streets...
- Security Forces Commander: But we haven't found any more clues.
- Security Forces Commander: If those bastards really insist on staying in the shadows...
- Security Forces Commander: Then all we can do is ambush them where we think they'll launch their attack.
- Security Forces Commander: We'll have to wait until the day that General Takashi visits River Bend Town...
- De La Fère: The surviving members of the six families must be brought to justice!
- De La Fère: This is gambling with the general's life...
- De La Fère: But with Player, big brother, and the whole family on our side...
- De La Fère: We'll win for sure!
- Player: ...
- Player: This really is the only way.
- Player: But I have a question!
- De La Fère: Something you want to add, Player?
- Player: Despite our best efforts, our investigation was stymied time and time again.
- Player: We found clues, but we were unable to catch anybody or find hard evidence.
- Player: It stands to reason that we and Takashi are the only ones who know about this.
- Player: We didn't even share anything with General Takashi until yesterday morning.
- Player: So...how did the mysterious man know?
- Security Forces Commander: Yes... I haven't even told my men on the Security Forces the full truth.
- Security Forces Commander: Maybe the mysterious man is close with the Shadowhunters traitors, and is getting his information from them?
- Player: Which would mean that the mysterious man is a high-ranking member of the traitors' group.
- Player: Otherwise, how else would he come across this secret information?
- De La Fère: Humph! So it turns out that the traitors have a traitor of their own!
- Player: Hmm...
- Player: But they've been very careful with their plans and cautious with taking action.
- Player: Why would the higher-ups in an organization like that have dissenters?
- De La Fère: Humph. Don't worry!
- De La Fère: When the six major families were in power, they were constantly at odds with one another.
- De La Fère: So in essence, they're just a bunch of wastrels chasing fame and fortune, with no honor to speak of.
- De La Fère: Where riches are concerned, everyone's got their own ulterior motives.
- Player: Maybe I was putting too much thought into it.
- Security Forces Commander: This is good news! We have to take advantage of that!
- Security Forces Commander: At sunrise, I'll investigate the possible attack with the soldiers and Mr. Player.
- De La Fère: I'll stay too!
- Security Forces Commander: No, De La Fère. You should return to the Nexus. The work of the Shadowhunters is important, too!
- Security Forces Commander: You were at the Nexus yesterday. If you're nowhere to be seen today, the Shadowhunters will get suspicious.
- Security Forces Commander: And when the traitors notice, you'll only alert them to what we're doing.
- Security Forces Commander: Leave it to us. Don't worry, this is River Bend Town!
- De La Fère: You're right. I'll go back to the Nexus and focus on training and combat missions, all the while keeping an eye out for suspicious characters there.
- De La Fère: I'll come back to River Bend Town if I get the chance!
- Player: All right! Sounds like a plan!
- The next day, the Shadowhunters send over the details of their planned visit to River Bend Town.
- With the specifics of the arrangements, it becomes easy to investigate potential ambush sites...
- Yet there were 28 potential attack sites scattered around the city.
- A few days later...
- The night before the Shadowhunter delegation to River Bend Town.
- Player, De La Fère and his brother meet one last time before the delegation arrives
- Player: How are things at the Fire Nexus, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: Everything's normal at the Nexus. Everyone's training, doing their patrols, killing any Shadows that pop up.
- De La Fère: It was too calm... Sends shivers down my spine.
- Security Forces Commander: The Shadowhunter delegation is coming to River Bend Town tomorrow. Are you sure it's okay for you to come back tonight?
- De La Fère: The general sent me back to handle arrangements for the reception here in River Bend Town.
- De La Fère: Once the delegation gets here, I'll be responsible for protecting the general's safety.
- Player: Great! With De La Fère protecting Takashi, it's like we're doubly insured!
- De La Fère: Yeah!
- De La Fère: There is one more problem...
- De La Fère: We have found a total of 28 possible locations where the traitors may carry out the attack...
- De La Fère: On the day of the visit, more than half of the troops are going to accompany the Shadowhunter delegation, to ensure the safety of the mission.
- De La Fère: There's no way the rest of the warriors can take care of the 28 potential locations.
- Player: We already have a solution for that.
- De La Fère: A solution?
- Security Forces Commander: Don't forget, River Bend Town is Fère territory!
- Security Forces Commander: There were too many potential ambush sites, so we made some of them unsuitable for the purpose!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Player: Some of the ambush points were from the rooftops of industrial buildings belonging to the Fère family.
- Player: Your brother called up your relatives. Tomorrow those buildings will be closed for renovations.
- Player: Except for members of the Fère family, no one is permitted to enter!
- Security Forces Commander: The only way for them to carry out the attack is with a sniper...
- Security Forces Commander: Buildings at some of the locations aren't very tall, so I asked the mayors and the representatives to put up some barriers.
- Security Forces Commander: There are also places close to the stops on the itinerary.
- Security Forces Commander: I had my men take over some barricades, equipment, and miscellaneous items that they might need tomorrow!
- Player: In short, we saved ourselves some trouble.
- Player: There are only 3 potential ambush points left!
- Player: What's more, these 3 locations are all close to the central square.
- De La Fère: In other words, the traitors can only attack at noon, during the Shadowhunters Council speech!
- Player: When the time comes, Billy, Kitty, and I will watch one, the commander will take a squad and watch another...
- Player: And then send two more teams of fighters to keep an eye on the last one!
- Security Forces Commander: Tomorrow, De La Fère will stay by General Takashi's side.
- Security Forces Commander: Player and the Security Forces will keep an eye out for attacks...
- Security Forces Commander: The second the traitors show themselves, we will engage them and capture them!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: All right. That's what we'll do!
- De La Fère looks around
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: What are you looking at, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: We still have one more night. I'm going to go see if we missed anything.
- De La Fère: There may be hidden spots near some of the events that the Shadowhunter delegation will be attending.
- Player: We've been all over River Bend Town the past few days.
- Player: There's no way we missed anything.
- De La Fère: This is General Takashi, the Fire Nexus, and the future of the Shadowhunters we're talking about.
- De La Fère: Not to mention the honor of my family name!
- De La Fère: The Fère family has been suppressed by the six families. We can't even lift our heads with pride.
- De La Fère: If we catch those traitors tomorrow, we'll be able to destroy the six families once and for all.
- De La Fère: When the Fère family protects the Shadowhunters Council and supports the new Shadowhunters...
- De La Fère: We will finally be able to come out of the darkness and be recognized. Then the Fère family name will mean something in Luxium again!
- Player: De La Fère...
- De La Fère: I've been waiting for this chance for six years. My family's been waiting for more than 300!
- De La Fère: Nothing can go wrong tomorrow! We cannot be too careful.
- Security Forces Commander: This kid is getting worked up again...
- Security Forces Commander: Come here, you~ (Gives De La Fère a hug)
- De La Fère: Uh...
- Player: !!
- Security Forces Commander: Big bro is here. Don't worry~
- De La Fère: What are you doing? Player is watching!
- The more De La Fère tries to break free, the tighter his brother holds him.
- Security Forces Commander: I may not have a talent for arcana, but when it comes to strength, ha!
- Security Forces Commander: You haven't won once in your whole life!
- De La Fère: Ugh...damn!
- Player: Huh?
- Security Forces Commander: Don't be embarrassed, Player.
- Security Forces Commander: He's a real motormouth when he gets nervous!
- Security Forces Commander: You just gotta let him know he's safe, and he'll calm down!
- Player: Oh...
- Soon, De La Fère stops struggling.
- Security Forces Commander: I won't say that we've thought of absolutely everything, but we've been at this for so long...
- Security Forces Commander: I'm sure we're as ready as we're ever going to be!
- Security Forces Commander: What we need to do now is to recharge our energy and rest.
- Security Forces Commander: Remember, preparation is 90% of the battle!
- De La Fère: Fine, if it'll get you to stop talking so much!
- De La Fère: I'll go home and sleep! Let me go!
- Security Forces Commander: Good boy!
- Player: Haha!
- De La Fère: Uh...
- De La Fère: (embarrassed)
- De La Fère: Don't misunderstand, Player. That guy's just full of himself!
- De La Fère: What do I need his hugs for?
- Player: Yeah, yeah, I know~
- The next morning...
- The Shadowhunters delegation enters River Bend Town
- Takashi has a quick word with River Bend Town's chief and representatives
- River Bend Town Economic Representative: It's been a hundred years, but the Shadowhunters still remember our little town. We are honored to have the whole council here with us in River Bend Town today.
- River Bend Town Agricultural Representative: We know that the sun is scorching here and can be quite demanding on visitors, so we prepared your hotel for you.
- River Bend Town Chief: Hahaha...
- River Bend Town Chief: On behalf of everyone in River Bend Town, we welcome all of you from the Shadowhunters Council to River Bend Town!
- Takashi: (smiles)
- Takashi: What a generous reception. River Bend Town has been the Shadowhunters' most loyal ally for thousands of years.
- Takashi: It's true, we've had our misunderstandings in the past, for reasons we do not need to get into.
- Takashi: But that's water under the bridge!
- Takashi: And that's why we're here: to clear the air, rebuild our friendship, and secure a win for all parties.
- De La Fère's brother activates his comms crystal and checks the status of the other teams
- Security Forces Commander: Positions, status report.
- The three teams strategically positioned on the rooftops around the central square report back
- Security Forces Soldier: Surveillance Position 1, all clear!
- Security Forces Soldier: Surveillance Position 2, all clear!
- Billy: Surveillance Position 3, all clear!
- Security Forces Commander: Good. After the meet-and-greet, I will be bringing the squad over to Surveillance Position 2.
- Security Forces Commander: The Shadowhunters delegation's speeches start at noon. Anyone who attempts to enter the surveillance areas must be reported immediately!
- Security Forces Soldier: Yes, sir!
- Some time later, in River Bend Town's central square.
- Takashi addresses the whole town, De La Fère and Takashi's Lieutenant at his side
- Takashi: Good afternoon, my River Bend Town friends...
- Takashi: I am Takashi, Member of the Shadowhunters Council and Commander of the Fire Nexus Garrison.
- Takashi: River Bend Town is a legendary place! Countless heroes who have given their lives for Luxium were born right here!
- Takashi: And during the Second Shadow War, the Wanderlight Crystal that was the key to turning the tide of the war was found in River Bend Town!
- Takashi: The Shadowhunters fought side-by-side along River Bend Town's residents...
- Takashi: And together, they successfully protected the River Bend Town from the forces of the Shadows!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère gets a transmission on his comms crystal
- Security Forces Commander: How are things going on your end, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: Everything is going fine with the speeches.
- De La Fère scans the crowd
- De La Fère: We haven't seen any suspicious individuals!
- De La Fère: What about where you are?
- Security Forces Commander: All 3 locations are being watched closely.
- Security Forces Commander: If anything comes up, we will report in immediately.
- De La Fère: Okay. The speeches are expected to last 40 minutes...
- De La Fère: So stay extra alert, everyone!
- Half an hour later...
- Security Forces Commander: Positions, status report!
- De La Fère: All's normal at the stage.
- Security Forces Soldier: Surveillance Position 1 is normal!
- Security Forces Commander: Surveillance Position 2 is normal!
- Player: Surveillance Position 3 is normal. No one has attempted to enter!
- De La Fère: Hm... What's going on? The speeches are almost over...
- De La Fère: Did they notice our tactics and give up?
- De La Fère: Those cunning bastards!
- Player: Calm down, De La Fère. The speeches aren't over yet!
- Security Forces Commander: All positions, stay frosty!
- Security Forces Soldier: Commander, this is Surveillance Position 1...
- Security Forces Soldier: Some Shadowhunter Guards are approaching Ambush Point 1!
- Player: Shadowhunter Guards?
- De La Fère: They must be the Shadowhunter traitors!
- Security Forces Soldier: Commander, these Shadowhunters... Augh!
- Security Forces Commander: What's wrong?
- Security Forces Soldier: We've been spotted. We're under attack! Ah!!!
- Security Forces Commander: Captain No. 1! Captain No. 1!
- Player: The comm got cut off...
- Security Forces Commander: Attention, all troops! Approach Point 1! I repeat...
- De La Fère: Wait a minute! This could be the Shadowhunter traitors' ploy to bait us away!
- Security Forces Commander: But my men have been attacked...
- De La Fère: I'll go to Ambush Point 1 to help them!
- Security Forces Commander: But then who will protect General Takashi?
- Player: Takashi is very powerful. The enemy won't dare attack him up close. Not to mention that the warriors of the Fire Nexus's Bull Force are all there.
- Player: De La Fère, you go help those men! We'll stay put!
- De La Fère runs off the stage
- Security Forces Commander: Everyone, hold your positions! Do not move!
- Security Forces Commander: I repeat, hold your positions and do not move!!
- Five minutes later, at Ambush Point 1.
- A robot stands on the rooftop that the surveillance team 1 was at
- It charges up its gun...
- Killing Machine: The assassination plan is underway...
- Killing Machine: The target has been confirmed. Correcting for distance and wind direction.
- De La Fère reaches the robot
- De La Fère: Ugh! This is...
- De La Fère: The direction it's aiming... Damn!
- De La Fère quickly thrusts his lance at the robot
- Killing Machine: Under attack. System is at 99% completion. Assassination protocol not affected.
- De La Fère: Its exterior is so hard. Looks like I've got no choice...
- De La Fère: Storm!!!
- De La Fère's flux begins to surge, and a storm begins to swirl.
- He unleashes all of the power in his body, gathering the power of lightning.
- De La Fère: Hahhhhhhhhhh!!!
- A bolt of lightning hits the robot, obliterating it
- Killing Machine: System...failure...
- Back at the central square...
- River Bend Town Residents: Did you hear that? Sounded like thunder...
- River Bend Town Residents: I heard it, too. It's probably just the Fère family warrior practicing his arcana.
- Back at Ambush Point 1...
- De La Fère: Phew... I was just in time.
- De La Fère's comms crystal activates
- Security Forces Commander: De La Fère, that thunder just now...was it you?
- Security Forces Commander: How are you? What's your situation?
- De La Fère: I'm fine...
- De La Fère: There was a Shadowhunter cutting-edge war machine at Ambush Point 1. It was aiming in the direction of the stage.
- De La Fère: I took it out...
- Security Forces Commander: Phew... And what about the Security Forces?
- De La Fère: I don't know...
- De La Fère: I haven't seen any of the Shadowhunter traitors, either.
- De La Fère: Something's not right...
- De La Fère: What about you guys? What about the other ambush points?
- Security Forces Commander: Everything is fine on my end!
- Player: Ambush Point 3 is also normal...
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Okay, everyone hold your positions! There are only three minutes left in the speech.
- De La Fère: I need to take a closer look at Ambush Point 1.
- De La Fère: Besides this stupid robot, they must have left something else behind!
- Security Forces Commander: Stay safe. Everyone, I want reports every minute!
- De La Fère: (Puts down Arcana Comm Crystal)
- Suddenly, De La Fère notices that some of the fencing on the roof has been warped into a strange shape.
- De La Fère: That's...
- Upon closer inspection, De La Fère discovers a gun stuck under the fence.
- De La Fère: (Picks up gun) What's this doing here?
- Bang!
- De La Fère: Ugh... My ears...
- Panicked Spectators: Murderer! Ahhh!!!
- Screams ring out from the direction of the square.
- The Shadowhunters chief arcanist is on the ground
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Assassins!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Shadowhunters! Protect General Takashi and the council members!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: This is a mark made by a high-powered flux rifle.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: That deafening sound just now was...
- The Shadowhunters look at the direction where the shot came...
- ... and see De La Fère on the roof, stunned.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Assassin! Over there!
- De La Fère: A-assassin?
- De La Fère looks at the gun in his hands and suddenly understands.
- He quickly throws down the gun.
- Some Shadowhunter warriors reach De La Fère's location
- Shadowhunters Warrior: ...
- De La Fère: !!
- At the same time, near Surveillance Position 3...
- Player: De La Fère! De La Fère! Answer me if you can hear me!
- Player: Commander, can you hear me? Commander?!
- No matter how much you shout, there is only a faint murmur coming from the comm crystal.
- Player: Stupid thing!
- Billy: Surveillance Position 1 and Surveillance Position 2 have lost contact...
- Billy: What should we do, Captain?
- Kitty: Takashi is surrounded by Shadowhunters Warriors. He's safe, for sure.
- Kitty: I heard a noise from over where De La Fère. We should go help him!
- Player: Let me think...
- Player: (There was a loud noise from De La Fère's position, followed by the assassination of a member of the Shadowhunters Council.)
- Player: (The situation is out of control. What should we do?)
- Choice 1.1 - "Go to Ambush Point 1 and save De La Fère." OR Choice 1.2 - "Meet up with Takashi." OR Choice 1.3 - Go to Surveillance Position 2, meet up with the commander, and come up with a plan."
- Billy: Okay, Captain! Let's do it!
- Scene continues after choices
- Player's team starts to leave but get ambushed by Shadowhunters
- Shadowhunters Captain: Bull Force, form a perimeter!
- Player: Uh... Are you the Captain of the Fire Nexus's Bull Force?
- Shadowhunters Captain: Mr. Player? Billy, Kitty... What are you guys doing here?
- Player: What happened? You aren't protecting Takashi? What are you doing on this roof?
- Shadowhunters Captain: ...
- Shadowhunters Captain: I should be asking you that question, Mr. Player!
- Billy: What do you mean?
- Shadowhunters Captain: Mr. Player, you are suspected of murdering a member of the Shadowhunters Council. Please turn yourself in and submit to an investigation!
- Kitty: What?
- Player: (surprised)
- Kitty: Oh, I get it now! You're the Shadowhunters traitor at the Fire Nexus!
- Player: Kitty!
- Shadowhunters Captain: If you have anything to say, say it to the members of the investigation team.
- Shadowhunters Captain: But for now, please come with us!
- Kitty: Uh...
- Shadowhunters Captain: You three saved my life, but I have my orders.
- Shadowhunters Captain: Don't make me put shackles on you. Please cooperate!
- Player: Fine. Lead the way!
- First, you are taken to the prison in River Bend Town.
- However, it didn't take long for fully-armed Shadowhunters Warriors to appear and take you to the delegation's airship.
- Finally, you are thrown into the prison at Westhold.
- Kitty: Anybody there? Anybody?
- Kitty: Let us out of here!
- Billy: Don't waste your breath, Kitty...
- Kitty: The Shadowhunters are framing us!
- Kitty: Earlier at the Fire Nexus, De La Fère used us as spies.
- Kitty: We came to River Bend Town to help catch the traitor, and are now being framed as the assassins.
- Billy: At least General Takashi is okay.
- Billy: We achieved our purpose in going to River Bend Town.
- Kitty: You're right, Takashi!
- Kitty: It won't be long at all before Takashi busts us out of here!
- Player: No... Not this time...
- Billy: What?
- Player: The Bull Force were the ones who arrested us.
- Player: It's been over 6 hours since we were arrested.
- Player: Plus, we were taken from River Bend Town to the prison in Westhold.
- Player: The Shadowhunters wouldn't hold us for so long under false pretenses.
- Player: I'm afraid we're actually in trouble.
- Kitty: But... It's all a misunderstanding!
- Billy: Still, we don't need to worry.
- Billy: There's also De La Fère and the Commander of the River Bend Town Security Forces!
- Billy: They will speak out for us and clear our names.
- Player: ...
- Player: After the Shadowhunter council member was assassinated, we lost contact with them...
- Player: It didn't take long at all for us to be arrested by the Shadowhunters.
- Player: I'm afraid things don't look too good for De La Fère and the commander, either.
- Player: They're most likely behind bars, just like us.
- Kitty: What?
- Billy: I don't understand why the Shadowhunter council member was assassinated.
- Billy: Weren't the Shadowhunter traitors planning to assassinate Takashi?
- Billy: Besides, our plan went off without a hitch. We didn't find anything strange...
- You quickly think over everything that happened in River Bend Town, in an attempt to elicit some clues.
- Player: First, we lost contact with the Security Forces at Surveillance Position 1.
- Player: De La Fère rushed to Ambush Point 1, where he only found a robot.
- Player: Then, we heard a loud bang coming from the direction of Ambush Point 1, the council member was killed, and the commander couldn't reach De La Fère.
- Player: It all happened so fast, we were arrested before we could even react.
- We don't have any clues, only a series of mishaps that all occurred in an instant.
- You think of a possibility.
- Player: Wait! Is... Is that possible?
- It's hard to believe, but it's the only reasonable explanation.
- Player: Billy, Kitty... This was all part of their plan!
- Player: The murder of the council member, our arrest, everything. It was all planned!
- Player: The purpose was to lure us into a trap and frame us for the assassination of the council member!
- Billy: What?
- Kitty: So... The man you met, the one who said that he was going to assassinate Takashi, the crazy waiter...
- Kitty: And the detailed plans you found for the Shadowhunter visit to River Bend Town...
- Player: And the guy who secretly contacted De La Fère...
- Player: It was all a trap. It was all meticulously planned.
- Kitty: Ugh...
- Kitty: Bastards! We were being played for half a month! What a disaster!
- Player: The waiter, the mysterious man who contacted De La Fère... It was strange, but I didn't think it all the way through.
- Player: The whole plan started with Takashi's assassination as bait, resulted in the assassination of the council member today, and ended with our arrest.
- Player: What a watertight plan. It's almost perfect.
- Player: Who is capable of planning something like this? What kind of organization could carry it out to perfection?
- Player: I can't even imagine...
- Kitty: This must be the work of the surviving members of the six families!
- Kitty: They realized we were investigating them, so they set their sights on us!
- Kitty: They waited for the opportunity to take us out of the picture!
- Player: Yes. In terms of motive and results, the six families are the most obvious suspects.
- Player: But not only do we lack any shred of evidence, we're also being treated as suspects ourselves and have been put behind bars.
- Player: Sigh...
- Billy: So what do we do now?
- Player: Wait!
- Player: All we can do now is wait!
- Player: The Shadowhunters will definitely ask us some questions to figure out what's going on.
- Player: When the time comes, we will combine the information obtained by the Shadowhunters and then work from there!
- Billy: All right! Let's do it, Captain!
- An arcanist comes to their cell
- Player: You're...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: ...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Shadowhunters special case squad, you guys go down first!
- Shadowhunters Guard: Uh... But these guys are suspected of killing the councilman. They're very dangerous...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: This case has been designated as confidential by the council. Nosy idlers can feel free to hand in their resignations!
- Shadowhunters Guard: Confidential?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Do lowly peon soldiers such as yourselves dare touch the secrets of the council?
- Shadowhunters Guard: Uh... No, sir!
- Shadowhunters Guard: We will stand guard outside. If anything happens, we'll come rushing in.
- The two guards leave
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: (Clicks tongue in disgust...)
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: What a waste of time.
- You seem to have seen this expression of disgust somewhere before...
- Player: ...
- Player: Who the hell are you?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: I am not your enemy, Player.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Takashi sent me.
- Player: Takashi? How is he? Is he hurt?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Takashi is fine, you don't have to worry about him.
- Player: What about De La Fère and the Commander of the Security Forces?
- Player: How are they doing?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: They are now the main suspects of the assassination of the Shadowhunters councilman.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: They are probably being...interrogated right about now.
- Player: Interrogated?
- Player: You mean the Shadowhunters are torturing them?!
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: The situation in River Bend Town has really blown up. Westhold needs to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. The people of Luxium demand an explanation.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: They don't want a real investigation, they just want someone to admit to the crime. Same as it ever was...
- Player: Ugh, this isn't good. We have to do something.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Enough! Takashi will figure out what to do about De La Fère and his brother.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: You need to worry about yourselves!
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Right now, you are suspected of being accomplices in the assassination of the Shadowhunters Councilman!
- Kitty: We're innocent! What does that person suddenly dying on stage have to do with us?!
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: I know you're innocent, but it's no use!
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: The Shadow Council member who died in River Bend Town was Floyd!
- Player: Whoa!!
- Player: Hold on, Floyd was the councilman who was assassinated?
- Player: Could it be? The Floyd who was one of the six families of the old Shadowhunters?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: That's the one. The previous head of his family left after the internal unrest within the Shadowhunters. Floyd inherited his name and his position as head of the family.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Some time ago, in order to placate the survivors of the six families, Takashi appointed Floyd as their representative on the council.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: And look where it got us. He'd barely had time to warm his seat before he was...assassinated.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: The assassination of a council member will have a terrible effect on the Shadowhunters.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Even your past relationship with the Shadowhunters can't clear you of suspicion.
- Player: ...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: We don't have a lot of time. Why were you on the roof?
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: What did you see on the roof? Did you find anything? Tell me!
- Player: ...
- Player: It's a long story.
- You tell him everything about the past few days. All of the preparations you made with De La Fère...
- As well as the plan you had devised for today and everything you witnessed.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Hmm... I see...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: ...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Later, the real Shadowhunter Investigation Team will come and question you.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Cooperate with them when you can!
- Player: Cooperate? But someone on the Investigation Team may...
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: That's right. One of them could be a traitor.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: But your main concern should be to get out of trouble and leave the Westhold jail as soon as you can!
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: You come from Never Isle. They will not be too hard on you, even if only to preserve their relations with Never Isle.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Whether you decided to continue your investigation or set things right, the first order of business is to get out of here!
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: Takashi and I will figure out what to do about De La Fère and his brother, Player. Don't worry.
- Shadowhunters Arcanist: I can't stay too long. I need to go...
- Player: Okay... Be careful!
- The arcanist leaves
- Kitty: Since when has Takashi had guys like that working for him?
- Player: ...
- Billy: They've gone too far!
- Player: Billy? What's with the sudden outburst?
- Billy: To think that the once-dignified Shadowhunters could stoop to such low tricks...
- Player: Are you scared, Billy?
- Billy: I'm not scared! It is what it is!
- Billy: It's just... De La Fère is such a strong warrior, and is so loyal to the Shadowhunters' cause.
- Billy: If the Shadowhunters are willing to put someone like him in prison and persecute him...
- Player: ...
- Player: Don't worry, Takashi will take care of them.
- A moment later...
- Player: Someone's coming.
- Investigation Team Leader: Mr. Player?
- Player: That's me.
- Investigation Team Leader: I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Player!
- Investigation Team Leader: I am the leader of the Special Investigation Team Leader for the Shadowhunters River Bend Town incident...
- Investigation Team Leader: Everyone, come with us!
- Player: ...
- Player: Okay.
- Moments later, in Westhold's interrogation room.
- Investigation Team Leader: You are a friend of the Shadowhunters, Mr. Player.
- Investigation Team Leader: We've fought side by side against the Shadows many times...
- Investigation Team Leader: Personally, I don't believe you'd get yourself involved in the assassination of a member of the Shadowhunters Council.
- Investigation Team Leader: That's why I hope you will cooperate with us, so that the true culprit can be brought to justice!
- Player: Naturally. Never Isle and the Shadowhunters are close allies. We intend to cooperate fully.
- Investigation Team Leader: Thank you.
- Investigation Team Leader: First question. Mr. Player, at the time of the incident, what were you, Billy, and Kitty doing at a high vantage point above the stage?
- Player: (If the incident at River Bend Town was a trap...)
- Player: (Then they already know everything that we were doing. There's no need to hide anything.)
- Player: We were there as part of a clandestine effort to protect General Takashi.
- You tell the leader of the Investigation Team Leader everything you know.
- A while later...
- Player: In short, this is all one big sinister plot!
- Player: Their goal is to frame De La Fère and his whole family!
- Kitty: That's right! We're all innocent. Now let us go!
- Investigation Team Leader: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: Player, you're saying that De La Fère and his family are innocent.
- Player: Of course!
- Investigation Team Leader: How about this...
- Investigation Team Leader: Let's go through what's happened recently together.
- Player: I know De La Fère's character. There's no point trying to convince me!
- Investigation Team Leader: This series of events started over a month and a half ago.
- Investigation Team Leader: Captain De La Fère encounters a man wearing Shadowhunter armor on the periphery of the Fire Nexus. De La Fère calls him a 'Shadowhunter spy.'
- Investigation Team Leader: This man tries to bribe Captain De La Fère into betraying the Fire Nexus and General Takashi.
- Investigation Team Leader: Captain De La Fère refuses. At this point, the man flees. The Fire Nexus sets up a cordon, but they don't find him.
- Investigation Team Leader: If I'm wrong about anything, feel free to correct me, Mr. Player.
- Player: No problems so far.
- Investigation Team Leader: So, have you seen this 'Shadowhunter spy,' Mr. Player?
- Player: No. I was not at the Fire Nexus at the time. I also did not participate in the lockdown or the search.
- Investigation Team Leader: Not only did you not see this alleged spy, Mr. Player, but none of the warriors at the Fire Nexus did, either.
- Player: Are you trying to say De La Fère made it all up?
- Investigation Team Leader: I am saying that only Captain De La Fère has seen this alleged 'Shadowhunter spy.'
- Investigation Team Leader: Of course, a talented spy who is proficient with arcana and understands the Shadowhunters...
- Investigation Team Leader: Would have been able to escape from De La Fère and evade the cordon.
- Investigation Team Leader: Let's keep going...
- Investigation Team Leader: Two weeks ago, you receive an invitation to visit River Bend Town, Player.
- Investigation Team Leader: During a meal, Captain De La Fère is attacked by a waiter in the restaurant.
- Investigation Team Leader: The waiter is arrested, and during interrogation reveals that 'someone will attempt to assassinate General Takashi.'
- Player: That's right!
- Investigation Team Leader: Immediately afterward, you, Captain De La Fère, and the soldiers of the River Bend Town Security Forces begin to investigate the matter.
- Investigation Team Leader: You discover a base wherein you also find detailed plans for the Shadowhunter delegation's visit to River Bend Town.
- Player: Yeah!
- Investigation Team Leader: All right. Did you see these plans yourself, Mr. Player?
- Player: An arcana trap had been placed on the plans. It self-destructed before we could see them.
- Investigation Team Leader: In other words, only Captain De La Fère saw the plans. Am I right about that?
- Player: ...
- Player: That's right!
- Investigation Team Leader: Afterward, you report your findings to General Takashi.
- Investigation Team Leader: The general takes the matter seriously. He assigns Captain De La Fère and his lieutenant to form two squads, and go to River Bend Town to carry out a secret investigation.
- Investigation Team Leader: So De La Fère returns to River Bend Town on his own, without a single warrior in tow.
- Investigation Team Leader: Why didn't he take any Shadowhunters with him? Wouldn't his odds have been better if he'd had more people with him?
- Player: With this kind of thing, it's better to play your cards close to your chest.
- Player: De La Fère is cautious. Having one more person with him would increase the risk of exposure.
- Player: Besides, the Fère family knows River Bend Town well.
- Investigation Team Leader: So De La Fère preferred his family over his men.
- Player: That's not what I said!
- Investigation Team Leader: No, you didn't say that. But this is the conclusion I arrived at after taking the statements of the warriors at the Fire Nexus.
- Investigation Team Leader: Let's keep going...
- Investigation Team Leader: Over the following week, you find signs of suspected Shadowhunter traitors in River Bend Town.
- Investigation Team Leader: But each time you close in on the suspects, they escape. Am I right so far?
- Player: Yep.
- Investigation Team Leader: You then return to the Fire Nexus to report the situation, and find out that Takashi's lieutenant, who is conducting his own clandestine investigation, has found no evidence of the existence of any traitors.
- Investigation Team Leader: In fact, Player, your investigation with the Fère family had up to this point only yielded circumstantial evidence, and no hard evidence of the existence of traitors.
- Player: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: Mr. Player, have you put any thought into why that might be the case?
- Player: The enemy is cunning, and was always one step ahead!
- Investigation Team Leader: One step ahead, huh? All right...
- Investigation Team Leader: On the night that De La Fère returns to the Fire Nexus to report his findings, a mysterious person contacts him.
- Investigation Team Leader: It gives you leads for your investigation, with concrete guidance on operational deployments for the day of the incident.
- Investigation Team Leader: Am I right so far, Mr. Player?
- Player: Yep.
- Investigation Team Leader: If I'm not mistaken, Captain De La Fère was the only person to see this 'mysterious man.'
- Player: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: In other words, the final operational deployment was actually determined by Captain De La Fère, or rather, the Fère family, correct?
- Player: Enough is enough! You're just trying to get me to say that De La Fère and his family plotted the murder of the Shadowhunters councilman, aren't you?
- Investigation Team Leader: Please calm down, Mr. Player...
- Investigation Team Leader: I know this is personal for you, but I hope you can calm down and think rationally...
- Investigation Team Leader: Why is it that this whole affair, all of its important players, and all of its key evidence, only seen by Captain De La Fère?
- Investigation Team Leader: Why didn't the general's trusted lieutenant find anything in River Bend Town?
- Investigation Team Leader: Why did one of your surveillance positions lose contact when the Shadowhunters visited River Bend Town?
- Investigation Team Leader: Why would De La Fère abandon his post beside the general to go investigate an ambush point all by himself?
- Player: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: You believe that there is someone behind all this, Mr. Player, that it's all some scheme meticulously put in motion by a criminal mastermind.
- Investigation Team Leader: But don't you think that this scheme, as sophisticated as it is, is full of loopholes?
- Investigation Team Leader: When you and the general's lieutenant investigated River Bend Town...
- Investigation Team Leader: If Captain De La Fère had brought some Shadowhunters Warriors along with him on his investigation...
- Investigation Team Leader: If General Takashi had not ordered a pause on the River Bend Town investigation...
- Investigation Team Leader: If Captain De La Fère had refused the invitation of the mysterious man that night...
- Investigation Team Leader: If De La Fère had remained in position when contact with the surveillance post was lost, and you and the Commander of the Security Forces had gone instead...
- Investigation Team Leader: This so-called trap would have fallen apart.
- Player: (He's right...)
- Player: (So many suspicious things happened...)
- Player: (Maybe De La Fère fabricated the traitors' existence, leading us to where we are today.)
- Player: (This explanation is indeed logical, and De La Fère had the opportunities to pull it off.)
- Player: (But I've spent so much time with De La Fère...)
- Player: (And although he may be stubborn, he is also an upstanding guy, and a brave one at that.)
- Player: (To say nothing of his loyalty to Takashi and the Shadowhunters. He'd walk through fire for them...)
- Investigation Team Leader: You've been through a lot of battles, Mr. Player, both big and small.
- Investigation Team Leader: You must have noticed that something was...
- Player: Stop it. I've been through a lot with De La Fère. I know him well.
- Player: I trust him!
- Investigation Team Leader: It would seem that you do not know De La Fère's true face, Mr. Player.
- Investigation Team Leader: (Takes out a document.)
- Investigation Team Leader: This is a transcript of interviews we just conducted with the warriors at the Fire Nexus.
- Player: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: The warriors... Didn't have many nice things to say about De La Fère.
- Investigation Team Leader: They say he has a sharp tongue and is unapproachable.
- Investigation Team Leader: They say he picks favorites and abuses his power.
- Investigation Team Leader: They say he's obsequious to his superiors and merciless to his subordinates.
- Investigation Team Leader: Not only that, the transcript also shows...
- Investigation Team Leader: Captain De La Fère's own hatred for the six families. Everyone at the Fire Nexus knows about it!
- Investigation Team Leader: Mr. Player, you must have heard about the feud between the Fère family and the six major families.
- Player: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: Captain De La Fère had the motive, he had the opportunity, and all of the clues point to him assassinating the council member!
- Investigation Team Leader: Now, Mr. Player, do you still persist in your belief that De La Fère is innocent?
- Player: ...
- Player: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: Never Isle is an ally of the Shadowhunters, and so are you, Mr. Player.
- Investigation Team Leader: The Shadows get stronger by the day. The Shadowhunters must regain their honor as soon as possible and unite to protect Luxium!
- Player: (He's telling the truth when he says that De La Fère did have the motive and the opportunity...)
- Player: (But this Investigation Team Leader seems anxious. I'm betting he has no hard evidence that the Fère family assassinated the council member.)
- Player: (My words will inevitably become the key testimony...)
- Player: (Can I still trust De La Fère?)
-Choice 2.1 - (I still trust De La Fère!)
- Player: I know what you're up to!
- Player: But right and wrong cannot be distorted!
- Player: I was with De La Fère the whole time!
- Player: Captain De La Fère is loyal to the Shadowhunters, and went to great lengths to investigate the traitors within their organization.
- Player: He is upstanding, brave, honorable, and righteous, and he would never have assassinated the council member!
- Investigation Team Leader: ...
- Investigation Team Leader: All right...
- Investigation Team Leader: Player, you along with your partners Billy and Kitty, are suspected of aiding the assassination of a member of the Shadowhunters Council.
- Investigation Team Leader: Guard! Take them to the High Security Arcana Prison. Keep them under strict supervision!!
- Shadowhunters Guard: Yes, sir!
- Player: (angry)
- A few moments later...
- Kitty: I've seen this prison's arcana in one of Principal Vundo's books.
- Kitty: The internal flux intertwines, resonates, and interlocks.
- Kitty: It can take decades to break it, and even the slightest mistake will result in a horrible countercharge.
- Player: Looks like the Shadowhunters are getting serious.
- Kitty: Is it really necessary? Using such a strong arcana to imprison us.
- Player: No matter what we do, we're stuck here.
- Player: Maybe if we cooperated with the Investigation Team and implicated De La Fère, they would have let us go...
- Billy: Captain, I think you did the right thing!
- Billy: We can't betray our friends just to avoid a little imprisonment!
- Kitty: Humph! That silver-tongued weasel. He tried to trick Player into committing perjury and betraying sour-faced Captain...
- Kitty: Who does he think we are?
- Player: (smiles)
- Player: You guys are true friends.
- The next day, late at night.
- The sounds of footsteps wakes up Player
- Player: Huh? What time is it?
- Player: Who's there?
- The guards make way for Eddie and Grancy and release open the arcana cell
- Player: Ugh...
- Bleary eyed, Player gets up
- Eddie: Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Grancy.
- Grancy: You're welcome. After all, this concerns the relationship between the Shadowhunters and Never Isle, as well as our future.
- Grancy: By secret order of the Council, I am to open Player's cell.
- Grancy: But in freeing Player and his companions...
- Grancy: You must remember the Shadowhunters' conditions, Mr. Eddie.
- Eddie: Of course.
- Eddie checks on Player
- Player: Eddie? What are you doing here?
- Eddie: I'm here on behalf of Never Isle to take you home.
- Player: Never Isle?
- Eddie: Player, not only are you our partner, you are also vital to Never Isle.
- Eddie: We've reached an agreement with the Shadowhunters.
- Eddie: As long as you promise not to interfere with the investigation of the River Bend Town incident, you can leave Westhold!
- Eddie: Forget about what happened before.
- Player: Hmm... Stop investigating the River Bend Town incident?
- Billy: Then... De La Fère and the Commander of the Security Forces...
- Eddie: De La Fère is a Shadowhunter, and the commander is his brother. This is an internal Shadowhunter matter. There is nothing that Never Isle can do.
- Player: ...
- Eddie: Player, I know you and De La Fère are friends...
- Eddie: But for now, I recommend agreeing to the Shadowhunters' demands.
- Eddie: The assassination in River Bend Town is a massive controversy. This might be our only chance to get you out.
- Player: ...
- Choice 2.1.1 - (Refuse to comply with the Shadowhunters demands and stay in the Westhold prison.)
- Player: We appreciate the effort, Eddie, but we cannot agree to their demands!
- Grancy: ...
- Eddie: Ugh... You really need to think this through, Player!
- Player: The Shadowhunter traitors are persecuting the truly loyal. I can't just sit by and watch them tear the world apart!
- Player: Eddie, Grancy, you guys can go back.
- Grancy: All right...
- Eddie: Player...
- Grancy: Mr. Eddie, this dungeon is oppressive. Let's get out of here!
- Player turns his back
- Eddie: (sad)
- Two days later, the River Bend Town case is closed.
- De La Fère and his brother are convicted of the council member's assassination are set to be executed in public in the town of Westhold.
- Many members of the Fère family are implicated and thrown in prison.
- On the day of the execution, the Fère family gathers forces to raid the town of Westhold in an attempt to break them out.
- But there are too many Shadowhunters, and despite their best efforts, the Fère family fails.
- The Fère family is brought to utter ruin.
- You, Billy, and Kitty are never freed from prison.
- Those who are too rigid are easy to break...
- A body that is too righteous will not be able to resist the chaos of this world...
- Only one who is both rigid and soft, one knows how to be flexible, who knows how to both advance and retreat...
- Perhaps things could have been different.
- Bad ending
- Choice 2.1.2 - (Promise to stop investigating the incident at River Bend Town and leave with Eddie.)
- Player: I understand.
- Player: I agree to the Shadowhunters' demand to stop my investigation and to stop interfering with the matter in River Bend Town.
- Eddie: Good!
- Eddie: Mr. Grancy...
- Grancy: The Shadowhunters Council has determined that Mr. Player and his companions were not involved in the assassination at River Bend Town.
- Grancy: You are a free man, Mr. Player!
- Player: Thank you.
- Eddie: Player, Kitty, Billy... Let's go!
- Player: Okay...
- A few moments later...
- Grancy escorts everyone to the entrance of the prison
- Grancy: You have hereby left the premises of the prison. My mission is complete...
- Grancy: Westhold is a busy place these days and does not have the time to entertain guests, so you all had better leave as soon as you can.
- Grancy: I have other things to do, so I'll be going now.
- Eddie: Thank you for your help, Mr. Grancy.
- Grancy leaves
- Eddie: Player, let's go!
- Player: ...
- Player: De La Fère...
- Player: Eddie, I can't just leave like this!
- Eddie: (smiles)
- Eddie: I promised the Shadowhunters and Never Isle that I would escort you out of Westhold.
- Eddie: As long as I walk you out of here, I can consider my mission complete. What happens after that...
- Player: (surprised)
- Player: Understood...
- Continue to Intimacy Level 11
-Choice 2.2 - (Accuse De La Fère of assassinating the council member!)
- Player: The loud gunshot came from De La Fère's position, and he was the only one there.
- Player: He's always hated the six families.
- Player: You're right, only De La Fère could have killed Councilor Floyd.
- Player: ...
- Player: I didn't think that De La Fère was capable of such things.
- Player: I was wrong to trust him.
- Investigation Team Leader: You truly are a loyal friend of the Shadowhunters, Mr. Player!
- Investigation Team Leader: Thank you for your cooperation. You have once again done justice, and your contributions will earn you a place in history!
- Investigation Team Leader: I'm sorry for holding you and your friends for so long. In a little while, someone will escort you out of Westhold.
- Player: (Is this really the right thing to do?)
- Thanks to your testimony, De La Fère is convicted by the Shadowhunters of treason.
- He and his brother are determined to be masterminds in the assassination of the Shadowhunters Council member, and sentenced to public execution.
- As De La Fère's commander, Takashi is also implicated in the matter.
- Takashi eventually resigns and leaves the Fire Nexus. His current whereabouts are unknown.
- You have helped the Shadowhunters root out their traitor, and have once again become their hero.
- Two weeks later...
- Player looks out over Lake Bliss
- Player: I don't know what's wrong with everyone. After the incident in River Bend Town, our commissions have fallen by half...
- Player: We have a lot more free time than usual...
- Player: But if this continues, we'll be completely broke.
- A well-dressed lady approaches Player
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: Are you the famous Player?
- Player: Northern Desert ...... Not...... You are......? Huh? You're...
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: I have come all the way from the Northern Desert to find Mr. Player, Hero of the Shadowhunters!
- Player: Oh... How can I help you?
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: I have a 100 million gold commission for you, Mr. Player!
- Player: 100 million gold...
- Player: What is this?!
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: Avenge my brothers!
- Player: Huh? Your enemy...
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: (Smiles) My enemy is standing right in front of me!
- Bang!
- Player: Ugh!
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: (Takes out comm crystal) Your marksmanship is as good as ever, Uncle...
- Comm Crystal: Sigh... It's just too bad we couldn't save the young master...
- Player: You... You're...
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: Your blood is just the beginning of our vengeance...
- The lady casually walks away
- Player: Ugh...
- Middle-aged Aristocrat: Player is dead. The Shadowhunters are next...
- Those who betray their comrades for the sake of personal honor shall be killed without prejudice!
- - Article 1, Section 4, Clause 1 of the Shadowhunter Regulations
- Bad end! Try again...
Warsong of the Bull
Even if one's name is ruined and they're behind bars, even if the road ahead is dark, and all hope is lost... As long as there is still blood rushing in their body, as long as their hands can still grip their weapon, then nothing is over! This lance is the courage and determination to run toward death one needs to break this deadlock!
-Part 1
- In De La Fère's cell at Westhold prison...
- Player: The Shadowhunters? How are they so fast?
- De La Fère: You... You're the lieutenant. General Takashi's lieutenant?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: You remember me.
- Player: Takashi's Lieutenant?
- De La Fère: This is the Shadowhunters High Security Prison, you don't have the right to...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I may not stand a chance against you in battle, but I'm certainly better than you when it comes to stealth operations!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: It's just a few guards and surveillance arcana. Nothing I can't handle.
- De La Fère: You went to a lot of effort.
- De La Fère: Are you here to laugh at me?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I have better things to do than that.
- Player: Listen, the situation is more complicated than you can imagine...
- Player: De La Fère did not assassinate the Shadowhunters Council member!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I know...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I'm not here to arrest you...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Something's happened at the Fire Nexus.
- Player: The Fire Nexus?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: All of the warriors who were stationed at the Fire Nexus have been transferred to the Mona Altar in the Red Desert.
- Player: The Mona Altar? In Morgan's territory?
- De La Fère: Why? The Fire Nexus was not involved. They don't have any evidence!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: They don't give two hoots about evidence!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The Shadowhunters Council has replaced all of the warriors, ostensibly to 'rotate the defense'...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: And now, all of the people I've seen defending the Fire Nexus are members of the six families and their supporters.
- Player: The six families?
- Player: Wasn't their representative assassinated in River Bend Town?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Ever since the Shadowhunters were established, the six major families have been at odds with one another, even after their decline.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I'm guessing it's some internal feud - one side wants to get rid of the other!
- Player: An internal feud within the six families...
- Player: (The whole conspiracy was carefully plotted and tight-lipped. It was practically flawless.)
- Player: (If there's a feud going on between the six families, then at least this faction is quite unified.)
- De La Fère: Then...what about the general?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The general is still at the Nexus.
- De La Fère: Fortunately, he hasn't been affected.
- De La Fère: It's okay, it's okay, I'll just talk to the Special Investigation Team and confess to everything. I'll...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Haven't you figured it out yet?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: It doesn't matter if you're dead or alive, those bastards will go after the general!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Because he is their ultimate target!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The general may still be at the Nexus, but the warriors have all been rotated out. He's basically a prisoner!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: As we speak, people from the six major families are preparing to take over the Fire Nexus and force the general to resign!
- Player: Whoa!!
- De La Fère: What?!
- De La Fère: W...why? Why would the general resign?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Because of the whole incident in River Bend Town, the general tried to avoid suspicion by suspending his duties.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The six families used you and your warriors as leverage to threaten him...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: In the end, he agreed to their deal...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: But once the general resigns, he will lose his status as a Shadowhunter.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: If something happens to him, it won't affect the Shadowhunters at all...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: And then the general will really be in danger!!!
- De La Fère: !!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The Fire Nexus's handover ceremony takes place the day after tomorrow.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I've mustered our brothers. We are getting ready to raid the Fire Nexus at dusk tomorrow and rescue the general!
- De La Fère: Raid the Fire Nexus? you're going to attack the Shadowhunters head-on?!
- Player: !!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: You think you're the only one who is willing to sacrifice himself for the general's sake?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The general is far more than just a comrade to us.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: He's always been like our older brother!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Well, it's time to repay him for everything he's done for us. He's in trouble, so we need to step up!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: He may not be here to lead us, but that makes it all the more imperative to rescue him!
- De La Fère: You... you...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: We're going to need some firepower to attack the Nexus. We're going to need you!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: If you're still loyal to the general, De La Fère, don't waste your life here.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Come with me! Fight side by side with your brothers!
- Player: So the Shadowhunter traitors' ultimate goal has been Takashi all along. We were headed in the right direction!
- Player: You won't save anybody by sacrificing yourself!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: But...
- De La Fère: I was so rude to you before, Lieutenant. And the men bear their own grudges against me...
- De La Fère: Why are you guys willing to take me back?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: ...
- Player: Why are you worrying about this?
- De La Fère: When I was investigating River Bend Town, I didn't even trust the warriors under my own command.
- De La Fère: But now, they're willing to trust me.
- De La Fère: How could I show my face in front of them?
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Ah, that's right!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: You... You're so arrogant. Always making that annoying sour face!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: You think you can look down on everyone else just because you can fight well!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: You're right. When the Investigation Team came to the Fire Nexus, most of the people there shared their bad opinions about you with them.
- De La Fère: ...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: But the general trusts you!
- De La Fère: !!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: That day, when the general summoned us and said that he wanted to secretly investigate River Bend Town...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: He said, 'I have absolute trust in all of you.'
- De La Fère: Whoa!!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: I may not like you very much...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: But when it comes down to the question of loyalty, the question of strength... I and the other warriors all trust you!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: Let's go! I'm sure we can save the general!
- Player: (smiles)
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Mr. Player, you...
- Player: Say no more. I know you guys are short-handed! I'm going with you!!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Oh... We would be grateful beyond words!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Let's go!
- The three escape the prison
- A while later, early morning...
- In a certain factory in the northern Red Desert.
- Loud Clamor: A large force will feint an attack at the entrance while an elite team infiltrates the Nexus through the ventilation system!
- Loud Clamor: No, no! We need to send out some steal troops to carry out a covert operation!
- Player, De La Fère and the Lieutenant enter the factory that acts as the resistance's base
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Over here!
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: De La Fère?
- De La Fère's footsteps stop. He seems hesitant.
- He bows his head slightly, as if frightened.
- He is afraid that the heated discussion taking place nearby will be replaced with skeptical glances and angry expressions.
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: Are you all right?
- De La Fère: I must face...
- De La Fère: I must...
- Takashi's Lieutenant: What's wrong? What are you worried about?
- De La Fère: Huh? Nothing!
- De La Fère: I'm just preparing two sensor arrays at the door, to stop anyone from eavesdropping.
- The party reaches the loyal Shadowhunters that the Lieutenant gathered
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Quiet, brothers! Look who's here!
- Fire Nexus Warrior: Whoa!!
- A blanket of silence falls over the massive factory.
- Just what De La Fère had feared the most...
- Fire Nexus Warrior: Rrah!! (Cheering)
- Fire Nexus Warrior: It's the Captain of the Ambush Force! The lieutenant succeeded!
- Fire Nexus Warrior: He's okay! Amazing!
- De La Fère: !!
- De La Fère: ...Hey guys...
- Player: Just now, De La Fère was concerned.
- Player: Seeing how enthusiastic his comrades are, he should finally be able to let go of his worries.
- Player: But don't get too enthusiastic, guys. You don't want to make a commotion and give away our position.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Don't worry. we have a network of light and dark sentries on the periphery.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The nearest residential area is also pretty far away.
- A familiar Shadowhunters captain walks up to De La Fère
- De La Fère: Captain of the Bull Force...
- Bull Force Captain: I knew you'd come!
- Bull Force Captain: Welcome back, Trap Captain! Captain of the Ambush Force!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- One of the warriors from De La Fère's squad comes to greet him
- Shadowhunters Warrior: (Salutes) Welcome back, Captain!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: The Ambush Force has been assembled and is awaiting your orders.
- De La Fère: Huh? You're... What are you doing here?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: On the lieutenant's orders, several squad leaders were to monitor the situation near the Nexus.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Several of our squad leaders were responsible for the Ambush Force's main forces in the base.
- De La Fère: No... I mean, the raid on the Nexus could have given you a new lease on life.
- De La Fère: Your family is going through dire straits, and you're their only breadwinner. You don't need to risk your life here with the rest of us!
- De La Fère: Besides, it wasn't that long ago that you were fined...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain, you still remember...
- De La Fère: Of course! I know everything about my warriors.
- De La Fère: All right, you take the other members of the Ambush Force whose families are going through difficult times and get out of here...
- De La Fère: I've got some savings in my room. You guys divide it amongst yourselves and use it to help your families!
- De La Fère: Commander Morgan of the Mona Altar is also a man of courage and integrity.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Captain...
- De La Fère: Oh, yes... The Nexus is occupied by the forces of the six major families.
- De La Fère: Damn... (Touches pockets)
- De La Fère: The Special Investigation Team took everything I had.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: We're not going anywhere, Captain!
- De La Fère: What?
- Shadowhunters Warrior: My brothers and I have been following the general for years.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: You always say that only an outstanding warrior can become a Shadowhunter, and a Shadowhunter must be an outstanding warrior!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: I know that I'm far from outstanding...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: But if I abandon my commander and run away, then I won't even be a warrior!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Even if I die at the Nexus tonight...
- Shadowhunters Warrior: My children and my descendants will remember that I was here.
- Shadowhunters Warrior: They will remember me for my bravery and integrity. They will say that I was a glorious warrior who died in battle, and that I was not some weak coward.
- De La Fère: !!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: So no matter what you say, Captain...
- De La Fère: (Embraces the warrior standing in front of him)
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Whoa...
- De La Fère: Today, we fight shoulder-to-shoulder to rescue the general.
- De La Fère: Today, we are brothers!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: !!
- Shadowhunters Warrior: Yes! Let's rescue the general together!
- A few moments later...
- Lieutenant: The warriors we sent to scout out the Nexus have sent back their report.
- Lieutenant: I need all team captains and squad leaders here. Everyone else should take this opportunity to get some rest. Be ready for battle at dusk!
- Fire Nexus Warrior: Yes, sir!
- Player, De La Fère and the other captains gather to listen to the Lieutenant
- Lieutenant: Let me update you all on the intel I just received.
- Lieutenant: The Ambush Force scouts hiding out near the Nexus have reported back.
- Lieutenant: Just now, four Shadowhunter squads escorted someone into the Fire Nexus.
- De La Fère: !!
- Player: Four squads? Who could it be? Why so many troops?
- Lieutenant: Based on the current situation, I assume that it is the officer who is due to take command of the Fire Nexus.
- Lieutenant: If the general resigns, then he is the person who will take the general's place on the council.
- Player: The man who will replace him on the Shadowhunters Council...
- Player: Then he must be the one who is behind everything!!
- De La Fère: ...
- Lieutenant: That's very possible...
- Bull Force Captain: Between these four squads and the Shadowhunters who replaced us...
- Bull Force Captain: The soldiers at the Fire Nexus outnumber us three to one!
- Bull Force Captain: These bastards are really determined to seize the general's power!
- Lieutenant: They are just one step away from achieving their goal.
- Lieutenant: They will definitely use all of their troops to ensure a smooth transfer of power if the general resigns.
- Shadowhunters Captain: The enemy is so much more powerful than we are...
- Shadowhunters Captain: We can't rely on head-on combat to gradually take back the Nexus and rescue the general anymore.
- Bull Force Captain: Besides, the moment we attack, the enemy will call on more Shadowhunter reinforcements.
- Bull Force Captain: If the Shadowhunter reinforcements arrive before we save the general, all will be lost!
- Bull Force Captain: We need to win this one quickly!
- Lieutenant: Yes... We'll just have to split our forces into two groups.
- Lieutenant: Captain De La Fère will lead the main force in a frontal assault.
- Lieutenant: While the enemy's attention is focused on the front, I will lead a team of soldiers to infiltrate the Nexus and rescue the general.
- Bull Force Captain: Good idea! Sounds like a plan!
- Bull Force Captain: With De La Fère at the front, they'll for sure focus most of their firepower there!
- Shadowhunters Captain: Yes. As things stand, this appears to be the only way.
- De La Fère: Whoa...
- De La Fère: ...
- Player: (De La Fère looks like he wants to say something but is hesitating.)
- Lieutenant: Mr. Player, do you have ideas?
- Player: ...
- Player: Think about it, you guys. Is it really a good idea to attack the Nexus?
- Player: You must know that the second we use force, we will all be deemed traitors by the Shadowhunters.
- Player: There's no going back!
- Shadowhunters Captain: We all understand the consequences.
- Bull Force Captain: As long as we save the general, we aren't afraid of death!
- Lieutenant: Yes. Those of us who are here have already crossed the point of no return!
- Player: ...
- Player: Since you've made up your minds...
- Player: I will go along with your plans and help you to the very end.
- De La Fère: We can't just attack the Nexus!!
- Lieutenant: Whoa!!
- Bull Force Captain: What?!
- Shadowhunters Captain: Captain De La Fère, we all know that you doubt our strength...
- Shadowhunters Captain: But at a time like this?
- De La Fère: ...
- Lieutenant: Quiet. Let De La Fère finish.
- De La Fère: I used to have a bad attitude, and I had trouble trusting you guys. For that, I apologize.
- De La Fère: If I hadn't been so arrogant about my own strength... If only I could have trusted the Fire Nexus's warriors...
- De La Fère: If I'd brought some of the Ambush Force's warriors back to River Bend Town with me to help with the investigation...
- De La Fère: If I hadn't been stubborn and impatient, if I'd been able to calm down and carefully consider the results of the lieutenant's own investigation...
- De La Fère: If I could have seen my limitations sooner, if I could have valued the warriors under my command, just a little bit...
- De La Fère: None of this would have happened.
- De La Fère: That is why we cannot be too hasty to attack the Nexus!
- Player: (smiles)
- Bull Force Captain: Huh? what are you talking about?
- De La Fère: The enemy was able to take advantage of my character defects and plot out every single thing that has happened up till now.
- De La Fère: Then they must also be aware that there are soldiers loyal to the general who will not give up without a fight!
- De La Fère: They sent four squads of Shadowhunters to escort the official to the Fire Nexus.
- De La Fère: This much fanfare is designed to lure us into hastily attacking the Nexus!
- De La Fère: But let's say we do attack the Nexus and rescue the general.
- De La Fère: Then the general himself will be labeled a traitor and hunted throughout all of Luxium!
- De La Fère: Then the six families will have all the justification they need to take his power.
- De La Fère: Then the Shadowhunters will return to their old ways and become a tool for the powerful to make money and consolidate even more power!
- De La Fère: And once again, we will be divided!
- De La Fère: Warriors who are truly capable and willing to protect Luxium will never step forward, simply because of their identity!
- De La Fère: Everything that the general has done and all of the Shadowhunters' efforts will have been in vain!
- De La Fère: Is that what the general wants?
- Shadowhunters Captain: ...
- De La Fère: I want to save the general's life, but I also want to uphold that which he cherishes most: the Shadowhunters as they are today!
- Lieutenant: ...
- Lieutenant: What do you think, captains?
- Bull Force Captain: Captain De La Fère is right.
- Bull Force Captain: The general has devoted his life to the Shadowhunters. We need to save the general, and also save the Shadowhunter ethos that he holds dear!
- Shadowhunters Captain: I only became a Shadowhunter Captain because I passed the martial assessment.
- Shadowhunters Captain: We cannot let the old Shadowhunters come back at the expense of warriors like us, who got where we are not because of social status but because of our ambition!
- Shadowhunter Captains: Yes! We agree with Captain De La Fère!
- Player: In that case, our only choice is to find evidence to expose the conspiracy.
- Player: But the masterminds behind all of this are incredibly sophisticated. It won't be easy...
- De La Fère: I might know what to do about that!
- De La Fère: Player, we had a very difficult time finding evidence before.
- De La Fère: But now, the traitors are at the Fire Nexus. Does that not mean we know exactly where the evidence is?
- De La Fère: As long as we can capture their leader and get him to talk, we can save the general from his dilemma!
- Player: And not only that, we can also help De La Fère and the Fère family set the record straight!
- Bull Force Captain: But to capture their leader, we'll have to assault the Nexus...
- Bull Force Captain: And if we assault the Nexus, we and the general will be deemed traitors.
- De La Fère: That's right. We can't attack the Nexus as Shadowhunters...
- De La Fère: My family employs mercenaries for protection. We have some mercenary equipment at home.
- De La Fère: But the Fère family is under surveillance. We can't use that equipment as a disguise.
- Player: Mercenaries...
- Lieutenant: Hmm... I can't come up with anything.
- Player: I've got it! We can ask Duran for help!
- De La Fère: Duran? The legendary mercenary of BlackFlame City?
- Player: Duran has a strong reputation at the BlackFlame City mercenary market, and once fought alongside Takashi during the Shadowhunters' internal struggle...
- Player: When he hears that Takashi is in trouble, he'll definitely lend a helping hand!
- Player: He can get his hands on a thousand sets of mercenary equipment, for sure!
- Lieutenant: Then we will leave that up to you, Mr. Player...
- Player: All right! I'll get in touch with him!
- A while later...
- Player: It's done. Not only that, Duran will join us in the fight!
- Bull Force Captain: Finally, some good news...
- Shadowhunters Captain: Speaking of which, Mr. Creed is also good friends with the general, perhaps...
- Lieutenant: We had trouble reaching Mr. Creed a few days ago. I hope he wasn't affected by the events in River Bend Town.
- Lieutenant: This is our battle.
- De La Fère: Yeah!
- Lieutenant: We've figured out the disguises, now we just need a detailed plan.
- Lieutenant: Time is running out, if we're planning on launching a raid.
- Lieutenant: We need to find a way to apprehend the leader of the traitors and get him to confess before the Shadowhunters' reinforcements arrive!
- Bull Force Captain: Hmm... The numbers aren't on our side, and neither is time.
- Shadowhunters Captain: Sigh... Even fighting the Shadows isn't this difficult.
- Player: ...
- Lieutenant: It's only sunrise, we still have time to think it over.
- Lieutenant: As high and mighty as those aristocrats think they are, they're only flesh and blood.
- Lieutenant: I don't think they're invincible!
- De La Fère: Aristocrats!
- De La Fère: Aristocrats...
- De La Fère: That gives me an idea...
- In the corner of the room, someone listens in on the meeting with a listening bug arcana
- ???: Hmm... It would seem I underestimated you, child...
- ???: Interesting...
- ???: Then I too shall lend a helping hand...
- Twilight, at the edge of the Fire Nexus...
- A lone sentry watches over his post
- Shadowhunters Sentry: (Yawn~)
- Shadowhunters Sentry: Stone, desert, desert, stone...
- Shadowhunters Sentry: What a bore...
- Shadowhunters Sentry: Honestly, what a bore!
- Shadowhunters Sentry: (Takes out comm crystal.)
- Shadowhunters Sentry: This is the outpost six kilometers to the southwest, reporting in. Everything is normal!
- Comm Crystal: Roger that! Stay frosty, and don't let your guard down!
- Shadowhunters Sentry: Yes, sir...
- Shadowhunters Sentry: (Closes comm crystal) Seriously, who's gonna attack some Podunk little place like this?
- A clap of thunder echoes
- Shadowhunters Sentry: Huh? But it's sunny out...
- Shadowhunters Sentry: Why do I hear thunder?
- While the sentry is distracted, a mercenary sneaks behind him...
- Mercenaries?: ...
- The mercenary knocks out the sentry...
- Shadowhunters Sentry: Ugh...
- ...and picks up his comms crystal
- Mercenaries?: The outpost six kilometers to the southwest is safe!
- Later, outside the Fire Nexus's west entrance...
- One of the new commanders addresses his Shadowhunters
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: The boss is gonna take control of the Fire Nexus tomorrow, so stay alert, everyone!
- Shadowhunters Soldier: Yes, sir!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: It's time. Outposts, report in!
- A warrior runs up to the commander
- Shadowhunters Herald: Report!
- Shadowhunters Herald: We have lost contact with the western and southwestern outposts!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: What?
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Damn!!!
- Suddenly, a bolt of lightning strikes, taking out many of the warriors
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Ugh... this lightning...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: It's De La Fère!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: He really has turned his back on the Shadowhunters! Everyone, assume battle positions!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Tell the boss they're here!
- A group of mercenaries invade the Nexus
- Shadowhunters Soldier: Who do you think you are? How dare you attack Shadowhunter territory!
- Mercenaries: Kill them! Take the Nexus!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Hold your positions, men. Block the gates!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Reserves, attack the enemy from the flanks and the rear!
- Moments later, in the mercenary camp.
- Mercenary Herald A: Lieu...er...Commander! Report!
- Mercenary Herald A: Enemy reinforcements have appeared in the direction of our assault. The west gate has been sealed off!
- Mercenary Commander: Everything is going according to plan...
- Mercenary Commander: The west gate cannot be opened from the outside. We'll have to force our way in.
- The commander turns to the man standing behind him
- Mercenary Commander: Thunder Captain! It's all on you now!
- Thunder Captain: Understood. Protect me while I charge up!
- The Thunder Captain concentrates and small bolts of electricity gather around him
- Another herald runs in to give the mercenary commander a report
- Mercenary Herald B: Report! A large number of enemy reinforcements have appeared at the rear...
- Mercenary Herald B: We're surrounded!
- Mercenary Commander: Don't panic! The enemy may have reinforcements, but so do we!
- Meanwhile, at the rear of the mercenary camp.
- A squad of Shadowhunters square off against the mercenaries
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Humph, you money-grubbing mercenaries have the gall to attack the Nexus?
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: You have no idea what you're up against!
- Shadowhunters Reinforcements Captain: You're surrounded!
- Shadowhunters Reinforcements Captain: Surrender now! It's not too late to save yourselves.
- ???: We're the ones who are surrounded? You'd better take another look!
- ???: Hahhh!!
- Duran lands behind the Shadowhunters
- Duran: You ungrateful, incompetent fools...
- Duran: I'm here to teach you a thing or two!
- A few moments later...
- Back at the Fire Nexus west entrance, the Shadowhunters continue to battle the mercenaries
- Thunder continues to sound nearby
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: ...
- Shadowhunters Herald: Report! A large man is holding off our reinforcements!
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: What? They're being held off by a single man...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: ...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: The insolence of these bastards!
- Small bolts of lightning start to hit the ground
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: (Looks up into the sky)
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: It's getting cloudy...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: I've heard stories about the Fère family's power to wield lightning...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: (Takes out comm crystal) I have failed you, my lord...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: A large number of mercenaries have swarmed the Nexus's west entrance. De La Fère is charging up a lightning strike...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: We are on the verge of defeat. Requesting reinforcements!
- Comm Crystal: ...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: ...
- Shadowhunters Periphery Commander: Thank you, sir!
- A while later...
- Back at the mercenary camp...
- Thunder Captain: The lightning strike is nearly ready.
- Thunder Captain: Commander, have our brothers get ready to withdraw from the front lines!
- The commander picks up his comms crystal but then notices a change at the Nexus's west entrance
- Mercenary Commander: Huh? The Nexus's western entrance is open...
- Mercenary Commander: That's...
- Mercenary Commander: Damn! Fighters, pull back immediately!
- Mercenary Commander: Arcane Warriors, prepare the barrier!
- Boom!
- Mercenary Commander: It's the Shadowhunter Heavy Bombardiers...
- Mercenary Commander: Brothers! Hold your ground!
- Mercenary Commander: Trust our Arcane Warriors to hold their barrier. Continue the attack!
- Bombs begin to rain down on the mercenary camp
- Two mercenaries race to the commander
- Mercenary Herald A: Commander! Outpost reporting in...
- Mercenary Herald A: The Shadowhunters are approaching our position from the eastern and southern outposts.
- Mercenary Herald A: We estimate they will exchange fire in approximately ten minutes!
- Mercenary Herald B: Report! Countless Shadowhunters are pouring out of the Nexus's other exits. They are heavily armed!
- Mercenary Commander: With this many troops... They're getting serious. They're turning up in full force!
- Thunder Captain: Commander, the enemy has greater numbers than we expected...
- Thunder Captain: If the enemy reinforcements are permitted to surround our brothers, we will be in serious trouble!
- Thunder Captain: I'll direct my energy to bombard the approaching heavy troops first!
- Thunder Captain: But, brothers... You must attack the west exit as soon as possible!
- Mercenary Commander: That's the only option we have left...
- Mercenary Commander: Thunder Captain, cover our attack!
- Mercenary Commander: Brothers, charge with me!
- Mercenary Commander: For the general! Fight!!!
- A while later, inside the Fire Nexus.
- Two Shadowhunters stand guard
- Both can hear the heavy bombs and lightning strikes explode outside
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: Whoa... It's getting pretty loud out there...
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: I've heard that the ones attacking the Nexus are a group of mercenaries from BlackFlame City.
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: Mercenaries? The nerve!
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: It's okay, the commander has dispatched the entire garrison!
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: They'll be wiped out in no time!
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: Yeah! Let's trust the soldiers outside.
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: We have to guard the entrance to the Nexus's core.
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: Tomorrow, the commander will take charge of the Fire Nexus. It won't be long before he occupies Takashi's seat on the Council...
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: Yes... The last year and a half of humiliation will finally pay off...
- Suddenly, a nearby light crystal goes out.
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: Huh! Over there...
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: Huh? Oh, that's normal. Those things are always going out.
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard A: I thought Takashi was known for keeping things ship-shape! I didn't expect this place to be so run down...
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: He may be Bandler's adopted son, but he still comes from common stock...
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: We'll have someone renovate this place once we take it over.
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard B: We'll get rid of all the tacky crap!
- Unnoticed by the guards, two mercenaries sneak by
- ???: (Whispering) How dare they insult the general...
- ???: (Whispering) Leave them alone. They won't be talking like that for long!
- ???: (Whispering) The arcana has distracted them. Let's go, while their attention is elsewhere!
- ???: (Whispering) Quickly!
- ???: (Whispering) Our brothers outside are still fighting tooth and nail. We need to hurry up!
- The two mercenaries continue on
- At the entrance to the Fire Nexus's reception area.
- ???: Reception area is clear!
- A large group of mercenaries enter
- Mercenary Captain A: Sure enough, they replaced the flux lock so that we couldn't open it.
- Mercenary Captain A: The Nexus's core area is just beyond that door. The mastermind and general behind this conspiracy are back there for sure!
- Mercenary Captain B: ...
- Mercenary Captain A: Prepare the explosives! Blow that door wide open!
- Mercenary Captain B: The bomb will draw the attention of every single guard here at the Nexus.
- Mercenary Captain A: Yeah, that's to be expected.
- Mercenary Captain A: The Bull Force will fight side-by-side with the warriors of the Ambush Force to defend this position.
- Mercenary Captain A: The rest is up to you!
- Mercenary Captain B: The people who stayed behind to protect the Nexus are the most elite warriors of the six families.
- Mercenary Captain B: I'm afraid this won't be easy...
- Mercenary Captain A: Ha! What you should be afraid of are those pampered aristocratic troops!
- Mercenary Captain A: I just hope that the greenhorns of the six families won't bore us to death.
- Mercenary Captain B: Never underestimate your enemy!
- Mercenary Captain A: Right, right... I know...
- Mercenary Captain A: I'm just trying to reassure you.
- Mercenary Captain A: I didn't think you'd take it so seriously.
- Mercenary Captain B: Hahaha, when this is all over, I'll treat the men... no!
- Mercenary Captain B: I'll treat our brothers...
- Mercenary Captain B: To a massive feast at my home in River Bend Town!
- Mercenary Captain A: By Ka, did I hear you right?
- Mercenary Captain A: River Bend Town's Sand Beast Barbecue is world-famous.
- Mercenary Captain A: Careful, we might just hold you to that promise!
- Mercenary Captain B: (Smiles)
- Mercenary: Captain, the bomb is ready!
- Boom!
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard: An explosion! That sound came from inside the Nexus!
- Shadowhunter Elite Guard: The enemy snuck in! On me, everyone!
- Mercenary Captain A: Ambush Force, get in formation! The showdown is about to begin!
- Mercenary Captain A: Protect the entrance! Don't let anybody in!
- Mercenary Captain A: Go! Get that bastard! Finish this once and for all!
- In the core area of the Fire Nexus.
- Shadowhunter Officer A: ...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: They're here...
- Shadowhunter Bodyguard: Protect the commander!
- Mercenary Captain B enters the core area
- Shadowhunter Officer B: For you to get this far all on your own...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Your dedication and courage are commendable.
- Mercenary Captain B: (Glares at the two generals above)
- Shadowhunter Officer B: This irrepressible malice...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: How about we calm down and make a deal?
- Mercenary Captain B: The only way you're making it out of here alive is if you surrender immediately and confess your treachery!
- Shadowhunter Officer B: With all due respect, you should take proper stock of the situation.
- Shadowhunter Officer B: The Shadowhunter reinforcements from Westhold are almost here.
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Their gunboats will tear your men to pieces.
- Shadowhunter Officer B: We have two squads protecting the Nexus, and they are as battle-hardened as it gets. They are the elite of the elite.
- Shadowhunter Officer B: The men covering your attack will be dealt with quickly.
- Shadowhunter Officer A: Ambush Squad!
- Suddenly, Mercenary Captain B is surrounded by Shadowhunters
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Now, even though you're outnumbered...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: You're still so brave and fearless, we couldn't bear to watch you die.
- Shadowhunter Officer B: So we'll give you a chance. Surrender and join the greatest squad in all of the Shadowhunters...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Let us fight for glory and the future of Luxium together!
- Mercenary Captain B: Shut up! You don't deserve to speak of glory!
- Mercenary Captain B: Your hearts are filled only with an undying love of power and riches!
- Mercenary Captain B: You have defiled your name and disgraced your ancestors!!
- Mercenary Captain B: You're the ones who should be in the grave!
- Shadowhunter Officer B: What a shame, it looks as though our negotiations have broken down.
- Shadowhunter Officer A: Kill them!
- Just as the Shadowhunters attack the mercenary captain, the captain calls down lightning that takes them out as well as destroys his disguise
- De La Fère: Hya!
- Shadowhunter Officer A: !!
- Shadowhunter Officer B: De La Fère?! How is this possible?
- Shadowhunter Officer B: That guy out there with the thunder, that's...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Even so, you're still outnumbered!!
- De La Fère: Pay the price for your betrayal!!
- De La Fère defeats the Shadowhunter warriors and makes it to the two officers
- De La Fère: Huff, puff...
- De La Fère: You're up next!!
- Shadowhunter Officer A: ...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Damn it!
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Do you really take us for pushovers?
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Witness the power of a Shadowhunter General...
- De La Fère charges in with his lance and electricity stuns the two officers
- Shadowhunter Officer A: Ugh...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: What courage! (Reaches for sword)
- Zap!
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Ah!!
- De La Fère: I wouldn't move, if I were you.
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Ugh...
- De La Fère: If there is any honor left in your hearts.
- De La Fère: Tell me your plans, your objective, and who is involved!
- Shadowhunter Officer A: ...
- Shadowhunter Officer B: You'll get nothing out of us!
- De La Fère: Is that so?
- De La Fère tortures the two officers with more electric shocks
- Shadowhunter Officer A: Argh!!
- Shadowhunter Officer B: Ahhh!!!
- De La Fère: Changed your mind?
- Shadowhunter Officer A: You traitors! You'll suffer for this!
- Shadowhunter Officer A: The Shadowhunters will kill every last one of you!
- De La Fère: Perhaps, but until then, I'll enjoy making you scream!
- De La Fère raises his lance
- De La Fère: Feel the wrath of the Fères!
- ???: This won't do...
- De La Fère: Whoa!!
- Just as De La Fère's lightning bolt crashes down, a barrier protects the two officers from more damage
- ???: They still need to look after the Fire Nexus for me...
- ???: I'm going to have a hell of a time if you've tortured them half to death.
- De La Fère: Who's there?
- ???: Huh? You don't remember me?
- ???: We met only three days ago...
- ???: After all...
- The Shadowhunters chief arcanist that was supposedly shot enters
- Councilor Floyd: Supposedly, it was you who assassinated me...
- De La Fère: Councilor Floyd?
- De La Fère: How is this possible? I thought you were...
- Councilor Floyd: Dead?
- Councilor Floyd: The Floyd family are among the best arcane researchers in all of Luxium.
- Councilor Floyd: Using flux to suppress the heartbeat, hold the breath, and fake death is a piece of cake for us.
- De La Fère: !!
- Councilor Floyd: But it is as you say. I am 'dead.'
- De La Fère: It's been you all along!
- De La Fère: You're the mastermind!
- De La Fère: (Wow... I didn't expect this!)
- De La Fère: (Floyd is the mastermind...)
- De La Fère: (But even so, our plan still has a chance!)
- Councilor Floyd: I would not have shown myself were you not on the verge of ruining my carefully-laid plans...
- Councilor Floyd: After all, manipulating things from the shadows is much more fun that doing everything yourself.
- Councilor Floyd: That said, my plans do not allow me to 'come back from the dead.' So, De La Fère...
- Councilor Floyd: I'll give you another chance.
- Councilor Floyd: Surrender or die!
- De La Fère: Humph!
- De La Fère: You wanna die so bad?
- De La Fère: I'll help you grant that wish!
- Councilor Floyd: (Shakes head...)
- Councilor Floyd: Sigh... You still don't understand.
- Floyd holds out his staff
- De La Fère feels flux congeal around him.
- De La Fère: !!!
- De La Fère swings his lance, stopping the arcana
- De La Fère: You can't defeat me with this arcana!!
- De La Fère: For the General, for the Shadowhunters, for the Fères!
- De La Fère battles Floyd
- De La Fère: Aaahhhhhhh!!
- Floyd's arcana proves too powerful for De La Fère
- In a final desperate move, De La Fère calls down lightning on Floyd but Floyd uses the same barrier that protected his two officers to stop the attack
- Floyd gets the upper hand and almost knocks De La Fère out
- Councilor Floyd: Like moths to the flame. Respectful, yet pitiful and pathetic.
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- De La Fère struggles back up
- Councilor Floyd: So you're still able to stand up...
- De La Fère: The Knights of Fère never fall!
- De La Fère: Hrrrraahhh!!!
- De La Fère rushes at Floyd but loses strength at the last minute
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- Councilor Floyd: You really are something, child. It's too bad you're not on our side.
- Councilor Floyd: What a shame...
- De La Fère: ...
- More Shadowhunters come and surround De La Fère
- Shadowhunters Guard: Commander!
- Shadowhunters Guard: Whoa!!!
- Shadowhunters Guard: Commander? Commander, are you all right?
- Shadowhunters Guard: Forgive us for being late, sir. This is all our fault!
- Councilor Floyd: No matter. You are right on time.
- Councilor Floyd: Soldiers, join me for Mr. De La Fère's curtain call.
- Councilor Floyd: It would seem that the soldiers who were trying to buy you time have surrendered.
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- Councilor Floyd: The winners and losers have already been determined, De La Fère.
- De La Fère: How...
- Councilor Floyd: Huh?
- De La Fère: How could this happen?
- Councilor Floyd: So that's what you're having a hard time with.
- Councilor Floyd: Takashi must have taught you that in war, intelligence is everything.
- Councilor Floyd: We have spent much time studying everyone at the Fire Nexus.
- Councilor Floyd: We investigated their backgrounds, identities, characters, and abilities.
- Councilor Floyd: Then we found you, the youngest scion of the Fère family.
- Councilor Floyd: Innocent and simple, confident in your strength, you think only of achievements and winning honor for your family.
- Councilor Floyd: You are rigid and serious. You regard the Shadowhunter Regulations as dogma.
- Councilor Floyd: You despise the six families and revere Takashi as some kind of savior.
- Councilor Floyd: Just imagine for a moment, such a proud and arrogant warrior who believes himself to be invincible...
- Councilor Floyd: How would such a man react, knowing that the person he despises the most will kill the person he reveres the most?
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- Councilor Floyd: All it takes is a little consistent guidance.
- Councilor Floyd: You become angry, anxious, and suspicious of everyone around you.
- Councilor Floyd: That is exactly the path we laid before you.
- Councilor Floyd: As for everything you, the Fère family, and Player have done to get in our way...
- Councilor Floyd: Please. The tactics you learned from the Shadowhunters come from the Floyd family.
- Councilor Floyd: You embarrass yourself before a man of great power. You do as I wish, whether you like it or not.
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- Councilor Floyd: You must understand by now. You never had a chance of winning this war!
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Why...
- De La Fère: Why betray the general?!
- De La Fère: In order to appease your kind, the general proposed that the Council should be reserved for people with backgrounds among the six families...
- De La Fère: You're already a member of the Council! Will nothing satisfy you?
- Councilor Floyd: Satisfy?!
- Councilor Floyd: You know nothing!
- Councilor Floyd: Why would a seat on some silly council satisfy me?
- Councilor Floyd: My ancestor Floyd was one of the heroes who founded the Shadowhunters!
- Councilor Floyd: For a thousand years, the Floyd Thunder Research Center has developed tactics and weapons for the Shadowhunters.
- Councilor Floyd: But the bastards of the other five families looked down on us, and kept their boots on our necks for a millennium!
- Councilor Floyd: I hate them all. I want their hateful souls to burn in the fires of hell!
- Floyd tries to rein in his emotions...
- But the anger he has repressed for so long erupts forth like the lava of a volcano. It is impossible to control.
- Councilor Floyd: But even still, the Shadowhunters remains the property of the six families!
- Councilor Floyd: Even if we are used by the Shadows, even if we kill each other, even if we ruin ourselves...
- Councilor Floyd: The Shadowhunters are the legacy of my ancestors. They are mine!
- Councilor Floyd: Mine!!
- Councilor Floyd: Takashi and a handful of outsiders solved the crisis and became the great heroes of the Shadowhunters.
- Councilor Floyd: Then he and a group of vulgar civilians made much ado about taking control of the Shadowhunters!
- Councilor Floyd: They established the Shadowhunters Council, then called it 'equal co-governance of the Shadowhunters.'
- Councilor Floyd: Ha!
- Councilor Floyd: I'm the one who is supposed to rule the Shadowhunters!
- Councilor Floyd: I should be the Roderick of the Shadowhunters!!!
- De La Fère: ...
- Councilor Floyd: Now, Takashi and the Council have given me a seat.
- Councilor Floyd: Tell me, De La Fère!
- Councilor Floyd: Why should I be satisfied with that?!
- De La Fère: So that's your wild ambition?
- Councilor Floyd: Who doesn't have wild ambitions? Do you not desire to make a career for yourself and bring honor upon your family?
- Councilor Floyd: Taking Takashi out of the picture and establishing control of the Fire Nexus is only the first step.
- Councilor Floyd: The next step is to destroy the whole damn council!
- Councilor Floyd: Finally, I will be Roderick! I will get the Shadowhunters back on track!
- Councilor Floyd: And I'll kill anyone who tries to get in my way!
- Shadowhunters Guard: ...
- Shadowhunters Guard: ...
- Councilor Floyd: Speaking of which, we're not all that different, are we?
- Councilor Floyd: Our ancestors were heroes of Luxium...
- Councilor Floyd: We've both been ostracized and oppressed by a bunch of bastards, our families shamed before all of Luxium...
- Councilor Floyd: Neither of us likes to work with uncouth civilians...
- Councilor Floyd: ...
- Councilor Floyd: See, De La Fère? We both want to honor our ancestors. Why get in each other's way?
- Councilor Floyd: You've surpassed the average Shadowhunter generals and commanders...
- Councilor Floyd: Join me. The Shadowhunters need a heroic family to lead them.
- Councilor Floyd: Together, we will make them remember the names Floyd and Fère!
- De La Fère: Hahaha!
- De La Fère: Hahahaha!
- De La Fère spits blood in Floyd's face.
- Councilor Floyd: Rrgh! You insolent cretin!
- De La Fère: You dog! I don't ever want to hear you speak the name Fère again!
- Councilor Floyd: I thought you were more civilized than this.
- De La Fère: Rude, maybe. But it feels kinda good to be rude, doesn't it?
- Councilor Floyd: I've had enough!
- Councilor Floyd: Soldiers! Tear De La Fère to pieces!!
- Councilor Floyd: First you, and then your damned family!
- Councilor Floyd: I'm going to kill every single member of the Fère family that I can get my hands on!
- De La Fère: Hahahaha!
- De La Fère: You're the one who doesn't understand the situation!
- Councilor Floyd: Kill him!!
- The Shadowhunters don't move
- Councilor Floyd: You... Why are you hesitating?! Kill this man!
- Shadowhunters Guard: You are no commander of mine. My brothers and I will not obey your orders!
- Councilor Floyd: What?
- Shadowhunters Guard: I am the lieutenant to the commander of the Fire Nexus! I take orders from General Takashi, and General Takashi alone!
- Councilor Floyd: Huh! When the hell did you get in here?!
- Councilor Floyd: It doesn't matter...
- Floyd looks at the other Shadowhunters
- Councilor Floyd: Men! You glorious men! Work with the spies and send them to hell!
- Shadowhunters: We only follow the orders of General Takashi!
- Councilor Floyd: No... It can't be... When did you wear the armor of the Shadowhunters?
- Bull Force Captain: We took them from your men, of course.
- Councilor Floyd: What?!
- Two of the Shadowhunters go to De La Fère's aid
- Ambush Force Warrior: Captain! Captain!
- Ambush Force Warrior: Captain, you're hurt...
- De La Fère: It's just a flesh wound, don't worry...
- De La Fère stands up
- De La Fère: You're right, we do have a lot in common.
- De La Fère: You are noble and value that nobility very much. That's how I used to be...
- De La Fère: You don't look your men in the eye. You look down upon the warriors who would give their lives for you!
- De La Fère: And when you hold the key to victory, you will show off your achievements and brag about everything you've done.
- De La Fère: We nobles love to humiliate our dying opponents and rub it in...
- De La Fère: And that is why we will be defeated.
- De La Fère: We inherited the power of our ancestors, while the civilian fighters had nothing...
- De La Fère: But they throw themselves into battle with passion, wielding their swords in the name of loyalty and glory.
- De La Fère: They may not be as strong as we are, but they have something that we don't...
- De La Fère: Courage!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: ...
- Bull Force Captain: ...
- Ambush Force Warrior: ...
- Fire Nexus Warriors: ...
- De La Fère: In the Second Shadow War, the six families weren't shy about taking credit for victory.
- De La Fère: But it was the courage of the warriors that really defeated the Shadows...
- De La Fère: That's why the Shadowhunters do not belong to 'Roderick'... The Shadowhunters...
- De La Fère: Belong to the warriors!!
- Councilor Floyd: ...
- Councilor Floyd: Humph! Nevertheless...
- Councilor Floyd: But I have so many men!
- Councilor Floyd: How can this be? We outnumbered you three to one!
- Bull Force Captain: We serve General Takashi. How could we lose to a bunch of traitors like you?!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Councilor Floyd, we have recorded your each and every word.
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Do not resist, and we will take you back to Westhold with dignity.
- Councilor Floyd: Hahaha!
- Councilor Floyd: Did you really think your little trick would succeed?
- Councilor Floyd: There wasn't much that I could do when you were disguised as mercenaries...
- Councilor Floyd: But now you have revealed your identities. Takashi has allied himself with the old guard and is attacking the Fire Nexus, killing Shadowhunters Soldiers.
- Councilor Floyd: Your conduct is hypocritical and traitorous!
- Councilor Floyd: Who will believe the words of traitors?
- Shadowhunters Guard: That's enough, Floyd!
- Two of the Shadowhunters reveal themselves to be Grancy and Sven
- De La Fère: !!
- Grancy: What a pathetic little clown!
- Grancy: If you have an ounce of honor remaining in your heart, you will shut your mouth!
- Sven: You wanted reinforcements from Westhold?
- Sven: Your reinforcements are here!!!
- Player takes off his disguise
- Player: ...
- Choice 1.1 - "You used your underhanded tricks and now blame us for doing the same!!" OR Choice 1.2 - "Your little drama is over, Floyd!!" OR Choice 1.3 - "(Curse words from Earth), Floyd, you (more Earth cursing)!!!"
- No additional dialog
- Scene continues after choices
- One by one, the disguises come off to reveal the top Shadowhunter captains
- Bernard: I'm speechless!
- Bernard: Lord Floyd, please have some dignity...
- Morgan: (angry)
- De La Fère: Sven, Grancy...
- De La Fère: Captain Bernard, Captain Morgan? What are you all doing here?
- Morgan: The Shadowhunters who were due to report to the Mona Altar did not arrive on time...
- Morgan: As the commander of the Mona Altar, I came to see what the hold up was.
- Grancy: It was Mr. Creed who contacted us...
- De La Fère: Mr. Creed?
- Councilor Floyd: ...
- Floyd raises his staff
- Bull Force Captain: Hey! Look out!!
- Floyd launches his attack but Creed drops down and blocks it
- Creed: Be careful, child!
- Creed: The Floyd name has been passed down for thousands of years, and now...
- Creed: All that's left is base and contemptible.
- Councilor Floyd: How dare you speak out of turn, Calais!
- Creed: The Shadowhunter reinforcements you requested have retreated.
- Creed: Your entire plot has been laid bare.
- Creed: It's over!
- Creed: Surrender, you old bastard!
- Councilor Floyd: ...
- Councilor Floyd: Ha!
- Councilor Floyd: Hahaha!
- Floyd retreats back to his two officers
- Councilor Floyd: Hahahaha!
- Floyd begins to gather flux around him
- De La Fère: Whoa!!!
- De La Fère: Look out, everyone!!
- Floyd detonates the flux on himself, killing the two officers in his suicide
- De La Fère: !!
- Creed: !!
- Creed: Don't move! It might be a trap!
- Creed checks Floyd's body
- Creed: He's got no heartbeat. Floyd is dead!
- A few moments later...
- Grancy: I've reported the current situation to the Shadowhunter Council!
- Grancy: Due to the major revelations about the River Bend Town incident, the Council has just decided...
- Grancy: To revoke all previously issued sentences, including those of De La Fère and his brother!
- Player: Isn't that great news, De La Fère?
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- Takashi's Lieutenant: The general is safe. Punish us as you see fit!
- Bull Force Captain: Yes! Kill us, if you must!
- Grancy: No matter what the Council decides, I will hold each and every warrior from the Fire Nexus in my heart...
- Grancy: You are the heroes who saved the Shadowhunters!
- Morgan: You are loyal heroes, and fearless warriors!
- Bernard: Yes! Great men, all of you!
- De La Fère: I beseech the Council, do not punish our brothers from the Nexus! The plan to attack the Nexus was my own devising!
- De La Fère: I can shoulder the punishment all on my own!
- Bull Force Captain: What are you talking about, De La Fère?
- Grancy: The warriors of the Fire Nexus had a reason for attacking the Nexus, and it helped eliminate the traitors within the Shadowhunters organization...
- Grancy: But attacking the Nexus is indeed an act of rebellion!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: ...
- Grancy: The Council has ultimately decided not to pursue charges of rebellion against the original warriors of the Fire Nexus, but also not to commend them for their achievements.
- Grancy: Their crime offsets their merits!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Whoa!!
- Grancy: With immediate effect, the exchange order is revoked. All warriors are to return to the Fire Nexus, where they will report to General Takashi, a member of our illustrious Council.
- Suddenly, the entirety of the Fire Nexus erupts in cheers.
- Shadowhunters: Rrraghhhhhhhhhhh!
- Bull Force Captain: Great!!!
- Takashi's Lieutenant: Come with me, brothers. Let's go find the general!
- After everyone leaves, Player talks to De La Fère
- Player: It's finally over...
- De La Fère: Yes.
- Player: I told you I'd stay with you till the end!
- De La Fère: (surprised)
- You and De La Fère hug each other tightly.
- De La Fère: Player...
- Player: (smiles)
- De La Fère: Ah! Ow...
- Player lets go
- Player: De La Fère!
- De La Fère: I can finally relax. But all of a sudden, this pain...
- De La Fère: I'm okay. I'll get used to it...
- De La Fère: You... The Fère thunder arcana I taught you...
- Player: I'm fine, just a little tired, that's all.
- Player: I'm so tired I could pass out...
- Player: I had the help of more than a dozen arcanists, I used less than 20% of the power of their arcana, and I'm still dead tired.
- Player: Fortunately, in any case, we deceived the defenders.
- Creed: Hey!
- Creed: What did you just say?
- De La Fère: Huh? What are you talking about?
- Creed: Why did you stand in front of me when Floyd blew himself up? You don't think I can protect myself?
- Creed: I can withstand that kind of arcana!
- Creed: If you're trying to do me a favor, forget about it!
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: I was just trying to protect a brother from the Ambush Force, don't read too much into it.
- Creed: Whatever you say...
- Creed: Your plan went off without a hitch today, so I'll let this one go!
- Creed: You can look after your own general from now on, I'm too busy.
- De La Fère: (smiles)
- De La Fère: Speaking of which, Mr. Creed...
- Creed: I know what you're going to ask.
- Creed: Takashi approached me while you guys were investigating River Bend Town.
- Creed: I did my own covert investigation in River Bend Town, but I didn't find anything suspicious.
- Creed: Since then, I've been secretly keeping an eye on you and investigating additional matters as they pop up!
- Creed: I heard you all making your plans at the factory in the Red Desert.
- Creed: I didn't think you'd be able to catch that old bastard, so I brought Grancy along and followed your plan.
- De La Fère: Oh...
- Creed: What's that expression for? Takashi isn't the only Shadowhunter that I know...
- De La Fère: No... I'm wondering how you got past my surveillance array without me noticing?
- Creed: Ahem...
- Player: *Puff*...
- Creed: So that's what you wanted to know.
- Creed: You've only been learning arcana for a few years, and you think you can catch me?
- De La Fère: !!
- De La Fère: Incredible...
- De La Fère: Mr. Creed, once everything is back to normal at the Nexus, would you mind giving me a few pointers?
- Creed: No time!
- Creed walks away
- De La Fère: Ugh...
- Player: Creed wants you to kiss his butt a little bit...
- De La Fère: Really?
- Player: He likes to pretend he doesn't have a care in the world.
- De La Fère: ...
- De La Fère: Oh... Well, next time I see him, I'll apologize.
- Player: Haha it's fine, Creed doesn't care.
- De La Fère: Oh, yeah! Player...
- De La Fère: When things settle down, I want to hold a celebration feast at home.
- De La Fère: Player...will you come?
- Player: To the celebration feast?
- Player: Sure!
- Continue to Intimacy Level 12
Gallery[]
Skins[]
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| Epiphany Skin Reach Epiphany Level 4 to unlock |
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| Right | Left |
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| Cool Skin Unlock with Cool Skin Coupon x100 |
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| Front/Default | Back |
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| Right | Left |
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Speech[]
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Photos[]
| Title: Unyielding Thunder Artist: Mentaiko Itto Unlock requirements: De La Fère's Intimacy reaches Lv.7 to unlock |
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| Title: 被表揚了~ Artist: Mentaiko Itto Unlock requirements: De La Fère's Epiphany reaches 2-Star and Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock |
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Audio[]
Note: Skins will use the audio from the basic skin unless indicated otherwise.
De La Fère's Basic Skin[]
- Butler Interactions
- Before Intimacy Level 7
- Head: Hmm, the interior design and decorations are quite plain... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that...
ENG CN JP - Torso: Armor? No need! Fère knights won't let any foe get this close!
ENG CN JP - Waist: The is the badge of the Fire Nexus elite team, proof of having General Takashi's trust.
ENG CN JP
- Head: Hmm, the interior design and decorations are quite plain... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that...
- After reaching Intimacy Level 7
- Head: I always get bored as time goes by. When I get some time off, I'll take you to the River Bend Town!
ENG CN JP - Torso: You've been touching this area a lot lately... Are you telling me I need to work out?
ENG CN JP - Waist: S...stop it! It may trigger something hindering my duties.
ENG CN JP
- Head: I always get bored as time goes by. When I get some time off, I'll take you to the River Bend Town!
- Before Intimacy Level 7
- Skills
- Basic: Lightning strike!
ENG CN JP - Advanced: My lance will break your formation!
ENG CN JP - Ultimate: Thunder, let's end this darkness!
ENG CN JP
- Basic: Lightning strike!
- Arrival: This is the lance of glory and thunder! Come at me if you wish to die!
ENG CN JP - Display Voice 1: You never heard of it? It's okay, Fère's name will be known all over Luxium in no time.
ENG CN JP - Display Voice 2: In the name of the Bull, and with the thunder power, I'll send the Shadows away!
ENG CN JP - Display Voice 3: No power? Hmm… Hey, what do you think I am?!?
ENG CN JP - Hit: *grunts*
ENG CN JP - Dying: I've… put my family… to shame.
ENG CN JP
Video[]
Spotlight CN