Volkov

Volkov
'Wanna feel the smack of my big mace?'
Physical Information
Height	193cm
Weight	100kg
Age	26
Birthdate	June 20
Gender	Male
Identity	Flux Engineering Student
Like	Cold Beer
Dislike	Academy Uniform
Weapon	Fang Arcana Hammer
Classification
Element	Arcana
Class	Warrior
Artist Credits
Artist	かうべる牛頭夫 (gozu_farm)
CV	CN: 青琳皓 (Qing Linhao) EN: Justin Cabanting JP:

Volkov - Gangster Boss from BlackFlame City

Currently studying at the Arcana Academy.

The academy bully who stands up for justice; the raging king of Sharp Fangs

Intro

Arcana Academy - Student majored in Arcana Potions, Chitzkoi's Journal

Day 1

Since my therapist suggested I keep a journal, I thought I'd at least give it a shot. Today was the same as usual: experiment, go to class, eat, give that bully my money... Oh, I almost forgot! Today we have a new student; his name is Volkov! Well, he says he's a new student, but he doesn't look like a student at all! His shoulder has a big tattoo on it, and he carries his staff on his shoulder like a big mace. He's got the physique of a bear - he's so huge that his school uniform is all stretched out and torn! Who's he trying to seduce with those big muscles and that great figure? He's got a big scar on his face and he looks absolutely menacing - yet another thug! If I have to start paying even more protection fees, I won't have enough money to afford lunch! And the worst part? This guy is now my roommate! The moment we met, he treated me like we were old pals, laughing and saying strange things... 'You're my roommate? Haha, I'll treat you just like a little brother. From now on, I've got your back!'

I hate that whole gang mentality: bosses, underlings, and the like. It's so puerile! However, seeing those giant crucible-sized fists, I gave him a casual reply to brush him off. Now he's sleeping across from me, snoring like an earthquake. Sigh, I guess it's going to be another sleepless night for me.

Day 5

Over the past couple of days, he's beaten up all the bullies in the academy and has even claimed the Arcana Academy as his turf. He doesn't know that these bullies' parents are all high-ranking officials in the Order of Equality and Oathblades. If he keeps this up, he might end up making enemies of both organizations. I told him, but he just gave me a dumb smile and said: 'Haha! I don't care who they are. I'll beat 'em all up! I can't stand people who use their power to bully the weak!'

After he said that, he returned to me all of the protection money I've paid out over the past few days. Volkov is one strange guy...

Day 80

I can't get a wink of sleep without the boss in here snoring! He snuck out to go drinking, and he still isn't back yet. I'm really worried! Ah, forget it. I'll just have to take notes for him in tomorrow's flux arcana class.

Forming a Pact

Volkov's rarity: SSR

Max Epiphany without Illumination: Level 6

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

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

Skills

Basic

	Concentrated Flux Bomb Cost: 10 Mana Cool Down: None Flux: Non-elemental Type: Ranged
Skill Description
Volkov fires compressed mixed flux, dealing P.DMG equal to P.ATK * [Skill Level] + Polarized Flux Container's Damage Storage * 50% to a single target, with a relatively low chance of inflicting Stun. Stun: While the effect is active, the character cannot be controlled. Lasts 1 round. This effect can be purified. Skill Level 135% 145% 155% 165% 175%
Passives
Requires 50 Gyee Insight to unlock Armor-piercing Flux Concentrated Flux Bomb ignores 30% of the target's P.DEF.

Advanced

	Mace Strike Cost: 30 Mana Cool Down: 2 Rounds Flux: Arcana Type: Melee
Skill Description
Volkov swings his big mace, dealing P.DMG equal to P.ATK * [Skill Level] + Polarized Flux Container's Damage Storage * 50% to a single target. Skill Level 225% 270% 285% 300% 315%
Passives
Requires 150 Gyee Insight each to unlock Big Mace Deterrence Mace Strike ignores 50% of the target's P.DEF. Burning Mace After Mace Strike deals damage, the target's current energy (Flux, Focus, Concentration, Rage) will fall by 100%, and Passionate Duellist will be granted to self. Passionate Duellist: Special buff. Flux will not be consumed the next time Fire Fang Fist is used. This effect lasts until battle ends and cannot be dispelled. Passionate Duellist will be lost when Fire Fang Fist is used.

Ultimate

	Fire Fang Fist Cost: 70 Mana Cool Down: None Flux: Arcana Type: Ranged
Skill Description
Volkov channels the energy from his body into his arm, removing all debuffs from self. After applying Brutal Fury to self, deals P.DMG equal to P.ATK * [Skill Level] + Polarized Flux Container's Damage Storage * 100% to 1 enemy. Brutal Fury: Special buff. Increases own P.ATK by 50% and Speed by 100% for 2 rounds. This effect cannot be dispelled. Skill Level 500% 530% 560% 590% 620%
Passives
Requires 300 Gyee Insight each to unlock Corroded Fang Deals extra pure damage equal to Original Skill Damage * 20% + own lost HP * 30% to the main target. This damage ignores shields. Feral Fang Fire Fang Fist ignores 70% of the target's P.DEF and adds Scar of the Fang to the target. When Volkov has over 50% HP, Fire Fang Fist deals 35% more damage. Scar of the Fang: Special debuff. When the target takes damage, 20% of the damage will be converted into HP for the attacker. This effect lasts 2 rounds, cannot stack, and cannot be purified. Resilient Fang After casting Fire Fang Fist, grants Never Yield on self. Never Yield: Blood Lock-type effect. While effect is active, self is immune to Fear and death. This effect lasts 1 round, cannot be dispelled, and is mutually exclusive with other Blood Lock and Ablaze effects.

Mastery

	Academy Gangster Cost: None Cool Down: None
Skill Description
Volkov has a strong physique and extremely strong talent for resisting arcana, rendering him immune to Paralysis and Stun effects. Volkov gains Polarized Flux Container and 5 stacks of Boss's Prestige at the start of battle. All types of damage are increased by (13.00% + Mastery Bonus). When taking skill damage, Volkov's Polarized Flux Container will absorb 50% of the damage and store it. Polarized Flux Container: Special buff. Stores some damage taken, then releases it upon dealing damage, reducing damage storage by the same amount. Max damage storage amount is equal to own max HP * 100%. This effect lasts until battle ends and cannot be dispelled. When the amount stored reaches the limit, Load Limit is granted on self. While Load Limit is in effect, Volkov loses control over flux release. When own round ends, stored amount will automatically fall by 20%, but excess flux will increase Volkov's normal attack damage by 300%. Boss's Prestige: Special buff. Each stack reduces all types of damage taken by 15%. Stackable up to 5 stacks. This effect lasts until battle ends and cannot be dispelled. When an ally dies, 1 stack is removed. Each ally's death can only trigger stack loss 1 time. Load Limit: Silence-type effect. While the effect is active, the character can only use normal attacks. This effect lasts 2 rounds and cannot be purified.

Imprint

Basic Engraving

• Valor Engraving (MaxHP +1.92% per Engraving level)
  • Each engraving level requires I.N. Flux - Arcana 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.

• Cat and Gang - Unbelievable! The fourth-in-command of the infamous Fang Gang is secretly…
  • Cue: A few moments later, Volkov has finished his bath.
    • I didn't expect you to be a cat lover, Volkov!
      900 Intimacy
    • I wish I could transform into a cat so you could hold me...
      900 Intimacy
    • I'm curious, how did you get those cats to behave?
      900 Intimacy

• Bail - President Vundo sends you an urgent communication saying that Volkov's been arrested by the Defense Force. Go to the Defense Force and find out what happened, but no matter what, pay Volkov's bail and set him free.
  • Cue: But now that it's come to this, I need to figure out what to do.
    • Apologize to the victim...
      500 Intimacy
    • If it was the other guy who attacked first, perhaps...
      900 Intimacy
    • Go ask Izumi and see if there's anything he can do.
      700 Intimacy

• A Suitable Boyfriend - One day, Volkov emerges from the Oathblades training ground with a blank expression on his face. He walks straight to the harbor and knocks on the door of the Hottie Bar...
  • Cue: Ah... I'm not some kind of freak, am I?
    • You haven't found 'love' yet.
      900 Intimacy
    • When it comes to emotions, you can't rush things~
      900 Intimacy
    • Then can I be your boyfriend?
      900 Intimacy

Intimacy Blocks

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

• Intimacy Level 7
  • S - Cold Beer
    • Beer taken from a water-cooled container. This ice-cold and refreshing beverage is Volkov's favorite.
      Used to break through Volkov's Intimacy. Obtained in Extreme Fight.
• Intimacy Level 11
  • Special Light of Lights
    • The Hottie Bar's specialty. When sunlight shines down, it refracts into beautiful, rainbow-colored beams. At first, it has a slightly bitter, burning taste, but its aftertaste is refreshing and sweet.
      Used to break through Volkov's Intimacy. Obtained in Extreme Fight.

Basic Drink Preferences

50% bonus

No bonus

25% 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.

• Yaen: He's a scary guy. None of the teachers and classmates like him. Stay far away from him~ I'm a good kid. I wouldn't lie...
  Yaen's Intimacy reaches Lv.2 to unlock
• Antonio: Volkov was just a young teenager back when the boss of the Fang Gang took him in. The Fang Gang wouldn't be where it is today without him. If the brothers I trusted back then had been as loyal as Volkov, then maybe... Ha! I won't say more.
  Antonio's Intimacy reaches Lv.4 to unlock
• Vundo: He's the new troublemaker at the academy! He's obviously talented with arcana, but instead of studying, he spends every day practicing martial arts, fighting, and causing trouble! Turing went off to make machines, Yaen is full of mischief, and Volkov only likes to fight. Sigh... How come all the gifted children hate studying arcana? Could it be... Is it a problem with the way I teach?
  Vundo's Intimacy reaches Lv.6 to unlock
• Miles - Blood Wolf: Volkov and I didn't get to know each other until we fought, but now we get along famously! He reminds me of the person I was a year ago - he has brothers who would fight to the death by his side, and a boss who commands his respect and loyalty. As long as he can drink with his brothers every day, he's happy. Yeah... I truly, truly hope he can stay this happy forever.
  Miles-BloodWolf's Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock
• Fang Gang Member: He's our fourth-in-command! He's ruthless to our enemies, but a completely different person when it comes to us brothers. He drinks with us all the time, and when we mess things up, he'll speak up for us. If a brother is in trouble, he'll even reach into his own pockets to help! There is no kinder or better guy in all of BlackFlame City!
• Arcana Academy Student: Ahh! I was wrong! I'll never steal from a classmate again! Huh? You're not one of Volkov's men? Then why is a mere commoner like you getting in my way? Stop wasting my time! Beat it!
• Never Isle Foreman: This big guy often comes here to work. He's hardworking, strong, and very generous. Everybody loves him.

Scripts

Consolation Letter

Hey, brother! It's me, Volkov!

The boss is visiting Never Isle today, and he brought a lot of specialties from BlackFlame City. There's so much my brothers and I can't finish them, so I'm giving some to you - just take this as repayment for all the stuff you brought me. Like the boss says, 'treat others how you wish to be treated.' If you like them, I can have my brothers from BlackFlame City send you some more!

Well, that's all I have to say. I'm no good at writing letters. Come drink with me when you get the time!

Bath Drama

• Phew... Nothing feels better after a fight than a nice bath!
• Take a bath together? Okay! You can help me scrub my back.
• Hey! How long have you been staring at me? Give it a rest!

Fave Hottie Slogan

Hey, thanks! From now on, I've got your back!

Branch

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

Freshmen of Arcana

-Part 1

Note: This story takes place after Markus-Furious_Lion

After the Battle of New Azria...

Never Isle, at the Arcana Academy.

Player enters the Academy

President's Assistant: Oh, Mr. Player, you're here.

Player: Hello, President Vundo wanted to see me...

President's Assistant: Yes, yes...

President's Assistant: However, the President is busy right now. He probably won't be able to meet with you until later.

Player: Oh...

Player: I understand.

Player: After all, he's been quite busy since the war ended.

President's Assistant: Thank you for understanding, Mr. Player.

President's Assistant: You may take a seat in the rest area while you wait.

Player: Okay!

Many students, arcanists, and others fill the Academy's main hall

Player: The academy hasn't felt this busy in quite a while.

President's Assistant: After the war ended, the Arcana Academy resumed student recruitment.

President's Assistant: We've also resumed academic exchanges and cooperation with Luxium's other arcana institutions.

President's Assistant: I apologize for all the commotion, Mr. Player.

Player: No, no! I think it's a good thing!

Meanwhile, in a certain corner of the academy...

Panicked Student: Whoa!!!

Panicked Student: Stay away! Don't come near me!

A student frantically runs away from a large man holding a wicked staff

The student runs into a dead end

???: Hurry up! I don't have time for this!

Panicked Student: Why, you...!

Panicked Student: Do you know who I am? Do you have any idea who my father is?!

???: What's your old man got to do with me?

Panicked Student: You picked the wrong person to mess with!

Panicked Student: My dad will beat the crap out of you!

???: Ha!

Panicked Student: My dad will break your legs!

Panicked Student: And then beat the crap out of you!

???: (smiles)

The large man continues his approach while the student backs into the wall

Panicked Student: (Gulp)

???: ...

Panicked Student: You won't leave the Arcana Academy alive today!

???: Ha! Oh yeah?

???: Maybe I won't leave here alive today...

???: But before that...

The big guy turns his head to look at the staff behind him.

???: I'm gonna hang you up and shove this stick up your ass!

Panicked Student: Ah!

Panicked Student: That thing... Could it really...

???: If you're lucky, you'll live.

???: But there won't be much left of your ass.

???: If you're unlucky, you'll die...

???: And if I won't be leaving the Arcana Academy alive...

???: Then I'll be right behind you.

Panicked Student: Ugh...

???: Like a mouse in the corner of a cat's mouth...

???: You'll be my plaything...forever.

Panicked Student: Ohh!

Back at the Academy's rest area...

President's Assistant: Please wait just a moment, Mr. Player. I'll go steep you a cup of tea.

Player: You're too kind...

Suddenly, a piercing scream rings out from a distance.

Panicked Student: Aaahhhhhhh!

President's Assistant: Oh! What's going on?

Player: I think someone just screamed...

Player: Could it be...?

Choice 1.1 - Did something happen?

President's Assistant: Maybe a student failed an experiment again.

Player: That was a pretty miserable scream for a failed experiment.

Choice 1.2 - A murder!!

President's Assistant: M-murder?

President's Assistant: You're exaggerating, right?

Player: Call the police and an ambulance!

President's Assistant: Call the...what?

Player: Uh... Notify the Defense Force and a hierophant from the church...

President's Assistant: You're exaggerating, right?

President's Assistant: It's probably just another failed experiment.

Conversation continues after choices

Player: Either way, we'd better go take a look!

President's Assistant: The scream came from over by the advanced arcana classrooms...

President's Assistant: Follow me!

A few moments later...

Multiple people surround the large man and panicked student, checking to see the origin of the scream

???: Tsk! What are all these people doing here?

Panicked Student: (Sobbing)

???: Okay, okay, nothing to see here! Beat it!

Player and the assistant arrive

Player: (Whoa...that's one strong dude!)

Player: (I don't recognize him. Is he one of the academy's new teachers?)

Player: (Who's that skinny student with him?)

Panicked Student: (Legs shaking, babbling)

Player: (It doesn't look like the student's been hurt...)

Player: (But he's had the hell scared out of him...)

Player: (It looks like the big guy is doing something to him.)

Player: (...)

Player: (Could it be? Is this teacher using corporal punishment against this student? Is that why the student called out for help?)

Choice 2.1 - (I don't have any proof of that. Let's watch and see what happens...)

Player: (Besides, I've been in Luxium for a while now...)

Player: (There's no way that big guy is some kind of villain!)

Player: (I'd better figure out what's going on before I start throwing around wild accusations like that.)

Choice 2.2 - (Wow... There must be something wrong with my eyesight.)

Player: (That student is pretty small and frail. There's nothing out of the ordinary about him.)

Player: (He's wearing branded clothing, but there's nothing too special about it.)

Player: (Why would this teacher pick on a kid like this?)

Player: (If he was going to use corporal punishment, it'd have to be on someone like me.)

Scene continues after choices

President's Assistant: I'm the president's assistant. What's going on here?

Arcanist: The president's assistant is here! Everyone, make way!

President's Assistant: Ah! You again?!

???: Ugh...

???: The president's assistant...

Player: You know this man?

President's Assistant: Of course I know him. He's Volkov, a freshman in Flux Engineering.

Player: A freshman?

Player: What?! You're telling me that this big guy is a freshman?!

President's Assistant: Yes.

President's Assistant: And he's nothing but trouble!

Volkov: Huh!

Volkov: But I... I didn't do anything!

Volkov: Isn't that right, Mr. Wes?

Panicked Student: That's right! He's right!

Panicked Student: Mr. Volkov didn't do anything!

Player: ...

Volkov: See...

President's Assistant: ...

President's Assistant: Hmm? Mr. Wes, don't you usually wear a gemstone pendant?

President's Assistant: I see you're not wearing it today.

Panicked Student: Uh...

Volkov: (Furrows brow)

Panicked Student: Oh... I didn't wear it today. I left it at home...

Player: (Hmm... So it's not corporal punishment, it's robbery?)

Player: (A muscular, hulking figure whose stern face could rival that of an evil god...)

Player: (A face befitting a robber, no?)

Volkov: Ahem!

President's Assistant: Really? Don't be scared! If something's wrong, the President and I will back you up!

Volkov: Yeah, don't be scared! If something's wrong, just spit it out.

Panicked Student: Ahh... I haven't been threatened! I'm fine! Don't worry about me!

Panicked Student: I wanna leave. Let me leave!!

The student runs away

President's Assistant: Hey, wait!

President's Assistant: Uh...

Volkov: See? I didn't do anything...

Player: ...

President's Assistant: Fine!

President's Assistant: There's nothing to see here, folks! Go back to your classes and experiments!

The crowd disperses

Volkov: (smiles)

President's Assistant: I'm warning you, Volkov! We will not allow you to bully your classmates!

President's Assistant: If this happens again, I will tell the President, and have him tell your...

The big guy's fierce expression is suddenly filled with panic.

Volkov: No, no, no! Don't!

Volkov: I know! I haven't bullied my classmates, and I won't bully them in the future, either!

President's Assistant: As long as you understand!

President's Assistant: Calm down and stop causing trouble!

Volkov: Heh! See ya later, teacher!

A moment later...

Player: ...

Player: (It's obvious that big guy was robbing and scaring the hell out of that other student.)

Player: (This isn't too big of a problem, but it isn't a small one, either.)

Player: (But the president's assistant doesn't seem to want to pursue the matter further, to avoid escalating the situation.)

Player: (Hmm... I'll just keep an eye on things.)

President's Assistant: Phew... Luckily, it was a big fuss about nothing...

President's Assistant: And not a matter of life and death.

Player: ...

President's Assistant: (His arcana crystal rings.)

President's Assistant: Oh, it's a comm from the president.

President's Assistant: ...

President's Assistant: All right, understood! I'll bring Player along.

President's Assistant: The president's got time now. He's waiting for you in the Shadow Flux Lab.

President's Assistant: I'll take you there.

In the Shadow Flux Lab at the Arcana Academy.

Vundo oversees three arcanists and their experiment

Vundo: All right, that's it for now. Great work, everyone!

Vundo: Take this opportunity to go get a bite to eat. We'll continue the experiment in an hour!

Academy Arcanist: Yes, sir!

Academy Arcanist: Do you need a meal brought in for you?

Vundo: Yes, same as yesterday. Thank you!

Academy Arcanist: No need to thank me, sir!

Player greets Vundo

Player: President Vundo? You were looking for me?

Vundo: Player! I'm sorry, have you been waiting long?

Player: Not at all. But Mr. President...

Player: You should eat your meal first. We'll chat after the experiment is over.

Vundo: I'm afraid the experiment won't be over till the middle of the night.

Vundo: Besides, there was something important that I wanted to talk to you about, Player.

Player: Something important?

Vundo: How have you been lately, Player? Busy?

Player: Me?

Player: Lately, I've been bored to tears.

Player: After the Battle of New Azria, the Shadows all across the continent scattered. Even the Shadows in the Loong Mountains have been extremely quiet.

Player: The White Capes have put a hold on their pursuit of Gyees. They've even stopped attacking us in the media!

Player: Luxium has become a peaceful place, full of people singing and dancing!

Player: Of course, this is a good thing...

Player: But I really haven't had anything to do lately.

Vundo: The Gyees single-handedly crushed the Shadow Fortress head-on.

Vundo: The White Capes aren't stupid - they won't mess with us when we're at the height of our power.

Vundo: We took out three Shadow Reapers. We eliminated countless Shadow Minions and Shadowcultists.

Vundo: The Shadowlord will have to think twice before attacking us again.

Vundo: But at the same time, the power of the Shadow Reapers greatly exceeded our expectations.

Vundo: We should use this peace to plan for the next crisis!

Vundo: It is with this in mind that the Arcana Academy has opened up the research of Shadow Flux.

Vundo: All interested researchers and students are able to research it now.

Player: You've opened up Shadow Flux research? Isn't that dangerous?

Vundo: Don't worry. All Shadow Flux research must go through my approval.

Vundo: I personally hand over Shadow Flux Crystals to applicants.

Vundo: Opening up the research of Shadow Flux will allow us to more easily make progress. Young researchers are always discovering new ways of looking at things.

Player: With you keeping an eye on it, there's nothing to worry about.

Player: The past couple of days, in addition to resting and recuperating, the Oathblades and Order of Equality...

Player: Have been investigating the Shadows non-stop, capturing Shadowcultists and living Shadows...

Player: So they were supplying the Arcana Academy with Shadow materials...

Vundo: Some of it was given to us for our research. They were also conducting some research of their own...

Vundo: We cleared out a Shadow Lab and lent it to them.

Vundo: Of course, they will have experienced researchers supporting them.

Player: That's good...

Player: But I've heard that the Shadows aren't as active recently. It's hard to find them.

Vundo: That's right, and it's not just us. The Shadowhunters and White Capes are also researching the Shadows.

Vundo: Shadow Flux has become a rare commodity. A shadow crystal the size of your palm doesn't have much flux.

Vundo: And yet they're worth more than their weight in gold!

Player: Wow! They're really that valuable?

Vundo: Some research professors are even considering going to the black market to look for some.

Player: Black market?

Vundo: I put an end to it! The academy will not engage in any behavior that violates the laws of Never Isle!

Vundo: There aren't enough Shadow Flux research materials to go around, so...

Vundo: I want to start by focusing on the power to defeat the Shadows!

Player: The power to defeat the Shadows...

Player: (You take a look at the Wheel of Fate.)

Player: Back in the Shadow Fortress, the Wheel of Fate's light sealed the Shadow Reaper's spatial power.

Vundo: Yes. We won the Battle of New Azria, thanks in no small part to the Wheel of Fate.

Vundo: I know that our top priority must be to finish charging the Wheel of Fate.

Vundo: Charging the Wheel of Fate will not only allow you to return home, Player, it will also be our trump card!

Vundo: But I wonder if you might lend it to the Arcana Academy and let us study it for a while.

Vundo: If the Arcana Academy could just understand some of the Wheel of Fate's power, even just a tiny bit...

Vundo: It might give us the advantage we need to triumph over the Shadows in our next battle.

Player: Lend out the Wheel of Fate...

Vundo: Of course, the Arcana Academy wouldn't waste the opportunity.

Vundo: If you have any requirements, Player, the academy would be more than happy to meet them!

Player: I don't have any requirements. We know each other better than that, President Vundo.

Player: Before, the Shadows consumed a large amount of Luxium's flux in order to summon the Shadow Reaper.

Player: Now, all of the Flux Nexus cores are in a slumbering state.

Player: So for the time being, I can't go to the Fire Nexus to charge up.

Player: It does no good keeping it on me. I might as well let you use it for research.

Vundo: Haha, thank you!

Vundo: You've been constantly on the move trying to fight the Shadow Reapers, Player.

Vundo: The Shadows and the White Capes so rarely stay in place, you'd better take this opportunity to get some rest.

Vundo: There's more to Luxium than mere hatred and slaughter. Take a trip, enjoy some of the finer things Luxium has to offer!

Player: Okay! Peaceful times are hard to come by...

Player: Peaceful times...

Player: (Now then, how should I bring up the incident where the big guy tried to rob his classmate?)

Player: (Peaceful times really are hard to come by...)

Vundo: What's wrong, Player?

Player: ...

Player: Have you heard of a student named Volkov?

Vundo: Huh!

Vundo: What did that ne'er-do-well do now?

Vundo: He struck another professor, didn't he?

Vundo: Did he destroy another classroom?

Player: What?!

Player: No, no!

Player: (Why is the president so angry?)

Vundo: Phew.

Vundo: You know him, Player?

Choice 3.1 - (Tell him that Volkov might be stealing from his classmate.)

Player: I wouldn't say I know him. I only ran into him just now...

Player: He...might have stolen a classmate's gemstone pendant.

Vundo: What?

Vundo: It's not like he's poor. What's he doing robbing other students?

Player: Oh, uh... I don't really have any proof, it's just a conjecture. A guess!

Vundo: You wouldn't suspect someone else completely without reason, Player...

Vundo: I'll keep an eye on this situation. Once I'm done with today's experiment, I'll take a closer look!

Choice 3.2 - (Don't tell him that Volkov might be stealing from his classmate.)

Player: (The president's got so much on his plate, and he's under a lot of pressure. I really shouldn't bothering him with this...)

Player: I just happened to bump into him when you were involved with your experiment.

Player: Usually, a buff guy like that would go join the Oathblades.

Player: Why is he studying arcana at the Arcana Academy?

Vundo: I was wondering about that as well...

Vundo: But the Arcana Academy does not reject applicants.

Vundo: As long as someone is interested in studying, can pay the fees, and has enough basic talent when it comes to arcana, they're welcome to study at the academy.

Conversation continues after choices

Vundo: Ugh... Just talking about Volkov grinds my gears!

Vundo: But I must say, I'm a bit reluctant to kick him out.

Player: Oh?

Vundo: Nevermind his buff appearance...

Vundo: His talent with arcana is extraordinary. With a little work, he might achieve great things!

Vundo: But I have no idea what's going on in that head of his.

Vundo: He's truant every day. All he ever does is give me trouble!

Vundo: More than one teacher warned me that someone from that kind of place is a disaster waiting to happen.

Player: 'That kind of place'...?

Vundo: Sorry, I misspoke.

Vundo: Don't get me wrong, Player. The Arcana Academy treats students from all backgrounds fairly.

Player: I understand!

Player: Never Isle is a tolerant and inclusive place. Naturally, the Arcana Academy is as well.

Player: Shadow research is important, but you need to be careful to maintain a good work-life balance.

Vundo: Don't worry, I'll be careful!

A while later, outside the Shadow Flux Lab...

President's Assistant: I'll walk you back, Player.

Player: You're too kind!

Just then, a loud clamor erupted nearby.

Voice Outside the Door: Ah, not again...

Voice Outside the Door: Damn... Sounds like there's going to be a fight...

Player: ...

Player: That doesn't sound good...

President's Assistant: (Pained smile)

President's Assistant: Tell me it's not that blockhead Volkov again...

Player: You wanna go have a look?

President's Assistant: I suppose...

Further down the hallway, a group of Oathblades butts heads with a group from the Order of Equality

Oathblades Warrior: Killing Shadows and capturing Shadowcultists is a man's work - just leave it up to us Oathblades.

Oathblades Warrior: The ladies of the Order of Equality are better off applying their expertise to scam some other city out of its money!

Order of Equality Director: What did you just say? Say that again!

Oathblades Warrior: Whoa! Looks like I hit the nail on the head. She's about to blow her top!

Order of Equality Director: Ahhh! You warmongering thug!!

Order of Equality Director: Calm down. The commander already instructed us not to clash with the Oathblades.

Player: Is this the place?

Player: What's going on? Why are the Oathblades and Order of Equality fighting here?

Bystander Arcanist A: This has become somewhat of a daily routine. I'm used to it by now.

Bystander Arcanist B: Watching these guys fight each other gives us a nice little break after a long day of arcana research.

Player: ...

President's Assistant: There's got to be some reason for this!

Bystander Arcanist A: I heard it's because of the shadow samples.

Bystander Arcanist B: The Oathblades and Order of Equality both made appointments at the Shadow Analysis Lab for the same time. They want to analyze the shadow samples they found.

President's Assistant: Oh! They made appointments at the Shadow Analysis Lab...

Bystander Arcanist A: Whoever bungled this one is gonna be in for it.

Bystander Arcanist B: It's a good thing you're here. Why don't you check and see who actually has an appointment at the lab?

Player: Yeah. The president won't be happy if this really does come to a fight.

President's Assistant: I'll ask the arcanist in charge. (Takes out arcana crystal.)

President's Assistant: Yes. It's me. I have a question...

President's Assistant: What?

Player: ?

President's Assistant: What the hell are you guys doing over there?!

Player: What's wrong?

President's Assistant: Sigh... The Arcana Academy's been so busy lately, the arcanist in charge of appointments made a mistake.

President's Assistant: The Oathblades and Order of Equality were double-booked.

Player: You're saying they're both right?

President's Assistant: I suppose...

Player: ...

Player: Well, all I can do now is tell them the truth.

Moments later, you inform the warriors about the Arcana Academy's mistake.

President's Assistant: In short, we'd like to extend our sincerest apologies.

President's Assistant: If you would please make another appointment...

Order of Equality Director: Well... Our samples are pretty important. They cannot be delayed.

Order of Equality Director: Can we use the lab first?

President's Assistant: Uh...

Oathblades Warrior: No way! We Oathblades found some shadow sorcery samples in BlackFlame City. They're too valuable!

Oathblades Warrior: If something happens to them because their analysis was delayed, our boss will have our hides for sure!

President's Assistant: Hmm... Can't you both use the lab together? You don't have that many samples...

President's Assistant: You can use the lab's instruments at the same time.

Oathblades Warrior: You mean work alongside those sissies? No way!

Order of Equality Director: I could say the same for them! All these brutes know how to do is fight and work out. There's no way they know how to do an experiment!

Player: ...

Oathblades Warrior: What did you just say?

Order of Equality Director: You heard me.

Oathblades Warrior: ...

Oathblades Warrior: The Oathblades give everyone a fair shake!

Oathblades Warrior: Come on! Let's fight for it!

Oathblades Warrior: Whoever gets knocked down has to step aside!

Order of Equality Director: Sigh... You really are a brute who only knows how to fight.

Order of Equality Director: Can't you come up with a less crude way to solve a problem?

Oathblades Warrior: You bastard. Looks like we're in for a fight!

President's Assistant: Come on, don't fight. There's got to be another way...

Oathblades Warrior: Outta my way! I've had it with you Order of Equality bastards!

Oathblades Warrior: (Raises fists)

Order of Equality Director: Everyone saw that, right? It's the Oathblades who are making a fight out of this!

Order of Equality Director: His fist is about to hit my face. Can't hold back now...

Oathblades Warrior: That's the spirit! Come on!

President's Assistant: What should we do, Player?

Player: Ugh... It can't be avoided any longer.

Player: Everyone back up! Don't get caught in the crossfire.

???: Hey!!

Player: !!

Volkov: You guys! This is my territory! No fighting!

President's Assistant: Uh oh! This blockhead is the last thing we need right now...

Volkov gets in the middle of the Oathblades and Order of Equality

Oathblades Warrior: Huh? Don't you recognize my outfit?

Volkov: I don't recognize it, and I don't want to recognize it!

Order of Equality Director: This is official Order of Equality business. Don't get involved!

Volkov: Get out of here! I won't say it a second time!

Order of Equality Director: I don't like the looks of this guy!

Player: Uh... Is this guy...

Player: Really this dense?

Oathblades Warrior: You're the first person brave enough to yell at us Oathblades.

Oathblades Warrior: Show me what you've got!

Order of Equality Director: The Order of Equality needs to teach you some manners, too!

Player: Dammit. The Oathblades and Order of Equality shouldn't behave like common thugs! Stop!

Volkov: Hahhh!!

Volkov proceeds to beat up both groups

Oathblades Warrior: Ugh...how careless!

Order of Equality Director: Uh...

Player: Whoa!!

President's Assistant: He...beat warriors from both the Oathblades and the Order of Equality...

Player: (These guys are seasoned warriors, but they still got knocked down by this guy.)

Player: (What is this guy's story?)

Volkov: Phew.

Volkov: Now that you've seen what I can do...beat it!

Oathblades Warrior: I have to admit... You're not bad...

Order of Equality Director: What am I supposed to tell the commander?

Miles: I've gotta see this for myself...

Miles: Who could possibly be foolish enough to try to fight the Oathblades for the lab?

Miles approaches Volkov

Volkov: Here comes another one...

Player: Miles!

Miles: Whoa! Who beat you guys up?

Oathblades Warrior: Sorry, boss...

Volkov: So you're their boss, huh?

Miles: Who are you?

Volkov: I'm Volkov, freshman in Flux Engineering!

Volkov: This place is under my protection. Troublemakers, leave!

Miles: You guys lost to him?

Oathblades Warrior: Uh...

Miles: You're a pretty interesting fellow.

Volkov: You don't plan to leave?

Volkov: Looks like I'm gonna have to make you suffer.

Player: Wait, wait, wait!

President's Assistant: This is all just one big misunderstanding!

You explain everything that just happened to Miles.

Miles: I see...

Player: That's right! Nobody's been hurt, let's just forget all this!

Miles: But this guy beat up my men.

Miles: It doesn't matter why. I need to strike back!

Miles: Otherwise, what would become of the Oathblades' honor?

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Come on! You're the boss, let's see what you're made of!

Miles takes a fighting stance

Miles: Take cover, you guys. Weapons don't discriminate combatant from bystander!

Volkov takes hold of his staff

Player: It's just a sparring match. You've made your point, now stop it! I said stop it!

Player: Take it easy!

Miles: Don't worry, I know my limits!

Volkov: Are you making fun of me?

Volkov: I'm serious!

Volkov goes for the first strike

Volkov: Hrrrraahhh!!!

Miles: (Dodges attack.)

Miles: (Swings blade downward.)

Volkov: (Raises staff to block.)

The fighting continues...

Player: Hey! Volkov is actually holding his own against Miles?

Player: What's more, he's even able to eke out an advantage using only his physique and strength.

The two of them go back and forth for a few rounds.

Before a clear winner is even determined...

Volkov: Huff, puff...

Miles: (smiles)

Miles: Hey, you already out of breath?

Miles: Your body's not up to snuff, kid. Why don't you train with us Oathblades for a couple of days?

Volkov: Tch! I can keep going as long as you can!

Volkov: Watch this!

Sudden Roar: Stop it now!

Markus, Will and Vundo reach the lab entrance

Markus: (angry)

Miles: Oh! C-Commander...

Vundo: Volkov!!

Volkov: P...President Vundo!

Vundo: My office! Immediately! Right this second! Now!

Later...

Nighttime at the Hottie Bar.

Player: (Yawns)

Player: It's getting late. Time to clean up, take a shower, and get ready for bed.

Player: ...

Player: But I don't feel sleepy...

Player: It was quite a day, but I'm not tired.

Player: I wonder what happened with Miles and Volkov.

Player: Commander Markus's and President Vundo's expressions were pretty serious.

Player: ...

Player: I hope they're okay...

Player: ...

Player: What should I do tomorrow? I've got some free time on my hands!

Just then, you hear a knock at the Hottie Bar's door.

Voice Outside the Door: Player! I saw the lights in your airship were on. Can I come in for a couple drinks?

Player: That voice... Is that Miles?

Player: Miles? But it's so late...

As Player opens the door, Miles and Volkov enter

Player: Oh! It's you...

Volkov: Sorry for the intrusion...

Miles: I wanted to treat Volkov to a drink. I thought about it, and your airship is really the best place.

Miles: So now we're here!

Player: I guess you really don't know someone until you fight them...

Player: This morning, you guys were ready to throw down. Come nighttime, you're already drinking buddies?

Miles: Volkov was disciplined because of my subordinates' recklessness.

Miles: It wouldn't be right not to treat him to some drinks!

Volkov: Hey, it's no problem! I've only been sentenced to clean the off-campus lab for 6 months, and I'm not allowed to go out for two weeks...

Player: You're not allowed to go out? Did you sneak out?

Volkov: It's not every day you meet a brother who can fight and is also easy to get along with.

Volkov: Worst case, they'll just discipline me again. Drinking's more important!

Player: Speaking of which, your commander seemed pretty angry...

Miles: Got a demotion, pay cut, and triple training. Just another day at the barracks, I guess...

Miles: After all, you hit one of my men. I couldn't let that slide!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Miles is a true man.

Miles: How about it? Wanna have a couple drinks with me?

Miles: I'm paying!

Player: All right! What'll you be having?

Volkov: Sorry. Uh...

Volkov: What's your name, brother?

Miles: Allow me to introduce you!

Miles: This is Player, the hero of Never Isle!

Miles: During the Battle of New Azria, he and the commander took out the strongest Shadow Reaper all on their own!

Volkov: Player!!

Player: Heh, you're gonna make me blush...

Player: You don't need to be polite with me, Volkov. Just call me by my name.

Volkov: Oh!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: I suppose...

Player: (Uh... He looks like he wants to say something but he doesn't know how.)

Volkov: (Whispering) What is it that the boss usually says in this kind of situation...

Volkov: Oh yeah!

Volkov: Your reputation concedes you!

Player: Uh...

Player: (I think he wants to say... 'Your reputation precedes you...')

Some time later, after several rounds of drinks.

Everyone: Cheers!

Volkov: Phew! This is some top-shelf booze!

Player: I'm happy that you like it.

Miles: You know your way around a fight, Volkov. Have you had many of them in the past?

Volkov: Ha!

A confident smile spreads across Volkov's usually intense face.

Volkov: I've never once backed down from a fight?

Miles: How did a guy like you end up stuck at the Academy?

Player: Yeah, strong guys like you usually live to fight on the battlefield.

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Uh...

Volkov: (Drains glass in a single gulp.)

Volkov: Who says I don't?

He lets out a sigh with a look of despair on his face, then downs another glass.

Miles: If you're not happy where you are, come join the Oathblades!

Miles: I can't speak for the other Oathblades, but come fight with us - I guarantee you'll have a blast!

Volkov: Thank you for your kindness, Miles...

Volkov: But I cannot join the Oathblades.

Player: (surprised)

Miles: What's on your mind? The Oathblades pay their warriors much better than the Order of Equality!

Volkov: Miles, would you abandon your men and go somewhere else for more money?

Miles: Of course I wouldn't! Nothing is more important than my men!

Volkov: I'm the same way.

Volkov: I've got hundreds of brothers back in BlackFlame City waiting for my return!

Player: BlackFlame City?

Volkov: Heh. Allow me to re-introduce myself.

Volkov: I'm Volkov, fourth-in-command of BlackFlame City's Fang Gang!

Miles: Fang Gang? You mean, the fifth largest gang in BlackFlame City?

Player: Fourth-in-command?

Volkov: That's right!

Miles: The Fang Gang is a faction that started from scratch and have only grown stronger in the past few years.

Miles: In the gang war two years ago, you guys captured a lot of new territory.

Miles: Your boss shares his profits with everyone, distributing the gang's gains with you and your brothers. He's a widely-respect hero!

Volkov: Haha, naturally!

Volkov: Our boss doesn't just treat us well...

Volkov: He's also smart as a whip! During the gang wars, he saw through all of the enemies' plans!

Volkov: With the boss giving orders and me leading the charge, Scarface Charlie's little chickens won't stand a chance!

Volkov: Hahaha!

Player: (Judging by how happy he is, he really seems to respect this boss of his.)

Player: (Nevertheless, as far as this boss of the BlackFlame City gang is concerned...)

Choice 4.1 - (I just hope he doesn't bring his gangster mentality to Never Isle.)

Player: (It could be said that BlackFlame City is the most dangerous city in all of Luxium.)

Player: (That place is all about survival of the fittest.)

Player: (No wonder he gives the president a headache - he'd give anyone a headache!)

Player: (Seems like he really did steal the gemstone pendant from that student this morning.)

Player: (Did he send it back to BlackFlame City as a 'trophy' to 'share the wealth'?)

Player: (He's got a great physique, and his body's a real feast for the eyes, but...)

Player: (I'll talk with Izumi about him tomorrow!)

Volkov: What's wrong, Player?

Player: Oh? Nothing!

Player: I was just thinking about tomorrow's mission!

Choice 4.2 - (I wonder if he has a lot of strong men under his command?)

Player: (If I could meet more guys like Antonio...like Duran...like Bidziil...)

Player: (Wouldn't that be heaven?)

Player: (smiles)

Miles: What's got you so happy, Player? Something on your mind?

Player: No... It's nothing~

Player: You'll have to watch over me the next time I'm in BlackFlame City, Volkov!

Volkov: Haha! No problem!

Miles: Hey now, you can also pay me a visit when you're in BlackFlame City...

Player: Whoa! Are you jealous?

Miles: Huh? What?

Conversation continues after choices

Volkov: Hahaha! (Pours glasses for the three of you.)

Volkov: Thanks for the invitation, Miles. Here's to you!

Volkov: And here's to you too, Player. Your bar's booze truly is delicious!

Player: Woo hoo!

Miles: (Raises glass) Maybe you won't join the Oathblades, but that doesn't mean we can't be brothers!

Miles: Whenever you feel like sparring, I'm your man!

Player: (Raises glass) And whenever you feel like having a drink, the Hottie Bar is the place to do it!

Volkov: Thank you, my brothers!

Volkov: I'm gonna finish mine. You guys take your time!

Miles ropes the two of you into playing some Oathblades drinking games.

Afterwards, Volkov and Miles play some drinking games from BlackFlame City.

Luckily, the Hottie Robot is recharging, so you prepare some booze yourself.

This gives you the chance to avoid a dozen or so rounds of drinks.

That night, as it's getting late...

You feel like you've had a bit too much to drink, while Volkov and Miles are struggling to stay on their feet.

Volkov: Hahaha! Seems like...it's getting pretty late...

Miles: Gosh... It's the middle of the night already.

Miles: Better... Better get going. Don't wanna trouble Player...

Volkov: Ah... I... I don't wanna go...

Volkov: If only we could just keep drinking...

Player: We've had so much to drink. Why don't you stay the night? I'll make up the guest room so you guys can sleep on the airship.

Volkov: No, no... I need to head back...

Volkov: It's nice being able to have some fun for once!

Miles: Tomorrow, I need to...train with the men...

Miles: Farewell, Player!

Volkov: Good-bye, Brother Player!

Player: Take it easy, take it easy!

The two barely stay upright as they try to leave the bar

Player: Oh! I'll walk you guys back!

Late at night, in front of the Oathblades headquarters.

Miles: Thanks for walking me back, Player, Volkov...

Player: No problem~

Volkov: Go get some sleep, brothers!

Miles: Welcome to Never Isle, Volkov!

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: Thank you!

In the front square of the academy.

Player and Volkov walk towards the entrance when Volkov suddenly stops

Player: Uh...

Player: What's wrong?

Volkov: I... I don't wanna go back to the academy.

Volkov: I wanna go back to BlackFlame City!

Player: ...

Player: It's already so late. It'd be tomorrow by the time the airship reached BlackFlame City!

Player: How about we take the airship back to BlackFlame City tomorrow?

Volkov: Sure... sure!

Volkov: No!

Volkov: The boss... The boss won't let me go back.

Player: ?

Volkov: Let's go... Let's go back to the academy. I've got class tomorrow...

Player: Let's go...

Volkov: !!

Player: Why are you stopping again?

Volkov looks around

Player: What's... What's wrong?

Suddenly, Volkov forces you to stand behind him.

Volkov: What kind of men hide in the dark? You want revenge? Show yourselves!

Player: What?

Suddenly, many mercenaries surround Volkov and Player

Volkov: Who are you?

Killer: We couldn't find you at the academy. We never thought you'd be here - saves us some trouble!

Killer: Volkov! You won't live to see another sunrise!

Volkov: So this is about the pendant...

Player: (The pendant! So it's him...)

Volkov: I thought that kid was just talking smack.

Volkov: Seems like he meant what he said...

Volkov: But that kid took my little bro's money, roughed him up, too...

Volkov: I ain't giving that pendant back. In fact, in a couple of days, I'm gonna get even more out of him.

Volkov: Beat it, you guys. I'm in a good mood today, and don't feel like fighting!

Killer: Cut the crap. Die!!

Player: Careful! I don't think these guys are ordinary thugs! I'll help you out...

Volkov: Stay back! I can handle these chumps on my own!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Hya!

Killer: Whoa!

Volkov: Aargh!

Killer: Ugh...

Killer: You guys! Now's your chance!

Player: An ambush?!

Player joins in the fighting

Killer: Ahh!!!

Together, the two of you beat the killers.

Volkov: Beat it!

Killer: Ugh... Let's get outta here!

The enemies run away

Player: These guys...

Player: You aren't hurt, are you, Volkov?

Suddenly, he hugs you tightly...

And buries your head in his massive, strong chest.

Volkov: You're a pretty good fighter yourself, Player~

Volkov: I made two tough friends in one day... Today must be my lucky day!

Volkov: Hahaha!

Player: (Oh, this feels pretty good...)

Player: (But...)

Player: (Ugh... Too tight...)

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

Volkov: Oh!

He immediately lets go of you.

Volkov: I'm so sorry!

Player: You don't have any idea how strong you are, do you?

Volkov: Hahaha! You're exaggerating!

Player: I wasn't exaggerating!

Player: Forget it. I'll go with you back to the academy. There might be others...

Volkov: Don't worry. It was just a little scuffle, that's all.

Volkov: The fight helped sober me up. I don't want to trouble you.

Volkov: Bye!

Volkov leaves for the Academy

Player: ...

Player: It wouldn't be easy to take him on in the academy. Volkov should be safe now.

Player: Except...

Player: Those killers managed to get the drop on us.

Player: Is it because we've been drinking?

Player: Or were they just that good?

Continue to Intimacy Level 4

Intimacy Breakthrough

This section contains spoilers for Intimacy Breakthrough scenes.

-Intimacy Level 4

Outside the Arcana Academy dorms.

Volkov: Player?

Volkov: What are you doing here?

Player: I asked the president where you're staying, and I came by...

Player: I didn't expect you'd be staying in the students' dorms.

Player: Are the beds in the students' dorms a little small for you?

Volkov: They're all right...

Volkov: The boss called up the president and had them give me a big bed. It's pretty comfy!

Volkov: Would you like to come in and test it out for yourself?

Player: Oh?

Player: (This guy's pretty forward, isn't he?!)

Player: What...what do you mean?

Volkov: What are you blushing for? If you find it comfy, I can buy one for your airship.

Player: (So he really just wanted me to test out his bed...)

Player: No need. My bed is already pretty comfy.

Player: The reason why I'm here...

Player: The Defense Force captured some of the guys who attacked you.

Volkov: Guys who attacked me? When?

Player: A couple of days ago. You had a lot to drink, I was walking you back to the academy, and then at the entrance...

Volkov: Oh...

Volkov: Oh... Yeah, I kinda remember that...

Player: You... 'kinda' remember that? They said they were going to kill you.

Volkov: You hear that kind of talk every day back in BlackFlame City. It doesn't really bother me.

Player: ...

Player: Ahem! Anyway, have you received any threats in the past couple of days?

Volkov: No...

Volkov: Actually, I've been itching for a fight. I was even thinking about inviting Miles to duke it out with me, haha!

Player: That's good. But the people who attacked you... Some of them escaped.

Player: The two guys they did capture are pretty tight-lipped, and the Defense Force hasn't been able to get much out of them. You should be careful.

Volkov: They're just some random gangsters, right? Nothing to worry about!

Player: (Just how thick-skinned is this guy? Forget it, nevermind.)

Player: Also, I wanted to give you these.

You hand Volkov a big sack.

Volkov: What's this?

Player: Daily stuff. Snacks. Toys. Random things. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: You came to Never Isle by yourself and you don't really know anybody here, so I just...

Volkov embraces you tightly...

And once again presses your head to his muscular chest.

Player: (This feeling... It's indescribable...)

Volkov: You are so good to me, Mr. Player!

Player: Hey, it's okay. No need to call me 'Mr.' My name is fine.

Player: I just want you to feel at home in Never Isle.

Volkov: Oh, hold on! Wait a second...

Volkov turns around and goes back into the dorm.

A minute later...

Voice Inside Room: Hey! You planning to drink in the daytime?

It's a young voice, one you don't recognize.

Voice Inside Room: You'd better get back to your homework. The president...

Volkov's Voice: It's not for me, it's for Mr. Player!

Voice Inside Room: All right, but you'd better come back quickly and do your homework!

Volkov's Voice: I know!

Volkov reappears holding two bottles of liquor.

Volkov: The boss sent me this booze from BlackFlame City. Have a couple bottles!

Volkov: It's a Fang Gang specialty. We drink it like water.

Player: Thanks!

You take a glance and see that it's 68% alcohol by volume...

Player: (They drink this like water??)

Player: (No wonder he was able to keep up with Miles...)

Voice Inside Room: Come on!!

Volkov: Stop rushing me!

Volkov: Sorry, Player, I gotta go...

Player: All right. You'd better go then!

Volkov walks back into the dorm.

Volkov's Voice: You need to be taught a lesson!

Player: Is this...

Player: A dorm or a love nest?

-Intimacy Level 5

Never Isle, at the Arcana Academy.

Player: The Arcana Academy's had the Wheel of Fate for a few days now. I wonder if President Vundo's made any progress in his research.

Player: I'll go ask him!

In front of the President's Office at the Arcana Academy...

You knock politely on the door of the president's office.

President Vundo's Voice: I'm warning you, Volkov, don't get out of line!

Player: Uh... The president's...yelling?

Stranger's Voice: Keep it down, you guys.

Volkov's Voice: If I already knew how to do everything and could do it right, why would I bother coming to the Arcana Academy?

President Vundo's Voice: That's right. Only by discovering errors and solving problems can a student truly grasp knowledge.

President Vundo's Voice: But most of the problems are basic - they're not hard at all! They're the most basic of basics!

President Vundo's Voice: And you got all of them wrong?!

Volkov's Voice: Not all of them... Maybe you're the one misunderstanding the questions!

President Vundo's Voice: You're still arguing with me!!

Volkov's Voice: Ugh... I'm wrong if I don't do the homework, and still wrong even if I do!

Volkov's Voice: I've had enough of this! Out of my way!

President Vundo's Voice: Where are you going? You've got class soon!

Volkov's Voice: I'm gonna go drink!!

President Vundo's Voice: Stop right there!

Volkov's Voice: Mr. President, don't make me fight you!

President Vundo's Voice: Oh you want to fight, huh?! Disgraceful!

Player: Whoa!

You push the door open and enter.

Player: Hold on! Don't fight!

In the president's office, President Vundo and Volkov are arguing fiercely, both red in the face.

A small arcanist is standing between the two of them, trying to separate them.

Volkov: Player?

Volkov: Perfect. Let me treat you to a drink!

Vundo: No drinking. If you keep this up, you're going to fail!

Volkov: If I fail, I fail. You think that scares me?

Vundo: Ahh! You...!

Player: All right, all right, stop fighting! What the hell is going on?

Volkov: The president is busting my balls because I got a few answers wrong on my arcana homework!

Vundo: You got a few answers wrong? You didn't get a single one right!

Player: All right...

Player: Calm down, Mr. President. Everyone learns at their own pace.

Player: Maybe Volkov is just a late bloomer...

Vundo: A late bloomer? I've taught for over a decade, and I've never encountered a situation like this!

Vundo turns around and pulls out some homework from his desk.

Vundo: Take a look at this, Player. You should be able to figure out the answers to these problems, even without ever attending a single class!

Player: Okay, let me see...

Player: In flux experiments, the collision of different flux particles can produce merging particle impurities...

Player: A student is conducting three consecutive experiments to prepare an arcana potion. The impurity rate for the first experiment is 10%...

Player: The impurity rate for the second is 40%, and the impurity rate for the final experiment is 20%.

Player: Question: What is the final purity level of the arcana potion?

Player: (This isn't too complicated. If the impurity rate is 10%, then the generation rate of a pure arcana potion is 90%...)

Player: (The final result is obtained by multiplying the generation rates of all three experiments!)

Player: The purity level is 43.2%...

Vundo: Exactly!

Volkov: Huh? What?

Volkov: That's not right, it should be 230%!

Player: (Volkov added all the generation rates together...)

Vundo: A purity level of 230%? Listen to what you're saying...

Volkov: What's the problem! There's no problem!

Player: Uh... The generation rates of the three experiments should be multiplied together, not added together...

Volkov: Why can't you add them? The student did three experiments in a row.

Volkov: It's like if I went to a store three times, each time buying an apple.

Volkov: In the end, I'd have three apples!

Player: Uh...

Vundo: What does performing experiments have to do with buying apples?

Volkov: What's so different about them?

Vundo: Fine! We'll do it your way!

Vundo: A total of 10 apples are undergoing a reaction...

Vundo: In the first experiment, one apple goes bad. In the second experiment, 3.2 apples go bad...

Volkov: Why 3.2? Shouldn't it be four?

Vundo: (Yelling) Because in the second experiment, only 9 apples undergo a reaction!

Player: Don't get worked up...

Volkov: Enough!

Volkov: You think I'm dumb, right?

Volkov: Then I'm dumb? So what?!

Volkov: Just because I'm dumb doesn't mean I can't fight!

Volkov: It only matters if the boss of the Fang Gang is smart!

Volkov: What use is arcana, anyway?!

Volkov: I give up!

Volkov forces open the door and leaves.

Player: Uh...

Player: He's like a child...

Young Arcanist: Hey, wait!

Vundo: Don't follow him! Let him go!

Vundo: I've never seen such an outrageous student before. If he doesn't want to study, then so be it! I'm expelling him!

Player: Calm down, President Vundo. Let it go!

Vundo: If it weren't for the little bit of talent I saw in him... What a waste! Why do I put up with this?!

It takes a lot of effort, but the president finally calms down.

The way things are, I'd better not ask him about the Wheel of Fate for now...

Outside the president's office.

Player: Phew.

Young Arcanist: Why is he like this...

Player: Sorry, who are you?

Young Arcanist: I'm Chitzkoi, Volkov's roommate.

Player: Why did you get between the two of them?

Chitzkoi: President Vundo asked me to monitor Volkov's studies.

Chitzkoi: Yesterday, I had to try very hard to get him to do his homework. And you saw the state he's in today...

Chitzkoi: Sigh...

Chitzkoi: He's not so mean. He really looks after me. He even steps up for me when I get bullied.

Chitzkoi: He's a real good guy!

Chitzkoi: It's just that the boss doesn't really have any interest in numbers.

Player: Well, everyone has their own strengths. You can't force it.

Chitzkoi: But there's a lot of stuff to calculate when you're doing arcana experiments.

Chitzkoi: And he isn't even really interested in arcana, either.

Chitzkoi: His studies are only gonna get harder for him here on out.

Chitzkoi: I really want to help him...

Chitzkoi: But if arcana is just going to make him miserable...

Chitzkoi: He won't hurt himself, will he?

Player: What?

Player: Volkov is a gangster from BlackFlame City. He's seen his fair share of bloodshed and chaos.

Player: There's no way he'd hurt himself!

Chitzkoi: Okay, that's good...

Player: (But why did Volkov leave BlackFlame City to study arcana in the first place?)

-Intimacy Level 6

Late night on Never Isle's main street.

Volkov stumbles along the street.

Volkov: ...

Volkov: (Chugs booze from bottle.)

Volkov: Sigh...

Some time later...

Player: Oh! Volkov?

Volkov: Player? What are you doing here?

Player: I should be asking you that question.

Volkov: Oh?

Volkov looks around and realizes he's at the port's airship docking area.

Player: Someone kept knocking on the airship's door.

Player: He was knocking and yelling.

Player: So I came out to see who it was. Turns out, it was you.

Volkov: Ah... I'm sorry...

Player: You reek of booze. How much have you had to drink?

Player: Anyway, come on in and rest. I'll make some tea to sober you up.

Some time later, at the Hottie Bar...

Player: You look a lot better now. Drink some more tea.

Volkov: No, no! Thank you...

Volkov: I don't want to sober up.

Player: What's wrong, Volkov? What's got you like this?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Today, my boss in BlackFlame City contacted me...

Player: That's good.

Player: You're always talking about your boss. You must miss him.

Player: Did you guys catch up?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: He...chewed me out.

Player: What?

Volkov: I don't want to learn arcana. I want to go back to BlackFlame City, but he won't let me!

Player: No, why?

Volkov: He wants me to learn arcana.

Volkov: Sigh...

Volkov: Am I... Am I really dumb?

Player: Why are you talking about yourself like that?

Volkov: Arcana is so difficult...

Player: Huh? I think your arcana is pretty strong.

Player: You don't have any problem throwing a fireball or tossing lightning.

Player: With that kind of power, you can become a combat arcanist.

Volkov: I can use arcana, but flux experiments and stuff like that...

Volkov: There are too many numbers! I can't make sense of them!

Player: Well...

Player: Everyone's got their strengths and weaknesses.

Volkov: Strengths...

Player: You're pretty fierce in a fight...

Player: Remember that time you knocked down the warriors from the Order of Equality and Oathblades all on your own?

Player: The past couple days at the Arcana Academy, everyone's been talking about you.

Player: A lot of people want to meet you. They want you to teach them some moves!

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov suddenly stands up, turns around, and heads toward the door.

Player: Where are you going?

Volkov: I know what I need to do!

Player: All of a sudden...

Volkov: I'm not cut out for studying arcana!

Volkov: When I make it big, the boss'll let me go back!

He lets out a loud laugh, then leaves the Hottie Bar.

Volkov: Hahaha!

Continue to Trifle - King of the Hill

-Intimacy Level 7

Never Isle harbor, late at night...

Volkov, standing alone at the harbor, raises a glass of booze.

Player: Volkov? What are you doing drinking here all by yourself?

Volkov: Player...

Volkov: I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk. You can't sleep either, Player?

Player: Yeah... I didn't have anything to do today. I don't feel like sleeping.

Volkov: You didn't have any missions?

Player: Luxium has been peaceful lately. I've had a bit of free time.

Volkov: Yes. Luxium's been very peaceful. Nothing you can do about it...

Volkov: Since you haven't had any missions, have you been bored?

Player: Yeah. I have been a little bored.

Player: But world peace is a good thing. Warriors don't have to throw away their lives, and the people can live comfortably.

Player: If I have to put up with a little boredom, so be it.

Volkov: So that's how it is?

Volkov: (Whispers) Will my brothers be better off if I learn arcana?

Player: Do you have something on your mind, Volkov?

Volkov: Uh, n-no...

Player: Are things not going smoothly in your branch of the Fang Gang?

Volkov: That's not it...

Volkov: On the contrary, the branch is exploding.

Volkov: A ton of people have signed up. We don't have enough room to hold guild events.

Volkov: We have to hold lotteries to determine who gets to participate.

Player: Sounds like it's really doing well, congratulations!

Volkov: (smiles)

Player: Does your boss know about this?

Player: He must be thrilled!

Volkov: Uh...

Volkov: (Lifts glass and begins to drink.)

Player: ...

Just then, thunder rumbles across the sky.

It begins to rain.

Volkov: Oh. It's raining...

Player: My airship is right here. Let's go inside and get out of the rain!

Hottie Bar, Airship.

Player: I didn't think it would suddenly start raining.

Player: Are your clothes wet, Volkov? Why don't you take them off and change into something fresh?

Player: I have a fresh set of clothes here~

Volkov: Oh... Thank you.

Volkov: But they don't seem too wet. We came in before the rain got too heavy.

Player: That's good.

Player: Since we're in the Hottie Bar, why don't we sit and drink.

Player: The glass in your hand is running empty.

Volkov: Oh. Thank you...

Player: This isn't your first time here. Make yourself at home!

For a while, Volkov solemnly drinks his liquor without saying a word.

Volkov: ...

Player: (Well... This is getting awkward.)

Volkov: Sigh...

Player: (It is nice to drink with him...)

Player: (But if I don't know what's going on with him, it might be a little awkward.)

Player: Are you okay, Volkov?

Player: Did you have an argument with your boss?

Volkov: How did you know, Player?

Player: Just now in the harbor when I asked you about the boss, you started drinking in silence, so I thought...

Volkov: ...

Player: Did you guys have a fight?

Volkov: How could I possibly fight with him?

Volkov: He...chewed me out.

Player: Huh? Why?

Volkov: When I told him about the branch that I set up...

Volkov: 'Study arcana! Stop wasting time with these frivolous matters!!'

Volkov: I've never seen the boss so angry.

Volkov: Maybe I could feel his anger more because we were talking over the communication crystal.

Player: Huh?

Player: Then did you tell the boss how hard you've been studying arcana?

Volkov: Of course I told him. That was why...

Volkov: The boss got angry.

Volkov throws his head back and takes a large gulp.

Player: How ridiculous.

Volkov: Who's ridiculous?

Player: Your boss!

Volkov: Huh?

Player: He knows you don't like studying arcana and that you don't want to do it.

Player: He also knows that you want to go back to BlackFlame City, that you miss him and your brothers...

Volkov: ...

Player: He knows all of that, and yet he still insists you stay at the Arcana Academy.

Player: In my opinion, you should be the boss of the Fang Gang!

Volkov: Hey now, what are you saying?

Player: And not some cold, unfeeling person!

Volkov: Player! Don't talk about the boss like that!

Player: Then why is he forcing you to study arcana at the academy?

Volkov: He wants me to research the shadow crystal mine!

Player: Shadow crystal mine?

Volkov looks as though he's spoken out of turn and suddenly shuts up.

Volkov: Whoa!

Volkov: Ahh!!!

Volkov: I shouldn't be talking about this while the boss isn't here!

Volkov: The boss told me to keep it a secret...

Player: He told you to keep it a secret?

Volkov turns his head to look at you, betraying a hopeless look.

Volkov: Uh...

Player: You... I... I didn't hear anything!

Volkov: Player, what I just said...you have to keep it a secret! You can't tell anybody!

Player: N-not a problem! You don't want me to tell anybody, I won't tell a soul.

Player: But what's the deal with this shadow crystal mine?

Volkov: Since you already know about it, Player, there's no harm in telling you.

Volkov: Half a year ago, beneath the abandoned base of a faction studying taboo arcana, the Fang Gang...

Volkov: Discovered a massive shadow crystal mine.

Volkov: At the time, because it was related to the Shadows, we sealed it off.

Volkov: After the Battle of New Azria, the boss saw a chance to start up this crystal mine.

Player: Indeed, the Shadows have been quiet since the Battle of New Azria. It's hard coming across enough shadow flux to study.

Player: A large shadow flux mine would be more valuable than a billion Black Dragonshards!

Volkov: The boss said it would either bring the Fang Gang unfathomable wealth, or limitless despair.

Volkov: For safety's sake, only I and the other commanders know about the shadow crystal mine.

Volkov: The boss built a factory right on top of the crystal mine to process the goods.

Volkov: The boss then asked me to go to the Arcana Academy to study flux engineering.

Volkov: Once I finish my studies, I will go back to BlackFlame City and oversee the crystal mine's extraction operation.

Player: I see...

Volkov: If they outsource the extraction work to some engineering team, it should be fine as long as we keep an eye on them!

Volkov: But I get a headache just looking at numbers...

Volkov: Even if I can learn arcana... Something as important as a crystal mine...

Volkov falls silent again and resumes drinking.

The bottle emptied, he asks Hottie for another one.

Player: (Brings a glass over from the bar counter.)

Player: Come on! Pour me some. I'll drink with you!

Volkov: Uh... Player?

Player: Just now, I thought you were gonna kill me to keep me quiet!

Volkov: Huh?

Player: You scared me...

Volkov: Why would I ever do something like that?

Player: Stop wasting time. If you're gonna drink, why drink alone?

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: Hurry!

Volkov: Sure... sure!

A few moments later...

Volkov: Player... Have you heard of the Fang Gang?

Player: I heard Miles mention it once.

Volkov: We may not be the biggest gang around, but in BlackFlame City, everyone's heard of us!

Player: Must not be easy to get a foothold in BlackFlame City.

Volkov: A little over ten years ago, the Fang Gang only had one little shop to its name. The boss brought us in to do a little business.

Volkov: We lived with the boss, ate with the boss...

Volkov: When one of our brothers had a birthday, even though the shop wasn't doing too well, the boss sold the watch off his wrist...

Volkov: We were poor back then, and there weren't many of us, but they were truly happy times.

Volkov: But the gangsters on the streets had the big gangs backing them, and they didn't give us a way out.

Volkov: The few of us took those bastards out!

Volkov: After taking control of the street, we quickly became a threat to the nearby gangs.

Volkov: The leaders of the nearby gangs put together a drinking party and invited us to join.

Player: Sounds like a trap?

Volkov: Haha! That's what the boss said!

Player: So what did you guys do?

Volkov: The boss said, to catch a tiger, you must go into the tiger's den...

Volkov: The boss took me to the drinking party, at the same time arranging for our other brothers to raid those gangs' territories.

Player: But the two of you...

Volkov: Yes, once the other gang leaders realized what was happening, they had a big group of guys surround and attack us!

Volkov: I grabbed a stool and smashed it over the guy who rushed at me.

Volkov: Then I flipped a table to use it as a shield and covered the boss as we fought our bloody way out!

Volkov: While I was at it, I took out all their leaders~

Player: Wow! That's impressive!

Volkov: And just like that, the Fang Gang took control of its first city block.

Volkov: In the ten years after that, heh, who knows how many battles we fought, both big and small?

Volkov: A lot of brothers aren't with us anymore...

Player: BlackFlame City is a constant life-or-death struggle.

Volkov: Of course, we've added a lot of new brothers, as well. The Fang Gang is a pretty lively group now.

Volkov: Now it's the fifth largest gang in BlackFlame City.

Volkov: Even now, the boss treats me and the other brothers as well as he always has!

Player: I see. Sounds like a selfless, kind boss.

Player: Sorry about that just now...

Volkov: It wasn't your fault, Player!

Volkov: It was me... I made you blame the boss wrongly.

Volkov: Now we've got the shadow crystal mine...

Volkov: We'll have someone who understands arcana get it up and going.

Volkov: In a few more years, it might just be possible for the Fang Gang to become the top gang in BlackFlame City!

Volkov: Then I can come back to Never Isle and start another branch...

Volkov: Then you can be the branch's arcana instructor, Player!

Player: Hahaha, do I get a share too?

Volkov: Of course, you're my brother, Player!

Volkov: Hmm...but you're the deputy of the branch right now. Becoming the arcana instructor would be a demotion.

Player: (smiles)

Player: Now I understand why your boss wants you to study arcana at the academy!

Volkov: Oh? Why?

Player: Because you're the one he trusts the most.

Volkov: !!

Player: The shadow crystal mine is a very precious resource. Why would he trust it to outsiders?

Player: He definitely wants one of his own people in charge of it.

Player: It's not intelligence he wants, but loyalty!

Player: Obviously, in his eyes, you're the best fit!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Boss...

Volkov: Boss!!

Volkov: I've been so foolish!

Volkov pours a glass of liquor...

Volkov: Thank you, brother! I understand now! I'm going to study my butt off!

Volkov: Here's to you! (Drinks whole glass)

Player: As long as you can pull yourself together, that's all that matters.

Volkov: Humph! It's just arcana, right?

Volkov: How hard can it be?

Volkov: Can't be harder than fighting, can it?!

-Intimacy Level 8

On a street on the eastern side of Never Isle.

Busy Worker: Slow down, slow down! Left wheel! Turn! Turn!

Busy Worker: All right, stop! Brothers, the building materials have arrived. Let's get back to work!

Player: I remember a few months ago, this building took a solid hit from a Shadow Cannon.

Player: And now it's just about completely rebuilt.

Player: The Battle of New Azria plunged Luxium into a crisis.

Player: Even Never Isle was bombed by the Shadows several times.

Player: One third of the buildings were destroyed, leaving Never Isle in ruins.

Player: But after just a few months of hard work, the Gyees have lifted themselves out of the shadow of war.

Player: Even if we lose a battle and people lose hope, and even if many of our comrades leave us...

Player: The Gyees will never fall!

Player: (smiles)

You watch the workers toiling to rebuild Never Isle, shirtless and covered in sweat.

Player: Oh...

Player: I never noticed before...

Player: They've got really nice bodies.

You notice a large, strong man moving bricks.

He's only wearing his undies...

Even from this distance, you can still clearly see the bulging muscles of his back and his rugged thighs...

Player: My god... He's so strong...

Player: He looks like he'd be a match for Volkov.

Player: He might even be stronger than Volkov!

Player: ...

Player: Uh oh... If I keep looking, I might lose control of myself.

Player: (Turns head.)

Player: But such a wonderful sight...

Player: I'd be cursed by the heavens for not taking it in!

Player: (Turns around.)

Player: (smiles)

The big man starts to turn.

The muscles on his waist, abs, arms, and the sides of his chest are nothing short of perfect.

You look slightly upwards.

Volkov: Phew... This isn't enough. I'd better go get some more.

Player: Oh! Volkov?!

Shouting Worker: Hey! Be careful!

A brick falls from the scaffolding above, heading straight toward you.

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: (serious)

Volkov drops the brick in his hand.

In the next instant, he rushes in front of you, and lets loose a punch at the critical moment that shatters the brick.

At the same time, he embraces you to his chest with his left hand.

Volkov: Player, are you hurt?

Your entire head is buried in his blood-engorged chest...

Player: Whoa! I... I'm fine.

Shouting Worker: Hey! Who are you? What are you doing?

Volkov: What are YOU doing?!

Volkov: Put the bricks down on the inside! They're dangerous!

Shouting Worker: But this is a construction site. Outsiders aren't allowed!

Volkov: There's no warning tape at the entrance!

Volkov: If anything happens to my brother here, you'll regret it!

Shouting Worker: (Gulps) S...sorry!

You keep your face pressed to his chest and stay silent.

Player: (He's covered in sweat. This smell...)

Player: (Oh... I think I'm gonna...faint...)

Volkov: Why's your face so red, brother?

Player: (Loses consciousness.)

Volkov: Brother? Player?!

Volkov: Player!!

-Intimacy Level 9

A while later, at the side of the construction site.

You and Volkov sit off to the side.

Volkov: Sorry, my whole body is covered in sweat. The smell must have overwhelmed you.

Player: I'm fine! You're not the reason I fainted, Volkov.

Player: Uh... Actually, I shouldn't say it like that. You are the reason, Volkov.

Volkov: I'm really sorry!

Player: But it's not anything you did wrong, it's because you're...incredible! So...

Volkov: I'm...incredible?

Player: (Blushing) Anyway, I'm fine.

Volkov: You're blushing again, brother.

Player: It's... It's real hot out today!

Player: I'm gonna go buy a cold drink!

Player: Would you like anything?

Volkov: An ice-cold beer would hit the spot. Thank you~

A few moments later...

You and Volkov sit together drinking beer.

Player: Come to think of it, what are you doing working at a work site, Volkov?

Player: Didn't you decide to study at the Arcana Academy and get your flux engineering degree?

Volkov: Of course I want the degree...

Volkov: But studying flux engineering gives me a headache.

Volkov: So I decided to mix things up and try something else.

Volkov: I couldn't find any bodyguard or enforcer jobs, so I ended up here on the construction site, moving bricks.

Player: Are you out of money, Volkov?

Volkov: Whoa!

Player: There are lots of different ways to mix things up - it doesn't necessarily have to be work.

Player: If you're out of money, just tell me!

Volkov: I do need money, but I'm not out of it.

Player: You need money, but you're not out of it. I don't understand.

Volkov: The boss sends me money for living expenses every couple of weeks and also pays my tuition.

Volkov: I've got money to spend.

Volkov: But several of my brothers from the Fang Gang aren't in the best financial situation.

Volkov: It's pretty serious. Next semester's tuition is going to be a problem for them.

Volkov: So I want to do my best to help them, because they're my brothers.

Player: So that's why you're out here working?

Volkov: Yeah.

Player: (surprised)

Player: (Takes out wallet) I've got some...

Volkov: What are you doing, Player?

Player: I'm not out of money, either~

Volkov: No, no!

Player: Just a small gesture~

Volkov: The answer is still no. No matter what, I can't accept your money, brother!

Player: (Volkov looks serious.)

Player: Well, all right. But since you consider me a brother, whenever you run into trouble, you don't need to face it alone!

Volkov: Okay. It's a deal!

A few moments later, you buy some more ice-cold beer.

Volkov: Glug, glug... Ah! That hits the spot!

Volkov: Nothing hits the spot like drinking together on a hot day!

Player: Thanks for that just now.

Volkov: Oh? What do you mean?

Player: Without you, my head would've been unprotected!

Volkov: Hey! I just broke a little brick, that's all. No biggie~

Player: That's not the only thing...

Player: You scolded your worker on my behalf.

Player: I shouldn't have entered a construction site in the first place, but you still stood up for me. That makes me happy.

Volkov: It's not your fault, Player! They forgot to put up the warning tape.

Volkov: And you're my brother, of course I'm going to stand up for you!

Volkov: That guy was smart enough to apologize immediately, otherwise I would've given him a beating.

Volkov: Just because I left BlackFlame City doesn't mean I'm not up for a fight!

Player: Yeah, no one stands a chance against the Fang Gang's fourth-in-command~

Volkov: Hee hee~

Player: I just so happened to buy you a towel. It's super-sized! You can use it to wipe off your sweat.

Volkov: Thank you, but I need to get back to work. Once I'm done, I'll use it when I shower!

Player: I knew you'd say that.

Player: So I bought you some energy drinks.

Player: It's hot out, and you're going to sweat a lot. You need to stay hydrated!

Volkov: Oh...

Player: Huh? You don't like drinking anything that isn't beer? I know you love your booze, but that doesn't mean you can drink too much of it.

Volkov: That's not it...

Volkov: You're a very kind person, Player.

Player: Eh? Me?

Volkov: And you look out for me, like the boss!

Player: Huh? I figured the boss of the Fang Gang would be like you, a threatening, strong man.

Volkov: My boss can be scary when he wants to be, but he usually treats his brothers pretty well.

Volkov: He's always giving us ice-cold beer when it's hot.

Volkov: He also always looks after us in our daily lives.

Volkov: 'Ey, don't you idiots know you're supposed to replace your toothbrushes when they get worn out?!' He's always saying stuff like that.

Player: Hahaha!

Construction Site Foreman: Hey! Volkov, break time is over!

Volkov: Got it!

Volkov: All right, Player. Time to get back to work!

Player: All right. Break a sweat!

-Intimacy Level 10

As the last rays of sunlight fade away, Never Isle's nightlife begins to bloom.

Many choose the busy bars and dance halls; some, the lively night markets...

Many others wander the streets and alleys.

Since there are no high stall fees like in the night markets...

It's pretty easy to find shops both delicious and affordable in the alleys.

Shop Owner: Here's your Meat Lover's BBQ Special! Enjoy!

Volkov: Wow! Wow! Wow!!

Shop Owner: You look pretty big, so we added some extra meat to make sure you eat your fill!

Volkov: Really?

Volkov: You're too kind!

Shop Owner: Haha. Enjoy your meal!

Player: So you like to eat BBQ, Volkov...

Volkov: Haha. Back in BlackFlame City, I used to eat fish every day.

Volkov: I can't resist this big, thick Northern Desert BBQ!

Volkov: Come on! This piece is for you, Player...

Volkov: It's so tasty! You don't even need to dip it in seasoning!

You take a bite. It is delicious, indeed...

Volkov puts a big piece in his mouth and begins to chew.

A smile washes over his face, once so fierce.

Volkov: Mmm~

Player: Mmm?

Player: (Volkov is kinda cute...)

Volkov: There's nothing better than eating delicious barbecue after a day of hard work!

Volkov: And a can of beer, if you've got it!

Volkov: (Yelling) Boss, bring a couple more cans...

???: Hey, old man! This month's protection fee is late!

An annoyed voice rings out from behind you.

You turn your head and see several tough-looking ruffians with mean expressions.

Shop Owner: Uh... Business hasn't been so good these days... Can't you let it go for a few more days?

Gangster: Huh? Let it go? Hey now, don't take advantage of our kindness!

Gangster: Don't forget whose protection allows you to do business in the first place!

Gangster: Our boss!

Shop Owner: Y-yes...

Player: Let's deal with those thugs then hand them over to the Defense Force!

Volkov: That wouldn't help.

Player: ...

Volkov: Rats cannot be eliminated simply by killing them.

Volkov gets up and walks over to the thugs.

Volkov: Hey! You guys are stopping me from enjoying my drinks!

Gangster: Huh? Who are you?

Volkov: I'm Fourth-in-Command of the BlackFlame City Fang Gang, Volkov!

Gangster: BlackFlame City? This is Never Isle! You must have a death wish if you're here to cause trouble!

The gangster swings a baseball bat at Volkov.

Volkov raises his hand to catch the bat, then squeezes it tightly.

The baseball bat, as thick as an arm, snaps in two.

Gangster: Whoa!!

Volkov: (serious)

Several gangsters scatter.

Gangster: D-do you have any idea who you're messing with?

Volkov: I don't know...

Volkov: But I do know that this is a barbecue restaurant, and not a place for freeloaders.

Volkov: Beat it.

Volkov's face darkens, and several of the gangsters begin to tremble.

Gangster: You! Just you wait! You're in for it now!

Volkov: Boss, bring me two cans of cold beer!

Shop Owner: Oh... okay!

Volkov: Don't worry. They mentioned their boss? I'll go have a chat with him tomorrow...

Shop Owner: Th...thank you.

Volkov brings the beer back to the table.

Player: (surprised)

Volkov: What's wrong?

Player: Are you really fourth-in-command of a gang?

Volkov: Of course.

Player: But you... First, you never rob anyone. Second, you only use force when absolutely necessary.

Player: Third, you work a manual labor job to help those in need. Fourth, you're always doing heroic deeds.

Player: You don't seem like a gangster at all.

Volkov: Maybe you misunderstand our gang.

Volkov: Gangs that rely on robbery and extortion never go far.

Player: Oh?

Volkov: When things go wrong, the neighborhood and community won't help a gang like that, and they'll find themselves with no way out.

Volkov: The neighborhood and community aren't livestock to boss around. They're friends, they're brothers!

Player: Then...if the gang doesn't extort protection fees from people, how does it make money?

Volkov: Extortion will only get you chicken feed. A gang needs to go into business!

Volkov: For example, the Fang Gang...

Volkov: We operate over a dozen bars, dance halls, and arenas in our territory. Anyone is welcome to come, as long as they don't cause trouble.

Volkov: We also have a partnership with a clothing factory in Eversun. Every month, we import clothes and sell them.

Volkov: Our territory is big, and we can't watch over every inch of it. That's where our brothers from the neighborhoods and communities come in.

Volkov: The gang's businesses need manpower. The empty lots and buildings in our territory can be rented out to them to do business.

Volkov: This way, the Fang Gang's businesses make money, and the community in our territory can live comfortable lives.

Player: Sounds more like a corporate conglomerate.

Volkov: What you Never Islanders call a 'corporation,' we in BlackFlame City call a gang!

Volkov: Life isn't easy in BlackFlame City. Only supporting each other and helping one another out...

Volkov: Can life get better.

Player: That's a great philosophy.

Volkov: It's the boss's philosophy, and I wholeheartedly agree with it!

Volkov: Life is difficult enough as it is. Getting robbed on top of that would be too much to bear!

Volkov: That's why it's only low-lifes and good-for-nothing gangsters who resort to robbery!

Volkov: Tomorrow I'm going to find their boss and talk some sense into him.

Volkov: Their lackeys won't dare make a move.

Player: (smiles)

Player: You're very kind, Volkov.

Volkov: Really? Hahaha!

Volkov takes a big gulp of cold beer.

Player: When the Fang Gang becomes the biggest gang in BlackFlame City...

Player: I think it will become a wonderful place.

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: Do you want to be fourth-in-command of the number one gang?

Volkov: I do~

Volkov: I told the boss that we need to spread the Fang Gang all over Luxium!

Volkov: But that's a problem for another day. I don't even know if it's possible.

Volkov: But even if it isn't, it doesn't matter!

Volkov: My dream...

Volkov: Is to drink and chat with my boss and brothers every night!

Volkov: Every day till the day I die!

Player: That simple, huh?

Volkov: An achievable dream is a good dream.

Continue to Trifle - Going All In

-Intimacy Level 11

Hottie Bar, Airship.

After the mid-term thesis for the flux engineering experiment...

Volkov wants to show you his thanks for always being there to help him.

He wants to use...

A special method...

Volkov: Is there anything you want, Player?

Player: Huh?

Player: Want?

Volkov: The boss always says, when you receive a favor, you need to repay it.

Volkov: But on Never Isle, I don't really have anything to offer.

Volkov: So what do you want, Player? If there's something you want or something you want to do, I can help you get it!

Player: Why are you being so polite all of a sudden?

Player: I've already told you, we're brothers...

Volkov: This is different!

Volkov: You've been helping me ever since I met you, Player.

Volkov: I need to repay you!

Player: But the way you're asking this all of a sudden, about what I want...

Volkov: Anything goes!

Volkov: Oh... Anything except something that might harm the Fang Gang.

Player: ...

Player: Anything...

Volkov: Even something...intimate...

Player: What?!

Player: R-really?

Volkov: Yeah!

Player: (Volkov's suddenly so...forward.)

Player: (What should I do?)

Choice 1.1 - (Calm down! Calm the heck down!)

Player: (Deep breath... Deep breath...)

Player: (Calm down! Think! Think!)

Choice 1.2 - (I want Volkov now!)

Player: (No. No!)

Player: (Now's not the time!)

Conversation continues after choices

Player: (Volkov's not himself right now.)

Player: (I need to figure out why...)

Player: Why?

Player: Are you trying to emphasize...'intimate'?

Volkov: Whoa!

Volkov: Lots of people want that...

Player: (surprised)

Volkov: Many of the brothers who join the Fang Gang only do it because the want to look at me.

Volkov: Whenever we have our training, there are always a ton of people watching from the windows.

Volkov: And the same thing happens when I go to the public bath.

Volkov: Even if it takes me a while to notice, I can still feel their...unsettling stares.

Volkov: So I think I must have a nice body...

Player: (He's not being very modest.)

Player: (Even on the magnificent Never Isle, you're still the most alluring man...)

Volkov gets closer

Volkov: So, Player...what would you like me to do?

Choice 2.1 - (Calm down! Calm the heck down!)

Player: Deep breath... Deep breath...

Volkov: What's wrong, Player?

Player: I'm fine - just a little hot, that's all.

Player: (Even if Volkov wants it...)

Choice 2.2 - (Take off those pesky clothes!)

Player: Ah! What am I thinking?!

Volkov: It's okay.

Player: (No! Even though Volkov is top-tier...)

Conversation continues after choices

Player: No, Volkov! No!

Volkov: Uh...

Player: Intimacy...

Player: The reason it's so precious is because it's the most direct way to express love.

Player: If it's not out of love but out of mere gratitude...

Player: That wouldn't be right. I can't accept!

Volkov: !!

Player turns away

Player: I don't help you because I expect something from you.

Player: It's because you're my friend - my brother!

Player: I don't need you to pay me back!

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: Phew... (Nothing bad happened.)

Your reason overcame your impulse.

At the same time, every cell in your body stands on end as if to protest.

The pain caused by the pressure in your pants also protests your decision.

And you're well aware that your decision is a waste.

Player: (I made the right choice...)

Player: (Don't kick yourself for making the right choice!)

Volkov: Idiot!

You turn around.

Volkov is looking at you, his face red.

Volkov: I understand your reasons!

Volkov: I'm not some wanton hussy who sells his body!

Volkov: I bring up intimate things...

Volkov: Because...

Player: Because?

Volkov: Because...

Player: What?

Volkov: Ugh...

Volkov: Because I like you!!!

Player: !!!!

Volkov: Brother Player! Be my boyfriend!!!

Player: Uh...

Player: What?!?!

Volkov: I'm not drunk. I'm being real!

Volkov: There's... There's no pressure! You don't need to protect my feelings!

Volkov: Just be honest! I don't want to force you!

Player: ...

Volkov is the Fourth-in-Command of the BlackFlame City Fang Gang...

He's a student in flux engineering at the Arcana Academy...

He looks fierce, but he's got a heart of gold...

He has a large, burly frame and a simple personality.

When one of his brothers is in danger, he acts without hesitation. He also never betrays his boss's trust.

There's no doubt he would make a trustworthy and reliable boyfriend.

And in return for all you've done for him, he will do everything in his power to protect you.

It's time to make a decision.

Choice 3.1 - (Accept!)

Player: Heh...

Player: Hahaha!

Volkov: What are you laughing at?

Player: This is the strangest profession of love I've ever experienced.

Volkov: Uh...

Volkov: I'm not good at this kind of thing!

Player: (smiles)

You hold him tightly.

Volkov: Whoa!

Player: Well, where do we go from here?

Volkov: You mean...

Player: I accept! We're a couple!

Volkov: Player!

Volkov's appetite suddenly becomes ravenous, and he downs several drinks in a row.

Once he's had his fill, the two of you decide to take a bath then go to bed.

In the communal bath...

Player: This is... This is something else!

You've seen Volkov's upper body many times.

But this is the first time you've ever seen him without his pants on.

It's magnificent.

Volkov: Don't...don't stare at it.

Player: Are you bashful?

Player: It sure doesn't seem to be!

Volkov: Ugh...

Volkov: Why are you making fun of me? You're the same way!

Player: Haha, it's because I like you, Volkov~

Volkov: (blushes)

Player: Since we're both ready and raring to go, how about now?

Volkov: Now?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: No, no! I haven't bathed yet - I'm covered in sweat! I'm dirty...

A few moments later, the steam is rising.

Volkov: Player... This is...

Volkov: My first time. Let me know if anything feels uncomfortable.

Player: Okay! Just take it slowly.

Volkov: Yeah!

...

Player: Slow! Slower!

Player: Ahh!!

Volkov: Right... Right...

Volkov fills you up...

His solid texture and scorching heat are enough to make your head spin.

Volkov: I'm going to start moving now!

Player: Yeah! Okay...

After a while, your consciousness is about to fade...

Volkov: I... I'm coming!

A warm and gentle current flows into your body.

Afterward, wave by wave...

Your insides are filled with by Volkov's warmth.

Player: Volkov...

Volkov: I... I'm sorry. I've been so busy the last couple weeks with the experiment... I haven't had time to...

Player: Don't apologize.

Player: Having felt your heat inside my body... I feel great. I feel satisfied!

What happened afterward, you don't remember.

Continue to Trifle - A Letter That Will Never Arrive

Choice 3.2 - (Reject...)

Player: Volkov...

Player: I'm so happy you like me.

Volkov: (Gulp)

Player: But you're only in Never Isle temporarily.

Player: Once you finish your studies at the Arcana Academy, you're going to return to BlackFlame City, right?

Volkov: That's right. Once I get my degree, I will go back to help the boss.

Player: Long-distance relationships can be very challenging.

Player: I don't think we make a good match.

Volkov: I... I see...

Player: Sorry...

Volkov: I understand! Thank you, Player!

Player: What are you thanking me for?

Volkov: These days, I've been troubling you a lot, Player.

Volkov: Good things, bad things - whenever I need help, I always come looking for you.

Volkov: I don't know why, but every time I come to the Hottie Bar, I feel relaxed.

Volkov: This peaceful feeling...

Volkov: I only feel it when you're around, Player~

Volkov drinks two more glasses then heads back to the Arcana Academy.

However, the two of you are still friends, still brothers...

Next time you're free, you should invite him to the Hottie Bar for some drinks!

Bad Ending

-Intimacy Level 12

It has just gotten dark when Volkov returns from the Defense Force jail.

It's still early, but he hasn't said anything to you about revenge yet.

After dinner.

Volkov: I'm a little tired today...

Volkov: How about we hit the sack a little early today, Player?

Player: Of course!

Player: I'll go heat up some bath water for you!

Volkov: I'll heat up the water today. I can't make you do it every time, Player!

Player: What are you being so polite for? Make yourself at home.

Volkov: How can I make myself at home when I don't even know how to heat up the bath water?

Player: (surprised)

Player: Haha, come here. The switch is here. I'll show you.

Today was probably the most depressing day in months.

Luckily, whether it's the tired body or the heart exhausted by deceit...

A night's sleep can fix anything, and tomorrow is another day.

The next day...

Player: I just got some information from Miles.

Player: Several gang leaders have returned to BlackFlame City. We need to think this over.

Volkov: I see...

Player: It also seems that the negotiations between the gang leaders and Never Isle didn't go as well as hoped. They plan to mine the Shadow Crystals themselves.

Volkov: Yes.

Player: You don't seem shocked to hear that.

Volkov: As long as I've got the key with me, they can't do anything.

Player: Y...yeah...

Player: We can't let ourselves fall into a trap like yesterday. Next time, we might not be so lucky.

Player: Now that I think about it in detail, it seems like they've known our plans every step of the way!

Volkov: ...

Player: Miles is the one who told us about the gang leaders holding a meeting in Never Isle.

Player: Miles can't be the traitor. The only possibility is that they used our relationship with Miles...

Player: With tactics like these, can they really be ranked outside the top 6 gangs in BlackFlame City?

Volkov: Don't overthink it. I'll treat you to lunch today. We'll go to Chitzkoi's place.

Player: Huh? L...lunch?

Volkov: Well we can't let ourselves die of starvation before we challenge our enemies, can we?

Player: But, now?

Volkov: You smart people can be a real pain in the ass.

Volkov: A fool like me is worry-free!

Player: ...

Volkov: 'As long as we have the key to the crystal mine, we've got the upper hand!'

Volkov: Isn't that what you said, Player?

Player: ...

Player: You're right. As long we've got the key...

Volkov: Don't worry, I've got a plan!

Volkov: So, how about lunch?

Player: Let's go!

Lunchtime. The food at Chitzkoi's restaurant is truly delicious.

Volkov opens his mouth wide and begins scarfing down food. Even the waiters are talking about him.

"Good thing this isn't a buffet, otherwise..."

But for some reason, you sense something is off with Volkov.

Player: Huh... Being able to eat is a blessing. Watching Volkov is even restoring my appetite.

Player: Looks like Volkov really has calmed down.

After lunch, you and Volkov take a walk around Never Isle.

You stroll the market, make wishes under the Flower Tree, and watch the Rupor Show.

And just like that, a day you thought would be a busy one turns into a holiday.

After dinner, at the Hottie Bar.

Volkov: I had no idea Never Isle is so big.

Player: You've never been to those places before?

Volkov: Heh heh... Before, I was too focused on finding bars.

Volkov: If you ever need a bar in Never Isle, Player, just ask me~

Player: Haha, don't forget I've got my own.

Volkov: You're right.

Volkov: Speaking of booze, I'm thirsty. Will you have a couple drinks with me, Player?

Player: All right. Something strong, as usual?

Volkov: I want a Light of Lights.

Hottie makes two Light of Lights.

Volkov takes a drink and a pure smile spreads across his face.

Volkov: This sweet feeling...

Volkov: It always makes me think happy things.

Player: What are you thinking about?

Volkov: The first time I saw you, when we had drinks with Miles...

Volkov: And when I came here to get drunk with you after my boss scolded me...

Volkov: And that time I was working, and you bought some cold beer and a towel for me.

Volkov: And...

After several rounds of drinks, you feel a little tipsy.

Volkov looks at you, his face red. You return the look.

Quickly, the two of you go back to the captain's cabin and begin enjoying the pleasures of the night...

...

...

...

Player: Huff, puff...

Player: It's late! Let's go to sleep!

Suddenly, Volkov holds you tightly.

Volkov: (blushes)

Player: Oh...

Volkov: Let me hold you like this while we sleep, Player...

Player: It might get a little hot~

Volkov: Then let's leave off the blanket!

Volkov: Please, just for tonight!

Player: ...

Player: All right. Lie down flat. I'll lie down on top of you, and you can hold me.

Player: This should be more comfortable for you, too...

Volkov: Oh!

You climb on top of Volkov and bury your face in his chest.

The feeling between his two bulging pecs is soft yet firm...

And so warm, with Volkov's masculine scent.

This must be the best pillow in the world...

His warm, massive arms hold you, protecting you from falling off.

Volkov's warmth heats your entire body. You don't feel an ounce of cold!

And like this, enveloped in his warmth, breathing in his scent, listening to his steady heartbeat...

You fall asleep quickly.

...

...

...

The next day when you wake up...

You discover you're under a blanket. You are alone on the bed.

Player: (surprised)

Continue to Trifle - Fortune or Misfortune

-Intimacy Level 13

Volkov: ...

Volkov: (I didn't hear any explosion...)

Volkov: (I can't feel anything...)

Volkov: (Am I...dead?)

Volkov: (Soon...I will see the boss. I will see all my brothers from the Fang Gang...)

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: ...

Volkov: (Oh... My fingers are slippery.)

Volkov: (It feels like someone's touching my hand.)

Volkov: (My feet... My feet are cold... Feels like the wind...)

Volkov: (My body feels like there's wind... Am I breathing?)

Volkov: (I can hear... A heavy drumbeat...)

Volkov: (The sound of my heart?)

Volkov: (I'm dead, but I still have hands and feet? I'm still breathing and have a heartbeat?)

Volkov: (I think there's a light...)

Volkov: (Is this what the afterlife is like?)

Volkov: (I'm a little curious...)

Never Isle, in the clinic of the Kaist Church.

Volkov slowly opens his eyes.

Player: Whoa!

Player: Volkov? Volkov! You're awake!

Volkov: Player...

Volkov: Player!

Volkov's eyes glisten with tears.

Volkov: I thought I'd never see you again!

Volkov: No... You shouldn't be here, Player.

Player: ?

Volkov: Seeing you here, Player, means...

Volkov: Player, you're dead too? Why? How did you die, Player?

Player: Uh... The first thing you do after waking up is scold me?

Vundo: Player isn't dead, and neither are you, Volkov. This is Never Isle's Kaist Church!

Volkov: Never Isle? I'm...still alive?

Volkov: But I remember back in BlackFlame City, I was already...

Vundo: Player was up for days figuring out your plan. Then he had the Oathblades find you.

Vundo: Finally, with the help of Yaen's array and Chitzkoi's assistance, we saved you!

Player: ...

Vundo: You were severely injured, hanging by a thread.

Vundo: On the airship, Player and ten or so classmates gave you blood.

Vundo: You hung in there till the bleeding stopped and we got back to Never Isle.

Volkov: Player, everyone...

Volkov: How is...BlackFlame City?

Vundo: The six blocks nearest the shadow crystal mine were wiped out. The crystal mine was sealed off by all the rubble and dirt.

Vundo: It seems that Scarface Charlie and all the members of his clans died in the explosion.

Vundo: The Diess clan, the most powerful clan in BlackFlame City, announced that it was an earthquake, and that was the end of it.

Volkov: I see...

Volkov: ...

Vundo: What are your plans?

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: I... I don't know...

Volkov: I teamed up with Scarface Charlie and his crew, betrayed the Fang Gang, and brought down the crystal mine the boss left behind.

Volkov: Even if I avenged the Fang Gang, the brothers who are left would never forgive me...

Vundo: Since you still need time to think it over, why don't you stay in Never Isle?

Volkov: Huh?!

Vundo: Even though you've fallen pretty far behind while you've been unconscious...

Vundo: I can arrange a postponed graduation for you.

Volkov: You can do that?

Vundo: I believe Chitzkoi and the others would be thrilled if you stayed.

Vundo: Player would be thrilled too!

Player: ...

Volkov: Thank you for postponing my graduation, Mr. President!

Vundo: I'll leave now and let you two chat!

President Vundo leaves the clinic.

Player: ...

Volkov: Why aren't you saying anything, Player?

Player: Saying anything? What is there to say?

Volkov: Are you...angry?

Player: Angry?

Player: With someone like you, who leaves his partner without so much as a good-bye...

Player: With someone like you, who at the slightest setback, would launch a suicide attack on his enemies...

Player: What would be the point of getting angry?

Volkov: Whoa!

Player: Why would you throw away your life just to take them out?

Player: Was there really no other way?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Do you remember? My dream was to drink with the boss every night, to joke around with the guys...

Volkov: It was a dream that should've come true a long time ago, but it was destroyed.

Volkov: Without the Fang Gang, the only good thing left in my life...

Volkov: Was you...

Volkov: And Chitzkoi.

Volkov: But those sons of bitches are trying to scheme against you guys - they're trying to take everything from you too!

Volkov: How could I possibly let them get away with it?!

Volkov tells you about everything that happened.

Volkov: Compared to your safety, what is my life worth?

Player: Do you have any idea...

Player: How selfish that is?!

Volkov: Whoa!

Player: Life is the most precious thing there is. Without it, you will cease to exist in this world.

Player: Everyone who loves you, everyone who cares about you, would lose you forever.

Volkov: ...

Player: The day before the incident, I was falling asleep on your broad, strong chest.

Player: The next time I saw you, your body was covered in cuts, each one bleeding profusely.

Player: Do you have any idea how hurt I was?

Volkov: Player...

Player: I held your hand on the airship the whole way back to Never Isle.

Player: I was so scared... So scared that your hand would go soft, scared that your warmth would slowly disappear!

Player: You've been out-cold in the clinic of this Kaist Church for two whole months.

Player: The doctor and the hierophant both told me not to get my hopes up. They told me your injuries were too serious, that there was a major possibility you wouldn't wake up.

Player: I didn't believe them, because they don't know you. They don't know how strong you are, how incredible you are...

Player: But still, I was scared... Scared that you really wouldn't wake up...

Player: Volkov, if you really died on me... I'd...

Player: I'd hate you for the rest of my life!

Volkov: I'm sorry...

Player: No matter how painful or hopeless life gets, you must keep on living...for the ones that love you!

Volkov: Yeah, I know!

Player: Perhaps some day, I will not be here...

Player: I don't want you to throw away your life chasing revenge.

Volkov: !!

Player: Even if fate takes everything you've got!

Player: For your own sake, you need to keep on living!

Player: If you give up, isn't that just giving into fate and letting it win?

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Luckily...I survived.

Player: Yes, you survived.

Player: I'm definitely going to give you a good beating to vent all the anger I've built up over the past two months!!

Volkov: If it'll make you feel better, then don't just give me a good beating, beat me to death!

Player: Don't be so calm about it!

You step close to Volkov, take aim at his chest, and swing your fist.

You swing your fist down like a hammer, but just as you're about to hit him, you stop.

You then lie down on top of him.

Volkov: Oh... Why didn't you hit me?

Player: I couldn't bear to.

Player: Your wound just healed. What if I reopened it?

Volkov: Player...

Player: It doesn't hurt when I lie on top of you like this, does it? If your injury still hurts...

Volkov: Not at all. Actually, I feel really calm.

Volkov puts his left hand on your waist, while his right hand touches your face.

Volkov: It's been a long time since we've hugged, Player.

You lean your head close to Volkov's body.

You see the little cherry sticking out of the right side of Volkov's chest.

Player: (I'm gonna bite it!)

Volkov: Ah!

Player: Promise me that from now on, you won't leave without saying anything! Don't even think about sacrificing yourself, no matter the reason!

Player: Swear you'll never leave me ever again!

Player: Or I'll bite it off!

Volkov: You're scary~

Player: (Bites down hard.)

Volkov: I... I swear! I swear!

Player: (smiles)

-Intimacy Level 14

A week after Volkov woke up...

In a quiet corner on the outskirts of BlackFlame City...

You and Volkov place flowers in front of the gravestone before you.

Volkov: Boss, brothers...

Volkov: I...

Volkov: Came to see you guys.

Volkov's voice quivers.

Standing behind Volkov, you grasp his hand.

Player: ...

Volkov: Boss, I've got a boyfriend now!

Volkov: He's right behind me. His name's Player!

Volkov grasps your hand.

Volkov: He's gentle, warm, intelligent, and a good fighter.

Volkov: He's a good man!

Volkov: 'Don't trust others so easily! Don't let your guard down...'

Volkov: That's what you'd probably say, Boss...

Volkov: But don't worry, Boss. Player is as real as they come.

Volkov: He's a miracle man.

Volkov: I trust him. I'd put my life in his hands!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: The shadow crystals are all gone...

Volkov: But I've decided to finish my studies at the Arcana Academy and get my degree.

Volkov: I'll keep following your order, boss.

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Anyway, I've met a lot of good people on Never Isle.

Volkov: So don't worry about me!

Volkov: Boss... wherever you are...

Volkov: Don't let yourself get too tired. Go to sleep at night, don't stay up thinking about complicated things.

Volkov: Drink with the brothers, banter with them.

Volkov: I know you don't like to banter...

Volkov: But just... Find some fun things to do over there. Don't work too hard.

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Let's head on back to Never Isle, Player.

Player: You can say more to him if you want to. There's no rush...

Volkov: I introduced you to him, Player. My mission is already complete.

Player: (surprised)

Volkov: What, you wanna see me cry in front of my boss and brothers like a coward?

Player: Tears are emotions. They have nothing to do with cowardice or bravery.

Player: Well, since you put it that way, let's go.

Player: In the future, we'll make some time to come back each month.

Player: We'll sweep the grave and chat with the boss.

Player: If you think of something you wanna say, you can say it then.

Volkov: Yeah... I'll help the boss clean off...

Volkov suddenly falls quiet.

Volkov: His grave...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Woo... Woo...

His tears begin pouring out.

Volkov: I... I'm not crying, Player...

Volkov: It's just water! My eyes are leaking...

Player: Come here...

You open your arms wide and give Volkov a gentle hug.

Volkov: Boss...

Volkov: Brothers...

Volkov: They're gone. They're all gone...

Volkov: Wahhhhhh!!!

Volkov's sadness, hidden by fury, his suffering, suppressed by the thirst for revenge...

Are released all at once.

You want to comfort him, but after thinking about it, you realize...

That in this moment, for Volkov...

Tears are the best medicine.

One week later...

Early morning, in the captain's quarters on the airship.

Volkov breathes steadily as he lies beside you, holding you close.

You turn your head to look at the clock next to the bed.

Player: (Yawning) It's time to get up...

You move your elbow and nudge Volkov's side.

Volkov: Hmmm... huh?

Player: Get up, Volkov. You have class this morning, and I have a mission...

Volkov: I just wanna sleep ten more minutes...

Player: You'll be late...

Volkov holds your arm tightly, pulling you closer.

Volkov: Five minutes...

Player: Can't do that, either.

You know how strong Volkov is. If he won't let you go...

You have no choice but to stay pressed against his chest, unable to move.

Volkov: Ten seconds!

Player: Okay!

Volkov counts to ten, lets you go, then rolls over and lets out a big yawn.

Volkov: Damn, if I'd known how tough this would be, I wouldn't have picked a morning class.

Player: Even if you didn't have class, I still have to get up. I have a mission with the Oathblades today.

The two of you sit up and put on your clothes.

Player: I don't think I'll have time to come back at noon, so you should just eat lunch in the canteen.

Volkov: Okay. Can we have dinner together?

Player: Sure. I should be back this afternoon. I'll go to the academy and wait for you to finish class.

Volkov gives you a hug.

Volkov: Stay safe!

Player: Of course!

A little while later, Volkov has already left for class.

Your airship is already airborne, heading toward the mission site.

Just then, the airship receives a message.

Player: Didn't I just talk with the Oathblades? Why are they sending another message?

Player: (Answering comm) What's wrong, Miles?

Duran's Comm: Player, it's Duran.

Player: Oh, Duran! Hey! How've you been lately?

Duran's Comm: It's been business as usual, but I'm not reaching out to you for small talk.

Duran's Comm: Player, you had me look into the assassins that tried to kill Volkov.

Duran's Comm: It took a while, but I finally found something!

Player: Scarface Charlie? Fat Tom? Businessman John, maybe?

Duran's Comm: If it was one of them, I wouldn't have bothered reaching out. Dead men pose no threat.

Player: It wasn't one of them? Then who hired the assassins?

Duran's Comm: ...

Duran's Comm: It was the Order of Equality!

Player: !!!

Player: W...what?!

To be continued...

Dates

This section contains spoilers for Date scenes.

Note: All dates take place before Intimacy Level 11

Cat and Gang

-Intro

Near the dorm bathrooms at the Arcana Academy.

You're passing by, having just finished your official business.

Suddenly, two figures swiftly dart past you.

Player: Whoa!

Player: It looks like something furry just flew past.

Kitty rushes over.

Kitty: Player! Perfect! Did you see two cats pass through here?

Player: Cats?

Suddenly, you hear two cats cry out.

Kitty: Uh oh! They're in trouble!

Player: (Run off in the direction of the cats' cries...) They might have run into trouble.

You and Kitty rush in the direction of the cats' cries.

You spot Volkov dressed in a tank top and shorts, carrying a towel and some bathing supplies.

And two cats by Volkov's feet, one grey and one white.

They're rubbing up against him.

Volkov: Oh...

Volkov: Cats.

Player: Volkov?

Kitty: I'm so sorry!

Kitty: They're a couple of stray cats I found at the academy arboretum.

Kitty: I wanted to give them a bath, but they ran off the second they saw the water.

Player: Stray cats?

Volkov: Cats are afraid of water.

Volkov: And their skin is thin. They'll catch colds if they take too many baths.

Player: Whoa!

Player: (Volkov seems to know a lot about cats.)

Kitty: That's true, but they seemed so pitiful when I found them.

Kitty: After I fed them and took them to the vet, I found out they're sick.

Kitty: They need to take a bath and some medicine.

Kitty slowly approaches the cats.

Kitty: Here, kitties~ Let's go take a bath...

However, the cats seem to understand what Kitty's trying to do.

They arch their backs and begin to hiss at Kitty.

Player: The cats don't look too willing.

Kitty: Ah... You weren't like this when I fed you...

Volkov: How about I give them a bath?

Volkov: They seem to like me. I don't think they'll run away.

Volkov: And I was going to take a bath myself, anyway.

Kitty: Huh? Are you sure that's okay?

Volkov: They need to take a bath if they're sick.

Kitty: Thank you!

Volkov: Come on, little friends~

Volkov bends over and picks up the cats.

The cats happily nestle up against Volkov's chest.

Volkov and the two cats head off toward the bathroom.

Player: (surprised)

Kitty: I thought cats were afraid of big guys like Volkov.

Player: ...

Kitty: I had no idea they'd like him...

Player: Don't blame the cats.

Kitty: What?

Kitty: Hey now, you're not imagining yourself as one of those cats, are you?

Kitty: Being carried off to a bath by Volkov...

Player: Huh... What?

Player: No!

Suddenly, you hear the blood-curdling cry of a cat ring out from the direction of the bathroom.

Immediately after, you hear Volkov roar.

Volkov: Rrragh! Don't run!

Player: Oh! What's going on?

Kitty: Volkov's not some kind of creep, is he?

Kitty: If he hurts those cats, I'll never forgive him!

In the dorm bathrooms at the Arcana Academy.

Kitty: Whoa!

Player: What's this?

The two of you rush into the bathroom and see something totally unexpected.

Volkov: (Hums a song from BlackFlame City.)

The white cat is laying limp across Volkov's shoulders...

And is completely immersed in its enjoyment of the hot bath.

The grey cat has stopped resisting.

Held against Volkov's chest by his massive hands...

Its final act of resistance - its erect tail - quickly droops.

It is at this moment that the totally nude Volkov notices the two of you.

Volkov: Oh... You guys came?

Kitty: ...

Player: Incredible...

Volkov: Oh...

Kitty: (Blushes)

Volkov: D-don't stare...

Kitty: Well then! I'll just be going now!

A few moments later, Volkov has finished his bath.

Kitty rubs the cats dry, then carries them out of the bathroom with a red face.

Volkov: Is that guy okay?

Volkov: His face looked a little red...

Player: I don't know...

Player: Maybe you surprised him.

Volkov: Oh... Stop messing around, Player.

Player: Hahaha!

Player: All right, all right. No more messing around! Let's get down to business!

-(I didn't expect you to be a cat lover, Volkov! - 900 Intimacy

Player: I had no idea, Volkov...

Player: That you're such a cat lover!

Volkov: Can't help it.

Volkov: Cats are too cute. I can't stop myself from petting them~

Player: Seeing you like that, I guess you must have had a bunch of cats in BlackFlame City.

Volkov: When the Fang Gang was just getting started, we looked after a lot of stray cats and dogs.

Volkov: Back then, I used to secretly feed them the breakfast my boss gave me and let myself go hungry.

Player: Huh? Then what about you?

Volkov: I put up with the hunger.

Player: Uh...

Volkov: The boss ended up finding out, and he really gave me a scolding.

Volkov: Afterward, the Fang Gang had a dedicated place for feeding stray cats and dogs.

Player: You're really kind, Volkov.

Volkov: You consider that kind?

Volkov: I lived through days when I had no idea where the next meal would come from.

Volkov: I can't stand seeing others go hungry - not even cats!

Suddenly, your belly growls.

Player: Whoa!

Player: Sorry... I was busy all day with a mission. I haven't eaten dinner yet.

Volkov: No one should go hungry! Not cats, and not you, Player!

Volkov: Let's go. I'll treat you to a late night snack!

Player: Oh?

Player: You're going to feed little "Player" a treat?

Volkov: Of course!

Player: Let's go!

-I wish I could transform into a cat so you could hold me... - 900 Intimacy

Volkov: !!

Player: Hee hee~

Volkov: It's a deal. You'd better not be joking.

Player: I'm not joking~

Player: I'm willing to bet that many men in Luxium have dreamed of such a situation...

Volkov: The... The more you talk, the more ridiculous it gets!

Player: You're blushing~

Volkov: Whoa!

Volkov: You're just like those strange guys, Player!

Volkov: I'm going back to the dorm!

Player: (Uh... Is he angry?)

Player: (Or just shy?)

-I'm curious, how did you get those cats to behave? - 900 Intimacy

Player: You got that cat to enjoy taking a bath...

Player: How did you do that?

Volkov: Baths are comfortable. The key thing is getting the cats to enjoy them.

Player: But that's the hardest parts. Cats bolt for the door the second they see water!

Volkov: That's when you need to let the cats know who's boss!

Player: Huh? Who's boss!

Volkov: Why, me, of course!

Volkov: All I need to do is roar, then while the cat is stunned, I picked it up.

Volkov: Once it's comfortable, it will be happy to take a bath.

Volkov: And afterward, they'll never refuse a bath again!

Player: Oh...

Player: We heard a roar outside just now.

Player: Now I know what it was.

Volkov: Heh, hope I didn't scare you!

Player: Of course not~

Player: Speaking of which, I have another 'friend'...

Player: Who hates to take baths~

Player: Maybe you can cure him, too...when you've got time.

Volkov: Oh?

Bail

-Intro

One day, while resting in the Hottie Bar.

Suddenly, you receive an urgent communication from President Vundo.

Urgent Communication from Vundo: Are you free now, Player?

Player: What's wrong, President Vundo?

Urgent Communication from Vundo: Please go to the Defense Force jail and find Volkov!

Urgent Communication from Vundo: It doesn't matter what he did. Pay his bail and get him out of there!

Player: Volkov? Did something happen?

Urgent Communication from Vundo: I don't know yet. I'm on a business trip in Elysiann and I can't get back right now.

Urgent Communication from Vundo: I need you to bring Volkov back, Player.

Urgent Communication from Vundo: All expenses will be reimbursed by the Arcana Academy.

Player: Understood. I'm on my way!

A while later, at the entrance to the Defense Force jail...

Volkov: What are you doing here, Brother Player?

Player: The president just contacted me. He wanted me to go to the Defense Force and pay your bail.

Volkov: Ah... The president's making mountains out of mole hills!

Volkov: What's the big deal? Why's he dragging you into this, Player?

Player: Big deal?

Player: I heard Izumi say that you beat someone so bad they had to receive treatment in the Kaist Church!

Volkov: See? It's nothing...

Volkov: I know what I'm capable of. That guy will be fine after a couple of days in the church.

Player: Sigh...

Player: What happened? Why did you beat someone half to death?

Volkov: That profiteer sold me a counterfeit arcana potion.

Volkov: A counterfeit by itself wouldn't be a big deal, but he sold it to me at the price of the actual thing!

Volkov: The potion was a piece of crap. He completely ruined my experiment.

Volkov: I went to the market to get my money back...

Volkov: He didn't just refuse to give me my money back, he tried to scare me off!

Volkov: Dammit, he had no idea who I am!

Volkov: I'm the fourth-in-command of BlackFlame City's Fang Gang. No one gets the best of me!

Volkov: So I hit him. He had it coming!

Volkov: Hehe!

Player: Don't be stupid.

Player: According to Never Isle law, this constitutes intentional harm!

Player: If that profiteer dies...

Player: You could spend the rest of your life in prison!

Player: Even if he's only seriously injured, you'll still end up in jail...

Player: And in that case, even bail won't get you out.

Volkov: What! I only hit him after he refused to refund me for the fake goods he sold me!

Player: If the profiteer won't give you a refund, you can file a complaint with the Market Inspection Department.

Player: You can't just hit the guy.

Volkov: Market Inspection Department?

Volkov: If they were useful, he wouldn't dare sell fake goods.

Volkov: Which is to say, they're all in cahoots!

Player: Then report it to the Defense Force...

Volkov: That would be an even bigger waste of time!

Volkov: If I reported it to the Defense Force, by the time they'd be able to investigate and make a decision, he'd be long gone.

Volkov: And then what about my money? That's money the boss sent me for living expenses!

Player: (surprised)

Volkov: This is Never Isle. I don't wanna cause trouble!

Volkov: If I encountered this kind of profiteer in BlackFlame City, I'd have beaten the crap out of him.

Volkov: Then I would've destroyed his house, and chased everyone in his family out of BlackFlame City.

Volkov: And if I ever saw him again, I'd beat him, to death if I had to!

Player: But this is Never Isle. You need to do things according to Never Isle's law.

Volkov: The boss said that Never Isle is a reasonable place...

Volkov: But it's worse than BlackFlame City!

Player: ...

Player: But now that it's come to this, I need to figure out what to do.

-Apologize to the victim... - 500 Intimacy

Player: Hmm...

Player: Volkov, you need to apologize to the victim!

Volkov: What?

Player: Never Isle law says...

Player: If the victim forgives you, you might get a lighter sentence!

Volkov: Hey now, I was victimized when he sold me a fake potion.

Volkov: I'm the victim here, got it?

Volkov: He should give me an apology and compensation!

Player: ...

Player: Now isn't the time to debate who's at fault...

Player: You're the one who's been arrested by the Defense Force for beating someone half to death in the market!

Player: I just told you, according to Never Isle law, you need to be in jail!

Player: You don't want to be in jail, do you?

Volkov: I went to the profiteer to get my money back, but he wouldn't give it to me, so I beat him up, and I'm the one who needs to be in jail?!

Volkov: Is there no justice here?

Volkov: BlackFlame City may be a chaotic place, but at least it still has justice!

Player: But you're in Never Isle, you need to respect Never Isle's law!

Volkov: What stinkin' law?

Volkov: I refuse to follow it!

Volkov: You wanna put me in jail, put me in jail? You wanna kill me, then kill me! Whatever you do, I'm still right!

Player: Ahh...

Player: You are too unreasonable!

Volkov: Humph!

Defense Force Warrior: Volkov! You're free to go!

Player: Huh?

Volkov: I'm not going! I demand an explanation!

Izumi explains what happened.

It turns out that the profiteer selling fake goods saw that Volkov wasn't backing down, and was afraid he'd affect business.

He used his connections in the Market Inspection Department and had them use their enforcers to remove Volkov.

The enforcers even drew their swords.

In the end, Volkov fought both the profiteer and the enforcers.

The whole incident was witnessed by everyone in the market. There were plenty of eyewitness accounts.

As a result, the Defense Force decided to release Volkov immediately.

At the same time, they revoked the profiteer's business license and compensated Volkov for all his losses.

At the Defense Force jail's exit.

Player: So it turns out you were acting in self defense...

Volkov: I told you, it was nothing.

Volkov: What did you think happened?

Volkov: You thought that I beat that profiteer half to death as soon as I saw him?

Player: ...

Player: Uh...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Even you, Player...

Volkov: In your eyes, I'm just a violent fool!

Player: Oh! That's not what I meant!

Volkov: Forget it. I'm used to it...

Volkov: I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I'll be going now.

-If it was the other guy who attacked first, perhaps... - 900 Intimacy

Player: I understand you. I know you wouldn't hit someone for no reason.

Volkov: Player...

Player: Earlier, you said that when you were demanding compensation from the merchant, the merchant was the one who tried to chase you out first?

Volkov: Yes! That guy used those enforcers for protection!

Volkov: They tried to push me out.

Player: Good. They were the ones who used force first.

Player: In that case, you can claim self-defense, which leaves room for negotiation.

Player: At worst, it would be considered improper defense. With the proper compensation, you could aim for a settlement.

Volkov: I still need to pay compensation?

Player: Can't do anything about it. On Never Isle, you need to follow Never Isle's laws.

Player: Even if the law is often unfair...

Player: The cost of disobeying the law is too high. We need to learn to make compromises.

Player: After all, you can't do anything in prison.

Volkov: Ugh... I hate this!

Player: But that profiteer's not gonna get off easy, either.

Volkov: Huh?

Player: Those kinds of guys always have lots of illegal goods. I can ask my friend in the Order of Equality...

Player: To just keep digging... Heh heh~

Volkov: What's with the scary expression, Player?

Player: The law is not just on their side.

Defense Force Warrior: Volkov! You're free to go!

Player: ?

Izumi explains what happened.

It turns out that the profiteer selling fake goods saw that Volkov wasn't backing down, and was afraid he'd affect business.

He used his connections in the Market Inspection Department and had them use their enforcers to remove Volkov.

The enforcers even drew their swords.

In the end, Volkov fought both the profiteer and the enforcers.

The whole incident was witnessed by everyone in the market. There were plenty of eyewitness accounts.

As a result, the Defense Force decided to release Volkov immediately.

At the same time, they revoked the profiteer's business license and compensated Volkov for all his losses.

At the Defense Force jail's exit.

Player: As expected, it was self-defense.

Player: But the profiteer's guards drew their swords on you. Why didn't you say anything?

Volkov: I told them the profiteer pushed me first.

Volkov: Pushing, drawing a sword... In my eyes, those are one and the same.

Player: One and the same? Scary...

Volkov: No... You're the scary one, Player...

Player: Huh?

Volkov: You're the type of guy who can lay somebody flat without even raising a fist, Player.

Volkov: The boss says that people like you are the hardest to deal with!

Player: Whoa!

Player: I would never use my connections to mess with people for no reason...

Volkov: You're a good guy. I'm so happy!

Volkov: Player, who knows how to fight and use his head, is my brother - awesome!

Player: I think you're giving me a compliment, but it's a little strange...

Volkov: Sorry for troubling you today, Player~

Volkov: Come on. Drinks are on me!

-Go ask Izumi and see if there's anything he can do. - 700 Intimacy

Player: Don't be too hasty. I need to go ask Izumi.

Player: He's the commander of the Defense Force. He'll know what to do, given his experience in handling cases.

Defense Force Warrior: Volkov! You're free to go!

Player: Huh?

Izumi explains what happened.

It turns out that the profiteer selling fake goods saw that Volkov wasn't backing down, and was afraid he'd affect business.

He used his connections in the Market Inspection Department and had them use their enforcers to remove Volkov.

The enforcers even drew their swords.

In the end, Volkov fought both the profiteer and the enforcers.

The whole incident was witnessed by everyone in the market. There were plenty of eyewitness accounts.

As a result, the Defense Force decided to release Volkov immediately.

At the same time, they revoked the profiteer's business license and compensated Volkov for all his losses.

At the Defense Force jail's exit.

Player: So it really was self defense!

Player: You did say the profiteer wanted to chase you off...

Player: I didn't realize that they drew swords.

Volkov: Haha, Never Isle is just as you say...

Volkov: It's a reasonable place!

Player: Whatever the case, just as long as you're out of trouble.

Volkov: Yeah. Thank you, Player!

Volkov: I'll buy you a drink some day!

A Suitable Boyfriend

-Intro

At Never Isle's harbor.

Player: Volkov?

Volkov: Player!

Volkov: What am I doing at the harbor?

Volkov: I wanted to go back to the academy...

Player: (He seems a little preoccupied.)

Player: (I'll invite him to the Hottie Bar!)

Moments later, at Hottie Bar...

Volkov: Oh...

Volkov: Today's booze tasted a little different than usual.

Player: It was the same booze as always.

Player: The only thing that was different was your state of mind.

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: What's wrong? Got something on your mind? Is something troubling you?

Volkov: N-no...

Volkov: It's just... I went to find Miles so we could spar, and I ran into Eddie.

Player: Eddie?

Volkov: Those guys started fighting the second they saw each other.

Player: Ah... That's business as usual for those guys. Don't worry about it~

Volkov: Miles is a pretty serious guy. He doesn't usually treat his subordinates lightly...

Volkov: But when he was scolding Eddie...

Volkov: He seemed almost happy. Suspicious, right?

Player: *Puff*...

Player: Of course he was happy.

Volkov: You don't think it's strange, Player?

Player: They look like they're fighting, but actually it's just flirtatious banter!

Volkov: Whoa!

Volkov: Could it be? Are Eddie and Miles...?

Volkov: In that kind of relationship?

Player: You're a grown-up. Why do you blush when you talk about emotional stuff?

Player: You're right. They're a couple, and perhaps before long, they'll be married.

Volkov: M... M...

Volkov: Married?!

Player: Why so surprised?

Player: You've never thought about getting married with one of your boyfriends?

Volkov: I'm... I'm so busy. I don't have the time for that kind of thing...

Player: You're a top-tier dreamboat, but you haven't...

Player: Oh... Don't tell me, Volkov... Are you still...

Player: A virgin?

Volkov: Stop talking nonsense!

Volkov: I'm... I'm so busy! I don't have the time for that kind of thing...

Player: Oh... Did I make you angry?

Volkov: Who's angry? I'm not angry!

Volkov: Don't make fun of me, Player.

Volkov mutters as he finishes the drink he's holding.

Player: Do you admire Miles?

Volkov: Yeah... Brother Miles...

Volkov: He has a very honest smile.

Volkov: Having a partner that you can rely on and trust must be pretty great.

Player: Since you care so much about it, why don't you find yourself a boyfriend?

Volkov: !

Volkov: A boyfriend? I... I...

Player: I didn't expect a bold and ferocious gang boss like yourself to have such a soft side!

Volkov: N...Nonsense!

Player: I've lived on Never Isle for several years and I know a lot of people here.

Player: What kind of guy do you like, Volkov? I could introduce you~

Volkov: First of all, he can't be an enemy of the Fang Gang.

Volkov: He has to be good to the Fang Gang!

Volkov: And they need to be good at sparring...

Volkov: If I go even a day without sparring, my hands start to get itchy!

Player: That won't be too difficult~

Volkov: Also... He needs to like drinking!

Volkov: I love to drink. I'd have nothing to talk about with someone who doesn't!

Player: Okay!

Volkov: Oh yeah!

Volkov: They must be a righteous and good person.

Volkov: I don't like dark and treacherous guys!

Player: Of course~ Keep going...

Volkov: I don't think there's anything else...

Volkov: I don't care if they're tall, short, fat, skinny, rich or poor.

Player: Oh...

Player: In that case, most of the members of the Fang Gang in BlackFlame City fit the bill.

Volkov: Me? Get together with a brother from the Fang Gang?

Volkov: I'm happy when I drink with them...

Volkov: But I couldn't make one my boyfriend!

Player: Oh... Then what about your boss?

Player: You really like him, don't you?

Volkov: Like the boss?

Volkov: How could I dare think of the boss like that?!

Volkov: I have respect and admiration for the boss - nothing more!

Player: Oh... Okay...

Player: These are all the suitable candidates, but you don't agree to any of them.

Player: You must have some other requirements.

Volkov: I really don't have any other requirements.

Volkov: But I also don't have any feelings for my brothers or the boss.

Volkov: Now that you mention it, I've got a lot of brothers, but I don't like any of them like that.

Volkov: Ah... I'm not some kind of freak, am I?

Player: What?

Player: Why would you be?

-You haven't found 'love' yet. - 900 Intimacy

Volkov: Love...?

Player: Yeah! The conditions you just listed...

Player: Those conditions are the kind you'd use to see who you'd get along with or be friends with.

Volkov: All right... Then...what does love feel like?

Player: It's like, if there's a person that you don't just get along with...

Player: When you're together, it's a really unique feeling!

Volkov: Unique...?

Player: Yeah! You only get that feeling when you're with that person.

Player: It's a very comforting feeling. It's gratifying and joyful.

Player: It's a kind of joy that words cannot express.

Volkov: Oh...

Player: The feeling is different for everybody.

Player: You don't need to rush it, Volkov.

Player: Whenever you come across that person you're fated to be with, the feeling will come to you naturally.

Volkov: ...

Volkov looks at you. His face suddenly turns red.

Player: Oh... You only had two drinks, and they've already gone to your head?

Volkov: What...

Player: Your face is red~

Volkov: Uh, n-no it isn't!

Volkov: Maybe it's because of the cloudy weather.

Volkov: Hahahahaha!

Just then, Volkov's communication crystal rings.

Volkov: I just started feeling good. Who could be calling me right now?

Vundo's Comm: Volkov! Where did you run off to?!

Vundo's Comm: You dare skip MY class?!

Volkov: Oh! I forgot...

Vundo's Comm: What? Outrageous!

Volkov: I need to get going, Player!

-When it comes to emotions, you can't rush things~ - 900 Intimacy

Player: Don't be nervous!

Player: You haven't met someone you like yet.

Player: Once you do, you'll naturally pursue them.

Player: Besides, you're in the prime of your life, Volkov. It's a perfect time to focus on your career!

Player: You're too young to be worried about affairs of the heart~

Volkov: You're right about that! Hahaha!

Volkov: I need to improve and expand the Fang Gang first.

Volkov: Then I can think about this stuff!

Player: That's right~

Just then, Volkov's communication crystal rings.

Volkov: I just started feeling good. Who could be calling me right now?

Vundo's Comm: Volkov! Where did you run off to?!

Vundo's Comm: You dare skip MY class?!

Volkov: Oh! I forgot...

Vundo's Comm: What? Outrageous!

Volkov: I need to get going, Player!

-Then can I be your boyfriend? - 900 Intimacy

Volkov: W...what?

Player: Since you have no boyfriend...

Player: Maybe we could give it a shot?

Volkov: Huh?!

Player: We could give it the old college try, and if it doesn't work out, we can go back to being brothers again~

Volkov: Player, you...

Volkov: Stop messing around...

Player: Those conditions you just listed... I check every box.

Player: You've known me for a while. We get along.

Volkov: I... I...

Volkov: Let me think, let me think...

Just then, Volkov's communication crystal rings.

Vundo's Comm: Volkov! Where did you run off to?!

Vundo's Comm: You dare skip MY class?!

Volkov: Oh! I totally forgot...

Vundo's Comm: Outrageous! Get back here now!

Trifle

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King of the Hill

Volkov's conflict with the Order of Equality and the Oathblades made him a sensation at the academy. More and more students grew fond of him, and even some researchers became his fans. Riding high on his newfound fame, Volkov caught the attention of a traditional 'bully' from the Arcana Academy.

-Part 1

Since Luxium calmed down, your thrilling missions have slowed to a trickle.

Every once in a while, you receive an escort mission.

You have lent the Wheel of Fate to the Arcana Academy for study, which earns you a good amount of money each week, and you have no trouble making ends meet.

But a person can't stay idle forever, even if their basic needs are met.

If you don't charge forward on the path of destiny, time will leave you behind!

Those unwilling to fall into decadence, take the wisdom of the sages as your ladder and the great strength of the ancients as your oar...

Break the shackles of your era and ascend the world's summit.

Player: Ahhh! I can't take it anymore!

Player puts back the book on the Academy library's shelf

Player: These academic books are so boring! I can't get into them at all!

Player: I guess my plan to make use of my free time by training to become an arcana master has failed.

Player: Forget it. Why be hard on yourself?

Player: It's such a large library, surely there's got to be a novel or manga in here somewhere.

Player: ...

Player: What am I thinking... Why would there be novels at the Arcana Academy?

???: There are~

Player: !

Player turns around

Yaen: (Smiles innocently.)

Player: Yaen?

Yaen: Player~

Player: What are you doing here?

Player: (Could it be? Am I in Yaen's illusion?)

Player: (Ugh... When...?)

Yaen: What are you thinking about?

Yaen: I'm not playing any tricks on you~

Player: ...

Yaen: A genius witch's power isn't like this, you know.

Player: Hahaha...

Player: Is there...something I can help you with, Yaen?

Yaen: Don't look so nervous...

Yaen: You're not some dumb ol' teacher, Player.

Yaen: I would never bully you.

Player: Haha, good.

Yaen takes out a few books.

Yaen: Books about arcana are so boring.

Yaen: Here are some of President Vundo's most precious novels and comic books~

Yaen: Take a look!

Player: President Vundo's?

You take the books and look them over.

Player: Whoa!

Player: 'My Buff Roommate'?

Player: 'The Colossus Arrives, Inuzuka's Endless Hell'?!?

Player: Are you telling me I can read these for free?

Player: You didn't take a look inside these, did you, Yaen?

Yaen: Nope! They're not my type.

Yaen: But you'll definitely like them, Player. They're all yours!

Player: Thank you so much!

Player: I'll buy some candy for you~

Yaen: No need. I'm not a kid anymore!

Yaen: But if you insist on paying me back...

Yaen: Just remember my kindness~

Player: Remember?

Yaen: Well, we're all done here~

Yaen skips off

Yaen: Lalalala~

Player: Yaen's gifts should be handled with extreme caution.

Player: But these books are the real deal.

Player: Hmmm.

Player: I don't see any traps. There's only a slight hint of flux...probably from Yaen.

Player: Is it possible that Yaen has actually become kind?

You flip through a book and confirm there's no problem with its content.

It is indeed the manga that is currently so popular among Never Isle's youth.

And it's a collection you haven't read yet.

You let your guard down and begin to enjoy the book.

Player: Hey! This roommate's got a nice body.

Player: But he's still nothing compared to Volkov...

A few moments later...

Player: As expected of a collection like this, it's really high quality.

Player: (Breathes deeply) All right, all right. I'm going to lose my mind if I read these books for too long.

Player: That's enough for now. I'm going to head back.

Just then, your Arcana Comlink rings.

Player: It's President Vundo...

Player: (Answering Comlink) President Vundo?

Vundo's Comm: Player, are you free? Can you come to my office at the Arcana Academy? I've got something urgent for you.

Player: Oh... Is it the Wheel of Fate?

Vundo's Comm: The Wheel of Fate is fine. It's something else.

Vundo's Comm: It's a matter that may affect the future of the Arcana Academy!

Player: Oh! I'm in the library. I'll head over now.

Later, at the Arcana Academy...

In Vundo's office, two professors bring their complaints

Academy Professor: Mr. President, if this keeps up, the students will all be led astray!

Academy Professor: Yes. This is the Arcana Academy, not...

Vundo: All right!

Vundo: What you all should be doing is making your courses more interesting and appealing to the students...

Vundo: Not complaining to me!

Academy Professor: President...

Vundo: Sigh... I'll talk with him. You all go back to your work.

Vundo: If you all have a bad attitude, it will affect your classes, and the students will hate them even more!

Academy Professor: Yes... Sir!

Player walks in just as the two professors leave

Player: (Those two teachers didn't look so happy...)

Player: (What's going on?)

Vundo: Ah, Player, you're here.

Player: Mr. President! Is everything okay?

Just then...

???: Ho, ho, ho!!

It sounds like a deliberately affected voice, as if its speaker is pinching their nose.

Player: What?

Vundo: ?

Player's pockets start to glow

???: What's going on? Something's happening!

Player: Oh... This light is coming from inside the book...

Vundo: Ah... She couldn't have come at a worse time.

???: The Arcana Academy belongs to the Witch of Illusions!

A blue haze fills the room and multiple Yaens start to appear before Player and Vundo

Player: Just how many nicknames do you have, Yaen?

Yaen: I am Queen Yaen...

Vundo: Sigh...

Vundo: Player, stand still and don't move!

Yaen: Bow before me and swear your allegiance!

Vundo takes aim and traps the real Yaen in an Arcane Cell

The blue haze and Yaen doppelgangers instantly vanish

Yaen: Ah! That hurts, President Vundo!

Vundo: Enough, stop pretending.

Yaen: I thought you couldn't break my illusions?

Vundo: Yaen, I'm busy with work right now. I don't have time to play with you.

Vundo: Go back!

Yaen: President Vundo!!!

President Vundo snaps his fingers and Yaen vanishes without a trace.

Player: Where'd Yaen go?

Vundo: I sent here to the isolation room to calm down. Don't worry, she can get out on her own.

Player: I never should've taken something from Yaen.

Vundo: I don't have time to deal with her right now. She's becoming more and more troublesome, and doesn't know when to stop!

Vundo: Let's get back to business.

Vundo: I hear you and Volkov are pretty close.

Player: Yeah. We've had drinks together a few times.

Player: He looks tough, but he's actually an upright guy.

Vundo: Really?

Player: What's wrong? Who did he hit?

Vundo: If he just hit somebody, it would be easy enough to deal with.

Player: Oh! Then...

Vundo: A little while ago, he knocked down those warriors from the Oathblades and the Order of Equality...

Vundo: Then he got into a scuffle with Miles.

Vundo: There were a lot of spectators, and word got out.

Vundo: Add to that headlines like, 'Oathblades Suffer Embarrassing Loss at Hands of Arcana Academy Freshman'...

Vundo: And 'Order of Equality Leaves Arcana Academy With Tails Between Their Legs'...

Vundo: And it's not hard to see why Volkov's gotten pretty popular among the freshman class and younger professors.

Vundo: A few days ago, he even approached me to apply for a student guild: the Fang Combat Arcana Research Guild.

Vundo: I thought Volkov wanted to understand and research arcana.

Vundo: So I approved.

Vundo: But look at his dorm - it's full of people, and every single one of them signed up!

Player: Isn't that a good thing?

Player: His classmates and teachers have all become his brothers, so he won't get into fights anymore.

Vundo: But he spends all day leading the members of his guild in physical fitness and martial arts training. He's even filling their heads with the idea that arcana is useless!

Vundo: Isn't it supposed to be an arcana research guild?

Player: ...

Vundo: Now we have a bunch of students who don't even want to go to class!

Vundo: The Arcana Academy's going to become the Muscle Academy!

Player: (Whispers) A Muscle Academy sounds like a pretty good idea...

Vundo: What did you say?

Player: Nothing, nothing~

Player: So what do you need me to do?

Vundo: Nothing too difficult, I was just hoping you could talk with him...

Vundo: Get him to exercise a little restraint!

Vundo: At the very least, he has to stop telling the students that arcana is useless!

Player: ...Is that it?

Vundo: Yes. Please, Player!

Player: Oh...

Choice 1.1 - Why not disband the Fang Arcana Research Guild?

Player: If Volkov's guild is already affected the academy's operations...

Player: Why don't you disband it?

Vundo: The academy encourages its students to join guilds.

Vundo: Using their free time to join events they're interested in...

Vundo: It's both a way to develop their skills and also a respite from their studies.

Vundo: Besides, Volkov's guild hasn't violated any rules.

Vundo: There's no reason to disband them.

Choice 1.1.1 - Why not disband the Fang Arcana Research Guild?

Go to Choice 1.1

Choice 1.1.2 - Why don't you talk to Volkov yourself?

Go to Choice 1.2

Choice 1.1.3 - All right, President Vundo. I understand.

Continue with scene

Choice 1.2 - Why don't you talk to Volkov yourself?

Player: I think he's quite afraid of you.

Vundo: I...wouldn't know how to start.

Vundo: Fact of the matter is...

Vundo: It's because the teachers have prepared a boring curriculum that is failing to lift the students' interests.

Vundo: That's why the students have joined his guild and are participating in its activities.

Vundo: Ultimately, it's my fault!

Choice 1.2.1 - Why not disband the Fang Arcana Research Guild?

Go to Choice 1.1

Choice 1.2.2 - Why don't you talk to Volkov yourself?

Go to Choice 1.2

Choice 1.2.3 - All right, President Vundo. I understand.

Continue with scene

Scene continues after choices

Player: I'll have a talk with Volkov.

A while later, outside the academy's student dorms...

A whole crowd of studens and teachers stand outside the dorms

Student in Line (A): Oh! I see, I see!

Student in Line (B): How is it?

Student in Line (A): Magnificent! Those muscles! Heaven...

Student in Line (B): Don't get horny about it, I wanna see!

Player: Wow! So many people...

Player calls out above the crowd

Player: Volkov, you here?

Volkov: Oh, this voice...

Volkov: It's Brother Player!

Volkov: Keep an eye on this for me, Chitzkoi.

Chitzkoi: Eh? Me?

Volkov: Don't let any strange-looking guys join, and you'll be fine!

Chitzkoi: Oh, hold on...

Volkov: I'm coming, Player!

Student in Line (A): Is the boss coming out?

Student in Line (B): You back there! Stop crowding me!

A few moments later, in a secluded corner near the dorms.

Volkov: What are you doing here, Player?

Player: I was thinking about going to the library to look for some books, and decided to stop by and see what you're up to...

Player: It's been a few days since I've seen you, Volkov. You've become quite the celebrity~

Volkov: Hah... I'm no celebrity.

Volkov: I've been so busy the past couple days, I'm a little overwhelmed.

Volkov: A lot of people want to join our branch of the Fang Gang.

Player: Isn't it called the 'Fang Combat Arcana Research Guild?'

Volkov: That's the official name...

Volkov: President Vundo didn't agree with us starting a branch of the Fang Gang, so Chitzkoi came up with this name.

Volkov: With the new name, it was quickly approved~

Player: Judging by the line of people in front of your dorm, the Fang Gang branch is getting strong; it's just a matter of time!

Volkov: There are a lot of people who want to sign up, but the number of strange guys keep growing, too.

Player: Strange guys?

Volkov: They come right up to me and say they want to 'see how big my package is'...

Volkov: And then reach out to touch my thigh.

Player: Haha. Students these days are certainly direct...

Volkov: Most people just want to check out the gang before they decide whether to join.

Volkov: Some are ambitious and have potential.

Volkov: Once their fitness improves and their fighting skills get better, we'll make them the core of our new branch!

Volkov: In short, the new branch's establishment is officially underway.

Volkov: Once we've got enough brothers and the branch is large enough, I'll tell the boss!

Volkov: Then the boss will understand, I'm not cut out for studying arcana - running a gang is what I'm all about!

Volkov: Are you interested in joining, Player?

Volkov: Oh... I almost forgot about your mission, Player. You're busy...

Volkov: Why don't you become our deputy, Player?

Player: Huh? You want to make me a deputy, just like that?

Volkov: Of course! Your skills are almost as good as mine, Player.

Volkov: And if it weren't for your reminder, I wouldn't have thought about making a new branch.

Player: Wow. I suddenly feel so important~

Volkov: Hehe!

Player: (Volkov is very happy.)

Player: (But what should I do about the mission the president gave me?)

Player: (What excuse should I use to bring this up with Volkov?)

Volkov: What's with the long face, brother?

Player: Ah... It's nothing.

Player: I just remembered a problem that's been bothering me.

Volkov: What?

Volkov: Is someone giving you trouble, Player?

Volkov: Who? I'll knock them out for you!

Player: I think I could actually use your help, Volkov...

Player: But it's not a problem that can be solved with force!

Volkov: Tell me, brother! What do you need me to do?

Player: Uh...

???: Boss! Boss!!

A young student hurries to Volkov

Young Student: Something happened!

Volkov: What's wrong?

Young Student: Our dorm's been attacked by arcana!

Young Student: Chitzkoi, the guild members, and some of our classmates who wanted to join the guild are trapped!

Player: An arcana attack? At the Arcana Academy?

Volkov: Who's behind it?

Young Student: We don't know yet...

Player: Let's go check it out!

Over at Volkov's dorm, the whole area is blocked by a wall of flux

Multiple students lay on the ground, knocked out, while others can barely stand

Player: Whoa!!

Volkov: Hey!! You in there! Can you hear me?

There's no response.

Volkov: Get back!

Volkov strikes the barrier with his staff, dispelling it

Volkov: Hiyaa!!

Volkov: Chitzkoi! Are you okay?

Chitzkoi: Ugh... Boss... Save them... There are others...

Moments later, the barrier comes back

Volkov: Oh! Damn it!

???: You think your little brute force can break the arcana of the Genius Witch?

Volkov: Come out! What kind of man hides in the shadows to plot against my brothers?

Player: (This fake accent...)

Yaen: I'm no man!

Player: Yaen?!

Yaen drops down in between Player and Volkov

Player: Stop messing around! Undo this arcana!

Yaen: I'm not messing around! I'm serious!

Yaen: You're all the Arcana Academy's been talking about the past few months, Volkov...

Yaen: I wanna see what you're capable of!

Yaen: Turns out you're helpless against my genius arcana!

Volkov: I'll do whatever you want, just don't hurt my brothers.

Volkov: Remove this barrier!

Yaen: I'll remove this barrier...if you promise to do what I say!

Player: Don't promise her anything!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Say it... What do you want me to do?

Yaen: Challenge my arcana illusion array!

Volkov: Fine! I'll do it!

Player: (surprised)

Yaen: Ho, ho, ho!

Yaen: Tonight, at the academy auditorium!

Yaen: I will defeat you myself.

Yaen: And then everyone will know that the most powerful person at the Arcana Academy is...

Yaen: The Genius Witch!

Yaen: Wahahaha!

Yaen snaps her fingers and both her and the barrier vanish in a bright flash

Volkov: Hey! Hey! Chitzkoi, are you all right?

Chitzkoi: I'm fine...

Dazed Student: Oh...ugh, I'm so dizzy. What happened?

Player: Yaen just used a little tranquilizer, that's all. They'll be fine.

Volkov: Oh, that's good...

Dazed Student: Oh... It's Volkov... Up close!

Volkov: That concludes today's registration. Come back again tomorrow!

A few moments later...

Two Fang Guild members plead with Volkov

Guild Member: Boss! You can't go!

Volkov: You guys are exaggerating, right?

Volkov: You're telling me I should be scared of that little girl?

Chitzkoi: You haven't heard about Yaen? She's infamous!

Chitzkoi: She's got a million ways to mess with people - who knows what trick she's got up her sleeve this time!

Player: Don't underestimate her, Volkov.

Volkov: I'm not underestimating her. I've been at the Arcana Academy for a while now, and this is the first time I've run into an arcana I couldn't break.

Volkov: She also has the ability to throw her voice and create illusions of herself.

Volkov: This girl's stronger than many of the teachers here!

Player: Since you know what you're up against, don't take that risk tonight!

Volkov: Stop trying to talk me out of it! I'm going this evening, for sure!

Guild Member: Boss! Think it over!

Player: This is Yaen's trap!

Player: If you go and you win, then all you've done is beat a little girl. It won't look good...

Player: And if you lose, you'll be giving Yaen exactly what she wants! She'll never let you live it down!

Chitzkoi: You can't afford to win, and you can't afford to lose. So don't listen to her!

Player: That's right!

Volkov: This has nothing to do with the pride of winning or losing.

Volkov: Nobody messes with Chitzkoi and my brothers!

Volkov: I'm their big brother, so I need to teach her a lesson!

Volkov: I don't care if she's a little girl, a grown man, or even a Shadowlord...

Volkov: I'm gonna knock all her teeth out!

Player: Volkov...

Volkov: That's why I'm not just gonna go...I'm gonna win!

Volkov: I need to let the Arcana Academy and all of Never Isle know...

Volkov: I won't let anyone mess with the Fang Gang!

Player: Since you feel that way, we'll challenge her illusion array together!

Player: I know some of Yaen's tricks. I can help!

Chitzkoi: Count me in!

Guild Member: We'll go, too!

Volkov: Player, everyone...

Guild Member: As a member of the Fang Gang, I can't let the boss face danger alone!

Player: Good thing I'm the deputy!

That night at the Arcana Academy auditorium.

Yaen: Ho, ho, ho!

Yaen: You're finally here.

Volkov: Be quick about it, that illusion array of yours.

Volkov: I don't have a lot of time!

Yaen: Don't be hasty! Let's invite the audience for tonight's performance!

Yaen waves her hand but nothing seems to happen

Chitzkoi: This arcana seems to be useless?

Player: ...

Player: No! We're not the target!

Volkov: Behind!!

Suddenly, students and faculty begin to appear in the auditorium seats

Academy Student: What am I suddenly doing at the Arcana Academy?

Guild Member: Boss Volkov?

Volkov's Fan: Whoa! It's Volkov! Am I dreaming?

Arcana Professor: Volkov? What are you doing here?

Arcana Professor: What are you up to now?

Academy Student: I'm going to tell President Vundo!

Yaen: Ahem!!

A blue barrier blocks the doors

Player: The gate's been sealed!

Volkov: Don't get anybody else involved! Your fight is with me!

Yaen: They're spectators~

Yaen: They're going to see just how weak their beloved Volkov is against me, the Genius Witch!

A large array appears beneath Player, Volkov and the others

Volkov: Come on!

Yaen: Perfect~ My arcana illusion array needs a few supporting actors...

Yaen: Now I don't need to go looking for any~

Player: What?

Chitzkoi: Stay close to the boss. Don't split up once we enter the illusion!

The array glows and Player blacks out for a second

When Player comes to, he seems to be floating in some kind of space

Player: Uh...

Player: What?!?!

Player: Where's my body?

Yaen: Don't worry. To enhance your viewing experience, only your consciousness is retained in the illusion array!

Player: Hold on!

Player: Where are the others?

Yaen: Volkov's little sidekicks are going to be my supporting actors!

Yaen: It'd be no fun if I made you my supporting actor, Player.

Yaen: So be a good little spectator~

Volkov appears below Player, alone

He looks around the area

Volkov: Is this the... the Arcana Tower?

Yaen: Ho, ho, ho!

Volkov: Where's Chitzkoi? Where are my brothers?

Yaen: They're waiting for you in Zone 3~

Yaen: Now for the rules...

Yaen: The arcana illusion array has three zones.

Yaen: Survive the three zones to complete the challenge.

Volkov: ...

Yaen: But there's no way you're going to complete the challenge.

Yaen: If you're scared, just yell 'Long live Yaen, Queen of Arcana!' at the top of your lungs.

Yaen: Then I'll spare you~

Volkov: I will not admit defeat!

Volkov: Give me all you've got!

Yaen: Lam, Purple, come out and play~

A glowing blue ball and a glowing purple ball whisk in front of Volkov

Volkov: Flux monsters?

Player: (So Yaen's still just a child after all...)

Player: This kind of thing won't stop Volkov.

Volkov: You're underestimating me.

Yaen: Humph... Lam and Purple can't be taken down by force...

Volkov: Hya!

Volkov neutralizes the two flux monsters

Yaen: Ohhh! Lam! Purple!

Yaen: Not a chance~

Yaen: You've only beaten one of my Lams and one of my Purples...

Yaen: There's a lot more where they came from!

Dozens more of Yaen's monsters surround Volkov

Player: Whoa!!

Volkov: (Draws weapon.)

Volkov: You've underestimated me again.

Yaen: Forward, my Lams and my Purples!

The balls converge onto Volkov

Volkov: Hya!

Volkov repeatedly strikes back

Volkov: Humph! Weaklings. It doesn't matter how many of them you throw at me, they're still just weaklings!

Cheers begin to come from the audience outside the illusion

Academy Student: Yaen's got so many flux monsters, and they're still no match for him...

Volkov's Fan: Wow! He's so strong!

Guild Member: You get 'em, boss!

Arcana Professor: Volkov is always skipping class...

Arcana Professor: But when he gets serious, he's something else!

Yaen: My Lams... My Purples...

Yaen: How can this be? How could a brutish ape like this beat my Lams and my Purples?

Player: You made a big mistake underestimating Volkov.

Player: You think he's just beating them with his staff like it's a hammer.

Player: But actually, he adds a little anti-flux arcana to each attack.

Player: That's why your Lams and Purples keep getting one-shot.

Player: No wonder President Vundo said that Volkov could become an arcana genius with a little guidance!

Yaen: Humph. Stop praising him!

Yaen: Volkov may be powerful, but I'm more powerful!

Yaen: This was just the first zone. Check this out!

The illusion shifts

Volkov: This time, we're in the Never Isle harbor?

Volkov: It's just like the real thing...

Yaen: I'm the Genius Witch! Of course my illusions look just like the real thing!

Yaen: Don't get too full of yourself, Volkov! The real challenge is just getting started!

Yaen: Arcana illusion array, Zone 2!

Yaen: Boom Boom Candy Town!

Player: What kind of name is that?

Yaen: Completing this zone is simple...

Yaen: You just need to leave the harbor and get back to the Arcana Academy!

Player: That simple?

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov runs towards the Never Isle city gates

As he almost passes under, he is suddenly warped back to the harbor

Volkov: Ugh... I just left the harbor...

Player: A ghost wall?

Volkov: Looks like it won't be so simple after all...

Yaen: If you want to leave the harbor, you need to open the chest representing the correct answer and find the true path.

Player: Candy?

Three chests appear before Volkov

Yaen: All of the chests contain candy that I like!

Yaen: The correct chests hold sweet fruit candy, and the incorrect chests contain bomb candy~

Yaen: Let the questions begin!

Yaen: I have 101 pieces of candy. One of them is spoiled...

Yaen: The spoiled candy is lighter than the others. The others are all the same weight. All I have is a scale.

Yaen: Here's the question! What is the lowest possible number of times I need to weigh candies before I find the spoiled one?

Yaen: The first chest represents five times, the second chest represents three times, and the third...

Volkov: Huh? 101 pieces of candy... One is spoiled... Gotta use a scale to find...

Player: Uh oh!

Player: Volkov is a nitwit when it comes to numbers!

Volkov: What is this nonsense? How should I know?

Yaen: Ho ho ho, stumped, are ya? Then guess one at random~

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Ugh... Forget it. This one!

Volkov strides up to the first chest

Volkov: (Opens chest.)

Volkov: Hmm... Seems like...

Boom!

Volkov: Whoa!

Player: Volkov!

Yaen: Ho ho ho! Realize how strong I am and admit defeat!

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov goes to the next chest

Volkov: (Opens chest.)

Boom!

Volkov: Ugh...

Guild Member: Boss!

Volkov: There are only three chests. If I try them all, I'll find the right one eventually!

Yaen: That's bomb candy! Doesn't it hurt?

Volkov: Men...

Volkov: Do not fear pain!

Player: (surprised)

Player: (embarrassed)

Yaen: (surprised)

Yaen: Well, that's good, because I've got plenty more of those!

Yaen: It'd be no fun if you gave up because you couldn't handle it!

Volkov doesn't say a word to Yaen.

He walks directly to the third chest.

The second he opens the chest, a glowing orb flies out.

The orb lands on a spot directly at the edge of the harbor

Volkov: A marker has appeared.

Glowing Marker: Jump down here!

Yaen: Jump down! Jump down, and you can leave the harbor!

Player: Jump from the harbor? This has gotta be a trick!

Player: Don't trust him, Volkov!

Volkov jumps down into Lake Bliss

A while later, a soaking wet Volkov walks towards Never Isle's sakura tree

Yaen: Hahaha! Volkov's turned into a big, wet gorilla!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: You child...

Yaen: I am not a child!

Four chests appear before Volkov

Yaen: Next question!

Yaen: Find the pattern in the numbers! The first number is: 1210.

Yaen: The second number is: 21200.

Yaen: The third number is: 3211000.

Yaen: What is the fourth number?

Yaen: The first chest is...

Volkov: All right, shut up.

Volkov goes over to the first chest

Yaen: Hey! At least answer my question!

Yaen: Get serious! Pretend like it's one of Vundo's tests!

Volkov: I always hand mine in blank.

Volkov: ...

Boom!

Player: Ugh... If it keeps up like this...

Player: Volkov won't be able to take much more, no matter how fit he is!

Boom!

Volkov: Ugh...

Guild Member: Boss...

Boom!

Volkov: Ahhh!

Yaen: (surprised)

Arcana Professor: Oh... Yaen! Remove the illusion array. If this keeps up, something bad will happen!

Volkov: Ha... This time, I can open up the main road!

A while later...

This time, Volkov stands in front of five chests

Volkov: As long as I can pass through here, I can get to the academy.

Volkov: Chitzkoi, brothers, I'm going through!

Yaen: Hey! This is the last question. Don't you want to think about it?

Volkov: I'm not too smart. Thinking's no use!

Volkov goes over to the closest chest

Player: That's the correct chest! Volkov guessed right!

Guild Member: Boss! Don't change your mind...

Volkov: (Opens chest.)

Lightning strikes Volkov, knocking him down

Guild Member: Boss!!!

Arcana Professor: That was the right chest, Yaen. Why...?

Yaen: The candy is real.

Yaen: I never said I couldn't tamper with the box, though, right?

Guild Member: Hey! You crazy woman!

Yaen: This is my turf. You guys can't do anything~

Academy Student: This is too far! You've taken it too far!!

Yaen: Hey, Volkie! If you can't take it anymore, just surrender!

Yaen: Say, 'Long live Queen Yaen~'

Volkov: Ugh...

Volkov: Don't make me laugh!

Volkov gets back up

Volkov: You can't beat me with your petty tricks!

Volkov: You'd better try a lot harder in the last zone!

Volkov: Stop boring me!

Player: Volkov!

Guild Member: The boss is so cool!

Volkov's Fan: Is this what a real man looks like?

The illusion shifts

Player: We've changed locations again...

Volkov: Now I'm in the sewers?

Volkov: Tell me, what other tricks do you have up your sleeve?

Yaen: Zone 3 is quite simple.

Yaen summons a blue portal in front of Volkov

Yaen: Pass through this portal and you win!

Volkov: Huh?

Volkov: Hey! Do you take me for an idiot?

Volkov: This is obviously a trap!

Yaen: There's no trap this time, honest~

Yaen: Pass through this portal to leave the illusion array and return to the auditorium.

Yaen: You're the strongest person at the Arcana Academy~

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Where are my brothers?

Yaen: Hehehe...

Suddenly, a painful roar echoes from deep within the sewers.

???: Ahhh!!!

Volkov rushes over to the cry to find Chitzkoi trapped in an array

Flames block Volkov from getting closer

Volkov: Oh! Chitzkoi!

Chitzkoi: B...boss!

Volkov: Yaen! What did you do?

At the same time, a painful cry rings out from another direction.

Volkov looks over and sees bolts of lightning crash around the other Fang Guild member who is also trapped in an array

Guild Member: Ahh...

Player: That's...

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov strikes the flames with his staff but nothing happens

Volkov: Ugh! No effect?!

Yaen: I specially put an anti-arcana incantation over the third zone.

Yaen: Except for yours truly, no one can use arcana here~

Volkov: What do you think you're doing?!

Yaen: Scary!

Yaen: You killed so many of my Lams and Purples, I needed a plan of my own...

Yaen: Don't worry, Volkie. You can still go through the portal and complete the trial~

Yaen: If you really have to save someone...

A chest appears in a nearby corridor

Yaen: This is a bomb chest. The artifact inside can turn off the arcana in the passage.

Yaen: However...

Volkov runs over to the chest and opens it

Boom!

Volkov: Uh...

Arcana Professor: Volkov!

Yaen: Let me finish!

Yaen: The chest will explode. What's more, the artifact can only be used once!

Volkov: What?

Player: Oh... There are two people in trouble, but he can only save one of them?

Yaen: If you wanna save both of them, there's another option~

Yaen: And that's admit defeat, and shout at the top of your lungs, 'Yaen, Queen of Arcana, is the greatest!'

Volkov: The Fang Gang never admits defeat!

Volkov uses the artifact to dispel the flames in front of Chitzkoi

Volkov: Are you okay, Chitzkoi? Can you walk?

Chitzkoi: Boss...

Chitzkoi: I'm okay, but this arcana has made me a little weak...

Volkov: Then I'll carry you out of here!

Chitzkoi: Ow! No...

Before he can finish talking, Volkov lifts him up and makes for the exit.

Volkov: All right. You wait for me here.

Chitzkoi: Where are you going?

Volkov: To save my brother!

Player: What?

Yaen: Volkie, I'm warning you! That lightning arcana is real!

Volkov: I can sense the flux waves of lightning arcana...

Volkov: I know it's real!

Yaen: Then why don't you just save that brother next to you and get out of here?

Volkov: You aren't too bright, are you, witch?

Yaen: What?

Volkov goes back to the other guild member and walks through the lightning

Multiple bolts hit Volkov but he makes it to his brother

Volkov: Oh...

Guild Member: Boss! That's enough!

Guild Member: Don't worry about me! Get Chitzkoi out of here!

Volkov: The Fang Gang never leaves a man behind!

Volkov: Huff, puff...

Volkov: I'm taking you home, brother!

Guild Member: Boss!

Lightning continues to strike around them

Volkov: I can dodge the last half of the lightning by following its pattern...

Volkov: But the wide-ranged lightning in the first part...

Volkov: I've got it!

Volkov: I'll use my staff to draw the lightning. Stay back!

Guild Member: What?

Guild Member: You're already hurt, boss. Let me draw the lightning!

Volkov: What are you talking about, you fool?

Volkov: You wanna take the lead while I hide behind you?

Volkov: Who do you think I am?

Guild Member: I just meant that your injuries are already serious...

Volkov: Cut it out! Follow me!

Volkov heads towards the exit while drawing the lightning to his staff

Volkov: Rrragh!!

Volkov: Go!

Guild Member: Oh...

Volkov and the guild member make it through the lightning but Volkov can barely stand

Chitzkoi comes over

Guild Member: Boss!

Volkov: Ugh...

Chitzkoi: Let's carry the boss out of here!

Guild Member: Yeah, let's go!

Volkov: I don't... Ah...

Chitzkoi: Let's go!

Volkov: (Weakly) Ugh... My brothers are carrying me...

Volkov: (Weakly) If the boss back in BlackFlame City knew about this...

Volkov: Ugh...

Yaen: ...

Player: Why so quiet all of a sudden, Yaen?

Player: Don't tell me that you've taken a liking to Volkov?

Yaen: No way! Volkie, that big idiot...

Player: Looks like you'll just have to settle for number two at the Arcana Academy, Yaen~

Yaen: They still haven't gotten through Zone 3 yet. I still have a chance!

Chitzkoi and the other guild member help Volkov back to the exit portal

Volkov: Huff, puff...

Guild Member: Hang in there, boss. We're almost out of here!

Volkov: Urgh...

Volkov passes out from his injuries

Chitzkoi: Boss!

Fang Gang Member: Boss!

Player: Volkov!

Yaen: Volkie?

Chitzkoi: The boss! He's passed out!

Yaen: Volkie passed out?

Arcana Professor: Yaen! Dispel this illusion array! We need to save him!

Yaen: Which is to say, he failed the arcana illusion array challenge!

Vundo: Stop this right this instant!

Player: Mr. President!

Vundo dispels Yaen's illusion

Player: Volkov!!

Chitzkoi: Boss!

Guild Member: I specialize in healing arcana - let me help!

Player: Volkov suffered too many arcana attacks.

Player: I need an arcanist to help me stabilize his flux!

Arcana Professor: Everyone here is an arcanist!

Multiple people rush to the auditorium's stage

Volkov's Fan: Leave stabilizing his flux to us!

Arcana Professor: Just to be safe, someone should go get the Kaist Church!

Vundo: I've already notified the Kaist Church. A doctor's almost here!

Yaen: ...

Yaen: Hey! You all saw it, Volkie didn't make it through my illusion array!

Yaen: Queen Yaen is the strongest!

Everyone ignores Yaen and focuses on stabilizing Volkov

Player: The burns on his arms are too serious. Someone needs to use arcana to take care of them!

Guild Member: Leave it to me!

Yaen: Oh...

Yaen: Come on, everyone! Join Yaen's Illusion Witch Guild!

Yaen: I'll teach everyone how to make bomb candy, plant bomb traps, fire traps, and fire traps!

Vundo: Stop causing trouble, Yaen...

Academy Student: (Roaring) Stop messing around!!!

Player: !!

Vundo: !!

Yaen: !!

Academy Student: Those kinds of things can only hurt people...

Academy Student: (Roaring) Like hell we'd want to learn that stuff!!

Yaen: ...

Yaen: Oh... Why...

Yaen: I'm already the strongest in the Arcana Academy. How come you guys only like Volkie?

Yaen: Nobody wants to play with me!

Player: Whoa!

Player: (Volkov's appearance has attracted everyone's attention...)

Player: (Even President Vundo doesn't have the energy to take care of Yaen.)

Player: (So the sleep barrier from earlier and the illusion array were both Yaen's attempts to regain everyone's attention.)

Yaen: Wahhh!!

Vundo: You still don't understand?

Yaen: (Sobbing) Understand... (sobbing) what?

Vundo: Yaen, you're still young, but your arcana capabilities already exceed that of most arcanists...

Vundo: If all you know is how to use tricks and pranks to fool and bully others just to prove your existence...

Vundo: Then people are only going to fear you. They'll avoid you like the plague.

Yaen: ...

Vundo: Individuals who are truly respected and admired never brag about their own strength.

Vundo: And they use this strength to protect those around them!

Yaen: ...

A while later, in front of the Kaist Church...

After a thorough examination from a doctor, Volkov's injuries have been stabilized.

With a few days' rest, he will make a full recovery.

Vundo speaks with Player outside the church

Vundo: Luckily, Volkov didn't have any serious issues.

Vundo: If something had happened to a student at the academy, I would've had no right to stay on as president.

Vundo: This guy brute forced his way through all of the traps and arcana in Yaen's illusion.

Vundo: Even reckless people should have limits!

Vundo: Some of the traps and arcana weren't unsolvable. If he'd just used his head a little, he wouldn't have needed to...

Player: But this is Volkov we're talking about.

Vundo: Yes...

Vundo: Oh, before I forget, the thing I asked for your help with this morning...

Player: Uh... I haven't had a chance to talk with him.

Vundo: Oh? That's good to hear.

Player: Oh?

Vundo: You don't need to tell him.

Player: Huh? Why?

Vundo: When I was dispelling Yaen's illusion array, I saw everything that happened inside.

Vundo: I also saw how the students and teachers reacted.

Vundo: Currently, the Arcana Academy is only imparting knowledge to its students.

Vundo: But surviving in society requires more than just knowledge. Knowledge isn't even the most important part.

Vundo: Volkov has taught the students courage, perseverance, loyalty...

Vundo: These are beyond knowledge - they're more important.

Vundo: This is the reason why the students like Volkov and don't like attending class!

Vundo: I tried to use you to persuade Volkov to get the students to attend class...

Vundo: Thinking about it now, I realize how naive that was!

Vundo: So! Starting from tomorrow, the Arcana Academy will undergo a comprehensive reform!

Vundo: I want the students to fall in love with arcana! I'm going to take back the students he lured away!

Vundo: The strongest asset at the Arcana Academy...

Vundo: Is me, the president!

Player: (The president...)

Player: (He's getting fired up!)

Continue to Intimacy Level 7

Going All In

Academia is also a battlefield. Everyone must face...the fear of being dominated by their peers.

-Part 1

Never Isle, at the Arcana Academy.

Students and faculty talk amongst themselves in the hall

Academy Student A: Ugh, I have no idea what the focus of my thesis will be. What am I going to do about the midterms?

Academy Student B: I've given up. I'm just writing whatever, hoping I'll muddle through somehow.

Academy Researcher A: I just applied to President Vundo for new project funding.

Academy Researcher A: Judging by the look on his face, I don't think it'll get approved.

Academy Researcher B: Yeah, there's no way that project will get approved.

Academy Researcher A: Why not? 'The Effects of Sound Waves from a Rooster's Crow on Flux'...

Academy Researcher A: I think it's pretty interesting.

Academy Researcher B: Shadow research is all the rage at the academy these days!

Academy Researcher A: Oh! Then...

Academy Researcher A: Let's stand off to the side.

Academy Researcher B: Huh?

Volkov enters, the large number of Fang Gang members closely following in formation

Volkov: Brothers, today we are training our chests! After our training, I'll teach you a couple of self-defense techniques!

Volkov: The training room is ready. Warm up with 20 push-ups!

Guild Member: How about a little one-on-one training later, boss?

Volkov: Let's see how well you do, first!

A while later, in front of the guild's activity room.

Volkov: Put in some more effort. What, did you skip lunch?

Volkov: When you hit someone, you need to make sure your own footing is firm!

President's Assistant: Sorry, is Volkov here?

Chitzkoi: Boss! Someone's looking for you!

Volkov: Coming!

Volkov and Chitzkoi go to speak with the assistant

Volkov: Who's looking for me? Oh, it's the president's assistant.

President's Assistant: The reference materials for the Experimental Arcana mid-term should help out with the thesis...

President's Assistant: The president asked me to distribute them to all the students who enrolled in the course.

Volkov: Oh!

Volkov: Thank you!

President's Assistant: Don't forget to write your midterm thesis.

Volkov: Tell the president not to worry. I'll remember~

The assistant leaves

Chitzkoi: You enrolled in the president's Experimental Arcana course?

Volkov: Yeah, it seems pretty interesting.

Chitzkoi: But the president's class is infamously rigorous. Unserious students are likely to fail.

Chitzkoi: Have you started writing your midterm thesis?

Volkov: I've got an idea, but I haven't written it yet.

Volkov: We've still got over two months before we need to submit it. There's no rush~

Chitzkoi: Huh? Over two months? I thought we were supposed to submit the thesis in two weeks and demonstrate the results of the experiment!

Volkov: What?

Volkov: You're wrong! It's over two months from now!

Volkov: Look, the midterm date is even written on your materials!

Chitzkoi: Uh... I'm right, it's in two weeks.

Volkov: Huh? Chitzkoi, are you okay?

Chitzkoi: Boss... I'm right.

Volkov: You're mistaking the month for the day.

Chitzkoi: No, no, no!

Chitzkoi: In Never Isle, the date is written with the day first, month second, and year third.

Volkov: What?

Volkov: Shouldn't the month be in front of the day?

Chitzkoi: I've heard that Red Harbor's date format is different from Never Isle's.

Volkov: Oh...

Chitzkoi: I can help you, boss. We can help each other with their experiments...

Volkov: That's...that's okay!

Volkov: I've already done the experiment... All I need to do is, uh... Write the thesis.

Volkov: Back to training! I love training! Ahahahaha!!

Chitzkoi: Boss?

Some time later, on the bridge of the airship...

Player: Billy went to see the Rupor Show and Kitty went off to play with Yaen.

Player: Looks like I've got another day to myself...

Player: Hmm... What should I do?

Knock, knock

Player: Someone's knocking on the door... Who could it be?

Player checks the video feed monitoring the entrance

Volkov: Player? Player, are you there?

Player: Volkov? Come in, come in!

A moment later...

Volkov: Hey! How have you been the past couple of days, Player?

Player: How have I been? Pretty good...

Volkov: Y...yeah? That's good...

Volkov is covered in sweat, but it's not even hot outside.

Player: You're all sweaty. Did you run the whole way here?

Volkov: Oh... I took this opportunity to get a workout in...

Player: Wanna come to the Hottie Bar for a couple of drinks?

Volkov: Oh... I can't.

Volkov: I came to see you, Player...

Player: You came to see me?

Volkov: Y-yes!

Player: (smiles)

Player: Are you in trouble, but too embarrassed to tell me?

Volkov: Huh?

Volkov: (sad)

Volkov: So you could tell, Player...

Player: Take a breather. I'll go get a couple cans of cold beer, and we can have a nice long chat about it.

A few moments later...

Volkov tells you about the mistaken dates, and the thesis bearing down on him.

Player: So dates are written differently in BlackFlame City and Never Isle, huh?

Player: This is the first I'm hearing of it, too...

Volkov: Afterward, I took a look at my class schedule...

Volkov: It's not the only class I mixed up the dates for. There are several exams I need to retake.

Volkov: But if I fail Experimental Arcana again...

Volkov: I'll be left behind for a year - the last few months of classes will have all been for nothing!

Volkov: The boss put his trust in me to come to Never Isle and study...

Volkov: This is my first time leaving the boss and going out into the world on my own.

Volkov: But if I get left behind a year...

Volkov: The boss will be pissed!

Player: ...

Player: We adapt to challenges as they arise. At least you've got two more weeks!

Player: Do you have any ideas about what the focus of your thesis will be?

Volkov: I do! I want to study the flux medium that resists shadow flux corrosion!

Player: !!

Player: That's a good idea!

Volkov: In the future, when we start mining the discovered shadow flux veins, we should be able to use it.

Player: Let me help, Volkov!

Volkov: Really?

Volkov: Thank you, thank you! Thank you so much!

Player: If you want to thank me, wait until after we've finished your thesis, then treat me to some drinks!

Volkov: No problem!

Player: But two weeks...

Player: From analyzing the materials, planning the experiment, actually doing the experiment, to finally writing the thesis...

Player: We could use some more helpers. If your brothers from the Fang Gang branch could help...

Volkov: Oh! No, no, no.

Player: Uh...

Volkov: Everyone in the branch of the Fang Gang is my little bro.

Volkov: If my little brothers were to find out about this...

Volkov: They'd all think I'm dumb...

Player: As a boss, you need to maintain your prestige. I get it!

A while later, at the academy library...

Player and Volkov look over the library's shelves

Player: ...

Volkov: ...

Player: (Using arcana and researching arcana are two entirely different concepts.)

Player: (I can't make heads or tails of this specialized arcane research terminology.)

Player: Volkov, uh...

Volkov: Ahh! Why must they all be numbers?!

Nearby Reader: Hey! No shouting in the library!

Volkov: Sorry!!

Nearby Reader: (Gulps) Uh, n-no problem...

The student runs away, scared

Player: Let's talk quietly!

Player: In the end, an experiment is basically the art of calculation.

Player: Also, while I understand some arcana, when it comes to experimental research...

Player: You'd better take the lead in designing the experiment. I'll assist you.

Volkov: Hmmm.

Volkov: I've got it!

Volkov: It's just a few numbers, right?

Volkov: Can't be harder than fighting, can it?!

Volkov: Watch me knock out all these numbers with a single breath!

Player: I'll also take a look at the relevant research books!

Late night in the academy library.

Player: (We've been reading books all day long...)

Player: (I think I've more or less got a basic understanding of arcane research.)

Player: (Oh! Look at the time!)

Player: It's getting late. Why don't we come back to the library tomorrow?

Volkov: Hmm... You head on back, Player.

Volkov: I want to keep reading for a bit.

Player: Have you made any headway, Volkov?

Volkov: No... Not even a little bit!

Player: (surprised)

Volkov: It's because I haven't made any headway that I need to keep burning the midnight oil!

Player: All right. Well, I'll be going.

Player: Take care of yourself. Don't stay up too late!

Volkov: Got it!

The next day, in the academy library.

Player: Just as I expected, you were here all night.

Volkov: Player! Player!

Volkov: Get over here!

Volkov: I think I understand!

Player: What do you understand?

Volkov: Look, Player. This experiment...

Volkov excitedly starts telling you about an experiment from a book.

He recounts the entire process of the experiment to you.

However, Volkov doesn't seem to understand the principles of the experiment.

Volkov: But... I don't know how to apply this to my own experiment.

Player: But you remembered the whole process of the experiment.

Player: When it comes time to apply it, don't you think you'll know how?

Volkov: Really?

Player: Knowledge is always useful!

Player: I brought some steamed meat buns and some milk beer.

Player: Let's eat in the break room and then get back to work~

Volkov: Oh! Thank you, brother!

Volkov wolfs down everything on the table in front of him.

The steamed meat buns quickly disappear and the beer cans are empty.

Player: Slow down! It's not a competition!

Volkov: Sorry... I was really hungry.

Player: Seriously... Even when you're working hard, you still need to make sure you eat.

Volkov: (Mouth full of food) Mmmph mmph...

Player: ...

Player: (He's actually kind of cute like this...)

Another day passes. Late at night at the library...

Player: Yet again, look at the time!

Volkov: Are those arcane research textbooks boring?

Player: I thought they were pretty boring at first.

Player: But once I got into them, I found that experimental research is actually kind of interesting~

Volkov: Really?

Player: You form a hypothesis based on existing knowledge, then dive in and use an experiment to test it out.

Player: Even if the experiment is a failure, that becomes an experience for the researcher, which in turn becomes the launching pad for success in the future!

Player: And if it succeeds, humanity has made a new discovery in the sea of arcane knowledge.

Player: It's pretty great!

Player: It's impossible to become a professional researcher in just three days...

Player: But I feel like I can help you out with the basic principles of arcana and experimental logic.

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: You're better suited for studying arcana than I am!

Volkov: I'm going to write a letter to the boss and have him make you arcana consultant for the Fang Gang!

Player: Don't make fun of me. I can't become an arcana consultant after just several days of reading books.

Player: You aren't afraid I'll blow myself up?

Player: All right, that's enough about me. How are you doing?

Player: Do you have an idea for your research plan?

Volkov: ...

Player: It isn't going well?

Volkov: Sigh... You know how I am - numbers give me a headache.

Volkov: There aren't a lot of papers on this topic, and the ones that do exist haven't yielded notable results.

Volkov: There is a lot of research on other arcana topics.

Volkov: Using the reactants of three types of flux as a material, coat them onto a metal plate using an artifact...

Volkov: The researcher plans to use this technique to waterproof and prevent rust.

Volkov: Apply the shadow flux to the surface of the material, and use the artifact to monitor the metal's density and flux variation.

Volkov: But this is research on high-strength metals.

Player: !!

Volkov: Sigh... If only I were as smart as the boss...

Player: You just said the experiment plan out loud.

Volkov: What?

Player: Water particles are small and quite active, so they're corrosive to metal. Shadow flux has similar properties.

Player: The method for testing corrosion-resistant metals can also be applied to metals with flux coatings~

Volkov: Whoa! We can do that?

Player: We can use the previous experimenter's method, and adjust it according to our needs.

Player: That's what experimental science is all about~

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: I remember reading a paper...

Volkov: Of the six types of flux, earth flux is the most stable, metal flux is the most resilient, wood flux is the mildest...

Early the next morning, in the Arcana Tower's simulated flux space.

Volkov: You're here, brother! Check out our experiment plan.

From mixed flux reactions to the purification of reactants for coating, and then to experiments on resistance to shadow corrosion...

Every step of the process and instructions are listed in detail.

Player: This experiment plan is impressive!

Volkov: I used the experiment procedure from the paper as a reference.

Volkov: Then shall we start the experiment?

Player: Yeah!

Volkov arranges several samples of flux along with a large artifact

Volkov: Take the wood flux and use it to stabilize the base solvent, then connect metal flux particles...

Volkov: And then finally link the most stable wood flux particles and form the outermost layer that will come into contact with the shadow flux.

Player: So, first add a stabilizer to the pure wood flux...

A few moments later...

Volkov: I just added the pure metal flux particles.

Volkov: Then place it into the automatic shaker artifact.

Player: Just in time for lunch.

Player: Shall we take this opportunity to go eat?

Volkov: You go ahead, Player. I'm going to keep an eye on things here.

Player: (smiles)

Player: You really are well-suited to arcane research.

Volkov: What?

Player: You're so into your experiment that you've forgotten to eat.

Player: You remind me a little of President Vundo.

Volkov: Huh? Me?

Volkov: Hahahaha!

Player: I'm not joking. The President would be proud of you.

Volkov: Hahaha, now you're just exaggerating.

Volkov: Go eat, brother! It's not healthy to be hungry for too long.

Player: You're telling me...

Player: Luckily, I prepared for this possibility.

Player grabs a large bag he brought with him

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: I bought lunch on the way here~

Player: I've got bagged sandwiches, hot dogs, bread, and some pastries.

Player: I didn't bring any cold beer or chilled cocktails from the Hottie Bar...

Player: But I thought we'd still be doing the experiment in the afternoon, so we wouldn't be drinking at lunch.

Volkov: Brother...

Player: Come on. Do you want a hot dog or a sandwich?

Volkov: Can I have both?

Player: Of course you can!

Volkov: Thanks!

The next day, late at night.

Volkov: The preliminary experiments are done.

Player: I've rechecked the reactant coating; the coating integrity is higher than expected. We can now begin the corrosion resistance experiment!

Player: Finally, it's time to begin!

Volkov: All... All right!

Player: Are you nervous?

Volkov: Yeah...

Volkov: This is the first time...without the boss around...

Player: Believe in yourself, and you will succeed!

Volkov: Yeah!

Volkov carefully picks up the shadow flux crystal...

Then applies a small amount of shadow flux onto the experimental coating.

Volkov: Record the coating integrity, Player!

Player: Coating integrity is intact.

Player: Whoa!

Player: Coating integrity is starting to fall...

Volkov: Huh? It's already starting to fall?

Player: This isn't good... Coating integrity is falling rapidly!

Shadow flux begins to corrode the sample

Player: Dammit! The coating integrity has collapsed. The shadow flux is starting to corrode the metal!

Player: The experiment...

Volkov: Has failed.

Volkov: This is no different from Luxium's existing flux medium.

Volkov: We made zero progress.

Player: ...

Player: Don't be disheartened. Experiments fail all the time.

Volkov: Yes. The president always says that.

Player: We can only perform the anti-corrosion experiment once every two days. We've still got time!

Player: We'll optimize the experiment process and try a few more times - we'll definitely succeed!

Volkov: Yeah...

Player: (Volkov seems depressed.)

Player: (The experiment's failure has dealt him a heavy blow.)

Player: (If he goes back to the dorm like this, there's an 80-90% chance he'll review the experiments from the past two days and end up tinkering all night...)

Player: It's getting late. I suppose Chitzkoi's already asleep?

Player: Why don't you come to sleep on my airship tonight?

Volkov: With you, Player?

Volkov: N-no!

Volkov: I snore in my sleep. The sound is quite loud...

Volkov: Chitzkoi's used to it by now, but it would bother you.

Player: The rooms in the airship have been soundproofed. Don't worry.

Player: Even if you go back to the dorm, will you be able to fall asleep?

Player: So don't be so polite. Let's go!

Volkov: Oh... Okay...

Some time later, at the Hottie Bar...

Player: Come on! Let's forget today's failure!

Player: Rest and recharge. We'll give it our all tomorrow. Cheers!

Volkov: ...

Player: Hey... Are you just gonna leave me hanging?

Volkov: Oh! Sorry, I was just...

Volkov: Staring off into space.

Volkov: Come on. Cheers!

Volkov mechanically lifts his glass and drinks it in one gulp.

However, his expression remains stoic, as if he's drinking water.

Volkov: ...

Player: Ever since meeting you...

Player: I've never seen you depressed.

Volkov: (Forces a smile.)

Volkov: I'm not...

Player: ...

Player: All right. Just promise me, if there's ever anything on your mind, you'll tell me.

Player: I'm not in your gang, so you don't need to worry about saving face with me.

Volkov: Haha. All right!

A few moments later, you've had two more drinks.

Volkov: There's something I want to know, Player.

Player: What do want to know?

Volkov: You don't need to go to the lab tomorrow, Player.

Player: Huh? Why?

Player: Don't tell me you're firing me because I'm no good at experiments?

Volkov: What?

Volkov: That's not it!

Volkov: It's because I can write the thesis on my own.

Volkov: If I ask you to help me with it, Player, it would count as ghostwriting, and I'd be done for if the president found it!

Player: But the experiment failed.

Volkov: Even though it wasn't a success, I can still write the thesis.

Volkov: After all, it's just the midterm thesis. It's not an actual research paper written by a professional researcher.

Volkov: I just need to cite all the reference articles and summarize the experiment's failure, then I should be good to go.

Player: I see...

Volkov: Yeah. Thank you for your help these past couple of days, Player!

Volkov: Tomorrow at noon, I'm going to treat all my brothers to a big meal. You pick the place, Player. Anywhere in Never Isle is okay!

Player: It's true, a thesis assigned as homework doesn't necessarily need to yield actual research results...

Player: If you're really just going to treat it as a classroom assignment, I'll respect your choice.

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: 'A Study on Flux Media with Anti-Shadow Flux Corrosion Capabilities'

Player: This is not some topic that you can just muddle through and expect to get your degree!

Player: You want to help the Fang Gang mine shadow crystals in the future, don't you?

Volkov: !!

Volkov: ...

Player: When all is said and done, you're just not the kind of person who muddles through life or chases a degree without trying.

Volkov: You think too highly of me...

Volkov: I'm chasing my degree so that I can get back to BlackFlame City.

Volkov: I don't want to live in a big city any longer than I have to.

Player: Really?

Player: Who was it that spent all day training his brothers and taking them out for drinks?

Player: Who used all the money his boss sent him to help out his brothers?

Player: And when his boss's money ran out, who worked a side job to make money to help his brothers some more?

Volkov: ...

Player: Who was it that accepted Yaen's challenge when Yaen bullied his brothers?

Player: And didn't give up on any of them, pushing through Yaen's traps with sheer force of will?

Volkov: You're right - that is me!

Volkov: Even more, I'm so stupid that I do experiments without even understanding experimental principles!

Volkov: I'm so stupid that when my experiments fail, I don't even know how to improve them!

Player: ...

Volkov: (Takes the bottle of booze from your hand and drinks it down in one gulp.)

Volkov: Fact of the matter is...

Volkov: Without the boss, I'm just a piece of trash who can't do anything right!

Volkov: We're out of alcohol!

Player: ...

Player: I'll go get two more bottles.

A moment later...

Volkov: Gulp, gulp, gulp...

Volkov downs another bottle and then seems to calm down.

Volkov: After I turned 10, I went to BlackFlame City to find work.

Volkov: I wasn't smart, I couldn't do complex work, and I didn't have any skills.

Volkov: All I could do is rely on my strength to make a living.

Player: ...

Volkov: The foreman who was our boss at the time was embezzling and withholding our wages.

Volkov: I couldn't stand it, so I beat him up and took the money he had on him to share with my fellow workers...

Volkov: In the end, I didn't just make my coworkers unhappy, they straight-up turned on me...

Player: Why?

Volkov: The foreman didn't have much money on him, but by beating him up, I cost us our work.

Player: Oh... How...

Volkov: This is who I really am.

Volkov: I'm incompetent. I can't do anything right...

Volkov: I'm not very smart, and I only end up causing trouble.

Player: But you did the right thing!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: The boss said so, too.

Volkov: That day, my coworkers kicked me out and I lost my place to stay.

Volkov: That day, the boss reached out to me.

Volkov: 'You did the right thing. Don't beat yourself up for it!'

Volkov: The boss gave me a can of cold beer and told me, 'This is a man's drink.'

Volkov: I'd never had a cold drink before. I'd never even had craft beer.

Volkov: I still remember how it tasted. It was cold and refreshing...

Volkov: Since then, I've fallen in love with the stuff. I drink a can or two whenever I get the chance.

Player: And that's when you started working with your boss?

Volkov: Yeah!

Volkov: The boss is really smart. Nothing gets past him.

Volkov: As long as I follow the boss, I can get things done. I can even defeat enemies that once seemed unbeatable to me!

Volkov: Together, we defeated the old gang that was exploiting our neighborhood and built the Fang Gang in its stead!

Volkov: But ever since I left the boss's side, I've been nothing - I can't do anything right.

Volkov: Actually, I wasn't even able to get through Yaen's arcana illusion array.

Volkov: Sigh...

Player: ...

Player: Volkov, the truth is, you're incredible!

Player: Look, you set up your own branch of the Fang Gang and now protect your brothers from anyone who would bully them!

Volkov: That's nothing... On Never Isle, all I have to do is give one of these troublemakers the evil eye, and they run away in fear.

Volkov: You don't need to console me, Player. I know what I am.

Player: ...

Player: Tell me something, Volkov.

Player: Do you really want to give up on today's experiment?

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: I want you to tell me the truth. Tell me how you really feel!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Of course I don't want to give up!

Volkov: The boss has looked after me for over a decade. I do want to become my own man.

Volkov: I want to be able to put forward my own thoughts when he's in trouble and help him out.

Volkov: I want to learn flux engineering, so I can take charge of the crystal mine's excavation.

Player: As long as you don't want to give up, you haven't lost!

Player: I will always be there to help you!

Volkov: But I'm too dumb. I don't know what to do about the experiment.

Player: Tomorrow we'll go over the process at the lab and figure it out!

Player: We still have one week and two days left!

Player: Even if we fail in the end, at least we'll have tried our best and won't have any regrets!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Got it! I'm gonna go all-in!

Volkov: Whatever it takes, we need to get some results!

Volkov: I'll be relying on you tomorrow, Player!

Player: Yeah!

Player: It's getting late. I'm going to heat up some bath water. Let's hit the sack early!

A few moments later...

Volkov walks out of the bathroom in only his underwear

Player: (Volkov's body is always so pleasing to the eye, no matter how you look at it~)

Volkov: That hit the spot. It's been a long time since I've had a bath that relaxing.

Volkov: I'm done. It's your turn now, Player.

Player: I'll show you to the guest room~

Volkov: Oh, thank you.

Player: Follow me~

Volkov: Uh... Sorry...

Player: What?

Volkov: Just now when we were drinking, I lost my cool for a moment.

Volkov: I'm sorry for yelling at you, Player.

Volkov: Ah. I feel like a real prick just thinking about it.

Volkov: Give me your best shot, brother!

Player: (Smiles)

Volkov: Uh...

Volkov: You aren't angry, Player?

Player: I'm not angry. In fact, I'm happy!

Player: Brothers are supposed to share everything with each other, good and bad.

Player: Just now, you finally started treating me like a real brother!

Volkov: !!

Player: Lately, I've sensed the pressure you're under.

Player: But you care about appearances, so you've kept it to yourself.

Player: I'm happy that you got it off your chest.

Player: So remember...

Player: (Holds Volkov)

Volkov: B...brother?

Player: Your broad chest may be able to handle a lot, but your heart can only take so much pressure. It had to come out eventually.

Player: Understand?

Volkov: I understand!

Player: Whether it's happiness you're feeling, excitement, sadness, or anger...

Player: Just pay me a visit in the Hottie Bar. I'll always be there for you!

Volkov: (blushes)

Volkov: Player...

The next morning.

Player and Volkov are back at the flux lab

Volkov: Ho! Come on! Today's battle begins!

Player: Rrragh!

The two check over the notes from the previous experiment

Player: The flux coating we made only lasts a minute when subjected to shadow flux.

Player: First, let's find a way to increase the amount of time the flux coating resists the shadow flux!

Volkov: Yeah...

Volkov: What if we make the flux coating more stable?

Player: Good idea! Sounds like a plan!

Volkov: I remember reading something on a paper.

Volkov: We can improve the stability of the flux reactants by increasing the density of the stable flux!

Volkov: Additionally, we can alter the bridging sequence of the coating's flux.

Volkov: Maybe we can also increase the stability of the flux coating?

Player: That makes sense!

Player: Let's try both methods!

You easily prepare the improved flux coating.

Soon, while performing the final test.

Player: Whoa!

Player: This isn't good... The coating's integrity is falling!

Player: Ah... The coating has been corroded. The base ingredients are being corrupted.

Volkov: It still fails after a little over a minute.

Volkov: Neither increasing the concentration of the flux nor altering the arrangement of the coating's flux has any noticeable effect.

Volkov: Are we headed in the wrong direction?

Player: There's still time. Let's try some more!

Volkov: Yeah!

Over the next few days, you and Volkov toil away in the lab.

You continuously attempt to improve the experiment, exploring all possibilities.

However, no matter how hard you try, the result of the experiment remains the same.

Several days pass. Only three days remain until the thesis's submission date.

Afternoon, in the Arcana Academy's flux lab.

Volkov: Ugh... I don't understand!

Volkov: What is the deal with this shadow flux?

Volkov: It corrupts every kind of flux coating we've used!

Player: ...

Player: We've tried every approach we can think of...

Player: But it only ever lasts a minute and a half when subjected to the shadow flux.

Volkov: How can we improve the experiment now?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Ugh, my head hurts...

Volkov: Am I really incapable of coming up with any other solution??

Player: ...

Volkov: Let's go to the library and read some more research papers. We might find some ideas.

Player: No!

Volkov: Do you have another idea, Player?

Player: No...

Player: But we've been busting our asses in this lab for the past few days.

Player: Our heads are full of experiments and frustrating results.

Player: I don't think we'd get any good ideas from the library in this state.

Volkov: So...what should we do?

Player: Why don't we go out for a walk? We'll take a stroll around the island, clear our minds...

Player: In short, let's do something that won't give us such a headache!

A while later, on Never Isle's main street.

Player: Ah! I feel like it's been a while since I got this much sun!

Volkov: (smiles)

Player: A much-needed break...

Player: Is there anything you'd like to do, Volkov?

Volkov: Me?

Volkov: Ah...I'd like to spar with somebody!

Player: (surprised)

Volkov: It's been over ten days since I worked out or trained, let alone fought someone!

Volkov: I'm going to get fat if this keeps up.

Volkov: I want to find somewhere I can get active~

Player: ...

Player: I know a great place.

A while later, at the Oathblades training ground.

Volkov: What's this place?

Player: The Oathblades training ground.

Player: There's no better place on Never Isle to 'get active' than here.

Volkov: I thought you were going to take me to a gym.

Volkov: I haven't seen Brother Miles in a few days. I wonder what he's up to right now.

Player: He's probably leading squad training right now.

Miles: Pull yourselves together, everyone!

Miles: How do you expect to fight the Shadows in such a half-hearted state?

Player: Miles is over there!

Miles talks to a small squad of new recruits

Oathblades Recruit: Miles, sir... We're already the strongest...

Miles: Huh?

Oathblades Recruit: We're no match for heroes like Miles, Captain Bidziil, and the Commander...

Oathblades Recruit: But as far as new Oathblades recruits go, we're the strongest!

Oathblades Recruit: No one else on Never Isle can beat us!

Miles: No one else on Never Isle? You guys?

Miles: You've only been Oathblades for a few days. You've barely learned a thing, and yet you're already talking big?

Player and Volkov walk over

Volkov: Hey, Miles!

Miles: Oh... Player, Volkov. What are you guys doing here?

Player: I hope we're not interrupting your training, Miles~

Miles: You guys are right on time.

Miles: Would you be willing to accompany these clueless greenhorns for a little training?

Player: We've got nothing better to do... Why not?

Volkov: Perfect. I wanted to get my blood flowing, anyway.

Oathblades Recruit: Who's that big buff guy?

Oathblades Recruit: He's got the same sort of confident attitude that Miles has.

Miles: Didn't you guys say you could beat anyone else on Never Isle?

Miles: I won't put you through the trouble of fighting Player.

Miles: But if you can fight together and beat Brother Volkov here, I'll cancel the rest of today's training!

Oathblades Recruit: Fight together? He's not gonna sue us if we hurt him, is he?

Volkov: Nope! Give me everything you've got! If you can knock me down, you guys win!

Player talks to Miles while Volkov faces off with the new recruits

Player: You aren't worried about dampening their enthusiasm by making them fight Volkov?

Miles: These brats think that they're the cream of the crop just because they know how to throw a punch.

Miles: A couple of losses will put them in their place!

The recruits start facing off with Volkov one-on-one but Volkov easily holds his ground

Oathblades Recruit: Oof, he's strong!

Oathblades Recruit: He's not just strong, he's fast!

Oathblades Recruit: Let's keep it up, brothers. We don't want to embarrass the Oathblades!!

The sparing continues...

Volkov: Hya!!

Oathblades Recruit: Ugh... This guy's weapon isn't a staff, it's more like a war hammer!

Volkov: ...

Miles: Don't forget the moves you learned in training. Calm down and observe your opponent's movements!

Volkov easily brushes off all of their attacks when they decide to attack all at once

Volkov: I've been taking it easy on you guys. I'm not going to hold back anymore!

Later...

The new recruits are scattered around Volkov, either knocked out or on their last legs

Oathblades Recruit: M...monster!

Volkov: ...

Miles: Hmm... They lost even faster than I thought they would.

Volkov: You wanna go a couple rounds, Miles? I'm finally warmed up.

Miles: Hahaha! I guess it's my turn to get active!

Miles: Watch this!

Volkov: Ohhh!!

Volkov and Miles engage in a chaotic fight.

After a dozen rounds, a clear winner still hasn't emerged.

The new recruits stand by and watch in quiet amazement as the weapons clash.

Oathblades Recruit: Is this how Miles and the commander fight?

Player: No...

Player: When we faced the Shadow Reaper in the ruins of Azria, all of us put together weren't a match for the enemy.

Player: An actual battlefield is far bloodier than this.

Oathblades Recruit: (Gulp)

Volkov: Watch this, Brother Miles!

Miles: Bring it on!!

A few moments later, both fighters are drenched in sweat, but there's still no winner.

Miles: Hahaha! This feels great!

Miles: You need to come by more often, Volkov!

Miles: Sparring is only fun with a master such as yourself.

Miles: A hundred ordinary warriors can't hold a candle to you!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Yes. No matter how many new recruits join up, they won't be a match for you, Brother Miles!

Oathblades Recruit: Uh...

Volkov: Oh! No matter how many new recruits join up, they won't be a match for Brother Miles...

An idea forms in Volkov's head

Volkov: I understand, Player!

Player: Understand what?

Volkov: Me. I'm a Shadow!

Miles: What? A Shadow?

Volkov: They're other kinds of flux!

Player: What? Oh! You're saying...

Player: Adding other kinds of flux is useless...

Player: Because they can't stand up to shadow flux. Is that what you mean?

Volkov: That's right! Except for flux like Miles, that is!!

Miles: Huh? What are you guys talking about?

Volkov: I remember an article about this...

Volkov: Let's go back to the lab!

Player: Miles, we've got somewhere to be!

Miles: What?

Volkov and Player take off

Miles: Where are you going?

Volkov: Sorry, Brother Miles!

Volkov: We'll continue the fight next time!

Miles: ...

Later, at the flux arcana lab.

Player: I see. Our thinking was all wrong...

Player: We only considered using stable flux to control the shadow corrosion.

Volkov: Yes! Defensive measures are incapable of resisting shadow flux!

Volkov: We need to use high-energy, powerful flux to suppress the shadow flux.

Volkov: We'll use arcana flux as the base, metal flux as the bridge, and fire flux as the surface coating to interact with the shadow flux.

Player: But even fire flux isn't strong enough to counter shadow flux.

Volkov: Energy polarization can be used to focus all the energy from the base flux and the bridging flux onto the surface fire flux!

Volkov: I remember reading about a similar experiment in one of the documents a few days ago.

Player: Metal flux and arcana flux energy aren't weak. There's a chance!

Volkov: Yeah! As long as we add an energy polarization step to the experiment, it should work!

Player: Great!

Volkov: Ugh... No way...

Player: What's wrong?

Volkov: Preparing the polarizing agent is complicated; even with both of us working on it, it'd take us two days!

Player: Two days? But you need to submit the thesis in three days!

Volkov: Ugh... There's not enough time?

???: You really don't think of us as your brothers, do you?

Volkov: !!

Chitzkoi and a few more members of the Fang Gang enter the lab

Volkov: Everyone?

Chitzkoi: You've been distracted in class lately, you haven't been training with the guys, and you often don't even come back to sleep.

Chitzkoi: I knew you were working your ass off on your midterm thesis!

Volkov: How... How did you guys find this place?

Chitzkoi: For this kind of thing, it's pretty easy to check the borrowing records at the Arcana Tower lab.

Volkov: ...

Guild Member: Why didn't you tell us, boss?

Guild Member: We can help you!

Volkov: Ugh... If I let you guys know, you'd figure out that I can barely even tell the time...

Volkov: You'd think I'm an idiot.

Chitzkoi: You are an idiot, boss!!

Chitzkoi: An idiot who suffers all on his own just to save a little face!

Volkov: (surprised)

Player: (Pats Volkov's shoulder)

Player: Chitzkoi's assessment is right on the money.

Player: Since the Fang Gang's figured it out, there's no need to torture yourself anymore.

Volkov: I know!

Volkov: Brothers... Will you help us prepare a polarization agent?

Guild Member: Leave it to us!!

Two days later, in the afternoon.

Player: The monitoring artifact is ready. You can start, Volkov!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Whatever the result is, Player, brothers...

Volkov: Thank you all!

Chitzkoi: Why so sentimental all of a sudden?

Chitzkoi: Let's get this started! Complete the experiment and write your thesis, then get back to training us!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: You're giving me pressure now? Looks like you've grown some guts!

Volkov begins the experiment

Volkov: The shadow flux has already been applied to the coating!

Player: The anti-corrosion experiment is starting!

One minute later...

Player: The integrity of the coating is holding.

Volkov: It all comes down to this!

Another minute passes.

Player: The integrity of the coating is...holding!

Volkov: We've got our result!

Guild Member: Awesome!

An hour later...

Player: All this time has passed and the coating is still intact!

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov picks you up.

Player: It worked! It really worked!

Volkov: Yeah!

He lowers you down, still holding you tightly in his arms.

Volkov: We did it!

Volkov: Brothers! This evening, Never Isle's most luxurious restaurant - my treat!

Guild Member: All right!

Player: Hey! Don't forget to write the paper! You need to submit it the day after tomorrow!

Volkov: Ah! I almost forgot!

Guild Member: You have to write a whole paper in just one day?

Volkov: It's enough!

Three days later, in Lecture Room #4 at the Arcana Academy.

Volkov presents his thesis in front of Vundo and two other professors

Volkov: Our flux coating is able to withstand shadow flux corrosion for at least three hours.

Vundo: Three hours?

Volkov: Due to the fact that academy regulations restrict us from using a shadow flux lab for longer than three hours...

Volkov: We don't know how long it can actually hold up!

Vundo: (surprised)

Academy Professor: Is this...really just an experiment from a flux engineering course's midterm?

Academy Professor: Right now, everyone is using crystals to store and transport shadow flux, but they have low capacity and insufficient concentration...

Academy Professor: If we use Volkov's method to craft containers...

Academy Professor: The efficiency of transporting and storing shadow flux will be greatly improved, and the danger will be significantly reduced!

Vundo: Yes! But there is one area of concern...

Vundo: The concentration of shadow flux stored using this method cannot be too high.

Vundo: The carrying capacity of high-energy fire flux is limited.

Vundo: If the shadow flux exceeds this carrying capacity, it could cause a flux rupture explosion!

Volkov: An explosion?

Vundo: Practical applications are a problem for another day. No need to worry about them now.

Academy Professor: Mr. Volkov, your research is very interesting!

Academy Professor: I wonder if you would be interested in coming to my lab and discussing arcane research?

Vundo: Volkov is my student. If you're trying to undermine me to my face, I will not ignore it.

Volkov: So...my mid-term thesis is not a fail, yes?

Vundo: How could that be? You did great!

Vundo: Although your experiment plan was a little rushed and the procedure somewhat flawed...

Vundo: But seeing as it's coursework, I'm going to give you 100 points!

Volkov: Whoa!

Volkov: 100 points! Wow! That'll help bring my grades up!

Vundo: Judging by those circles under your eyes, you were up all night writing your thesis, weren't you?

Volkov: Heh... Heh heh...

Vundo: All right. Go back and get some rest!

His thesis successfully defended, Volkov returns to his dormitory and has a good sleep.

The next day, Volkov reserves several rooms in a luxury restaurant...

And invites you along with the members of the Fang Gang branch for a big meal.

After the meal, Volkov sends the members of the Fang Gang branch back to the academy...

Then goes with you back to the airship.

Player: I have a feeling that you didn't drink to your heart's content at dinner.

Player: Come on. Why don't we have a couple of drinks together?

Volkov: I had to look after some of my lightweight brothers...

Volkov: And some of my brothers are too young to drink.

Volkov: Heh heh, I really didn't drink to my heart's content!

Player: Speaking of which... You've been to the Hottie Bar several times...

Player: But you haven't tried the Hottie Bar's signature drink, have you?

Volkov: Signature drink?

Player: Come on! We'll drink something really special tonight!

Player: Hottie, two Light of Lights, please!

Hottie places the two drinks on the bar

Volkov: That's...

Volkov: This liquor is really...colorful.

Player: Try it. It's good.

Volkov: (Volkov takes a sip.)

Volkov: This is nothing like what I usually drink!

Player: Guys like you and Miles drink booze like it's water.

Player: You guys will take a bottle of strong liquor and drink it non-stop.

Player: Sometimes it's good to change things up.

Volkov: (Volkov takes another gulp.)

Volkov: It's sweet.

Volkov: It's really good.

Player: Yeah~

Player: (Raises glass) Come on. Congratulations on passing your mid-term thesis. Cheers!

Volkov: Cheers!

After some time, you've had three more rounds of drinks and are feeling a little tipsy.

Player: Another drink, Volkov?

Volkov: Okay!

Player: Hottie, another two Light of Lights!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Player...

Player: Huh?

Volkov: Thank you!

Volkov: Now that I think about it, two weeks from designing the experiment to getting the results and finishing the paper...

Volkov: It should have been impossible!

Volkov: But a miracle happened, and it's all because of you, Player!

Player: You're making me blush...

Player: You don't need to be so polite to me. I owed it to you.

Volkov: There's no such thing as 'owing' somebody when it comes to help.

Volkov: Is there anything you want, Player?

Player: Huh?

Player: Want?

Volkov: The boss always says, when you receive a favor, you need to repay it.

Volkov: But on Never Isle, I don't really have anything to offer.

Volkov: So what do you want, Player? If there's something you want or something you want to do, I can help you get it!

Player: Why are you being so polite all of a sudden?

Player: I've already told you, we're brothers...

Volkov: This is different!

Volkov: You've been helping me ever since I met you, Player.

Volkov: I need to repay you!

Player: But the way you're asking this all of a sudden, about what I want...

Volkov: Anything goes!

Volkov: Oh... Anything except something that might harm the Fang Gang.

Player: ...

Player: Anything...

Volkov: Even something...intimate...

Player: What?!

Player: Huh?!

Continue to Intimacy Level 11

A Letter That Will Never Arrive

Just when he found happiness, everything is taken away. Fate has a cruel sense of humor...

-Part 1

Two days after consummating your relationship with Volkov.

Early morning, Never Isle harbor...

Player: You didn't go back to the academy to sleep again...

Player: That's not a problem, right?

Volkov: Yeah...

Volkov: I've talked with both the president and Chitzkoi...

Volkov: It's okay.

Player: Do you have any plans for today?

Volkov: In the morning, I have my experimental arcana and arcana potion classes, but I don't have any classes this afternoon...

Volkov: I do need to make a trip to the Never Isle Logistics Bureau, but after that, I'm free.

Player: The Logistics Bureau... Did the Fang Gang send you something?

Volkov: Every month, the boss sends me money for living expenses.

Volkov: He also sends me some alcohol, some food, stuff like that...

Volkov: When it comes, we can enjoy it together~

Player: Okay~

Volkov: Usually, I take the opportunity to send a letter to the boss to let him know what's been happening.

Player: Huh? A letter?

Player: (Takes Volkov's hand...)

Player: Have you written to him about me?

Volkov: Of course. You're a member of the Fang Gang now, Player.

Volkov: According to the rules, we still need to go back to BlackFlame City, hold an initiation ceremony, and introduce you to the brothers...

Volkov: And receive their tribute.

Player: Receive their...tribute?

Volkov: In any case, you're the boyfriend of the fourth-in-command...

Player: Wow!

Player: Receiving tributes from some big, strong gangsters... Sounds nice~

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: I'm a lot stronger than they are!

Player: Oh? Are you jealous?

Volkov: !!

Player: (Holds Volkov)

Player: Don't worry. You're my one and only boyfriend~

Volkov: Whoa!

Volkov: I...I'm not jealous!

Later, in the afternoon.

Player meets Volkov outside the Arcana Academy

Volkov: Didn't you say you were going to wait for me at the entrance to the Logistics Bureau?

Player: Well, I don't have anything else to do today. I thought I'd meet up with you ahead of time - we'll go to the Logistics Bureau together!

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: After we've gone to the Logistics Bureau, how about we get dinner?

Volkov: Chitzkoi recommended a grilled fish joint. He said they've got some good liquor there.

Player: Sure.

The two head to the logistic bureau but as they get to the main street, they see many Oathblades sprint towards the harbor

Oathblades Captain: Quickly! Emergency assembly, Miles's orders!

Player: Oh! Are those Oathblades Warriors?

Player: What's wrong? Why are they in such a hurry?

Volkov: Maybe something's happened...

Player: I haven't seen them like that since the Battle of New Azria months ago.

Player: The Oathblades haven't contacted me. It's probably nothing too serious!

A few moments later...

Player: This is the Logistics Bureau. It looks like there are a lot of people here!

Volkov: Yeah. It's probably pretty hot in there if it's crowded.

Volkov: You wait outside, Player. I'll go in!

Player: Didn't the boss send you some packages? You don't need my help carrying them?

Volkov: Do I need help carrying them? Haha! You must be joking!

Volkov waves his thick arms.

Player: I'll just wait outside for you, then!

Half an hour later...

Player: Hmm... What's taking him so long...

Player: Did something happen?

Volkov finally exits the building

Volkov: ...

Player: Volkov...

Player: Whoa!

Volkov is empty-handed.

And his expression seems quite solemn.

Player: Did something happen?

Volkov: Oh, uh... Nothing...

Volkov: I sent my letter...

Volkov: But... The Logistics Bureau doesn't have any packages for me.

Player: Huh?

Volkov: I confirmed with the staff several times.

Player: Maybe the Fang Gang forgot?

Volkov: It might be because the boss is busy.

Volkov: But this is the first time this has happened in my six months on Never Isle...

Volkov: Did something happen in BlackFlame City?

Player: ...

Player: Don't drive yourself crazy. If something happened, the Fang Gang would send someone to tell you.

Volkov: Yeah... You're right!

Volkov: The Fang Gang's never had trouble before... What am I so worried about?

Volkov: Let's go back to the Hottie Bar and rest for a bit, then head out for dinner this evening!

Player: Yeah!

Some time later, at the Hottie Bar...

Volkov: ...

Volkov may say he's all right...

But he's clearly still worried.

Volkov: ...

Player: Why don't you contact the Fang Gang directly and ask them what's wrong?

Player: The large comm array on the airship can reach BlackFlame City.

Volkov: Your airship can reach BlackFlame City, Player?

Volkov: Oh... There's no need...

Volkov: When I first got to Never Isle, I used arcana communication to contact the boss. He got annoyed with me...

Volkov: He told me to only contact him by letter once a month.

Volkov: It's fine, Player. The Fang Gang is fine.

Volkov: From now on, I'll just come here and drink with you, Player.

Volkov: I'll go find some work tomorrow, so there's no need to worry about living expenses.

Internal Comm: Captain! We received a message from the Oathblades. They're looking for you...

Internal Comm: It seems there's an emergency.

Player: An emergency?

Volkov: Sounds like they've got a mission for you. Go, Player!

Volkov: I'll have a couple of cold beers.

Player goes to the airship bridge

Player: This is Player. What's going on?

Miles's Comm: Is Volkov there with you, Player?

Player: He's not, but he is in the Hottie Bar. I'll call him over!

Miles's Comm: No! Don't do that!

Player: Uh...

Miles's Comm: Player, no matter what happens...

Miles's Comm: Do not let Volkov go back to BlackFlame City!

Miles's Comm: I repeat! Do not let Volkov go back to BlackFlame City!

Player: What's wrong?

Miles's Comm: Make sure he stays on Never Isle. If he insists, bring him here to the Oathblades!

Player: What's wrong? Did something happen?

Miles's Comm: A massive gang war has broken out in BlackFlame City...

Miles's Comm: The sixth through the tenth-largest gangs teamed up and ambushed the Fang Gang!

Player: What?

Miles's Comm: The Oathblades have allied with the largest gang to maintain order.

Miles's Comm: We still don't know all the details.

Miles's Comm: The ambush caught the Fang Gang completely off guard. They were unable to organize a counter-attack.

Miles's Comm: It seems like the fifth-largest gang had been planning this for a while.

Miles's Comm: Volkov is the fourth-in-command of the Fang Gang. They almost certainly have a plan for taking him out!

Player: (surprised)

Player: ...

Player: Then... What about the Fang Gang's boss and the rest of its leadership?

Miles's Comm: I'm currently...standing on the rubble of the boss's house.

Miles's Comm: When the ambush happened, the leaders were all having a meeting at his house. This is where the fighting was fiercest.

Miles's Comm: The boss... The boss is dead.

Player: Oh... What are you...

Volkov: What? The boss...is dead?

Player: Oh! Volkov? When did you...

Volkov yells at the console

Volkov: Miles! Tell me what happened!!

Miles's Comm: Hey! Don't be rash!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Who's behind it?

Miles's Comm: You need to calm down, brother...

Volkov: Who's behind it?!

Player: Five gangs joined forces and ambushed the Fang Gang...

Volkov: Take me to BlackFlame City, Player!

Volkov: I'm going to kill them all!

Player: No! BlackFlame City is too dangerous right now!

Player: They're definitely waiting for you!

Volkov: Then what should I do? What should I be waiting for?

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov turns to leave

Player: Where are you going?

Volkov: I'm going to take a different airship!

Player: Hold on, Volkov!

Player: I've never met your boss, but based on what you've told me...

Player: He sounds like a wise person, with a deep mind, a strategic approach, and a clear plan.

Volkov: That's right. That's why he's the best!

Player: Then he must have had a plan for striking back against an attack!

Player: I think the key to that counterattack...is you!

Volkov: Me?

Player: You're not in BlackFlame City. If something were to happen to them, you're the one who's still safe!

Player: But if something happened to you, too, the Fang Gang would be done for!

Volkov: I can't... I can't let anything happen to me...

Volkov: But my brothers are fighting!

Volkov: I... I...

Player: This is exactly the kind of situation that calls for a cool head, Volkov!

Volkov: Even if you're right, Player...

Volkov: I still need to go back to BlackFlame City!

Volkov rushes out of the airship and Player follows him

Earlier...

The Never Isle Defense Force ask a man for his entry papers at the port of entry

Defense Force Warrior: Please present your Never Isle travel permit!

Excited Man: Travel permit? I don't have a travel permit!

Defense Force Warrior: Those without a pass should go to the port office and fill out an application form.

Excited Man: Port...office?

Defense Force Warrior: Over there...

The Defense Force warrior points to the long line of people

Excited Man: Uh...

Excited Man: There's no time! I need to find the fourth-in-command!

Defense Force Warrior: You're looking for someone? Who are you looking for?

Excited Man: Our fourth-in-command, Volkov!

Defense Force Warrior: Volkov? Haven't heard of him.

Defense Force Warrior: But even if it's urgent, Never Isle can't let just anyone through. You need to get in line and fill out an application!

Excited Man: Uh...

Excited Man: Let me in! Let me in now!!

Defense Force Warrior: Do you intend to break through this checkpoint?

Volkov runs out to the main harbor

Player: Calm down, Volkov!

Volkov: I'm going to get revenge for the boss!

Excited Man: Fourth-in-command! Fourth-in-command!

Volkov: This voice... It's Fredo, the boss's bodyguard!

Player: Is he from the Fang Gang?

Defense Force Warrior: I need help over here! Someone's trying to break through the checkpoint!

Volkov and Player run over to the port of entry

Player: Wait! He's our friend!

Defense Force Warrior: Mr. Player?

Excited Man: Fourth-in-command! I've finally found you!

The man begins to weep.

Player: I'm sorry, this is my friend's first time on Never Isle. He wasn't aware of the regulations...

Defense Force Warrior: Just as long as he isn't someone suspicious.

Player: Volkov, take your brother back to the Hottie Bar.

Player: I'll go get him a temporary permit for Never Isle!

Volkov: Okay!

Volkov: You're okay now, brother!

Hottie Bar, Airship.

Fredo tells the two of you about everything that's happened.

Fang Gang Fredo: It all happened too quickly!

Fang Gang Fredo: One minute, the boss was discussing factory business and territory taxes with the second- and third-in-command...

Fang Gang Fredo: The next, a stun grenade came flying into the room and stunned us, then a bunch of guys came running in.

Fang Gang Fredo: Before we had a chance to respond, the second- and third-in-command were taken out!

Fang Gang Fredo: I led the boss into a secret passage.

Fang Gang Fredo: We tried using the comm system in the secret passage to contact our brothers at different locations, but we couldn't get through!

Fang Gang Fredo: The boss's injuries were too serious, so he... He...

Volkov: (surprised)

Volkov: ...

Player: (Takes Volkov's hand...)

Volkov: How could this happen...

Volkov: How could the boss have been taken out so easily? What about the brothers who were guarding the house? And the ones who were standing watch outside?

Player: They were probably all dead.

Player: Did they have professional assassins assisting with the operation?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Who did it? Those gangs?

Fang Gang Fredo: Yes! Scarface Charlie, Fat Tom, and Businessman John.

Volkov: That's it?!

Player: Who are they?

Volkov: The bosses of the sixth through tenth-largest gangs in BlackFlame City.

Volkov: They're a bunch of fools! I don't even take them seriously, most of the time!

Player: Even the weakest hand becomes powerful when clenched into a fist. You shouldn't underestimate your enemies, Volkov!

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov: Fredo, they calmed down after the gang war two years ago. Why did they attack us out of the blue like this?

Fang Gang Fredo: Because the boss didn't plan on letting them mine the shadow crystal mine.

Volkov: That's it?

Fang Gang Fredo: Before the boss died, he gave this to me. He wanted me to give it to you!

Fredo takes out a blood-stained letter.

Volkov opens the letter.

A key drops out of it.

Blood-stained Letter: Volkov, if you're reading this letter, it means I'm already dead.

Volkov: Ugh...

Blood-stained Letter: Do you remember that day we discovered the shadow crystal mine?

Blood-stained Letter: I remember that day like it was yesterday...

Blood-stained Letter: This will either bring us riches or disaster.

Blood-stained Letter: Afterward, I made the worst decision of my life.

Blood-stained Letter: We covered up the news about the shadow crystal mine, hoping to keep it for ourselves so we could get wealthy.

Blood-stained Letter: At the same time, I also made the smartest decision of my life...

Blood-stained Letter: I sent you to Never Isle.

Blood-stained Letter: This letter contains the other half of the key to the shadow crystal mine.

Blood-stained Letter: As long as you keep it hidden, you are safe.

Blood-stained Letter: I still remember the child you once were.

Blood-stained Letter: Now, you are a reliable man, a man that others can depend on.

Blood-stained Letter: Volkov, BlackFlame City does not suit a loyal and courageous man such as yourself.

Blood-stained Letter: Never return to BlackFlame City. You have a brighter future beyond the walls of this city.

Blood-stained Letter: So long as you're alive, the Fang Gang's will shall survive...and the Fang Gang shall not perish!

Blood-stained Letter: I'm sorry, Volkov. I wasn't able to protect our brothers...

Blood-stained Letter: I'm sorry...

Volkov: Boss...

Volkov: Boss!!!

Fang Gang Fredo: Fourth-in-command!

Player: ...

Player starts to grab some drinks at the bar

Player: Bring a couple of beers...

Player: No...

Player: Pour two glasses of Sunlight.

A moment later...

Player: Volkov, Fredo... Drink up.

Fang Gang Fredo: Thank you...

Volkov: I don't want to drink. Brother Fredo can have it!

Player: I know you're sad, but it is especially important in times like these to remain calm.

Volkov: If I'm going to stay calm, I need to stay sober. I can't drink right now!

Fredo also puts his glass down.

Fang Gang Fredo: Fourth-in-command, what should we do now?

Volkov: Revenge!

Player: ...

Fang Gang Fredo: But the boss told me not to let you go back to BlackFlame City.

Volkov: The boss, the second-in-command, the third-in-command... So many of our brothers are dead.

Volkov: You would have me stay in Never Isle and pretend like nothing happened? No way!

Volkov: Anyone who messes with the Fang Gang will be crushed by the Fang Gang!

Volkov: If we can reach the brothers of ours in BlackFlame City who have survived, and we can find out where those bastards are located...

Volkov: Then I will kill every last one of them, even if I have to hunt them to the ends of the earth!

Fang Gang Fredo: The base is gone. Our brothers are scattered.

Fang Gang Fredo: Our brothers don't know where we are, either. There's no way to reach them.

Player: Maybe we don't need to reach your brothers from the Fang Gang.

Player: Miles and his men are currently suppressing the conflict and investigating the scene.

Fang Gang Fredo: Miles?

Volkov: The people from Andrew's gang, they're maintaining order along with Diess.

Player: I'll also contact Duran and ask him about mercenary activity.

Player: Anyone who can silently and efficiently take out the Fang Gang's guards must be a pro!

Fang Gang Fredo: Oh! You know the legendary mercenary Duran?

Volkov: Please, Player!

A while later, that night.

At the harbor in Never Isle.

Volkov looks out over Lake Bliss

Volkov: ...

Player: Volkov.

Volkov: Player...

Volkov: I'm sorry. I promised to treat you to dinner tonight.

Volkov: But we'll need to trouble Billy to order us some takeout.

Player: (surprised)

Player: What are you worrying about this for? Don't treat me like a stranger!

Volkov: I'm not...

Player: ...

Player: How are you doing?

Volkov: I'm okay...

Player: That's good...

Volkov: I need some time alone.

Player: Okay!

Player: I heard that some of the Oathblades Warriors who went to BlackFlame City today have come back. I'll go ask them about the situation.

Player: If you need anything, I'll be close by.

Player: (Pats Volkov's shoulder)

Volkov: Player...

Player: Huh?

Volkov: Thank you...

Player: (smiles)

Suddenly, you sense a powerful aura.

Player: !!

Player: Volkov, look out!

Player: Emergency barrier!

Player raises a barrier of flux around himself and Volkov

At the same time, assassins appear and shoot their guns

The barrier deflects the shots

Assassin A: What are you thinking? Our employer told us to leave at least one person alive!

Assassin B: This thing is blocking the way, isn't it? What are you so worried about?

Volkov: (angry)

Assassin A: Let's do this! Disable Volkov's ability to resist and kill the rest!

Volkov: Out of my way...

Volkov pulls Player aside and walks towards the assassins

Volkov: You...

Player: Volkov!

Volkov: You think you can just kill my brothers and get away with it?

Volkov: Ahhhhh!!

Volkov charges at his foes

Player: Volkov! These assassins are no joke...

Assassin B: Whoa...

Player: Leave a survivor. Leave a survivor!

After some fighting, Volkov leaves the last assassin alive enough to talk

Volkov: Talk! Who do you work for?!

Volkov: Tell me, and I'll make it quick!

Assassin: If you think you're going to get a word out of me...

Assassin: You're delusional!

Player: He poisoned himself!

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov: Ahhh!!!

Volkov beats the assassin's face to a pulp.

Player: !!

Volkov: Huff, puff...

Volkov: If we'd kept more than one alive, we might've been able to find one with loose lips...

Player: These were professional assassins. You wouldn't have gotten any answers out of them.

Player: Were they trying to kill us all?

Volkov: If you want to kill a weed, you must pull it out by the roots! That's a saying we have back in BlackFlame City.

Volkov: They know that so long as I'm alive, I will hunt them down to the ends of the earth!

Volkov: (Roaring) You wanna kill me? Come get me!

Some Oathblades warriors finally show up

Oathblades Warrior: Those bastards tried to carry out an assassination on Never Isle! They have no morals whatsoever!

Defense Force Warrior: Sorry, this was our oversight. Are you guys okay?

Player: We're fine.

Player: But Volkov, this is outside Never Isle's gate.

Player: If the assassins disguise themselves as ordinary civilians and take a commercial airship into the port, the Defense Force won't be able to do anything.

Volkov: An ambush was inevitable. It doesn't matter.

Player: But Brother Fredo...

Volkov: He can stay in my dorm at the Arcana Academy!

Volkov: I'll inform Chitzkoi, and with the help of the brothers from the branch, we can provide cover without alerting the president.

Player: Good idea. As long as he's disguised as a student in the Arcana Academy, he won't attract too much attention.

Two days later, early morning.

Player finishes talking with Duran from the airship's console

Player: I see... All right, I understand.

Player: Duran, I need you to ask around again...

Player: And stay safe. Over and out.

Volkov: How are things going?

Player: Just as we thought, those assassins were pros.

Player: The people who hired them used utmost secrecy in their recruitment process...

Player: We won't get any answers by questioning them.

Volkov: Secret mercenaries...

Volkov: Those assassins at the port a few days ago were pretty strong...

Volkov: These kinds of mercenaries are far beyond what the Fang Gang can afford; since when did Scarface Charlie and the others have this kind of capability?

Player: Whatever the case, Duran is still investigating, but it will take time.

Player: That said, Duran hasn't come back empty-handed.

Player: Since yesterday, Charlie and the other gangs have started gathering in the Fang Gang's territory.

Player: Seems like they're planning on digging something up.

Volkov: Our shadow crystal mine!

Player: Are they planning to mine it by force?

Volkov: Not possible!

Volkov: The boss spent a bunch of money building an arcana security gate at the entrance of the mine to prevent anyone from getting in by force.

Volkov: Forcing their way in will trigger the bombs inside and completely seal off the crystal mine!

Volkov: The key is the only way to get inside!

Player: The key that the boss sent you in that letter? But there was only half a key in there...

Volkov: The other half has been with me this whole time.

Player: Whoa!

Volkov: Only the boss and I know about it.

Player: So that's what the boss meant when he said the key would keep you safe?

Player: So the other gangs are after the shadow crystal mine...

Player: But as long as we have the key, we have the upper hand!

Player: You need to keep that key safe, Volkov!

Volkov: Got it!

Just then, Miles appears before the arcana surveillance artifact at the airship's cabin door.

Miles: Player, Volkov... Are you guys home?

Player checks the video feed

Player: Miles?

Miles: I've got some important news that I need to tell you in-person.

Player: I'll open the door.

A few moments later...

Volkov: Did something happen, Brother Miles?

Miles: ...

Miles: The sixth through tenth-largest gangs in BlackFlame City have sent Never Isle a letter.

Miles: They hope to work with Never Isle to develop the shadow crystal mine.

Miles: Never Isle...is going to accept.

Volkov: What?

Player: But the crystal mine...

Miles: It belongs to you and your brothers, I know.

Miles: But after the Battle of New Azria...

Miles: Everyone realized the threat that the Shadows posed. The White Capes and the Shadowhunters are scrambling to study the shadows and prepare for the future...

Miles: The shadow crystal mine is too precious!

Miles: My own protests were useless.

Player: Ugh... What can we do...

Volkov: ...

Miles: But this is not necessarily a bad thing!

Miles: Never Isle has invited the leaders of those gangs to the Arcana Academy to discuss the details of the cooperation.

Miles: They plan to meet with them at noon two days from now.

Player: Whoa!

Volkov: You mean...

Volkov: They're all going to be at the Arcana Academy two days from now?

Miles: That's right!

Miles: Recently, the world has been relatively peaceful. The day they arrive on Never Isle, the Defense Force will strengthen the island's entry and exit checkpoints.

Miles: They will also provide the delegation with standard security protection.

Player: Miles, are you saying we should take this opportunity to take out the leaders of those gangs?

Miles: ...

Miles: The Order of Equality is responsible for the negotiations.

Miles: Make sure no one gets caught in the crossfire when you make your move.

Player: ...

Miles: I need to go train. Good-bye.

Volkov: Brother Miles!

Volkov: Will you get in trouble if they die on Never Isle?

Miles: Whether I get in trouble or not doesn't matter.

Miles: I know all too well what it feels like to lose brothers.

Miles: If all of my enemies gathered together in one place...

Miles: I'd kill them all!

Volkov: ...

Miles: If you need any help, I'm your man. If I can help, I will!

Miles leaves

Player: Volkov, this is your chance!

Volkov: Yeah!

Volkov: The Arcana Academy is my turf!

Volkov: Since they'll be coming here, I won't let them leave alive!

Evening the following day, at the Arcana Academy student dorms.

Volkov holds a meeting with the Fang Gang's Academy branch

Volkov: Did you find the room where the leaders of the gangs will be having their meeting?

Chitzkoi: I've found it! There is only one conference room tomorrow that is booked all day, and there are no classes scheduled to be held there.

Chitzkoi: It's the conference room on the east side of the second floor!

Chitzkoi: The good news is that the room controlling the conference room's arcana lighting is on the third floor.

Chitzkoi: The bad news is, this conference room only has one entrance.

Player: Okay!

Player: Then let's go with the second backup plan that we discussed!

Player: First, Volkov and I will take the airship to Red Harbor tomorrow morning.

Player: We will be as conspicuous as possible on our journey, so that everyone knows that Volkov has left Never Isle.

Player: Once we get to Red Harbor, we will contact Miles.

Player: We will board the Oathblades' airship, put on Oathblades armor, and return to the Arcana Academy.

Volkov: Fredo, tomorrow morning, you will enter the equipment room on the third floor. Five minutes past noon, you will cut off the arcana lighting to the conference room!

Fang Gang Fredo: Got it!

Volkov: The brothers from the Fang Gang...

Volkov: Will find a way to lure the guards away from the door to the conference room at noon once the meeting has started.

Chitzkoi: Don't worry, boss!

Chitzkoi: We already have a plan!

Volkov: Once the guards have been lured away, I will enter the conference room and kill the gang leaders along with their subordinates.

Volkov: Player will guard the door. Except for the Order of Equality, take everyone out!

Player: Got it.

Player: But the leaders of the gangs will definitely have people with them.

Player: I'd better go in with you. It'll be safer, just in case they put up a fight.

Volkov: Thanks for the offer, but I need to take out those leaders myself.

Player: All right, if you insist.

Player: That's the plan. Any questions?

Everyone: No!

Volkov: Brothers, this is not your battle, but you have nevertheless chosen to help me.

Volkov: Allow me to thank you all in advance!

Guild Member: No need to thank us, boss! These guys killed your friends - we're happy to help!

Guild Member: That's right! We all owe you so much.

Guild Member: Now it's time to pay you back!

Player: You all had better return to your dorms and get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll carry out the plan as scheduled!

Never Isle, early the next day.

Player: Volkov! Volkov! Wait!!

Volkov storms past the Never Isle entry gate, trying to cause as big of a scene as possible

Volkov: Don't try to talk me out of it, Player!

Volkov: I'm going to go back to BlackFlame City and kill every last one of those bastards!

Player: Calm down, Volkov!

A bit later, at the port...

Player: Listen to me, Volkov!

Player: Surely they've set up a trap in BlackFlame City and are waiting for you to fall into it!

Player: Don't take the bait!

Volkov: I haven't thought that far ahead!

Volkov: I'll kill anyone who gets in my way!

Player: Volkov!!

Player and Volkov take off in the airship

Several hours later...

At the harbor in Never Isle.

Miles addresses some Oathblades warriors

Miles: You did a good job completing this mission. Thank you for your hard work.

Miles: That's all for today. Good-bye!

All but two "warriors" disperse

Miles: ...

Miles leaves

Player: (Activates communication crystal.)

Player: Chitzkoi, how are things going over there?

Arcana Communication: Everything's normal and proceeding according to plan.

Player: Good. We'll head on over now!

Player: Let's go!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Hold on!

Player: What's wrong?

Volkov: (Takes out key and hands it to you.)

Player: This is...

Volkov: The key to the Fang Gang's shadow crystal mine.

Volkov: Including the half in my hand, it's already been pieced together.

Player: You're...giving it to me?

Volkov: Yes.

Volkov: I trust you more than anyone else.

Volkov: Today at noon, if something happens to me...

Player: What are you talking about?

Player: Fighting is your specialty! Even Miles can't get the best of you!

Player: You think 'something' is going to happen to you in a fight with common gangsters? Are you joking?

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Anyway, can I leave it with you for now?

Volkov: I'll take it back once I've dealt with them.

Player: ...

Volkov: If the fight gets too intense, I might drop the key. We'd be done for if someone picked it up!

Player: All right! I'll take care of it for you!

Player: But you need to promise me that you'll come get this key back from me unharmed!

Volkov: I promise!

A while later, at noon.

Two Defense Force warriors stand guard at the Arcana Academy conference room

Defense Force Warrior A: Did you hear? BlackFlame City wants to cooperate with Never Isle.

Defense Force Warrior B: BlackFlame City? Doesn't that place belong to gangsters and cultists?

Defense Force Warrior B: Why would Never Isle want to cooperate with them?

Defense Force Warrior A: I heard that something incredible was dug up in BlackFlame City. They want to work with us on developing it...

Two Fang Gang members approach

Guild Member: Hey there, you tough guys~ What are you up to?

Defense Force Warrior A: Uh...

Defense Force Warrior B: Official Defense Force duties. No comment!

Guild Member: Wow, you're so cool!

The Fang Gang members fawn over the warriors

Guild Member: Look at your sturdy build and solid muscles.

Guild Member: You're exactly my type.

Defense Force Warrior A: Oh... If you keep touching me, you'll be arrested for obstructing official duties!

Guild Member: Oh! Arrest me! Please arrest me!

Defense Force Warrior B: Get out of here, or we'll notify the president, and you'll be in big trouble!

Guild Member: You guys are no fun~

Guild Member: Why don't you gentlemen come with us and have a little fun~

Defense Force Warrior A: This is your last warning! Get out of here!

Chitzkoi: Hey, hey! Out of the way!

The Fang Gang members get out of the way and a blast of flux hits the two warriors

Defense Force Warrior A: Cough! Cough! Enemy attack!

Chitzkoi: No, no! It's not an enemy attack!

Chitzkoi runs over

Chitzkoi: My experiment failed. I lost control of my arcana and it went haywire!

Chitzkoi: I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!

Defense Force Warrior B: But what the hell is this sticky stuff?

Chitzkoi: Ah... It's a corrosive agent designed to remove rust.

Chitzkoi: But I haven't gotten the mixture quite right, so it's a little strong.

Chitzkoi: If you guys don't wash yourselves off and quick, I'm afraid your armor...

Defense Force Warrior A: What?

Guild Member: Whoa! I can see this Defense Force soldier's big burly pecs!

Defense Force Warrior B: Dammit! Let's get to the bathroom!

Chitzkoi: I'm really, really sorry!

The door to the conference room stands unguarded

A few moments later...

Player and Volkov in their Oathblades disguises reach the conference room

Player: Heh!

Volkov: Well done, Chitzkoi!

Player listens at the door

Player: It's so quiet inside...

Volkov: In a few moments, it won't be.

Player: If something doesn't seem right, just yell for me.

Volkov: (smiles)

Volkov: Wait for my return~

Volkov enters the conference room

Volkov: Why haven't the lights been shut off?

Volkov: Why isn't there anyone here?

Volkov: Oh! That's...

Volkov: Brother Fredo! Brother Fredo!

Fredo is lying on the ground, unmoving.

His body is covered with obvious knife wounds. His blood has already congealed...

Volkov: No...

Volkov: No!

Volkov notices a blood-stained dagger lying quietly next to the corpse.

Volkov: (Picks up dagger.)

Volkov: Who did this?

Volkov: (Roaring) Who did this?!

Volkov: (Roaring) I'm going to kill you!!!

Player enters

Player: Volkov, it's been a while since you went in. Why is it so quiet?

Player: Huh? What happened?

Volkov: I don't know. There was no one in here when I entered.

Volkov: Only Brother Fredo. He was already dead.

Player: How come...

Player: Uh oh! This is a trap!

Volkov: A trap!

Player: We have to get out of here now!

You take Volkov by the hand and prepare to leave.

Suddenly, Izumi and the Defense Force enter

Defense Force Warrior: Defense Force inspection! Someone has reported a murder at the Arcana Academy!

Player: Izumi?

Izumi: Player?

Izumi: What happened?

After a while, the Defense Force manages to get the situation under control.

Both Player and Volkov were apprehended and placed in confinement at the Defense Force jail

Player: There was a blood-stained dagger next to Fredo's body, right?

Volkov: What are you getting at?

Player: I'm afraid we've been framed.

Volkov: Framed?

Player: Yeah. They knew we were coming, so they killed Brother Fredo ahead of time, put his body in the conference room...

Player: And shifted the blame to us.

Volkov: What...

Volkov: Damn!!

Player: Luckily, Izumi's the commander of the Defense Force.

Player: He'll find the truth, for sure!

Player: I reckon they'll split us up and interrogate us. If Izumi interrogates you...

Player: Just tell him the truth.

Player: If someone else interrogates you, be careful. Bite your tongue and claim you didn't do anything.

Volkov: Since you trust him, Player, I will trust him, too.

Volkov: ...

Volkov: But how did those bastards get a hold of our plan?

Volkov: How did they set up the ambush this time?

Volkov: And Brother Fredo... Why did he... Sigh...

Player: A few members from different gangs managed to break through several layers of the Fang Gang's defenses and launched a surprise attack on your boss and the others.

Player: Such a thing would not have been possible without someone coordinating it.

Volkov: Coordinating? Oh! You mean the Fang Gang has a rat!

Player: Yeah!

Player: Looking at it now, the only person who could take things this far would be...

A Defense Force warrior enters the cell

Defense Force Warrior: You can leave now, Mr. Player.

Player: Only me? What about Volkov?

Defense Force Warrior: Mr. Volkov still needs to cooperate with our investigation.

Volkov: Player, get out of here! Go!

Player: ...

Player: Volkov, I will find a way to rescue you!

Moments later, near the exit to the jail.

Izumi: You go watch Volkov. I've got some questions to ask Player.

Defense Force Warrior: Yes, sir!

The warrior leaves

Player: Izumi...

Izumi: Player, what happened at the Arcana Academy?

Player: Where do I start...

A few moments later...

Player: And then you guys came charging in.

Izumi: I see...

Izumi: An hour before noon, the Defense Force received an urgent message that the meeting with the BlackFlame City gangs had been delayed two hours.

Izumi: So that's why you guys came up empty-handed.

Player: A temporary delay? Then...why were you guys at the Arcana Academy, Izumi?

Izumi: We received an anonymous report saying that a murder had been committed in the conference room on the second floor of the Arcana Academy.

Izumi: The Defense Force was just another one of their pawns.

Izumi: But Player, you guys were plotting an assassination on Never Isle.

Player: I'm sorry, but we had no other choice. Those gangsters from BlackFlame City cannot be trusted!

Player: Never Isle stands to gain nothing from cooperating with those scheming, conniving bastards!

Izumi: All right. I believe you, Player.

Player: What about Volkov?

Izumi: Volkov is a little more complicated.

Player: What do you mean?

Izumi: The deceased, Fredo, was neither Shadow nor White Capes.

Izumi: He was a legal guest of Never Isle.

Izumi: The incident also happened on the day of the diplomatic talks with the BlackFlame City gangs.

Izumi: This matter concerns Never Isle's reputation abroad, so its officials are taking it very seriously.

Izumi: A murder weapon was also discovered on the scene...

Izumi: Only Volkov's flux was found on the murder weapon.

Player: But Volkov had no motive...

Izumi: He had motive - plenty of it!

Player: What?

Izumi: According to our investigation, Fredo secretly arranged an alliance between the various clans of BlackFlame City.

Izumi: He betrayed the Fang Gang, leading to its annihilation.

Izumi: And Volkov is the Fang Gang's fourth-in-command.

Player: So he was the one who betrayed the Fang Gang...

Izumi: The evidence is damning. The way things are...

Izumi: Volkov will definitely stand trial.

Player: Oh... Is there anything I can do?

Izumi: If you find an outstanding legal adviser to defend Volkov...

Izumi: Then maybe you'll have a chance!

Player: I know!

Player: I'm going now!!

An hour later...

Defense Force Warrior: Commander, Volkov's legal adviser has arrived. He's requesting to see his client.

Izumi: Player works quickly!

Izumi: Your visit is approved. Obey standard procedures!

The warrior leads the legal adviser to Volkov's holding cell

Defense Force Warrior: Volkov! You have a visitor!

Volkov: Who is it?

Legal Adviser: I am your legal adviser, Mr. Volkov!

Volkov: Legal adviser?

Late that evening on Never Isle.

Player speaks with Chitzkoi outside the Academy

Chitzkoi: Oh no... How come...

Player: Luckily, Volkov is safe for the time being. Tell the branch members...

Player: They don't need to worry about Volkov.

Player: Leave the task of arranging Volkov's legal defense to me.

Chitzkoi: All right. Got it!

Chitzkoi: You should be careful, too, Player!

A few moments later...

Player paces around the harbor

Player: Hmm... Even though I have a lot of friends...

Player: I don't think I know any who practice law.

Player: All I can do is rely on Miles and Eddie and hope they have connections.

Player: I should also contact Bernard, Morgan, and Takashi.

Player: Perhaps they know someone in the Shadowhunters.

Player: Or maybe... Duran? No, someone returning from BlackFlame City would be noticed.

Player: Creed? That guy knows everything. Perhaps even the law...

Player: Oh! That's...

Not that far ahead of you, you notice...

A big, sturdy, and extremely familiar figure.

Player: Volkov?

Volkov: Player, I was just wondering why no one was on the airship!

Player: Are you okay?

Volkov: Yeah. The Defense Force found some new evidence so they set me free.

Player: (Hugs Volkov tightly.)

Volkov: Whoa!

Player: That's great. I'm just happy you're okay.

Volkov: (He hugs you back.)

Volkov: Player...

Volkov: I came back to get my key. See? I kept my promise.

Player: Yeah!

You hand Volkov the key to the crystal mine.

Volkov: Thank you!

The two of you embrace each other tightly.

Volkov gently rubs your head.

He raises his eyes and looks off in the direction of BlackFlame City.

Volkov: ...

Continue to Intimacy Level 12

Fortune or Misfortune

'This will either bring us riches or disaster.'

-Part 1

The sixth to tenth-ranked gangs of BlackFlame City join forces to launch a surprise attack on the fifth-ranked Fang Gang...

Caught completely off guard, the Fang Gang is destroyed, its leadership seemingly wiped out.

The surviving members of the Fang Gang are left rudderless, like a dragon with its head cut off.

Yet refusing to give up the fight, they still organize a counterattack...

Three days before the BlackFlame 'earthquake'...

BlackFlame City, afternoon.

The last remaining survivors of the Fang Gang in BlackFlame City group up

Fang Gang Survivor: This is Scarface Charlie's most remote stronghold. It's also the one with the weakest defenses.

Fang Gang Survivor: Let's charge in and kill them all!

Fang Gang Survivor: For the boss, the second-in-command, the third-in-command, and the fourth-in-command! Let's get revenge for all our fallen brothers!

Fang Gang Survivor: Rrragh! Kill them! Kill them all!

Suddenly, a flash bang goes off

When the bright light subsides, Scarface Charlie and his goons stand outside the base

Fang Gang Survivor: Whoa! Enemies!

Scarface Charlie: Don't attack, brothers of the Fang Gang!

Fang Gang Survivor: Scarface Charlie?!

Fang Gang Survivor: I'm going to kill you!!!

???: Stop this madness right now!

Fang Gang Survivor: Whoa! This voice! It's... It's...

Fang Gang Survivor: It's the fourth-in-command! He's still alive!!

Volkov walks out of Scarface Charlie's base

Volkov: ...

Fang Gang Survivor: But what are you doing standing next to Scarface Charlie?

Volkov: Starting today, the Fang Gang, Scarface Charlie, Fat Tom, and Businessman John are officially working together...

Volkov: We've joined forces to develop the shadow crystal mine!

Volkov: The gang war is over...

Fang Gang Survivor: What?

Fang Gang Survivor: Fourth-in-command! Scarface Charlie is the one who killed the boss!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Brothers, stop this fighting. Put down your weapons!

Fang Gang Survivor: The fourth-in-command has already surrendered. What's the point in continuing our resistance?

At first, only a couple of them put down their weapons.

But quickly, more Fang Gang survivors follow suit.

Angry Survivor: Volkov! Do you have any idea what you're doing?

Volkov: That's enough! Brother! Put down your weapon!

Angry Survivor: Screw you! I'm going to kill you, you traitor!

Volkov knocks out the last remaining resistance from the Fang Gang

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Get out of here, you guys!

Volkov: I need a couple of guys to take him home...

Fang Gang Survivor: Ugh...

After the Fang Gang leave...

Scarface Charlie: Can you rest easy now, Volkov?

Volkov: If harm comes to any of them, I'm out!

Scarface Charlie: Don't worry. I may not like you, but money is worth more to me than blood.

Scarface Charlie: Just remember, if you can't make your 'Metal Shadow Flux Transport Canister...'

Scarface Charlie: Or if you make it, but it's not as useful as you say it is...

Scarface Charlie: I'll take that thing in your pants and make you choke on it, to say nothing of your brothers!

Volkov: I learned this trick at the Arcana Academy - it can't go wrong!

Volkov: You'd better worry about yourself! Can you get the shadow flux excavation equipment done in three days?

Scarface Charlie: Businessman John reached out to someone who researches forbidden tricks...

Scarface Charlie: If he can't get it done, he'll have no business calling himself a businessman!

Later, in the makeshift lab.

Scarface Charlie: Here's the lab you wanted. If there's anything else you need, just let the guards know!

Volkov: I know! Beat it, already!

Scarface Charlie: I'm warning you, you'd better not try to pull any tricks!

Scarface Charlie leaves

Volkov: ...

Volkov: (sad)

Five days before the BlackFlame 'earthquake'...

In the Defense Force jail.

Legal Adviser: I am your legal adviser, Mr. Volkov!

Volkov: Legal adviser?

The leagal adviser turns to the guard

Legal Adviser: According to Never Isle law, I have the right to request a meeting with my client.

Defense Force Warrior: ...

Defense Force Warrior: We'll be outside.

The guard leaves

Volkov: (Player hasn't been gone long. He didn't hire this guy...)

Volkov: (That means he's...)

Volkov: Scarface Charlie sent you here to make a joke out of me, didn't he?

Volkov: Then maybe he didn't tell you...

Volkov: I can destroy your skull with a single punch!

Legal Adviser: Haha, I know well what you're capable of, Volkov.

Legal Adviser: That said...I am not your enemy.

Volkov: Just give me...

Volkov: One reason not to kill you!

Legal Adviser: Some of your brothers from the Fang Gang are still alive. You can save them.

Volkov: !!

Volkov: What do you intend to do?

Legal Adviser: I need the key that opens the shadow crystal mine.

Volkov: In your dreams! You wouldn't even be able to pry it out of my cold, dead hands!

Legal Adviser: Don't be so quick to refuse me, Mr. Volkov.

Legal Adviser: I don't think you understand the predicament you're in.

Legal Adviser: While the academy was welcoming guests from BlackFlame City, you murdered Fredo in the academy's conference room.

Volkov: You know very well that you're the ones who killed Fredo!

Legal Adviser: Of course it was us, however...

Legal Adviser: You were found next to the corpse, and the murder weapon had traces of your arcana.

Legal Adviser: Unless you have some other proof, you are the killer!

Volkov: You bastard. You used these dirty tricks to frame me!

Legal Adviser: Dishonorable, maybe, but effective.

Legal Adviser: Think about it, a student of the academy...

Legal Adviser: Murdered a member of a gang from BlackFlame City during a meeting between Never Isle and BlackFlame City.

Legal Adviser: To Never Isle, this is an extremely serious diplomatic incident that will impact Never Isle's reputation in Luxium!

Legal Adviser: To remain accountable to the public, Never Isle will need to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter!

Legal Adviser: What do you think they'll find in their thorough investigation, Volkov?

Volkov: (surprised)

Legal Adviser: A student from BlackFlame City comes to Never Isle to study. How was he able to get past all those defenses and commit a murder in broad daylight?

Legal Adviser: He must have had help!

Volkov: Enough!

Legal Adviser: Moreover, the people who helped him commit a murder are other students from the Arcana Academy!

Volkov: Shut up!

Legal Adviser: Even Miles, a high-ranking official in the Oathblades, was an accomplice!

Legal Adviser: Oh! Most shocking of all, the Hero of Never Isle, one of the heroes of the Battle of New Azria...

Volkov: Stop talking right now!!

Legal Adviser: Player was one of the murder's primary co-conspirators!

Legal Adviser: Think about it. When Never Isle's officials learn these facts...

Legal Adviser: What will happen to the students at the academy, Miles, Player, and everyone else who helped you?

Volkov grabs the legal adviser by the collar of his shirt with his left hand and lifts him off the floor...

At the same time, he balls his right hand into a giant fist.

Volkov: Shut your mouth!!!!!

The legal adviser immediately lifts both hands in a sign of submission.

Legal Adviser: Calm down. If I die, there will be nothing to stop all of this from happening!

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov: ...

Volkov puts the Legal Adviser down.

Legal Adviser: So, you've got a simple choice to make.

Legal Adviser: You can rot in the Defense Force jail, and the students who help you will be expelled from the academy and banished from Never Isle...

Legal Adviser: Miles's reputation will be ruined, and the Oathblades will be implicated.

Legal Adviser: The silver lining is, Player will be here to keep you company in jail for a few years~

Volkov: If you say Player's name one more time, I'll kill you on the spot...

Legal Adviser: ...

Legal Adviser: Ahem! Or, you hand over the key...

Legal Adviser: We provide the Defense Force with new evidence, your charges are dropped, and you regain your freedom.

Legal Adviser: The students who helped you, Miles, and...the person whose name you won't let me mention will all be safe and sound.

Legal Adviser: Honestly, the choice is obvious, isn't it?

Volkov: (angry)

Volkov: I need to think about it...

Legal Adviser: If you must...

Volkov paces around his cell

Volkov: ...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Boss...

Volkov: ...

Legal Adviser: Have you decided, Mr. Volkov?

Volkov: Yes. I will give you the key!

Legal Adviser: A wise decision!

Volkov: But I have a condition!

Legal Adviser: Oh?

Volkov: In the name of the Fang Gang, I work with the five gangs to develop the shadow flux mine!

Volkov: And half the money we make belongs to me!

Legal Adviser: Half?!

Volkov: You're asking me to betray the boss and my brothers...

Volkov: I want to be set for the rest of my life!

Legal Adviser: Developing the mine together isn't a problem, but you want half of the earnings...

Legal Adviser: What the five gangs did to the Fang Gang wasn't right, but that's just how things work in BlackFlame City.

Legal Adviser: Why do you think you deserve as much as the five gangs put together?

Volkov: I can increase the storage and transport efficiency of shadow flux tenfold! What would all that extra money be worth to you?

Legal Adviser: What! Tenfold!

Volkov: I have found a way to store shadow flux using metal containers.

Volkov: It's over ten times more efficient than using flux crystals!

Legal Adviser: ...

Legal Adviser: If that's true...

Volkov: Don't forget! Researching the shadow flux mine was the whole reason I came to the Arcana Academy!

Legal Adviser: !!

Legal Adviser: Okay! No problem, you can take half of the profits!

Legal Adviser: We're looking forward to working together!

Inside Scarface Charlie's lab...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Focus... Focus...

Volkov: A shadow flux-resistant coating...

Volkov: I need to make some!

Two days later...

One day before the BlackFlame 'earthquake'...

Volkov: Phew. Now I just need to weld on the coated steel plates.

Volkov: This should be long enough!

Scarface Charlie checks on Volkov's progress

Scarface Charlie: We start mining shadow crystals tomorrow. I hope your little arcana toy is ready!

Volkov: I've already constructed the framework. I just need to weld on some steel plates and it will be done!

Scarface Charlie: Great! Go check it out!

Two arcanists check Volkov's device

Volkov: What are you up to?

Scarface Charlie: We're going to check it out and make sure it's not dangerous.

Scarface Charlie: These guys are skilled arcanists. They won't break your precious toy.

Volkov: (surprised)

Scarface Charlie: You don't mind, do you?

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Do whatever you want!

Volkov: ...

BlackFlame City Arcanist A: There are no traps on this thing, boss!

BlackFlame City Arcanist B: Not only that, it's extremely firm and sturdy!

BlackFlame City Arcanist B: The flux coating inside is also well done. This guy's an expert!

Volkov: Satisfied?

Volkov: If you're done here, let me get back to my work!

Volkov: The wealth and riches I'll be enjoying for the rest of my life depend on this thing!

Scarface Charlie: Let's go!

Volkov is once again alone in the lab

Volkov sighs.

Volkov: ...

Volkov looks over his device

Volkov: This is the key. It needs to be sturdier!

The next day...

The day of the BlackFlame 'earthquake'...

In the BlackFlame Darkflux Mining Factory directly above the shadow flux mine.

Many gangsters gather around, ready for the opening of the mine

Scarface Charlie: Humph! You all have it easy.

Scarface Charlie meets with Fat Tom and Businessman John at the factory

Fat Tom: What are you doing here by yourself, Scarface? Where's Volkov?

Scarface Charlie: He's down below, fiddling with his big iron case.

Fat Tom: Why aren't you keeping an eye on him?

Scarface Charlie: I've got someone watching him. He won't play any tricks on us!

Businessman John: Besides, even if he does, what can he do? He betrayed the Fang Gang. He's persona non grata...

Businessman John: All the core members of our five gangs are here.

Businessman John: It doesn't matter how big Volkov is, there's no way he can beat us all!

Fat Tom: Yeah...

Fat Tom: Keeping this guy around makes me anxious. He's probably still loyal to the Fang Gang!

Fat Tom: We're supposed to believe he turned his back on his long-time boss so easily? He's up to something!

Scarface Charlie: Haha! Don't worry! As long as we get this flux mine up and running, with that guy's skills to back us up...

Scarface Charlie: After a month, he'll have made himself millions of Black Dragonshards!

Scarface Charlie: Millions! Who cares about loyalty when you can have that much money?

Fat Tom: Just hearing it makes me angry! Why does he get half?

Businessman John: All right, stop complaining. I've already dispatched arcanists to learn his technique.

Businessman John: Once he's no longer needed, we'll find an opportunity to kill him.

Businessman John: For now, all we need to do is lift up our glasses, have some fine wine, and wait for the mine to get up and running...

Businessman John: Then we'll start lining our pockets with tons of money!

A few moments later...

Two arcanists lead Volkov to Scarface Charlie, Fat Tom and Businessman John

Fat Tom: Hey! What are you dragging your feet for? You aren't trying to play any tricks, are you?

Volkov doesn't answer.

Volkov: The excavation equipment and flux collection equipment is ready!

Volkov: As soon as the upper level starts, the lower level can get to work.

Scarface Charlie fires a glance at the arcanists behind Volkov.

The two arcanists nod.

Businessman John: Thank you, Volkov. Please go keep an eye on it.

Volkov: No need to thank me. Just as long as I get my money when the time comes~

Businessman John: Don't worry. You know my reputation.

Volkov: ...

Businessman John pours a glass of wine and gives it to Volkov.

Volkov: ...

Volkov: (Takes the glass)

Businessman John: (Smiles)

Businessman John: It's almost time.

Businessman John: The BlackFlame Darkflux Mining Company is in business!

John taps on his glass to quiet the others.

Businessman John addresses all of the gangsters gathered at the factory

Businessman John: Brothers! Last night, I was invited to Diess's meeting.

Businessman John: I went to his massive manor in Red Harbor.

Businessman John: At the entrance to the manor, I was stopped by his lackeys.

Businessman John: I told them who I was - they said they didn't recognize me!

Businessman John: 'We answer to Andrew and Antonio! We don't know any John!'

Businessman John: That's what it means to be the leader of the sixth largest gang in BlackFlame City.

Businessman John: I'm sure the other brothers who were present felt even more disrespected.

Businessman John: But starting today, everything's going to change!!

Businessman John: Today marks the beginning of a new era!

Businessman John: The shadow crystal mine beneath our feet marks the beginning of our era!

Businessman John: The rarest treasure in the world will be all ours!

Businessman John: We will surpass Diess and Andrew - BlackFlame City will belong to us!!

Businessman John starts the excavation equipment.

As the steady rumbling begins...

Everyone present begins to cheer.

Gang Members: Yeah!!

Everyone except for Volkov...

Volkov: (angry)

Businessman John turns to Scarface Charlie and Fat Tom

Businessman John: Cheers, gentlemen!

Scarface Charlie: Here's to mining more Black Dragonshards than we know what to do with! Cheers!

Fat Tom: Cheers! Hahaha!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Cheers...

Businessman John: Lighten up, Mr. Volkov!

An hour later...

Fat Tom: Hahaha... It's a deal!

Fat Tom: Once we sell off those shadow flux...something.

Fat Tom: That old bastard Diess will be guarding my door!

Scarface Charlie: Haha. Y-you're a...drunk fool!

Scarface Charlie: You can't...even talk right...

Volkov: ...

Volkov takes a sip of the drink he's holding.

But the drink tastes so bad, he winces.

Volkov: Eww.....

Volkov: This isn't even a fraction as good as the drinks at the Hottie Bar.

Another hour passes.

Most of the gangsters present have had their fill of food and drink.

Half of the gangsters are drunk on the floor, unconscious.

Just then, Businessman John's arcana communication crystal rings.

Volkov smiles, knowingly

Arcana Communication: Boss, there's something wrong with Volkov's storage box.

Businessman John: What's wrong?

Arcana Communication: We can't unload it...

Businessman John: You can't unload it? What do you mean?

Arcana Communication: The box is incredible, with its high-purity, extremely concentrated shadow flux...

Arcana Communication: But it's too dangerous!

The ground begins to shake.

Arcana Communication: Boss! Bad news! The excavation equipment is going too fast! It's shaking!

Businessman John: Oh... Shut it off! Shut it off!

Volkov: I can't shut it off, my arcana's already locked it down.

Volkov: The only way to stop it is to blow it up.

Volkov: However, we are right on top of the excavation equipment. Think carefully.

Businessman John: What do you think you're doing, Volkov?

Volkov: Did you really think I would help you mine the shadow crystals?

Volkov: That I would help you back-stabbing bastards mine the Fang Gang's shadow crystals?!

Businessman John: You bastard. You were never planning to work with us!

Businessman John: Brothers! Get him!

Only three gangsters are sober enough to attack

Volkov: Just you guys?!

Volkov easily dispatches them

Businessman John: I'm done messing around with you. You've betrayed us...

Businessman John: Don't even think about leaving BlackFlame City alive!

Businessman John attempts to leave but the factory doors are blocked with an arcana barrier

Businessman John: Ugh... Why can't we leave?

Volkov: I'm not going to let you get away this time!

Businessman John: It's just a measly arcana barrier. Arcanists!

Two arcanists attempt to dispel Volkov's barrier

Arcanist: Wait, this is...

Arcanist: Boss! This barrier! We can't break it down!

Volkov: Don't even try!

Volkov: This barrier is connected to my life!

Arcanist: He's not bluffing. This barrier is supported by life energy.

Arcanist: Only an Arcana Master could do something about it.

Businessman John: It's connected to his life?

Businessman John: Well, that's easy. Let's just kill him.

Volkov: Bring it on!!

The ground's shaking becomes even more intense.

Scarface Charlie: Oh! What's happening? An earthquake?!

Volkov: The blood of the Fang Gang is on all your hands.

Businessman John: Get up, you drunkards! Volkov's gonna blow the place up!

Fat Tom: W...what?

Businessman John: As long as we kill him, we can escape!

Fat Tom: Damn it, I knew you were no good!

Fat Tom: I'm going to chop you to pieces!

Volkov: Blood for blood!

Volkov fights with Fat Tom

Unfortunately, the fight allows more gangsters to sober up

Soon, Volkov is surrounded

Volkov: Ugh...

Three gangsters start attacking all at once

Volkov: Whoa...

Volkov can no longer stand up straight.

And it seems as if his feet are moving the ground beneath him, with the tremors growing stronger and stronger...

Volkov: I...

Volkov: Will not lose!!

Volkov concentrates arcana on the tip of his staff and smites his attackers

Scarface Charlie: Volkov took over ten hits. And even with the three he just took...

Scarface Charlie: He's still standing.

Fat Tom: Huff... Puff... Dammit, I'm gassed!

Volkov: Huff... Puff... Puff...

Volkov: I can't see clearly anymore...

Businessman John: Your wounds are fatal, and yet you still endure...

Businessman John: Volkov, I respect your strength!

Businessman John: Dispel the barrier...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Haha! Hahaha!

Fat Tom: Has this fool lost his mind?

Volkov: I'm...done...

Rumbling Ground: Rrrrrr...

The ground trembled violently, as if a massive earthquake were occurring.

Scarface Charlie: Ugh! This is...

Volkov: Finally...

Volkov collapses and his barrier falls

Volkov: I have no regrets...

Volkov: Boss, brothers...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: ...

Volkov: Player...

Volkov: I'm sorry...

???: Volk...

???: Volkov!

Player: Volkov!!

...

Player: Volkov!!!

Three days before the BlackFlame 'earthquake'...

Early morning, in the captain's quarters on the airship.

The night before, you and Volkov shared a blissful and sweet evening together...

You were lying on top of Volkov, held in his arms as you slept...

When you wake up, you discover that Volkov is no longer by your side...

Player: Volkov? Are you already up?

Player: (Maybe he's preparing breakfast?)

Player: I'd better put some clothes on first.

Some time later, on the bridge of the airship...

Player: I've looked all over, but I haven't found Volkov.

Player: It's still early; Billy and Kitty aren't up yet.

Player: ...

Player: What's going on?

Player: The airship's doors and windows are all closed. There's no sign that anything's been moved.

Player: Let's first rule out the possibility that the airship's been infiltrated.

Player: I'll check the airship's entry/exit record.

Player checks the airship's console

Player: Hmm... Between midnight and this morning...

Player: Oh! Someone left before sunrise.

Player: Volkov!

Player: It was still dark out. Where did he go?

Player: Maybe he went to the Arcana Academy?

Player: I'll go ask!

A while later, at the Arcana Academy student dorms.

Chitzkoi: The boss is missing?

Guild Member: Yesterday morning, the boss attended class. After class, he took us out for training.

Guild Member: Why is he suddenly missing today?

Chitzkoi: That's what's strange about it.

Chitzkoi: Several families just plotted against him, and he was nearly caught in their trap.

Chitzkoi: But yesterday, it was as if nothing happened; he went to class, he led the guild event...

Player: I also noticed something's not right with Volkov.

Player: He took me out to lunch, then we went for a stroll around Never Isle in the afternoon.

Player: I thought he'd completely calmed down and had gotten over it.

Player: That maybe he'd decided to enjoy life while waiting for his opportunity to get revenge.

Chitzkoi: Revenge...

Chitzkoi: The boss didn't go back to BlackFlame City, did he?

Player: Back to BlackFlame City?

Player: ...

Player: Just to be safe, I'd better reach out to Izumi.

A few moments later...

Player: What? Izumi, are you sure?

Izumi's Comm: The record of people who have left the island is right here.

Izumi's Comm: Volkov got on the first airship to Red Harbor before sunrise.

Player: Oh... Thank you, Izumi.

Izumi's Comm: Happy to help, Player. Over and out!

Chitzkoi: The boss went to Red Harbor. That means he really went to BlackFlame City.

Chitzkoi: He wouldn't actually go try to get revenge on a bunch of gang leaders, would he?

Guild Member: Then... We need to go to BlackFlame City and help him!

Player: A commercial airship would take about three hours to get to Red Harbor from Never Isle.

Player: We'd definitely get there too late!

Guild Member: Then what should we do? The boss is in trouble!

Player: Don't worry. Volkov's not some reckless fool.

Player: I'll ask the Oathblades first and see if there's been any activity in BlackFlame City lately.

Player: (Opens communication crystal) Miles? It's me, Player.

Player: Has there been any activity in BlackFlame City today?

Miles's Comm: BlackFlame City? Some of our brothers in BlackFlame City just submitted a report.

Miles's Comm: Everything's normal!

Player: Oh... Are you sure? Could you ask again?

Miles's Comm: All right. I've asked again, and I'm waiting for a response.

Miles's Comm: But why?

Player: Volkov, he...went back to BlackFlame City.

Miles's Comm: What?!

Player: If one of your men spots him, please protect him and notify me!

Miles's Comm: Don't worry, I know! Volkov is my brother, as well!

Miles's Comm: A large-scale gang war broke out just a few days ago, so my brothers have been on high alert!

Player: Has there been any activity from number six through ten gangs?

Miles's Comm: They've postponed their cooperation talks with Never Isle for now...

Miles's Comm: They said it's because they need to finish the preparation work and assess the safety of the shadow crystal mine before resuming talks.

Player: (Postponed? Could it be that they haven't decided yet?)

Miles's Comm: My brothers in BlackFlame City just responded. Everything's normal.

Miles's Comm: BlackFlame City is peaceful today.

Player: All right. Please keep an eye out for Volkov. If you spot him, let me know immediately!

Player: Also, don't let anybody know that Volkov is in BlackFlame City...

Miles's Comm: Understood! Miles, over and out!

Player: Volkov hasn't been found by the Oathblades, probably because he doesn't want to be found...

Player: For whatever reason, Volkov has gone into hiding.

Guild Member: That's good. Let's go help him!

Player: Hmm...

Player: Now it would really be a bad idea to go!

Guild Member: Why?

Player: Volkov went to BlackFlame City and immediately hid his tracks.

Player: This means he's got his own plan.

Player: If we go to BlackFlame City, somebody may be alerted!

Player: The most important thing we can do right now is figure out what Volkov's plan is.

Player: That way, we can help him!

Chitzkoi: You're right! We can't cause any trouble for him!

Player: We're done here. Those of you who have class should go to class. Those of you who have work, go to work.

Player: We need to go about our normal lives. Don't let our enemies see that something's up!

Guild Member: Okay!

A day and a half pass uneventfully.

It's just not BlackFlame City - the entirety of Luxium is at peace.

And this fact only makes it all the more difficult to figure out what Volkov's plan is.

Two days before the BlackFlame 'earthquake', late at night...

Just as you're tossing and turning in bed, you receive a message from Miles.

Miles's Comm: I thought you might be having a hard time sleeping, Player.

Player: I can't sleep a wink. I was just thinking about going out for a walk.

Player: Well, do you have any news about Volkov?

Late night in Never Isle harbor.

Player: What? The Fang Gang's resistance has died out?

Miles's Comm: Yes, especially today. What people are left in the Fang Gang seem to have completely given up.

Player: Do you know why?

Miles's Comm: It seems like there was a traitor in the gang. As a result, everyone else has lost the will to fight.

Player: Hmm...

Miles's Comm: However, when a gang collapses like that, it's quite normal for lower-level members to switch allegiances...

Miles's Comm: It might not be related to Volkov.

Player: No, it's got everything to do with Volkov!

Miles's Comm: If it were Volkov, he'd probably be rallying the remaining members of the Fang Gang...

Miles's Comm: And then in one fell swoop, wipe out the other gangs!

Player: But there aren't that many members left. Organizing a counter-attack wouldn't get vengeance, he'd just get more of his own people killed.

Player: He would choose to save as many of his brothers' lives as he could and avoid sacrificing them.

Miles's Comm: Oh! I understand!

Miles's Comm: I'll have my brothers take their investigation in this direction!

Player: Thank you, Miles!

Miles's Comm: Don't worry about it! Miles, over and out!

Player: ...

Player: The Fang Gang's resistance has died out...

Player: Did Volkov disband the Fang Gang?

Player: No, that can't be it... He may be the fourth-in-command, but even he couldn't disband the guild with just a word.

Player: The Fang Gang's boss treated his brothers well. If the remaining members have disbanded, there must be a reason for it!

Player: What is Volkov up to...

Player: ...

Player: Ah! I have no idea!

Player: Whatever you're up to, Volkov...

Player: Stay safe!

Player: I should get some sleep...

Player starts to walk back to the airship

Player: (My question is...why did Volkov choose to return to BlackFlame City alone?)

Player: (I've been by his side ever since the Fang Gang was attacked.)

Player: (Why didn't he tell me he had a plan?)

Player: ...

Player: Oh! There could only be one reason...

Player: He knows I wouldn't agree with his plan!

Player: ...

Player: Huh? Could it be?!

Player: Volkov, you bastard!!

The next evening...

One day before the BlackFlame 'earthquake'...

Inside the Arcana Academy dorms...

Chitzkoi: What? He's going to launch a suicide attack on the other gangs?!

Player: Yeah!

Player: If I'd known about this plan, I would've done everything in my power to stop Volkov!

Player: He'd never have been able to leave Never Isle!

Chitzkoi: So he went back to BlackFlame City on his own without a word?

Guild Member: Then how is he planning on launching this suicide attack against the other gangs?

Player: That's why I came here first thing this morning!

Player: I think we can first rule out charging the leaders of the gangs while holding an explosive barrel!

Player: Volkov may be an idiot sometimes, but the leaders of the gangs definitely are not!

Player: He wouldn't kill many people with an explosion like that!

Chitzkoi: Ugh...

Player: I also think we can rule out the possibility that he will learn some powerful shadow arcana in the next couple of days and blow BlackFlame City to smithereens!

Player: Starting last night, I've read up on this and have confirmed it's not possible!

Player: Even a genius can't learn shadow arcana in such a short time without someone tutoring them.

Player: We can also rule out normal arcana attacks - they're not powerful enough.

Player: Volkov came to Never Isle to study arcana.

Player: So whatever he studied here may hold the key to how he plans to launch his suicide attack.

Guild Member: But flux engineering's applications are mostly experimental. It doesn't have much offensive arcana.

Player: Is there any arcana that could blow up a city block?

Chitzkoi: There's no way the academy would teach its students such large-scale, destructive arcana.

Chitzkoi: Besides, on the battlefield, this kind of arcana would require several high-level arcanists. You'd probably need to prepare for a while just to build up energy.

Chitzkoi: It's not well-suited for surprise attacks.

Player: Damn. What is Volkov planning to do?

Chitzkoi: Since it's related to arcana, we should ask President Vundo!

Player: President Vundo!

Guild Member: But we planned an assassination in one of the academy's conference rooms...

Player: Volkov's life is more important! We can't worry about things like that right now!

Voice Outside the Door: Whoa! Mr. President!

Player: Huh?

Voice Outside the Door: Hold on. My roommates are showering. It's not a good time...

Vundo's Voice: Get out of my way!

Vundo slams open the door

Vundo: Showering? Are you taking showers dressed head to toe?

Chitzkoi: President Vundo!

Player: President Vundo, you're right on time!

Vundo: Huh?

You tell him about Volkov going missing and the suicide mission he's planning against the other gangs.

At least, you tell him the abridged version.

Vundo: BlackFlame City's number six through ten gangs...

Vundo: No wonder. I always felt like there was something fishy about that murder case at the academy a few days ago.

Vundo: So you guys were framed.

Vundo: You all should've told me sooner, Player!

Player: It wasn't the Arcana Academy's problem, and it involved BlackFlame City...

Player: So we didn't want to trouble you.

Vundo: Trouble?

Vundo: Volkov is my student! One of my students is missing now! How can I, President of the Arcana Academy, sit by and do nothing?!

Vundo: He planned an assassination at the Arcana Academy. We need to capture him and bring him back!

Vundo: He needs to be punished!

Player: (Gulp)

Vundo: And those short-sighted gangsters from BlackFlame City...

Vundo: They committed a murder at my Arcana Academy and even tried to frame one of my students for it.

Vundo: I'm going to pay them back for that!

Chitzkoi: The president's going to help us! This is great!

Vundo: As for what you said, Volkov may use arcana to kill himself and several of the gang leaders.

Vundo: But for now, I don't have any other ideas.

Vundo: You should go back and rest today. I'll think it over this evening!

Player: Thank you, Principal! Thank you!

Vundo: There's no need to thank me.

Player: Another thing, Mr. President... Don't tell anybody about this situation with Volkov.

Player: We can't dismiss the possibility that there are gangs in Never Isle watching us!

Vundo: I'm very familiar with the concept of confidentiality. Don't worry.

Before sunrise the next day, the day of the BlackFlame 'earthquake'.

In the Arcana Tower's flux lab at the Arcana Academy...

Vundo called Player and Chitzkoi to the lab

Player: Mr. President, why have you gathered us here?

Vundo: Player, in BlackFlame City, they discovered a shadow crystal mine full of shadow flux, did they not?

Player: That's right! Actually, the shadow crystal mine should belong to the Fang Gang.

Player: But now it's been stolen by the other gangs.

Vundo: That's not good!

Vundo: You know that shadow flux-resistant coating that Volkov was working on?

Player: Yeah!

Vundo: When concentration of shadow flux is too high under this method of suppression, a flux fission explosion will occur!

Chitzkoi: A flux fission explosion? I've never heard of that before.

Vundo: It's an arcane principle that was only theoretically derived a few years ago and proven last year.

Vundo: The power of this kind of explosion far exceeds that of conventional gunpowder.

Vundo: Many labs wanted to use it for military applications, but progress has been limited.

Player: Just how powerful is it?

Vundo: It's determined by how much shadow flux undergoes fission.

Vundo: Ten square meters, if concentrated enough, could wipe out four whole city blocks.

Chitzkoi: !!

Vundo: If there's enough shadow flux...

Vundo: It's possible that the explosion could wipe out all of BlackFlame City!

Player: Whoa!

Just then, Miles sends you a comm.

Miles's Comm: Player, those gangs just became active!

Player: What are they doing?

Miles's Comm: Several gang leaders and core members are starting to gather!

Miles's Comm: With grain, meat, and barrels of liquor... It appears to be some kind of grand assembly!

Player: A gathering? Where?

Miles's Comm: It's at a recently-constructed factory located on top of the shadow crystal mine!

Player: Ugh, damn...

Player: Damn! Miles! Stop them!

Miles's Comm: Huh? What's wrong?

Player: Volkov's going to blow up the shadow crystal mine!

Player: The nearby city blocks will be reduced to ash!

Miles's Comm: What?!

Miles's Comm: Ugh... Why does it have to be today...

Miles's Comm: The Oathblades don't have a good relationship with those gangs.

Miles's Comm: That factory is surrounded by ten city blocks that are now strongholds for those gangs. We couldn't get in there without an army a thousand men strong!

Miles's Comm: But our forces stationed in Red Harbor and BlackFlame City are only about a third as strong as they usually are.

Miles's Comm: We simply don't have enough people!

Player: What...

Miles's Comm: The Shadows have been quiet recently, and the commander wanted to station our troops in eastern Luxium, so...

Player: In that case, notify your brothers in BlackFlame City to stay far away from that factory - the farther away, the better!

Miles's Comm: Understood!

Player: (Closes communication crystal)

Player starts walking out

Vundo: Where are you going, Player?

Player: I'm going to BlackFlame City to rescue Volkov!

Vundo: Don't! Didn't you hear what Miles said? That place is teeming with gangsters.

Player: A large force can't get in, but I may be able to slip in by myself!

Vundo: Let me go with you!

Vundo: Volkov is my student! I can't just stand by and watch!

Chitzkoi: Hold on! The boss has already planned out his revenge. If the nearby city blocks are done for...

Chitzkoi: Then even if you do find the boss, how are you going to get him out of there?

Player: !!

Vundo: A portal array! All I need is ten minutes, and I will be able to set up a short-range portal array.

Player: No... Ten minutes are too long. That place is in the heart of enemy territory.

Player: We need to set up a portal quickly, an array that can get us out of there in an instant.

Vundo: Oh! Only Shadows are capable of setting up portal arrays like that, or at least someone extremely proficient in portal arcana...

Player: You can't do that, President Vundo?

Chitzkoi: Aha!

Player: Where can we find a portal master at a time like this?

Chitzkoi: The Arcana Academy has one, someone who can teleport a whole bunch of people to an auditorium in an instant.

Player: !!

Chitzkoi: Do you guys still remember...

Moments later, at the academy cafeteria.

Yaen chases after some of the younger students

Yaen: You guys! Don't run!

Yaen: I'm not going to play any tricks on you!

Yaen: Oh... I just want to protect you...

Suddenly, a stampede of footsteps echo down the hall

Yaen: Whoa!

Yaen: Trying to get the drop on ol' Yaen?!

Yaen turns around and finds Vundo, Player, Chitzkoi and some of the Fang Gang

Yaen: Agh!!!

Player: Yaen!

Chitzkoi: Yaen!

Yaen: What do you think you're doing?!

Yaen: I haven't done anything, Mr. President!

Guild Member: Yaen, we need your help!

Player: Volkov! Volkov, he...

Yaen: Volkie?

Several hours later, in BlackFlame City.

In the BlackFlame Darkflux Mining Factory directly above the shadow flux mine.

Vundo and Player break into the factory

Vundo: BlackFlame City is very complicated. Luckily, we have Miles's map...

Vundo: You still have the candy signal Yaen gave you, right?

Player: I've got it, but can this candy really help Yaen open a portal and get us out of here?

Vundo: As long as Yaen can get the core portal array ready, in theory, it should work!

Vundo: Chitzkoi and the other guild members are at the portal array. I trust them!

Player: I can sense some shadow flux nearby. They must have started excavating the shadow crystal mine.

Vundo: But speaking of which, why is the factory empty?

Vundo: There are a bunch of them walking around outside; it took us enough time just avoiding them.

The ground beneath your feet begins to shake.

Quaking Ground: Rrr...

Player: This is why!

Vundo: The shadow resistant container is already overloading. We need to move quickly!

A few moments later...

Vundo and Player reach the room blocked off by Volkov's barrier

Player: Volkov!

Volkov: ...

Volkov: (angry)

You can see Volkov bellowing and roaring...

But you can't hear his voice.

Player: Volkov is surrounded! We need to help him!

Vundo: This barrier blocks sounds from getting through.

Vundo: He can't hear us!

Player: It's just a little arcana barrier. Watch me...

Player: Whoa! There's something wrong with this barrier. There's a powerful flux sealing the barrier's flux. I can't open it!

Player: Since when have gangsters developed this kind of ability?

Vundo: No! It's not the gangsters, it's Volkov!

Vundo: Volkov has linked his life force to the barrier.

Vundo: He already knows how to use advanced arcana like this? Volkov's even more talented than I imagined!

Player watches as Volkov uses the last of his strength to smite three gangsters

Player: Volkov!

Player: Now is not the time for sadness. Mr. President, can you dispel this barrier?

Vundo: It'll take a little time.

Vundo begins to dismantle Volkov's barrier

Player: Volkov... We're almost there!

Player: Hold on a little longer. I'm begging you, just hold on a little longer!

A few moments later...

Quaking Ground: Rrrrr...

The ground's shaking becomes even more intense.

Vundo: The barrier is starting to weaken. This isn't good! Volkov's dying!

Player: What?

Vundo: We're about to break through. Get ready, Player!

Vundo breaks down the barrier

Player: Volkov!

Once the barrier goes down, the three gang leaders and their underlings rush to the exit

Scarface Charlie: Who are you all?

Player: Get out of here!

Businessman John: Don't worry about them. Let's go!

Quaking Ground: Rrrrr...

Player and Vundo rush to Volkov's side

Player: Volkov! Volkov!

Fallen Volkov: ...

Player: Pull yourself together, Volkov!

Player: He's still got a pulse!

Vundo: I'm going to use some arcana to stabilize Volkov's injuries!

Vundo: Activate Yaen's signal, Player.

Player: We're counting on you!

Player: ...

A portal appears next to Player

Player: The portal's open!

Vundo: Help me lift Volkov, and we'll go!

Player: Volkov, we're going home!

Player and Vundo escape right when the shadow flux crystals explode

All of the rival gang leaders and their members race to exit the factory but get caught up in the massive explosion

A few days later...

Somewhere in Luxium...

A merchant and a man with a scar on his face meet a priest in a place that no eyes can reach

Man in Priest's Clothing: How is the shadow crystal mine?

Man Wearing Armor: It's hopeless. There are several layers of rubble stacked on top of the ore vein, along with dozens of meters of sand, stone, and soil...

Man Wearing Armor: It is completely covered.

Man in Priest's Clothing: What happened?

Man Wearing Armor: Some dimwit with huge muscles suddenly showed up and screwed everything up!

Man in Merchant's Clothing: *Puff*...

Man in Merchant's Clothing: Heh! When you put it like that, it sounds like me!

Man Wearing Armor: Iyxian is no more, because of your stupidity!

Man Wearing Armor: I had already started excavating the crystal mine...

Man Wearing Armor: Then the last bastard child of the Fang Gang came and ruined everything!

Man in Merchant's Clothing: I'm stupid? If you hadn't fallen for his ruse, the crystal mine would...

???: Enough!

The three turn their attention to a mysterious figure

Man in Priest's Clothing: Your Excellency.

Man in Merchant's Clothing: Your Excellency...

Man Wearing Armor: Your Excellency...

Man in Priest's Clothing: Your Excellency, I apologize... The shadow crystal mine is gone.

???: I know.

The man with a scar on his face gets down on one knee

Man Wearing Armor: I'm sorry! It's all because of my incompetence!

Man Wearing Armor: Please, Your Excellency. Deliver your punishment.

???: (Motions for the man to rise.)

Man Wearing Armor: Thanks for your forgiveness, Your Excellency!

???: Iyxian is our path to riches.

???: The shadow crystal mine is our resource.

???: Our path to riches is broken. Our resources have been lost. These are small matters. Luckily, you are all unharmed.

???: Loyal companions are paramount to all else!

Man in Merchant's Clothing: Oh! Your Excellency, we pledge our unwavering loyalty. We shall die, if we have to!

Man Wearing Armor: We will never betray your trust!

???: I hope that the loss of Iyxian and the shadow crystal mine can help you understand...

???: We must patiently await our chance!

???: We must only act when success is absolutely guaranteed!

Trio: Yes, sir!

???: I'll leave Never Isle to you...

???: Remember! Failure is not an option!

Man in Priest's Clothing: We will not fail.

???: You may all return now.

???: Everything we do is for the Supreme Deity!

Trio: For the Supreme Deity!

Continue to Intimacy Level 13

Note: Refer to Chi Guo for the background on Iyxian

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Title: Come take a bath! Artist: かうべる牛頭夫 (gozu_farm) Unlock requirements: Volkov's Intimacy reaches Lv.7 to unlock

Audio

Note: Skins will use the audio from the basic skin unless indicated otherwise.

Volkov's Basic Skin

• Butler Interactions
  • Before Intimacy Level 7
    • Head: Huh, such a big and nice airship! Gotta tell Boss to get a couple of these bad boys too!
          ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp volkov 1 head 1.ogg
    • Torso: I wish I didn't have to wear this tight uniform! Ugh! It's such a pain!
          ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp volkov 1 chest 1.ogg
    • Waist: Huh? How dare you! Touch me again and you're dead meat!
          ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp volkov 1 belly 1.ogg
  • After reaching Intimacy Level 7
    • Head: I swear, I'm on this airship day and night. It's starting to look like my second home.
          ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp volkov 2 head 1.ogg
    • Torso: You're with me now! We'll take on anything together!
          ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp volkov 2 chest 1.ogg
    • Waist: Hey! Stop it! I'm getting a reaction! You better take care of it!
          ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 audio emo cp volkov 2 belly 1.ogg
• Skills
  • Basic: Whatcha lookin' at!?
        ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov skill 1 audio RS.ogg
  • Advanced: Annoying prick!
        ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov skill 2 audio RS.ogg
  • Ultimate: You asked for this! Fire fang fist!
        ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov skill 3 audio RS.ogg
• Arrival: Hrah! I'll crush every last one of ya! The Academy is my turf! Hra!
      ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov appear audio RS.ogg
• Display Voice 1: Want to feel the smack of my big mace? Hraahh!
      ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov interact 1 audio RS.ogg
• Display Voice 2: My tattoo? Right, it's the symbol of the Fang. Cool, isn't it?
      ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov interact 2 audio RS.ogg
• Display Voice 3: The arcane? Ha! All I need are this pair of fists.
      ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov interact 3 audio RS.ogg
• Hit: *grunts*
      ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov SJ audio RS.ogg
• Dying: I miss you… boss.
      ENG     CN     JP File:JP 301 cp volkov die audio RS.ogg