[Rohan] So, explain to me again why you caused such commotion when you returned.
The old man asks Sakyo, who is kneeling at the entrance of the small fence surrounding his house. The Manavore sits on his left side while Lumi sits on his right.
[Sakyo] The villagers panicked when they saw the Manavore following me, and it didn't help when they saw Lumi growling at it didn't help much.
[Rohan] I see, so that tiger...?
[Sakyo] She's a tamed beast that was entrusted to me.
[Rohan] I see, so... is it safe for this beast to be here?
He asks, carefully eying the Manavore's huge frame.
[Sakyo] It is. I've made a temporary pact with the Manavore, and it promised to leave the village alone as long as I find it a new home.
[Rohan] I see, I suppose I can't fault you. Everyone's been on edge with the Manavore, and then to see it approaching the village, but you have done what you promised. It can stay in my yard for now. You should get some rest too. I'll make sure to write a letter to confirm your completion of our request to the guild.
[Sakyo] Actually, there's something else I need to discuss with you.
[Rohan] Hm?
[Sakyo] You need to evacuate the village.
[Rohan] What?
[Sakyo] While I was searching for the Manavore, I found traces of the people who caused it to go rampant. I've dealt with them before, and they're a dangerous group. I fear that they'll come back with something even more dangerous to capture him again. That's why I think it's best for the villagers to evacuate before they get here.
The old man ponders over Sakyo's words, but it's clear he doesn't know how to react to such sudden news.
[Rohan] You've definitely proven yourself with this request, and I'm grateful that you've helped our village, but I can't just move everyone out like that. Even if I do, theirs is no guarantee that these people will come. Not to mention, what would happen to our crops while we're gone? They're our villages main source of income.
[Sakyo] I know it's a lot to ask, but I say this with the safety of everyone in your village in mind.
[Rohan] ... (sigh) Then answer me this. Can you say, without a doubt, that those people will bring a greater danger than the Manavore?
[Sakyo] I... (I don't know if they'll really return, and I can't tell him about the white coats. If people found out about their enslavement methods, it would cause so much panic. More than I'd be able to help with.)...I can't.
[Rohan] Then I'm sorry, but I can't do what you ask.
[Sakyo] Please, at least fortify the villages defenses. If they do come here, what you have now won't be enough.
[Rohan] ...I will do what I can. For now, you should rest.
With those final words, the old man leaves the yard to continue his duties, leaving Sakyo on his knees. He feels a slight nudge on his arm as Lumi presses her head under his hand.
[Lumi] Rawr? (Papa, are you sad?)
[Sakyo] It's ok, I'm fine.
[Manavore] I'm sorry he didn't listen.
[Sakyo] He'll do what he can, and so will I. I have a few people to call.
Sakyo dusts off his dirt covered knees, going inside the house, and pulling out his mirror relic.
...
Just outside the stone pillars of ancient ruins, Garm kicks up a giant dust cloud after slamming the Stonehide Troll into the ground. It struggles to get up, the claw marks all over its body healing slower and slower.
[Garm] I will admit, your healing abilities proved to be quite a challenge, but you are too slow to take advantage of that.
[Troll] GRRR, WOLF DIE NOW!
The troll slams its stone-like fist into the ground, but Garm leaps over it, slashing his black metal covered claws into its back. It cries out in pain, wailing as its previously healed wounds reopen.
[Troll] ARG!!! WOLF STAY STILL TO BE CRUSHED!!!
It attacks again, but it's too slow. Garm kicks the troll into the air before slamming it down into another dust cloud. This time, the troll doesn't get back up as its healing stops for good.
[Garm] It seems you are the one who was crushed instead... Hm, I believe I am getting better as these wisecracks. And this black metal from the dungeon is proving to be quite strong. Perhaps I should gather some more and ask Thrain to make a weapon for me.
As he goes to gather the body, a small swirl of light appears in front of him. Once the swirling space settles down, he sees Sakyo's face staring back at him.
[Garm] Master, your timing is perfect. I have just finished what you asked of me.
[Sakyo] Good work, I'll call Kaya and have her get you back to Raynemor. Rest up cause I'm gonna need your help here soon.
[Garm] Yes, Master.
[Sakyo] Make sure to use your time in the misty city wisely. I'll need you at your best when you get here.
[Garm] I will gather everything I need and be at your side as soon as possible.
Sakyo's image fades as the swirling space returns to normal.
[Garm] Whatever Master is facing must be serious. I had better gather this troll's materials quickly.
...
Along the merchant roads, Naja is running after a large group of Ironback Boars. Next to her head, Sakyo's image appears to follow her every move.
[Naja] Boss? Is that really you?
[Sakyo] Sorry about the sudden call, but I wanted to check on your progress with those boars.
[Naja] Their hides are more formidable than I previously believed, but I will have them all slain by sundown.
[Sakyo] I'm glad, I'll tell Kaya to make a gate for you by then. Rest up once you get back, cause I'm gonna need your help here.
[Naja] Is there a problem with the Manavore?
[Sakyo] No, I already took care of it, but I'm afraid there's something more going on here.
[Naja] Something more?
[Sakyo] It's hard to explain like this. I'll tell you once you get here.
Just as quickly as he'd appeared, Sakyo's image fades into the restored space. Naja continues her pursuit of the boars, leaping over them and slicing at their thick hides.
[Naja] I will be at Boss's side. You all will be offerings to my husband's pack.
...
In Raynemor, Ren and Kaya sit with a stack of old books and translated notes around them.
[Kaya] Hey Ren, try translating this part. I still can't find a direct translation of that word.
[Ren] It looks like it says In-tet-su. Intetsu? Have you ever heard about something like that?
[Kaya] I might have is some old stories, but I always thought they were just a myth. Like that star story they talk about in that festival every twenty five years or so.
[Ren] You mean the Starfall Festival? Isn't that still not for another two years?
[Kaya] Yeah, but if it's related somehow, it might be worth looking into.
[Sakyo] Sounds interesting.
[Kaya] Definitely, I've always wanted to see what they do in that festi...val...When did you get here?!
[Sakyo] Just checking in on everyone.
Kaya jumps out of her seat, nearly knocking over the stack of books next to her. Ren on the other hand jumps up with a smile, quickly running over to where Sakyo's image is projected.
[Ren] Sakyo! How's your mission going?
[Sakyo] I finished the guild's request, but I've run into a bit of trouble here that I might not be able to handle alone. That's why I want you to make some preparations for me.
[Kaya] What do you need?
[Sakyo] I'll need you to get Garm and Naja back as soon as you can. Garm's all set to return, and Naja said she'll be ready after sundown. In the meantime, Ren, I want you to gather a pouch of those mana stones from my closet. I'm gonna need them once everyone gets here.
[Ren] Got it.
[Kaya] Should I mobilize our warriors for you?
[Sakyo] Half of them, yes, but keep them on standby. I'll need them to protect the villagers in case we have to do an evacuation. I want you to send Garm and Naja to me tomorrow morning.
[Kaya] Can do.
With a final nod, Sakyo ends the communication call.
...
[Sakyo] (sigh) That's everyone. I just hope we still have time.
[Lumi] Rawr? (Papa, are we gonna play with shiny thing again?)
[Sakyo] No, we have some work to do... Actually, we could play a little game. Do you want to play hide and seek?
[Lumi] Rawr! (Yay, let's play.)
[Sakyo] But we still have some work to do too. I want you to look around the Manavore's cave. Search for any more suspicious clues, but stay hidden in the shadows.
[Lumi] Rawr! (Lumi will be the best at hide and seek!)
Lumi leaps into the shadows, disappearing as if she were never there. Sakyo falls back on the bed, the exhaustion of the morning hitting him all at once.
[Sakyo] Now then, there's one more thing I need to do. I want to talk with you.
[Uramasa] You're curious about my power, yes?
[Sakyo] That wave attack that we used against the Manavore. I want to know how powerful that can become.
[Uramasa] It depends on how much aura you transfer into me. The more I have, the stronger that attack can become. But if you're really looking for a surefire attack for any opponent, then you'll have to risk much more than just a little power.
[Sakyo] What would I need?
[Uramasa] I believe the other one told you about it when you first claimed me. Miasma is a powerful thing, but it normally eats away at its host, however, it hasn't devoured you yet.
[Sakyo] What are you saying?
[Uramasa] Use it. Claim the miasma's power as your own.