Tower 1 EP 6-66 Entire Chapter
(Note- this chapter is separated into 15 parts plus an additional 2 and 3 in segments 7 and 11. It's very long, over 6,000 words per Tower when translated. Only 6-67 is longer. On top of that, this is only Tower 1 of 3. I will continue to post 6-66 and 6-67 in segments that I will then consolidate, simply due to their length.)
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus
VIL: So this is the Phantom Asylum “Tartarus.” VIL: Its size and depth are truly overwhelming.
EPEL: Where I’m from, Harvestown, gets real cold in winter, but it’s got nothing on that freezing air blowing up…
ROOK: Indeed, it’s sending chills down my spine and making my whole body shiver. ROOK: This is no mere cold. I’d wager it’s a “fear of the end” that no one can escape from.
VIL: There’s no doubt it’s a place no living human can remain in for long.
YUU: - “Is Grim really all alone in a place like this?” YUU: - “I can’t see the bottom… How deep does it go?”
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Emergency Exit
VIL: According to the map they gave us, there should be an elevator going down somewhere nearby… There, that door.
Click!
EVERYONE: …………
VIL: And of course it doesn’t open.
EPEL: They did tell us that all electronic equipment in here is under Ortho’s control. EPEL: Maybe… he doesn’t want us to get in the way of their plan and turned it off?
Whirrrrrr
Whoosh
EVERYONE: !?
ROOK: The elevator door opened! This must be-
VIL: I don’t doubt this is a trap. VIL: A prankster android and a suspiciously working elevator- quite an unpleasant combination. VIL: Regardless, our only choice is to continue on. Make sure to not jostle the elevator when you board.
ORTHO: Hello! Welcome to the haunted asylum “Tartarus!”
VIL: And there he is, our prankster doll.
ORTHO: I never thought I’d get to see a real-life “Nightraven Quest!” ORTHO: On top of that, there are even some new characters and classes we didn’t think of!
EPEL: What’s “Nightraven Quest?”
ORTHO: This is the first checkpoint as you all set out on your grand adventure to descend into the Underworld. ORTHO: If you plan to challenge us, you should have no problem clearing something this simple!
VIL: Isn’t this the game we played while we were quarantined earlier, “Star Log?”
ORTHO: If you can clear this game, I’ll let you into Tartarus. ORTHO: Go for it! “Race like a meteor towards the distant glory!”
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Elevator
ROOK: Non! A Game Over!
VIL: Hold on, the difficulty level was completely different from what we played earlier today!
ORTHO: Ahaha! You can’t even clear this much? What newbs! ORTHO: Too baaaad, no way can I let ultra newb players into Tartarus.
VIL: … That irritatingly mocking attitude is exactly like Idia.
ORTHO: Really? I’m just like him? ORTHO: Ehehe, I see, I’m like my brother. ORTHO: Hmm, well, it’d be boring if things ended already, sooo… ORTHO: I’ll give you all another chance! ORTHO: Now to lower the difficulty to something beginners can play… ORTHO: Readyyyyy? Game start!
6-66-3
EPEL: This time we cleared it!
ORTHO: Hmm, not too bad a score for a beginner. ORTHO: If you can do that much, things might be kind of fun after all. Okay, you can enter Tartarus! ORTHO: I know Vil Schoenheit is a tank, ORTHO: So now I wonder what classes fit Epel Felmier and Rook Hunt best? ORTHO: Not to mention, Prefect. ORTHO: I can’t wait to see what kind of roles you’ll all have within your party as you conquer this dungeon! ORTHO: From here on is an ultra hard dungeon swarming with real life monsters. ORTHO: I’ll be waiting for you at the next stage checkpoint! Hehe!
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Emergency Exit
VIL: Hmph, what a pair of equally irritating brothers. VIL: Enjoy playing the last boss while you can.
EPEL: Now we’re inside Tartarus proper… EPEL: It looks like this is as far as the elevator goes. We’ll have to take the stairs from here on.
VIL: According to the control room staff, the Phantoms in the upper layers of the Asylum will have already thawed out. VIL: It’s likely they’re moving about as we speak. VIL: Stay alert as we descend. We could be attacked by Phantoms at any time.
6-66-4
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Emergency Exit
VIL: We didn’t have a chance to talk after our little reunion before diving into enemy territory. VIL: There are a few things I want to say to all of you while I can.
ROOK: What is it, Roi du Poison?
VIL: First of all, Rook. VIL: You’ve abandoned your duties as the Pomefiore vice housewarden. VIL: I’ve never had to worry about how you conduct yourself as the vice housewarden, and I assumed I never would. However… VIL: While the entire school is in chaos after the raid by “S.T.Y.X.,” VIL: You selfishly take off by yourself? VIL: As housewarden, I can’t overlook that.
ROOK: ……
EPEL: Please wait! Rook knew you were in trouble, so he-
VIL: Silence. VIL: My being in trouble and Rook abandoning his duties are two different matters. VIL: At this moment all the vice housewardens back at school are taking over the housewarden duties to keep their dormitory from falling into chaos. VIL: I’m ashamed that my choice of vice housewarden is a man who would abandon all his duties to his dormitory in a fit of emotion.
EPEL: Tha- that’s going too far!
ROOK: Calm down. Vil’s right to be angry. ROOK: From the moment I left the school I was prepared to risk dismissal as vice housewarden.
EPEL: But that’s-
VIL: As for you, Epel, Prefect, have you two any idea how reckless you’ve been? VIL: Weak, helpless chicks who want to be heroes can’t help anyone. VIL: To be blunt, you’re a nuisance.
YUU: - “We couldn’t sit back and do nothing.”
YUU: - “(He’s right, but it still hurts…)”
VIL: … Fools, the lot of you. VIL: …… Sigh. VIL: That was all I had to say as the Pomefiore housewarden. VIL: What I’m going to say now is as myself, Vil Schoenheit.
ROOK: Huh?
VIL: Honestly, VIL: When Idia told me you all had come to the Island of Woe I could hardly contain myself with delight. VIL: I’ve been holding myself back since I saw your faces earlier. VIL: May I hug you and give you all a kiss?
EPEL+ROOK: Huh!?
Kiss, kiss, kiss
YUU: - “A world-class model kissed me on the cheek…!?” YUU: - “Where did this come from!?”
VIL: Even I can give a hug and kiss of thanks, can’t I? VIL: My Hunter, my Poison Apple, and you, the Ramshackle Dorm Prefect. VIL: … Thank you for coming after me. VIL: I promise I’ll make sure all of you get back to the school safely.
ROOK: That’s our line, Your Majesty the Queen.
EPEL: Hehe! I’m gonna show you what I got too! EPEL: Listen to this, I figured out my own signature spell on the way here!
VIL: You what?
ROOK: Indeed! You saw it yourself a short time ago! ROOK: That beautiful glass cage that imprisoned the Charon!
VIL: You mean to say that that was Epel’s signature spell?
EPEL: It was! EPEL: “Sleep Kiss” can enclose another in a barrier to stop them in place. EPEL: Although I can’t pull it off right every time yet, maybe only 3 or 4 times out of 10.
YUU: - “He saved my life with it!” YUU: - “It can be used as a shield or as a cage!”
ROOK: At the moment we thought in the assault by the Charon, Epel-kun’s signature spell awoke! ROOK: I have never regretted that my eyes were not equipped with video recorders so much as I have today ROOK: How I long to have shown you that gallant figure!
VIL: Heh. It truly is a shame I wasn’t there to see that. VIL: However, I’m sure I’ll get to see Epel’s gallant figure plenty in the coming moments.
ROOK: … Ah! You’re right.
EPEL: What’s the matter?
VIL: Prepare yourself, Epel. Something’s coming from below.
Battle Start
6-66-5
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Emergency Exit
PHANTOM: Screeeech!
Fizzzz…
EPEL: The Phantom we defeated melted into some kind of black ink!
VIL: That black mess is pure condensed negative energy- a literal Blot.
VIL: Take care not to touch it or you’ll be contaminated as well.
ROOK: Le miserable! The ground where the Blot splattered has cracked and turned white!
Crack… crumble!
EPEL: Idia and Ortho really plan to bring these Phantoms up to the surface?
VIL: If they do that, without a doubt the entire world will collapse into a whirlpool of chaos.
VIL: We must stop them at any cost, even if that means crushing those brothers’ dreams.
ROOK: … You’re right. ROOK: It’s clear that the smaller Phantoms are beginning to thaw and awaken already.
ROOK: We need to hurry down to the lowest level- hm? ROOK: It looks like this staircase ends just ahead.
EPEL: There’s a huge door down there.
VIL: According to the map, that door leads to a Phantom asylum.
YUU: - “Meaning, the inside’s crawling with Phantoms…?”
- “Please don’t let them be thawed out already…”
EPEL: D- don’t worry! I’ll capture any enemy in there with my signature spell!
VIL: My, how dependable. Let us head in.
6-66-6
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus – Asylum
VIL: This… is the Phantom asylum?
EPEL: Does that mean that there are Phantoms in every one of those strange cubes?
ORTHO: That it does! Cool, right?
ORTHO: It’s a Monster House packed to the brim with Phantoms collected from around the world!
Whooshhhh
EPEL: The door to the emergency stairs closed! Ngh, it won’t open!
VIL: Tch, Ortho locked us in.
ORTHO: Got it in one! How’s everyone enjoying conquering this dungeon?
ORTHO: Time for the second mission!
ORTHO: You must pass through this asylum to continue to the next set of stairs.
ORTHO: In order to access the door out of this room, you’ll need either an ID card or the correct password.
ORTHO: Oh, and…
ORTHO: Do you remember the ID card you got from the S.T.Y.X. staff members?
ORTHO: I’ve already deleted its info from the system.
ORTHO: You’d lose half the fun of playing if you’ve got a master key for every trap!
VIL: My, my, such generosity.
ORTHO: And so! The challenge for everyone here this time is a scavenger hunt game!
ROOK: A scavenger hunt?
ORTHO: The rules are simple. ORTHO: In one of these cages is a Phantom with the ID card to leave this room.
ORTHO: Only one of them drops the right item for this quest!
EPEL: Say what!? You want us to search all these cages for the right one!?
ORTHO: Hehe! I thought you’d say that. Since it’s the first stage, I’ll give you a hint.
ORTHO: Remember the cages I’m about to point to.
ORTHO: That one, that one, aaaaand that one! The ID card is in one of those three.
ORTHO: Best of luck!
VIL: … Ortho wasn’t kidding. The ID card we have already shows an error when I try opening the door with it.
Rattle rattle!
???: Grrrrr…
YUU: - “I don’t like what I’m hearing from over there…” yu- “Is that noise coming from the cages?”
ROOK: This isn’t good, the Phantoms in the cages have started waking up.
VIL: It might be a trap, but it’s worth checking the three cages Ortho indicated first.
ROOK: You’re right.
6-66-7
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus – Asylum
PTM-27446
EPEL: That’s the cage we’re opening, right? I’ll burst it open with a little magic and-
ROOK: Non! You could be attacked by a vicious Phantom the moment you do. Leave this to me.
EPEL: But…
ROOK: Oh? Did you forget what you promised me?
EPEL: … All right. I’ll do as you say.
VIL: My, aren’t you behaving well today. Rook, you’ll need to tell me later what this little promise was.
ROOK: Oui! Now, reveal yourself, Phantom. … Hm!
PHANTOM: Graaaahhhh!!
Battle
Victory
ROOK: Epel, will you help me search for an ID card?
EPEL: Understood. EPEL: Oh- the only part of the cage you broke was right around the keyhole. What amazing aim… EPEL: Um, let’s see, is there an ID card here? It doesn’t look like it.
ROOK: I couldn’t find anything of the sort either.
VIL: We’ll just have to move on to the next cage.
ROOK+EPEL: Right./Right!
PTM-21689
EPEL: Take THAT! EPEL: Ngh, I can’t get this cage to open. Is it built extra tough because there’s a monster inside? EPEL: This time I’ll get it for sure… TAKE THIS!!
VIL: Epel, if you go all out like that already you’ll run out of gas halfway. VIL: Rather than rushing into things, be more mindful of- PHANTOM: Grrrrr…!
ROOK: Vil, Epel, save the chatter for later.
VIL: True. We should silence this noisy Phantom first!
Battle
Victory
ROOK: That Phantom doesn’t seem to have been carrying an ID card.
VIL: On, then, to the next cage. VIL: Epel, I appreciate your enthusiasm. However, you need to be careful to pace yourself. VIL: You don’t want to run out of energy at the wrong time, do you? That’s why you have to preserve your strength.
ROOK: That applies for Vil and me as well, of course. Take every chance you can get to rest. ROOK: Resting properly and periodically in preparation to down one’s target is crucial in hunting.
VIL: I don’t recall this being about hunting- but you’re not wrong. In any case, no pushing yourself too hard, are we clear?
EPEL: Ngh… I understand.
PTM- 11895
VIL: Time to see if we’ve struck gold or struck out. I’ll open this one.
ROOK: Epel, Prefect, stay behind me.
EPEL: I- I don’t need to be protected!
ROOK: Haha. Epel, listen to me. ROOK: Standing back behind someone doesn’t simply mean they are “being protected” or “running away.” ROOK: There could be enemies hiding in wait to attack by surprise, or those who will attack from behind. ROOK: This is a tactic to avoid an attack from behind.
VIL: What he means is that fighting on the front lines isn’t the only way to show one’s strength, little apple.
EPEL: Urk- I understand. Please leave the rear to me!
VIL: Good. Now, here I go.
Boom!
PHANTOM: Hissssss!!
Battle
Victory
PHANTOM: Urghhh…
Fshhhh
Clack!
ROOK: I just heard something clatter to the ground.
VIL: It’s an ID card! That Phantom was holding it.
EPEL: Ortho’s hint that the ID card could be found in one of the three cages he pointed to wasn’t a lie after all.
ROOK: Très bien! The power of trust opens the way!
VIL: Hmph. There’s no way that those brothers gave us that hint out of the goodness of their hearts. VIL: They’re killing time by treating us like pieces on a chessboard. VIL: … Killing time? No, rather…
CAGED PHANTOM: Urghhh… grrrrrr!!
VIL: This doesn’t look like the right time to stand and chat at leisure.
ROOK: Our first plan of action should be to get out of here.
6-66-8
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Emergency Exit
Whooshhhh
Clank
VIL: Phew. We made it out safely.
ROOK: It seemed to me that all the Phantoms in those cages were all quite small.
EPEL: Even I could take out any like that, I think.
VIL: Don’t let your guard down. I heard that the lower the level that the Phantom is kept at, the stronger it will be. VIL: Let’s proceed with caution. VIL: Along those lines, I noticed something VIL: Those brothers have complete control over all the functions of this facility, VIL: But they can’t thaw out all the Phantoms all at once.
EPEL+ROOK: !!
ROOK: Now that you mention it… If they could do that, they’d have beaten us long ago.
VIL: Exactly. VIL: Yesterday, there was a point when the lab employees carried out a test Phantoms from Tartarus. VIL: Judging by the announcement at that time, VIL: There is no function to thaw out the Phantoms in the asylum.
-Flashback-
ANNOUNCEMENT: At 1300 hours, testing will commence on Subjects ROS-859A and SUS-3320B. ANNOUNCEMENT: At present, these Phantoms have been released from deep freeze within their cages. ANNOUNCEMENT: For the safety of all employees, all interior doors will be sealed until testing is complete. ANNOUNCEMENT: All employees currently in transit are to move to their assigned locations at once.
-End flashback-
VIL: We can think of Tartarus as an enormous freezer. It doesn’t come equipped with a feature to thaw out its contents, only to keep them frozen.
EPEL: So right now it’s like they’ve unplugged a freezer and are waiting for its contents to thaw on their own… I think?
VIL: Right. In other words, they’re stuck and can’t make any big moves. VIL: They want to mislead us by feeding us some ridiculous idea about this being all a big game, VIL: When in reality they’re trying to slow us down and buy themselves some time.
ROOK: Idia and Ortho are in a bind too, you mean?
VIL: Most likely. VIL: Hah… On another note, Ortho’s villainous act is quite something. VIL: Don’t you think he should give up on this “resetting the world” nonsense and become an actor instead? VIL: Those who can act a convincing child villain are rare.
ROOK: Why not invite him to join the film study club when we get back to school?
VIL: That’s not a bad idea either. Right now we need to keep moving.
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Underworld
ORTHO: - They cleared the second mission without problem. ORTHO: I know it’s the first stage and all, but maybe the difficulty level was too low.
IDIA: It’s fine. The Titans will be waking up soon.
ORTHO: They’re thawing pretty fast for being stored in the 12th and most thoroughly frozen asylum, aren’t they?
IDIA: Nothing to be surprised about- they’re the “original Phantoms,” after all. None of the other Phantoms can hold a candle to them. IDIA: Progress in undoing the seal to the Underworld is coming along well to. IDIA: Entering the Underworld’s a breeze. Leaving it? Not so much. IDIA: The doors open one way… and we’re going to pry it open from the inside.
ORTHO?: “No one who passes through the gates of the Underworld may return to the surface.” That’s the rule. ORTHO?: Will everyone be surprised to see me when I return from the Underworld? ORTHO?: I can’t wait… ahaha!
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus – Emergency Exit
ROOK: Hm? Something’s walking about further down the stairs.
EPEL: That looks like the same size as Grim! Heeeey! Gri- mmph!?
ROOK: Shush, Epel! That’s not Grim. It’s 10 centimeters shorter than him.
VIL: And it’s sprinting at us full throttle. Get ready to fight it!
6-66-9
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus - Emergency Exit
EPEL: On- on closer inspection, it didn’t look anything like Grim…
VIL: Good grief. Be more careful next time.
ROOK: Attacks from Phantoms outside of the enclosed asylums are increasing. It looks like they’re thawing out on lower floors.
EPEL: Where’s Grim, anyway? I hope he hasn’t been attacked by any of the Phantoms.
ROOK: Don’t worry. He’s braver and more clever than he may appear. I’m sure he’s hiding somewhere safe.
VIL: As long as he doesn’t pop out of hiding the moment someone taps a can of tuna with a fork.
YUU: - “He’s not a cat so I don’t think he would…” YUU: - “Too bad I didn’t bring any of his favorite canned tuna.”
EPEL: I almost forgot! EPEL: Vil, you said you didn’t run into Grim at all here at the S.T.Y.X. headquarters, right?
VIL: That’s right. I didn’t even know he was here in the first place until I spoke with all of you a little while ago. VIL: My guess is that since he attacked the Prefect they’re concerned about Blot effects on him. VIL: If he was to have returned to school with us tomorrow, VIL: That would mean they wouldn’t have been able to connect Grim’s rampage post VDC with Blot effects.
ROOK: Grim is a magical beast. However close to humans they may become, beasts can still turn feral again at any time. ROOK: It’s not something that can training can change, because it’s in their nature from birth. ROOK: Yet humans are no different. Rational thought is fragile and unreliable.
ROOK: So remember, Prefect. ROOK: Harming you was not what the man- or rather, the beast himself intended to do.
YUU: “I’m well aware already.” YUU: “When we all get back to school, I’m going to trim his claws.”
From "I'm well aware already...":
EPEL: I knew it. You’ve spent more time with Grim than anyone else at school has. EPEL: You’re two parts of one students, after all. EPEL: I hope you can find him soon.
ROOK: By the way, Prefect, have you been taking proper care of Grim’s claws? ROOK: The claws of a 50 centimeter house cat can harm a person on accident if not properly cared for. ROOK: And as Grim is a 70 centimeter tall magical beast, his claws require extra care in maintaining.
VIL: Humans need to take as much or more care of their nails as monsters. VIL: Growing one’s nails out simply because one can’t bother to trim them and not for appearance’s sake is a big no. VIL: It looks terrible and it’s unhygenic.
From “When we all get back to school, I’m going to trim his claws...":
EPEL: Ahaha! I heard about that from Ace and Deuce! EPEL: Grim really hates having his claws trimmed.
VIL: Growing out one’s nails for fashion’s sake is one thing. Letting them grow without caring for them is another altogether and downright unhygienic. VIL: Be sure to file them down and apply polish when you’re done trimming them. VIL: And that applies to you as well, Prefect.
Both continue with…:
VIL: Listen well. There’s a difference between having your fingers look pretty and having them clean and properly maintained.
ROOK: Haha, come to think of it, when Vil and I first became friends, the first thing he had me work on was taking care of my nails and fingers.
VIL: Well of course. Your hands were all cracked and calloused from your bow. VIL: They were a complete mess.
ROOK: I figured since I always wore gloves I didn’t need to worry much about them. ROOK: But you told me, “It’s because no one can see your hands that you need to take extra care of them.”
EPEL: How did the two of you meet, anyway? EPEL: I’ve been wondering about that since the Charons interrupted us at the Ramshackle Dorm.
VIL: Ahh, that’s right, we were discussing something about that. VIL: It’s hardly worth talking about in the first place.
YUU: - “I’d love to hear anyway.” YUU: - “It’s better than walking in silence at least.”
VIL: Oh really? … All right then. VIL: The first time Rook and I spoke was a few months after we started school. VIL: My first impression of him was far from good- ah! VIL: Look, there’s the door to the next asylum chamber.
EPEL: Aw come ooon, you just started talking!
VIL: Storming this asylum and reaching the Underworld is leagues more important than any small talk. VIL: … That said, it’s a really boring story, I promise. VIL: If you still want to hear, I’ll continue when we make it through that chamber.
6-66-10
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus – Asylum
VIL: It’s quiet… and far colder than the previous asylum chamber.
ROOK: The Phantoms in this room may not have thawed out yet.
EPEL: We should try out the ID card we have right now and see if it works!
Beeeeep…
EPEL: … No good. I guess we need to look for a new card here after all.
Bzzzzt
ORTHO: Whoops- ahem! Welcome, adventurers, to the third mission!
VIL: There you are, Ortho.
ORTHO: Did I make you wait long? I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with a bunch of different things over here. ORTHO: Your next mission is to rescue your NPC guide.
EPEL: Grrr! Mocking us from the get-go-! Come and face us in person!
ORTHO: I’d love to, but it’s going to take a little longer before I can meet you guys face-to-face.
VIL: My, it looks like you’ve got your hands full. Would you like an additional hand or two with whatever nasty little plot you’re cooking up?
ORTHO: Ehehe. ORTHO: Okay, let me explain the details of your mission. You can leave when you’ve cleared it. ORTHO: And that iiiis… “help the person in need!”
ROOK: The “person in need…?” There shouldn’t be anyone in here except Phantoms.
ORTHO: Oh really? Listen closely.
???: Hel… elp me…!
EVERYONE: !!!
YUU: - “I hear someone!” YUU: - “Someone’s calling for help!”
ORTHO: There’s a researched with the ID card you need to get out of here trapped in one of these cages. ORTHO: The cages are waaaay too cold for a person to stay in long. ORTHO: You’d better hurry and free them, or they might turn into a popsicle! Ahaha!
VIL: What!?
ORTHO: A true hero helps others! ORTHO: Best of luck!
EPEL: Ms. Researcher!! Where are you!?
???: Over here…! Help me…!
Thump, thump
Grrrrr!!
EVERYONE: !!!
EPEL: Sounds are starting to come from cages all around us!
VIL: This isn’t good. The Phantoms seem to have begun to notice our presence.
ROOK: These cages are built with thick, strong walls. If we can hear her voice, she can’t be far away.
EPEL: We need to find her right away!
6-66-11
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus – Asylum
PTM-4238
Rattle, rattle
EPEL: That cage is shaking like crazy!
ROOK: Ooh lala~ Quite the energetic Phantom we have here!
VIL: It could burst free at any moment. VIL: Rather than risk it targeting Prefect, we’d better take care of it right now.
ROOK: Leave busting open the cage to me.
VIL: All right. Epel, are you ready to intercept it?
EPEL: I’m ready for anything!
ROOK: How dependable! Let us begin the hunt. … Hah!
Battle
Victory
EPEL: Having to fight that Phantom even though we knew it was the only thing in there makes that fight feel pointless.
ROOK: Oh? Why are you so disappointed? ROOK: Is it not a splendid thing that we were able to prevent further danger with our combined strength?
EPEL: Hmm, well. I guess it’s hard to be happy about being wrong.
VIL: True. I’d prefer not to waste either time or energy any further. VIL: And so, that’s the end of that chatter. Let’s keep going.
PTM-8321
VIL: Hah!
BOOM!!
EPEL: Wow…! You blew a hole in that tough cage in one hit!
VIL: This much is nothing.
EPEL: Don’t you think it’s strange though? All the previous times, the moment the door of the cage was open the Phantom would burst out. EPEL: Is this one empty? I’m going to take a look inside.
ROOK: Wait, Epel. The cage is dark and difficult to see into, but look carefully.
EPEL: Look carefully-? Ah! There’s a Phantom skittering around inside!
ROOK: It’s been half stunned from Vil’s blow. Attack while we have the advantage!
EPEL+VIL: Right!/Of course.
Battle
Victory
VIL: No luck.
EPEL: Too bad….
ROOK: But thanks to Vil’s splendid strike it was a swift victory for us! Truly wonderful, Roi du Poison!
VIL: No, this time my methods were wrong. VIL: Had the researcher been inside that cage, she might have been injured with that attack. VIL: On the other hand, we can’t waste time being too cautious here. We’re caught between a rock and a hard place.
EPEL: Don’t worry! If anything goes wrong, I’ll protect everyone with my signature spell!
VIL: Hmph. It’s good to see you’re fired up, but don’t I recall you saying that your rate of success was still under fifty percent? VIL: Not to mention that you should save your trump card for when it’s absolutely necessary. Now, on to the next cage.
PTM-2452
Bang, bang
VIL: That’s not a sound a human could make. VIL: Is the Phantom inside throwing itself against the cage walls to break free?
ROOK: That’s what it looks like. There are dents all over the cage… It’s only a matter of time before it frees itself.
EPEL: How about we open that cage before then and get a preemptive attack in?
ROOK: Brilliant! May I leave opening the cage to you, Epel? ROOK: I’ll wait for the moment our prey bursts forth.
EPEL: Leave it to me! - Take that!
Crash
PHANTOM: Grrrrr!!
Battle
Victory
VIL: Well done, you two. Great teamwork.
ROOK: Thanks to Epel blasting open the cage in one hit, we had the first strike.
EPEL: It helped that the cage was already half busted, but I’m glad it went well. EPEL: Hahh… We have to find the cage the researcher’s trapped in right away, not waste time like this!
VIL: Right, this isn’t the time for idle chatter.
ROOK: Oui. Let’s regroup and continue.
PTM-9561
???: Help… me… it’s so… cold…
ROOK: That voice-! ROOK: Ms. Researcher, are you in there?
???: Yes! I’m right here…! Please…! ???: Please, get me out!
VIL: Get as far away from the door as you can and cover your head! I’m going to open it now!
VIL: HAH!
BOOM!!
EPEL: Are you okay!?
???: Ahhh, I’ve finally, finally been let out…!
EPEL: Huh!? There’s miasma spilling out of the cage!
PHANTOM: At last, I’m FREE!! Ahahahaha!!
VIL: Epel, get back! That’s a Phantom, not a researcher!
Battle
Victory
PHANTOM: Gahhhh…! I thought for sure… I could be free at long last!
Fizzzzzz… clink!
EPEL: Hahh, hahh- did- did it just drop an ID card!? EPEL: That Phantom was able to speak- does that mean it deceived us by pretending to be a researcher?
VIL: I never thought there would be Phantoms here who could speak.
ROOK: … There are plenty of animals that mimic words or other animal noises to lure in their prey.
ROOK: Not to mention that Phantoms were originally spawned from talented mages. ROOK: We shouldn’t be surprised if some of them are intelligent.
EPEL: Yikes…
VIL: This is what the researchers meant when they told us that deeper the asylum, the more “dangerous” the Phantoms stored there. VIL: We’ve got our ID card. Let’s get going.
6-66-12
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit
Whooshhhhh
VIL: We’ve come quite a ways from the entrance by now… and it keeps getting colder the deeper we go.
ROOK: The cold’s rising up from below.
EPEL: Even wearing my dorm uniform, it’s a little chilly.
YUU: - “I hope Grim is okay…” YUU: - “If I hadn’t been lent this dorm uniform I think I’d be frozen by now.”
From “I hope Grim is okay…”:
VIL: With that thick coat of fluff he’s probably better off than we are. You don’t need to worry about him. VIL: Rather, if you don’t do something about that worried look of yours Grim won’t show himself. VIL: First, straighten up that back and stop hunching over for warmth!
Whap!
VIL: You’re the Prefect of the Ramshackle Dorm, aren’t you? Walk like you’re proud of it!
From “If I hadn’t been lent this dorm uniform I think I’d be frozen by now.”:
ROOK: Our dorm uniforms don’t simply protect against the cold- they’re resistant to magic as well. ROOK: If not for these clothes, we might have accumulated a large amount of Blot ourselves by now. ROOK: And most importantly, their design is truly gorgeous! It looks wonderful on you as well, Prefect. ROOK: These hanging sleeves, which use an abundance of fabric and are the signature design of the Pomefiore Dorm, ROOK: Flutter beautifully with every motion! ROOK: I’m sure you can also warm your chilled friend with these long sleeves when you locate him again. ROOK: Worry not. I’m certain Grim will be just fine. Trust in him.
Both continue with…:
THUD
VIL: What was that!? An earthquake!?
EPEL: Ack! I’m going to fall off the stairs!
Thud… thud…
ROOK: That’s not an earthquake! This sound-
THUD, THUD!
EVERYONE: !!!
Battle:
Enemy HP: 47000
Victory
66-6-13
S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit
EPEL: That monster’s a literal mountain! The heck!?
VIL: Is that one of the “Original Phantoms!?”
ROOK: It certainly matches the description we heard from the S.T.Y.X. staff. ROOK: Most likely that’s the Rock Titan, “Phantom Titan Earth!”
VIL: I’ll slow it down! Ice, freeze the Phantom’s feet! Hah!
TITAN: GRAAAAHHHH!!
Crashhh
EPEL: Wha- how’d it bust through Vil’s magic so fast!?
TITAN: JUUUUPITEEEERRR! WHERRRRRE ARE YOUUUUU!?
VIL: Tch! Retreat for now! According to the map the Thunder Spear is in the storeroom right up ahead!
ROOK: Oui! Everyone hurry for the storeroom! I’ll bring up the rear!
VIL: There’s the storeroom!
EPEL: Prefect, Rook, hurry!
S.T.Y.X. Tower 1- Storeroom
EPEL: The whole place is shaking… Is the Titan throwing itself against the door? EPEL: At this rate the door’s going to break down any minute!
ROOK: Where’s the Thunder Spear!?
VIL: I’m looking right now! Um, there’s an operation panel on the wall at point A-16…
ROOK: It sounded like something opened up somewhere.
YUU: - “There’s a light shining from the back of the room!” YUU: - “Is that light over there-?”
EPEL: Over there!
VIL: That’s the Thunder Spear!
EPEL: It’s friggin’ huge, bigger than Vil’s tall! How long’s that gotta make it!?
TITAN: GRAAAHHHH!! COME OUUUUUT!!
VIL: No time to think about. We need to power this thing on right away!
SYSTEM: Code: Titanomachy. Authorizing Level A Emergency Plan. SYSTEM: Magic battery charging complete. Power level 100%. SYSTEM: Activating Thunder Spear.
ROOK: Incredible…! The magical energy emanating from it is strong enough that I can feel it from here!
SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user.
EPEL: Hurry, Vil! The door’s about to break!
VIL: I know!
SYSTEM: User registration complete. Safety lock released. Activating support mode.
VIL: Urk- it’s heavy! I’ll have to levitate it with magic-
CRASH!!
TITAN: HUMAN… WHERE ARE YOUUUU! GRAHHH!!
ROOK: The Titan’s already inside the storeroom!
VIL: Ngh! Even using magic to loft this spear isn’t enough! It’s emitting so much power I can’t keep it stable! VIL: Epel, Prefect and I will hold the shaft. Rook! I’ll leave aiming to you!
ROOK: Oui! As a hunter, failure is not an option. Now! We shall hunt a Titan!
Battle
VIL: TAKE THIS!!
Victory
66-6-14
S.T.Y.X. Tower 1- Storeroom
TITAN: GRAAAHHHHH!!!
EPEL: All right! We blasted that Titan straight into Tartarus’ pit!
VIL: We… we won? We actually won?
ROOK: Indeed! It’s our victory!
EVERYONE: YESSS!!
SYSTEM: Thunder Spear battery level low. Remaining power: 10%. SYSTEM: Please return to charging station.
VIL: Low battery after one use? Not very efficient with its use of energy, is it?
ROOK: Considering how powerful its attack was, it’s to be expected.
VIL: We’d best charge it again before taking it with us. There’s no telling when we’ll next find a charging station.
Clunk
ROOK: Oh, a timer appeared on its display. Is this its remaining charge time?
EPEL: Aww, but we’re in a hurry!
ROOK: As powerful as that attack on the Titan a few moments ago was, that might not have been enough. ROOK: I doubt it was killed with that one strike.
VIL: I agree. VIL: According to the S.T.Y.X. staff, VIL: There isn’t the slightest chance we can defeat one of the Titans without the Thunder Spear. VIL: Having to wait for it to charge is frustrating, but it’s too dangerous to not take it with us. VIL: Not to mention, we’re worn out from all the fighting we’ve done. While the Thunder Spear recharges, we should rest up too.
ROOK: I’d like to confirm over the transceiver how the other groups are doing while we’re at it.
Grrrrrr…
VIL: What was that!? Is there another Phantom hiding nearby!?
EPEL: Ummm, actually, that was… my stomach.
VIL: Say what!? A sound like that!? I thought for sure the Titan was attacking us again!
EPEL: I’m sorry. … Ehehehe.
ROOK: Haha!
YUU: - “Ahahaha!” YUU: - “That response was too perfect!”
VIL: What on earth are you three grinning like fools about?
ROOK: Nothing, nothing. You haven’t changed a bit, that’s all. ROOK: It looks like there’s food stored in here as well.
ROOK: Shall we borrow some and quiet the Titan in Epel’s stomach while we rest?
6-66-15
S.T.Y.X. Tower 1- Storeroom
Three hours later…
Fshhhh…
SYSTEM: Thunder Spear charging complete. All systems functioning normally.
VIL: The spear’s finished charging.
ROOK: Now that it’s ready and we’ve had a good rest, let’s keep going.
EPEL: From here on out we might be attacked by stronger and stronger Phantoms or by that Titan again, right? EPEL: We should take a bunch of these emergency rations with us to snack on when we get hungry from using magic!
YUU: - “Grim might be hungry too.” YUU: - “‘You can’t fight a war on an empty stomach,’ right?”
ROOK: That’s a good idea. It’s always worth being prepared.
VIL: According to the map, there’s another supply storehouse two floor down from here. VIL: We already have to carry the spear- don’t get greedy and overload yourself.
EPEL: Urk… all right…
End 6-66 Tower 1
READ TOWER 2 6-66 HERE