DATEN QUEST EVENT PART 2
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CROW : Oh, see that huge tree? That was one of landmarks! EMMA : The compass seems to be working fine as well. Seems like we're headed in the right direction. Departing from Maden Castle, we were making our way through a dense forest, toward the ruins, with Crow in the lead. CROW : I’m seeing footprints here and there. We’re not the only explorers heading to the ruins.
CINIS : As expected of an esteemed explorer like yourself. You seem a natural at this kind of thing.
Through the headset, I can hear the voice of Cinis back in his castle.
CROW : Yeah, just leave it to me! Gotta say it again, this outfit looks awesome!
*FLASHBACK* CROW : I finished getting dressed like you said. EMMA : What are you wearing? CINIS : Well done, let the adventure begin! MIKAGE : Why do I gotta go...
CINIS : These clothes are samples of the gaming gear we’re developing. EVAN : Gaming gear? CINIS : Clothes made specifically for fully immersing yourself in video games. The clothes were sent to the Demon King by the telegraph engineer of the Mechanics' Guild, with a note saying, "I want you to test these." EMMA : But, this isn't a game. This is a genuine exploration? CINIS : I was asked to monitor the communication function of the outfit, which is still in it’s prototype stage and can be used to communicate remotely with other players. CROW : I see. So with with these devices, you can still help solve the riddle without needing to come to the ruin.
CINIS : Yes. I am joining you remotely from my magical castle, my illustrious servants!
*END FLASHBACK*
CROW : It's so durable and easy to move around in, it'd be a real shame to only use these things for playing games! CINIS : "Hmmm, okay. I'll let the developer know." MIKAGE : ...I still don't get why I'm here... EVAN : Same... MIKOTO : A foolish statement, Mikage! It is only natural for a vassal to follow his Lord!
MIKAGE : Mikoto-Sama has an overwhelming presence no matter what he wears... Could you move away from me a little? I’m getting dizzy. MIKOTO : Kuhahaha, don't praise me so! CROW : Evan looks damn good too, doesn't he? I think this gear’s really gonna help us out! EVAN : I didn't dress like this because I wanted to! Welck insisted on it! WELCK : It's nice to have everyone together♪ Like an expedition! EMMA : (Welck has been alone all his life, so I guess he’s really enjoying this...) WELCK : Whoa, what's that? Look at that strange mushroom!
CROW : That is a poisonous mushroom, so be careful. I remember eating one with Itsuki once. We were laughing for three whole days straight!
EVAN : It was stupid.
WELCK : What!? How could such a cute little thing be so scary and dangerous?
EMMA : (This is kind of relaxing, actually...)
While I was smiling at Welck’s enthusiastic curiosity, Mikage unexpectedly threw a kunai into the grass.
MIKAGE : You can't be too carefree, it's dangerous.
Mikage carefully parts the grass, showing us his prey.
MIKAGE : See, he’s a big one, too.
EMMA : A snake!?
CROW : That's a white-bellied black snake, isn't it? It’s bite causes your body to go numb, and leaves you paralyzed for days. MIKAGE : Yeah. We don't want to have to deal with that. MIKOTO : Oh, you have behaved well as a vassal, slaughtering those who oppose me! I commend you! MIKAGE : Well, Mikoto-Sama, it’s not like you could actually get bitten if you didn’t materialize. CINIS : Servants, to clarify, has anyone been bitten? EMMA : No, everything is fine. CINIS : Good... That’s good... EMMA : What's up?
CINIS : Nothing... I was just thinking about how much fun you all seem to be having... EMMA : (He sounds so lonely...) EMMA : Once we get inside the ruins, we’ll be needing your help. I’m looking forward to working with you then, okay? CROW : Yeah. We’re counting on you! CINIS : Of course. I'll show you why I'm the Demon King.
MIKAGE : Hey. Since we're all just hanging out, can I ask what the point of this whole thing is? I want to get this done and go back home as soon as possible.
CROW : What exactly are we looking for in the ruins? The atmosphere and architecture suggests the ruins belong to the ancient dynasty of Daten. CINIS : Few documents remain concerning the ancient dynasties of Daten, and many remain a mystery. In fact, to this day, no one is even sure if the ancient dynasty itself ever even existed. MIKAGE : This sounds like another tedious tale.... EVAN : You guys seem to be excited, but don't you think it's odd? The ruins are located close to the capital. So why were they only discovered now?
EMMA : Hmmm. From what I heard from the federation, the roads are so well maintained that very few people will actually risk taking a path as dangerous as this... And they believe what few have, failed to find it because of just how deep it is into the forest. MIKAGE : I hate to agree with the twinkly fairy over there, but it does seem really suspicious... EVAN : Don't you start, tsun tsun! EMMA : Yeah, Crow and I were talking about how there must have been another reason why we never found it before...
CROW : But well, that's part of what makes it so intriguing and worth exploring. CINIS : Hmmm. Agreed. MIKOTO : What’s that? I see something! WELCK : Oh, that's...... CROW : Those are the ruins we’re looking for!