User:Beignet/sandbox

Full list of the main plot Transcripts, in the order in which they are unlocked by playing Etrian Mystery Dungeon.

First Dungeon

Introduction

You are an explorer of labyrinths

On your way to a new stage of your adventures on a skyship.

Mosken: Welp, here we are. Welcome to Aslarga, where you'll find the best view around! I'm seeing a lot of landsknechts in the crowd this time. You guys are here for the mystery dungeons, right? And you tourists will be here for the Amber Yggdrasil, right? They say it's a real sight to see. You want a closer look at it...? Sorry, but getting up close to that thing is easier said than done. The winds in the mountains around that Yggdrasil are pretty intense. Not even I'm captain enough to make it through. Anyway, the town's as hot as ever. I nearly forgot it's midwinter! Some weather we're having, huh? ...Tough crowd. Well, you're probably tired from the trip. It did take us a day and night to get all the way here. If you're here to sightsee, rest up at the inn. Otherwise, get yourselves registered at the Explorers Guild.

The Explorers Guild can now be visited!

Going in the Explorers Guild

Guildmaster: Welcome to Aslarga. I am the Guildmaster in charge of this facility. On behalf of our provost, I welcome you. The Explorers Guild oversees all adventurers who stay in Aslarga to take on the labyrinths nearby. Without further delay, I'd like you all to record your name and class in the registry. We'll begin with you.

After creating the first character

Guildmaster: Is everyone finished? Now, you're no doubt in our remote town for the infamous mystery dungeons. If so, I'm sure you're already aware of the rigors involved in exploring them. If you fall in one, you'll be dragged back here without your belongings and money. It's not easy to recover from. It's not unheard of for adventurers to leave in despair after losing the gear they've worked so hard to refine. But take heart. The Explorers Guild is here to support you. We'll now conduct an exploring lesson, held in a genuine mystery dungeon. Please gather at the Skyship Port.

Returning to the Explorers Guild without going to the Skyship Port

Guildmaster: What's the matter? If you plan to take on the dungeons, then you should be on your way to the Skyship Port.

Going to the Skyship Port

Mosken: Thin crowd this time. Less than half what we had earlier.

Guildmaster: They probably withdrew after hearing they'd lose their belongings. I did mention they'd have our support...

Mosken: It's hardly worth my while taking so few, but oh well. We got more skyships circulating, so there'll be more soon.

Guildmaster: Now then, let me start by telling you about the first dungeon, which I'll be guiding you through.

It's to the east of town. A man-made wall, built for research purposes, helps it keep its formicary structure. That formicary structure is worth explaining, so open your Dungeon Map.

File:Etrian 1 - Mysterious Labyrinth (First visit) Map.png

Notice the two zones on B2F. This is a unique trait of the dungeons found around Aslarga. Your challenge is to make your way through this first dungeon, by which we mean reaching the lowest level. Once you arrive at the bottom, your skill will be acknowledged and you'll be authorized to form your own guild.

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 1st Branch: Mysterious Labyrinth

Guildmaster: You'll be issued a Dungeon Map, a Zone Map, a communicator for use during the lesson, and a ration of bread. Is it odd to you that we provide bread? You'll find you get hungry quickly down there, so we've prepared this for you. That's enough explaining from me. We leave as soon as you're ready, so talk to the captain once you're prepared.

In the Mysterious Labyrinth

Entering the Mysterious Labyrinth

Guildmaster: Can you hear me? This is the Guildmaster speaking. The transmitters seem to be in working order. Let me explain the Zone Map you see on the lower screen. Normally, the Zone Map fills out as you explore. Seeing all the rooms like this only happens with a fort built. Though that doesn't change the items you'll see on it. The flashing is you. indicates an upstairs, while is a downstairs. marks the location of items. You can see that there's an item in your current room. Go ahead and pick that up.

After picking up the item in the first room on the first floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: Ah, you've found a Short Sword. It's an improvement over the Knife you have. I recommend changing equipment. To change equipment, first press X to open the menu. After that, choose a weapon from Items, or go to Party and select Equipment from there.

Entering the second room on the first floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: Did you check your Zone Map? Make a habit of always checking it as soon as you enter a room. If you take a look at your Zone Map now, you'll notice an item to the upper right. You can reach it quickly with diagonal movements. Hold R and move in that direction to ensure you travel diagonally.

After picking up the item in the second room on the first floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: The item you just picked up is a Medica. This restores a bit of HP, making it indispensable for exploration. But you can't let your guard down. If your HP reaches 0 and you pass out, you'll lose it without getting to use it. You might regret holding onto it for too long. Use items before getting knocked out. That's the number one rule.

Entering the third room on the first floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: I see you've run into a monster. You can see it for yourself on the Zone Map. The represents its position. Before you engage the monster, let me explain turns for you.

All actions in the dungeon are measured in turns. Each turn, both you and the monsters act. You always act first.

For example, when you move one space...

The monster moves one space afterwards.

When you attack the monster...

The monster attacks afterwards.

Seen another way, it also means that if you take no action, neither will the monster. In the mystery dungeons, one move can make all the difference. Think carefully, especially when you're in a tight spot. Once the monster is dispatched, head for the downstairs, indicated by the . After that, best of luck to you.

entering the fourth room on the first floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: Check your HP before using those stairs. It's possible that you'll immediately encounter monsters on the other side. If you were wounded earlier, but your HP has recovered, it must be because of natural HP recovery. HP recovers slowly with each turn. Even if you have yet to fully recover, you should be fine without needing a Medica. If you still haven't fully recovered, wait. Hold B and repeatedly press A to pass turns as you naturally recover. While waiting, pay attention to the Zone Map. Be careful not to get caught off guard by monsters as the turns pass.

entering the second floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: As I feared, you encountered monsters. Two of them, in fact... This won't be easy. The situation calls for a skill. Skills are special actions you can use at the cost of TP. You can spend skill points to learn a variety of skills.

First, press X to bring up the menu, and then select Skills. You should see a skills screen. When you press X while on this screen...

You'll arrive at the set skill screen, where a number of skills are displayed in a tree format. You may spend your skill points on these skills. The SKILL POINTS to the top left shows you how many points you have. Spending skill points does not take any turns. I suggest you spend them now. If you want skills that will assist you in battle, Double Strike is a good start. Hm. Am I holding your hand too much...?

If you have any questions about the controls, check the control guide to the top right of the lower screen.

Leaving the first room on the second floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: If you'd like to move quickly through corridors, you can dash. Try moving while holding B.

Entering the second room on the second floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: Alas, TP does not recover naturally. However, there is a way to regain TP without items, by using amber tiles. Amber tiles are the amber-colored spaces you see to your upper right. Stepping on them restores some TP and FP. FP measures your satiety. It depletes as turns go by, and if it reaches 0%, your HP will decline. Be sure to keep well fed. You don't seem very hungry right now, so try restoring your TP with those amber tiles, and then keep moving.

Entering the third floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: You've made it to B3F. It won't be long now before you reach the final floor, but take note of the upstairs here. The stair icons differ depending where they lead. goes to the zone directly above, while leads to the upper right. You've yet to visit the upper right zone. I recommend you visit it to check for items before proceeding to the bottom. To check the dungeon layout, press X to bring up the menu and then select Dungeon Map.

If the player picks up the buckler in B2F-5

Guildmaster: Ah, a Buckler. You don't have a shield equipped yet. This is a stroke of luck! Had you decided to ignore this zone, you wouldn't have found that shield. Going the extra mile sometimes pays off.

Entering the last floor of the dungeon

Guildmaster: Good work getting this far. You've proven yourself worthy of challenging the mystery dungeons. Return to town with the Geomagnetic Pole in front of you. The on the Zone Map shows the Pole. Press A to return to town.

Second Dungeon

After completing the Mysterious Labyrinth

Guildmaster: You acquitted yourself well in the Mysterious Labyrinth. I'd say it's time you had a guild of your own. A guild is a pack of adventurers. Its members share information and rewards, and look after one another. The allies you'll gather will operate under the banner of your guild. Which is why you must first give it a name.

After entering the name of your guild

Guildmaster: The [guild] Guild, hm? A fitting name, for you. I'll make sure to remember it. It's very dangerous to enter a dungeon alone. Be sure to recruit some members and create a party before exploring. You can recruit members by registering them here at the Guild, or by talking to people you meet in the dungeon. You can have a maximum of four members in a party at once. If you find three more allies, that's enough for a party. If finding members yourself is too much trouble, I'll introduce you to a few who are eager to join a guild. I don't normally make introductions like this, though. Think of this as a special favor.

After leaving the menu to register new adventurers

Guildmaster: Lastly, I present you with this Blast Skill tome, as congratulations on the formation of your guild.

Obtained a Skill Manual!

Guildmaster: A Blast Skill is a special technique shared between members of your guild. They're learned through manuals, and most of the skills are usable by anyone in your party. To activate a Blast Skill, you must charge your Blast Gauge. There are two ways of doing this.

To activate a Blast Skill, you must charge your Blast Gauge. There are two ways of doing this.

The first way is to defeat monsters, and the second is to step on amber. You'll do both things frequently within the dungeons, so don't hesitate to use your Blast Skills when you need to. If you're thinking of going to a dungeon to test the Blast Skill, be sure to set your party before you go. That is all.

Leaving the Explorers Guild

Guildmaster: Are you satisfied with your party formation? A slapdash party will only make the going hard for you. It's not enough to pick a team. You must adjust each member's equipment and skill set to be properly prepared. Don't forget to spend the skill points you earn from leveling up as you go.

Kasumi's Inn can now be visited!

Going in Kasumi's Inn

Kasumi: Oh dear--why, you're covered in mud! You look as though you're fresh from adventuring, hm? Our warmest welcome to you, explorers. I am Kasumi, proprietress of this inn. We have a gift prepared for those who stay with us, to bring them good fortune in battle. Please accept this.

Obtained Ariadne Thread x3!

Kasumi: This Ariadne Thread is something that allows one to escape safely from a labyrinth. One should be enough per trip. If you have more, we can keep them safe for you in our inn's storage. Now then, why don't you let us take your things to your room while you relax?

Quitting Kasumi's Inn

Kasumi: Are you stepping out? If you're shopping for equipment, food, or sundries, there are many shops in the Market District. If you're looking for recommendations, I suggest Chano Retail. It's very popular with adventurers. The clerk there, Elizabeth, is simply a dear. Though you may be unprepared for her fashion sense...

Chano Retail can now be visited!

Going in Chano Retail

Elizabeth: Welcome! I do believe this is your first time here. I am Elizabeth. This is a factory outlet run by Chano Industries, manufacturer of skyships and fine armaments. Let me explain our system. You'll no doubt come into possession of many types of materials in your adventures. Slain monsters may yield up bones, or hides, or suchlike. And the earth will give up its ores, timber, and herbs. We will eagerly purchase these materials from you, and in return, provide you with wondrous new items based on them. Better materials translate directly into better goods. So make an effort to collect materials, hmm? Your bounty will be greater if you train in foraging skills such as Mineralogy, Dendrology, and Herbology.

Quitting Chano Retail

Elizabeth: Oh! Tell me, have you met Mr. Magan? He is our town provost. I daresay you should go and make your introductions.

Magan's House can now be visited!

Going in the Skyship Port

Mosken: If you're off to the first dungeon, look out. Someone fooled with the stabilizer and it's played havoc with the place. They're saying the structure has changed and there's traps around now. It won't be the piece of cake that you remember. You good with the party you have now? 'Cause things could go south if your equipment or skills aren't up to par.

Going in Magan's House

Sasha: Thanks for showing me the flowers in your yard, Mr. Magan. I can't wait to visit again! 'Bye!

Magan: Goodbye, Sasha. Come again soon. Oh... ...Guild [guild], I presume. Welcome to my home. I am Magan, provost of this town. I'm sincerely glad you've come. Here in Aslarga, we've been experimenting with measures to support adventurers like yourselves. Such as forts, which serve as a front- line base when exploring dungeons. Or our redevelopment initiative... They're both still in the planning phases, but they'll be invaluable aid on your adventures someday soon. ...Is it strange to you that a town would work to support adventurers? It is necessary... to prepare for the Day of Reckoning. To gird ourselves for the Day of Reckoning, we will need many adventurers making extended stays in our town. Merely developing the town won't be enough. Our developments will be for nothing if we are unprepared. The Guildmaster taught me that. I... wouldn't have ever thought of it. Not even as town provost. I can understand why some believe we'd be better served with him as provost. If he'd had the post one year ago...

Chano President: Mr. Magan! Mr. Magan, do you have a spare moment to talk?

Magan: I'm sorry, Sir Chano. I already have guests...

Chano President: Ah, and they're adventurers, by the look of them. All the better! They should hear this too. We use the bottom of the second dungeon as a quarry, don'tcha know, and they say a monster's been sighted there. It's keeping us from gathering the materials we need, so I'd like you to issue a mission to vanquish the thing. If the shortage continues, it'll delay work on the fort. Don'tcha know what a problem that'd be, Mr. Magan?

Magan: Yes, I'm aware of the issues that could cause. However... our coffers aren't full enough to offer a reward. Particularly, Sir Chano, since I've just paid Chano Industries the production costs for the extra skyship.

Chano President: Pish-tosh! Leave the reward to me. You there! How much would I have to offer you to accept a mission to dispose of this monster?

> "1000en"

• Chano President: Done. Just as you requested, I'll have 1,000--no, 2,000en ready for you.

> "500en"

• Chano President: An adventurer needn't hold back! I'll have 1,000--no, 2,000 en ready for your reward.

> "0en"

• Chano President: Nonsense! You'd be risking your life doing this, don'tcha know. I can't allow you to walk into danger for free. I'll have 1,000--no, 2,000en ready as your reward.

Chano President: Well, Mr. Magan, I hope you'll issue that mission. And you lot ought to take it--I'll make you rich, don'tcha know!

Magan: He never takes no for an answer... This will be your first time accepting a mission, won't it? Accepting missions at this house gives you the right to earn the associated reward. Once the mission is complete, return here to report in. I'll need that report before I can issue the reward. If you'd like, you can accept that mission now, so long as you're here. Are you interested?

Going in Chano Retail after the mission Fiend in the second dungeon is available and without accepting it

Elizabeth: You've met my father!? Yes... I am Don Chano's daughter. Er... what did you and he... ...I see. So that's what inspired the new mission...

Accepting the mission Fiend in the second dungeon

Magan: This concludes the mission registration process. Unlike your first foray, there will be traps in the dungeon now... And I've heard an unsettling rumor. They say the Ariadne Thread has no effect at the bottom of the second dungeon. Ariadne Threads are useful devices for extricating oneself from a dungeon. If these rumors are true... you will be unable to instantly escape from the lowest level. Bear that in mind.

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 2nd Branch: Emerald Copse

Going to the Skyship Port after accepting the mission Fiend in the second dungeon

Mosken: It's tougher than the first. Better be sure about your party and equipment, or you'll run into trouble quick.

In Emerald Copse

Entering Emerald Copse

Guildmaster: This is the Guildmaster speaking. Since this is your first trip as a party, I'll explain the Change Leader function. One party member acts as the leader, and will guide the rest of the group on your adventures. The leader can be changed at any time. You can escape from tough situations by changing leaders.

For example, say that a weaker party member is surrounded by monsters. In that case, you would make the weak member your leader and move them to the rear, out of harm's way.

To change leaders, hold L and then press R. The leader will switch each time you press R. Changing leaders does not take a turn, so you can try it right now. Good luck, [guild] Guild.

Entering floor 4

Guildmaster: This is the Guildmaster speaking. Pardon me for interrupting your adventure. You may already know, but I wanted to mention spread tiles to you.

Did you notice any amber tiles that were a faded red? Those are spread tiles. How you use them can affect the result of your excursions, just as much as changing leaders, so pay close attention.

First, stand on the spread tile and press either L or X to bring up the menu. Then select Party, and then Spread Out. Afterward, your party will spread out to the tiles surrounding the spread tile. You can change the spread formation as many times as you'd like. Once you have your ideal formation, press A to confirm. After confirming the formation, spreading out takes one turn. The whole party moves during this turn, which is useful. However, don't overrely on spread tiles. They can break at any time while being used, but even broken ones have their use.

They restore TP to the whole party, more than a normal amber tile would. That can be quite a boon. Now, back to your excursion. Remember changing leads and spread tiles, and make the most of both.

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 6, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the lowest level. The unknown beast claiming the mine should be beyond those steps. You hear a faint sound of running water from below, and an occasional rumbling noise, like a giant treading the earth.

Third Dungeon

Going in Chano Retail after completing Emerald Copse

Elizabeth: I heard that you vanquished the monster. My father and his craftsmen are pleased as punch. Thank you ever so! Did you acquire any materials during the foray? We'll purchase anything you found. It may help us create new goods.

Reporting the mission Fiend in the second dungeon

Magan: I glanced at your Monster Tome for proof you bested the monster. Only those who defeat a beast can record it. There's no question that it was Guild [guild] who was first to complete the mission. And so, here is your reward.

Obtained key item: Plush Panda!

Magan: Oh... The plush toy was something I wanted to deliver to Niralda over at the Amber Restaurant.

> The Amber Restaurant?

• Magan: The Amber Restaurant is an eatery on the east side of town. They serve the best meals in Aslarga.

> Who's Niralda?

• Magan: She's the owner of the Amber Restaurant, on the east side of town. Her cooking is well known as the best in Aslarga.

Magan: You seem curious... If you're planning to pay a visit to the Amber Restaurant, might you deliver the plush toy to her? You see, the extra skyship we put into service has returned, and we have many adventurers visiting. Some of them are of a type I've never seen in town before, such as the ninjas, sovereigns, and wanderers. I really must begin the redevelopment initiative in order for us to be able to support these new adventurers. It will keep me so busy that I won't have the time to deliver a toy. I'm sorry, but it must be you.

The Amber Restaurant can now be visited!

New classes haven been unlocked: Ninja, Sovereign, and Wanderer!

Going in the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: Hey there! Go ahead and seat yourself. You want some water, do you? Well, the pitcher's right there. You're in luck, though! In honor of the death of that monster in the Emerald Copse, adventurers get extra portions. It was you who killed it? No fooling? Because you don't look the type. Are you sure you're eating right? Awww, there, there... Hm? Oh, don't worry. Just, once this kid gets cranky, he doesn't snap out of it for a while. Huh, weird, he's already out of his funk. Ah...! A panda doll!

Handed over Plush Panda.

Niralda: My kid and me are both crazy for pandas. Oh, this is from Magan? Yeah, come to think of it, he did mention that... He sent you to deliver it? Thanks for the trouble.

Quitting the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: Well, if it isn't Sarah. Weren't you going to the dungeon?

Sarah: I'm on my way there now. I just wanted to file a quest before I took off.

Niralda: Oh. I'm sure some adventurer will pick it up before long. There's some loitering over there, in fact. They killed that monster in the second dungeon! What was their name...?

Sarah: The [guild] Guild, I believe. It's nice meeting you. I'm Dr. Sarah Stein, a labyrinth archeologist. I'd be interested in hearing about the second dungeon later. I'm a bit busy right now, though, so... Niralda, I'll be by with Sasha for supper as soon as I'm done with this investigation. And speaking of which...!

Niralda: Don't work too hard, okay? You're not an adventurer! Pfff... That girl's always on the move. I know... Why don't you take Sarah's quest? It's probably a piece of cake for the guild who beat that monster.

Stein Labs can now be visited!

Going in the Amber Restaurant without accepting the quest Fort construction test

Niralda: So when are you bums going to accept Sarah's quest?

Selecting the menu Quests in Amber Restaurant

Niralda: Sarah's request is the one called Fort construction test. If you've taken missions before, I'm sure you know the drill here.

Accepting the quest Fort construction test

Niralda: That oughtta do it for registration. All you need to do now is finish the quest. Once the quest's over, come back here and report in. I'll fork over the reward then. Alright, get on out to the first dungeon!

After accepting the quest Fort construction test

Going in the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: Hey there. How's Sarah's quest coming along? Be sure to report back here at the restaurant once you're done.

Going in the Skyship Port

Mosken: The fort construction test? It's at the first dungeon. The Guildmaster should be waiting for you there.

Going in the Mysterious Labyrinth during Fort construction test

Entering the Mysterious Labyrinth

Guildmaster: Oh, you accepted the quest? That's good, since I know I can trust you with the fort construction test. Some adventurer destroyed one of our forts, which means the dungeon layout may now shift and warp. But seeing is believing. I've decided that you will build a fort in B1F, which should kill two birds with one stone.

Under ordinary circumstances, the layout of the dungeon changes each time you enter it.

But once a fort is built, the layout is frozen in place, and your Dungeon Map remains fixed. That's the biggest advantage in building a fort. Next, I should explain how to go about building one.

First, select the zone you would like to build in from the Dungeon Map. You can only build forts in zones you have already visited. This time, it will be here, at B1F of the first dungeon. After settling on a zone, order a fort. The only one available now is the Basic Fort, so that should be an easy choice.

After that, construction will begin, shown by Building... on that zone in the Dungeon Map.

Construction takes time. You should go explore B1F. The fort should be finished by the time you reach B2F. Thanks to the Zone Detector function, you should see zones adjacent to the fort, helping you to find new zones. I will return to Aslarga and await your report. But first, let me give you enough money to cover a Basic Fort.

Obtained 1,500en!

Guildmaster: Now, the fort test can begin. Press X, select Map to open the Dungeon Map, and then order a Basic Fort.

Going on a Downstairs without building a Fort

Guildmaster: There seems to be no fort built here. Press X to open the Dungeon Map and build a Basic Fort for me.

Changing floor after building a Fort

Guildmaster: ...This is the Guildmaster. It seems the fort in B1F is complete. It is now yours. If you have any guild members on standby in Aslarga, I suggest you deploy them to that fort. Guild members on standby gain experience through the lessons they receive at the Explorers Guild, but... If you deploy them to forts, they will gain that experience much more rapidly, due to the hands-on training. Let me teach you how to deploy guild members.

Deployment is done through the Dungeon Map. After you choose which fort you want to deploy them to...

Select a slot for the member to occupy. Once that's complete, choose a guild member to deploy. Each fort can hold up to four. Well done on the construction test. Your reward awaits you at the Amber Restaurant.

Reporting the quest Fort construction test

Niralda: Good work. Whatever the details of the quest, every one is something the client wants bad. Bringing them happiness by granting their wishes is a good thing. Even if the tangible rewards can be lousy. Sarah'll be happy... Which reminds me. Her and Sasha haven't been by yet. How long's she gonna spend in that dungeon? You oughtta head back to the inn to rest once you're done stuffing your face, so you're in good shape for the next trip.

You find no beds at Kasumi's Inn. Instead, you sleep on futons atop what is called tatami flooring. It turns out to be more comfortable than you expected, and you feel you'll sleep well tonight...

Kasumi: Good morning. Have you recovered from your adventure? I see you've completed Sarah's request. Congratulations on that. I wonder if she's back at her laboratory... Hm, no, she's probably at Magan's House. She said she would report to him after the results of her trip were compiled.

Going in Magan's House after reporting the quest Fort construction test

Magan: At last, we can start on the town development project. I was just doing some gardening as a break. Even in midwinter, plants will bloom in such warm weather. Perhaps they are under the impression spring has arrived. By the way... Do you have some time to spare? Could you perhaps have a look at the details of the redevelopment plan?

Redevelopment has been unlocked!

Quitting Magan's House after reporting the quest Fort construction test

Guildmaster: I'm sorry to interrupt while you're with visitors, but... I have urgent news, Magan. There's a confirmed monster at the bottom of the third dungeon. Another unknown type.

Magan: What!? First that monster in the Emerald Copse and the rising temperature, and now... What is going on underground? Did you hear this from Dr. Stein? If so, we should pay Stein Labs a visit to learn more from the doctor.

Guildmaster: Actually, she's still in the third dungeon. The escorts assigned to her were defeated, and have just returned. According to one of them, the doctor is stuck on the lowest level, hiding from the monster there. She was stranded there when her Ariadne Thread didn't work, and there's been no distress beacon from the lowest level. If she had the Nether Dust they've begun selling, she'd have an escape route, but it was deemed too pricey for the trip.

Magan: ...At any rate, let's hurry and rescue the doctor. I'll issue a mission on the matter.

Guildmaster: What do you intend to do for a reward? We've just expanded our skyship fleet, and our funds are still...

Magan: ...I'll sell whatever valuables I can find around the house. Astoria's necklace... That's sure to fetch enough to cover a reward.

Guildmaster: B-But that's...

Magan: Understand, Guildmaster, that Dr. Stein's life is priceless. She's no adventurer; she has no guarantee of survival. Besides... If Astoria were here, don't you think she'd be the first to volunteer the necklace?

Guildmaster: ...Understood. I'll notify the guilds of the mission immediately.

Magan: Do you know Dr. Stein? She's an important figure in Aslarga... Her work is critical to this town's safety. Given your accomplishments, I believe your group has what it takes to rescue Dr. Stein. Please accept the mission.

Accepting the mission Rescue Dr. Stein

Magan: Thank you. It's very reassuring to know that the group who slayed the Emerald Copse's monster will handle this. This will be a harder task than the last mission. With that said, there is something I should inform you of. The communicator you were issued will emit a distress beacon, should your party be annihilated. The downed party will remain in the dungeon as long as the beacon is active. They will not be returned to town. During this time, those aboveground can form a rescue party to save the other team. A successful rescue, meaning one in which the rescue party reaches the downed team, prevents the loss of any money or items. However, a weak rescue party might have a low chance of success. If you'd like to strengthen your guild's reserve units, deploying them to a fort is a way of accelerating their growth. Please take advantage of the fort and distress beacons to complete the mission. I wish you the best of luck.

Rescues have been unlocked!

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 3rd Branch: Pristine Stream

Going in the Explorers Guild after accepting the mission Rescue Dr. Stein

Guildmaster: Are you getting accustomed to exploring as a party? As you learn more skills, they may become overwhelming.

To narrow down what you use, try the Off setting found in the Skills menu. Party members will no longer use skills marked Off. This can be toggled by pressing Y.

Narrowing down the skills you use makes it easier to specialize in different skill sets, such as attack or support.

In the Pristine Stream

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 7, for the first time

You reach the stairway leading into the deepest level. Past here, the stranded Dr. Stein hides from an unknown predator. You hear the sound of running water from below, and smell an odor reminiscent of fish. It is the stench of a terrible beast...

After defeating the boss

Sarah: ...Interesting. So the Geomagnetic Pole that was placed here is restored once the monster in the depths is defeated. This is valuable data. It could explain why Ariadne Threads don't work down here. Oh, you were at the Amber Restaurant... The [guild] Guild, right? You really saved me there. Thanks! You were amazing. My escorts were no match for that monster at all... No wonder you beat the thing in the second dungeon. Tell me, did you find any amber on the monster's body in the second dungeon? ...I knew it. You know about the amber tiles already, right? When you break the amber and absorb its energy, it boosts your metabolism. The same happens for the monsters. Those little amber tiles don't give off much energy... but take a look at that.

See that huge slab of amber sitting where the groundwater's pooled? If a monster absorbed a chunk that size... I think it would either collapse, unable to withstand the energy, or it would become a monster unlike any we've seen. The latter scenario probably applies here. These enormous amber chunks were only found recently. I suspect it's due to rising groundwater levels. The temperature underground is increasing, resulting in more meltwater. Didn't it seem strange when you walked into the dungeon? It's supposed to be dark and dank, but it's bright and warm. It's the dead of winter, but it's warm all the time. Like we're living on top of a stove. I'm investigating it, but... I still haven't come up with anything. And if I don't get results, I can't show my face to Magan, or to Sasha... Oh no! I forgot all about Sasha... She's probably worried. Hm? Y-You came here on a mission to rescue me!? Ohhh, I've really done it this time... I have to apologize to everyone. Can I go back to town now? I'll give you a proper thanks for saving me later.

Fourth Dungeon

After completing the Pristine Stream

Sasha: Sarah! I was a good girl and waited here like you said! I told strangers to go away.

Sarah: Good girl, Sasha. I'm sorry if I worried you. I got stuck in the dungeon... These people helped me get back home. They're from the [guild] Guild. Say hello!

Sasha: Hello! I'm Sasha. Thank you for helping Sarah.

Sarah: Now, Sasha, I caused a little bit of trouble for everyone, so I need to go say I'm sorry. Wait here for me, okay?

Sasha: Okay. Come back soon!

Going in Kasumi's Inn

Kasumi: Sarah! You're safe! What a relief... Thank you.

Sarah: I'm sorry for making you worry! Um... Kasumi... there's something I need to ask you.

Kasumi: Certainly. What is it?

Sarah: It's about... cooking... If I ask Niralda for help, she'll just tell me I should be eating at her restaurant, so...

Kasumi: I see... You want to make it for yourself again. Simply use the recipe I gave you and you shouldn't go wrong. But don't use your research materials. They may be adventurers, but they are not immune to stomach problems. And don't keep them too long. They are clearly worn out.

Going in Chano Retail

Elizabeth: Dr. Stein! I'm so glad that you're well. Everyone was worried about you.

Sarah: Sorry, Beth! I'll make it up to you next time, I promise! Tell the craftsmen I'll bring some snacks for them.

Elizabeth: Oh, no, perish the thought. Please, don't worry about it. You are greater adventurers than I ever imagined. Thank you for coming to Dr. Stein's aid.

Going in the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: Dammit, Sarah! What were you thinking? You're gonna give us a heart attack!

Sarah: I'm so sorry, Niralda!

Niralda: Were you in there the whole time? You're looking kinda gaunt. You need a good meal! I'll go fix you one.

Sarah: Oh, it's fine. You already have a lot of customers waiting for their food...

Niralda: What, those guys? Psh, they can wait!

Sarah: N-No, that wouldn't be right! Really, it's fine. Well, I'll be back soon!

Going in the Explorers Guild

Guildmaster: Ah, you've returned safe!

Sarah: I'm sorry for causing all the trouble with my disappearance.

Guildmaster: You needn't apologize, Doctor. I blame myself for putting you in harm's way. I'm sorry that your escorts were subpar. Do let the provost know that you're safe. He'll be pleased to hear it. As for you there... Well done!

Going in Magan's House

Magan: What's wrong? I hope that you're not here to tell me the rescue mission has failed... What? She's on her way?

Doctor!

Sarah: Let me humbly apologize, provost... for making you worry, and for having you issue a rescue mission to save me! Worse still... I couldn't find out what's causing the rising ground temperatures. I'm so, so sorry.

Magan: I'm sure you'll figure it out someday, Dr. Stein. Put it out of your mind for today and rest up. I'm only glad you're safe...

Going in the Skyship Port

Mosken: Hey. Looks like things went okay, huh? About what I expected from the guild who beat the monster of the second dungeon. Yo, Dr. Stein! You just got lifted out of a dungeon, and you're back for more? Really married to your work, huh?

Sarah: Oh, I just got back to Aslarga! You're probably the only one who never worries about me. I'm more delicate than I look!

Mosken: C'mon, doc. Delicate girls don't go into dungeons to get their hands dirty. Anyway, I'm glad you're okay.

Sarah: Were you worried?

Mosken: Not as much as Kasumi.

Reporting the mission Rescue Dr. Stein

Magan: Thank you for rescuing Dr. Stein. As town provost, I am deeply grateful. Which reminds me, I've heard rumors of a shop operating in the third dungeon... Do you know of it?

> Yes, I do.

• Magan: Then the rumors are true. The dungeon

does not belong to any one person, so I can't precisely disapprove, but...

> No, I don't.

• Magan: I see. Then perhaps it's a fanciful rumor

and nothing more...

After reporting the mission Rescue Dr. Stein and going in Kasumi's Inn, Chano Retail, the Amber Restaurant, the Explorers Guild, Magan's House and the Skyship Port

Going in Stein Labs

Sasha: I know you. You helped Sarah.

Sarah: Let me thank you properly for your help in the third dungeon... I've prepared some food for you. Won't you stay and eat with us? I'd like to hear more about the second dungeon...

Sasha: Um, Sarah's a bad cook...

Sarah: S-Sasha!

Sasha: But she worked hard on this. And I helped. So clean your plates!

The food had a slightly strong flavor. It was delicious, but it probably isn't for everyone. It is probably not suitable for children.

Sarah: I've put Sasha to bed. She tends to get sleepy as soon as she's full. Though... I guess it's different this time. She's relaxing for the first time in a while, now that I'm home safe. She's not my daughter, you know. She's my former professor's. I was taking care of her even before I came here. My mentor, Professor Randi, has published books on dungeon legends... Have you heard of him? His books inspired me to be a labyrinth archaeologist. They've fascinated me ever since I was little. My first one was The Tale of the Remote Forest. The Airborne Northern Castle and Secrets of the Deep City were good too. I've always admired the Professor, which is why I was thrilled to get to study under him directly. But I didn't get carried away. I studied hard and got my doctorate with my thesis on the Folklore of the Frontier Titan. The Professor put me in charge of lectures and asked me to assist him in his research. I've even read a draft of his new book. It's called The Pact of the Holywood and the Embermen. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? But I lost contact with him after he got wrapped up in publishing the new book. He left a note that said... 'I'll be gone for some time. Please go to Aslarga to investigate the dungeons in my place, and look after Sasha.' That was over a year ago, and we still haven't heard from him. I wonder where he is... what he's doing... Oh, oops! I'm sorry to keep you so long. And all while I talked nonstop about myself, too... Ugh, it's already dark out. We'll have to call it a night, or Kasumi will be cross with me. Thanks for finishing your plate. I'll see you again tomorrow. Good night...

In Kasumi's Inn

Kasumi: Good morning to you. What did you think of Sarah's cooking? Please let me know if you need any... medicine.

After the quest Pick a small flower is available

First time going in the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: Oh, you're here. Took you long enough. I need you to do me a big favor. See, Magan filed a quest here the other day. It was called: Pick a small flower. I want you to take it. Not only that, I want it bumped to the top of your to-do list. We're on a clock with this one. You're the only ones I know who'll put up with my demands, and get it done quick. You get me?

Going in the Amber Restaurant without accepting the quest Pick a small flower

Niralda: So when are you bums going to accept the Please gather small flowers quest I asked you about?

Accepting the quest Pick a small flower

Niralda: That small flower was Ms. Astoria's favorite. That's Mr. Magan's wife who passed away last year. Tomorrow's the anniversary of her death. He probably wants it for her grave... It's the stone monument past his house. There's lots of flowers in the gardens around the house, but those small flowers only grow in dungeons. Hence the quest. But no one's taken the quest. They don't get what it's actually about, so they just sell the flowers they find to Chano. Then again, I'm not keen on blabbing to anyone about the man's dead wife, which is why I'm asking you.

Reporting the quest Pick a small flower

Niralda: Good job finding that flower. Everyone who knew Ms. Astoria appreciates it, not just Mr. Magan. I'll give Mr. Magan the flower. You go back to the inn and rest up, or you won't be at your best for the next trip.

The plan was to lay that small flower at Astoria's grave. ...Was one flower good enough? It will suffice if other adventurers gather some too, but...

Kasumi: Good morning. Have you recovered from your excursion? Niralda told me of the small flower. I would like to extend my gratitude as well. Thank you for all that you do.

After reporting the quest Pick a small flower and going in the Explorer Guild

Soldier: Guildmaster, sir! We've received word from Chano Industries that the DOE Radar is complete, sir!

Guildmaster: Ah, at last! With this, we'll be ready when the Day of Reckoning comes. The only problem now is how to go about testing it. A radar is useless if it can't detect the DOEs.

Soldier: We've just finished testing exactly that, sir! The radar works as intended, sir!

Guildmaster: ...What do you mean?

Soldier: There was a defense battle just now at the fort we built in the fourth dungeon, sir! The defense team lost, and the fort was destroyed, but we did confirm the DOE's retreat to the lower levels, sir!

Guildmaster: Wh-What!? You fool! Why didn't you mention this first!? I'm going to see the provost. You should come with me. I have something important to discuss. ...The Day of Reckoning is here.

Magan: So it's upon us at last...

Guildmaster: And on the same day as it came a year ago. That, I wasn't expecting.

Magan: Where is Dr. Stein?

Guildmaster: She's interviewing the defense team who fought the DOE. She said she'll be here as soon as she's finished.

Magan: Then while we wait for Dr. Stein, I'll tell you the story about the incident one year ago.

Guildmaster: Magan... It's all right if you'd rather I go over it...

Magan: No, I'll tell it. As the spearhead of the efforts to develop Aslarga, I should be able to confront what happened that day.

Guildmaster: ......Understood.

Magan: A monster struck Aslarga a year ago. It's been two years since we settled here, but only the one attack so far. They rarely show their faces aboveground. In fact, they can't, because of the barrier stones around the dungeon entrance. But the monster a year ago destroyed the barrier stones, reaching the town. It had power beyond any normal creature. We decided to call that monster a DOE, to differentiate it from the others. The DOE is something of an anomaly. Because of that, the attack a year ago was something we never predicted. Luckily, we somehow did defeat the DOE, thanks to a few adventurers who were staying in town... ...But there were victims. Some shielded others who couldn't get away in time, or they died helping get everyone to safety. One of those... was my wife. It wasn't hard to foresee a day when a DOE would attack again. We cannot allow any more bloodshed. To prepare for this Day of Reckoning, we developed forts and expanded our skyship fleet, to attract adventurers.

Guildmaster: After the fort test, we went to the fourth dungeon, where the DOE appeared a year ago, and built manned forts at that location. Those stationed there are a defense team. Forts aren't just a frontline base, they're also defense posts for the town. Thanks to the barrier stones around the stairway, the DOE can't get beyond the fort. But if the stones are destroyed... Then there will be a defense battle as the DOE invades the fort. Winning these battles is not easy. In fact, we only turned away the DOE this time by sacrificing the fort. But without it... Aslarga would have been attacked.

Sarah: Sorry I'm late! The DOE I saw in the fourth dungeon is different from what attacked us last year. There seem to be many types of DOE. But even though it's different from the one last year, it has in common an extreme resistance to damage. I'm surprised you managed to defeat the one a year ago, Guildmaster.

Guildmaster: It took ten of us that time... And I still don't know how we did it. We were all of different classes, using different attacks. I do know that head-on attacks don't work. Hurting the thing had nothing to do with our level or equipment.

Sarah: This time, we only turned it away at the fort, but it wasn't defeated. It's sure to begin its ascent again soon. We can repel a DOE incursion using the forts. Finding out why it arose is more important than defeating it for now. It can destroy barrier stones and forts, so might an answer be found at the lowest level, like that last strong monster?

Magan: Are you suggesting the DOE had absorbed amber, like the monster we found on the lowest level?

Sarah: ...I don't know. There were no signs of amber in the body of the DOE a year ago, or in the one encountered this time. But I don't think it could've gotten this power we haven't seen in any other monster without absorbing amber. I'm worried about the state of the lowest level. Can I file a mission to investigate the bottom of the fourth dungeon?

Magan: Very well. Guildmaster!

Guildmaster: Sir?

Magan: I'm issuing a mission to investigate the depths of the fourth dungeon. Take pains to construct forts and protect the town. You should also alert the townspeople to prepare in the event of a DOE attack.

Guildmaster: Understood.

Going in the Skyship port after the mission Explore the fourth dungeon is available

Mosken: ...Oh, so you heard what happened a year ago. I'll spare you the sob story. Don't want to throw a wet blanket over things. Besides, Kasumi warned me. Said I talk too much. I dunno, I'd say I'm actually pretty good at keeping a secret.

Accepting the mission Explore the fourth dungeon

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 4th Branch: Haunted Woods

Magan: We'll be issuing a DOE Radar to those of you venturing into the fourth dungeon.

Obtained key item: DOE Radar!

Magan: With this, you can confirm a DOE's movements on both the Zone Map and Dungeon Map. The number of DOEs is shown in the center. That indicates how many there are in the dungeon you're exploring. The radar changes from blue to yellow to red to show that the DOE is getting near the surface, a fort, or your party. The radar has another important function you should keep in mind: the forced return function. When there's a DOE attack on Aslarga, it will take effect and send your party back to town. Your excursion will be a failure. However, this function is necessary to gather adventurers to defeat the DOE. I trust you'll understand. Hm... A crowd is starting to gather. Here to accept the mission, I expect. Excuse me while I deal with them.

...A stone monument catches your eye in a spot with a nice view. Something sways in the wind at its base. It would seem to be a bunch of small flowers.

In the Haunted Woods

After entering the Haunted Woods

Guildmaster: This is the Guildmaster speaking. Before you go further, I wanted to discuss how to use forts to ward off DOEs.

The first way is to use an unmanned fort. DOEs will destroy these upon encountering them, then retreat to the lower levels. If protecting Aslarga is your main goal, that should suffice, so long as you rebuild afterwards. A Basic Fort will hold it off.

Another way is to deploy guards to the fort. When a battle against the DOE begins at the fort, you may command the guards posted there or give them your items. If they withstand the siege, the fort remains. But this is no easy feat... You will no doubt suffer many setbacks. Should you fail to hold the fort against a DOE, it will be destroyed, but the DOE will at least be driven off. After a loss, the guards will return to your guild. There will be no loss of items or equipment. A fort is the basic line of defense against DOEs. Don't engage them with your party just yet. Your objective right now is not to fight the DOEs. It is to explore the lowest floors while protecting the village.

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 14, for the first time

You reach the stairs that lead to the lowest level, past which you hear the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. Wind...? You wonder how wind could be blowing this deep underground. You have an uneasy feeling about this...

After defeating the boss

After the struggle, you turn your gaze to the far end of the lowest level...

There, you see an enormous chunk of amber sitting where the groundwater flows in. Within it is a dark shadow... It is the silhouette of a monster. You recall Dr. Stein's earlier words... 'There were no signs of amber in the body of the DOE a year ago, or in the one encountered this time.' 'But I don't think it could've gotten this power we haven't seen in any other monster without absorbing amber.' Perhaps this monster is...

Fifth Dungeon

Reporting the mission Explore the fourth dungeon

Magan: A monster trapped in amber!? Dr. Stein... In your research reports, you wrote that amber petrifies over a very long time.

Sarah: That's correct. The monster in amber might be an ancient species. One from so long ago that there are no records of it... I believe that ancient monster may be a DOE. If the DOE is an ancient species, it would explain why it has such a different physiology from the monsters we know.

Magan: No wonder they're so hard to damage... They must have found the strength to destroy barrier stones within the amber. But if that's the case then how were the DOEs trapped in the amber reawakened?

Sarah: The monster on the lowest level of the dungeon might have cracked the amber containing the DOE. It then absorbed the cracked amber, transforming into an even greater beast. Not to mention awakening the DOE... That could also explain why there were signs of amber absorption in the monster but none on the DOE. That monster likely ruled the dungeon, even before the enormous amber chunks ended up there.

Magan: Then... will there be no more DOEs, now that the ruler of the dungeon is no more?

Sarah: Probably not as frequently, no. But they might still appear. I have one other theory about what's causing them to appear. The topographical changes of the dungeon could be causing it. A fort keeps the layout from changing, but not the zones. It's very possible that any buried DOE amber could be shattered when a zone's features change.

Magan: But in that case, wouldn't DOEs have appeared much earlier? We haven't seen any for an entire year.

Sarah: We didn't have many adventurers before. But now we do, and therefore more changes in the dungeons, and therefore...

Magan: I see... Then we will need to be on guard for DOE appearances in other dungeons as well from now on.

Sarah: Yes. I would also advise caution in any areas that have become mystery dungeons recently.

> “I'm looking forward to it.”

• Sarah: Heheh... I knew we could count on you.

> “Leave the monsters to us.”

• Sarah: Heheh... I knew we could count on you.

> “The forts will save us.”

• Sarah: Heheh... I knew we could count on you.

Magan: Thank you... I'm glad that you're here. Aslarga is so fortunate to have you...

After reporting the mission Explore the fourth dungeon

Going in the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: You guys aren't doing much now, right? So why not take care of two or three quests until there's another mission? Monsters on the Animal Trail seems to be a popular one right now. They say the Animal Trail's a nice place. It's near the Haunted Woods, and it just recently turned into a mystery dungeon. They say the monsters there are strong. Which means they give lots of experience! Wandering Boxes are pretty common there, too. Sounds like one juicy dungeon.

Going in the Amber Restaurant after reporting one quest

Niralda: It'd make me real happy if you finished one more quest...

Leaving the Amber Restaurant after reporting 2 quests or more

Lizley: Hey, you adventurers there. Where can I find Stein Labs? ...The northwest part of town, huh? Thanks!

After reporting the mission Explore the fourth dungeon and reporting 2 quests or more

Going in the Explorers Guild before accepting Explore the fifth dungeon

Guildmaster: Ah, it's good to see you here. I needed to let you know that we found a way to defeat the DOEs. I'm told that one can deal decent damage to a DOE by inflicting a status ailment upon it first. We can thank Dr. Stein's analysis for uncovering this. It's been verified with data from adventurers who fought a DOE.

If you hope to win a defense battle, the best way is to go at it with eight allies, four in your party and four from the fort. It's rare to have a full party and full defense team ready when a DOE invades a fort, but Geomagnetic Poles can help. Build a fort equipped with a Geomagnetic Pole on the DOE's approach vector, and ambush it by advancing time. You can win with a full eight allies, but it's still a formidable opponent. Be sure to stay alert regardless.

Going in Stein Labs

Sasha: Oh, it's the adventurers! Lizley, Lizley, these are the adventurers. The ones who found Sarah.

Lizley: Then you must be the [guild] Guild everyone's talking about. The name's Lizley. I'm a dungeon vendor who hops between dungeons all over the world. I run the Red Lion Shoppe. You've probably already been to my place... Sorry, I have a hard time remembering. I forget stuff when I get knocked out in a dungeon. Everything between when I set foot in there and when I black out... Maybe it's because I'm not a proper adventurer? Well, I guess Sarah can look into why it happens. I met Sarah through Professor Randi. Do you know him?

> He's her former mentor.

• Lizley: So you do know him. See, I'm having a hard time getting a hold of him. I thought Sarah might know a way...

> He's a leading dungeon archaeologist.

• Lizley: So you do know him. See, I'm having a hard time getting a hold of him. I thought Sarah might know a way...

> He's written books on dungeon lore.

• Lizley: So you do know him. See, I'm having a hard time getting a hold of him. I thought Sarah might know a way...

Lizley: Hey, Sasha. Do you know where Sarah went?

Sasha: She went to Mr. Magan's house. She said she had something important to tell him.

Lizley: Who's Mr. Magan?

Sasha: He's the mostest important man in town. There's lots of flowers at his house.

Lizley: Hmm. I guess I'd better go say hello to the man, then!

Going in Magan's House after quitting Stein Labs

Magan: Excellent timing. Dr. Stein and I were discussing the source of the DOE's amber just now.

Sarah: If we want to know where it drifted in from, we should trace the water vein upstream... but the current is too fast. For now, we feel the most likely source is the Crystalline Peak, which is the snowy mountain to the northeast. It's possible the DOE amber might have drifted down with the meltwater. That's why we'd like to investigate the peak...

Magan: Alas, there's too much ground to cover. We've been poring over this map to narrow it down, but we can't seem to do so...

Lizley: So THIS is the place with all the flowers Sasha was talking about. Oh! Didn't see you there. I should've asked you to take me along... lots of flowers wasn't much to go by. All that searching's got me sweaty. Isn't this supposed to be the middle of winter? Why's it so hot in this town...? Hey, Sarah. Haven't seen you in a while! How've you been?

Sarah: Lizley! I just knew those rumors about a shop were about you.

Lizley: Oh, people have been talking about me, have they? What are they saying? That I'm a beauty beyond compare, or...?

Sarah: I mostly hear about that scary broad with the whip.

Lizley: Here, too? *sigh* The people here have no taste in women, says I. Guess I'm a long way yet from the altar... Hm? Sarah, can I have a moment...? Is that fine gentleman there Mr. Magan? What are you waiting for? Introduce us!

Sarah: Mr. Magan, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Lizley. We go back quite a ways. She runs the dungeon shop. I know she doesn't dress the part, but this is her uniform from her old job. She used to work as a circus tamer. She tames the red lions with the skills from her old life and uses them as her bodyguards in the dungeons.

Magan: I see... So that's why you carry the whip. You're a friend of Dr. Stein, eh? Then it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Magan, the provost here in Aslarga.

Lizley: Sooo nice to meet you. I'm Lizley. I'm a humble stall vendor... I'm single... and it's my pleasure to meet you as well.

Sarah: Can you not use that cutesy, wheedling voice...? So, Lizley. Why didn't you drop by sooner? With a name like Stein Labs, I figured you'd know I was here right off.

Lizley: This is the first time I've actually been about town. I only come here to gather merchandise after I get knocked out. You know that snowy mountain northeast of town? It seems weird that the snow hasn't melted, as hot as it is here... So I thought to myself, maybe there's a dungeon there! I had them drop me off, and bingo. But there wasn't a single adventurer around. So I had no choice but to go to another dungeon instead, and--

> “Wait just a second!”

• Lizley: Well, yeah. And when I got to the fourth dungeon, they told me to hold off going in, because they were building forts. That's why I opened up shop in the third dungeon instead. And I was so pooped from walking around the mountain that...

> “Do you mean the Crystalline Peak?”

• Lizley: I don't know the name of the mountain or the dungeon. I mean, I couldn't find anyone in there to ask.

> “By 'bingo,' you mean...”

• Lizley: What does it matter what I mean? There was a dungeon there. Which number is it, anyway?

Sarah: Lizley, look at this map of the areas around town... Can you point out the entrance to the dungeon you found?

Lizley: It was... right here. Why? What's wrong with it?

Magan: I'll notify the Guildmaster, Dr. Stein, and right after that I'll issue a mission to investigate the mountain depths.

Sarah: Got it. I'll go show the captain where the dungeon entrance is.

Lizley: Wait, what's going on!? Was it something I said!?

Accepting the mission Explore the fifth dungeon

Magan: I heard from the Guildmaster that they've hit upon a way to defeat the DOEs. He mentioned something about dealing decent damage once it's been hit with a status ailment. It's likely that there will be DOEs in the fifth dungeon as well. You might win some rare materials if you defeat them. But please, don't push yourself. I'll also be counting on you to build forts. This town depends upon them, and upon you.

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 5th Branch: Crystalline Peak

In the Crystalline Peak

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 18, for the first time

You reach the stairway to the lowest level... there is nothing visible but pitch darkness beyond these stairs. Just then, a piercing roar rings through the darkness. It sounds like the cry of a beast intimidating its prey.

After defeating the boss

After the battle ends, you walk over to where the groundwater had pooled. There, you see a DOE trapped in amber drift into the pool before your very eyes. It seems the DOE amber is drifting in from some other origin... Your attention is drawn to the water's edge, where there is something on the floor.

It is a board, decorated with pieces of amber embedded into the wood. What could the decorations mean...? It almost looks like Ursa Major...

Obtained key item: Ornate Board!

You decide to take the ornate board with you back to town.

Sixth Dungeon

After completing the Crystalline Peak

Soldier: We've been awaiting your return, sir! Sir? What is that board?

I see. So you found it in the depths of the mountain, sir? Dr. Stein might know something about it, sir. ...Huh? You want me to deliver it to the lab, sir? ...... I-I'm sorry, sir! I must report to the Guildmaster now and let him know that you've returned! Excuse me, sir!

Reporting the mission Explore the fifth dungeon

Magan: The Guildmaster should be here soon. I'd like you to tell us both your story. I see... And this is the ornate board you found in the depths.

Guildmaster: Please leave the ornate board in my care. I'll take it to Dr. Stein for study.

Handed over Ornate Board.

Guildmaster: You should take a rest until we have her report on the board. Perhaps you could take on some quests for a change. It might be good to take on the Snowy Cavern that's become a mystery dungeon lately. I believe there was a quest on it. I hear there are several Wandering Boxes in newly formed dungeons, which should hold true for the Snowy Cavern too. The strong enemies on the upper floors should help you level up, and you can then win items from the Boxes.

After reporting the mission Explore the fifth dungeon

Going in the Amber Restaurant

Niralda: You bums are done adventuring for now, right? Then why not take on two or three quests until the next mission?

Going in the Amber Restaurant after reporting one quest

Niralda: You bums look like you have at least two more quests in you. I'll be waiting for you to report back to me.

Going in the Amber Restaurant after reporting two quest

Niralda: I'd appreciate it if you guys could do one more quest...

After reporting Explore the fifth dungeon and reporting 3 quests or more

Going in Stein Labs

Sarah: Ah, perfect. I just finished examining the ornate board that the Guildmaster asked me to investigate. And you were the ones who found it, I hear? It's an incredible discovery!

Mosken: Yo, didn't think I'd find you guys here. Someone told me there's some hot new treasure, and I wanted to see.

Sarah: Treasure? You mean this?

Mosken: What the--It's just a piece of wood! I was expecting a chest filled with gold and silver. Talk about a disappointment.

Sarah: But don't you see? This discovery is as valuable as any hoard of precious metal! From what I can tell of the aging, this ornate board is very old. I think it dates back thousands of years. This could be proof positive that there was an ancient civilization around here.

Mosken: An ancient civilization, huh? I fly these skies every day, and I've never seen any ruins or anything. But the way those amber pieces are set up does remind me of something... Hey doc, what's this up here?

Sarah: It might be the Yggdrasil. The board is made of its lumber, and I'm sure people saw the Yggdrasil in ancient times too. So I'm thinking the ornate board might be a map of the area. But I don't understand what the seven amber pieces are meant to represent... What do you think it's a map of?

> A treasure map?

• Mosken: No fooling!? I can't pass that up. Let me get a close look at that. Hm...? Hey, doc. I remember now where I've seen that pattern before.

> A map of the dungeons?

• Mosken: A map of the dungeons, huh... Hm...? Looks like you're not far off the mark.

> A map of ley lines?

• Mosken: What's a ley line?
• Sarah: It's the path of the energy that flows through the earth.
• Mosken: The flow of energy, huh... Hm? Hey, I've seen this route somewhere.

Sarah: Wait, what? Where?

Mosken: It's the same course I take in my skyship during a transport run.

At the very bottom is the first dungeon, the one above is it the second, then the next two... this fifth one is the Peak. I'm dead sure of it. So these other two amber pieces must be.. .

Sarah: Undiscovered dungeons! Captain, I need a favor of you.

Mosken: I'm on it. I'll go check it out real quick, just wait for me here.

A few hours later...

Mosken: Found it! An entrance in the valley at the Torrential Ravine. On the board, it's to the bottom left of the Yggdrasil. Dunno about the one right underneath it, though. The air currents are too strong to get close.

Sarah: That should be enough to go on for now. The mystery of the lines in the board is solved... I should tell Mr. Magan. Thanks, Captain! The rest of you should come with me.

Mosken: It's dangerous just getting near the area. Though for a guy with my skills, it's no... Where'd they go!?

Going in Magan's House

Magan: Undiscovered dungeons!? And you say these are what the amber pieces on the board represent?

Sarah: I'm certain of it. Especially now that we've found a dungeon entrance at the Torrential Ravine. The line connecting the piece is the subterranean water vein. It matches what we know from the adventurers' reports. The base of Yggdrasil is the source of the water vein. If we go there, we might learn why the DOE amber drifts out here.

Magan: But... Doctor, you know we have no way of getting past the Torrential Ravine. It's as unapproachable by land as by air.

Sarah: Actually, I found a solution on the ornate board. Here, let me see the board again? The water vein runs through the Ravine, too. If we get to the bottom there and follow it, it'll take us to the Yggdrasil.

Magan: I never considered that...

Sarah: I'd like to request a mission to fully explore the Torrential Ravine, in order to reach the Yggdrasil's base.

Magan: Of course. I'll issue it at once.

Accepting the mission Reach the Yggdrasil's base

Magan: According to Dr. Stein, the temperatures underground grow more severe as you advance farther north from town. The Torrential Ravine is situated exactly there... There is a chance that the groundwater may be boiling hot. Chano Industries anticipated this, and provided us with a portable boat. It's quite compact, so please take it with you.

Obtained key item: Portable Boat!

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 6th Branch: Torrential Ravine

In Torrential Ravine

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 25, for the first time

You reach the stairway to the bottom. The sound of flapping wings is accompanied by hot, humid blasts of air. Is this caused by the rising temperature? Or is it a monster's doing? You are sure to find out as soon as you step below...

After defeating the boss

After your battle, you head farther into the lowest level.

The subterranean water vein is flowing gently, though the heat of the water is enough to scald. You launch the portable boat and head upstream on the vein of water.

After covering some distance, you see light shining ahead of you. You guide your boat towards the light...

There, you find yourself in a brilliant, amber-colored world.

A large, amber tree towers over you. Its thick trunk and many branches seem to color the heavens a bright amber. The sight is captivating, but you regain your senses and realize that you have reached the Yggdrasil's base. You distance yourself from the tree and bring the boat ashore.

Once on land, you begin to explore the amber-colored forest.

There is DOE amber scattered about... Did someone carry it to the underground water vein and set it adrift?

Once you are through the forest, you come across a small village. Though you check each house, you find not a soul there. But behind one house, you spy a stone marker. Engraved on it are the words, 'Here lies Natasha, of the Keepers.' It seems to be the resting place of someone named Natasha. But who are the Keepers...? The only other thing that stands out is a Geomagnetic Pole; there is nothing else of note. Or so you think, when...

You find the skeleton of something clearly inhuman. It may be the remains of a monster... Did it attack this village? As a DOE would...?

You leave the village to investigate the other areas thoroughly, but find no one there either. Whatever dungeon entrance that was supposedly marked on the ornate board eludes you. With nothing else to accomplish here, you return to Aslarga by way of the Geomagnetic Pole.

Seventh Dungeon

Reporting the mission Reach the Yggdrasil's base

Guildmaster: I've brought Dr. Stein, as you asked.

Magan: Ah, splendid. Now then, please give your report on the base of the Yggdrasil. ...A deserted village? Interesting.

Dr. Stein, does this spark anything with what you know?

Sarah: The Yggdrasil's base... It may be the Land of the Pact.

Magan: The Land of the Pact? What do you mean by that, Dr. Stein?

Sarah: It's something mentioned in The Pact of the Tree of Life and the Embermen, by my old mentor. That was a book he wrote about the creation myth of the Keepers.

Magan: The Keepers... Oh! If I remember correctly, that term was on the gravestone in the deserted village. Doctor, how did this creation myth go?

Sarah: In the beginning... the time of genesis, they say this was a world of magma, ruled by the Embermen and filled with blight. Only the Embermen were capable of living in this land of blight. No other creatures could survive.

What changed that was the Tree of Life, which we know as the Yggdrasil. I heard they were all over the place back then... The Yggdrasil absorbed the blight as it grew, supplying the world with life and giving rise to many different creatures. At the same time, the Embermen who needed this blight to thrive were no longer capable of living in this world. The Yggdrasil saw this and made a place for the Embermen to dwell underground, inviting them to take refuge there. While some heeded his call, there were those who weren't keen on the idea of moving underground.

A group of Embermen, headed by Muspell, challenged the Yggdrasil to battle to take back their paradise. From Muspell's palms, she bore monsters in numbers great enough to fill the sky, and ordered them to destroy Yggdrasil. However, the monsters who went into battle turned to stone the moment they touched the tree. Realizing she couldn't defeat the Yggdrasil, Muspell decided to negotiate instead. She agreed to stop the fighting and move underground. In return, she asked that Yggdrasil deliver the sun's light there.

The Yggdrasil agreed to this and made a pact to deliver the sun's light to the Embermen dwelling beneath it. Since then, humans have lived above ground, while the Embermen live below... The Keepers claim to have heard this story from the Yggdrasil. It's said they were chosen as the Keepers because of their ability to communicate with the tree...

> The petrified beasts are the DOEs.

• Magan: That's what I thought too. It sounds like it's referring to the DOEs trapped in the amber... And the sunlight delivered underground reminds me of the amber with the light trapped inside.

> The 'sun's light' is the amber.

• Magan: That's what I thought too. It sounds like it's referring to the Yggdrasil's amber, with the light trapped inside... And the petrified monsters could be the DOEs trapped in amber.

Guildmaster: Then does this mean the seventh dungeon is beneath the Yggdrasil? And this Emberman called Muspell dwells there?

Sarah: ...I don't know. This happened long ago. I haven't confirmed it for myself... I have a request for you guys. Can you take me to the base of the Yggdrasil? I have a feeling I'd know more if I could go onsite and get a close look.

Guildmaster: Geomagnetic Poles can only be used once you reach them. You'd have to go through the dungeon, Doctor... It's very risky.

Magan: It's just as the Guildmaster says. As town provost, I can't allow anything to happen to the doctor. However... there's no question that her investigating the tree's base has value. But how can we get her there...?

Going in Kasumi's Inn

Kasumi: Welcome back. May I have a moment of your time...? I happened to overhear that you are seeking a way to Yggdrasil's base that does not require traversing dungeons. I know of a way to do this. I will bring the one who holds the key to Magan's House later.

Going in Magan's House after going in Kasumi's Inn

Magan: I still haven't found a way to take Dr. Stein to the Yggdrasil's base. Do you have any ideas?

Chano President: Sir Magan! Don't be such a stranger. If something's troubling you, don'tcha know you can always come to me with it?

Magan: What are you talking about? Elizabeth...? Ms. Kasumi? What's going on?

Chano President: The young lady at Kasumi's Inn told me all about it. How you're tearing your hair out trying to get to that tree's base. Just leave it to me! We have a new model of skyship that can fly high enough to skip the Torrential Ravine's turbulence.

Magan: You have a new skyship!? I've heard a new model was in development, but I didn't know it was from your firm...

Chano President: Never count out Chano Industries! It's been in the works for a while, after another country put in the order. This seems like a perfect opportunity for a test flight. The Yggdrasil's base should be a cinch to reach.

Elizabeth: Papa... don't get carried away... We shouldn't expect that Mr. Magan knew when its development was a secret. I myself didn't know. Why, if Ms. Kasumi hadn't informed me, I might yet remain unaware.

Chano President: Indeed! But how did the innkeeper know? This was supposed to be top secret, don'tcha know.

Kasumi: I was once a kunoichi. A kunoichi is... how should I put this delicately? It's something like a ninja.

Magan: What!?

Chano President: Come again!?

Kasumi: My staff and I all share a similar background. Collecting information is our forte. We miss nothing, I assure you. We are fugitives, pursued by our former colleagues. Please pardon us for gathering information to protect ourselves.

Elizabeth: Believe me, I was surprised to find out too. But Ms. Kasumi hasn't done anything to trouble Chano Industries. She's known about the new model of skyship for a while, and still kept it a secret.

Magan: But why are you letting us use this new skyship? Wasn't it meant for another country's use?

Chano President: Oh, I was against it at first. A lot of money went into that thing! We'd face heavy losses if it broke before delivery.

Magan: I see... I think I can infer the rest. Elizabeth... you convinced Sir Chano, did you not?

Elizabeth: Yes. With Ms. Kasumi's and the craftsmen's help, that is.

Magan: Thank you, Elizabeth, Ms. Kasumi. I'll thank the craftsmen personally later. Sir Chano, we'll take great pains not to damage the skyship.

Chano President: Yes... Do be careful.

Magan: We should call Dr. Stein and leave as soon as possible. It would be best to involve the Guildmaster as well. And you? Will you come with us? I'd hoped you could guide us through the base of the great tree.

Going in the Skyship Port after going in Magan's House

'Mosken: Heard you're going to the Yggdrasil's base in a fancy new skyship. Well, I asked someone else to pilot you there. Me? Nah, I'm not going. I'm in no position to waltz in there, free as I please. But don't worry. The new model won't get caught in the air currents. You don't need a pilot as good as me to take you.

> Go to the Yggdrasil's base

> Don't go yet

Selecting "Go to the Yggdrasil' base"

The Skyship Mk.II lifts off with grace...

Higher and higher it goes, soaring over the Torrential Ravine.

One by one, all fell silent as the new skyship approached the Yggdrasil's base. And not because of its beauty...

But because of the uncountable DOEs caught in amber at the bottom of the spring surrounding the great tree.

Magan: Good God... I never imagined there could be this many...

Guildmaster: There is nothing we can do. Not against these numbers. Even removing the amber from the spring would be a feat in itself. Magan... I implore you to evacuate Aslarga. I know what Lady Astoria asked, but you mustn't throw your life away.

Magan: I will urge the citizens to evacuate, yes. But I am Aslarga's provost. And I will not leave as long as one citizen remains.

Guildmaster: B-But...

Sarah: I'm back! Just as I thought, this place is the Land of the Pact. The scenery matches the book, and the words on the gravestone are in Professor Randi's writing. He's been here... The DOE amber in the spring might be remnants of a primordial age. Maybe the monsters that got turned to stone?

...Sarah...

Sarah: Huh...? That's strange, I thought I heard Sasha's voice just now.

...Sarah...

Sarah: That WAS her! Sasha! Sasha, where are you?

Magan: Doctor, I see a figure in the forest. Those red and white clothes... That is Sasha, no?

Sarah: How did she get here...? Sasha, it's dangerous here! Stay right where you are!

Natasha: ......

Sarah: You stowed away on the skyship, didn't you? Naughty girl. ...Sasha?

Natasha: My name is Natasha... I am one of the Keepers... We have watched over the Tree of Life... for generations... I am borrowing this child's voice... to deliver... an important message...

Sarah: Huh!?

Guildmaster: Doctor, I can take her back to town.

Magan: Wait, there's something wrong.

Sarah: Shh! Quiet... She's channeling. It's a shamanic practice where the dead speak through the medium of a living body. Natasha... What is it you want to tell us?

Natasha: A hidden scheme... in the ancient pact... Aeons upon aeons... have they received the sun's light. Muspell plots... her revenge on the Tree... with its power... We sealed... Muspelheim, the Land of Flame... to thwart her vengeance... But the seal... can no longer... hold...

Sarah: Is Muspell still alive?

Natasha: She still... exists today... the Children of Muspell in the spring... are proof of that... Thwart her vengeance... protect the Tree of Life... Defeat Muspell... and her children will be no more...

Sarah: But the Land of Flame is sealed, isn't it?

Natasha: Have this child pray... Pray... to the Tree of Life... Pray... to lift the seal...

Sarah: She's gone...

...Sarah...

Sarah: Sasha? She's at the spring...

Sasha: Sarah! Is this the tree? Wooooow... It's big!

Sarah: Sasha, listen to me. Do you remember what happened just now?

Sasha: Just now? I was taking a nap. When I woke up, I was here.

Sarah: ...I see. Yes, you're right. You were taking a nap. Can you do something for me, Sasha? Can you pray?

Sasha: What's that?

Sarah: It's like making a wish. I want you to ask the Yggdrasil to lift the seal.

Sasha: Okay! Mr. Tree... Hey, Mr. Tree. Please lift the seal. That's what me and Sarah want.

As the spring water recedes, there appear a countless number of DOEs trapped in amber. Also revealed is a set of stone steps, leading below the Yggdrasil's roots...

Guildmaster: Unbelievable...

Magan: Dr. Stein, given these strange events, and what we heard from the channeling...

Sarah: That creation myth sounds more and more plausible. The amount of amber proves there was a battle with the Tree once. Still... the disappearance of the channeling medium and the seal being lifted are hard to believe. Does Muspell really exist? And will all the DOEs really disappear if we defeat her...? The truth is still unknown. But we're sure to uncover it once we go through this new dungeon that just appeared.

> Leave it to us.

• Sarah: Wow...

> Let's bring the truth to light.

• Sarah: Wow...

> We need to be prepared first.

• Sarah: Wow...

Magan: Guildmaster!

Guildmaster: Sir?

Magan: I'm issuing a mission. A mission to explore Muspelheim.

Accepting the mission Master the seventh dungeon

Magan: I can't believe that Muspell exists. Or rather... I don't want to believe it. Power enough to demolish a tree of that size... Just thinking of the scale of it frightens me. I fear for this town... But I can face that fear, because there is something I believe in more strongly than Muspell's existence. That is your courage, and your skill. Please get to the bottom of the Land of Flame... I believe you can get at the truth.

A new dungeon has been unlocked! 7th Branch: Muspelheim

Going in the Skyship Port after accepting the mission Master the seventh dungeon

Mosken: You're going to the seventh dungeon, right? I'll take you there just like always. It'll be my second time flying the new model. I wonder how many times I've taken you out there. I still remember taking you to the first dungeon, before you had a guild. All you had was a knife and some tweed clothes. Your basic greenhorn. And now look at you. A guild full of the top adventurers in town. Pretty impressive, if you ask me. If we'd known what was going on at the Yggdrasil's base before you got here, this'd be a ghost town by now. But enough of that. You got an important job to do. So let's go, shall we? Off to Muspelheim.

In Muspelheim

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 30, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the depths of the dungeon. You see no darkness there, only the angry red of boiling magma. The heat wafting upwards is hot enough to scald you. What you are about to descend into is a hell swirling with hatred...

After defeating the boss

Muspell, the Emberman burning with hatred, collapses. As you witness her fall, you see it... An unmistakable fearless smile is visible on Muspell's face as she sinks into the pool of magma.

> I don't like this...

• You call the Guildmaster on your communicator.

> It's dangerous here.

• You call the Guildmaster on your communicator.

> The others are in danger.

• You call the Guildmaster on your communicator.

Guildmaster: ...Guildmaster speaking. What's wrong? Has something happened? You summarize the situation for him and ask the Guildmaster to clear the dungeon of adventurers and merchants. Thank you for informing us. Leave the rest to us--your role now is to get out of there safely. Soon after you make your way out, the Land of Flame begins to shake violently.

After completing Muspelheim

With a loud rumble, black smoke rises from the Yggdrasil's base. The displaced people stand dumbfounded as they watch. Your thoughts turn to revenge... Did Muspell achieve her vengeance...? Is the Yggdrasil alive and well...? After the smoke settles, you decide to go investigate. Along with the citizens, you head to the Yggdrasil's base.

You find the tree surrounded by a sea of magma. The citizens are unable to hide their shock at the sight.

Niralda: What the hell is this!? Was this area always this bad?

Lizley: Maybe it was that explosion? It really knocked me for a loop. The [guild] Guild saved my neck. I'd have been burned to a crisp if I hadn't gotten the word to evacuate. Me, my Red Lions, and all the adventurers.

Sarah: Muspell had so much power stored... It was far beyond what I had imagined. If Muspell had used all that power before you defeated her, this whole area would have been annihilated. It would have destroyed not just the Yggdrasil, but all of Aslarga, too... This magma was her last resort. She probably used the last of her powers to try to take the Yggdrasil down with her.

Sasha: Sarah, what does take down mean?

Sarah: It's kind of... being a meanie. The monster called Muspell was trying to be a meanie to the Yggdrasil.

Sasha: Oh no! I don't like that monster. I don't want to be her friend.

Mosken: Magma caused by millions of years of built-up hate, huh... Scary stuff. Hey, Muspell was a lady monster, right? Ladies sure can be terrifying...

Kasumi: Mosken, there are ladies present here. Do try to take more care with your words.

Mosken: S-Sorry, Ms. Kasumi.

Kasumi: Though you are correct, it is frightening. A million-year-old grudge, side by side with a town with a scant few years...

Soldier: Uh... Guildmaster, sir... I have a report, sir. A good number of the DOE amber has fallen into the magma, sir. We've confirmed no DOEs in any of the remaining amber, sir.

Guildmaster: You seem unusually meek today. But no matter... Magan... I believe this may be the end of our DOE worries.

Magan: That's a relief. And I'm sure I'm not alone in saying so. It's thanks to the [guild] Guild. As town provost, I cannot thank you enough.

Chano President: Don't forget my contributions! Without Chano Industries' new skyship, we'd all--

Elizabeth: Papa. I told you not to get carried away, remember?

Chano President: Sorry...

Lizley: C'mon, cut him some slack, yeah? This is a happy day! We managed to avoid having the town destroyed!

Niralda: That's worth a celebration. Everyone's hungry, right? I'll offer jumbo portions today... No, make that all-you-can-eat!

Sarah: Wait a second! Scientifically speaking, there's still a loose end here.

Magan: A loose end? What might that be?

Sarah: Sasha's channeling. There's no way a person can vanish into thin air. I think... it was a hoax.

Guildmaster: Are you saying someone set it up? But who would do such a thing?

Sarah: Am I the only one who noticed this? What about you, [guild]?

> I noticed too.

• > It was the Chano craftsmen.
  • Chano President: Wh-Wh-What are you on about!? Our craftsmen are good, but they would never pull such a trick, don'tcha know?
  • Elizabeth: I assure you it's true. My father is a good judge of character, and he would never hire brigands for craftsmen. Nor would he order them to do anything of the sort. I can't imagine him working on anything without a profit in it.
  • Chano President: Elizabeth... What a nice thing to say...
  • Sarah: She's right. It's not the Chano craftsmen.
  • Returns to the previous choice
• > It was Niralda's husband.
  • Niralda: Huh? My hubby!? No, no, no. There's no way. I mean, sure, he sneaks home now and then, but he could never pull off anything on that scale. All my hubby knows how to do is mine amber and dither about his job..
  • Sarah: Yes, it's not Niralda's husband.
  • Returns to the previous choice
• > It was the ex-kunoichi.
  • Sarah: I knew you'd get it. I reached the same conclusion.

> I have no idea.

• Sarah: Then I'll tell you what I think.

Sarah: Kasumi... It was you, wasn't it? You're the one who faked Sasha's channeling.

Guildmaster: But Doctor... the innkeeper wasn't in the dungeon at the time.

Sarah: Kasumi's a former kunoichi. It would have been easy for her to take Sasha while she was napping and sneak onto the skyship. Imitating Sasha's voice wouldn't have been too difficult a trick, either. Kasumi, please tell us the truth. What did you do in the village? And what did you do to Sasha?

Kasumi: ...Very clever, Sarah. I'll talk. I'm sure you're worried about what happened, since Sasha was involved. The Sasha you saw during the channeling was a fake. I released some hallucinatory gas to make you believe it was Sasha. Sasha was safely asleep on the skyship at the time. And that's the whole truth.

Sarah: ...No, it isn't. We still haven't gotten to the truth. That seal that was placed on the Land of Flame... Who lifted it? I don't think it could have been you, Kasumi. And Sasha's prayer was unusual, too. I remember what you said during the channeling, Kasumi. You said the Keepers placed that seal to protect the Yggdrasil from Muspell. If that's true, we should have prayed to the Keepers to lift it. It wouldn't make sense to pray to the Yggdrasil. I don't think the prayer is what lifted the seal at all. Someone other than Kasumi did that.

Kasumi: ......

Sarah: Even if you don't tell us, Kasumi, I have a pretty good idea who it was. What do you think, [guild]?

> We have an idea too.

• > The rich Sir Chano.
  • Chano President: Wh-Wh-What's this now!? I have money, it's true, but don'tcha know I'd never think of using my wealth to get my way?
  • Elizabeths: And I assure you, he speaks the truth. My father loves his riches. He would never fritter it away for this.
  • Chano President: Elizabeth... You bring tears to my eyes.
  • Sarah: It isn't Sir Chano, of course.
  • Returns to the previous choice
• > Magan, the town leader.
  • Magan: Me!? I may be provost, but that doesn't mean I always expect to get my way.
  • Sarah: It isn't Mr. Magan, of course.
  • Returns to the previous choice
• > An expert in labyrinth lore.
  • Sarah: Wait! Don't say anything. I'm sure you figured it out... But I feel I should be the one to say it.

> You should tell us.

• Sarah: ...So you have an idea who it is. Though I suppose I should be the one to tell everyone.

Sarah: ...Excuse me, soldier. Can you remove your armor and helmet?

Soldier: ......

Sarah: When I thought more about it, it seemed too coincidental for that ornate board to be in the Crystalline Peak. I think someone left it in the depths there, with the intent that it would be found. So who left that board on the lowest level? They had to have gotten there before the [guild] Guild ever did. Now, it's easy to get to the Crystalline Peak if you take the underground water vein from the Yggdrasil's base. But only certain people could do that. The only other way... would be to use the Geomagnetic Pole to get there. And to do that, you'd have to have been there before. But that wasn't a problem, was it, Professor Randi?

Guildmaster: What!?

Magan: It can't be...

Soldier: ...Heh.

Randi: I expected nothing less from my pupil. Yes, I left the ornate board and lifted the seal. Fine reasoning, Doctor.

Sasha: Um, Lizley? Who is that man?

Lizley: Huh!? Oh, right... you haven't seen him for over a year. Figures you wouldn't remember.

Sarah: You can reconnect with your daughter later. First, I'd like to know some things. Why were you watching from the sidelines all this time? You'd better have a good answer, or even if you were my teacher...

Randi: I wasn't just watching. I was looking for a way to lift the seal on the Land of Flame in the Keepers' ancient texts. And I was also preparing to get everyone evacuated, just in case. You know Chano Industries' new skyship? I ordered it.

Chano President: That face... Now I remember! You claimed to be a secret envoy from one of those other countries!

Randi: ...There you have it. Though there's no need to evacuate now, with the seal lifted and Muspell defeated. I know you probably have more questions, and more to say, but why don't we return to Aslarga? Exposing all my secrets isn't what's important right now, after all. Better to reward the members of the [guild] Guild for saving Aslarga and the Yggdrasil.

Magan: He's right. We should all head back to town.

Guildmaster: Is the Yggdrasil safe like this? It looks as if it could burn down at any minute.

...True. We can't leave it be...

Sasha: He says he's okay.

Sarah: ...What?

Sasha: The Yggdrasil. It said, 'I'll be okay.'

Sarah: Sasha... how...? You weren't the one behind the channeling or the seal getting lifted... Oh! You really are a descendant of the Keepers, aren't you...

Sasha: Oh, and, and, the tree wants me to tell the heroes something.

Sarah: ...I see. What did the tree say?

Sasha: Um, he says, thank you for saving everyone. And he says, good job.

Sarah: Heheh... This is the first time I've ever heard of adventurers getting thanked by a Yggdrasil tree. But yeah... from all of us, too...

Everyone: Thank you, [guild] Guild!

Credits starts

Post-Credits

Returning to Aslarga

Kasumi: Good morning. I hope you aren't worn out from last night's celebrations. I heard people asked for you well into the night. Which is to be expected, since you were the guest of honor... Did you get enough sleep? Take a while to ease back into it.

Going in Magan's House before reporting the mission Master the seventh dungeon

Magan: It must have been hellish, keeping up so late last night. Did you get enough rest? I'm feeling a bit sleep deprived, myself. Which reminds me, you still haven't filed a report on the Muspell mission. Let's get that taken care of now, shall we?

Going in Stein Labs before reporting the mission Master the seventh dungeon

Randi: Hey, there you are. Sarah's got a bad headache, so she's resting right now. Sasha's staying with her, poor thing. Sasha asked me to watch over the place, so I guess that makes me the acting Vice Director. But I won't be staying long. If there's something you want to ask me, now would be the time.

Reporting the mission Master the seventh dungeon

Magan: Please allow me to thank you properly for protecting our town. I'd like to present you with something. Not as provost, but as a personal gift from myself.

Obtained key item: Music Box!

Magan: I inherited this from my father. It plays different tunes, so I hope you'll enjoy it. There are instructions here, too... ...You seem a bit downcast. Do you not enjoy music?

> I think there are other dungeons.

• Magan: ...Yes. We've only confirmed one Yggdrasil in the area, but there were supposedly many of them in ancient days...

> I think there are other Embermen.

• Magan: ...Yes. We've only confirmed one Yggdrasil in the area, but there were supposedly many of them in ancient days...

> I think there are other lairs.

• Magan: ...Yes. We've only confirmed one Yggdrasil in the area, but there were supposedly many of them in ancient days...

Magan: In which case, there should be other Embermen lairs built below those Yggdrasils too. However... the trees that marked their locations no longer exist. It would be nice if we could find them, but...

Sarah: Sorry to interrupt! Mr. Magan, if I may... Urp. M-May I have a moment of your time?

Magan: Are you feeling well, Dr. Stein? You look a bit peaked...

Sarah: I-I'm fine. I just had one too many Amber Cocktails last night. But something's been bothering me. I don't think Muspelheim was the only Embermen lair out there.

Magan: We were just discussing that very subject. But we don't know how to find these other lairs...

Sarah: Well done, [guild] Guild. I think I know how we might find those lairs. There was a Sacred Gate at the entrance to Muspelheim. It was a seal placed by the Keepers. Based on what Professor Randi told me, the Keepers didn't seal just one location. If we look for other gates... *urrrp*

Magan: I understand. I'll ask the Guildmaster to look into this. We'll let you know when we find the seals, so for now, I urge that you get some rest, Doctor.

Sarah: I-I'm sorry. Well, if you're insisting... Please excuse me.

Going in Stein Labs after reporting the mission Master the seventh dungeon

Lizley: Huh...? Professor, where's Sarah?

Randi: She's in bed with a bad headache. I think she had too much to drink last night.

Lizley: Well, the wine sure was flowing. Though if I had any complaint, I'd say I didn't get enough! But anyway, Professor, something strange is happening at the Yggdrasil's base. The magma's all gone.

Randi: The magma's gone!? What does the area look like now...?

Lizley: It's turned into normal soil. That's why I came back with the Chano Industries folks who went to check it out.

Randi: Hmm... I'll have to have a look myself. I'll go notify Mr. Magan.

Sarah: W-Wait... I-I'm... going with you.

Sasha: Me too!

Sarah: No, Sasha. You stay here.

Sasha: Awwwww. That's boring...

Lizley: Then why don't you play with me? I'll bring you to where we took the Red Lions. It's not a dungeon, so we'll be fine.

Sasha: Yay! I love you, Lizley!

The magma truly is gone...

Magan: Professor, what's your read on this?

Randi: My only theory is... the mystery dungeon. The topographical changes in the seventh dungeon must have echoed to the surface.

Magan: It's almost as if it's reverted to the way it was before the magma came out. I'm worried... Muspell might revive.

Randi: According to the Keepers' ancient texts, the Embermen do have the power to come back to life. But it won't be here. A passage I found said, 'Any dead bearing a grudge, human or Emberman, will find its way to the Equinox Garden...' Even if she revives there, Muspell's used all her stored energy. She doesn't have the power to pose a threat.

Magan: That's a relief to hear... I can breathe a bit easier, knowing that.

Sarah: I'm back! There's no magma in the seventh dungeon either. All traces of Muspell are completely gone. Oh... the skyship's coming this way. I think I see someone waving at us... It's the Guildmaster!

Guildmaster: We found a Sacred Gate that we believe to be a seal, just as Sarah speculated. In fact... we found two of them.

Sarah: So those are our eighth and ninth dungeons. Professor, can you lift the seal on those dungeons?

Randi: I'll try. Maybe the same method I used on the seventh dungeon will work. Sarah, can you do me a favor? I need someone to keep deciphering those texts. I'm confident they'll lead us to new lairs. I've marked passages with information that might pertain to them. Focus on those sections, if you could.

Sarah: You got it. Deciphering dead languages is right up my alley!

In the Forest of Gates

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 32, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the lowest level and turn your ears to it, listening carefully... You are met with only a deafening silence. You sense no monsters below. Could there be no Embermen ahead...?

After reaching the last floor

There is a Geomagnetic Pole up ahead. Beyond it, you see an enormous stone statue... What is it depicting? The statue appears to sit on a pedestal surrounded by water. It's too dark to see from here, but perhaps if you approach...

Going in the topmost tile in the last floor for the first time

The stone statue seems divine rather than sinister, as if it inspires awe in all those who look upon it... There are seven pedestals in the water, upon which you see only crumbled stone. Were there once eight statues here...? At your feet you find what seems to be a fragment of a stone statue. You pick it up to examine it.

Obtained Statue Shard!

Going in the topmost tile in the last floor afterwards

The enormous stone statue sits on its pedestal surrounded by water, never to move and never to crumble.

In the Thunderous Cave

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 14, for the first time

You reach the stairs to the lowest level. Is the monster called the Storm Emperor waiting beyond these stairs...?

In the Glacial Cave

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 14, for the first time

You reach the stairs to the lowest level. Is the monster called the Blizzard King waiting beyond these stairs...?

In the Burning Cave

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 12, for the first time

You reach the stairs to the lowest level. Is the monster called the Great Dragon waiting beyond these stairs...?

In the Equinox Garden

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 38, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the lowest level and turn your ears to it, listening carefully... You are met with only a deafening silence. However, you detect several sinister presences... One of which feels familiar.

In Utopia

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 15, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the lowest level and turn your ears to it, listening carefully... You hear only the sound of running water. But you feel a distinct presence... The Embermen come at once to mind.

In Mysterious Forest

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 30, for the first time

You arrive at the stairs to the bottom floor. Past them, you spot a Geomagnetic Pole, by which you can return to town.

In the Phantom Depths

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 60, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the lowest level and turn your ears to it, listening carefully... You are met with only a deafening silence. But you feel a distinct presence... The Embermen come at once to mind.

In the Champion's Hall

After reaching the last downstairs, in floor 38, for the first time

You reach the stairs down to the lowest level and turn your ears to it, listening carefully... You are met with only a deafening silence. But you feel a fearsome presence... Could it be the strongest of the Embermen...?

After reporting the missions Explore the Forest of Gates and Explore the Equinox Garden

Before reporting the quest Investigate Mysterious Forest

Magan: Oh yes, I have an announcement. We've uncovered the location of the Champion's Hall, our name for the twelfth dungeon. And I've just received word that Professor Randi has succeeded in lifting the seal. We also know where to find the eleventh dungeon, the Phantom Depths, but we haven't cracked the seal on that one yet. I hear the usual methods aren't working in that case. It may be a different type of seal, like the three dragons'. I'll prepare a mission for the Champion's Hall immediately. Please wait a moment.

After reporting the quest Investigate Mysterious Forest

Oh yes, I have an announcement. We've uncovered the location of the Champion's Hall, our name for the twelfth dungeon. And I've just received word that Professor Randi has succeeded in lifting the seal. I'll prepare a mission immediately.

After reporting all missions and completing all dungeons

Going in Magan's House

A new Embermen lair? We're still searching, but... I haven't received word of any new discoveries lately.

Quitting Magan's House

Magan: Oh, it's the Guildmaster. And I see Professor Randi and Dr. Stein are with him.

Guildmaster: I have an update on our search for the Embermen lairs... We have not yet located any new seals. I believe we've exhausted our search in this area. I think it's safe to end it there for now, by your leave of course.

Magan: As you say, then. Professor Randi, Dr. Stein. Thank you for all your contributions.

Sarah: Oh, the Professor was the one who lifted the seals. All I did was decipher some old texts.

Randi: And even my role paled in comparison to the explorers who mastered the dungeons, finding the truth in their depths.

Guildmaster: And let's not forget about the people of Aslarga who supported the [guild] Guild's exploits.

Magan: That's correct. Everyone is indispensable. They worked hard for Aslarga to become what it is... We all did. Astoria... She must be pleased. The vow we made a year ago, to protect the town... We've fulfilled it.

Afterwards, Aslarga continued to grow. As its population increased, the borders expanded, and it became a nation. This remote nation, with as much power as any of its neighbors, remained pristine, beautiful, and free from war and invasion. This was in large part due to the efforts of Lars, also known as Magan, the provost of Aslarga. Lars' work in honor of his wife Astoria prompted many citizens to ask that he take the throne. Yet he remained provost. The reasons for his decision are unknown. But his past as heir to the throne in another country may have been a factor. He spends his days busy with his work as provost. Yet there are always flowers in his garden and at his wife's grave. Gabriel, the Guildmaster, continues to serve Lars, and to support the adventurers who travel to Aslarga. His thoughtful advice won the respect of many adventurers. It wasn't unusual to see him to dispense it over a few drinks. But as for his emotional state as a result of the Amber Cocktails... it's better left unsaid. Niralda still runs the Amber Restaurant, known throughout Aslarga. Her indecisive husband retired from adventuring before mastering any of the classes. He is now Niralda's assistant. The two bore five sons and four daughters, making for a very lively household and restaurant. Don Chano, president of Chano Industries, had a gift for recognizing talent and trends. Over the objections of his advisors, he retired just as his company saw rapid growth, leaving it in his daughter's hands. He moved to a place near where his wife was recuperating, and started a small smithy with a few retired craftsmen. Elizabeth Chano displayed a business acumen surpassing even her father, the company founder. In the few years since she took up a management role, she led the company to its position as the leader in its field. Chano Retail branch stores opened in many countries, but never in dungeons, out of courtesy to a certain merchant. Lizley, the merchant who ran the Red Lion Shoppe, continued to travel from place to place to hawk her wares. One rumor said Chano tried to recruit her, but she declined their generous offer due to the lack of handsome guys. She kept in contact with Sarah and Sasha. Whenever her Red Lions had cubs, she came around beaming to show them off. Kasumi and her staff continued to watch over the citizens, especially fugitives and refugees, from the shadows. She received a skyship from Professor Randi as her reward for protecting him, but simply gifted it to Mosken instead. One day, she suddenly vanished. There were rumors she was finally caught by her pursuers, but no one knows the truth. The skyship captain Mosken left no stone unturned trying to find her, desperate to repay her kindness in saving him. He hunted down leads in between making transportation runs to other countries, but every trail ran cold. Growing impatient, he took the skyship given to him on a journey to find Kasumi. He never returned to Aslarga. Sarah's mentor, Professor Nixon Randi, published a revised edition of The Pact of the Tree of Life and the Embermen. The new edition was credited to coauthor Dr. Sarah Stein, for the work she did in deciphering the ancient texts. After the book was out, he devoted his time to raising Sasha, who did eventually start calling him Papa. Sasha Randi, descendant of the Keepers, grew up surrounded by people in the land where her mother rests. She later enrolled in the town's Academy of Labyrinth Archaeology, founded by her father, and did a thesis on the Red Lions. Her mystic ability to communicate with the Yggdrasil faded as she grew older, but she remained friends with the tree. Dr. Sarah Stein considered her research in Aslarga complete once the new edition of Professor Randi's book was published. She left Stein Labs to the Professor and went on a journey to find new dungeon legends. Along the way, she compiled scores of dungeon legends into a book, and became a leading light in her field of study. And the guild who mastered every dungeon in the Aslarga area... The [guild] Guild. What became of them? Some say they quested for the holy grail, and others hold that they searched for El Dorado. Neither could be proven... But one fact is undeniable: they've left their mark on Aslarga's history, and will always be in its people's memory. A book on [guild]'s achievements was read by generations to come: a book called Aslarga Adventures.

Going in Magan's House after seeing the cutscene showing what happens several years later

Magan: I have a reward for your accomplishment in mastering all the dungeons.

Obtained key item: Music Disc!

Magan: It's a Music Disc for the present I gave you last time. I hope you'll enjoy the new music on it.

Trivia

• Professor Randi's books "The Tale of the Remote Forest", "The Airborne Northern Castle" and "Secrets of the Deep City" are references to Etrian Odyssey, Etrian Odyssey II and Etrian Odyssey III.