Time Express

Time Express is the first mission in Serval and Gepard's Companion Mission chain. It is part of the Slices of Life Before the Furnace chapter that takes place on Jarilo-VI.
==Acquisition==
After reaching Trailblaze Level 24 and completing , read the message received from Serval.
==Steps==
#Head to the Goethe Hotel for your appointment
#Report back to Serval
#Go to the Qlipoth Fort with Gepard
#Return to the workshop with the duo
#Help Serval pack her things (0/4)
#Talk with the Landau Siblings
==Dialogue==
===Receive a message from Serval===
:
===Head to the Goethe Hotel for your appointment===
;(Talk to Serval)
:Serval: ...Where did they get to?
:Serval: Ah, speak of the devil! I was just wondering when you might show up, hehe.
: I never say no to a free afternoon tea...
::Serval: Don't worry, there's enough to go around! On the house — order whatever you like.
: Didn't realize you were in such a hurry... I'm not ready yet.
::Serval: Ready? My stomach's always ready for food and drink!
: Have you placed my orders yet?
::Serval: ...Huh? What orders?
::Serval: Oops, forgot to check my messages...
::Serval: Sorry, my bad... but it's not too late! You can order anything you want!
:Serval: There's something I need your help with — I had to make it up to you somehow.
:Serval: ...Looks like we're not the only ones who wanted afternoon tea today though. We'll have to stand up for the time being.
: Well, I'll help myself to the tea then.
::Serval: Haha, don't drink too much, or you won't be able to sleep tonight.
::Serval: Anyway... about the something I needed your help with.
:: No need for the formalities. Let's hear it!
:::Serval: Well, you're clearly better traveled than I am, and I know how generous you are... I feel embarrassed to ask now...
:: You have my attention... as long as the afternoon tea keeps flowing.
:::Serval: Ha, don't get ahead of yourself, this might be more complicated than you think...
:: Already sounds dangerous — bye!
:::Serval: Wait, don't go! Take it easy, I just wanted to ask you a question...
: ...This "something..." is it a favor?
::Serval: *sigh* Was it that obvious? I'm out of practice...
:: No need for the formalities. Let's hear it!
:::Serval: Well, you're clearly better traveled than I am, and I know how generous you are... I feel embarrassed to ask now...
:: You have my attention... as long as the afternoon tea keeps flowing.
:::Serval: Ha, don't get ahead of yourself, this might be more complicated than you think...
:: This is the price you pay for cleaning.
:::Serval: Uh... You still remember that?
:Serval: Uh, how can I put this...
:Serval: If I remember correctly, you, March, and Dan Heng came here on that train — the "Astral Express" — right?
:Serval: I was wondering... is the train accepting new passengers?
: Why are you asking this all of a sudden?
::Serval: Well, i—it's just... the dust has settled now. The Stellaron problem has been resolved, and Cocolia...
::Serval: ...Forget it, it's nothing! Forget I said anything.
: Um... You need to pass the Boarding Exam first.
::Serval: Boarding Exam? Like a test? I can do that! That sounds like the admission system that schools in Belobog use!
::Serval: I'm wondering though, are there any restrictions against, uh... "aliens" like me from boarding the train?
: Such matters aren't up to me, I'm afraid I'll have to ask around first.
::Serval: ...I guessed as much, hehe.
:Serval: You see, there's not much left for me here except to carry on repairing equipment in the workshop... I like practicing the guitar, and performances are fun, but the crowds are pretty small.
:Serval: Besides, I'm a researcher... how could I not get excited about the chance to explore new worlds up close? Everyone gets tired of living in small places like Belobog after a few years, right?
: I understand how you feel. Welcome aboard!
::Serval: Really? You're gonna say yes just like that?
:: ...But I'll still have to ask the others for their input first.
::Serval: I understand. I'm counting on you!
: I can consult an expert opinion on your behalf...
::Serval: Okay, okay, I—I'm counting on you!
:Serval: I know this is a lot to ask out of the blue, so apologies in advance.
: Not a problem, just leave it to me.
::Serval: Haha, I knew I could count on you!
: Not like you to be so serious...
::Serval: Hehe, this is a pretty big ask~
: Action speaks louder than words...
::Serval: ...Actions? Ohhhh, I get you! Another plate of delicious snacks, coming right up!
:Serval: ...
----
:(Trailblazer): (There goes Serval... I better send Himeko a text and ask about the request...)
:(Trailblazer): (...or I guess I could ask Mr. Yang — or Pom-Pom?)
:(Trailblazer): (Hmm, who's the best one to ask...?)
: Himeko.
::(Trailblazer): (Let's send a message to Himeko...)
: Mr. Yang.
::(Trailblazer): (Let's send a message to Mr. Yang...)
: The conductor — Pom-Pom.
::(Trailblazer): (Let's send a message to Pom-Pom...)
----
===Report back to Serval===
;(Approach Serval)
:Gepard: You should go and talk to Lady Bronya, Serval. It was her personal invite, after all...
:Serval: Ugh... I know, I know. Let me think about it...
: What are you guys chatting about?
: Serval, I already asked them...
::Serval: Huh? (Trailblazer), you're just in time! Any news yet?
: Is this a bad time?
::Serval: Oh! No, not at all! I could do with a hand, actually...
:Gepard: Perfect timing, (Trailblazer) — please talk some sense into her.
:Serval: *sigh* I knew it...
: So, am I supposed to be the good cop here?
::Serval: ...Hey, you're taking his side already!?
: I try to stay out of family squabbles...
::Serval: Y'know what, you're right — we should work these things out on our own...
: I'm not taking sides — I don't even know what the deal is.
::Serval: That's just it — there is no deal...
:Gepard: ..Serval, I understand your reluctance to rejoin the Silvermane Guards.
:Gepard: But Lady Bronya values your talent, and she sees how much you could contribute to the rejuvenation of Belobog... so I came to talk to you about it.
:Gepard: In any case, you should at least pay her a visit.
:Serval: ...
:Serval: Okay... I get it. I'll make a trip to Qlipoth Fort and tell Bronya what I really think.
:Serval: Sorry, (Trailblazer) — I need to get this over with. Let me know what they said when I get back.
----
:Gepard: *sigh* ...Same old Serval.
: What happened?
: That's your sister for you.
::Gepard: Is she creating trouble for you too?
: Was Bronya caught off guard by her desire to join the Astral Express?
::Gepard: Join the Express?
::Gepard: I see... no wonder she seemed so flustered. So that's what's on her mind...
:Gepard: Ah, sorry, my head's still in the argument. It's like this.
:Gepard: As you know, my sister used to be one of the research team leads in the Silvermane Guards Technology Division. Stellarons were her main area of research.
:Gepard: But her expertise went far beyond Stellarons. She was and still is well versed in mechanical engineering and other fields.
:Gepard: Immediately after her succession, Lady Bronya set her sights on Serval's talents. The supreme guardian wants her to resume her technological research and be a shining light for the revitalization of Belobog.
:Gepard: However... you saw her attitude just now. I doubt her meeting with Lady Bronya will change anything — it'll probably just leave them both feeling dejected.
: Maybe she just wants to see the outside world.
: I couldn't stand an office job either...
:Gepard: Mm... I think there's more than one element to it.
:Gepard: My intuition tells me this is mostly linked to Madam Cocolia's passing.
: I thought they became enemies a long time ago?
::Gepard: That's true, but...
: Sounds like you've got a story to tell. Let's hear it.
:Gepard: *sigh* Never mind, it's just a personal hunch. I've never been good at reading my sister's mind.
:Gepard: I can tell the two of you have a close bond. If you get the chance, see if you can persuade her to open up about it.
:Gepard: ...Hand on heart, I wouldn't want to see her sitting behind a desk in Qlipoth Fort and sighing all day either...
:Gepard: Belobog is too small a place for a mind as inquisitive as Serval's... Maybe it would be better for her to join you on your journey.
:Gepard: *sigh* ...I'll admit, I'm a little worried about how she plans on getting all this across to Lady Bronya.
:Gepard: (Trailblazer), are you busy? Let's go and wait for her in front of Qlipoth Fort.
===Go to the Qlipoth Fort with Gepard===
;(Talk to Gepard)
:Gepard: Doesn't seem like they've finished talking yet. I hope it's not turning into a shouting match... Let's go in.
----
:Bronya: ...I understand your circumstances, Serval. I respect your choice.
:Bronya: It was my mistake to make an unwarranted request without considering your own wishes.
:Bronya: Allow me to offer you my apologies... I hope you don't take this matter to heart.
:Serval: N—No need, Bronya! You're a supreme guardian now. Don't let a little thing like this...
:Serval: Besides, I'm the one who should be apologizing — I've put my own personal reasons ahead of Belobog's reconstruction...
:Bronya: I get it, Serval. After all, you and mother...
:Serval: ...
:Bronya: ...Sorry, I don't mean to open up old wounds...
:Bronya: ...but there's something I need to ask you.
:Bronya: This guitar... I found it after going through mother's old things.
:Bronya: She was never a music lover, so... I thought this might be connected to you...
:Serval: Cocolia, you...
:Bronya: Huh?
:Serval: ...I—It's nothing. You're right, it does belong to me.
:Serval: ...In fact, it once belonged to me and Cocolia. It was our shared treasure. If you don't mind, Bronya... could I take it back to the workshop?
:Bronya: ...Of course. I—I'm sure there's a story behind it, but that's between you and mother — I won't pry.
:Bronya: I hope you have an amazing journey, Serval. Do remember to visit home when you get the chance.
:Serval: ...
:Serval: ...I will. Thank you, Bronya.
----
:Serval: I assume you heard our conversation just now?
:Serval: I didn't expect her to be so open-minded... and she didn't even try to persuade me to stay. She didn't summon me just to return the guitar, did she?
:Gepard: I wouldn't rule it out — she's good at reading people's minds... she would've known that you'd never set foot in Qlipoth Fort voluntarily.
:Serval: ...After all these years, I never thought I'd set eyes on this guitar again. *sigh* Guess we're stuck with each other...
: So what's the story behind it?
::Serval: ...Well, it'll take a while to tell.
: Did Cocolia like rock 'n' roll too?
::Gepard: If she did, I never knew about it.
::Serval: The story behind this guitar... huh, it'll take a while to tell.
:Serval: When we were in cadet school, Cocolia and I were notoriously disruptive — we were always coming up with the next crazy invention... We called it "exploring the infinite possibilities of new technologies."
:Serval: This guitar was one of those inventions. Cocolia came up with a name...
:Serval: ...the "super electromagnetic flux player," or "electric guitar" for short.
: So she was tech-savvy too?
::Serval: Not really, no. She was a military history major — very different from what I was doing.
::Serval: Still, we hung out every day, it's only natural that my love for inventing would rub off on her.
: Wait, you sure you didn't come up with that name?
::Serval: Don't believe me? Let me tell you, Cocolia and I shared a similar way of thinking back in the day.
::Serval: It's a bit of a mouthful, but I liked it at the time... it was a rock 'n' roll name.
:Serval: ...*sigh*, I told you it'd take a while to tell the story — let's get back to the workshop first. By the way... wanna help me pack my bags?
:Gepard: ...
===Return to the workshop with the duo===
;(Immediately after dialogue ends)
:Serval: ...Huh? That melody...
:Gepard: ...That's one of yours, right?
:Serval: ...
:Serval: I didn't think many people liked that one... Seems the city might have a few nice memories of me after I'm gone.
:Serval: Well, it's getting late, let's head back.
----
;(Talk to Serval in the workshop)
: What should we do now?
:Serval: Ah... There's no place like home. I never feel completely free out there.
:Serval: Gepard, can you lend your dear sister a hand? Help me pack my bags~
:Gepard: Am I allowed to refuse? This place... Just looking around gives me a headache.
:Serval: Okay, okay, I promise this is the last time.
:Serval: I'm about to go traveling with (Trailblazer) — who knows how long it'll be before I can visit home again. You should help me pack while you still have the chance.
:Gepard: ...Fine. I'll give you a hand.
:Serval: (Trailblazer), you just need to make yourself at home. You've done plenty of work already!
===Help Serval pack her things (0/4)===
;(Talk to Gepard, optional)
:Gepard: ...And I thought I was messy.
:(Trailblazer): (Looks like Gepard got his work cut out for him...)
----
: Mysterious plant specimens
: Serval, what kind of plant is this?
:Serval: Oh, that~ It's a botanical specimen — little Lynxy sent it during one of her research trips.
:Serval: As for the name... I can't quite recall...
:Gepard: ...Snowman's palm.
:Gepard: And "little Lynxy" is the youngest sister of the Landau family, by the way...
:Serval: Ah! Yes, yes, — snowman's palm! Ugh, my memory is the worst.
:Gepard: It's the only plant here that looks like it's still alive...
:Serval: Hey! Watch it.
:Serval: ...Anyway, this specimen means a lot to me, so I'm bringing it with me. Thanks for the reminder, (Trailblazer).
: Unfinished letter
: Serval, what's this on the desk?
:Serval: Oh, that's a letter I was gonna send to my mom. I haven't even finished writing it.
:Serval: There's nothing personal in it — have a read if you like.
:Gepard: You're still writing to Mom and Dad...?
:Serval: Only to Mom. You know I still don't get along with Dad.
:Gepard: Y'know Serval, if you're really leaving Belobog for a while... you should pay them a visit first.
:Serval: ...Mm. I'll think about it.
: Serval's guitar
: Serval, can we hear more about this guitar now?
:Serval: Since you're so curious, I'll give you the whole story.
:Serval: This guitar... was actually given to me as a birthday present by Cocolia a long time ago.
:Serval: I came up with the design, but I was never able to build it — some of the raw materials were either too expensive or too hard to get a hold of. She helped me turn the concept into reality.
:Serval: Quick as lightning, always keeping her word — that was her way of doing things. Back then... I thought we'd be friends for life.
:Gepard: If it was a gift... why was it in Madam Cocolia's office?
:Serval: I don't think anyone realized, but back then we were so close we didn't even differentiate between each other's possessions. We shared pretty much everything.
:Serval: We lived in the same dormitory, went to the same school together every day, ate together, whiled away the time together... and occasionally talked about music together — though it wasn't something she was overly familiar with.
:Serval: That's how things were until the day we fell out. A lot of our shared possessions never left her office again...
:Serval: I was always looking forward to the day she'd return this guitar... I thought that would be the day we could bury the hatchet.
:Serval: Now that I think about it... perhaps I was too naive. She'd probably forgotten it even existed.
:Serval: And that's the only Cocolia you guys ever got to know, huh... Always ahead of everyone else, never looking back, even for a second...
:Serval: ...She put it all out of her mind. Me, and every memory to do with me...
: ...She may have been colder than you thought to begin with.
::Serval: ...You think so too?
: You didn't do anything wrong, Serval.
::Serval: *sigh* I know... but that's what makes it harder.
:Gepard: Let bygones be bygones, sister.
:Serval: How did the conversation get so heavy again!? No good — let's talk about something interesting.
:Serval: You know something, Gepard? That guitar case in your hand, and my guitar... They're both from the same prototype — the "super electromagnetic flux player."
:Gepard: I never knew your guitar had a connection to me too.... Quite the story.
: Repair
: What's in the case, Serval?
:Serval: Well... let's see. Ah, yes — a Silvermane Guard standard issue portable heater. I—It's broken, though.
:Gepard: It's a family heirloom — it belonged to Rhonda once... You should take care of it.
:Serval: *sigh* I wanted to keep it with me... but that's the problem with old things — the less you use them, the easier they break. Besides, no one's paying me to fix it, right?
:Serval: Hey, wait a minute! (Trailblazer), didn't I teach you a few machine-overhaul skills? Wanna practice on this old antique?
:Gepard: Here we go again...
: Sure. How do I fix it?
::Gepard: (Trailblazer), you don't have to do everything she tells you...
: Lil' Geppie... Did she order you around like this too?
::Gepard: *sigh* ...Like I said, let bygones be bygones.
:Serval: ...The principle behind this machine and the one you fixed when you first came to the workshop is the same. You'll understand when you see it.
:Serval: So, I'll leave this one to you, (Trailblazer). In return... how about I tell you the backstory behind it?
: No problem, let me have a look...
::Serval: I knew you were a reliable apprentice, (Trailblazer)!
: Do I have a choice?
::Serval: Hehe, come on, it isn't that difficult.
: Maybe we shouldn't let you join the Astral Express after all...
::Serval: What!? No! No, no, no — can't you see I'm just short of hands here?
:Serval: Think about it — you helped me fix my machine the first time you came here, and now you're helping me the last time too... That's called having a beginning and an end, right?
:Gepard: ...Well done for putting up with her for this long, (Trailblazer).
;(Solve Magflow Link puzzle)
:Serval: Wow, great job, (Trailblazer)! Like I said — a reliable apprentice!
:Serval: As promised, let me tell you the story behind this little heater.
:Serval: Its original owner was an ancestor of the Landau family — Rhonda Landau. She was one of our great heroes who participated in the Defense of Belobog 700 years ago.
:Serval: The records tell that during the decisive battle, she led two Silvermane Guard brigades. She engaged the enemy for four full days and nights in the fight for the city... I still have the newspaper clippings from that time — I'll show you when I get the chance.
: She must have been pretty strong...
::Serval: Of course, after all, she was a Landau!
: I think I've seen the clippings before...
::Gepard: 700-year-old newspaper clippings? That... seems a little unlikely.
::Gepard: I'd take that with a grain of salt. Even if they do exist, odds are she lost them.
::Serval: Ugh, the clippings aren't the point — what I'm trying to say to (Trailblazer) is that we have a lot of talent in the Landau family!
:Gepard: Mm — "take responsibility for your choices and the people of Belobog..." Every Landau is driven by that ethos.
----
;(After helping Serval pack)
:Serval: That should be everything...
===Talk with the Landau Siblings===
;(Talk to Serval)
: What should we do now?
:Serval: Phew... finally. I think I must have left cadet school with about the same amount...
:Gepard: No easy job. Serval, I want to ask you again...
:Gepard: Do you... really want to leave Belobog and go with the Trailblazers?
:Serval: ...Of course! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — I can't miss it.
:Serval: What's wrong, Gepard? Ahh, I see... Can't let go of your dear ol' sister, eh?
:Gepard: I... Forget it. I don't want to complicate things for you.
:Gepard: But before you leave, I have one last request to make. The Garrison is heading down to the Underworld soon to survey the situation around Boulder Town. Why don't you come with me?
:Serval: ...Huh? You just said you didn't wanna complicate things for me, and now you're sending me on a mission...
:Serval: Ahaa~ You just wanna spend as much time as possible with me before I go, right?
:Gepard: ...
:Gepard: N—No, it's not that... I've heard there are a lot of old energy hubs in the Underworld, and you're probably the only person in Belobog who knows how to inspect them.
:Gepard: Since you're leaving one way or the other, why don't you do the people of the city one last favor before you go?
:Serval: Even at a time like this, you're still thinking about the people... *sigh* I don't know what to say.
:Serval: Alright, I'll help you out — the first and last time the Landau siblings will work together!
:Gepard: Thanks, sis. (Trailblazer), if you have the time, could you accompany the Garrison?
:Gepard: You're Belobog's hero — I'm sure you must be popular in the Underworld. The Silvermane Guards will face less resistance if you come with us.
: Of course, remember to send me a message in advance.
:Gepard: Thanks. I'll contact you when the Guards have finished their preparations.
:Serval: *sigh* ...I'm tired of packing. Let's leave it here for today. Thanks for your help.
:Serval: *yawn* I drank all that tea. Why am I getting sleepy?
;(Mission complete)
===Post-Mission===
;(Talk to Gepard)
:Gepard: I'm heading back to the military zone later. (Trailblazer), do you want to go with me?
: What do you think about this whole matter with Serval?
::Gepard: Huh? Hmm. If you want my opinion...
::Gepard: All I can say is that it's in character for her to say something and then do it without thinking. She's always been impulsive, and she doesn't mind creating a headache or two along the way...
::Gepard: ...If she can remedy that habit during her trip with you, then I guess it will have been worth it.
:: You're sad to see her go, aren't you?
:::Gepard: Turns out I'm no good at hiding it...
:::Gepard: *sigh* She's my sister — we grew up together. I'd be lying if I said I'm not going to miss her.
:::Gepard: I'm not afraid of being alone. After all, there's that, uh... communication device you gave me. If I really miss her, I can send her a message whenever I want.
:::Gepard: It's more that I'm worried she won't look after herself properly... Then again, with capable people like you as travel companions, I'm probably overthinking things.
:: I'm happy to be able to travel with her. It won't be a chore.
:::Gepard: You're... a very reliable person, (Trailblazer). Even I feel lucky to have you as her travel companion.
:::Gepard: Still, don't underestimate her ability to drive people crazy... If at some point your crew can't take it anymore, just send her back.
:::Gepard: Pela and I are probably the only ones in the world who know how to handle her... oh, and that assistant of hers too — Molly.
::Gepard: It's getting late, let's get ready to move. Is there something else you wanted to talk about?
: We should get ready to head out.
::Gepard: Agreed — as soon as you're packed.
----
;(Talk to Serval)
: Have you really made up your mind to leave?
:Serval: Yes, I've been preparing myself mentally for a long time. If I back out now, it'll be a huge loss.
: Can you bear to leave Gepard here by himself?
::Serval: Well... would you believe me if I said yes?
::Serval: Haha, he is my brother by blood after all. How can I leave him all alone? But... I don't have any other choice.
::Serval: Also, i—it's not like I'm never coming back. And if I really miss him... I can just pester the heck outta him over the phone, right?
::Serval: There's always a way for me to contact him if I need to, so don't worry!
: The reason you want to leave isn't so simple, is it?
::Serval: Hm... you can see right through me.
::Serval: I'm sorry, I'm not ready to talk to anyone about the reasons behind my decision... I hope you can understand.
: Okay, I respect your choice.
::Serval: Haha, thank you. Make sure you look after me now~
==Other Languages==
==Change History==