Elbrand

'Quiet down. You won't like me when I'm on edge.'

*Elbrand - Retired veteran and intern doctor at the Kaist Church.*

*The Iron Fisted Doctor, resists damage*

## Intro

When he looks up, it was already afternoon, and the orange sunlight had spread across the table, clearly on its last legs. It was still bright in the west. Elbrand stands up, his left shoulder aching. He tries to move it around, but his robotic arm creaks, as it hasn't been used in a while.

Elbrand closes the medical file in front of him, and walks to the window. In a split second, half of the sunlight in the room is blocked out. Were he to take off his white coat, no one would suspect that this buff and stern middle-aged man were an intern doctor at the Kaist Church.

'Squeak...'

Elbrand is startled by the sound of the door opening. The shrill sound recalls the hellish world of his past, but Mercy's voice brings him back to the present again.

'Can you take a look at this patient, Elbrand?' Mercy asks, her head poking through the door that is only slightly ajar. The setting sun casts Elbrand's shadow in her direction.

'Show them in,' Elbrand says, sitting at the desk. He takes a deep breath. The air is quiet and devoid of tension and sand, and Elbrand feels a little out of his element.

The patient sits down, and Elbrand speaks: 'Well, then.' His voice is a little hoarse at first, but it clears up quickly. 'What's the problem?' He calms down, focuses, and begins to answer his new calling.

### Forming a Pact

**Elbrand's rarity:** SSR

**Max Epiphany without Illumination:** Level 6

The player can form a pact with Elbrand by the following methods:

* Starter Summon
	+ Use 28 Heart Stones to add this Gyee to the Starter Summon pool.
* Limited Summon
	+ You can form a pact with Elbrand by summoning him on his limited-time banner.

## Skills

### Basic

**Skill Level**
1. 37%
2. 40%
3. 43%
4. 46%
	+ If target has a lower percent of HP than self, adds 1 stack of Heat.

### Advanced

* Regeneration Barrier: Shield grands Elbrand a shield that absorbs damage worth M.ATK \*[Skill Level]. Upon adding, removes all Bleed effects. While in effect, increases healing by 15%. Lasts 2 rounds. When Shield reaches 0, effect is lost. Can be dispelled.
* Flux Illusion: This effect can only exist on one ally at a time. Once added, the cooldowns of all skills are reset and all Energy is restored before taking action in the first round. This effect lasts 2 rounds, cannot be dispelled, and is removed upon defeat. When this effect is lost, the unit that has it is immediately defeated and cannot be revived.

**Skill Level**
1. 75%, 82%
2. 81%, 89%
3. 87%, 96%
4. 93%, 103%
	+ If target's HP percentage is not greater than own, adds 1 stack of Heat.
* **Energy Recovery**
	+ If Regeneration Barrier is removed before unnaturally expiring, it immediately restores HP worth M.ATK \*100% Elbrand's HP.

### Ultimate

* Dust Camo: Each stack grants immunity to 1 attack's damage. Lasts 2 rounds. Can be dispelled. Stackable up to 2 times.
* Overload: Stun state. While the effect is active, the character goes out of control. Effect lasts 1 round, can be purified, and is lost upon death.

**Skill Level**
1. **Blazing Punch I:** 59% **Blazing Punch II:** 75% **Blazing Punch III:** 52% dmg & 82% heal **Supercharge:** 4%
2. **Blazing Punch I:** 64% **Blazing Punch II:** 81% **Blazing Punch III:** 56% dmg & 89% heal **Supercharge:** 5%
3. **Blazing Punch I:** 69% **Blazing Punch II:** 87% **Blazing Punch III:** 61% dmg & 96% heal **Supercharge:** 6%
4. **Blazing Punch I:** 74% **Blazing Punch II:** 93% **Blazing Punch III:** 65% dmg & 103% heal **Supercharge:** 7%
	+ Blazing Punch III's healing effect increases by 20%.
* **Sustained Release Potion**
	+ Blazing Punch III adds Sustained Release Potion
		- Sustained Release Potion: Restores HP worth M.ATK \*100% every round for Elbrand. This effect lasts 3 rounds, can be dispelled, and is lost upon defeat.
* **Camo Device**
	+ Blazing Punch - Supercharge adds 1 stack of Dust Camo to allies.

### Mastery

* First-Aid Kit: After taking damage, if HP is lower than 50%, then grants 1 round of God and removes First-Aid Kit. Before removing these effects, adds 1 stack of Heat to Elbrand. This effect lasts until the end of battle, cannot be dispelled, and is removed at the end of battle or when the character that inflicts it is defeated.
* Heat: Each stack increases own damage by 4% and reduces own damage taken by 4%. This effect lasts until the end of battle, cannot be dispelled, and is removed upon defeat. Stackable up to 5 times.

## Imprint

### Basic Engraving

* Benevolence Engraving (Reduce critical M.DMG by 1.38% per Engraving level)
	+ Each engraving level requires I.N. Flux - Metal x120 and Gold x25,000

### Imprint Skill

The following Imprint Skill can be equipped on other Gyees and Avatars once unlocked.

## Intimacy

### Date Choices

Dates will give either 500, 700, or 900 intimacy points depending on the choice selected.

* **Therapy - Elbrand is struggling with his own mental obstacles.**
	+ **Cue:** I don't know if this rehab will work.
		- Have Elbrand try hypnosis.
		*700 Intimacy*
		- Recommend treatments that don't require the use of sharp objects, like massage and moxibustion.
		*900 Intimacy*
		- Keep going with the exposure therapy.
		*500 Intimacy*

* **Sale - The Kaist Church is holding a charity sale. Elbrand hopes you'll give him some guidance.**
	+ **Cue:** Yeah. This is a charity sale organized by the Kaist Church and the Order of Equality. As an intern at the church, I have to take part.
		- The childrens' booth.
		*900 Intimacy*
		- The firearms booth.
		*500 Intimacy*
		- The crops booth.
		*700 Intimacy*

* **Kindness - Has the gym owner found Elbrand's hidden potential?**
	+ **Cue:** (Elbrand looks a little embarrassed.)
		- Persuade Elbrand to give it a shot.
		*500 Intimacy*
		- Help Elbrand refuse the gym owner.
		*700 Intimacy*
		- Tell Elbrand to think it over before making a decision.
		*900 Intimacy*

### Intimacy Blocks

To reach Intimacy levels 7 and 11, Elbrand needs mementos (found in Darkflux Raid), reiki (found in Extreme Fight or Arcana Tracker), and the following block item:

* **Intimacy Level 7**
	+ S - Letter of Discharge
		- Elbrand's discharge letter.
		Used to breakthrough Elbrand's Intimacy. Obtained in Extreme Fight.
* **Intimacy Level 11**
	+ Corrupted Crystal
		- A corrupted crystal that seems to contain a living, dark substance.
		Used to breakthrough Elbrand's Intimacy. Obtained in Extreme Fight.

### Basic Drink Preferences

 50% bonus

 25% bonus

 No bonus

 No bonus

*Note: All blended drinks have a base preference bonus of 25% that can be modified by the drink's attributes.*

### Gift Preferences

**50% bonus**

**25% bonus**

**No bonus**

### Views

Unlock views by leveling the intimacy of other gyees.

* **Billy**: Although Dr. Elbrand is just an intern, everyone recognizes he's got potential. Lately, everyone's been letting him treat them. I think he makes people feel different. He looks scary at first, but his reliability is reassuring.
*Billy's Intimacy reaches Lv.2 to unlock*
* **Miles**: Intern doctor? Perceptive people can tell at a glance. Needless to say, he's got a great body. He has the kind of calluses on his hands that you only get from using a sword a lot. Although he's a bit slow on the battlefield, fighting is still in his bones. When he turns around to check his six, he strikes a hunter's pose. When I put these facts together, I can make some guesses about where he comes from.
*Miles's Intimacy reaches Lv.4 to unlock*
* **Hachi**: My relationship with Elbrand? Bring it on. You don't truly know each other till you fight! Heh, it's been ten years since he and I fought. We're like old friends now. We get along really well and are really close! Like General Will, he feels at home on the battlefield, but unlike General Will, he... Uh... Maybe it's because General Will never gave me orders personally, but whenever Elbrand and I trained, he'd give me lots of praise! He knows the difference between the carrot and the stick, know what I mean?
*Hachi's Intimacy reaches Lv.6 to unlock*
* **Mercy**: Even though Elbrand suffers so much, he still uses his power to empower the people around him. Although the higher-ups aren't very optimistic about him, I've seen him work hard to overcome obstacles. So long as he believes in himself, even if he encounters failure, he'll keep trying again until he succeeds. Such a persistent spirit can support anyone.
*Mercy's Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock*
* **A Certain Patient**: Elbrand is really good at bonesetting. I want to try it out next time!
* **Orphanage Principal**: I think Elbrand likes treating every child at the orphanage as his own.
* **A passerby**: Wow, such delectable chest muscles and a sexy beard. There's no way such a beautiful person came from the Rupor Show~

## Scripts

### Consolation Letter

Pay attention to your body, young man. Also: the restroom is three rooms past your bedroom. Don't forget it the next time you visit.

### Bath Drama

* Ah, baths. I liked them back in the Northern Desert, too.
* Can you help me scrub my back? Thank you.
* Your muscles relax a lot, but you don't want to soak for too long.

### Fave Hottie Slogan

Can you keep standing with me? Even if I only get one vote, so long as it's yours, I won't feel like I lost.

### Branch

**This section contains spoilers for the Branch quest. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.**

**Winter Cycle**

**-Part 1**

*Beneath the placid surface of the sea, turbulent undercurrents may be brewing.*
*As the days pass, unexpected surprises arise.*
*On the airship.*
*You've been staring at the airship's dashboard for a long time.*
**Player**: Hmm...
**Player**: (Every time the light blinks, the frequency of the dot in the lower left is different from the others.)
**Player**: (One of the pixels seems to be broken.)
**Player**: (If I press it once, will it go back to normal?)
*You reach out and press lightly on the screen, to no avail.*
**Player**: (I should've known.)
**Player**: (Ugh, what am I doing?!)
**Player**: (I'm so bored. There's nothing to do in the morning. I've spent this whole time looking at a bad pixel!)
*Ding dong.*
*Billy enters*
**Billy**: I'm back, Captain.
**Billy**: Today's ship overhaul has finished, Captain. Everything is normal. No problems whatsoever.
**Billy**: Hold on, I'm gonna go...
*Choice 1.1 - See Master Turing?*
**Player**: See Master Turing?
**Billy**: Yep, hehe. After all, I like to visit him whenever I get the time.
**Billy**: I didn't expect you to guess it outright, though. I'm a little embarrassed...
*Choice 1.2 - Be the guest of honor at Rupor Show?*
**Player**: Be the guest of honor at Rupor Show?
**Billy**: What?
**Billy**: Heh, I never knew you found me so charming, Captain.
**Billy**: But actually, I'm going to visit Master Turing.
**Billy**: He's holding a seminar today.
*Choice 1.3 - To the Northern Desert to perform research?*
**Player**: To the Northern Desert to perform research?
**Billy**: Go to the Northern Desert? Are we supposed to go there?
**Player**: I don't think so...
**Billy**: Wow, you scared me. I thought I was gonna miss Master Turing's seminar.
**Player**: So you're going to go visit Master Turing?
**Billy**: Yes.
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Billy**: Hottie's due for some maintenance. I'll fix it up when I get back from the master's seminar.
**Player**: You can put off Hottie's maintenance for today.
**Billy**: Huh? Why?
**Player**: Miles and the other guys are going to come to the Hottie Bar.
**Billy**: Oh yeah, I just remembered - it's about time for Miles and the others to hold a party.
*Billy looks at the sunlight cast upon the floor and sighs.*
**Billy**: Every day has been the same thing lately.
**Billy**: Is it because of winter? I've been feeling lifeless.
**Player**: There is some new work...
**Billy**: What?
**Player**: Mercy asked me to help her deliver some samples.
**Billy**: Samples? Oh...
**Billy**: It's time to collect the medical samples from the Oathblades again...
**Billy**: I guess compared to yesterday, this is new.
*Billy shrugs helplessly, then turns and leaves.*
**Player**: Compared to yesterday?
*You reach your hand out into the sunlight.*
*You move your fingers and watch their shadow on the floor.*
*Woo--!*
**Player**: That's the sound of the ship headed to Eversun.
*A dark shadow engulfs you and then gradually passes.*
**Player**: It's about time. If I don't leave now, I'll be late.
*You open the airship cabin's door.*
**Player**: Wow, that's a cold breeze.
*The Oathblades.*
*Player meets Miles on the training grounds of Never Isle*
**Player**: Miles!
**Miles**: Hey, Player. Are you here to join our physical exam, too?
**Player**: What? I'm just here to help Mercy.
**Player**: Wow, you sure aren't wearing very much, considering it's winter.
**Player**: Compared to everyone else, you're dressed for summer. I feel cold just looking at you.
**Miles**: Hey, doesn't matter to me. I'm not afraid of the cold!
**Miles**: I'm going to remember everyone who's dressed warmly today. I'll make them sweat!
**Miles**: You still wanna be an Oathblade with a physique like that? What do you think, Grey?
**Grey**: Arwoo!
**Player**: (Since winter started, Grey has grown out his fur coat. He looks fluffier than usual.)
**Player**: Well then, I need to go find Mercy.
**Miles**: Get a move on!
*Farther down the field, Player finds Mercy talking with an older male doctor*
**Player**: Mercy!
**Mercy**: Player?!
**Mercy**: Uh oh! I picked the wrong time! I should've arranged to meet you after the physical exam!
**Mercy**: I'm sorry, Player! The physical exam hasn't even started yet. I'm afraid you'll need to wait a while.
**Mercy**: I'll try to make it up to you!
**Player**: (That's Mercy for you...)
**Player**: (Anyway, I was only going to sit around the airship twiddling my thumbs, anyway. Maybe I can find something to do, now that I'm out.)
**Player**: No worries. I have lots of time on my hands today, anyway.
**Player**: I'll just wait for you over there.
*You nod and walk away.*
**Mercy**: Sorry...
**???**: ...
*Miles addresses the Oathblades gathered for the physical exam*
**Miles**: Quiet, please! It's time for your physicals! Stand up!
*Miles glances at the strange middle-aged man next to Mercy.*
**Miles**: Note that today's physical exam is routine. You've had more than one or two of them by now.
**Miles**: There's more than one doctor today? So do you want two lines or just one?
*Mercy makes a '1' with her finger.*
**Miles**: All right, Mercy. Seems like you've got some competition today, then.
**Mercy**: ...
*Mercy shakes her head at Miles.*
**Miles**: Listen up! Line up on me! And no whispering to each other!
**People**: Yes, sir!
*Everyone quickly lines up.*
*With the objects she's already prepared for the exams, Mercy begins the physicals.*
*You stand off to one side, waiting for the physicals to finish.*
*At the end of the long line.*
**Bored Team Member**: Hey, Mercy's got someone with her today.
**Bored Team Member**: Who is that guy with her? He looks serious. Is it her boss?
**Player**: (Huh? Why are those two guys chatting...)
**Shivering Team Member**: Really? Well, judging by his age, it's possible.
**Shivering Team Member**: ...
**Shivering Team Member**: Huh? No, look closely!
**Bored Team Member**: What's wrong?
**Shivering Team Member**: It says it right there on his nametag: Elbrand, Resident Doctor!
**Player**: (So his name is Elbrand, huh? I didn't look for a nametag.)
**Bored Team Member**: Heh, why is he still just an intern, at his age?
**Shivering Team Member**: Don't snicker. Look at his muscles and his serious expression. Also, that robot arm.
**Shivering Team Member**: If he heard you cracking jokes, I don't think you could take him in a fight.
**Bored Team Member**: Well, yeah...
**Bored Team Member**: Since he's an intern, why doesn't he help Mercy?
**Bored Team Member**: Every time we have physicals, we have to wait forever. If he helped out, it would only take half as long.
**Shivering Team Member**: No idea. Maybe the Kaist Church doesn't let interns do physicals?
**Shivering Team Member**: Then again... I'm surprised there's someone on Never Isle that I haven't met yet.
**Bored Team Member**: I know, right? When did he get here?
*The two bored team members grow quiet.*
*They both look toward the front of the line.*
*After a moment, they both sigh.*
**Both Team Members**: He's strong...
**Shivering Team Member**: Can I have him do my physical?
**Player**: (They're right - Elbrand does have a nice body.)
*After sighing, the two team members are quiet again for a moment.*
**Bored Team Member**: Hey, I've heard that the Shadows are making moves in the Northern Desert again.
**Player**: (They've changed topics?)
**Shivering Team Member**: When were they ever not making moves there? They're always either making small moves or big moves.
**Shivering Team Member**: How boring.
**Bored Team Member**: ...
**Bored Team Member**: Keep going like this and you're gonna chat me right to sleep.
**Bored Team Member**: Then what do you want to talk about?
**Shivering Team Member**: Hmm...
*The shivering team member looks up at the sky.*
**Shivering Team Member**: Some things you probably shouldn't talk about.
**Bored Team Member**: Huh? Some things you probably shouldn't talk about? Like what?
**Shivering Team Member**: Scandals, you know.
**Bored Team Member**: What kind of scandal? Do you have something to share?
**Shivering Team Member**: I heard that the Shadowhunters have been investigating a small village lately. Something tragic happened there a few years ago.
**Shivering Team Member**: Everyone in the village died.
*The shivering team member looks over at Miles and speaks in a lower voice.*
**Shivering Team Member**: Supposedly, a Shadowhunter did it.
**Bored Team Member**: What are you scared of? Our boss isn't a Shadowhunter.
**Miles**: Shh! I said, no whispering!
**Bored Team Member**: !!
**Shivering Team Member**: Our boss has a great relationship with the Shadowhunters in Eversun. You didn't know that?
**Bored Team Member**: Heh. So what happened? Tell me about it.
**Shivering Team Member**: There's not much to talk about. I just heard that the Shadowhunters kicked out the guy who slaughtered that village. I don't know what happened afterward.
**Shivering Team Member**: That is to say, they've started searching the Northern Desert recently, because someone brought the issue to their attention again.
**Shivering Team Member**: Oh yeah, someone said that Shadowhunter escaped here to Never Isle.
**Bored Team Member**: Really?!
**Shivering Team Member**: How should I know? Anyway, I haven't seen anyone like that.
**Shivering Team Member**: Hey, maybe in a couple of days, we'll have to go to the Northern Desert.
**Bored Team Member**: Really...
**Bored Team Member**: I wonder if the whole group will go together.
**Bored Team Member**: A couple days ago, Maeve from logistics talked with the unit leader again...
**Player**: (Their conversation's moved from Elbrand, all the way to the Northern Desert, and back again...)
**Player**: (But the line hasn't moved an inch.)
**Player**: (Who is this Maeve they're talking about? I've never heard of them...)
*You keep listening for a while.*
**Player**: (Nah, this is getting boring. Now they're talking about some baseless gossip...)
**Player**: (The way things are going, it's going to take Mercy forever to finish the physicals.)
**Player**: (I'd better go out and get some air.)
*Never Isle's main street.*
**Player**: (It's so cold. There aren't many pedestrians walking around; even the merchants seem reluctant to set up stalls.)
**Player**: (Well... I don't have anything to do back on the airship. Let's see if there's a café around here where I can rest for a bit.)
**Player**: (The Hottie Bar should get a barista.)
**Hachi**: You! And you! Stand up!
**Player**: (Is that Hachi's voice I hear?)
**Player**: (So I've already found my way to the Bloodrunner fortress...)
*Player sees Hachi standing in front of a company of Bloodrunners*
**Player**: (What's Hachi up to?)
**Hachi**: Carry this bag of rice on your back and do 20 laps around the drill ground!
**Out-of-formation Team Member**: Yes, sir...
**Hachi**: Speak up!
**Out-of-formation Team Member**: Yes, sir!!
**Hachi**: I expect you to give your all in training tomorrow. I want you to show me what the Bloodrunners are made of!
**Hachi**: Give our old captain your best performance!
**Whole Team**: Yes, sir!!
**Player**: (Old captain?)
**New Team Member A**: Permission to speak!
**Hachi**: Speak!
**New Team Member A**: Who is this 'old captain'?
**New Team Member A**: You've been talking about this 'old captain' for several days now. Is he coming to visit?
**New Team Member B**: Yeah, Captain.
**New Team Member B**: I heard about him before I even joined. I heard the old captain...
*The team member stops talking.*
**New Team Member B**: Was legendary and complicated...
**New Team Member B**: Will we meet the man himself?
**Player**: (Huh? I haven't heard anything about someone legendary like that coming to Never Isle.)
**Hachi**: You dare speak without getting permission first?
**Hachi**: Go with him. 20 laps! Go!
**New Team Member B**: ...
**New Team Member B**: Yes, sir!!
**Hachi**: I know there's lots of legends in the Shadowhunters about the old captain.
**Hachi**: Some are good. I also believe that you all may have heard some bad ones.
**Hachi**: But! Remember this, and remember well!
**Hachi**: Our old captain retired with distinction!
**Hachi**: Now he's just a normal person living on Never Isle!
**Hachi**: Don't go putting stock in rumors, and don't ask around about people. Do you get me?!
**Hachi**: I don't want people thinking that the soldiers under my command are a bunch of gossips!
**Hachi**: I don't care what you think you heard about the captain before you joined my team. Without him, there would be no Bloodrunners!
**Hachi**: So long as you are Bloodrunners, he will always be your captain, too!
**Hachi**: Do you get me?!
**Whole Team**: We get you, sir!
**Hachi**: Dismiss!
*Hachi leaves*
**Experienced Team Member**: If you think you've got the time to go around asking about other people's business, then maybe you'd better spend that time training your puny bodies instead!
**Experienced Team Member**: Halfway through training, you were panting like a pig eating slop, yet you still had the mind to gossip.
**New Team Member B**: Yes, sir...
*The soldiers leave*
**Player**: (Hachi's old captain? I've never heard him talk about him before.)
**Player**: (Seems like the team members all have a lot of respect for him. He must be very impressive...)
**Player**: (But I haven't heard about anyone like that coming to Never Isle. Maybe he's still on his way...)
*A cold wind blows and you can't help but pull your collar tighter.*
**Player**: (It's so cold. There's a draft on the back of my neck.)
**Player**: (I'd better find a place to get away from the wind. Is Mercy done yet?)
*A short while later.*
*While Player wanders around Never Isle, he sees the old doctor*
**Player**: Ah, Elbrand?
*A man is standing at the other end of the wall.*
*He has a self-rolled cigarette in his mouth and a lighter in his other hand.*
*His hand is frozen in mid-air, as if he's hesitating to light the cigarette.*
**Player**: (I didn't expect to run into Elbrand here. Is Mercy done with the physicals already?)
**Player**: (Doesn't seem like it. Why'd he come out here alone?)
**Elbrand**: ...Hello.
**Player**: I saw your name on your nametag... Hope you don't mind me calling you that.
**Player**: By the way, my name's Player.
**Elbrand**: Yeah, I heard Mercy say it.
**Player**: Has Mercy finished with the physicals? She asked me to help deliver the samples.
**Elbrand**: Not yet. She just started drawing blood.
*Elbrand let the hand holding the lighter relax.*
**Player**: (Elbrand seems to be in low spirits... Maybe he's got a melancholy personality?)
**Player**: It's okay, you're standing downwind, so the smoke shouldn't blow in my direction.
**Elbrand**: No...
**Player**: (The hand holding the cigarette light is trembling. Is it because of the cold?)
*You stand silently against the wall with Elbrand.*
**Player**: You don't need to help Mercy? She's always busy with the annual physicals.
**Elbrand**: Yeah...
**Elbrand**: I can't help her.
**Player**: (He can't help her?)
**Player**: (Elbrand doesn't seem to be in the mood to chat. Maybe I shouldn't try to start a conversation with him.)
*The two of you are quiet for a while, then Elbrand moves.*
**Player**: (Huh?)
**Player**: (He starts groping about, as if trying to find something on his person.)
*You watch him out of the corner of your eye.*
**Player**: (He rifles through his pockets but doesn't find anything...)
**Elbrand**: Hmm...
*Elbrand gives up looking, and restores his previous posture.*
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (It's a little awkward, the two of us standing here like this...)
*In order to break the tension...*
*You start to watch some dead leaves blown into the form of a swirling cyclone.*
**Player**: (I might just have to find an excuse to leave...)
*Hachi approaches Player and Elbrand*
**Hachi**: Here you are, brother!
**Player**: Oh! Hachi!
**Player**: (You're right on time!)
**Hachi**: Mercy asked me to find you and Elbrand. She says the physicals are done and you can go back.
**Hachi**: Uh, according to Mercy's description, that's the name of the person standing next to you, right?
**Player**: Yes, this Kaist Church intern, Elbrand.
*Elbrand nods slightly to Hachi.*
**Player**: Shall we go back?
**Elbrand**: Yes.
*Player turns to Hachi*
**Player**: Oh, right. Just now, I was passing by your place, and I heard you tell those new recruits...
**Hachi**: Huh?
**Hachi**: Oh! Mercy looks really impatient, brother!
**Hachi**: We can talk about it this evening!
**Player**: Oh, okay.
**Player**: (Why is Hachi reacting like this?)
**Player**: Well then, let's go.
*The Oathblades.*
**Player**: We're back, Mercy.
**Mercy**: Oh? Oh...
*Mercy is holding a notebook in one hand and is counting samples with the other.*
**Mercy**: 38, 39, 40... Ugh... I've got to do a recount!
**Elbrand**: The number of samples isn't matching up with the number of people?
**Mercy**: No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to count right...
**Mercy**: I must have miscounted the number of Oathblades...
**Mercy**: There's a few samples that probably aren't going to fit in the box...
**Player**: Huh?! Will the samples go bad?
**Mercy**: Go bad? 1, 2... Hmm... No, they won't. The bottles are capped using arcana, so they won't go bad.
**Player**: Then hand them to me. I'll take them back.
**Mercy**: Oh... I keep troubling you...
**Mercy**: I've got the samples ready. Let's do another count and then we'll be ready to go.
**Player**: I'll help.
**Elbrand**: Mercy.
**Mercy**: What's up?
**Elbrand**: My medicine.
**Mercy**: As I said before, you shouldn't abuse painkillers.
*Elbrand reaches out his hand, as if asking for something.*
**Mercy**: No, you can only take 3 painkillers a day.
**Player**: (Huh? So it seems that Elbrand was searching himself for painkillers before...)
**Elbrand**: It's already noon.
*A clock chimes the hour.*
**Mercy**: Wow... Your internal clock is on point.
**Mercy**: All right. This is your second dose...
*Mercy takes a small vial out from her chest pocket.*
*She removes a pill from the vial and puts it in Elbrand's hand.*
*Elbrand pops it in his mouth, chews it, and swallows it.*
**Mercy**: Isn't it bitter?! You should take it with some water.
**Elbrand**: Don't worry about it.
**Mercy**: ...
**Player**: We're done here. Let's go.
**Mercy**: Thank you! Let's go back together!
**Elbrand**: Okay.
*In front of the Kaist Church.*
**Mercy**: 38, 39, 40...
**Player**: All good?
**Mercy**: Uh, hold on...
**Player**: The Kaist Church isn't far from the Oathblades, and nothing fell out along the way.
**Player**: How can the numbers not match?
**Mercy**: Hold on just another second, Player. This is the last count. So long as the count matches this time, I'll be sure!
**Mercy**: Left pocket?
**Player**: Nope.
**Mercy**: Right pocket?
**Player**: Nope.
*The prove your innocence, you turn out both pockets.*
**Mercy**: Hold on. Let me count again...
*A short while later.*
**Mercy**: Phew.
**Mercy**: This time it's right.
**Mercy**: Thank you! Here's your payment!
**Mercy**: Sorry to keep you waiting so long. It's gotten cold recently. You don't want to catch a cold!
**Player**: It's finally done! It's already dark...
**Player**: Well, I'm going home.
**Mercy**: Good-bye! We should be going, too, Elbrand.
*Mercy and Elbrand collect their things.*
**Player**: Heh...
**Player**: I didn't expect things to end like that. Look at the time...
*The red halo of twilight fills the sky and gradually darkens.*
*The cold air makes your nose hurt.*
*You blow air out through your nose a couple of times.*
*You try to warm your nose as much as you can.*
**Player**: Let's get back. Miles and the others have probably already arrived.
*At the Hottie Bar.*
*Miles talks to Rand at the bar*
*Eddie is sitting by himself a short distance away*
**Miles**: Hahaha! My highest number is 5!
**Rand**: Humph. Let me see mine... Now!
**Miles**: 1, 4, 6... Haha! I win!
**Rand**: I'm only short 2 points. I've got a 6!
**Rand**: All right, my turn to drink!
*Rand picks up the glass of wine in front of him and downs it all.*
**Player**: You guys have already started?
**Miles**: You're too late! Good wine waits for no man!
**Eddie**: You can really drink.
**Eddie**: So long as your luck holds, you can beat Rand all day long.
**Eddie**: In the past, by the time Player got here, you might have been drunk, floating in the pool.
**Miles**: It's not your turn to talk! You haven't had anything to drink yet!
**Miles**: From now on, you can only talk to me once you've had something to drink!
**Eddie**: Who says I wanna talk to you in the first place?
**Miles**: I'm not listening! Come on, Rand! Let's go again!
**Player**: (Compared to the other two, Eddie looks to be in relatively good shape. It looks like he just got here.)
*Eddie sees you've arrived and stands up.*
**Player**: Where are Hachi, Sven, and Grancy? Still on the way?
**Eddie**: Hachi called and said that the Shadowhunters are holding a meeting today and they can't come.
**Miles**: What a disappointment! He kept talking about how he was going to beat us in a water gun fight tonight!
**Miles**: Now we're short three people. How can we have a water gun fight now?
**Eddie**: Can't blame them. Sometimes they have emergency meetings. Can't help it.
**Player**: What's wrong? Are the Shadows making a comeback?
**Eddie**: No. I saw Sven today and he looked a little impatient. Didn't want to bother him.
**Eddie**: Seems like it's about the veteran retiring?
**Player**: Today, I heard Hachi talk about his old captain coming to Never Isle. It must be about him.
**Miles**: Why are you two so concerned about the Shadowhunters?
**Miles**: If you guys are so curious, we'll just find the three of them tomorrow and ask them!
**Miles**: Today during the physicals, it was the same thing. There were a couple of soldiers gossiping.
**Miles**: Don't worry about the Shadowhunters, Player. Come join us!
**Miles**: Rand's here on Never Isle today. He just taught me a fun drinking game.
**Eddie**: Don't drink so much. If you get drunk, you won't have anyone to take you home.
**Miles**: If I get drunk, then I'll just sleep here with Grey!
**Miles**: Get out of here. Non-drinkers aren't allowed to spoil the mood.
**Miles**: Good thing I forced Rand to come along. Otherwise, Eddie'd be a total buzzkill.
**Miles**: I'd rather jump in the pool and practice holding my breath.
**Eddie**: Naïve!
**Miles**: Huh? What are you talking about?
**Eddie**: Hold your breath? You wouldn't be able to hold your breath, even if you turned into a turtle!
**Miles**: Then how about a contest? Whoever loses has to wash the other's socks for a month!
**Eddie**: Looks like someone's excited to wash my socks!
**Miles**: Come on!
*After their bickering, the two suddenly become serious.*
*They get down from their high chairs, change their clothes, and wade into the pool.*
**Rand**: Come on, Player. Play a drinking game with us.
**Player**: All right, but you need to teach me the rules first.
**Rand**: The rules are simple. Play a couple rounds with me and you'll get the hang of it.
**Rand**: Okay!
*A short while later.*
**Rand**: Hahaha! Drink!
**Player**: I lost again?
**Rand**: Lose a few more times, then you'll start winning!
**Player**: Eddie and Miles haven't finished their contest...
**Rand**: Those two? They've got a different contest to settle.
**Rand**: I don't think they'll settle anything today, haha.
**Player**: I need a drink of water...
*Player staggers toward Hottie.*
*Clink~*
*All around, rings out the sound of glass knocking against something.*
**Player**: Huh? Did I bump into a glass?
*Clink~*
*The sound rang out again.*
**Player**: Huh? It seems to be...on me...
*Player searches his person.*
*He finds a cylindrical object in his clothes.*
**Player**: What's this? Oh...
**Player**: How did you get in my clothes...
*Player feels it slowly.*
*He pulls it out through a hole in his pocket.*
**Player**: A...test tube?
**Player**: Oh! It's a sample!
*The Hottie Bar suddenly falls silent.*
**Miles**: Player
**Miles**: What were you thinking, bringing it to the Hottie Bar?
*Miles pauses his contest with Eddie and asks from across the room.*
**Player**: It must have fallen in through a hole in my pocket...
**Player**: No wonder Mercy was counting over and over. One was missing...
**Player**: So how did she get the numbers right in the end? Mercy...
**Miles**: So what are you going to do?
**Player**: I should take it to her. What time is it now? I hope Mercy isn't sleeping...
**Miles**: Then you'd better get moving, haha. We'll be waiting here at the Hottie Bar for you.
**Player**: Yeah... Sorry...
*Player leaves the party and goes to the Kaist Church*
**Player**: (Ugh, I didn't expect to have to bring a sample to Mercy so late.)
**Player**: (Although the wind is blowing so hard tonight, I don't feel very cold.)
**Player**: (Is it because I drank so much?)
**Player**: (I don't even know if Mercy's still awake. She should be at the Kaist Church tonight.)
**Player**: (Ugh, I can't think clearly after drinking so much.)
*You stand by the door and rest a while.*
*Your headache pounds along with the beating of your heart.*
**Player**: Huh? That's...
*Hachi talks with Elbrand a short distance away*
**Hachi**: The Shadowhunter meeting just ended.
**Hachi**: Sven and Grancy had something to do over at the Nexus, so they left first.
**Hachi**: But they asked me to bring you this stuff.
**Player**: (Is that...Hachi and Elbrand?)
**Hachi**: If you run into any trouble, just contact me and I'll help you deal with it!
**Elbrand**: All right. Thank you.
**Elbrand**: Hachi, if you have any missions in the Northern Desert anytime soon...
**Hachi**: I know. I'll help you find the children from back then.
**Hachi**: You just take it easy here on Never Isle, Captain!
**Player**: C-captain?!
**Hachi**: ?!
*Hachi turns around to see Player eavesdropping on the conversation*
**Hachi**: Oh...
**Player**: The newcomer at the Kaist Church... The intern doctor that everyone's been making fun of... He's the one Hachi was talking about this morning...
**Player**: The Bloodrunners... The old captain who was so embraced by the members of the team?
*I don't know if I'm clear-headed or if I'm shocked.*
*You suddenly shudder.*
*Continue to Intimacy Level 4*

### Intimacy Breakthrough

**This section contains spoilers for Intimacy Breakthrough scenes.**

**-Intimacy Level 4**

*Note: Please read Branch - Winter Cycle before continuing*
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (My whole body is sore...)
*Breaking free of the heavy blanket of sleep, you slowly open your eyes.*
**Player**: (Am I in...the Kaist Church's hospital?!)
**Player**: (Why am I lying in bed...)
**Elbrand**: Don't move around.
**Elbrand**: You developed a high fever and passed out at home. Your friend brought you here.
**Player**: (A high fever...)
**Player**: Is it because I drank too much and then was out in the cold?
**Elbrand**: It's likely.
**Elbrand**: I'm going to take your temperature. Hold still.
**Player**: All right...
*Elbrand forces a thermometer into your armpit.*
*A few minutes pass.*
**Elbrand**: Let me see.
*Elbrand nimbly removes the thermometer.*
**Elbrand**: Still high. Time for a shot.
**Player**: All right...
*Elbrand suddenly pulls a cart out of seemingly nowhere.*
*The cart is covered in all kinds of medicine and medical tools.*
**Elbrand**: Don't move around. You'll make me nervous, and that won't do you any good.
*You nod slightly.*
*Elbrand frowns and takes a deep breath.*
*He sternly disinfects your skin.*
*After drawing the medicine into the syringe, he closely focuses on ridding the syringe of air.*
**Player**: (Elbrand appears to be quite nervous. There's a layer of sweat on his forehead.)
**Player**: (Should be okay, right?)
*You watch as Elbrand lifts the syringe.*
*He carefully inserts the needle into your skin.*
*Holding his breath, he slowly injects the medicine.*
**Elbrand**: Phew.
*After the medicine is injected, he exhales.*
*He straights up and moves.*
*He takes a vial out of his pocket and pops a few pills into his mouth.*
**Player**: Those pills... Don't tell me...
**Elbrand**: Don't tell Mercy.
**Elbrand**: My hard work isn't enough to establish a good doctor-patient relationship.
**Player**: Yes, yes... What am I going to do now?
*Elbrand pats you on the shoulder.*
**Elbrand**: Come on in.
*Suddenly, someone comes clamoring in.*
**Billy**: Captain, you scared the hell out of me this morning!
**Eddie**: We didn't see you come back last night; we all thought you'd been held up by Mercy.
**Eddie**: Then this morning, we heard that you'd fallen over.
**Miles**: Here. This fruit was chosen by Grey. It's good for you, it'll help you get better.
**Miles**: It's all ripe. Eat it quickly. Don't let it go bad!
**Player**: Ah, thank you, everyone...
**Miles**: So why did you pass out all of a sudden?
**Player**: I had a high fever...
**Elbrand**: High fever caused by inflammation in the body.
**Elbrand**: He needs more testing.
**Elbrand**: He'll need to stay in the hospital a few days.
**Player**: Stay in the hospital...?
**Elbrand**: Yep. These are the tests we'll need to do.
*Elbrand hands you a thick list.*
**Elbrand**: If we start now, we can get the results before bedtime.
**Player**: Why so complicated?
**Eddie**: As long as we can confirm there's nothing wrong, it doesn't matter. You get some rest. We'll leave you alone.
**Billy**: Don't worry, Captain. I'll look after the airship.
**Miles**: Make sure to eat the fruit!
**Grey**: Aroo~
*Everyone having said their piece, they all leave the ward.*
**Player**: Hmm...
*Your eyelids become heavy.*
**Elbrand**: Seems like your fever's back.
**Elbrand**: Some of the samples were taken and analyzed using arcana before you woke up.
**Elbrand**: When the time comes, you'll know the rest of the treatment plan.
**Player**: All right...
*Elbrand gets up, turns, and leaves.*
**Player**: Wait...
**Elbrand**: What happened?
*The fruit Miles gave you is right next to your pillow.*
*You glance over at it, signaling to Elbrand.*
**Player**: I don't have any appetite for fruit...
**Player**: You can eat it...
*Having finished talking, you fall asleep.*
*When you wake up, it's already late night.*
**Player**: How long...was I asleep?
*Your muddled consciousness is causing your concept of time to blur.*
*There is nothing but darkness outside your window.*
**Player**: It's so quiet, I can hear the moths bumping against the lights.
**Player**: Hmm, but compared to before, I seem to be more clear-headed.
**Player**: My body is soaked. Must be sweat.
**Player**: I feel a little...anxious.
**Player**: I'd better wrap myself in a blanket before I go out. Even though I feel better, I don't want to catch a chill and then get another fever.
*In the darkness, you feel around for the wall to make your way out.*
*With great difficulty, you find the bathroom, then...*
*Faced with the dark corridor, you're lost.*
**Player**: The lights are off...
*Relying only on your vague memory of the place, you walk down the corridor.*
*After taking several turns, you see a room with a light on.*
**Player**: That ought to be my room.
*You make your way over quickly.*
*However, you find an unexpected sight.*
**Elbrand**: ...
*Elbrand is sitting in the room, fruit in one hand, knife in the other.*
*He's frowning intensely, just as he was during the day.*
*He seems to be cutting the fruit with great determination.*
*After stabbing the fruit, he hurriedly grabs the pills scattered on the table.*
*Trembling, he puts some in his mouth.*
*Then he gasps, as if he's drowning.*
*He relaxes from the tension and becomes calm.*
**Player**: Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: Huh? Is your fever gone, Player?
**Player**: Yes.
**Player**: (I seem to have interrupted him...)
**Elbrand**: Is something wrong? Come on in.
*You go in the room.*
**Player**: Why is the corridor so dark? I can't seem to find my own room.
**Elbrand**: As you can see, there aren't many patients staying in this hospital.
**Elbrand**: There's just a few Kaism Doctors staying here. Sorry for the oversight.
**Player**: Give it to me.
**Elbrand**: You want these?
*Elbrand lifts up the fruit and the knife.*
**Player**: Yes.
*Elbrand hands the objects in his hands over to you.*
*You sit on the bed across from him and cut the fruit.*
**Elbrand**: Oh, thank you.
**Player**: Don't worry about it. You're Hachi's old captain. Hachi is a good friend of mine.
**Player**: I was surprised to find out that you and Hachi knew each other. I even introduced the two of you.
**Elbrand**: I wanted to keep things low-key...
**Player**: I was surprised that a new intern on Never Isle would be Hachi's respected old captain.
**Player**: Why did you want to study medicine after you retired?
**Elbrand**: There isn't any special reason...
**Elbrand**: Hmm... My partner's last wish...
**Player**: Ah, sorry.
**Elbrand**: Don't worry about it.
**Elbrand**: But... Look, I have a hard time just giving you your shots and cutting fruit.
**Elbrand**: I'm no good at treating people.
*You look at Elbrand's arms.*
**Player**: Is your mechanical arm not precise enough? I've got a friend who is a top-notch mechanic.
*Elbrand shakes his head.*
**Elbrand**: It's not a problem with my body.
**Player**: (Is the cause psychological? Is that why he takes medicine every time he administers a shot?)
**Player**: (Er, I'd probably better change the subject.)
**Player**: I wonder if the fruit Grey picked out is any good.
*During a lull in the conversation, Player cuts the fruit.*
**Player**: Here you go.
**Elbrand**: Thanks.
*Elbrand takes the fruit and hesitates.*
*He takes a small bite then puts the rest off to the side.*
**Elbrand**: Oh, mm... It's quite sweet.
**Elbrand**: Thank you.
*He thanks you again.*
*Elbrand looks a little sheepish.*
**Player**: (I'd better go back. Elbrand seems a little uncomfortable in this situation.)
**Player**: Can you do me a favor and turn on the lights in the corridor? I'm a little tired.
**Elbrand**: Oh, sure. And if you have any other problems, you can just ring me.
*Elbrand flips a switch.*
*On cue, the building lights up.*
**Player**: Good night.
**Elbrand**: All right. Good night.

**-Intimacy Level 5**

*Early morning.*
*You wake up and stare out the window in a daze.*
*You think about what you're going to do today while you pass the time.*
**Elbrand**: You up?
**Player**: Yeah, I just woke up.
*Elbrand walks in with something.*
**Elbrand**: Here's breakfast.
**Player**: It's breakfast, great...
*You feel surprised by the food Elbrand brings in.*
*There's only a few pieces of steamed pumpkin with smoothed edges.*
*The rest of the pieces seem to have been torn by hand.*
*The edges of the toast are also rough with tear marks.*
**Elbrand**: I'm sorry, I'm still no good with a knife...
**Player**: Don't worry about it, I can tell you did your best.
**Elbrand**: The results of your health tests are back. You need another shot today.
**Elbrand**: The shots yesterday weren't enough.
*Elbrand puts his hand on your forehead.*
**Elbrand**: You've still got a low-grade fever.
**Player**: Oh, okay. Do I need to take the shot now?
**Elbrand**: Let's wait for Mercy to come back.
**Elbrand**: I don't have permission to administer this kind of medicine. Mercy will need to do it when she gets back.
**Elbrand**: She's my 'tutor.' She needs to apply for this medicine.
**Player**: What kind of medicine is it, that you don't have permission to give it?
*Elbrand points at his nametag.*
**Elbrand**: As an intern doctor, I don't have many permissions.
**Elbrand**: Only common remedies, that's all.
*The sound of high-heeled shoes rings crisply through the hallway.*
*You hear someone making their way here quickly.*
**Mercy**: I'm back, Elbrand!
*Mercy seems extremely motivated, and she quickly walks to your bedside.*
*She picks up a report and quickly flips through it.*
**Mercy**: Hmm... Yes, the indicators do meet the requirements for application.
**Mercy**: I'm going to help you apply!
*Mercy turns and leaves.*
**Elbrand**: You can only reply if you have a patient's report. Take the report.
*Elbrand reminds her.*
**Mercy**: Ah!
**Mercy**: Yes... I almost forgot.
*Mercy shyly turns back around, takes the report, and leaves the room.*
**Player**: Why is Mercy so happy?
*Elbrand watches Mercy as she leaves, then shrugs his shoulders.*
**Elbrand**: I don't think I'm needed here anymore. I'll be going now.
**Player**: Oh, okay.
*Elbrand clears off the medical cart where the medicine was.*
*Afterward, he leaves the room.*
*A few moments later, Mercy runs back in.*
**Mercy**: Here's the medicine back, Elbrand!
**Mercy**: Huh? Elbrand?
**Player**: He left already.
**Mercy**: Ah, then...should I give you your shot?
**Player**: Right now, it seems like that's the way it's got to be...
**Mercy**: Don't be like! My technique has improved a lot lately.
**Mercy**: Even the Oathblades aren't as afraid of me as they used to be!
**Player**: That's right. With you around, the Oathblades seem to have realized the importance of protecting their immune system.
**Mercy**: Player! Why, you...!
*Mercy sits beside you and begins preparing the needle.*
**Player**: Hey, now that you mention it, you're a nurse with the Oathblades, aren't you? You're usually stationed with them.
**Mercy**: Yeah.
**Player**: Then why are you Elbrand's 'tutor'?
**Player**: He's interning at the Kaist Church. If he needs medicine, he needs you to come back from the Oathblades with it.
**Player**: That must be a real pain.
**Mercy**: Never Isle is only so big. It's not too much trouble...
**Player**: What about the other doctors at the church?
**Mercy**: My superiors are busy too. They said they don't have any time to tutor the new guys.
**Player**: What are they busy with? There aren't that many patients at the hospital.
**Mercy**: Dr. Emma is busy collecting data on whether Flux disturbances are related to sunshine.
**Mercy**: Dr. Patty is developing vegetables that can be watered with Flux.
**Mercy**: Basically, everyone's busy, so they've handed this responsibility to me.
**Mercy**: Besides, I've passed the formal doctor's exam. I'm qualified to teach interns.
**Player**: (These seem more like hobbies than part of their job...)
**Player**: (What's going on? A famous Shadowhunter has retired from his job to become a doctor. He should be very popular.)
**Player**: (So why was he handed off to Mercy like a hot potato?)
**Player**: (Maybe Elbrand's psychological issues mean he can't practice medicine like a normal doctor.)
**Player**: (Is that why everyone thinks he's a pain?)
**Player**: Are the others...picking on you, Mercy?
**Mercy**: Huh? What do you mean?
**Player**: It's...nothing. I'm probably thinking too much.
**Mercy**: Well then, I'll just give you your shot now.
**Player**: Yes.
*Mercy slowly sticks the needle into your skin.*
**Mercy**: Actually, I think Elbrand will become an outstanding doctor.
**Player**: Why do you say that?
**Mercy**: Elbrand is very serious and capable.
**Mercy**: Sometimes, he knows more than I do about regulations.
**Player**: (Yeah, if it wasn't for Elbrand reminding her just now, Mercy would've had to make two trips to get the medicine.)
**Mercy**: Even though he's not very good with shots or surgery...
**Mercy**: But he'll get that under control, slowly but surely.
**Mercy**: The first time I saw an autopsy, I felt sick for days.
**Mercy**: If there is a will, there is a way. These issues won't be a problem forever.
*Mercy removes the needle.*
**Player**: ...
**Mercy**: Um...
**Player**: Mercy, you got the injection right on your first try.
**Mercy**: Huh. How about that. I wonder why?
**Mercy**: Is it because I helped Elbrand practice for the physical exam?
**Player**: What?
**Mercy**: Elbrand forced me to teach him the procedure and key points of injections.
**Mercy**: The two of us practiced late into the night.
**Mercy**: So it kinda seems like...Elbrand tutored me, in a way...
**Player**: That's a good thing, isn't it?
**Mercy**: I feel a little conflicted. I need to work harder!
**Mercy**: Otherwise, I won't be a very good tutor!
**Player**: Haha, you're being lifted up by your junior, eh?
**Mercy**: You need to rest, Player! I'm going now.
**Player**: Good bye.
*Mercy picks up her things and runs out of the room.*

**-Intimacy Level 6**

**Player**: Hmm...
**Player**: It's so early in the morning. Why is it so noisy outside?
**Player**: What's going on...
*Early in the morning, you are awakened by a noise.*
*But your body, racked with low-grade fever, is low on energy, and subconsciously, you choose to endure it.*
*After a while, the hospital becomes quiet again.*
**Player**: (Good. I can keep sleeping...)
*After being temporarily awakened by the clamor, you go back to sleep.*
*After an indeterminate amount of time, you awaken again.*
**Player**: Hmm... Finally awake...
*You sit up in bed.*
**Player**: What was that sound just now? Seemed like there was a group of people causing a bunch of noise.
**Player**: It sounded like something was being moved. The sound kept echoing in the hallway.
**Player**: I'm going to go out to take a look.
*You leave your room. The corridor is still empty and quiet.*
**Player**: Nothing seems different from before...
**Player**: Let's take a walk and have a look.
*You walk further and further down the corridor, and what you find is astonishing.*
**Player**: There's no one in the Kaist Church's hospital?!
**Player**: Even Elbrand is nowhere to be found. What's going on?!
*From the hallway, you check out each of the rooms.*
*Just then, you see something white outside the window.*
**Player**: There's someone in the back courtyard? I need to go ask them what's up.
*In the back courtyard.*
*Elbrand stands up from the ground, his gaze fixed upon a plant in front of him.*
**Player**: Elbrand!
**Elbrand**: Oh, what's up? Good morning.
**Player**: When I got up this morning, there was no one in the hospital.
**Elbrand**: Yeah. The Oathblades and the Bloodrunners teamed up and went to the Northern Desert...
**Elbrand**: They took all of the Kaism Doctors from Never Isle with them. I'm the only one manning the fort here.
**Player**: (Oh... Then that sound this morning must have been them leaving...)
**Player**: Then what are you doing here?
**Elbrand**: Looking at the flowers.
*Elbrand points to the plant on the ground.*
*It looks a little withered.*
**Player**: Did you plant it?
**Elbrand**: Yeah. I brought it back from the Northern Desert.
**Elbrand**: I thought that wildflowers could grow anywhere. I didn't expect that it'd have such a hard time growing in an environment as good as Never Isle's.
**Player**: You brought it back from the Northern Desert...
**Player**: You were in the Northern Desert?!
**Player**: So why didn't you join this operation?
**Player**: Wouldn't it be helpful to have a combat medic familiar with the terrain?
**Elbrand**: Yeah...
**Elbrand**: I'm retired, and useless.
**Player**: (That's right, how could I forget that Elbrand has retired here...)
**Elbrand**: Besides, the Northern Desert probably doesn't want me there anymore...
*Elbrand doesn't know what to think. He simply looks down at the plant.*
*He groans and covers the connections of his robotic arm with hand.*
**Player**: What's wrong?
*Elbrand doesn't respond. He dumps out a few painkillers and pops them into his mouth.*
**Elbrand**: I told you before...
**Player**: I didn't tell Mercy.
*Elbrand nods his head.*
*Elbrand quickly calms down.*
**Player**: When you took painkillers before, was it because of your robotic arm?
**Elbrand**: The doctor said it was phantom limb syndrome.
**Elbrand**: It's hard to explain, but I don't care anymore.
**Elbrand**: Are you feeling better?
**Player**: Yeah, compared to the past couple days, I'm in much better spirits now.
**Elbrand**: Then let's go back inside and do a check-up. If everything checks out, you can be discharged.
**Player**: All right.
*The two of you return to the empty hospital together.*

**-Intimacy Level 7**

*Late night, just as you are about to fall asleep.*
*Elbrand shows up in your room's doorway.*
**Elbrand**: Player.
*Elbrand gives the door a couple of knocks, indicating that he wants to come in.*
**Player**: Elbrand? What's going on?
*You quickly get up from your bed.*
*Elbrand walks in, a few lab test reports in his hand.*
**Elbrand**: Your lab test results are here.
**Elbrand**: Your body has more or less recovered. You can be discharged.
**Elbrand**: But... it's time now...
*Elbrand looks out the window.*
*His dejected countenance makes him seem a little helpless.*
**Elbrand**: Let's talk again tomorrow.
**Player**: All right.
**Elbrand**: Your discharge notice is here. You can leave the hospital anytime you want tomorrow.
**Elbrand**: Well, I'll be leaving now. Ka protect you.
*Elbrand leaves the room.*
**Player**: Finally, I can leave the hospital. The past few days I've been here, I've felt isolated from the rest of the world.
**Player**: I wonder if anything interesting has happened with my friends lately.
*With that thought, you fall into a deep sleep.*
*The next morning.*
*Player leaves the hospital*
**Player**: Ah, the outside world!
**Player**: Next time, I can't drink and stay out in the cold too long. It isn't worth the price you pay...
**Player**: I wanted to say good-bye to Elbrand before I left, but I can't find him anywhere.
**Player**: Usually, he's tending to the plants around this time.
**Player**: Forget it. We'll talk about it next time we meet.
*Player meets Billy on the Never Isle Dock*
**Player**: Billy!
**Billy**: Captain!
**Billy**: You're out of the hospital?! Why didn't you tell me?
**Billy**: Miles and Hachi went to the desert. You probably won't see them for the next few days...
**Player**: I heard. They also took the doctors from the Kaist Church with them. Now the hospital's empty.
**Player**: Anyway, I didn't have any luggage, so I walked back.
**Billy**: You can't do that! You should rest for a couple more days!
*Elbrand runs up to Player, panicked*
**Elbrand**: Ah, Player!
**Player**: Elbrand? What are you doing here?
**Elbrand**: Player, I'm looking for an airship to rent. Do you know where I can rent an airship?
**Player**: I've got an airship. What's up?
*Elbrand's expression is tense, and he seems to be a little flustered.*
**Elbrand**: Hachi's been imprisoned by the natives of the Northern Desert!
**Player**: What?!
**Billy**: How did Hachi...
**Player**: Were his captors corrupted by Shadows? We can ask for help from other Shadowhunters or from organizations like the Order of Equality.
**Elbrand**: No...they're just normal people.
**Player**: Normal people?!
**Elbrand**: Ever since I heard, I've been looking for an airship to rent.
**Elbrand**: Other airships aren't leaving till this evening...
**Player**: Don't worry. We'll use my airship. We can go right now!
**Player**: Anything else, you can tell me on the airship!
**Elbrand**: Okay!
**Player**: Let's go.
*Continue to Trifle - A Town Erased*

**-Intimacy Level 8**

*On the airship.*
**Player**: He's already stopped the bleeding.
*Hachi looks at Elbrand with worry on his face, his beard pulled tight.*
**Player**: It's okay. I managed to use arcana in time to stop the bullet from entering Elbrand's body.
**Player**: But because it was so sudden, his protection wasn't absolutely perfect, and he still suffered a great impact.
**Player**: It seems like his collarbone might be broken.
**Hachi**: Captain...
*There are still some brick fragments on Hachi that haven't been cleaned off.*
*But he doesn't care. He sits warily and anxiously by the stretcher.*
*He watches you clean Elbrand's wounds.*
*After a sudden tremble, the airship stops moving.*
**Billy**: Captain, we've reached Never Isle!
*The cabin door slowly opens.*
*Mercy and a team of nurses take Elbrand out.*
*In the emergency room.*
**Hachi**: Ah!!!
*Hachi gnashes his teeth out of anxiety and anger.*
*Elbrand entered three hours ago.*
*He still hasn't come out.*
*You and Hachi stand guard outside the emergency room.*
**Player**: Come here for a sec, Hachi.
**Hachi**: What's wrong?
**Player**: I'm going to help you brush off some of that dirt. You don't want to be all dirty when Elbrand sees you.
**Hachi**: Oh...okay.
*Hachi approaches you and sits down.*
**Player**: Elbrand will be all right, Hachi.
**Hachi**: It's all my fault!
**Hachi**: I shouldn't have tried to save those brats.
**Hachi**: Damn...
*Hachi pounds the floor angrily.*
**Player**: So...was the incident that they were talking about the reason that Elbrand retired?
**Hachi**: Not entirely...
**Hachi**: It just makes me so mad!
**Hachi**: Elbrand used to be a really angry guy.
**Player**: Angry?
**Hachi**: Ah! It's all the same!
**Hachi**: The creed of the Bloodrunners is to serve the common people with all our hearts!
**Hachi**: When Elbrand was young, his family was killed by the Shadows. He was saved by his captain, and from then on, served in the unit.
**Hachi**: You could say that Elbrand grew up on the food of the strongholds he was quartered in, all so that the Shadows wouldn't hurt the people of the Northern Desert.
**Hachi**: Those little brats actually think that Elbrand is the reason they lost their homes...
**Hachi**: How can they blame Elbrand?! Huh?!
**Hachi**: Why don't they blame the Shadows?!
**Hachi**: Because of that incident, Elbrand lost his arm, and his spirit.
**Hachi**: I could just...ah!
*Hachi pounds the floor again.*
**Hachi**: I'm not saying he never did anything wrong, but...
**Hachi**: What else could he have done?! What could he have done?!
**Hachi**: Even if he'd reported it to his superiors in time, we still would've had to burn the village down.
**Hachi**: They weren't corrupted by ordinary Shadows, you know?
**Hachi**: If they were just ordinary Shadowbeasts, then the two of us could've figured it out.
**Hachi**: But that village was corrupted by Shadow Bugs.
**Hachi**: All we could do was burn it all down. There was nothing else we could've done!
**Hachi**: At first, all the leadership did was demote Elbrand. The other guys and I all felt like, he was still the captain in our hearts, so demotion wasn't so bad!
**Hachi**: We would still follow his orders!
**Hachi**: We didn't expect he would apply for retirement.
**Hachi**: When he retired, he didn't even wear a prosthetic. He used to be so strong...
**Hachi**: Life is hard with only one arm to depend on.
**Hachi**: The guys all pooled together some money and used it to buy the best robotic arm money could buy at the time.
**Hachi**: So that...
**Hachi**: It wasn't like all those years that Elbrand looked after us were in vain.
**Hachi**: Even so, we...
**Hachi**: Even so, it can't compare with our relationship with Elbrand!
*Hachi reluctantly picks up a stone you brushed out of his hair.*
*He throws it away in frustration.*
*The light in the emergency room goes out.*
**Hachi**: Ah!
*You and Hachi both shoot to your feet.*
*The door squeaks open, and Mercy steps out.*
**Hachi**: Why are you coming out alone? Where's Elbrand?
**Mercy**: Elbrand, he...
**Mercy**: His condition has stabilized, expect for his broken clavicle and skin trauma.
**Mercy**: There shouldn't be any damage to his organs.
**Hachi**: Really? Great!
**Mercy**: But...he still hasn't woken up.
**Hachi**: What do you mean?
**Mercy**: Just what I said. We've already done a thorough check-up of Elbrand's body.
**Mercy**: We found that Elbrand's brain structure is different from other people's.
**Hachi**: What happened?
**Mercy**: There is a structure related to emotions, it's a bit smaller than others...
**Mercy**: We're still not sure if this structure is what caused Elbrand's coma.
**Mercy**: And we can't rule out the possibility that Elbrand himself chose to enter a coma.
*After hearing the diagnosis, you and Hachi were silent for a while.*
**Hachi**: He chose to enter a coma? How long is he going to be in the coma?
*Mercy silently shakes her head.*
**Hachi**: Then you mean... Elbrand... He might sleep for the rest of his life?!
**Mercy**: Maybe it will only be a short coma. Maybe he'll never wake up...
**Hachi**: Never wake up?!
*Mercy lowers her head.*
**Mercy**: Although there have been cases where people in comas have been awakened by their relatives or friends...we don't know if these cases are just coincidences.
*Mercy said, observing Hachi's expression.*
**Mercy**: But, you can try your best anyway...
**Mercy**: When I met Elbrand before, it seemed to me that he'd suffered some kind of psychological trauma.
**Mercy**: You guys can go home and think it over. Did something happen that might've made him give up his will to live?
**Mercy**: Or maybe you could look for something that Elbrand might be obsessed with.
**Mercy**: A beautiful memory? An unfulfilled wish? Something to rekindle his desire to live again.
**Mercy**: But don't worry, we at the hospital will keep looking for ways to wake him up.
*You and Hachi exchange glances.*
**Player**: Thank you, Mercy. Please do your best for Elbrand.
**Player**: Let's go out and have a chat, Hachi.
**Hachi**: Ah, okay.
*Hachi is thinking about what Mercy said.*
*He walks out with you, looking like he wants to say something.*
*Outside the hospital.*
**Player**: It looks like if we want to wake up Elbrand, we'll need to look for clues as to what happened a few years ago.
**Player**: The incident had a great impact on Elbrand. Maybe it was the boys' revenge that gave Elbrand the idea to end his own life.
**Player**: Elbrand was already prepared not to come back, when Billy and I brought him back to you.
**Player**: Which is to say, Elbrand has always been willing to put his life on the line.
**Hachi**: I don't even want to think about what happened several years ago...
**Hachi**: We all want Elbrand to live a stable life after he retires, and to rest well.
**Hachi**: I didn't expect this. What are you so afraid of?!
**Player**: We need to figure out exactly what it is.
*You bring the dirty Lumen Crystal out of your pocket.*
*The scene was chaotic. You bring it back subconsciously.*
**Hachi**: This is...indeed a mystery.
**Hachi**: I went back to Westhold to take a look at the files. None of us dared ask him about Elbrand's state back then.
**Hachi**: But Elbrand wouldn't try to deceive the upper echelon of the Shadowhunters. Perhaps the truth is in the files.
**Hachi**: I'll take you to the village where Elbrand used to live. You wait for me there, and I'll come back after I've finished reading the file.
**Hachi**: Although I can't be in charge of this, the situation is urgent...
**Hachi**: You could also check Elbrand's room for clues, or... Look for something that might awaken his desire to survive.
**Hachi**: If Elbrand blames you, you can tell him I told you to do it!
**Player**: All right.
**Hachi**: All right, let's get moving.
**Player**: Yes.
*Continue to Trifle - Blood and Sand*

**-Intimacy Level 9**

*In the empty hallway.*
*A figure pokes its head in each door.*
**Kong**: There's no one in here.
*...*
**Kong**: Anyone in here? Let's go to the next room.
*...*
**Kong**: There's someone in here...
**Mercy**: Huh?
**Kong**: I finally found someone.
**Kong**: Do you know which room Elbrand is in, nurse?
**Mercy**: This is the one.
**Kong**: Good. I finally found him.
*Kong walks in with a basket of flowers.*
**Kong**: A friend of mine heard he's in the hospital and asked me to deliver this flower basket.
**Kong**: So, I've delivered the flowers. Let him know once he wakes up.
*Kong hands Mercy a sweaty piece of paper.*
**Kong**: I rushed here too fast. This little greeting card-like thing fell out halfway.
**Kong**: I didn't want to lose it so I kept it in my hand the whole time. Put it the flower basket, nurse.
**Mercy**: All right.
**Kong**: As expected of the captain of the Bloodrunners, lots of people miss you when you're gone.
**Mercy**: What? That many people?
**Player**: You've got some work, Mercy.
*Player's voice suddenly comes from the doorway.*
**Kong**: Player? What a coincidence.
**Kong**: Are you here to bring something to Elbrand, too?
**Player**: Kong?
**Player**: Yes... The mailroom downstairs is full of stuff for Elbrand.
**Player**: Hachi and I already brought it all up.
*Hachi is behind you with a stack of packages.*
**Kong**: My things have been delivered. I need to go get paid.
**Kong**: Come find me again some other day, Player!
**Player**: For sure.
*Kong waves his hand then saunters out.*
**Player**: Why did Elbrand receive so many letters all of a sudden?
**Mercy**: Maybe word got out about him being in a coma?
*You look at the sender as you collect the letters.*
**Player**: Ah. This is from the orphanage.
*Like the one from before, it can't be considered a letter anymore.*
*Inside the box is a round package.*
*You exchange glances with Hachi.*
**Hachi**: I think if you let Elbrand know so many people were waiting for him, he'd wake up.
**Hachi**: Can you find something that will give him the desire to survive?
**Player**: We can try?
*Hachi dumps out the contents of the envelope.*
*Amidst the variety of different objects...*
*There is a square piece of paper that was squashed up against the bottom.*
*Hachi takes it out gently and opens the small letter with the tip of his fingernail.*
**Hachi**: 'Dear Elbrand...'
*You lean in and take a peek, reading the children's letter.*
**Player**: (I thought the principal wrote the letter for them, but it looks like each child wrote a paragraph themselves.)
**Player**: (The children's words are hard to read, but you can see that they are heartfelt.)
*Hachi sighs while reading it.*
**Hachi**: Such vocabulary for youngsters! I don't even know some of these words!
*Hachi keeps reading.*
**Hachi**: 'So...we sent our favorite stuff to you.'
**Hachi**: 'We hope they will help Elbrand wake up!'
**Hachi**: So that stuff is all stuff that the kids want to give Elbrand?
*Hachi picks up the items.*
**Hachi**: See, Elbrand? This is the frog mentioned in the letter.
**Hachi**: They did a good job.
**Hachi**: And aren't these the dice you left for the children? They've been sent back...
*Hachi rambles on a little longer and talks more about the past.*
*Elbrand lies silently on the bed without responding.*
*Hachi suddenly relaxes and stops talking.*
*He looks at Elbrand with a sad expression.*
**Hachi**: What am I doing here, Player?
**Hachi**: I don't even know if Elbrand can hear me...
**Player**: Let's read the other letters to him, too.
**Player**: Maybe he can hear us.
**Hachi**: Yes.
*You pick up a few letters and begin reading them to Elbrand.*
*In the middle of the night, Elbrand's bed has piles of stuff sent with the letters.*
*You and Hachi take a sip and then turn off the lights in Elbrand's room.*
*Then you leave.*

**-Intimacy Level 10**

*Noon.*
**Player**: (I'm going to read for a while this afternoon, then go see Elbrand again this evening.)
**Player**: (Elbrand still isn't awake yet. Hachi and I don't know how long we can keep visiting him...)
**Billy**: Are you busy, Captain? We've got a message from Mercy here.
*Billy knocks on the door, then comes in.*
**Player**: Mercy? Does it have to do with Elbrand?
**Billy**: Yes, Mercy said that several children from the Northern Desert came to visit Elbrand.
**Player**: The Northern Desert... Could they be kids from the orphanage?
**Billy**: Mercy says she doesn't know them either, but these children know you and Hachi.
**Billy**: Mercy is asking if you can go over and take care of them.
**Player**: All right. I'll head on over.
*After washing up, you head over to the airship in a hurry.*
*At the hospital.*
**Mercy**: Sorry for calling you over so suddenly, Player.
**Mercy**: A middle-aged man came to visit Elbrand, with several children tagging along.
**Mercy**: Elbrand's room is full of people right now.
*You quickly make your way to Elbrand's room.*
*Mercy follows behind you, explaining the situation.*
**Player**: Yeah, I think I know who they are.
*With that said, you push the door open.*
**Youth Leader**: Did you guess right?
**Player**: You?
*The principal and the children from Chintalpo are standing in the room.*
**Player**: How did you guys get here?!
*The youth leader shrugs.*
**Youth Leader**: So you didn't guess right?
**Principal**: Yeah, they said they had something to say to Elbrand, and they made me bring them here.
**Player**: But Elbrand hasn't woken up yet. I'm afraid it'll be a while yet before you can talk to him.
**Player**: If it's urgent, you can tell me and Hachi, and we'll relay the message.
*The youth leader walks up to you.*
*He looks straight into your eyes.*
**Youth Leader**: Well...
**Youth Leader**: Sigh.
**Youth Leader**: I still think I'd better tell it straight to Elbrand himself.
*He goes back to Elbrand's bedside.*
**Quiet Youngster**: Don't worry. I harbor no ill intentions.
**Quiet Youngster**: I told you the truth about that incident. We all came here to put the whole thing to rest.
**Youth Leader**: Did you give them this horn flute?
*The youth leader points to the horn flute in Elbrand's hand.*
**Quiet Youngster**: Yeah. I think that belonged to Gasol, so I gave it back to them.
*The youth leader slowly picks up the horn flute, then plays a note.*
**Horn Flute**: Pew~
*The sound of the horn flute gradually fills the whole corridor.*
**Player**: What are you doing?!
**Mercy**: Don't make noise, child. Elbrand is resting.
**Youth Leader**: Ah, sorry. I didn't mean anything by it...
*The youth leader puts down the horn flute.*
**Youth Leader**: It's just that, when I saw the horn flute, I thought of that legend.
**Youth Leader**: I saw you put the horn flute in his hand, and I thought you knew.
**Player**: What?
**Youth Leader**: There's a song that you can play using a horn flute. In your language, it's called Soul Summoning.
**Youth Leader**: Where we come from, we play it sometimes when someone dies.
**Youth Leader**: The relatives of the dead hope that the soul of their loved one can follow the song and return to their original body...
**Quiet Youngster**: I think Gasol played this song. After all, this is one of the few tunes handed down on the horn flute.
**Quiet Youngster**: Does this mean that you guys didn't play the horn flute after you brought it back?
*You and Mercy exchange glances and shake your heads.*
**Player**: You said Gasol played it before?
**Quiet Youngster**: Yes. After all... Gasol was our friend for a while.
**Quiet Youngster**: He even taught us how to play the horn flute.
**Quiet Youngster**: How about it? Wanna listen?
**Player**: Since Gasol played it, let's have a listen. Maybe Elbrand will have some sort of reaction to it.
**Mercy**: All right. I'll close the door.
**Player**: Play it softly, okay?
*The quiet youngster nods his head and puts the horn flute up to his lips.*
*Thanks to the youngster's skill, the horn flute gives off a mellow and melodious sound.*
**Player**: (Even though I can't discern the accuracy of the rhythm, it sounds like a summoning from ancient times...)
**Player**: (I can almost see the red sun rising from the horizon, a sun that only comes along once in 10,000 years...)
*The boy keeps playing.*
*Elbrand lies silently on the bed.*
**Player**: (It sounds nice, but...maybe this song is a little too long?)
*You patiently wait for a good time to stop him.*
**???**: Ga...
**Player**: Huh?
*A voice comes to your attention.*
*As you look around for the source of the voice, Elbrand's fingers twitch slightly.*
**Player**: Hold on! Elbrand! It's Elbrand!
*The sound of the horn flute stops.*
**Mercy**: Please leave for a moment, everyone. I need to do some tests on Elbrand.
*The room is suddenly alive with activity.*
**Mercy**: I've already called a few of my colleagues over. Could everyone please wait outside?
*Mercy guides everyone out and then closes the door.*
*Several of the kids from Chintalpo stand in the corridor looking at each other.*
**Youth Leader**: Now, Elbrand is even more indebted to us.
**Quiet Youngster**: Tarma!
*The corridor falls silent.*
**Player**: I didn't expect that playing the horn flute would actually have any effect on Elbrand.
**Player**: Good thinking, you guys!
*You rub the boys' heads.*
**Player**: In a few day,s the boys will be able to talk with Elbrand.
**Player**: Principal, can you spend a few more days on Never Isle with the children? I'll pay all your expenses.
**Principal**: Haha, we couldn't trouble you like that. We'll take the expenses from the orphanage.
**Principal**: Elbrand would feel bad if he knew I had asked his friend for money.
**Principal**: I don't think they'll know anything for a while. I'm going to take the kids back to the hotel.
**Principal**: We'll come back in a couple of days when Elbrand is all better.
**Player**: All right. Travel safely.
*The principal leaves with the children.*
*Not long afterward, Hachi rushes over.*
*After you receive the news that Elbrand has indeed woken up...*
*The two of you go home.*
*You both rest up.*
*Two days later, at the hospital.*
**Player**: Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: Player!
**Player**: Are you feeling better?
*Elbrand is standing by the window, moving around.*
**Elbrand**: Yeah, I can move around on my own.
**Elbrand**: If Mercy finds out, she'll make me go back to the bed and rest.
**Elbrand**: I heard that these few days during my coma, you and Hachi have been taking care of me.
**Elbrand**: Thank you.
*Elbrand looks at the head of the bed, which is covered in gifts.*
**Elbrand**: I'm really thankful... For everyone...
**Player**: While you've been in the coma the past few days, Hachi's been really worried about you. He was afraid you'd never come out of your coma.
**Player**: He's been reading letters to you out loud this whole time.
**Player**: We didn't have anywhere to put them in your room, so I took some home with me.
*You set down the package that was in your hand.*
**Player**: You can have a look for yourself.
*Elbrand takes the package.*
**Elbrand**: ...
**Player**: What's wrong? What are you thinking about?
*Elbrand rubs the package, then puts it on the foot of the bed.*
**Elbrand**: The past couple of days, I've been doing nothing but dreaming.
**Player**: What kind of dreams?
**Elbrand**: They're kind of a blur. They're hard to describe.
**Elbrand**: Wait till I'm all sorted out, then I'll tell you.
**Player**: All right. There's no rush.
*Elbrand sighs.*
*He looks at the package on the bed for a long time.*
**Elbrand**: I'm a little tired. Ever since I've woken up, all I've wanted to do is go back to sleep.
**Elbrand**: I'm going to lie down some more. Is that okay?
**Player**: All right. I'll head on back.
**Player**: You get some rest. Hachi will come visit you again in a couple of days.
**Elbrand**: Thank you, Player.
*You leave Elbrand's room and close the door.*
*A second before the door is fully closed...*
*You see Elbrand pick up the horn flute.*

**-Intimacy Level 11**

*Several days after Elbrand woke up.*
*At the hospital.*
*Elbrand is lying on the bed with his eyes closed.*
*The high-heeled shoes click on the floor as the woman walks over.*
*Elbrand opens his eyes.*
**Mercy**: I'm sorry, did I wake you?
**Elbrand**: No, I wasn't sleeping.
**Mercy**: What were you thinking about?
**Elbrand**: A dream. A dream that I couldn't tell apart from reality.
**Mercy**: One you had while you were in a coma?
*Elbrand nods.*
**Mercy**: Was it a good dream? Or a bad one?
**Elbrand**: Hard to say. Some of the things in the dream are good, but...
**Elbrand**: The feeling of the subtle difference from reality has me a little lost.
**Mercy**: While you were in your coma, the director of the orphanage brought some children over.
**Mercy**: The past few days, the principal's been touring Never Isle with the children. They're getting ready to leave today.
**Mercy**: It seems like the child that looks like the boss wants to talk to you.
**Mercy**: Can you handle it? If you don't want to, I can politely refuse.
**Elbrand**: Yeah. I seem to have a vague memory of this.
**Elbrand**: When I was conscious for a few moments, I think I saw some people.
**Mercy**: So you knew.
**Mercy**: We were afraid of bothering you, so we planned to leave you alone for a while...
**Elbrand**: I've been lying down for a few days now. It's time to get out of bed and move around...
**Elbrand**: Let's meet in the backyard.
**Mercy**: All right. I'll go get things ready.
*Scene - In the gardens of the Kaist Church*
*Mercy asked Player, the principal and the gang of youths to wait for Elbrand*
**Elbrand**: The sun's really bright today.
*Elbrand sighs.*
*Then his eyes fix upon a young man in the distance.*
**Youth Leader**: Elbrand.
*The young man turns around.*
**Elbrand**: What do you want to say to me?
*The youths exchange looks, then the leader begins to talk.*
**Youth Leader**: Elbrand, we know everything.
**Elbrand**: What?
**Youth Leader**: But now, it is impossible for me not to hate you.
**Youth Leader**: However, after I thought I killed you, I understood something.
**Youth Leader**: Hatred cannot be my goal in life.
**Youth Leader**: Killing you was just a way to vent my anger. Afterward, after the pure joy of it, I felt empty.
**Youth Leader**: I ran home. I ran back to my old home to tell everyone the good news.
**Youth Leader**: But it's just ruins...
**Youth Leader**: At that moment, your 'death' made me realize that my hatred for you was meaningless.
**Youth Leader**: I could've spent those years rebuilding my hometown, but I didn't.
**Youth Leader**: I searched for you day and night, stealing food to eat and training with guns.
**Youth Leader**: As if all those years of my time had no meaning the second you died.
**Youth Leader**: So...
*The youth lowers his head, as if thinking about what to say.*
*He lets out a long sigh.*
**Youth Leader**: Let me first say, that I'm saying this for me, too.
**Youth Leader**: We've already talked this over.
**Youth Leader**: Elbrand, we won't spend our whole lives hating you. We need to go live our lives.
**Youth Leader**: We've also decided to use our power to fight the Shadows.
**Youth Leader**: We're already an army, poorly-equipped, though we may be.
**Youth Leader**: But compared to the unarmed, we can still put up a fight.
**Youth Leader**: We're going to join a nearby militia and fight the Shadows.
**Youth Leader**: Then we're going to rebuild our village and take in refugees.
**Youth Leader**: However, Elbrand, this does not mean that we forgive you.
**Youth Leader**: I just wanted to tell you, that we've found another long road to follow. That's all.
**Youth Leader**: That's all I wanted to say.
*Elbrand freezes for a moment, then asks what he wanted to ask all along.*
**Elbrand**: You all know everything?
*Elbrand looks up at you.*
**Elbrand**: Did this happen while I was in a coma?
**Player**: That's right, Elbrand. Children deserve to know the truth, too.
*A complicated expression appears on Elbrand's face.*
**Elbrand**: Yes... Thank you for doing this for me, Player...
*Elbrand rubs his hands together helplessly.*
**Elbrand**: I thought my sentence would be different today, child...but this is lenient enough for me.
**Elbrand**: To me, this is the greatest forgiveness I could hope to receive.
**Elbrand**: But I don't know how to accept it.
**Elbrand**: But it turns out...forgiveness isn't enough to make my guilt go away...
*Elbrand glances at the orphanage director waiting in the distance.*
*The director raises the airship tickets in his hand, indicating to Elbrand that their airship is to leave soon.*
**Elbrand**: Your airship is going to leave soon, children. Have a safe trip.
**Elbrand**: You can still take everything I've got from me, if you want...
**Youth Leader**: Elbrand.
*The youth seems to have something to say to Elbrand.*
*But then he lowers his head and thinks some more.*
**Youth Leader**: Live a good life.
*With that said, they turn and leave.*
**Player**: Elbrand, don't be so...
**Elbrand**: I'm fine.
**Player**: Also, take this.
*You hand the dirty Lumen Crystal to Elbrand.*
**Player**: Those kids said that this is ours.
**Player**: You take it.
*Elbrand slowly reaches out his hand and takes the crystal.*
**Elbrand**: This crystal contains Gasol's Flux...
**Elbrand**: It's almost like his heart is still beating.
*Elbrand grasps the crystal tightly.*
**Elbrand**: Could you please call Hachi over here, Player?
**Elbrand**: I have a favor to ask of him.
*He turns to leave, then stops.*
**Elbrand**: I'll be waiting for him in my room.
**Player**: All right.
*A few days later.*
*Hachi tells you about Elbrand.*
*Elbrand knocked a pure shard off the crystal.*
*He placed it in a sack.*
*Afterward, he asks Hachi to merge the crystal with the Shadows.*
*Thereby destroying them both.*

**-Intimacy Level 12**

*Note: All of Elbrand's dates take place between this Intimacy Level and the end of Intimacy Level 13*
**Player**: It's a bit cloudy out today. Maybe it will snow soon.
*You exhale, and watch the white cloud that comes out from your nose dissipate.*
**Hachi**: How has Elbrand been lately?
*Ever since Elbrand woke up...*
*You, Mercy, and Hachi have been meeting regularly...*
*To talk about Elbrand's condition.*
**Mercy**: Even though I can't say for sure whether it's related to his past condition, something seems a little off about him.
**Hachi**: What's wrong?
**Mercy**: Hmm... He seems a little too normal.
**Hachi**: Well, Elbrand's always been a pretty normal person.
**Mercy**: That's not what I mean. Listen.
*Mercy opens a small notebook.*
**Mercy**: Every morning after waking up, Elbrand does a 4-minute weighted run around Never Isle.
**Mercy**: Then he comes back to the rear courtyard, and does high-intensity anaerobic muscle-building exercises.
**Mercy**: Every day, he strictly controls his diet and pays close attention to the quality of his sleep.
**Mercy**: Even though he suffers sudden phantom limb pain, he does not abuse painkillers like he used to, but instead suffers the pain silently.
**Mercy**: He takes care of the plants every day, and checks in on the other patients in the hospital in his free time.
**Mercy**: Elbrand has suddenly become a very self-disciplined person.
**Hachi**: Isn't this a good thing? Besides, that's not so different from the life he used to lead in camp.
*Hachi scratches his head.*
**Mercy**: Was Elbrand's life this rigid before?
**Hachi**: Let me think...
**Hachi**: No. He's actually a pretty playful person.
**Mercy**: But now he seems really tense all the time. He doesn't even let himself breathe.
**Mercy**: I think he's trying to let go of his past grudges, and starting a leisurely retired life.
**Mercy**: But I still don't think he's forgiven himself.
*Mercy scratches her chin with her thumb and index finger.*
*She begins to seriously consider this theory.*
**Hachi**: Forgive himself? You mean...Elbrand can't get over his past?
**Mercy**: It's a possibility...
**Hachi**: But didn't you say before that those kids forgave Elbrand?
**Mercy**: Therein lies the problem.
*Mercy uses her fist to hit her open palm.*
*Almost like a judge striking a gavel.*
**Mercy**: Even though the children have forgiven Elbrand, Elbrand hasn't forgiven himself.
**Mercy**: It might even be possible that because the children let him off the hook, Elbrand will never be able to atone.
**Mercy**: He'll never have a way to get past this.
*Mercy's theory stuns Hachi.*
**Hachi**: Then, how can I help Elbrand? Go to these children and ask them to accept Elbrand's help?
**Hachi**: Will Elbrand be able to get over it then?
*Mercy doesn't reply.*
*The three of you stay silent.*
**Player**: Maybe some pain just stays in our hearts for a lifetime.
**Player**: And we can't do anything about it...
**Hachi**: Then what, I shouldn't care about Elbrand?
**Player**: We can't rush this.
**Player**: Let's give Elbrand some space for a while.
**Player**: As long as he doesn't do anything to endanger his own life, we won't interfere with him.
*Hachi and Mercy exchange glances.*
**Hachi**: Also... At least the captain is living a somewhat healthy lifestyle now.
**Mercy**: But I think so long as it's appropriate, we'd better help guide him through his feelings.
**Mercy**: Right now, he's treating himself like some kind of ascetic.
*Mercy seems think of something, and falls silent.*
**Mercy**: Maybe, this is also a way for Elbrand to 'atone.'
*A sense of melancholy washes over the three of you.*
*The three of you exchange a few more simple words, then disperse.*
**Player**: I really hope winter passes soon...
*That's what you pray for on your way home.*

**-Intimacy Level 13**

*Carrying a paper sack in your arms, you push open Elbrand's door using your back.*
**Player**: Are you busy, Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: No.
*Elbrand puts down the medical report in his hands.*
**Player**: Did you have any patients this morning?
**Elbrand**: This is a case from 3 years ago. It's not worth talking about.
*You put the paper sack you're carrying on Elbrand's desk.*
*The stuff inside falls out.*
*Elbrand glances at the contents.*
**Elbrand**: Lately, the hospital's started to decorate with this stuff, too.
**Elbrand**: Seems like everyone's looking forward to something.
*Elbrand thinks for a couple of seconds.*
**Elbrand**: The Ice Spirit Festival, right?
**Player**: That's right. That's why I bought some of this stuff and brought it here.
**Player**: It's all Ice Spirit Festival-themed.
*You say to Elbrand as you put the stuff back in the sack.*
**Player**: But it's not Ice Spirit Festival that people are looking forward to.
**Player**: There will be a total lunar eclipse tonight.
**Player**: We're getting ready to drink while we watch the eclipse. Will you join us?
**Elbrand**: A total lunar eclipse...
*Elbrand remembers a time back with Gasol*
**Gasol**: Elbrand! Elbrand, get over here!
**Elbrand**: What's up? The warriors are still waiting for me to go drinking with them.
**Gasol**: Sit. Haven't you ever looked up at the stars?
*Elbrand sits next to Gasol.*
**Elbrand**: Sometimes I look at the moon when I'm trying to tell time, and I look at the constellations when I get lost.
**Gasol**: Have you ever truly appreciated them?
**Elbrand**: Appreciate? Hahaha...
*Elbrand can't help but smile.*
**Elbrand**: I've been looking at these stars and that moon for as long as you've been wearing socks.
**Elbrand**: Every night, I look at them at least once.
**Elbrand**: Is this what you mean by appreciate?
*Gasol rudely kicks Elbrand.*
**Gasol**: I'm going to be honest with you.
*Elbrand is staggered by the kick.*
*He leans toward Gasol, smiling.*
**Elbrand**: Tell me.
**Gasol**: People in the past used to tell lots of legends about the nighttime. They made up bizarre explanations for natural phenomena that they had no way of understanding.
**Gasol**: For example...
*Elbrand loses himself in memory.*
**Elbrand**: A total lunar eclipse...
*Elbrand shakes his head.*
**Elbrand**: Forget it.
**Player**: How so?
**Elbrand**: I'm not going.
**Player**: Let me tell you, this chance doesn't come along every day. You won't get another chance tomorrow.
*Player's words trigger another memory in Elbrand*
**Gasol**: I hope that when I wake up tomorrow, I'll see you again.
*Player notices that Elbrand seems lost in thought again*
**Elbrand**: ...
**Player**: What's wrong, Elbrand? Are you okay?
**Elbrand**: Oh, I'm fine...
**Elbrand**: I was just thinking about something from my past.
*Elbrand sighs then goes over to the window.*
**Player**: Truth be told, everyone hopes you can come.
**Elbrand**: Why?
**Player**: Huh? Because... Because...
**Player**: Because everyone thinks of you as a friend!
**Elbrand**: Friend? I...
**Elbrand**: Actually, I'm a craven person, Player.
**Player**: What? Why are you suddenly bringing this up?
**Elbrand**: Anyway, I'm a hypocrite... You may think I'm all that, but I'm not as good as you think.
*You quickly walk over to Elbrand's side.*
*You put your hand on his shoulder.*
**Player**: You're not a hypocrite.
**Elbrand**: I am.
*The wood in Elbrand's fireplace crackles.*
**Elbrand**: I remember. I told you that I had a dream while I was in a coma.
**Elbrand**: I saw everyone in my dream.
**Elbrand**: You, Hachi, Mercy, and my warriors.
**Elbrand**: And Gasol...
**Elbrand**: I don't know why I was dreaming. Maybe... Maybe it was because of the letters you sent me.
**Elbrand**: At the start of the dream, I returned to the village before everything happened. I wanted to stop the tragedy from occurring, but...
**Elbrand**: It was stuck in an endless loop that I couldn't change. Every time, the townspeople were corrupted, and every time, the people there were torn to shreds.
**Elbrand**: So I thought I might as well stay here. Maybe this is the purgatory where I'm supposed to live.
**Elbrand**: But at this time, everyone appears in my dream, helping me fight off the corrupted townspeople, protecting the Shadowless world behind me.
**Elbrand**: Everyone encourages me and helps me stand up.
**Player**: This is what everyone is hoping for.
**Elbrand**: At the end of my dream, Gasol says to me:
**Elbrand**: 'I hope that when I wake up tomorrow, I'll see you again.'
**Elbrand**: But...
**Elbrand**: But...
*Elbrand's breathing rises excitedly.*
**Elbrand**: He has no tomorrow, so how could he say this to me?
**Elbrand**: I actually spoke my own wish using Gasol's mouth.
**Elbrand**: I think I'm really crafty.
**Elbrand**: The children say they don't hate me anymore, but I...
**Elbrand**: I'm a sinner.
**Elbrand**: Do you understand? I'm a sinner. How could I possibly be happy?
**Elbrand**: I shouldn't even imagine my dead lover...
**Elbrand**: No, I don't.
**Elbrand**: I killed him...
**Elbrand**: When we said good-bye, he told me that I should save more people.
**Elbrand**: But I haven't saved a single one.
**Elbrand**: Everyone is hurt by my stupidity.
**Elbrand**: I wanted to die alongside Gasol.
**Elbrand**: That's how I should've died.
**Elbrand**: But I survived every time.
**Elbrand**: No, I'm not blaming anyone. Sorry...
**Elbrand**: Sorry...
**Elbrand**: The kids have a new future ahead of them, and that's great.
**Elbrand**: I hope that their future is bright indeed.
**Elbrand**: But, my...
**Elbrand**: I should be rotting in that pile of mud.
*Elbrand crouches on the ground.*
*You crouch next to him.*
**Player**: So you've finally said what's in your heart.
*You sit on the ground.*
*The two of you go a long time without talking.*
*Elbrand calms down.*
*You try to think of a way to express yourself.*
*Choice 1.1 - Encourage Elbrand to start a new life.*
**Player**: So, is it redemption you're looking for?
**Elbrand**: Redemption...?
**Elbrand**: No matter how many people I can save, it can't redeem me for the sins I've already committed.
**Player**: But if you have the ability to prevent tragedy from happening, then at least...
**Elbrand**: You mean, even though I'm a sinner, I can still possess the power to save others?
**Player**: As a friend, I think that you probably shouldn't make yourself a prisoner of your past.
**Player**: You could spend the rest of your life trying to atone for your sins, but...
**Player**: Moving forward does not mean that you've forgotten your suffering or your sins, but instead, that you're bearing the weight of your sin and moving on.
**Player**: Besides, you're not truly evil.
*Choice 1.2 - Let Elbrand find the meaning of life on his own.*
**Player**: What do you think, Elbrand?
**Player**: Are you longing for the years before you joined the army? Or thinking about the time you spent with Gasol?
**Player**: Or, do you want nothing except to end your own life?
**Elbrand**: I don't know.
**Player**: So why don't you listen to your inner voice and think about what you do want?
**Player**: It is good to wash away your sins and never bear their weight again.
**Player**: Or just be a sinner and use the rest of your life to atone for what you've done. That's fine, too.
**Player**: As your friend, I can't tell you the answer, but I hope you'll think it through.
*Conversation continues after choices*
*Elbrand doesn't reply, and the two of you sit in silence for a while.*
**Player**: This is pretty nice, isn't it?
**Elbrand**: What?
**Player**: You and me, sitting here like this.
**Elbrand**: Sitting here...like this?
**Player**: Do you think we'll get the chance to sit together like this five years from now, ten years from now?
**Elbrand**: I think so, yeah.
**Player**: Do you still feel guilty about your life back then?
**Elbrand**: I don't know.
**Player**: You don't know...
**Player**: Then let's bet a coin.
**Elbrand**: Bet a coin? What are we betting on?
*Player thinks.*
**Player**: I haven't thought about it yet. But you can take this coin.
**Player**: And we'll talk again once I've thought it through.
*Player takes out a coin and gives it to Elbrand.*
**Player**: If you already understand, then you can give it back to me.
**Elbrand**: Is this to stop me from killing myself?
**Player**: No. I hope next time you can tell me about the negative feelings that have built up in your heart.
**Player**: I...honestly, I don't know how to deal with your confusion.
**Player**: I can't pretend to be a life coach and tell you what to do when you run into this kind of problem.
**Player**: But, Elbrand.
**Player**: I, Hachi, Mercy, everyone at the orphanage, your war buddies.
**Player**: We will always stand beside you.
**Elbrand**: Stand beside me?
*Elbrand seems slightly startled.*
*He thinks of his dream.*
*The dream where everyone teams up with him to fight the Shadows.*
**Player**: Perhaps... Perhaps the total lunar eclipse might have some special significance for you.
**Player**: We won't bother you, Elbrand.
**Player**: I'll just tell you in advance to have a happy Ice Spirit Festival.
**Player**: So...I'll be leaving now.
*Elbrand nods.*
*You wave and then leave Elbrand's room.*
*Elbrand pulls out the cloth sack with the crystal inside.*
*He puts it up to his lips...*
*And loses himself in thought.*

**-Intimacy Level 14**

*You leave the shadow of the airship.*
*Standing under the sun, you stretch.*
**Player**: Is spring coming? It feels a lot warmer now.
*You return to the airship and change your undershirt.*
*When you come out again, even though the breeze makes things a little chilly...*
*Under the sunlight, you feel quite comfortable.*
**???**: Player.
*Below the airship, someone calls your name.*
**Player**: Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: Wanna come sit with me?
**Player**: Oh? You're inviting me?
**Player**: All right. Let's go.
*Elbrand takes Player to the Kaist Church gardens*
*To welcome you, Elbrand makes a cup of hot tea.*
**Elbrand**: The flowers are blooming, so I used some to make tea.
**Player**: Oh yeah? Let me have a try.
*You take the steaming teacup.*
*The tea with a hint of floral scent fills the air.*
**Player**: The flowers finally bloomed, and you used them to make a tea. Isn't that a pity?
**Elbrand**: They're going to die, anyway.
**Player**: Did you find out why this flower wilted before? Was it because of the soil?
**Elbrand**: It was probably a problem with the temperature. Maybe I also watered it too much before.
**Elbrand**: However, I already have control over these factors.
*Elbrand moves out of the way.*
*You see the greenhouse in the background.*
*There's some equipment next to the flowers.*
*It appears to be a heating lamp, thermometer, and hygrometer.*
*They seem to have been welded together.*
**Player**: Did you do this?
**Elbrand**: Yes, I did some research in my spare time. It was quite interesting.
**Elbrand**: I bought the same lamp that my boss at the hospital uses to grow mushrooms, then I performed some simple modifications.
**Elbrand**: It works pretty well.
**Player**: (When Elbrand mentions his boss out loud, the sense of recalcitrance is strong.)
**Player**: It's been a while since I've visited. This place has changed a lot.
**Elbrand**: After all, I've had a lot of free time. There have been more patients in the hospital the past couple of days, however.
**Player**: What happened?
**Elbrand**: The temperature's risen rapidly this year, and lots of flowers have already bloomed. There's lots of patients with hay fever this year.
**Elbrand**: When the temperature changes so suddenly, lots of people catch colds.
**Elbrand**: I asked Mercy to fill out a few forms for me in advance, so that if I want to prescribe medicine, I don't need her to run around.
*Elbrand and you chat non-stop.*
**Player**: (Ever since Elbrand's nervous breakdown...)
**Player**: (Due to the increasing number of commissions from the Oathblades and the Order of Equality lately, it's been a couple of months since I visited.)
**Player**: (But it seems that Elbrand's in much better spirits now.)
**Player**: (Not only did he give his flowers heat lamps, but he also fixed up the backyard fence.)
**Player**: (It feels like he's devoted some energy into really living.)
**Elbrand**: Right, do you remember? The guy we met last time, the one who was really interested in me.
**Player**: The one who wanted you to go to their gym?
**Elbrand**: Yes.
**Player**: Have you thought about it? Are you going to accept his invitation, or refuse it?
**Elbrand**: They came to me again and said that one of their students was pursuing the ultimate muscle training.
**Elbrand**: I think I can try out the Shadowhunters training method on him.
**Elbrand**: That said, in a little while, I'm preparing to do some personal training.
**Elbrand**: The most important thing for the time being is to pass the exam first.
*The test Elbrand is referring to is the Kaism Doctor's exam.*
**Elbrand**: Only after passing the test can I move onto the next step.
**Elbrand**: In order to complete Gasol's last wish, I need to save more people.
*Mentioning this, Elbrand sighs.*
**Player**: You can do it.
*You pat Elbrand to console him.*
**Elbrand**: Oh, that's right. I have something for you.
*A few minutes later, Elbrand comes back with a box.*
**Elbrand**: Hachi gave me a whole box of fruit. I made most of it into jam, but I still couldn't finish all of it.
**Elbrand**: Here's some for you.
*A transparent food container sits on top of the box.*
**Player**: What's this?
*You pick it up.*
*Some neatly sliced fruit is inside.*
*You look at Elbrand in surprise.*
**Player**: Did you cut this yourself?
**Elbrand**: Yeah, that's right. But...
**Elbrand**: I can only manage a rough chopping motion. I still can't do fine work.
**Elbrand**: I've still got a long way to go before I can successfully perform spells.
*You open the box of food and put some in your mouth.*
*It reminds you of the breakfast you had in the hospital.*
*And the sight of Elbrand cutting fruit late at night.*
*You can't help but feel a little emotional.*
**Elbrand**: Haha, don't be like that. When I gave this to Mercy, she cried.
**Elbrand**: Don't be like Mercy.
**Player**: What are you talking about!
*You close the box of food.*
**Player**: Then what about that coin?
**Player**: The coin meeting every five years. You remember?
**Player**: Can you give me the coin now?
**Elbrand**: Uh... I can't give it back to you right now.
**Player**: You still can't figure it out?
**Elbrand**: I think only Ka can give me the answer.
*Elbrand makes a prayer gesture.*
**Elbrand**: So let me hold onto the coin for now.
**Player**: Okay~
*You pat Elbrand on the shoulder.*
**Player**: Welcome to your new life, Elbrand.
**Elbrand**: Yes.
*Elbrand nods and looks over at Lake Bliss nearby.*
**Elbrand**: My new life...
**Elbrand**: The tea is getting cold. Let's go inside.
**Player**: All right.

### Dates

**This section contains spoilers for Date scenes.**

**Therapy**

**-Intro**

*At the Hottie Bar.*
*Everyone's mingling at the party, but Hachi seems depressed.*
**Player**: What's wrong, Hachi? You look like you've got something on your mind.
**Hachi**: Brother, the more you see, the more you know.
**Hachi**: Help me think for a moment.
**Hachi**: Lately, Elbrand hasn't been sleeping much, because he's been trying to conquer his inner demons.
**Hachi**: I'm afraid he's going to have a breakdown if he keeps going like this. I want to help him, too.
**Hachi**: But there's nothing I can do. Usually, when someone in our unit has something they're afraid of, we try a little 'exposure therapy.'
**Hachi**: We throw them in the jungle and let us face their fears.
**Hachi**: We just tackle the problem head-on.
**Hachi**: But it's not like we can just throw Elbrand into a pile of needles to help him deal with his fear of sharp objects.
**Hachi**: I don't know what to do.
**Player**: (Help Hachi.)
**Player**: Don't worry, Hachi. In a couple of days, I'll go see what's wrong with Elbrand.
**Player**: And I'll help you fix whatever's wrong!
**Hachi**: Really? That would be great! Heh, sorry for bothering you with this bro.
*Hachi scratches his head in embarrassment.*
**Hachi**: I'm always troubling you because of Elbrand.
**Player**: It's no problem. Don't worry about it!
*You pat Hachi on the shoulder.*
*Several days later...*
*Today is your day off, and you've finally got some free time.*
*Player finds Elbrand at the Kaist Church gardens*
**Player**: You busy, Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: Player! Is something wrong?
**Player**: I'm doing fine. I've got the day off, so I came to pay you a visit.
*You notice that Elbrand's got a knife in his hand.*
*It seems that he is performing some maintenance on it.*
**Player**: Did you just finish your rehab?
**Elbrand**: Rehab?
*Elbrand looks at the object in his hand with a look of surprise.*
**Elbrand**: Yeah...I guess you could put it that way.
**Player**: Hachi told me about your recent efforts to overcome some of the things that have been troubling you.
**Player**: Have you been making good progress?
*Elbrand crooks his head to the side.*
*You follow his line of sight to a pile of scrap on the floor.*
*You see both smooth cuts and rough ones.*
**Elbrand**: It's hard to tell how much improvement he's actually made.
**Elbrand**: I don't know if this rehab will work.
**Elbrand**: But I don't know what else to do.
**Elbrand**: Do you have any ideas, Player?

**-Have Elbrand try hypnosis. - 700 Intimacy**

**Player**: Well, mental obstacles like this can be overcome with hypnosis.
**Elbrand**: Hypnosis?
*Elbrand's expression seemed subtly skeptical.*
**Elbrand**: I've always had the impression that accepting hypnosis is basically handing over control of oneself to another person, putting yourself at their mercy.
**Elbrand**: I don't want to become someone else's puppet.
**Player**: Well, there's two sides to everything.
**Player**: (As Elbrand says this, I recall that hypnotherapy hasn't caught on in this world yet.)
**Player**: Where I'm from, we would say your fear of sharp objects is caused by trauma.
**Player**: Since it is a spiritual problem, then it requires a spiritual solution.
**Player**: And hypnosis is a form of therapy that lets the therapist communicate directly with your spirit.
**Player**: It's like a...well, a detector that detects your problems, and then solves them.
**Player**: It doesn't mean you're going to lose control over yourself.
**Player**: Of course, that's just the good part of this approach.
**Player**: If you find a caster who has ulterior motives, then the things you're worried about may indeed happen.
*After listening to your suggestion, Elbrand thinks quietly for a few moments.*
**Elbrand**: Then, where should we look for such a therapist?
**Player**: Hmm... Yeah.
**Player**: I also thought of that when you asked your last question.
**Player**: Actually, in my world, hypnotherapy can only be used by advanced psychologists.
**Player**: Trying to find a person like that in Luxium will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
**Player**: And even if we found one, could we trust them?
**Player**: Sorry, Elbrand. I seem to have come up with an improbable solution.
**Elbrand**: You don't need to apologize. After all, it did give me a new perspective.
**Elbrand**: The spiritual side of the problem requires a spiritual solution...
**Elbrand**: At least I'm no longer out of options.
*Elbrand shrugs.*
**Elbrand**: Besides, Luxium is a big place. If there's something we want to find, we can probably find it.
*Elbrand pats you, telling you not to take it to heart.*
**Elbrand**: Come on, don't stand around. Let's go back to the room, sit, and chat.
**Player**: All right, let's go.
*Not long after the two of you enter the room.*
*Hachi and Mercy come visit.*
*The four of you make a simple dinner in Elbrand's room.*
*After you finish dinner, you all disperse.*

**-Recommend treatments that don't require the use of sharp objects, like massage and moxibustion. - 900 Intimacy**

**Player**: Hmm, if you really don't know how to conquer your fear, maybe you could try therapy that doesn't involve sharp objects.
**Elbrand**: Therapy that doesn't involve sharp objects? But that would be heavily dependent on Flux...
**Elbrand**: My Flux is not suitable for healing...
**Player**: No, my method doesn't rely on Flux. You can give it a try.
**Player**: Have you ever heard of 'massage' and 'moxibustion?'
**Elbrand**: Massage?
*Elbrand raises his hands and performs a massage gesture.*
**Player**: This kind of massage involves doing movements like pushing, pressing, pinching, and kneading on your body's meridians and acupoints.
**Player**: This is done to encourage healing.
**Player**: Moxibustion involves putting herbs on specific parts of the body and burning them to treat illness.
**Elbrand**: Does it work?
**Player**: Some people think it does. Others don't believe in it...
**Player**: But it's something you could try!
**Elbrand**: It sounds like some of the methods the ancient tribes in the Northern Desert would use.
**Elbrand**: I'll look into it when I get some free time to try to learn more about it.
**Elbrand**: Thank you, Player.
**Elbrand**: We've been standing outside my room for a long time. Let's go in.
**Player**: All right, let's go.
*You and Elbrand sit for a while, then discuss new medical treatments.*
*Elbrand takes out some books and discusses them with you in detail.*
*The night grows darker, but neither you nor Elbrand are aware of the passage of time.*
*It is already getting bright out again when you go home.*

**-Keep going with the exposure therapy. - 500 Intimacy**

**Player**: Hmm... I remember Hachi telling me that if someone in the unit is scared of something...
**Player**: Then they will use 'exposure therapy' and repeatedly force them to confront what they're afraid of.
**Player**: Then they'll learn how to conquer their fears.
**Player**: Maybe you aren't confronting it head-on, Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: What...
**Elbrand**: I think at least in this regard, I've made enough effort.
*Elbrand looks at the scrap by his side.*
**Elbrand**: If this isn't good enough, then how can I really confront my fear?
*Elbrand thinks quietly.*
**Player**: (Yes, how can we make the therapy more intense for Elbrand?)
**Player**: (Think back... How did Elbrand get these mental scars?)
*You think for a while, then your hair stands on end.*
**Player**: (You have a bad thought: it seems that he can't take anything more intense!)
**Player**: I'm sorry, Elbrand. I don't have any good ideas.
**Player**: Forget what I said. Don't take it to heart.
**Elbrand**: ...
**Elbrand**: It looks like the path to recovery is a long one...
*The two of you look at each other without saying a word, and stand there awkwardly for a while.*
*The awkwardness gets the best of you, so you find an excuse to leave.*

**Sale**

**-Intro**

*On the airship.*
*Beep, beep.*
**Player**: The communicator's ringing? Don't worry about it, Billy. I've got it.
**Player**: Hello?
**Elbrand**: Is this Player? It's me, Elbrand.
**Player**: What's up?
**Elbrand**: Oh, nothing much. I just had a quick question for you.
**Elbrand**: Do you have a sec?
**Elbrand**: If you do, please come to my courtyard. I'll be waiting for you here.
**Elbrand**: Well, see you.
*Beep...beep.*
**Player**: Well...
**Player**: I wonder what Elbrand wants to talk to me about?
**Player**: (Go)
*Player meets Elbrand at the Kaist Church*
**Player**: I'm here, Elbrand. What did you want to talk to me about?
**Elbrand**: Uh, see...
*Elbrand hands you a piece of paper.*
**Player**: Let me have a look...
**Player**: A charity sale?
**Elbrand**: Yeah. This is a charity sale organized by the Kaist Church and the Order of Equality. As an intern at the church, I have to take part.
**Elbrand**: But I don't know much about this kind of stuff, and I don't know which booth I should apply to.
**Elbrand**: Can you help me take a look?
**Player**: Hmm, let me see...
**Player**: (From the looks of it, it seems like only the childrens' booth, the arms booth, and the farm booth would be suitable for Elbrand.)
**Player**: (Which one should he pick?)

**-The childrens' booth. - 900 Intimacy**

**Player**: What do you think about the childrens' booth?
**Elbrand**: Childrens' products...
**Player**: The requirements say that whoever works there has to have extensive experience raising children.
**Player**: Didn't you take care of a bunch of children at the orphanage?
**Elbrand**: Sure, but does that count as 'experience raising children'?
*Elbrand scratches his head.*
**Elbrand**: I just sit on the floor with the kids and play.
**Elbrand**: And let them braid my hair.
**Elbrand**: Also, if they cry, I see if their diaper needs to be changed.
**Elbrand**: I don't let the little children put stuff in their mouths, stuff like that...
**Player**: That's more than enough!
**Elbrand**: Really?!
**Elbrand**: Uh, but this kind of booth usually only looks for people who look nice...
*Elbrand is still lacking self-confidence.*
**Player**: Don't worry about it!
**Player**: When the time comes, I'l dress you up real professionally. Professionalism is the key to victory!
**Elbrand**: Professionalism?!
**Player**: Your appearance, tools, etc.
**Elbrand**: I have a hood and an apron here. Can you help me try them on?
**Player**: Leave it to me!
*With your help, Elbrand makes lots of sales.*
*Elbrand thanks you effusively for your help.*

**-The firearms booth. - 500 Intimacy**

**Player**: Firearms?
**Player**: There are...firearms at your charity sale?!
**Elbrand**: I've heard they're just some weapons that were about to be dismantled. The Order of Equality will only sell them to civilian peace-keeping organizations.
**Player**: (Hmm, so long as Jonas knows what he's doing.)
**Player**: So what's the firearms booth like?
**Elbrand**: Although they've got weapons like guns and cannons, I wouldn't mind too much.
**Elbrand**: But I'm in no position to sell people this stuff...
**Elbrand**: Especially since some of those buyers are righteous organizations.
*Elbrand shakes his head.*
**Elbrand**: If possible, I'd like to stay clear of the weapons, Player. Can you help me think of something else?
**Player**: Sure, I'll take another look.
**Player**: Medicine? Hmm... Medicine has a minimum rank requirement, and interns can't join.
**Player**: Food? Food requires basic cooking skills. Do you know how to cook, Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: I can, but there's the possibility that I might run into knives there.
**Player**: Oh, that's right. We'll skip that one, then.
*You spent a long time helping Elbrand pick, but none of the booths seemed suitable for him.*
**Elbrand**: Looks like there aren't any areas where I'm competent.
**Player**: Don't look so down!
**Player**: There's another side to this list!
**Elbrand**: Forget it. Thanks anyway, Player
**Elbrand**: Let's go sit in my room for a while.
**Player**: Oh, okay...
**Player**: (Dang, in the end, I wasn't able to help Elbrand.)
*The day of the event, Elbrand takes the day off and doesn't attend.*

**-The crops booth. - 700 Intimacy**

**Player**: How about crops?
**Elbrand**: Crops?!
**Elbrand**: But I don't have any experience with planting anything other than flowers. And all you have to do with flowers is make sure they don't die.
**Player**: No, no. Take a closer look.
**Player**: This time, the crops sale is mostly for farmers from the Northern Desert.
**Player**: You're familiar with the soil and water in the Northern Desert. Doesn't that makes this a good fit?
**Elbrand**: Hmm... I do have some experience growing stuff.
**Elbrand**: Thank you, Player. I'll apply to the crops booth.
**Elbrand**: Come on. Come in and sit down?
**Elbrand**: Perfect. Can you help me practice?
**Elbrand**: Help me figure out how I should introduce these to the customers!
**Player**: All right, let's go!
*The day of the event, Elbrand's salesman game is on point.*
*The Northern Desert farmers buy the best crop seeds around.*
*Elbrand seems to feel a lot better.*

**Kindness**

**-Intro**

*Early morning. You gradually wake up.*
**Player**: Oh, it's morning...
*You turn over.*
**Player**: (Recently, the Kaist Church has been pushing people to exercise more.)
**Player**: (They even held an early morning swipe-in event.)
**Player**: (I've already gotten three stamps, but it's really cold this morning...)
*You curl up underneath the blanket.*
**Player**: (Should I work out this morning...)
**Player**: (Yes)
**Player**: (Ah, I better get up. After all, I already have three stamps. It would be a shame to break my streak.)
*You get out of bed and get dressed.*
*You arrive at the park where the event is being held.*
*Yawning, you're about to approach the staff member to get your stamp.*
**Player**: Ah... Ah...
**Player**: You're working here today, Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: Yes.
*Standing next to Elbrand is a group of people panting.*
*They seem to have done some intense exercise.*
*Some people are even lying down on the ground.*
**Player**: What's going on?
**Elbrand**: I just took everyone on a little workout around the island.
*As Elbrand says this...*
*His breathing is steady and he doesn't appear to be sweating.*
**Gym Boss**: Phew... Phew...
*A man drenched in sweat walks up.*
**Gym Boss**: You... You...
*He stops in front of Elbrand and takes a large breath.*
**Gym Boss**: You, sir! Are you interested in becoming a personal trainer with us?
**Elbrand**: A personal trainer?
**Gym Boss**: You see, I'm a boss at a gym...
*Trembling, he reaches out with his business card.*
**Gym Boss**: When you led the run just now, I was watching you from behind!
**Gym Boss**: You've got excellent form, your muscles are strong, and you're really fit!
**Gym Boss**: In addition, your instructions when guiding people how to breath and swing their upper limbs were really detailed and easy to understand!
**Gym Boss**: Most importantly, you ran a whole lap, but weren't even winded!
**Gym Boss**: I love to work out, too, so I wanted to have a chat with you?
**Gym Boss**: Ahem.
**Gym Boss**: Returning to the point, sir, if you would come work as a personal trainer at our gym...
**Gym Boss**: This would be your base salary! And we always pay on time!
*The gym boss shows him a staggering figure.*
*But Elbrand seems unmoved.*
**Elbrand**: What's a personal trainer?
**Player**: A personal trainer refers to someone who provides one-on-one workout guidance for gym members.
**Elbrand**: Uh huh...
*Elbrand frowns, and looks deep in thought.*
**Player**: (Elbrand looks a little embarrassed.)

**-Persuade Elbrand to give it a shot. - 500 Intimacy**

**Player**: Why don't you give it a try?
**Elbrand**: Try?
**Elbrand**: But I've never done personal training before.
**Elbrand**: I've trained new recruits before, but that kind of intensity isn't suitable for normal people.
**Elbrand**: Besides, I'm studying to be a doctor at the Kaist Church now.
**Elbrand**: I've also got stuff to handle at the hospital. I don't think I can do this.
*Elbrand seems resolute in his decision to refuse the offer.*
*You want to say something.*
*But the gym boss takes the initiative.*
**Gym Boss**: Hey, don't be so hasty, sir!
**Gym Boss**: Don't rush the decision. Take my business card.
**Gym Boss**: Think it over first. It's not like my gym's going out of business tomorrow.
*The gym put his hands on his waist and calms his breath.*
**Gym Boss**: Think it over. I'll get in touch with you again soon!
**Gym Boss**: There's no rush. No...rush... Ah... I'm beat. I'm going to go lie down and catch my breath. Sir, I mean it...
*He gasps for air and turns to leave.*
**Elbrand**: Well...
**Player**: Looks like that boss really likes you.
**Elbrand**: But any Bloodrunner can reach my level.
**Player**: Maybe the boss was looking at your potential traits...
**Elbrand**: My potential traits?
*Elbrand shakes his head.*
**Elbrand**: Forget it, there's nothing to think about.
**Elbrand**: Don't you want your stamp, Player? Come on. The next group is getting ready to go.
**Player**: The next group... Are you leading them, too?
**Elbrand**: Yes.
*You look over at the group of people who are still panting, and can't help but feel a little nervous.*

**-Help Elbrand refuse the gym owner. - 700 Intimacy**

**Player**: (Elbrand hasn't been in the highest spirits lately. I'd better help him refuse the boss's offer.)
**Player**: You don't want to do it, do you, Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: That's right. I don't think I'm suited for it in my current state.
*Elbrand clenches his mechanical fist tightly.*
**Elbrand**: Besides, I still have stuff to do at the Kaist Church. I don't think I'll be able to get away from that.
**Elbrand**: So I don't think I can do this work.
**Gym Boss**: You don't think you can do it? I...phew...
**Gym Boss**: I'm always right about this kind of thing! You can do it, for sure...
**Gym Boss**: You mean you just don't have the time? Hoo... I'm in no rush!
**Gym Boss**: Think it over. I'll get in touch with you again soon!
**Gym Boss**: There's no rush. No...rush... Ah... I'm beat. I'm going to go lie down and catch my breath. Sir, I mean it...
*He gasps for air and turns to leave.*
**Elbrand**: Well...
**Player**: Looks like that boss really likes you.
**Player**: Don't worry. If you really don't want to go...
**Player**: The next time he comes to find you, just refuse the offer.
**Elbrand**: No problem.
**Elbrand**: Don't you want your stamp, Player? Come on. The next group is getting ready to go.
**Player**: The next group... Are you leading them, too?
**Elbrand**: Yes.
*You look over at the group of people who are still panting, and can't help but feel a little nervous.*

**-Tell Elbrand to think it over before making a decision. - 900 Intimacy**

**Player**: (According to the current situation, Elbrand firstly doesn't seem clear about what a personal trainer does.)
**Player**: (Secondly, he's probably not cut out for this kind of work.)
**Player**: (And although the boss seems sincere...)
**Player**: (We can't be sure what his gym is like. If something goes wrong, Elbrand might even get himself into trouble.)
**Player**: Elbrand, we shouldn't rush a decision. You'd better think it over.
**Elbrand**: Think it over? Uh...
**Gym Boss**: Y-yeah! Just think it over.
**Elbrand**: You don't need an answer right now?
**Gym Boss**: Nope!
**Gym Boss**: Take your time to think it over.
**Gym Boss**: It's no small decision, after all. Right?
**Gym Boss**: If you gave me your answer right away, I might have second thoughts about you, hahaha...
*The gym boss let out a sophisticated laugh.*
**Gym Boss**: No worries. Think it over! If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime, and I'll be happy to answer them.
*BeeNic comes over*
**BeeNic**: Player! Boss! You guys are here, too!
**Gym Boss**: Oh! BeeNic! I thought I might find you here today!
**BeeNic**: I've heard that this event is especially challenging...
**BeeNic**: No wonder! Are you today's leader?!
*Elbrand nods.*
**BeeNic**: Wow, you're buff!
**Gym Boss**: He's very good.
**BeeNic**: That's what they said. I'm beginning to look forward to this!
**Gym Boss**: Haha, look at the time. The next group is about to start.
**Gym Boss**: You're about to find out for yourself, BeeNic.
**Gym Boss**: I'm going to go rest... So tired... See you all later...
**Player**: I'm going to join the next group, too. Let's do it together, eh?
**BeeNic**: I get to run with Player?
**BeeNic**: Is my tail wagging already?!
**BeeNic**: Let's do it, Player. I'll help you warm up a bit!
**BeeNic**: You don't want to pull something, after all!
**Player**: Sure!

### Trifle

**This section contains spoilers for the Trifle. Please use a desktop browser for the best viewing experience.**

**A Town Erased**

Hachi's been captured by the original residents of the village? In the process of rescuing Hachi, you discover the truth behind Elbrand's past...

**-Part 1**

*Inside the airship.*
*Player, Elbrand and Billy enter the airship*
**Player**: So what the hell is going on?
**Player**: Why was Hachi captured by the people in the Northern Desert? Where did you get this information?
**Elbrand**: They used Hachi's communicator to send me a message.
**Elbrand**: As for the reason why he's been captured - it's my fault. I got Hachi involved. They just wanted to use this to force me to meet them.
**Player**: What are their numbers like? You don't need backup?
**Elbrand**: No. There's no need. They'll come to me. You don't even need to get off the airship. I'll just go by myself.
**Player**: (A personal grudge?)
**Billy**: Dr. Elbrand, where in the Northern Desert should we go to find Hachi?
**Elbrand**: Here. I've got the coordinates...
*Elbrand takes out a piece of paper and a pen.*
*With a trembling hand, he writes a bunch of coordinates on the paper.*
*He gives the paper to you.*
**Elbrand**: Hachi's imprisoned in a small village called 'Chintalpo.'
**Player**: (Chintalpo... What a strange name.)
**Player**: (But the Northern Desert's so big. It's probably a remote village that no one ever goes to.)
**Player**: I'll search for it.
*You put the coordinates into the airship's navigation system.*
*The results shock you.*
**Player**: This place...
**Player**: If I remember correctly, this place is located in an oasis in the middle of the desert.
**Elbrand**: Yes, Chintalpo is a small village located in an oasis. It's a very beautiful place, and the land is fertile, and it is safe from the wind and sand.
**Elbrand**: The townspeople here live in peace. Our fight with the Shadows hasn't touched this place.
**Player**: (It's probably well-developed, then.)
**Player**: (How come I've never heard of it before?)
**Billy**: Hmm...
**Billy**: There isn't a town called Chintalpo on the map, Captain...
**Elbrand**: What? How old is this map?
**Billy**: It's the newest one...
*Elbrand takes the map out of Billy's hands.*
*He points to a location on the map.*
**Elbrand**: Heh... \*coughing\*
**Elbrand**: When you guys get here, you'll understand.
**Elbrand**: We'd better get going now.
*Billy shoots Player a questioning glance.*
**Player**: Let's go!
**Billy**: Aye, aye!
**Player**: It might get a little bumpy when the airship takes off. Hold onto something.
*With a jolt, Player's airship set out toward Chintalpo.*
*After skimming across towns and the forest.*
*The airship stops on the coordinates' location.*
*Elbrand, Player and Billy disembark from the airship and walk into a dense sandstorm*
**Player**: What's this?
**Billy**: Cough, cough. What's with all the sand in the breeze?
*Billy covers his mouth and nose.*
**Billy**: They have sandstorms here?
**Player**: It's an oasis with a mild climate - how could the environment here be so harsh?
**Player**: At least there are some plants nearby. Here, it's just nothing but sand.
**Billy**: Maybe the Flux here has been depleted, and it's affecting the environment.
**Elbrand**: Look at what's become of this place...
*Elbrand crouches down and touches the ground.*
*He crushes the hard, dry sand, then stands up.*
**Elbrand**: The town should be over in that direction...
**Elbrand**: I'm going to go it alone from here. Here's your payment.
**Elbrand**: You guys can leave now.
**Player**: What's this, Elbrand? Why did you give me so much?
**Player**: With this much money, you could travel back and forth between Never Isle and the Northern Desert a hundred times.
**Player**: The people you're going to meet managed to capture Hachi. Are you sure you want to do this alone?
**Elbrand**: As long as I go, they should free Hachi.
**Elbrand**: I don't want to get anyone else caught up in this.
**Player**: Well...
**Player**: (What's Hachi gotten mixed up in?)
**Player**: (Elbrand's been ready from the beginning to sacrifice himself.)
**Player**: But in your current state, even if you can rescue Hachi, you won't be able to bring him back to Never Isle.
**Player**: I won't let you do this alone, no matter what.
**Player**: At the very least, I'll need to bring Hachi back.
**Elbrand**: ...
*Elbrand takes out a bottle of medicine and threw a few pills into his mouth.*
**Elbrand**: Okay, let's go.
**Player**: You stay on the airship, Billy. Wait for my signal.
**Player**: If I send out a flare, that means we need your help.
**Player**: Red means we need urgent reinforcements. Green just means we need help.
**Billy**: All right. Come back safe.
*Player and Elbrand take off for Chintalpo*
*Not long after setting out, they reach some ruins.*
*Player and Elbrand walk amongst the broken down houses, half buried in sand*
**Player**: Is this Chintalpo?
**Player**: (This place seems to have suffered a huge fire...)
**Player**: (This building has been ruined by fire. I don't know if it sank beneath the dunes, or the dunes rose up...)
**Player**: (Several buildings have been partially buried beneath the sand.)
**Player**: (Hey, what's that?!)
*In the distance, some stick-like objects are slanted above the dunes.*
*The wind and the sand blur the view.*
**Player**: (Those sticks are so spooky-looking...)
**Player**: (It's almost like they're watching the village's entrance.)
**Player**: (This is a dead town, completely different from how Elbrand described it before.)
*Elbrand kneels in front of some ruins, carefully studying their outline.*
**Player**: (Elbrand looks like he's having a hard time accepting this.)
**Player**: (It doesn't seem like his first time in this village. He remembered the village's coordinates and what it looked like before, yet didn't know that it was no longer on the map.)
**Player**: (Perhaps it's because this village holds a special meaning for him, but for some reason he hasn't paid much attention to it the past few years.)
**Player**: (Perhaps Elbrand remembers what these ruins originally looked like. Maybe he remembers something.)
**Player**: (For my part, I'm having a hard time figuring out what this building was even used for.)
**???**: Hmm...
**Player**: Huh?
**???**: Ahem...
*The sound comes from a collapsed building that is dark and loosely-structured.*
**Player**: Who's that?! Who's down below? Is that Hachi?!
**???**: Oh...
**Elbrand**: Hachi?! Hachi! Are you down there?!
**Hachi**: E-Elbrand?!
**Hachi**: Cough... Damn those brats...
**Player**: Are you okay, Hachi? We'll try to find a way to get you out.
**Hachi**: You're here, too, Player? Damn, I really made a fool out of myself today!
**Hachi**: This damn room. I won't be able to get out of here for a while. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine down here.
**Hachi**: Brothers! Get Elbrand out of here! He's those brats' real objective!
**Player**: Brats?!
**Hachi**: Yeah! They tricked me. They had me believe there was a child in the room that was going to be eaten by a Shadowbeast, just to get me in here!
**Hachi**: After they buried me down here, they took my communicator!
*Just as Hachi finishes speaking, young boys with guns surround Player and Elbrand*
**Player**: Um...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (Homeless children? Could these be the children who imprisoned Hachi?)
**Player**: (Their clothes are threadbare, and their weapons look like they were picked up off the ground.)
*The chief's eyes dart back and forth between Player and Elbrand for a few moments.*
*He then pointed his gun at Elbrand.*
**Youth Chief**: Are you...Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: It's me...
*The youth looks surprised for a moment, then he begins to laugh.*
**Youth Chief**: Heh heh. Hahaha...
**Youth Chief**: You're already so haggard, Elbrand...
**Youth Chief**: It looks like the past few years have been rough on you.
**Player**: You're the guys who imprisoned Hachi here?!
**Youth Chief**: Hachi? That big tiger?
**Youth Chief**: Yes, it's a good thing he came here.
**Youth Chief**: We lured him into that house and used him as bait for our trap.
**Youth Chief**: You never imagined, Elbrand, that the town you destroyed would eventually become a trap set just for you.
**Elbrand**: ...
**Player**: Elbrand? Did you...
**Hachi**: Stop talking nonsense!
**Youth Chief**: Shut up!
*The youth chief picks up a stone from the ground and throws it into the ruins where Hachi is buried.*
**Youth Chief**: You Shadowhunters are just one big gang! Shut up!
*Then, the boy's voice seemed to calm down again.*
**Youth Chief**: Yeah. It's a good thing you guys are all in the same gang. That's how we found you, Elbrand...
**Youth Chief**: Otherwise, I don't know how long I would've had to wait for my revenge.
**Youth Chief**: After everything you did, you up and disappeared. Luckily, I still remembered your 'Bloodrunners' logo.
**Elbrand**: Everything that happened back then was all my fault. It has nothing to do with Hachi or Player. Let them go.
**Youth Chief**: I know that, of course.
**Youth Chief**: You think I'm going to indiscriminately kill a bunch of people, like a Shadowhunter would?
**Hachi**: Tsk! Nonsense!
**Youth Chief**: Nonsense?! Look at this village. You call this nonsense?!
**Youth Chief**: Who killed everyone in this village, huh? Tell them, Elbrand!
*The Youth Chief speaks Elbrand's name harshly.*
**Elbrand**: It's me...
**Youth Chief**: It wasn't enough to kill them all, either. You set a fire and burned the whole village down!
**Hachi**: He wasn't the one who set the fire!
**Youth Chief**: Sure, he wasn't the one who set the fire, it was another Shadowhunter. But it was still a Shadowhunter!
**Hachi**: ...
**Player**: Why? Why did the Shadowhunters slaughter this village?!
**Player**: Unless they have a good reason, the Shadowhunters' primary mission is to protect the common people!
**Player**: Didn't you use that fact to your advantage when you lured Hachi into the ruins?
**Youth Chief**: Who are you? Are you another Shadowhunter?
**Youth Chief**: You look like you don't know anything.
**Youth Chief**: Today is the day that I settle the score with the Shadowhunters. If it's got nothing to do with you, then get out of here!
**Hachi**: You say you hate the Shadows, but you hate your own kind!
**Hachi**: If it weren't for the Shadows corrupting everyone in your village, why would Elbrand have done what he did?
**Hachi**: The higher-ups wouldn't make a decision to burn down a town like this!
**Hachi**: Don't be ungrateful! Those of us that carry the Bloodrunners don't pick on the common people, yet you still have the nerve to crap all over us!
**Hachi**: If we hadn't come here and eliminated the Shadows, who knows how many people would've died?!
**Youth Chief**: No! That's not the way it is!
*Choice 1.1 - They were already corrupted. There was no other way.*
**Player**: They were already corrupted. The Shadowhunters had no other option.
**Player**: I'm very sorry about what happened...
**Youth Chief**: Heh. What are you talking about?!
**Youth Chief**: Sorry? What do you have to be sorry for?!
**Youth Chief**: Those were living people. How can you say it's okay to kill them?!
**Youth Chief**: They were complete strangers to you. What gives you the right to hypocritically come here and say you're sorry?!
**Youth Chief**: All of the Shadowhunters are just as cold as you are. That's why they burned our village down to the ground!
**Youth Chief**: It's all because of you guys... That our lives were destroyed!
*The youth chief becomes so angry that he aims his gun at you.*
**Player**: According to Hachi, the people in your village had been corrupted by the Shadows and had become zombies.
**Player**: Their souls were tainted by the forces of corruption and darkness. They were no longer the people you knew.
**Player**: It may seem cruel to you, but they would have spread the power of the Shadows if they hadn't been destroyed.
**Player**: They would've helped the Shadows and would have corrupted even more people!
**Player**: Young man, this was probably the best way they had at the time.
**Youth Chief**: The best way?! You know nothing!
**Youth Chief**: It was all Elbrand's fault! You're all nothing but hypocrites.
**Youth Chief**: Today, in front of the village, I will avenge them!
*The youth chief throws a Corrupted Crystal on the ground.*
**Elbrand**: This!
*Before anyone can react, the boy fires his gun.*
**Player**: Uh!
*Player falls to the ground*
*Next, the Youth Chief aims his gun at Elbrand and fires*
*Elbrand collapses*
**Hachi**: Bro?! Elbrand?!
**Youth Chief**: Huff, puff...
*The youth chief takes a big breath.*
*His eyes nervously flick between you and Elbrand.*
**Young Child**: Boss...
**Youth Chief**: Huff, puff...
*The youth chief throws down the gun.*
*The Youth Chief talks to Hachi*
**Youth Chief**: Everyone is dead... Over there... Do what you want with them.
*The Youth Chief addresses the other boys*
**Youth Chief**: Let's go.
**Hachi**: Don't go! Come back here! Hey!
*The boys leave except for one youngster who takes one last look at Elbrand*
**Quiet Youngster**: ...
*The youngster leaves*
*Scene ends - Bad Ending*
*Choice 1.2 - I can't defend what the Shadowhunters did in front of this kid.*
**Player**: Well...
**Player**: (I truly believe the Shadowhunters didn't have a choice, but...I can't say that in front of this child...)
**Player**: (But Elbrand shouldn't take all the blame.)
**Youth Chief**: That easy, huh?
**Youth Chief**: Don't tell me all the Shadowhunters feel this way? Do they all think this is the truth?
**Youth Chief**: That the Shadows suddenly took interest in a village they'd never been to, then the Shadowhunters heroically sacrificed a few to save the many?
**Youth Chief**: Is that what you think the truth is?!
**Youth Chief**: Humph. Today, I'll show you the true face of Elbrand!
**Youth Chief**: If it weren't for Elbrand, there wouldn't have been so many infected in the town!
*The youth chief takes out a dirty crystal.*
*The crystal is prismatic, and its inside looks like smudged ink.*
**Elbrand**: This is...where did you get it?
**Youth Chief**: Worried?
**Youth Chief**: This is the proof of your guilt, Elbrand!
**Player**: What do you mean?
**Hachi**: What is that, bro?!
**Youth Chief**: It's a Lumen Crystal! A Shadowhunter's Lumen Crystal!
*Scene - Flashback, in front of the Youth Chief's house in Chintalpo*
*Slam.*
**Youth Chief**: The sound of a door. Dad must have been really busy today. He keeps going in and out.
*A much younger Youth Chief stands in front of a well-built house*
**Youth Chief**: ...
**Youth Chief**: What happened outside? Dad?
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: Go back now. Don't dally. The Shadows are coming.
**Youth Chief**: The Shadows?! Then...
**Youth Chief**: What are we going to do? Call the Shadowhunters?
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: There are already two Shadowhunters in the village. They've saved some people.
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: You wait at home. Everything will be fine tomorrow.
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: Cough, cough...
**Youth Chief**: What's wrong, Daddy? Don't tell me you...
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: Here, take this...
*The middle-aged man places a small transparent crystal into the boy's hands.*
**Youth Chief**: This is...?
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: This is the amulet that the Shadowhunter gave to me. You must take it.
**Weak Middle-aged Man**: I'm going to be fine. You go home. Go on, now.
**Youth Chief**: Okay...
*However, it wasn't long before there was crying outside the home.*
*"Run!"*
*"I've got a child at home! Let me go!"*
*"Boo... Hoo..."*
*The Youth Chief leaves his house to see what is happening outside*
*Buildings burn and bodies lie still on the ground*
*A Shadowhunter Warrior stands outside his house*
**Youth Chief**: What the heck's going on?!
**Youth Chief**: Daddy? Daddy?!
**Shadowhunter Warrior**: Get out of here! The village has been invaded by Shadows!
**Youth Chief**: Shadows? But... what about those two Shadowhunters?
**Shadowhunter Warrior**: Go!
*The Shadowhunter Warrior grabs the Youth Chief and tries to get him to safety*
**Youth Chief**: Let go! Let me go! Daddy! Daddy! Where are you?
**Youth Chief**: Ah! That's...
*The boy witnesses a hellish scene in the distance.*
**Youth Chief**: Villagers? Are those people villagers? Is my daddy in there?
*In the distance is a demon, slaughtering people in the raging fire.*
*It uses a giant sword to slash at people familiar to the child.*
*But the villagers don't seem to notice the fire.*
*They gnash at each other, their bodies mangled.*
**Shadowhunter Warrior**: Let's go. They're not people anymore.
**Shadowhunter Warrior**: If you don't get out of here now, you'll be corrupted by them!
**Youth Chief**: They're all...
*Positive memories overlap with images of brutal bloodshed.*
*The boy's spine trembles as the real and the non-real clash.*
**Youth Chief**: That sound...is it growling?
**Youth Chief**: Or crying?
**Youth Chief**: All the voices are mixing together. I can't tell whose is whose...
**Youth Chief**: It can't be. It just can't be... It's like demons crying...
*The boy gives up struggling and is carried away by the soldier.*
*This raging fire soon becomes a nightmare for the boy, one that recurs every night.*
*Three months later.*
*The Youth Chief comes back to Chintalpo alone*
**Youth Chief**: ...
**Youth Chief**: Ruins, corpses...
**Youth Chief**: Nothing left in the whole village...
**Youth Chief**: The Shadowhunter Warriors told me that the Shadows corrupted the water supply, so the whole village was consumed by Shadows.
**Youth Chief**: We kids were the only survivors.
**Youth Chief**: Those two Shadowhunters didn't do a thing...
**Youth Chief**: Huh?
*There seems to be something flashing in the sand not too far away.*
**Youth Chief**: What's this?
*The youth digs something up out of the sand.*
**Youth Chief**: A black crystal? No, there's something black floating inside.
*The boy begins to play around with it.*
**Youth Chief**: There are a lot of cracks on the surface. Huh? This crack seems familiar...
*He takes out the amulet his father gave him.*
*He puts the two things together and compares them.*
**Youth Chief**: This fragment... It was knocked off of this crystal...
*The boy puts the two pieces together.*
**Youth Chief**: Dad said this amulet was given to him by a Shadowhunter.
**Youth Chief**: Which means that this crystal belonged to a Shadowhunter!
**Youth Chief**: This dark, ink-like mass...
*The youth looks carefully at the matter inside the crystal.*
**Youth Chief**: It looks alive...
**Youth Chief**: Ah!
*The boy had a thought and then the crystal fell to the sand.*
**Youth Chief**: The adults said it was Shadows that corrupted the water supply...
**Youth Chief**: And I discovered that its location was indeed our water source's.
*In a pool of water not too far away, there are a few strands of black matter, like floating hair.*
*They undulate like water, but aren't.*
*The boy picks the crystal up carefully.*
**Youth Chief**: Those two Shadowhunters... Do they really deserve our trust?
*Scene - The present, in ruined Chintalpo*
*Player looks at Elbrand after hearing the Youth Chief's story on what happened to Chintalpo*
**Player**: So...the two Shadowhunters you mentioned before...one of them was Elbrand?
**Elbrand**: It was me and my partner...
**Player**: Is he telling the truth? Did you corrupt the water supply, Elbrand?
**Hachi**: That's not what happened!
**Youth Chief**: Then tell me what happened to the water supply?!
**Hachi**: ...
**Hachi**: Elbrand... The crystal...
*Elbrand covers his face and whimpers.*
**Elbrand**: It was because of my negligence that the entire village was corrupted by the Shadows...
**Elbrand**: And I... I killed everyone.
*Elbrand kneels to the ground, gripping his robotic arm as if it were in pain*
**Elbrand**: But it had nothing to do with the Lumen Crystal!
**Elbrand**: The Lumen Crystal wasn't what polluted the water source. Gasol...he was going to purify the water...
**Player**: (Gasol? Was that Elbrand's partner?)
**Elbrand**: Can you give me the crystal? Please...
**Elbrand**: Maybe...
**Elbrand**: It's important to me...
**Youth Chief**: Why would I hand over this valuable proof to you?
**Youth Chief**: I'm going to tell everyone about this! I'm going to make sure every clan in the Northern Desert knows about the cruelty and hypocrisy of the Shadowhunters!
**Youth Chief**: I'll make sure when people think of Elbrand and Gasol, they'll think of the Shadows!
**Elbrand**: No. Gasol had nothing to do with it...
**Elbrand**: Really, it was all my fault. It was all my fault...
**Elbrand**: What can I do? Please, tell me... I'll do anything...
**Youth Chief**: I...
**Youth Chief**: I want you to atone. I want you...to repent!
**Youth Chief**: You destroyed our whole village! You can't do anything.
**Youth Chief**: What was lost can't be recovered. You can't give us back all those years.
**Elbrand**: I've been looking for you all this time. I wanted to take you away...
**Youth Chief**: Take us away where? To an orphanage?
**Youth Chief**: An orphanage?!
*The boy speaks with unmistakable hatred.*
*Elbrand put his hand over his mouth.*
**Elbrand**: I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...
**Youth Chief**: The tragedy was all your fault. What right do you have to take us to an orphanage?!
**Elbrand**: No, I wanted to take you all to hunt Shadows...
*Elbrand is becoming despondent.*
**Youth Chief**: Without our parents, without our homes, we have nowhere to go! We won't accept your kindness, you monster!
**Youth Chief**: Look at those graves over there. Those used to be the people who took you in.
*The youth points towards the slanted sticks in the distance.*
**Youth Chief**: Know why they don't have actual tombstones?
**Youth Chief**: Because when I came back, I couldn't tell who they were anymore.
**Youth Chief**: I couldn't even tell some of the corpses apart. Their limbs broke off at the slightest touch.
**Youth Chief**: I couldn't even find any decent trees or stones nearby.
**Youth Chief**: Look at them, and think about how you can make this up to us!
*The young man's lip quivers.*
**Youth Chief**: Die! Die! Just die!
**Youth Chief**: Let them judge you! Let them tell you how to atone!
*The boy suddenly becomes overexcited and shoots Elbrand.*
**Player**: No!
**Hachi**: Elbrand?!
**Hachi**: Elbrand!!!
**Player**: Elbrand!!!
*Elbrand falls to the ground, and you and Hachi quickly crowd around him.*
**Hachi**: Brother! Is Elbrand okay?!
**Player**: I'll give him first aid!
**Hachi**: Call help. My communicator works...
**Player**: Elbrand's throwing up blood. Hold on just a little longer!
**Youth Chief**: ...
*Seeing Elbrand on the ground, the youth seems drained of energy.*
*His hands slacken, and his gun and crystal fall to the ground.*
*He looks down at the panicked strangers and his enemy lying on the round.*
**Youth Chief**: Heh... Finally... I finally did it...
**Youth Chief**: I finally killed my enemy. I finally got revenge for everyone...
**Youth Chief**: Dad... Uncle...
*The youth snorts.*
**Youth Chief**: Let's go...
*The Youth Chief leads the other boys away*
*One youngster lingers, getting one last look at Elbrand*
**Quiet Youngster**: ...
*The youngster leaves*
*Continue to Intimacy Level 8*

**Blood and Sand**

In order to awaken Elbrand, you go to the village he used to live in and tried to recreate the events that happened there.

**-Part 1**

*Under Hachi's leadership...*
*You come to a village near Westhold in the Northern Desert.*
*Player and Hachi meet up with a group of young orphans and their two caretakers*
**Mellow Child**: Hachi!
*The child's gaze shifts to you, and they walk behind Hachi.*
**Mellow Child**: Elbrand didn't come?
*Having heard the Mellow Child's shouts, the other children also come over.*
**Hachi**: Elbrand is on a secret mission at an undisclosed location right now.
**Hachi**: He'll come back when his mission is complete!
**Mellow Child**: Hachi, please tell Elbrand that we really miss him and that he should come visit soon, okay?
*The child lightly touches Hachi's armor.*
**Mellow Child**: Did Elbrand get the letter we wrote him?
*The mellow child raises the stationery in his hands.*
**Mellow Child**: We were just writing a second one.
*The child lifts up an envelope that had been stuffed into a nearly spherical shape.*
*It's filled with children's trinkets.*
*Hachi helplessly lifts his head and looks ahead.*
*Up ahead, a middle-aged man is looking over with concern.*
**Simple Man**: All right, give Hachi some space.
**Hachi**: Maybe...they should call me 'uncle'?
**Mellow Child**: Uncle?
*The child hesitates, rubbing the fluff on Hachi's thighs.*
**Mellow Child**: Heh heh, you can't tell how old Hachi is!
**Simple Man**: Go! Go play!
**Group of Kids**: Whoa-
*The children immediately disperse.*
*Hachi looks at Player*
**Hachi**: Come here, brother. I'll introduce you.
**Hachi**: When he confronted the group of children before, he mentioned an orphanage.
**Hachi**: That orphanage is in this village.
**Hachi**: Although they call it an orphanage, but the captain put up the money for it himself. He personally vets everyone who works there.
**Hachi**: They're the best of the best!
**Hachi**: And in fact, he visits the children whenever he gets the time and he lives with them.
**Hachi**: Actually, this Elbrand's family, though it has more members than a normal family.
**Hachi**: This guy is the Principal of Elbrand's orphanage!
**Hachi**: Sir, this is Player. He's a friend of mine, and Elbrand's.
**Principal**: Hello, hello.
*The principal enthusiastically shakes your hand.*
**Player**: (The texture of his hand is very much like the rocks of the Northern Desert that have been toughened by sand and wind.)
**Player**: (Based on his slim figure, I'd originally thought he'd be a dull guy.)
**Player**: (Unexpectedly, he's Northern Desert to the bone.)
**Principal**: Stay an extra couple days this time, Hachi!
**Principal**: The kids have been pestering me to find you.
**Hachi**: I can't, this time. I need to leave soon - I've got something to do.
**Principal**: How is Elbrand doing?
**Hachi**: Actually, I'm here because of Elbrand.
**Hachi**: Mr. Principal, please take Player to have a look around and then take him to Elbrand's room.
**Hachi**: I'm going to Westhold. I should be back before too long.
**Hachi**: Elbrand hasn't been doing well lately. We need to find something that's going to stir up his nostalgia.
**Principal**: Nostalgia? That's no small matter. Get a move on. I'll take care of things here!
**Hachi**: Then I won't worry anymore, and I'll leave it up to you!
**Hachi**: Well then, I'm going now, brother. I'll be back soon!
**Player**: Yeah, see you soon.
*Hachi leaves*
**Principal**: Player, right? I don't meet many people from down south.
**Principal**: I'm not very good with names.
**Principal**: Come on, let me show you around our village!
*The principal shows Player around the small, sandy village*
**Principal**: Actually, this village was a temporary stronghold for refugees at first.
**Principal**: It was Elbrand who made this place stronger.
**Principal**: Young hero! In the beginning, the refugees here were older than Elbrand. Some were even old enough to be his father!
**Principal**: Look at him now... Elbrand is starting to become someone else's father.
*A young lady walks up to the principal*
**Bar Owner**: Principal! Your food's ready.
**Bar Owner**: Ah, is this a new adopter?
**Principal**: No, this is a friend of Elbrand's.
**Bar Owner**: A friend? Elbrand... How's he been lately?
**Player**: He's fine, I'm just here to take a look around. No need to worry.
**Bar Owner**: Oh, that's good. Then you should come over here and sit with me in a little bit!
**Bar Owner**: You should take something back with you when you return! Could you take a little something to Elbrand?
**Player**: Sure.
**Bar Owner**: Good, good. Then I'll leave you two alone!
**Principal**: You heard that just now.
**Principal**: Some Shadowhunters are going to come to the orphanage to adopt some of the orphans.
**Principal**: Some of the children will join the Shadowhunters when they get older, and will give back to the orphanage.
**Player**: Huh?
*In the distance, Player notices a young boy sneak between the buildings*
*The young boy wears the same clothes as the gang that shot Elbrand*
**Principal**: What's wrong?
**Player**: Nothing...
**Player**: (I feel like someone's been following me. Am I seeing things?)
**Player**: I had no idea Elbrand had such a history.
**Principal**: He was captain of the Bloodrunners!
**Principal**: Did you know? Before Elbrand became their captain, the Bloodrunners were just another team.
**Principal**: But once he became captain, there wasn't a soul near the Loong Mountains battle front who hadn't heard of them!
**Principal**: Before, the Bloodrunners were a team of guerrillas, fighting the Shadows in a scrappy fashion.
**Principal**: The Loong Mountains battle front borders the Shadowlands. The settlements nearby are harassed by the Shadows from time-to-time.
**Principal**: But after Elbrand became the captain, he put together the intelligence network along the border by himself.
**Principal**: He saved his compatriots in Shadow raids several times. People were always relieved to see the Bloodrunners riding to the rescue.
**Principal**: But even though people were saved, lots of materials would be lost during the Shadow raids.
**Principal**: So over time, those tribes all either had to run away...
**Principal**: Or lose everything. No matter how powerful the tribe, they couldn't stand the attrition.
**Principal**: The villages gradually grew close to Westhold.
**Principal**: But truthfully, the danger of being attacked by the Shadows still existed.
**Principal**: But compared to before, the village as it is now lets us live in peace and contentment.
**Principal**: It was Elbrand who gave us a new home.
**Player**: Yeah?!
*Player notices the young boy again*
**Player**: ...
**Principal**: What's wrong?
**Player**: I keep feeling like someone is watching me from the shadows...
**Principal**: Although some people come to adopt orphans, it's quite a rare occurrence.
**Principal**: Outsiders don't often come to our village. Don't they care about the children?
**Player**: Don't worry. Keep talking.
**Principal**: Ah...what was I saying?
*Player looks around and manages to lock gazes with the young boy*
**Quiet Youngster**: Ah!
*The young boy runs away*
**Player**: Stop!
**Player**: (This outfit, these are the kids from Chintalpo!)
*Player chases after the boy and catches him*
**Player**: Heh... Heh...
**Quiet Youngster**: Heh... You cheat...
**Player**: I'm a cheat?!
**Quiet Youngster**: You had to cheat to catch me.
**Player**: It's just a little arcana trick, that's all...
**Player**: Besides, why are you following me?!
*The principal catches up with Player*
**Principal**: Visitors...
**Player**: What do you want?!
**Principal**: Huh? It's just a kid who likes to hang around here, isn't it?
**Player**: You know each other?
**Quiet Youngster**: ...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I just want to chat with you. Where are the others?
**Quiet Youngster**: There's just me.
*The boy looks at you skeptically.*
**Player**: What are you doing here? Are you here to see if Elbrand is dead?
**Quiet Youngster**: I've already confirmed that.
**Quiet Youngster**: What do you want to talk about?
**Quiet Youngster**: Compensation? Revenge? Death?
**Player**: I want to talk about something that happened several years ago.
**Quiet Youngster**: Me too.
**Player**: Oh?
**Quiet Youngster**: What's wrong?
**Player**: You're a cold one, aren't you?
**Quiet Youngster**: Yes.
**Quiet Youngster**: Besides...Tarma seems more confused than ever.
**Player**: Tarma? Is he the leader?
**Quiet Youngster**: Yes.
**Quiet Youngster**: Everyone told us Elbrand is a good guy, but we chose to believe the truth that we saw with our own eyes.
**Quiet Youngster**: But...forget it, I don't even want to understand.
**Player**: So do you want to know more about what happened back then?
*The youngster nods.*
**Quiet Youngster**: Maybe it'll help me.
**Player**: Then our goals are the same.
**Player**: Please take us to the room where Elbrand use to stay, Mr. Principal.
**Principal**: No need to say please. It's just up ahead. Let's go!
*Following the Principal...*
*Player and the youngster search Elbrand's old room.*
*A short while later.*
**Player**: Elbrand's room is quite sparse. Did you find anything?
**Quiet Youngster**: A notebook.
**Quiet Youngster**: The first few entries record Elbrand and Gasol's daily lives.
**Quiet Youngster**: After that, it's only every three to five days, and mostly consists of the word 'fighting.'
**Quiet Youngster**: Then on the last page, the handwriting is better, and it says 'So this turned out to be a record of our campaign?'
**Quiet Youngster**: There's a big red checkmark next to this sentence.
**Quiet Youngster**: And there's nothing after that.
**Player**: It isn't right, reading someone else's diary like this, is it...
*The boy shrugs helplessly.*
**Quiet Youngster**: He didn't even mark it as a diary. I thought it was just a normal notebook.
**Quiet Youngster**: Well, it was already open, and I'd already started reading, so...I just went with the flow.
**Player**: Hmm...
**Player**: Well, we can use it as a way to awaken Elbrand. Sorry, Elbrand.
**Player**: I see lots of exploration equipment in the room. Does Elbrand still do geological exploration?
**Principal**: No, that's Gasol's stuff.
**Principal**: Gasol's a geologist. He likes all kinds of ore, and does lots of geological surveys of the Northern Desert.
**Player**: Oh, another thing...
*You pull the corrupted crystal out of your pocket.*
**Player**: Speaking of ore, I just remembered this. Have you ever seen a crystal like this, Principal?
*The principal looks at the crystal in your hand incredulously.*
**Principal**: I think I saw Gasol with one of these...
**Principal**: But that one was transparent. It didn't have black stuff inside.
**Principal**: Elbrand and Gasol were really excited at the time. They heard that this kind of thing was extremely rare. Gasol only brought a few fragments out of the ruins.
**Principal**: It seemed like if the Bloodrunners equipped these...
**Principal**: They would have become stronger? Or maybe they wouldn't need to fear the Shadows?
**Principal**: That's what the two of them said at the time, anyway.
*Hachi comes back from Westhold, holding Elbrand's files*
**Hachi**: I understand. I understand all of it.
**Hachi**: You?!
*Hachi sees the youth from Chintalpo.*
**Hachi**: What are you doing here?! Are you planning on burning down Elbrand's house, too?
*Hachi finishes checking the file and rushes over.*
**Player**: He's looking for the truth behind what happened that year too, Hachi.
**Hachi**: And they just now thought to do that? They wait till Elbrand's ruined to come looking for the truth?
**Quiet Youngster**: ...
**Player**: Hachi!
**Hachi**: I just... I just can't take this anymore!
**Hachi**: You want the truth, right? Then let's talk it out.
**Hachi**: What do you remember about what happened before?
**Quiet Youngster**: I remember everything.
**Quiet Youngster**: I will never forget it.
*Hachi is taken aback by the boy's calm tone.*
*Perhaps he realizes that this is all a haze for the youngster, too.*
**Hachi**: Ahem!
*Hachi clears his throat to gather himself.*
**Hachi**: Then I'll tell you what's in the file. You listen carefully. If you have any objections, just speak up.
**Quiet Youngster**: All right.
*Scene - Flashback, outside Chintalpo*
*A young Elbrand in Shadowhunter armor lies on the sand with his eyes closed*
**Elbrand**: (Ooh...ahh...)
**Elbrand**: (The feeling of lying on grass isn't quite the same as lying on sand...)
**Elbrand**: (The sun's a little bright. Maybe I should roll over on my side?)
**Elbrand**: (Hmm, if Gasol were here, he'd probably set up an easel.)
**Elbrand**: (If I could draw, I would draw Gasol setting up an easel.)
**Elbrand**: (Actually, Gasol could draw me trying and failing to draw. That way, he'd catch my serious side...)
**Elbrand**: (Hmm... In the end, who would be drawing who?)
**Gasol**: Hey, you asleep?
*Elbrand opens his eyes*
**Elbrand**: Hm? What's wrong?
*Elbrand stands up*
**Gasol**: I just gave my neighbors a small welcoming gift. This is what they gave me in return.
**Elbrand**: We've only lived here a few months. Why so ceremonial?
**Gasol**: So? It's still a few months.
**Gasol**: And, now it's like we've retired and we're living a peaceful life.
**Gasol**: Isn't this our dream? Seems like it's already come true, even though it's only been a few months.
**Elbrand**: We've already driven the Shadows back to the Shadowlands. Those days aren't too far away.
*Gasol put the object in his hand at his side.*
**Gasol**: This village is really nice. The air's humid, and there isn't too much wind or sand.
**Gasol**: Let's live here once we've retired. What do you think?
**Elbrand**: Okay. We'll live wherever you want to live, it's up to you.
**Gasol**: Then shouldn't we try to establish a good relationship with them?
**Gasol**: The neighbors just taught me the local lamb naan recipe. I'm going to make it for you so you can try it out.
**Elbrand**: Haha, how interesting.
*Scene - Present*
**Hachi**: In the Herd month of the year before in the incident, the organization approved Elbrand and Gasol's request for leave.
**Hachi**: The two of them decided to go sight-seeing in the Northern Desert. When their vacation was approved, the two set off and arrived at the oasis town of Chintalpo in the hot month of the same year.
**Hachi**: Attracted by the gentle and down-to-earth customs there along with its pleasant climate, the two of them decided to spend the rest of their vacation there.
**Hachi**: However, in the frost month, three months later, their holiday was coming to an end. Just as the two of them were preparing to come back, Elbrand discovered that several of the villagers were corrupted by Shadow Worms.
*Scene - Flashback, outside Chintalpo*
*Elbrand stands before three bodies when Gasol comes*
**Gasol**: Are these all the victims?
**Elbrand**: Yes, but don't worry. The level of corruption isn't serious.
**Gasol**: How did you find them?
**Elbrand**: My neighbor said their partner had a high fever and asked me to take a look at them.
**Elbrand**: When I went there, I found that he had the faint aura of Shadow on him, so I called on everyone who had a fever recently.
**Elbrand**: Sure enough, they all had it.
**Elbrand**: I surmise that they all have high fevers because the Shadows are corrupting their minds.
**Elbrand**: But how did so many people get corrupted by the Shadows all at once? And the level of corruption isn't very high.
**Gasol**: I've searched nearby, and there's no Shadow aura. Maybe it's that?
**Elbrand**: Shadow Worms?
*Gasol nods without speaking.*
**Elbrand**: I don't think that's it.
**Gasol**: This place is far from the Shadowlands, which is how the Shadow Worms carried out this subtle corruption.
**Gasol**: Once the outbreak erupts, it will be like water breaking through a dam.
**Gasol**: We need to inform our superiors as soon as possible.
**Elbrand**: Wait...
**Gasol**: We need to inform our superiors.
**Elbrand**: We're not certain yet...
**Gasol**: Elbrand!
*Gasol's tone quickly becomes serious.*
*For a moment, the silence was like a boulder between the two of them.*
**Elbrand**: You should know what the superiors will do this town if they find out there's a Shadow Worm invasion.
**Gasol**: I know, but...there's no other way.
**Elbrand**: Didn't you say that you wanted to live a peaceful life here after retiring?
**Elbrand**: You've even started forging good relationships with the villagers just for this...
**Gasol**: They will understand.
**Elbrand**: Gasol...
**Gasol**: There's no other way!
**Gasol**: What's the matter with you, Elbrand? When facing the Shadows, you ought to be more decisive than anyone else.
**Elbrand**: This is different. I can't so easily make a decision to destroy a whole village.
*Gasol looks down at the villagers corrupted by the Shadows.*
*He sighs deeply.*
**Gasol**: Elbrand, I know the people of the Northern Desert are your weakness.
**Gasol**: But we're running out of time. If we delay any longer, who knows how many villagers will be corrupted by the Shadows?
**Elbrand**: Is there no other way? To purify the Shadows...
**Elbrand**: Let me think. I'm sure I can think of a way...
**Elbrand**: What about the lumen shards?
**Gasol**: What?!
**Elbrand**: We can use the lumen shards!
*Gasol thinks for a few seconds.*
**Gasol**: No. No, it's too risky.
**Gasol**: It's true that the lumen shards can purify Shadows, but I've never performed that ritual before.
**Elbrand**: But you've seen members of the Lumen Society perform the ritual.
**Gasol**: But I can't guarantee that it will completely purify the Shadows.
**Elbrand**: So use me as a test subject.
**Gasol**: What?
**Elbrand**: If you can purify me, then we'll use the lumen shards to purify the villagers.
**Elbrand**: If it fails, then you can inform the higher-ups.
*Gasol looks into his eyes, then shakes his head helplessly.*
**Gasol**: Don't look at me like that.
**Gasol**: Every time you give me that look, I know that there's no convincing you.
**Gasol**: Come on. Let's start the ritual.
*Scene - Present*
**Hachi**: Elbrand was tainted with the Shadow breath of several villagers. His body began to heat up due to the Shadow corruption.
**Hachi**: Using Elbrand as a test subject, Gasol confirmed the viability of Elbrand's idea.
**Hachi**: When Elbrand's fever was at its peak, he told Gasol his deepest thoughts.
*Scene - Flashback*
**Elbrand**: Gasol... I'm really worried.
**Elbrand**: The Shadow Worms... Did we bring them here to this village?
**Elbrand**: Otherwise... What are the odds...
**Elbrand**: I don't want to be the reason the home where so many people live is destroyed.
**Gasol**: Don't think so much.
**Gasol**: For the Shadows, corrupting a high-level Shadowhunter officer would be a much more valuable target than a group of commoners.
**Gasol**: If the Shadows were on you, why didn't they corrupt you first?
**Elbrand**: Right... Right...
*Elbrand murmurs deliriously because of the fever.*
*Gasol starts the purification ritual.*
*Scene - Present, in front of Elbrand's room*
**Hachi**: In the end, Elbrand and Gasol used the lumen shards to purify the villagers who had high fevers.
**Hachi**: Then they did a comprehensive search of the village to continue eradicating the Shadow Worms hiding there.
**Player**: Weren't they successful, though?
**Hachi**: But a fish still slipped through the net.
**Hachi**: It's written in the file that the Shadow Worms were indeed wiped out, and the villagers returned to their senses.
**Hachi**: But...this village also has an underground facility.
**Quiet Youngster**: An underground well.
**Hachi**: That's right. Elbrand and Gasol didn't realize that a homeless man had been living in the underground well for a long time.
**Hachi**: He was corrupted by the Shadows, but because he'd been hiding underground, they didn't find him in their search.
**Player**: So this is the source of the tragedy?
**Hachi**: Yeah. I'll keep reading. Following the well, the Shadow Worms quickly polluted the village's water source.
**Hachi**: And the residents who drank from the water source were corrupted by the Shadows. It spread much faster than it had the first time.
**Player**: A dramatic turn of events...
**Hachi**: During their final search, Gasol was the first to discover the corrupted water source. He told Elbrand to go back to the village to tell people to stop drinking the water there.
**Hachi**: But it was already too late. A large number of villagers were corrupted. When Elbrand returned to the village, it was already infested.
**Hachi**: Gasol may have known how serious the situation was. He sent out a signal for help at the water source.
**Hachi**: But the Northern Desert is a big place, and it wasn't certain that anyone would come to help. Gasol may not have seen the response to his signal in time.
**Hachi**: Facing this situation, he may have started trying to purify the water source himself.
**Hachi**: Gasol had almost used up all his Flux purifying the villagers before.
**Hachi**: The lumen shards also had its limits. There was no way to purify the Shadows in the water source.
**Hachi**: So sacrificed himself to purify the Shadows.
**Player**: He sacrificed himself?
**Hachi**: Gasol used the flux in the land beneath his feet and absorbed the Shadows with the only lumen shards that he had left.
**Hachi**: The water source was purified, but he used up too much Flux and died.
**Hachi**: The thing that the kid who shot Gasol picked up should be the only thing Gasol left behind.
**Hachi**: Because later, when the Shadowhunter leadership ordered the town to be burned, the wind blew the first to the water source.
**Hachi**: The water source had lots of withered grass. When the fire came, it burned away everything there that was flammable.
**Quiet Youngster**: And Elbrand went to personally kill of the villagers who'd been completely corrupted by the Shadows?
**Hachi**: Right. That's why that child saw Elbrand killing the villagers.
**Hachi**: They weren't villagers anymore. They had already completed their transformation into Shadows.
**Hachi**: During the fight, Elbrand lost his arm to the Shadows.
**Hachi**: Since he personally killed the villagers he wanted to protect, Elbrand left behind a psychological shadow.
**Hachi**: Since that incident, every time he's used a knife to attack something...
**Hachi**: He would have visual and auditory hallucinations. He would imagine that he was killing the villagers again, and his ears would be filled with the sounds of their cries.
**Hachi**: And the rest, as they say, is history.
**Hachi**: Elbrand retired and buried his sword under the Loong Mountains, hoping that a warrior would inherit it and continue to protect the people of the Northern Desert on his behalf.
**Hachi**: Then he came to Never Isle and became an intern doctor.
*Hachi finishes telling the story, and everyone goes quiet.*
**Quiet Youngster**: Yeah, that's about how I remember things shaking out.
**Hachi**: I just want to say...
**Hachi**: The Shadows are our common enemy.
**Hachi**: But, I'm sorry...
*The boy doesn't answer, and turns around.*
*He kicks the wooden railing, as if he's thinking about something.*
**Quiet Youngster**: What's this...? So Elbrand didn't collude with the Shadows as we originally thought.
**Quiet Youngster**: But he indirectly hurt the entire village?
**Quiet Youngster**: And all out of the desire to protect the whole town...
*The youth angrily hits a wooden stake behind him.*
*The youth stays quiet for a while, then speaks again.*
**Quiet Youngster**: At least now I know everything I wanted to know.
**Quiet Youngster**: I'll head back now and tell everyone the truth about what happened.
**Quiet Youngster**: But the best I can do is tell them what you've told me.
**Quiet Youngster**: As for who they choose to blame or what they want to believe... I have no power over that. I can't control it.
**Quiet Youngster**: I'm here today because I've found that killing Elbrand is not what we want to do, ultimately.
**Quiet Youngster**: How to redeem Elbrand is your guys' problem.
**Quiet Youngster**: Our problem is how to escape the Shadows and find a way forward.
**Hachi**: If you guys joined the Shadowhunters...
**Quiet Youngster**: Impossible.
**Hachi**: Well, we've already stopped dealing with Shadow Worms like that.
**Quiet Youngster**: The obstacles in our heart cannot be surmounted all at once.
**Quiet Youngster**: Same with Elbrand.
*The youngster kicks the railing.*
*After kicking the railing, he turns around.*
**Quiet Youngster**: I almost forgot. Here you go.
*The youngster reaches into his pocket and pulls out an object similar to a bull's horn.*
*The object is extremely dark and somewhat small, about the size of the youngster's palm.*
*It seems to be covered in something, as it shines in the sunlight.*
**Quiet Youngster**: I picked this up at the water source. I assume it belonged to Gasol.
**Player**: What is this?
**Quiet Youngster**: Oh, it's a horn flute. An instrument where we're from.
**Quiet Youngster**: You escort Elbrand back.
*You take the object with solemnity.*
**Player**: Thanks.
**Quiet Youngster**: I know everything I want to know. I'm going now.
*Without waiting for you or your friends to react, the boy leaves.*
**Hachi**: Hmm...
**Player**: Don't look so sad.
**Hachi**: If only... If only Elbrand...
*Hachi's words get stuck in his throat, and he doesn't say anymore.*
**Player**: (Hachi's sad, too. After all, there are no 'if only's in life.)
**Player**: (Elbrand used to be an impressive guy, but because of his irreparable mistakes, he can't be called a hero any more...)
**Player**: (Something pure white that is stained can no longer be called pure white anymore...)
*You look up at the clear blue sky.*
*The shadows of birds pass over.*
*Then it's clear and peaceful.*
**Player**: Can I leave this crystal with Elbrand?
**Hachi**: There are Shadows contained within. According to our regulations, they needed to be handed over for destruction.
**Hachi**: Just look at what happened as a result of Elbrand's decision before...
**Player**: And the horn flute?
**Hachi**: Take it back. Except for this, we haven't found anything that might jog Elbrand's memory.
**Player**: All right. Let's go back.
*The two of you return to Never Isle in silence.*
*You put the black horn flute back into Elbrand's hand.*
*Elbrand is still sleeping.*
*Mercy says she thinks Elbrand might be having some kind of dream.*
*Continue to Intimacy Level 9*

## Audio

*Note: Skins will use the audio from the basic skin unless indicated otherwise.*

### Elbrand's Basic Skin

* **Butler Interactions**
	+ Before Intimacy Level 7
		- **Head**: *Come on.*
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		- **Torso**: *I'm guessing you want to borrow a ballpoint pen?*
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		- **Waist**: *Oh, sorry...*
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	+ After reaching Intimacy Level 7
		- **Head**: *Thank you for your consolations.*
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		- **Torso**: *Yeah, it'll all pass*
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		- **Waist**: *Haha, what a unique cheering method.*
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* **Skills**
	+ **Basic**: *Support is in place.*
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	+ **Advanced**: *Hold on for a while longer.*
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	+ **Ultimate**: *Time for some real tactics.*
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* **Arrival**: *Hmm... Let me fix this. Then, it'll be your turn.*
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* **Display Voice 1**: *Rank! Ha! Seagull.*
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* **Display Voice 2**: *At least I can feel it hurting.*
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* **Display Voice 3**: *QUIET! Getting me all mentally worked up isn't going to be good for you either!*
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* **Hit**: *\*grunt\**
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* **Dying**: *Here I come.*
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