Chapter 15: Scale Soul Crystal

## Script

*Chapter 15*
*Scale Soul Crystal*
*Scene - Never Isle*
*Lin Hu and Likulau talk to Yan Shu-Chi*
**Lin Hu**: Kitten, where have you been these days?
**Lin Hu**: I hadn't seen you in ten days. People at the Order of Equality had no idea where you were.
**Lin Hu**: Likulau and I had been worried sick about you. Where on earth did you go?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Just chill! Back on earth, even gods couldn't catch me. There's nothing to worry about!
**Lin Hu**: Well, I am happy to see that you are alive and kicking.
**Lin Hu**: But you haven't answered my question yet. Where have you been up to lately?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Something important, of course. But to be on the safe side, I will tell you everything when Eddie and Player get here!
**Lin Hu**: ... So mysterious.
**Likulau**: Is this about the Shadow?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Huh? How did you find out, Likulau?
**Likulau**: I didn't.
**Likulau**: You smell like the Shadow.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
*Yan Shu-Chi looks surprised*
**Lin Hu**: So... You've been investigating the Shadow recently?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Ok.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Hey! There they are!
*Eddie, Billy, Kitty and Player meet with the group*
**Eddie**: Adviser Yan Shu-Chi, you summoned us here to tell us something?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: This is no trivial matter! You mustn't tell anyone. We don't want to stir the enemy.
**Eddie**: No problem.
**Player**: Don't worry.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Has anyone heard of Scale Soul Crystal before?
**Eddie**: ... Scale Soul Crystal? It sounds like an artifact.
**Lin Hu**: Scale Soul Crystal... An artifact...
**Billy**: If it's an artifact, Kitty must have learned about it in class, right?
**Kitty**: Nah, it does not ring a bell.
**Lin Hu**: I know what it is.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Huh? You know?
**Lin Hu**: If my memory serves me right, it's not an artifact, but something similar. It's an Artisoul.
**Lin Hu**: Legend has it that Naga, the Serpent King, forged Scale Soul Crystal with 57 snake scales of different types to preserve his soul in it.
**Lin Hu**: Scale Soul Crystal looks like a multi-color, translucent crystal that lacks opacity. There are meticulous, exotic patterns on its surface.
**Lin Hu**: Naga had hidden Scale Soul Crystal away before he was sealed.
**Lin Hu**: If someone finds it, they could resurrect his soul and break the seal.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: That's right! You've really done your homework!
**Lin Hu**: Ha! I happened to read about it in an ancient library book.
**Billy**: It's only been a few months, and he has read far more books than you have, Kitty!
**Kitty**: ... Shut up, you illiterate!
**Lin Hu**: However...
**Lin Hu**: It's just a legend. It's been ten thousand years and I've never heard of anyone trying to break Naga's seal, right?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: True. But someone is going to break it now.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: According to my investigation, the soul crystal is currently in the White Cape's possession. They just don't know what it is for...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: They think it's just a mineral ore and find some material scientists to study it in their factory.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: In the meantime, the Shadow gets hold of the news and plans to seize it.
**Eddie**: The Shadow wants to resurrect Naga?!
**Eddie**: That's some important info, Adviser Yan Shu-Chi. Is that reliable?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: It should be. I did the investigation myself.
**Eddie**: Did you tell President Jonas or General Will?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Sure. It was President Jonas who instructed me to tell you.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Due to the secrecy of this operation, General Will cannot send his men.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Therefore, we need to rely on your Special Operation Group, Eddie.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Please call on your men to stay put for the next few days. Do not engage in any other activities.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Don't tell them about Scale Soul Crystal either. Wait for my signal before proceeding.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I'll let you know once I've done more research and readied the action plan.
**Eddie**: No problem.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: As for others... The Special Operation Group might not be enough. I need your support, too.
**Lin Hu**: You can count on me! I am Lin Hu, one of the Shadowhunters! It's my job to fight them.
**Likulau**: I'll help you, too!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Thank you and Likulau!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: How about you? Will you help me out?
**Kitty**: We sure do! If the Shadow wakes Naga's soul, we are doomed!
**Kitty**: Our history teacher is an avid researcher on the Shadow Wars. He ranked the combat power of different beast kings from ancient times...
**Kitty**: The Serpent King's ranking is even higher than that of Lord Ursus!
**Kitty**: Remember the time Lord Ursus resurrected in the Altar hall? He wiped out tons of Shadows in a single move!
**Kitty**: Can you imagine how powerful Naga will be?
**Player**: Kitty is right. We will do our best to help you.
**Player**: But... What shall we do?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: First, I might need to borrow your Airship.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: But I don't know how to drive it. Will you be my pilot, Mr. Billy?
**Billy**: No problem! Just call me Billy.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Thank you!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Player, I need your help with a secret mission. Can we talk in private?
*Choice 1.1 - Who? Me?*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Yeah... After much thought, I think you are the best person for the mission.
**Player**: Okay, let's hear it.
*Choice 1.2 - It sounds like tremendous work.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Uh, kinda...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: But for Player, it should be a breeze!
*Choice 1.3 - No sweat!*
*No additional dialog*
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Eddie**: Then I'll head back and gather my men, Adviser Yan Shu-Chi.
**Lin Hu**: I'll go find the library book about Scale Soul Crystal and read it again.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Thank you, guys!
*Lin Hu, Likulau and Eddie leave*
**Player**: You guys go ahead and wait for me in the Airship.
**Billy**: Sure thing.
*Billy and Kitty take off*
**Player**: So, what is this secret mission?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: You know that Martin and Rita do not get along, right?
**Player**: I remember!
**Player**: During the fight for the beacon, Martin wanted to get rid of Rita by our hands!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Yes, and he still wants to rid of her now.
**Player**: Did he find a way?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Rita is the one in charge of the operation to snatch Scale Soul Crystal.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: If we attack Rita when she is in the heat of battle with the White Cape, we will surely capture her and seize Scale Soul Crystal.
**Player**: That sounds like a good plan. But...
**Player**: How would you know when and where Rita will try to snatch the crystal?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: That's easy. Martin already promised that he would send me to assist Rita.
**Player**: Hold on... Did I hear you right?
**Player**: Martin promised to send you to assist Rita?!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: That's right. I am one of Martin's trusted men now.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I secretly joined the Shadowcult to spy on them.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: For that, I even sold some info about Never Isle to him. So, you mustn't tell Eddie!
**Player**: ... That's why you sent them away.
**Player**: But... Is this okay for you to do this?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Don't worry about it. President Jonas has approved all my actions.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Now, you and President Jonas are the only people who know about my identity.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Do not tell anyone, okay?
**Player**: Sure. My lips are sealed.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Thanks!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: About the secret mission...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: You will be disguised as my secretary and then go meet Martin with me.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: He will tell us the exact time and place of Rita's operation...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: After that, I won't be able to contact you on Never Isle or somewhere else, in order not to arouse their suspicion.
**Player**: Therefore, it falls to me to contact Eddie and Lin Hu and take them to capture Rita. Correct?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Exactly! You are indeed a smart person, Player!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Off we go now. I will disguise you as my secretary and take you to see Martin!
*Choice 2.1 - Let's go!*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: This way. Follow me.
*Choice 2.2 - I am so nervous. I will finally meet the evil boss!*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No need to worry about him. He is kinda cool, handsome, and polite, ha ha!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: That's all pretense. In truth, he is the most evil, cruel, and cunning person I ever met!
**Player**: Then how could you work with him?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Ha-ha, that's simple!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Just show your ambition and desire in front of him, fake or not.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: He loves to see the combination of great talents and character flaws. I have shown him both sides...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: To delude him that I am an asset that's easy to be controlled...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: But you don't have to do all that. Just stick with me and pay attention to what he says.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Let's hurry! It's this way.
*Choice 2.3 - Is there anything I need to pay attention to?*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Hm... It should be alright.
*Choice 2.4 - Is there a chance for us to kill Martin on the spot?*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ... Oh my! What on earth are you thinking?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Yes, we are going to meet him alone. But Martin is way too strong, even stronger than Rita!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Plus, god knows how many of his men will be around. We will be dead if we make the wrong move.
**Player**: Well, forget about it. I am just saying.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Anyway, just be yourself and forget about those crazy ideas, alright?
**Player**: Okay! Let's go!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Come here!
*Scene continues after choices*
*Scene - A forest at night*
*Player is dressed in a disguise and waits with Yan Shu-Chi*
**Player**: Is this the rendezvous point to meet Martin?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Yes, but remember to address him as Lord Martin.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Be a good actor. You are my secretary now.
**Player**: Got it, Adviser Yan Shu-Chi. Or shall I call you Mr. Yan Shu-Chi?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Ha-ha! I prefer Senpai.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Everyone at the Order of Equality addresses me as Adviser or Mister. Lord Martin would be suspicious if you do the same.
*Martin teleports to the rendezvous point*
*Yan Shu-Chi and Player deeply bow down*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Lord Martin!
**Player**: Lord Martin!
**Martin**: Good evening, both!
*Yan Shu-Chi and Player stand up*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: This is my secretary. He...
**Martin**: Secretary?
**Martin**: He seems to be someone important. There's something different about him.
**Player**: ...
**Martin**: Well, I am not interested.
**Martin**: What news do you bring this time, Senpai?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: My apologies, Lord Martin. Jonas might have blown my cover. I can't stay long on Never Isle, so...
**Martin**: So, you don't have any info to tell me, do you?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Y-Yes...
**Martin**: Great! It's really Mr. Jonas!
**Martin**: He is generous towards strangers, yet cautious and manipulative towards men close to him.
**Martin**: But you... Do you like to be manipulated?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No. That's why he won't tolerate me.
**Martin**: Sometimes the more you want to control someone, the more he wants to get away from you.
**Martin**: Bummer. If only he were a bug, I could crush him to death.
**Martin**: But you are a person.
**Martin**: Therefore, Mr. Jonas could never control you. He has pushed you towards me.
**Martin**: But do you know what's more disappointing?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Martin**: The relationship between Rita and me is like that of you and Mr. Jonas.
**Martin**: She is not a bug either.
**Martin**: When someone is unable to be crushed to death, he develops a false sense of disobedience.
**Martin**: They are liked by few to none, except themselves.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Martin**: After you murder Miss Rita, you will replace her. And what will happen next?
**Martin**: Will there be a new Senpai to kill you?
**Martin**: I look forward to it, too.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: You have nothing to worry about, Lord Martin. Unlike you, Mr. Jonas does not see me as a bug.
**Martin**: Oh yeah?
**Martin**: A people-murdering bug?. Ha-ha, a venom bug!
**Martin**: Fantastic! But who wants to kill a venom bug?
**Martin**: I can't wait to see your performance, Senpai.
**Martin**: Miss Rita will be in that factory, around noon the day after tomorrow.
**Martin**: I will send two assassination teams, which she will surely find out and take care of.
**Martin**: When she lets her guard down, it's time for you and your pawns to shine.
**Martin**: Your pawns... They are all set?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Rest assured, Lord Martin.
**Martin**: The one standing next to you is a key pawn of yours, right?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Player**: ...
**Martin**: Wanna know how I find out?
**Martin**: Your little secretary has a dangerous vibe to me... Bahahaha!
**Martin**: Menacing yet exciting... I haven't felt like this for a long time.
**Martin**: But I still don't care who you are, Mr. Pawn.
**Martin**: I am sure our paths will cross again, although it might not be as nice as today.
**Martin**: Mr. Pawn, you must be wondering which side your Senpai is on now.
**Martin**: Don't worry, as I have the same doubts.
**Martin**: But one cannot arrive at any conclusion with doubts alone.
**Player**: ...
**Martin**: What we need to do is to give him a chance to decide. See whom he will crawl to with that crystal.
**Martin**: But... Senpai, you know me well...
**Martin**: I love to challenge, trample, or even overturn the rules...
**Martin**: Except for forgiveness.
**Martin**: This is your only chance. You must make the final decision.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Martin**: Ha-ha! Tough choice, huh?
**Martin**: What is light? And what is darkness?
**Martin**: Even with your eyes wide open, you cannot see a thing!
**Martin**: Like me, you were once steeped in darkness in a so-called bright world.
**Martin**: Wanna join me in this dark world and bask in the light of glory?
*Martin teleports away*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Player**: Senpai...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: It's true that he never trusted me.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: By the way, you finally met Martin in person. What do you think?
*Choice 3.1 - Such a fearful opponent. I might not be able to survive this...*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: You are right to fear him. He's truly ruthless.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I heard that he has the largest army among all generals outside the Shadowland. Even the Shadowlord summoned him a lot.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: However, the more powerful he gets, the more assertive he becomes.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: After 99 victories, he might have a great fall at the 100th battle.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: If we could feed his ego with enough victories...
**Player**: You already know how to defeat him?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No, it's not that easy.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: It's lucky enough if we could capture Rita and seize Scale Soul Crystal.
*Choice 3.2 - ...That guy must be an egomaniac.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: You're right. But he is allowed to be assertive.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I heard that he had the largest army among all generals to operate outside the Shadowland. Even the Shadowlord summoned him a lot.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Exactly. Maybe we could use his pride.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: After 99 victories, he might have a great fall at the 100th battle.
**Player**: You already know how to defeat him?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No, it's not that easy.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: It's lucky enough if we could capture Rita and seize Scale Soul Crystal.
*Choice 3.3 - He is kinda good-looking.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: What? That's all you cared about?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I am not handsome to you?
**Player**: Ha-ha, you are cute. But he has nothing to do with cuteness.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Player, you don't seem to fear him at all.
*Choice 3.3.1 - I have no idea what he's talking about.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Is that so?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Let me sum it up for you.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Martin wants me to kill Rita for him. After that, I could take over Rita's position.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: But he doesn't trust me. Instead of suspecting me, he gives me a chance to show my loyalty.
*Choice 3.3.2 - It's no use. He loves to be feared.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Wow! You only met him once and you already see him through!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No wonder he said that you had a dangerous vibe...
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Oh, one more thing...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Do you suspect me?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: It's hard to tell where a double agent's true loyalty lies.
*Choice 4.1 - Of course not.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: For real? You don't suspect me at all, Player?
*Choice 4.1.1 - You will lose all your friends if you join the Shadow.*
**Player**: You are too affectionate to lose all your friends and spend your life with those evil beings...
**Player**: A life without feelings? You might as well die.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Precisely! I feel the same way! You do know me well, Player!
**Player**: So, only miserable, friendless losers would join the Shadow. With all your friends, you would never join them.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Thank you... I...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I knew you would not suspect me, at least not like others. That's why I brought you along.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: But I didn't expect you to trust me so completely... Not even a speck of doubt.
**Player**: Okay, okay. No need to get sentimental.
**Player**: I just happen to know the Shadow well enough...
*Choice 4.1.2 - Maybe just a little bit.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No one trusts me?
**Player**: Just a tiny bit. It's practically nothing.
**Player**: I will follow your plan and complete my mission.
**Player**: Besides, even if you decided to join the Shadow, you must have your reasons.
**Player**: You would never hurt us.
*Choice 4.2 - Maybe a little bit.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No one trusts me?
**Player**: Just a tiny bit. It's practically nothing.
**Player**: I will follow your plan and complete my mission.
**Player**: Besides, even if you decided to join the Shadow, you must have your reasons.
**Player**: You would never hurt us.
*Choice 4.3 - As Martin said, doubts would never lead to any conclusion.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Even you suspect me...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: But Martin is right. I would show my loyalty with the decision I make.
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Doubt or no doubt, it doesn't matter now.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: We must capture Rita no matter what it takes.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I have entered the coordinates of the factory into your Airship. Go there with Eddie in the morning after tomorrow.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I already bought off the factory security. They would take you to a secret room ahead of time.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Here, don't forget to bring this crystal that day.
*Yan Shu-Chi gives you a crystal.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: This is a Twin Resonance Crystal. Infuse influx into one crystal and you will be able to see what happens from the reflection of the other one.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I will hide the other one in a corner so that you can check Rita's whereabouts.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Once I send a signal, you will go surround the Shadow and capture Rita!
**Player**: Noted!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I'd better stay here with the Shadow to avoid Rita's suspicion.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Please notify Eddie and others on Never Isle, Player.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Plus, don't tell Eddie about my spying operation, okay? I don't want any trouble.
**Player**: Sure. No problem!
**Player**: I'll head back now.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: See you in two days!
*Go back to Never Isle and notify Eddie, Lin Hu and others of the time and place.*
*Eddie seems a bit suspicious of Yan Shu-Chi, but he still approves the operation plan.*
*Scene - Inside the White Cape factory*
*Player and a factory worker stands in front of the crystal that Yan Shu-Chi gave him*
*Behind him are Eddie, Lin Hu, Likulau, Billy, Kitty and some Order of Equality soldiers*
**Worker**: Here we are. The man said you could wait here.
**Player**: Okay. Thanks!
**Worker**: You are welcome. I'll get back to my work now.
**Player**: Sure. Appreciated.
*The worker leaves*
**Player**: Rita is not here yet. Let's wait here.
**Player**: When Rita gets here, this crystal will glow. From its reflection, we can see what happens there.
**Eddie**: What if... I mean... What if Yan Shu-Chi already joined the Shadow?
**Player**: ...
**Likulau**: It's impossible, Yan Shu-Chi.
**Lin Hu**: Agreed. Eddie, on what ground do you accuse Kitten?
**Eddie**: No, just a little doubt...
**Eddie**: I find his whereabouts and temperament a bit disturbing...
**Lin Hu**: Eddie, quit being so paranoid. We've known Kitten for a long time. He's always like that.
**Lin Hu**: He's so mysterious. No one knows what he's been up to.
**Lin Hu**: But he is a good person. Believe me, he won't hurt us.
**Eddie**: President Jonas instructed me to be wary of Yan Shu-Chi and watch his every move.
**Player**: (What's going on?! Didn't Senpai tell me that all his actions were approved by President Jonas?)
**Player**: (Wait... The other day he told Martin that President Jonas wouldn't tolerate him...)
**Player**: (Has he really betrayed us?)
**Eddie**: But President is a cautious man. It's natural for him to doubt Yan Shu-Chi.
**Eddie**: Maybe it was President's hint that planted a seed of doubt in my mind.
**Eddie**: Anyway, if Yan Shu-Chi's real target is not Rita, but us...
**Eddie**: We will not only fail to capture Rita and seize Scale Soul Crystal...
**Eddie**: In addition, we might not be able to get out of this factory.
**Lin Hu**: It's never wrong to be cautious. Eddie, your concern is valid.
**Lin Hu**: If Kitten did betray us, the consequence would be unbearable.
**Lin Hu**: But please trust us and Kitten.
**Lin Hu**: Kitten is tender-hearted. He appreciates all the kindness shown to him and always returns the favor.
**Lin Hu**: Even if he did betray us, he could never have the heart to harm us.
**Eddie**: Player, what do you think?
**Eddie**: What did Yan Shu-Chi tell you the other day? Where did you go and what did you do?
**Eddie**: Could you tell us?
*Choice 5.1 - We were disguised as the Shadow to steal some info.*
**Player**: We found out about the information that Rita would be here today.
**Eddie**: Ah, I see. It's true. I could never be a spy.
**Eddie**: But why did Yan Shu-Chi disappear after that?
**Player**: Eh... He stayed there to collect more info in case something went wrong.
**Player**: If Rita would not show up today or she found out about us, he would try to warn us!
**Player**: No worries! Everything will be fine!
**Eddie**: Yeah.
*Choice 5.2 - We were discussing the action plan.*
**Eddie**: ... Discuss action plan?
**Eddie**: Why didn't you discuss it with us?
**Lin Hu**: You are lying, aren't you? Did Kitten tell you to lie?
**Player**: Yeah.
**Eddie**: ... Player, do you believe him?
*Choice 5.2.1 - Yes, I do.*
**Eddie**: I trust you. If you believe him, then I will too.
**Eddie**: Let's follow his action plan. Hope everything works out!
**Player**: Ok!
*Choice 5.2.2 - It's worth a shot.*
**Eddie**: ... Fine. I've done my own investigation. Scale Soul Crystal is truly in this factory.
**Eddie**: It's also possible that Rita would show up and seize the crystal.
**Eddie**: We must stop the Shadow's evil plan. To capture Rita or the soul crystal, it's worth a shot!
**Eddie**: Well then, let's follow his action plan. Hope everything works out!
**Player**: Ok!
*Choice 5.3 - Sorry, I promised Yan Shu-Chi to keep my mouth shut.*
**Eddie**: ... Player, do you believe him?
*Choice 5.3.1 - Yes, I do.*
**Eddie**: I trust you. If you believe him, then I will too.
**Eddie**: Let's follow his action plan. Hope everything works out!
**Player**: Ok!
*Choice 5.3.2 - It's worth a shot.*
**Eddie**: ... Fine. I've done my own investigation. Scale Soul Crystal is truly in this factory.
**Eddie**: It's also possible that Rita would show up and seize the crystal.
**Eddie**: We must stop the Shadow's evil plan. To capture Rita or the soul crystal, it's worth a shot!
**Eddie**: Well then, let's follow his action plan. Hope everything works out!
**Player**: Ok!
*Choice 5.4 - Actually, he took me to see Martin.*
**Eddie**: What?!
**Eddie**: Why would you go see Martin? It's too dangerous!
**Player**: He is a double agent now. He also works for Martin...
**Lin Hu**: What? Kitten! How can he be so reckless?
**Lin Hu**: He has no idea how dangerous that is!
**Player**: He told me that his operation was permitted by President Jonas.
**Eddie**: But President Jonas asked me to be wary of Yan Shu-Chi...
**Eddie**: Has he... really joined the Shadow?
**Billy**: Ah, I don't think so!
**Kitty**: How do you know?
**Billy**: I-I just find it hard to believe he would betray us.
**Billy**: Double agent? That's life-risking!
**Billy**: If he joined the Shadow, not only would he lose all his best friends...
**Billy**: He is also obliged to follow the Shadow into battles all day long...
**Billy**: Besides, he has a horrible boss who is always scheming against his colleagues!
**Billy**: But on the other hand, he could climb up the political ladder to gain power. If the Shadow wins eventually, he could rule this place...
**Billy**: The way I see it, all he cares about is having fun and dancing. He doesn't strike me as an ambitious type...
**Player**: That makes sense...
**Kitty**: ... You are not dumb at all!
**Billy**: Ha! Of course, I am not dumb. I am Boss's assistant!
**Eddie**: Billy is right. It's against his interests to join the Shadow. I shouldn't be so paranoid.
**Lin Hu**: You can't go wrong by taking precautions. Anyway, let's just trust Kitten!
**Eddie**: Ok!
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Player**: Something is happening in the crystal!
*The crystal glows*
**Player**: Look，something's displayed!
*In the crystal, the party can see a group of White Cape guarding the Scale Soul Crystal*
*Rita and Yan Shu-Chi approach them with many Shadow monsters*
**Kitty**: It's Rita!
**Lin Hu**: How could Kitten work with those jerks?
**Eddie**: ... Can we hear what they are saying?
**Player**: Probably not.
*Yan Shu-Chi talks to the White Cape and one of their priests examines the Scale Soul Crystal*
*Shortly after, a White Cape soldier shouts at Yan Shu-Chi*
**Billy**: What exactly are they saying?
**Eddie**: They are having a quarrel. The White Cape are guarding Scale Soul Crystal with their lives.
*Rita starts attacking the White Cape priest*
**Billy**: They are fighting now! Shall we take a move?
**Player**: Let's wait for Yan Shu-Chi's signal.
*Rita advances and Yan Shu-Chi tosses and object in the air*
**Player**: There's the signal!
**Eddie**: Guys, this mission is important. We must not fail!
**Lin Hu**: Ok!
**Eddie**: Let's move!
*Scene - White Cape factory, Scale Soul Crystal room*
*All of the White Cape except for one priest have fallen to Rita's forces*
*Rita has the priest trapped in an arcana prison*
**Rita**: Do you like the pain, huh?
**White Cape Priest**: Tch... Humph!
**Rita**: Still trying to be tough, old man?
**Rita**: You don't even know what the stone is for. Why risk your life guarding it?
**White Cape Priest**: Bah! Kill me already!
**Rita**: Wanna die? Heh, boring.
**Rita**: Well, I will tell you everything.
**Rita**: This is Naga's Artisoul. It's called Scale Soul Crystal.
**Rita**: With it, we could break Naga's seal.
**White Cape Priest**: What?! Naga, the Serpent King?
**Rita**: Ha-ha, I see fear in your eyes as well as a desire to live.
**Rita**: You wish you could live to tell your fellows, right?
**Rita**: But you knew that I had to kill you once I told you the truth...
*Rita tortures the priest with shadow flames*
**White Cape Priest**: Uh... Ah! No! S-Stop!
**Rita**: I don't like the way you were. So indifferent to life and death.
**Rita**: But now...
**White Cape Priest**: Ah!!
**Rita**: And now, you want both life and death, and yet you could have neither...
**Rita**: I find that extremely delectable...
**White Cape Priest**: Aah! Demon! You are a demon!!
**Rita**: Ha-ha, I am really flattered for the honor.
**Eddie**: Stop!!
**Rita**: ... Eddie?
*Rita kills the priest just as Eddie and the rest surround Rita's forces*
**Eddie**: You've been surrounded! Just surrender.
**Rita**: So, Martin sent Kitten and all of you to kill me?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ... You knew?
**Rita**: What's the use of knowing? It would not change anything...
**Rita**: The two teams of assassins I just took care of were merely Martin's decoy to let me off my guard.
**Rita**: But are you willing to be used by Martin?
**Lin Hu**: What do you mean?
**Rita**: Martin has set his mind in killing me. Have you ever wondered why?
**Rita**: He wants me dead so that he could mobilize my army.
**Rita**: With that, he will come to kill you.
**Rita**: If you help him, you are planning your own funerals.
**Rita**: If you let me go, I will give up Scale Soul Crystal willingly.
**Rita**: Plus, I will settle the score with Martin.
**Rita**: Do you want me to start a civil war in the Shadow?
**Rita**: While we are busy fighting each other, we won't have time to invade your world. Instead, you could take the chance to attack us...
**Rita**: Isn't it the peace you want?
**Rita**: The peace in Luxium or Scale Soul Crystal is far more important than my life!
*Choice 6.1 - Sounds great. Why don't you hand over the soul crystal first?*
**Eddie**: Don't negotiate with her! She is stalling!
**Kitty**: Exactly! Last time she summoned a portal by stalling!
**Eddie**: We must not fall for her trap again! Now, let's get her!
*Choice 6.2 - You think you are in a position to negotiate?*
**Kitty**: There is no need to negotiate with her! She must be stalling!
**Eddie**: Must not fall for her trap again! Now, let's get her!
*Choice 6.3 - Blah, blah, blah! I am not listening!*
**Player**: That woman is stalling again. We must not fall for her trap again!
**Eddie**: Yes, let's get her now!
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Rita**: Humph! A sweet talker who is good at lying...
*Rita teleports in front of Yan Shu-Chi and engulfs the both of them in sacrificial arcana spell*
**Rita**: Now die with me!
*Yan Shu-Chi manages to defend against some of the attack*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Hmm...
**Lin Hu**: Go help Kitten!
*Eddie's party begins to fight with Rita's forces*
**Lin Hu**: Oh no! That Shadow is too strong!
**Kitty**: Let me help you!
**Kitty**: Billy, go help Likulau!
*Player runs to Yan Shu-Chi and together they battle Rita*
**Player**: Senpai, are you okay?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I'm fine. Our top priority is to capture Rita.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: We can do it together!
**Rita**: Together?
**Rita**: Who knows where your loyalty lies?
**Rita**: From Blue Star, to the White Cape, to Never Isle, and now to the Shadow...
**Rita**: Have you truly worked together with someone before?
**Rita**: Has anyone ever trusted you?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Rita**: You thought I trusted you?
**Rita**: Not a second. I'd rather put my trust in Martin.
**Rita**: Player, do you believe him?
**Player**: Shut it! I am sick of your nonsense!
*Player attacks Rita*
**Rita**: Not bad. You are getting even stronger.
**Rita**: Shame. You are destined to be used by others all your life.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I never used him.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Since it's your last moment alive, let me tell you the truth. My loyalty always lies with Never Isle.
**Rita**: Oh yeah?
**Rita**: You never work for anyone or any organization.
**Rita**: You only work for yourself.
**Rita**: Whether it's Never Isle or Martin, they are just your tools.
**Rita**: You let them use you. But in truth, you are using them, too.
**Rita**: As smart as Martin is, he is busy guessing what your true intentions are.
**Rita**: As a matter of fact, you are not on anyone's side. You only fight for yourself.
**Player**: Whatever you say. We all understand that this lame attempt to alienate us is your last straw.
**Player**: I trust Senpai through and through...
**Yan Shu-Chi**: T-Thank you!
*The battle continues*
**Rita**: Ha-ha, how touching.
**Rita**: Kitten, you think I don't know why you get involved into the whole soul crystal thing?
**Rita**: Once you get the soul crystal, you won't hand it to Martin, nor Never Isle.
**Rita**: You think I don't see the hunger for it in your eyes?
**Rita**: You're like a hungry wolf ogling an unguarded sheep.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ...
**Rita**: But it's the Serpent King Naga's Artisoul we are going about. Do you really think you can gulp that?
**Player**: Blah blah blah. Next time I should bring my ear buds.
**Player**: For the sake of fellow Gyees, I would have given you a chance to say your last words. But you've said enough.
**Player**: Just die!
**Rita**: Humph, wanna kill me?
**Rita**: Couldn't be happier!
*Rita launches a big attack*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: ... It's the Arcana of Shadow Burning!
**Rita**: Heh, you have a great eye, traitor.
**Player**: What Arcana is that?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: It burns the Shadow influx within to gain strength, until one dies.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: In the meantime, it destroys all the surrounding living things!
**Player**: Wanna die together?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Hang in there!
**Rita**: Humph! Just the two of you?
*The battle continues*
**Player**: Damn it! Time is running out!
*The battle continues*
**Lin Hu**: Minions have been taken care of!
**Lin Hu**: Let me help you!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Knock her out first!
**Lin Hu**: Take this punch, witch!
**Rita**: Dammit... Ouch!
*Lin Hu knocks Rita out*
**Player**: Has the Self-Ignition Arcana ended? Did she pass out?
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Yes, she's gonna live. Let's take her to Never Isle for treatment.
**Kitty**: I can't believe she's just lying here, all powerless.
**Billy**: It's like a dream...
**Player**: Yeah... Many times, she almost killed me. But I didn't expect to capture her so easily.
**Eddie**: Rita is truly a force to be reckoned with.
**Eddie**: All thanks to adviser Yan Shu-Chi, we now captured Rita and seized Scale Soul Crystal!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Ha-ha! You must put in a good word for me in front of President, Eddie.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Give me more bonuses and pay leaves, ha-ha!
**Eddie**: Sure! That's certain!
**Eddie**: ... One more thing. I need to apologize to you, Adviser Yan Shu-Chi.
**Eddie**: I doubted you before. I am so sorry.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: No need to apologize. The more you doubted me, the more the Shadow trusted me.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Alright. Enough of that topic.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: There are many Rita's men nearby. If Rita doesn't go back, they might be alerted.
**Yan Shu-Chi**: We can't stay here for long. I'll go get Scale Soul Crystal.
*Yan Shu-Chi collects the Scale Soul Crystal then walks to Eddie*
*Yan Shu-Chi gives Scale Soul Crystal to Eddie.*
**Yan Shu-Chi**: Eddie, please guard Scale Soul Crystal on our way back.
**Eddie**: No problem. Let's head back to Never Isle.
*Scene - Never Isle, outside the Order of Equality headquarters*
*Player, Kitty, Eddie, Lin Hu, Likulau, and Yan Shu-Chi return to the isle*
*Yan Shu-Chi presents a knocked-out Rita to General Will and Vundo*
**Will**: It's truly Rita!
**Will**: Adviser Yan Shu-Chi, you did not disappoint us after all!
**Yan Shu-Chi**: I am flattered, General Will.
**Will**: With such a heroic deed, you deserve all the glory in the world.
**Will**: I'll take you to President Jonas and grant you huge rewards!
**Will**: The Order of Equality will take Rita. We will interrogate her thoroughly.
**Will**: Principal Vundo, how is Scale Soul Crystal? Is it genuine?
**Vundo**: Yes, it is an extraordinary Artisoul.
**Vundo**: But what kind of Arcana was used to forge those scales? And how can it be preserved for so long?
**Vundo**: Its look is just like what the legend says.
**Vundo**: Yes. But we need to find out what's so special about those scales.
**Will**: Well, I will leave the crystal to you. Let us know if you find anything.
**Vundo**: You can count on me, General Will. I will gather a few teachers to study with me.
**Vundo**: Okay. I'll be going now.
*Vundo runs off to the Academy*
**Will**: ... That was fast!
**Kitty**: Principal Vundo is always like this. For him, the mystery of Arcana trumps everything!
**Will**: Ha-ha, that's what scholars do!
**Will**: Player, I heard that you went with Adviser Yan Shu-Chi to collect info. And you were the one who defeated Rita.
**Will**: You played a large part in our success!
**Will**: I'll ask President Jonas to reward you with great prizes!
**Player**: Thank you, General!
**Will**: It's nothing.
**Will**: As for Rita, we will inform you of our interrogation results.
**Will**: Hope it could help with your journey of infusion...
**Player**: Really? Thank you, General!
**Will**: No problem! Look forward to cooperating with you again!
**Player**: No Problem!
*Continue to Chapter 16*