Billy-Lightflow

'I'm the Captain's right hand man!'

*Billy - Lightflow*

*During a play, Billy put down his pliers, and picked up a cannon and a scimitar to become the real Chief Officer.*

*Cannon fire roars as powers clash at the sea.*

## Intro

The flames burn brightly, and molten iron flows into the mold. The muscular man with an orange bandana raises his hammer, and brings it down with power. After repeating this motion countless times, the molten iron is molded into the shape of an anchor.

'Hm, your control of the fire and your strength are both very good. Give it a once-over to put it on the shelf and sell it.' Sig looks at the freshly made anchor and praises the man.

The man with the orange bandana wipes the sweat off his face and flashes a kind smile. Sig hands the canteen to the man, and motions for him to sit down.

'I heard you were an accomplished mechanic, so why are you here?'

'My friend is in a play, and there are no good props on the market, so I figured I'd make some.' Sig looks at the man with surprise.

'That's it? Why didn't you just get a commission from me instead? Why do you want to learn blacksmithing?' The man with the bandana looks a little bitter, and... a little determined.

'I want to become more useful.'

'My friend did a lot of things for me. He saved my life, and he even helped me achieve my dreams. But he's in some... trouble, and I couldn't help him as a mechanic. So I want to learn something that might come in handy later on, because I don't want him to weather the storm by himself. I guess that's my new dream.'

Sig understands. He picks up his hammer and taps the man on the shoulder.

'Break's over! The flame is just right, so I'll teach you how to forge a cannon.'

The man excitedly nods, puts down his canteen and walks over to the furnace.

The fire burns bright, and even melts steel...

### Forming a Pact

**Billy-Lightflow's rarity:** SSR

**Max Epiphany without Illumination:** Level 6

The player can form a pact with Billy-Lightflow by the following methods:

* Limited Summon
	+ You must own Billy
	+ You can form a pact with Billy-Lightflow by summoning him on his limited-time banner.

## Skills

### Basic

* Bleed: Before taking action each round, target takes physical damage equal to 75% of the caster's P.ATK. Last 2 rounds, can be purified, does not stack.
* Wrench Protection: Each stack reduces damage taken from single target skills by 20%, and 1 stack is removed after taking said damage. Lasts 3 rounds, cannot be dispelled, stacks up to 4 times.
* Sense Compass: Ignores the target's Stealth or Invisible when using skills. Lasts 2 rounds, can be dispelled and does not stack.

**Skill Level**
1. 73%
2. 80%
3. 86%
4. 93%
	+ Bleed: Reduces the character's received healing effect by 25%.

### Advanced

* Chains: After taking skill damage, 30% of the damage taken is transferred to the other friendly unit that has the debuff. Only 2 units may have this debuff at any given time, and when a debuff is removed, all the Chains effects are removed, too. Lasts 2 rounds, cannot be purified, does not stack.

**Skill Level**
1. 147%
2. 155%
3. 163%
4. 171%
	+ Skill damage increases by 25%.
* **Heavy Chains**
	+ If there is only 1 enemy alive before casting, then deals additional true damage equal to 150% of Billy's P.ATK.

### Ultimate

* Silence: While the effect is active, the target can only use normal attacks. Lasts 2 rounds, can be purified.

**Skill Level**
1. 249%, 249%
2. 271%, 271%
3. 293%, 293%
4. 315%, 315%
	+ Places 1 additional stack of Wrench Protection on all allies.
* **High Explosive Shell**
	+ Places Major Damage on the enemy.
		- Major Damage: While the effect is active, the target cannot gain Blessings for 2 rounds. Can be purified, does not stack.
* **Smothering Fire**
	+ If the target is Bleeding, then removes Bleed and deals physical damage equal to 225% of P.ATK.

### Mastery

* Wrench Protection: Each stack reduces damage taken from single target skills by 20%, and 1 stack is removed after taking said damage. Lasts 3 rounds, cannot be dispelled, stacks up to 4 times.
* Last Stand: While the effect is active, ignores 100% of the target's P.DEF. After using skills, deals additional physical damage equal to 10% of max HP to the main target (does not exceed 1,000% of Billy's P.ATK ). Before taking action each round, restores HP to full. When the buff fades, the hero dies and becomes unrevivable. Lasts 2 rounds, cannot be dispelled. Mutually exclusive with Blood Lock and Death Immunity.

## Imprint

### Basic Engraving

* Agility Engraving (P.ATK +0.60% per Engraving level)
	+ Each engraving level requires I.N. Flux - Water x120 and Gold x25,000

### Imprint Skill

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

## Intimacy

Billy - Lightflow shares his Intimacy Level with Billy.

### Views

Unlock views by leveling the intimacy of other gyees.

* **Turing**: I bumped into Billy on the street the other day. I couldn't have recognized him if it weren't for the obvious bandana and that kind smile. He has grown a lot, and I think he found a dream that's bigger than traveling around the world.
*Turing's Intimacy reaches Lv.2 to unlock*
* **Miles**: Billy? I know him, he's a mechanic. I always see him at Hottie Bar! But he's not as cheerful lately, and always looks like he has something on his mind Did something happen?
*Miles's Intimacy reaches Lv.4 to unlock*
* **Kitty**: Billy is the biggest fool I've ever met! You heard that right! He's always standing in the corner, watching the person he likes going out with someone else. He never once thinks about telling them his feeling. A fool, is he not?
*Kitty's Intimacy reaches Lv.6 to unlock*
* **Sig**: I know this kid! He came to me a while ago to learn how to forge, and then forged all of the armor that he's wearing now! I'm not smart, so I don't know how to say this, but I think he's got a bright future. Why? Because I can tell he's motivated, and that's going to melt any metals that come his way, and there's nothing that he can't overcome.
*Sig's Intimacy reaches Lv.8 to unlock*
* **Never Isle Young Man**: He's the new hottie in town! I want him! I want to lay on top of him and... Ahem! Anyway, he's mine!
* **Never Isle Worker**: I remember him. An airship mechanic, right? I used to see him at the port all the time. It's been a few months, and he looks like what now? Did he become a pirate?
* **Rupor Show Bouncer**: Billy? Of course I know him. He used to be a regular and a hardcore fan here at the Rupor Show. We all know him.But we haven't seen him in a while. How's he doing?

## Scripts

### Branch

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

**Dim Hopes**

**-Part 1**

*Note: Complete Billy's Intimacy and Trifle scripts and the Branch quest, Hope Spear (available after unlocking Shadow Stalker - Toxic Blade), before continuing. This quest continues directly where Hope Spear ends.*
*The northern region of Never Isle, deep in the ruins of the shrine.*
*With Taneleer's help, you begin to understand the visions from the past.*
*Seeing the Light Spear Squad's demise, witnessing Az's awakening...*
*"The Primordial Light," "the power to destroy the Shadows once and for all"...*
*It seems it was all a big lie.*
*As Player begins to leave the pedestal that supposedly held the Primordial Light, he gets the idea that maybe the light isn't visible to the normal person*
**Player**: ...
*Player turns around and approaches the pedestal*
*Facing the empty pedestal...*
**Player**: The Primordial Light...
*You reach out toward the empty pedestal.*
**Player**: !!
*Player is engulfed in a bright light that fades into blackness*
**Player**: Whoa! This...
**Player**: Is this another echo of the past?
*You hear an angry roar.*
**Player**: This voice, it sounds like Miles, but...
**Miles?**: Rrragh!
**Miles?**: (Tearing sound)...
**Player**: !!
*As you get closer, another familiar voice reaches your ears.*
**Eddie?**: I won't make the same mistake again.
**Eddie?**: The future of the Gyees can only be built upon the corpses of the Mundane!
**Player**: Whoa! What's Eddie talking about?
**Izumi?**: Warriors, the enemy outnumbers us several times over, but we must not retreat!
**Izumi?**: Defense Force, use Never Isle's power and charge with me!
**Player**: Izumi?!
**Player**: How did that happen?
*The surroundings gradually return to normal.*
*Suddenly, you sense a powerful individual standing behind you.*
*Even though it's pitch black, you can hear him breathing.*
**???**: Huff, puff...
**???**: ... Hoo...
*This man...*
*He's so familiar... So close...*
**???**: This is as far as you've gotten?!
**Player**: !!
**???**: You want to go? Over my dead body...
**???**: No. Even if I died, I'd come back as a ghost and stop you from going!
**???**: This time, I'm protecting the Captain!
**Player**: Huh?!?
**Player**: Billy!
*...*
*...*
*Some time later...*
**???**: Capt...
**???**: ...ain...
**???**: Captain...
*Billy hovers over Player's prone body*
**Billy**: Captain! Captain!
**Billy**: What's wrong, Captain? Wake up!
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: B-Billy?
*Player gets up*
**Player**: How did you get in here? D-did something happen?
**Billy**: Just now, a bright white light suddenly burst out from the ruins.
**Billy**: The light fried all of the airship's sensors and communications systems!
**Billy**: I'm worried...
**Player**: A white light?
**Player**: Hmm...what could've happened?
**Billy**: Captain!
*Player suddenly gets dizzy*
*Billy supports you.*
**Billy**: Captain!
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: Thank you, I'm fine.
**Billy**: Captain! You don't look so hot...
**Player**: I'm fine, but I can't go back just yet!
**Billy**: But it's been days since you've had a proper rest.
**Player**: Billy, this concerns the future of Luxium!
**Player**: I can't rest!
**Billy**: Captain...
**Player**: The white light just now...
**Player**: The Primordial Light!
*Player looks around*
**Player**: The Primordial Light must be here!
*Billy looks at the empty pedestal*
**Billy**: But there's obviously nothing here!
**Player**: !!
**Player**: ...
**Player**: In the memory echoes, the Light Spear Squad triggered a white light the first time they came to the bottom of the ruins, too.
*You reach out to the empty pedestal again.*
*This time, nothing happens.*
**Player**: But the Light Spear Squad was wiped out after they triggered the white light.
**Player**: Az... The Light Spear Squad...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I've spent the past few months chasing visions of the past...
**Player**: And all I've got to show for it are some unexplainable voices and a ray of white light...
**Player**: The Primordial Light. The power to eliminate the Shadows once and for all...
**Player**: Ha!
**Player**: You're right, there's nothing here.
**Player**: It was all lies...
**Billy**: Captain, don't be sad...
**Billy**: I was just talking, I'm sorry...
**Player**: (Pats Billy's shoulder)
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Maybe these ruins are just a giant flashbang...
**Player**: Its fleeting light has been mistaken for hope by too many people.
**Billy**: Captain...
**Player**: Billy, with one glance you saw through to the truth.
**Player**: Let's go. It's time to go back.
*Player starts to leave the pedestal but collapses again*
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: Player!!
*A while later, outside the ruins.*
*Airship bridge...*
**Kitty**: Billy, how is Player doing?
**Billy**: Don't worry. I think the captain's just a little tired.
**Billy**: He's already in his room sleeping.
**Kitty**: He's been flying around the past few months and hasn't gotten a single good night's sleep...
**Kitty**: Of course he's tired!
**Billy**: All right, all right. Enough about the captain.
**Kitty**: Hey, who's been making sour faces all week, worrying about Player to death?!
**Kitty**: I'm just saying what's already on your mind!
**Billy**: The captain is resting now. There's no need to ramble on about it.
**Kitty**: Billy...
**Kitty**: Are you okay? Player is already back, isn't he? Why are you still making this face?
**Billy**: The captain, he...
**Billy**: Sigh...
**Billy**: It seems like all the hard work he's done the past few months was wasted.
**Kitty**: What?
**Billy**: He didn't want to show it, but I could sense that he's really depressed.
**Billy**: If I could only help the captain...
**Kitty**: We couldn't hear the memory echoes, though. How could we possibly help?
**Billy**: I know...
**Billy**: But seeing the captain so sad, I really...
**Kitty**: (smiles)
**Kitty**: You idiot. Your feelings for Player, he...
**Billy**: What are you talking about? What do you mean, 'feelings'?!
**Billy**: I'm just concerned for him as a friend, that's all!
**Kitty**: \*Puff\*...
**Kitty**: All right, all right, got it!
**Kitty**: We don't need to worry about Player.
**Kitty**: What storm hasn't Player weathered by now? He'll be fine.
**Kitty**: Let's just take care of his daily needs, and not give him any trouble~
**Billy**: Yeah... You're right...
**Billy**: But the captain's burden is too heavy. It's too much for one man.
**Billy**: Isn't there anything we can do?
**Kitty**: Enough! Don't think about this crap. We're never gonna get anywhere if you break your mind thinking about it!
**Billy**: Break my mind thinking about it? Even if I did, I could pilot this ship with my eyes closed!
**Kitty**: Uh, I mean...
**Billy**: Haha, I know. I'm going to start up the airship, and we'll go back to Never Isle. You got the bath ready, didn't you, Kitty?
**Billy**: This way, once the captain gets up, he can jump right in and take a comfy bath!
**Kitty**: Of course!
*Back in Player's room, Player dreams of the past*
*...*
*...*
**Kaze**: Anwar! Anwar! Hold on a little longer! Anwar!
**Anwar**: Kaze...
**Anwar**: Don't...give up...
**Anwar**: ...
**Kaze**: Arghhhhhh...
**Kaze**: Kadar... Akkan...
**Kaze**: I'm sorry...
**Kaze**: Anwar, I'm sorry!
**Player**: Kaze... The Light Spear...
*...*
*...*
**???**: I will stand right here. The Shadows won't get past me! Get out of here, Az!
**???**: Az, take the Wheel of Fate and get out of here!
**Az**: Ranmaru! Aaron! I'm sorry...
**???**: Luxium's future and the fate of the Gyee... I leave it all up to you!
**Az**: I'm sorry!!!
**Player**: Az...
*A while later, in the skies near Never Isle.*
*Player finds Billy on the airship bridge*
**Player**: Billy?
**Billy**: What are you doing up, Captain?
**Player**: What am I doing...on the airship?
**Player**: (That was a dream just now...)
**Player**: (The Light Spear, Az... The Primordial Light... The power to eliminate the Shadows once and for all was just a lie...)
**Player**: (What should I do now?)
**Billy**: Captain, you fainted in the basement of the ruins...
**Player**: I fainted?
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: A bath's been prepared for you. Why don't you take one, Captain?
**Billy**: Kitty's reserved us a table at a Never Isle restaurant. How about we go eat after your bath?
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I'm sorry, Billy. I still can't...
**Kitty**: So what if you've had a run of bad luck, lately? You still need to make time for a meal.
**Kitty**: It's been so long since you've sat down and had a good meal.
**Player**: (smiles)
**Player**: It's a good thing I've got you guys...
**Player**: Thank you!
**Billy**: You're welcome!
*Suddenly, the airship's communication terminal begins to ring.*
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: A message from Principal Vundo!
**Player**: Principal Vundo?
**Player**: Pick it up!
**Arcana Academy Message**: Player, it's me, Principal Vundo.
**Player**: Is something wrong, Principal Vundo?
**Arcana Academy Message**: I noticed that your airship is flying into Never Isle from the north.
**Arcana Academy Message**: Were you just at the ancient ruins?
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: Yeah...
**Arcana Academy Message**: Were you there when that Flux Explosion happened a few hours ago, Player?
**Player**: Flux Explosion?
**Billy**: Are you talking about that white light that suddenly came out of the ruins?
**Arcana Academy Message**: That's right. When the Flux Explosion occurred, Never Isle detected a very powerful white light.
**Player**: You could see that light all the way from Never Isle?
**Arcana Academy Message**: Great, so you were there, Player.
**Arcana Academy Message**: Could I trouble you to pay the Arcana Academy a quick visit?
**Arcana Academy Message**: It's urgent.
**Player**: Sure. I'm on my way!
**Player**: (Shuts down communication)
**Kitty**: ...
**Billy**: Then, lunch...
**Player**: Principal Vundo seemed pretty concerned. I should go there first.
**Player**: Billy, Kitty, you guys go to the restaurant first. Once I'm done at the Arcana Academy, I'll come find you.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: All right! Official business takes priority. Get a move on, Player!
**Player**: I'm sorry...
*Later, the airship lands at the port in Never Isle.*
*Airship bridge...*
**Kitty**: The airship's landed. What are you still doing here?
**Billy**: (smiles)
**Kitty**: Okay, Player left a while ago. You can stop staring at the door with that stupid look on your face.
**Kitty**: You're so happy to see Player up and about...
**Billy**: (smiles)
*Meanwhile...*
*At the Arcana Nexus in the Arcana Academy...*
**Vundo**: I see...
**Player**: Uh...
*Vundo uses the arcana instrument to do a thorough check of your body.*
**Player**: Can you find anything in my body?
**Vundo**: Your body shows lots of signs of a high amount of light flux.
**Player**: Light flux?
**Vundo**: Remember back when we were exploring the ruins?
**Vundo**: Those ruins contained a high amount of pure light flux.
**Player**: Yeah, I remember. You said that light flux is the closest energy there is to Ka...
**Player**: The Arcana Academy tried to bring some pure light flux out for research, but in the end, failed.
**Vundo**: That's right! Later, after our research, the Arcana Academy speculated that the dimensions of the light flux in the ruins were equal to that of the former Light Nexus...
**Vundo**: And just a few hours ago, the ruins released all of its light flux.
**Player**: Released?
**Vundo**: You can think of it as the nexus exploding.
**Player**: Huh? Then wouldn't I have...?
**Vundo**: No need to worry. It was not an explosion in the conventional sense.
**Vundo**: The ruins incredibly converted the accompanying energy into light energy instead of heat and kinetic energy.
**Vundo**: Everyone in Luxium must have been able to see that light!
**Player**: Wow, it was that powerful, huh?
**Player**: So if the white light was just the energy that accompanied the flux explosion, then the light flux that the ruins released...
**Player**: Where did it all go?
**Vundo**: That is the million dollar question.
**Vundo**: When the flux erupted, the various flux devices that the Arcana Academy set up at different points around Luxium all detected a massive level of flux, and then overloaded and broke.
**Vundo**: Red Harbor, Elysiann, Westhold, the Star Woods... Even the probes we put in the ocean several kilometers off the eastern shore suffered the same fate!
**Player**: Which is to say, the light flux that was contained in the ruins has now been spread all across Luxium?
**Vundo**: Yes, and no.
**Player**: ?
**Vundo**: The flux did spread across Luxium.
**Vundo**: But the light flux that came from the explosion and then covered all of Luxium completely dissipated about ten minutes later.
**Player**: Completely dissipated?
**Vundo**: Historical records say that the last time a flux explosion of that size occurred, it was when Azria was destroyed.
**Vundo**: And that two years later, all of the light flux had been absorbed by the land.
**Player**: Which means that something absorbed the light flux from the explosion.
**Vundo**: Yes. But for something to have absorbed that much light flux, an amount that covered the entire world, in only ten minutes...
**Vundo**: It's like something out of science fiction.
**Vundo**: When the Arcana Academy investigated those ruins, we had no idea something like this would happen.
**Vundo**: Player, when the flux erupted, you were at the ruins.
**Vundo**: While you were there, did you do or see anything?
**Vundo**: Any details you can provide would be very helpful to the Arcana Academy as it investigates this phenomenon!
**Player**: Did I do or see anything?
**Player**: I'm sorry to disappoint you, Principal Vundo, but...
*You relate to Vundo what happened in the ruins.*
**Vundo**: You returned to the ruins in order to investigate the World Remnants...
**Vundo**: And at the bottom of the ruins, you faced the empty pedestal we investigated before.
**Vundo**: And then you reached out into the air. Is that right?
**Player**: Yeah!
**Player**: The first time I reached out, there was a powerful ray of light, then I lost consciousness and heard some strange voices.
**Player**: But the second time I reached out toward the pedestal, nothing happened.
**Vundo**: Hmm... Judging by the timeline, it's possible that you were the one who triggered the flux explosion, Player.
**Vundo**: And since you were standing at the epicenter of the flux explosion, the large amount of light flux probably triggered your hallucination.
**Player**: The voices I heard underground...were hallucinations?
**Player**: (But if they were just hallucinations, why did they feel more real than the memory fragments?)
**Vundo**: But during our initial investigation, you also came down to the lowest level of the ruins, Player.
**Vundo**: So back then, why didn't...
**Player**: The first time we went to the bottom of the ruins, I didn't get too close to the pedestal.
**Vundo**: Hmm... Even so, there still wasn't anything on the pedestal.
**Player**: There wasn't anything... Oh!
**Vundo**: Did something come to mind, Player?
**Player**: Principal Vundo, were there any differences between the light flux in the ruins and the light flux in Azria?
**Vundo**: They were essentially the same, and both undoubtedly light flux. But...
**Player**: But?
**Vundo**: The light flux in the ruins seemed to be more pure.
**Player**: That's it. Principal Vundo, the flux in the ruins was no ordinary light flux!
**Player**: It was the Primordial Light!
**Vundo**: You mean, the Primordial Light we read about in the ruins?
**Vundo**: 'The purest light flux.'
**Vundo**: Then what about 'The Cycle'? Even if you put 'The Cycle' aside, assuming that the light flux radiated by the flux explosion was the 'Primordial Light'...
**Vundo**: Why did it dissipate?
**Player**: !!
**Player**: That's right, it dissipated after only ten minutes.
**Player**: In such a short amount of time, you don't even get much of a chance to study it, much less fashion a weapon to destroy the Shadows...
**Player**: (Was everything really just lies and jokes after all?)
**Vundo**: The past few years, arcana research has made rapid progress.
**Vundo**: But the more we understand, the more mysteries we uncover.
**Vundo**: Unfortunately, the world is too big, and humans are too small.
**Vundo**: Thank you, Player.
**Player**: I'm sorry that I wasn't able to help.
**Vundo**: Hahaha, uncovering another mystery and rediscovering how small you are is part of the fun!
**Vundo**: I just hope my colleagues will accept my excuse and let me off the hook.
**Player**: Huh? Colleagues?
**Vundo**: Ah, it's a matter that concerns everyone in the arcana world!
**Vundo**: The people at the Arcana Academy aren't the only ones who have taken an interest in the flux explosion.
**Vundo**: The research centers of each city, the Shadowhunters, and even the Crossport Merchant Guild's research department were all taken aback.
**Player**: The Crossport Merchant Guild? The business alliance secretly supported by the White Capes?
**Vundo**: Considering the economic value and academic significance of the light flux, as well as its potential as a weapon to use against the Shadows, it's not so strange that the White Capes would take an interest in it.
**Vundo**: The Arcana Academy is the only academic organization that's studied the ruins.
**Vundo**: As a result, the Luxium Arcana Academic Union has asked us for a report on the ruins.
**Vundo**: We will deliver it the day after tomorrow in Eversun.
**Vundo**: It's just too bad we know nothing about the flux explosion.
**Vundo**: All I can do is perform some casual research, and then deal with my colleagues at Luxium's various major organizations.
**Player**: Various major organizations. Even the White Capes...
**Player**: Light flux...a weapon to use against the Shadows.
**Player**: !!
**Player**: Principal, can I go with you to the meeting in Eversun the day after tomorrow?
**Vundo**: Huh? Player, you want to hear me deliver my report?
**Vundo**: That would be fine, but why do you want to go, Player?
**Player**: (smiles)
**Player**: I was at the ruins when the flux explosion happened, after all.
**Player**: If the person involved speaks, it might make things a little more convincing.
**Vundo**: That is true. Thank you, Player.
*Two days later, at the Eversun Arcana Research Center...*
*Outside the main meeting room.*
*Player walks up to an arcanist guarding the entrance to the meeting room*
**Player**: Hello, I'm Player. I've come for today's arcana academic report.
**Arcanist**: So you personally witnessed the flux explosion.
**Arcanist**: Our staff is still preparing the meeting room. Please wait a few moments.
**Player**: All right, thank you.
*Player walks off to the side*
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (Although the Primordial Light cannot eliminate the Shadows for us...)
**Player**: (But if it can give me the opportunity to meet with all of Luxium's major organizations, maybe it can lead to the reformation of the Anti-Shadow Forces.)
**Player**: (Spear of Light, Az... We may still have a chance!)
**Player**: I need to organize my speech and think about how to...
**???**: Hey! I didn't think the person who witnessed the flux explosion would be you!
**Player**: ?
*Player turns around to see Creed*
**Creed**: It looks like trouble really does follow you wherever you go.
**Player**: Creed? What are you doing here?
**Creed**: My Luxium Arcana Research Team membership from when I did arcana research hasn't expired yet.
**Creed**: I also happened to be in the neighborhood, so I figured I might as well pop in and take a look.
**Creed**: Since you're the guest of honor delivering the report today...
**Creed**: Seems like it won't be a boring waste of my time.
**Arcanist**: Mr. Player, Mr. Creed...
**Arcanist**: The meeting room is now ready. The two of you...
**Creed**: Understood!
**Creed**: Player......
**Creed**: All eyes are on you. Don't be nervous.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Yeah...
*A while later, in the Eversun Arcana Research Center meeting room.*
*Vundo is completing his report on the incident in front of a large room full of researchers*
*In the front of the audience is an elderly researcher (the Academic Union Chairman), a representative from the Shadowhunter Research Division and a representative from the Crossport Merchant Alliance*
*Player stands slightly behind Vundo*
**Vundo**: And that's what the Never Isle Arcana Academy knows about the arcana explosion.
*A deep silence falls over the room.*
*Some of the researchers begin whispering to each other.*
*Judging by their serious and even judgmental expressions, they do not think too highly of the Principal right now.*
**Player**: (Well...this is awkward.)
**Player**: (Is it time for me to step forward?)
**Eldest Researcher**: Hmmm.
**Eldest Researcher**: So, Mr. Vundo, according to your report...
**Eldest Researcher**: Regarding the cause and future global effects of the flux explosion, the Arcana Academy...
**Eldest Researcher**: Has learned nothing.
**Eldest Researcher**: Is my understanding more or less correct?
**Vundo**: Mr. Chairman...
**Vundo**: Those ruins are very old. The Arcana Academy alone cannot hope to learn all of its secrets.
**Academic Union Chairman**: All right. There are a lot of secrets in this world waiting to be learned...
*Vundo walks to the side*
**Academic Union Chairman**: I thought that the Arcana Academy had already investigated the site of the event and could bring us some data we could use.
**Academic Union Chairman**: That's...too bad.
**Academic Union Chairman**: It's a good thing Mr. Player was present at the bottom of the ruins when the flux explosion happened.
**Academic Union Chairman**: Mr. Player, could you share your experience with us?
**Player**: Of course...
**Player**: Scholars of the Luxium Arcana Academic Union, hello...
**Player**: I am Player from Never Isle. The flux explosion...
**Impatient Researcher**: Ahem! Pardon me, but let's get straight to the point.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: At the time, I was in the lowest level of the ruins. When I approached the pedestal, there was a white light...
**Player**: The white light temporarily paralyzed the transmitters and communications on my airship.
**Academic Union Chairman**: Judging by the timeline, you were the one who triggered the flux explosion, Player.
**Academic Union Chairman**: Are you sure all you did was 'approach the pedestal'?
**Player**: That's correct.
**Academic Union Chairman**: Hmm... All right...
**Academic Union Chairman**: I'm a little curious why you wanted to visit those ruins in the first place. To a brave hero like yourself, those old ruins...
**Academic Union Chairman**: Are of no concern.
**Player**: No...
**Player**: Actually, it's not just about me.
**Player**: Those ruins are very important to everyone in Luxium!
**Player**: I once believed...
**Player**: That in the bottom of the ruins, was hidden 'the power to destroy the Shadows once and for all'!
**Academic Union Chairman**: !!
**Vundo**: !!
**Creed**: ......
*A few moments later...*
**Player**: Gentlemen, Luxium is at a make-or-break moment.
**Player**: With the eruption and disappearance of the Primordial Light...
**Player**: The power to defeat the Shadows once and for all is just a lie!
**Player**: Ever since the Second Shadow War, the Shadows have been in hiding for over a thousand years.
**Player**: For over a thousand years, the Shadows have been hiding their strength, growing their conspiracy.
**Player**: Now it turns out that the Shadows are hiding a massive force in the Shadow Sea.
**Player**: Their numbers are several times stronger than they were in the Second Shadow War!
**Player**: Gentlemen, if humanity could reunite and put the Anti-Shadow Forces back together again...
**Player**: Then perhaps we could defeat the Shadows and await the return of Ka and Az...
**Player**: And maybe even protect humanity's future again!
**Player**: If we can set aside our prejudices and stand together...
**Player**: Then we still have hope!
**Academic Union Chairman**: ...
**Vundo**: !!
**Creed**: (smiles)
**Researcher A**: \*Puff\*...
**Researcher A**: Hahahaha!
**Researcher A**: The victory won during the Second Shadow War was a lie?
**Researcher A**: A large number of Shadows are hiding within the Shadow Sea, and are prepared to attack us at any moment?
**Researcher A**: Is this some kind of joke?
**Player**: ?
**Player**: Joke?
**Player**: You all think I'm joking?
**Researcher B**: Mr. Player, your speech has been very inspiring.
**Researcher B**: Even a man of my years is excited just hearing it.
**Researcher B**: However, through these 'visions' of yours, you have belittled the contributions that the humans and Draconians made during the Second Shadow War.
**Researcher B**: You also insist that the Shadows are hiding a large force that could attack us again at any moment.
**Researcher B**: These are not topics for serious scholarly discussion!
**Researcher B**: Sorry. I forgot, you're not a scholar.
**Player**: ...
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: You're right!
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: I'm thankful for the Academic Union's sanity.
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Player has baselessly made crazy statements, painting us a picture of a Third Shadow War...
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: I cannot help but be suspicious of his motivations.
**Player**: Motivations? You think I'm lying?
**Player**: Why would I lie about this?
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Perhaps subjectively speaking, you aren't lying, and you really had a 'premonition' of the end of the world.
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: But how can you prove that your vision was real? How can you prove that what you saw was not itself part of a Shadow plot?
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: After all, you people are so easily fooled...
**Vundo**: 'You people are so easily fooled?' What's that supposed to mean?
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Nothing, just that normal people who are not trained to have scientific minds are easily confused. Are they not?
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: To put it another way, humans are weak creatures. Everyone can be confused.
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: This is an objective possibility.
**Vundo**: ...
**Player**: I have not been fooled!
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Please calm down, Mr. Player...
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Since the Shadows are involved, why don't we ask a real expert, and hear their opinion?
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: ...
**Academic Union Chairman**: Do you have anything you would like to say about the 'return of the Shadows,' Shadowhunters?
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: Lately, there's been nothing but good news from the Loong Mountain Defensive Line.
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: Our brave Shadowhunter warriors have defeated wave after wave of Shadow attacks.
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: All of the Shadow strongholds and Shadowcult propaganda centers on the mainland have essentially been wiped out!
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: Thanks to the fighting of the Shadowhunters, the threat that the Shadows pose to Luxium is extremely low.
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: There is no need to worry, everyone. And there is definitely no need for unfounded rumors!
**Player**: ...
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: As for Mr. Player...
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: You've made a name for yourself among the Shadowhunters, and you've done a lot for us in the past.
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: We understand that you are concerned about Luxium's future.
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: But there's no need to worry!
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: Even if the Shadows still have their eyes on the mainland, the Shadowhunters will send them packing with our steel and gunfire!
**Shadowhunter Research Division**: The Shadowhunters are the Shield of Luxium, and this will forever be our sacred responsibility!
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: What firm conviction. I'm convinced!
**Player**: I have never doubted the ability of the Shadowhunters!
**Player**: But in order to face the threat that's on the horizon, we must unite!
*The room stays silent*
**Player**: Cat got your tongue again?
**Academic Union Chairman**: Mr. Player, besides for the visions you saw...
**Academic Union Chairman**: Do you have any other evidence for what you've said here today?
**Player**: Uh...
**Academic Union Chairman**: Then, is there any way you could let us see these 'memories,' or these mysterious 'visions of the past'?
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I left all of my memory echoes with Taneleer.
**Player**: And ordinary people can't see 'World Remnant'...
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Then where is this 'Taneleer'? Would it be convenient for him to come and talk with us?
**Player**: Uh, he can be hard to get ahold of. He's a Draconian collector...
**Player**: I'm afraid it won't be so easy to find him.
**Researcher A**: The Draconians?
**Researcher B**: This just keeps getting more and more ridiculous.
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Let me kind of sum things up for you, Player.
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: A thousand years ago, after the Second Shadow War, the Draconians stopped showing themselves to humans!
**Player**: !!
**Player**: But Priapus and Taneleer, they're Draconians, they...
**Academic Union Chairman**: That's enough!
**Academic Union Chairman**: Mr. Player, this is a meeting of the Luxium Academy Alliance!
**Academic Union Chairman**: Please do not give us any more of your ridiculous nonsense!
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: Mr. Chairman!!
**Academic Union Chairman**: This concludes the debrief of the 'Flux Explosion' incident.
**Academic Union Chairman**: In the future, if anyone has any clues as to where the dissipated light flux may have gone...
**Academic Union Chairman**: Please immediately report to this alliance!
**Crossport Merchant Alliance Representative**: Of course.
**Academic Union Chairman**: Thank you everyone. Meeting adjourned.
*A few moments later...*
*Kitty talks to Billy while they wait outside the research center for Player*
**Billy**: (smiles)
**Kitty**: I said... What kind of academic meeting did Player go to? What are you so worked up about?
**Billy**: You don't know? The Luxium Academic Alliance is very important in the world of arcana...
**Billy**: It's just as important as the Luxium Mechanical Forum is in the mechanical world!
**Kitty**: So...
**Kitty**: It's just a bunch of boring old guys talking nonsense?
**Billy**: Ugh...
**Billy**: Suffice to say, Player is a pretty incredible guy!
**Billy**: Hey, they're coming out!
*A group of researchers walk out, speaking amongst themselves*
**Arcana Researcher A**: Sigh, what a waste of time!
**Arcana Researcher B**: You can say that again. The Arcana Academy's useless. They have no clue what caused the 'flux explosion'.
**Arcana Researcher C**: Do you really trust that Vundo? Is it possible that they really don't know anything? They must be hiding something from us!
**Arcana Researcher C**: Just you watch, it won't be long at all before the Arcana Academy comes out with another astounding report!
**Arcana Researcher A**: Who knows?
**Arcana Researcher A**: But what was even more disappointing was the testimony of the only person who witnessed the event.
**Arcana Researcher B**: Ah, don't worry about that guy. I bet that he got too close to the flux explosion...
**Arcana Researcher B**: And all that light flux fried his brain!
**Arcana Researcher C**: But light flux alone shouldn't have any harmful effects on humans.
**Arcana Researcher B**: But don't forget where he came from - Never Isle!
**Arcana Researcher B**: That's Yellow...
**Arcana Researcher B**: ...
**Arcana Researcher B**: (Lowers voice and speaks indistinctly...)
*The group leaves*
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: I think something's happened.
*A few moments later...*
*Player and Vundo walk out*
*Player looks frustrated*
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: !!
**Billy**: Captain, are you okay? What happened?
**Player**: ...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I'm fine...
**Player**: I'm tired. Let's go back to the airship...
*Player continues walking ahead*
**Billy**: Capt...
**Vundo**: Billy...
**Billy**: ...
**Vundo**: Let Player rest a bit.
**Vundo**: I'm sorry. I was unable to help...
*Vundo leaves*
**Kitty**: ...
**Kitty**: What's going on?
*A while later, that night.*
*Hottie Bar...*
**Hottie**: I have detected an elevated blood alcohol level, Mr. Player...
**Player**: Execute... Execute administrator shutdown command. Authorization code...
**Hottie**: Command received. Shutting down smart mode.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Everyone saw the truth, but they weren't willing to believe it.
**Player**: There is a crisis coming that threatens the entire world, but I have to bear it alone and walk my own path...
**Player**: Helpless, suffering, hopeless...
**Player**: Is this what Az had to suffer through?
**Player**: Everyone on the Light Spear Squad...
**Player**: Master Az...
**Player**: What do you want me to do?
*Billy walks into the bar and sees Player drinking alone*
**Billy**: ...
*Billy sits next to Player*
**Player**: B-Billy?
**Player**: Don't try to talk me out of it!
**Player**: It won't change my mind.
**Billy**: ...
*Billy picks up the wine bottle and fills his own glass.*
*Then he drinks it all down in a single gulp.*
**Player**: Uh...
**Billy**: Come on, Captain!
**Billy**: Drink with me!
**Player**: ...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Come on! Let's drink!
**Billy**: ...
*Billy drinks down two glasses with a serious expression on his face.*
**Billy**: Come on, Captain!
*A few moments later...*
*There's another empty bottle on the table.*
**Player**: Let me tell you a story, Billy...
**Player**: Just listen to the story.
**Billy**: Sure!
*You tell him about the World Remnant, the visions of the past.*
*You tell Billy about the false legend and the Shadow threat.*
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: So this is what you've been investigating the past few months!
**Billy**: The Gyee heroes of the Second Shadow War, and everything Master Az went through...
**Player**: Let me guess, you think I'm crazy, too?
**Billy**: Crazy? Why would I think that?
**Billy**: You're not the kind of person to make groundless accusations or tell tall tales!
**Billy**: You're so determined about it, it must be true!
**Player**: !!
**Player**: (smiles)
**Player**: Haha... Another person who trusts me. Good...
**Billy**: Captain, you should've told me sooner!
**Player**: Why didn't I tell you sooner?
**Player**: I didn't want you to feel troubled by these things.
**Player**: You still want to travel the world, don't you?
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: But, I just wanted to say, I can at least help you share the burden.
**Billy**: I can help you! We'll find a solution together!
**Player**: Haha! Help me...
**Player**: (Gulps down a mouthful of wine...)
**Player**: How can you help me?
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Player**: Who could help me?
**Billy**: There's got to... There's got to be a way!
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Found it!
**Billy**: If the arcana world isn't willing to unite...
**Billy**: Then let's unite Luxium's warriors!
**Billy**: Eddie and Miles are sure to help once they hear about it!
**Billy**: And don't forget Captain Bernard and Captain Morgan.
**Billy**: You've got all those friends in the Shadowhunters. Just talk to them, and they'll definitely help!
**???**: Just in case you don't feel like Player's been insulted enough...
*Billy turns towards the voice and sees Creed enter the bar*
**Creed**: Why don't you go with him!
**Creed**: Tell everyone under the sun that the Shadows are going to destroy the world!
**Billy**: I remember you...
**Billy**: I saw you back in Elysiann...
**Creed**: Why don't you go wash up and hit the sack, Bandana Pliers.
**Creed**: Let me chat with Player.
**Billy**: The captain's not feeling well today. It'd be best to...
**Creed**: I know what's wrong!
**Billy**: I'm perfectly capable of telling the captain what he needs to hear! I'm staying to help him!
**Creed**: How are you going to help? Gather everyone in Luxium who can fight, tell them the end of the world is nigh, and that humanity needs to unite?
**Creed**: And then make everyone in Luxium think that Player is crazy...
**Creed**: What a big help that would be!
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: I see how it is...
*Billy leaves*
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Why'd you have to go treat Billy like that? He means well...
**Creed**: 'Meaning well' isn't going to save the world!
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Save the world...
**Player**: Creed, you believe what I said at the meeting?
**Creed**: Indeed, there is no way to reproduce the 'memories' and 'echoes' you speak of...
**Creed**: There's no evidence to prove it.
**Creed**: But...
**Creed**: There's no profit behind spreading 'lies' at an academic conference with the aim of 'uniting mankind'.
**Creed**: So either you're 'crazy', or your so-called 'lies' are actually true.
**Creed**: I'm inclined to believe the latter.
**Player**: ...
**Creed**: After the meeting, I quietly did my own investigating...
**Creed**: Since it is something that transcend time, and is a substance that can record the world's past, that means it must exist beyond the normal boundaries of the world and time...
**Creed**: Thus it stands to reason that it cannot be seen by ordinary people.
**Creed**: I'm guessing the fact that you can see it probably has something to do with the Wheel of Fate, right?
**Player**: ...
**Creed**: Judging by your expression, it looks like my guess is more or less on the mark.
**Player**: (smiles)
**Player**: If the other people at the meeting...
**Player**: Were half...no...a tenth as perceptive as you are...
**Player**: Then it'd all be settled.
**Creed**: Hahaha! That's impossible~
**Creed**: Anyway, the researchers at the Academic Union are inflexible and silly.
**Creed**: But among them, at least half could sense your determination.
**Creed**: And they also know that everything you said is likely true.
**Player**: But they all think I'm crazy.
**Creed**: They were just playing stupid. And nobody can wake up somebody who's pretending to be asleep.
**Player**: You're saying that many of the researchers know what I'm saying is probably true...
**Player**: But they viciously attacked me and called me crazy...
**Creed**: Yep.
**Player**: Why?
**Creed**: Because not only is there no profit in 'uniting mankind'...
**Creed**: Doing so would actually damage the interests of everyone present.
**Player**: How can that be? I never imagined...
**Creed**: It looks like you walked into that meeting totally unprepared.
**Creed**: And then you went and made those outrageous remarks without polishing your words at all.
**Creed**: You remind me a lot of Bandana Pliers in that way.
**Player**: So do you know how I can convince them, Creed?
**Player**: Tell me! What should I do?
**Creed**: As things stand, no matter whether you're trying to persuade the arcana world, or Luxium's warriors...
**Creed**: I'm afraid it's impossible!
**Player**: !!
**Creed**: You ought to know by now who was at that meeting, and who they represent?
**Player**: Yeah. There was the Crossport Merchant Alliance's research department, which is controlled by the White Capes.
**Player**: There was a representative from the Shadowhunter Research Division, Principal Vundo from the Never Isle Arcana Academy...
**Player**: And researchers from the arcana research departments in each of Luxium's major cities.
**Creed**: That's right. That's everyone.
**Creed**: On the surface, they're all arcana researchers, and they all get along...
**Creed**: But in fact, they all hate each other.
**Player**: They hate each other? I could understand there being a conflict between the Crossport Merchant Alliance and the Arcana Academy...
**Player**: But why do the others...
**Creed**: The Shadowhunters maintain the Loong Mountain Defensive Line. They occasionally ask for 'protection fees' from Luxium's cities in order to cover their massive military expenditures...
**Creed**: Since the cities have to give them money, they naturally have to supplement this deficit from other areas.
**Creed**: The first place they take the money from are the arcana research departments, who are late in paying back their funding, if they even pay it back at all.
**Player**: ...
**Creed**: And the arcana research departments rely on 'city security issues' every year when they ask for city funds.
**Player**: Security issues?
**Creed**: Thieves, bandits, the occasional Shadows lurking around the city.
**Creed**: And also, more importantly, the issue of city defense when a conflict between the Gyees and the White Capes arises.
**Creed**: Many neutral cities have invested lots of money in the development of arcana defense systems in order to protect themselves in the conflict between the Gyees and the White Capes, which is getting increasingly out-of-hand.
**Player**: City defense...
**Creed**: And the situation in cities controlled by the Gyees or White Capes are even more complicated.
**Creed**: The hostility between the two sides not only brings a steady stream of funding for their arcana research...
**Creed**: The long-standing enmity between both sides has led to deep grievances.
**Creed**: At times like this, if they were to support your viewpoint and come out promoting 'the unity of mankind'...
**Creed**: The Arcana Academy and the Crossport Merchant Union would lose their means of survival in the cities.
**Player**: So...
**Player**: If the world believes the truth of the Second Shadow War and believes that the Shadows are hiding in the Shadow Sea...
**Player**: And the Shadowhunters knew nothing about it, then the reputation of the Shadowhunters would be utterly ruined.
**Player**: So the Shadowhunters can only reject my viewpoint, and praise the strength and achievements of the Shadowhunters, to put others at ease.
**Creed**: Hey, you're a fast learner.
**Creed**: All of Luxium's major military organizations are in a similar situation.
**Creed**: Humans are frail and stubborn. Even if they know that total destruction is in their future...
**Creed**: They don't want to let go of the profits right in front of them.
**Creed**: Humans both hate each other and depend on each other, which creates a bit of a tragic balance.
**Creed**: However, though this balance is tragic, it is also sturdy.
**Creed**: The truth and your impassioned speeches will never be enough.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Then what should I do?
**Player**: Just watch helplessly as we walk toward our destruction without a plan?
**Creed**: There are worse things you could do~
**Creed**: Witnessing the rise and fall of human civilization...how wonderful.
**Player**: Stop kidding around.
**Creed**: All right. I'll give you another piece of advice.
**Creed**: The Shadowhunters are headed in the same general direction that you are, so don't worry about them for now.
**Creed**: Luxium's neutral towns will go with the flow and protect themselves. You won't get very far with them, so don't worry about them either.
**Creed**: So, if I were you, I would start with the conflict between the Gyees and mundanes.
**Creed**: As things stand, they'll kill each other on sight.
**Creed**: Even if the Shadows attack Luxium, they would rather die by the Shadows' hands than work with each other.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: You're right...
**Player**: However, the hatred between the Gyees and ordinary people has been around for many years.
**Player**: The Shadows aren't going to wait.
**Creed**: Which just goes to show...
**Creed**: 'Meaning well' isn't going to save the world!
**Player**: ...
**Creed**: If I were you, I'd throw myself behind some events aimed at improving the relationship between Gyees and normal humans. At the same time...
**Creed**: Deal with those stubborn obstructionists who don't want to find a way forward.
**Player**: Yeah!
**Creed**: Saving the world... No one ever said it would be easy.
**Player**: ...
**Creed**: It's getting late. I won't disturb your rest any longer.
**Player**: ...Why are you helping me?
**Creed**: (smiles)
**Creed**: This whole thing seems like it's going to be a lot of fun. It'd be a real shame if I missed out.
**Creed**: If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to give me a shout.
**Creed**: So long as I'm free, I'll come help.
*Creed leaves*
**Player**: Deal with those stubborn obstructionists who don't want to find a way forward.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (Pours a full glass)
**Player**: ...
**Player**: (Pushes wine aside)
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I promised the Light Spear Squad that I wouldn't let their sacrifice be in vain!
*Billy walks back into the bar*
**Billy**: I just saw Creed leave, Captain...
*Billy pauses after seeing Player's serious face*
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Captain...
*Continue to Trifle - Reverie I*

### Trifle

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

**Reverie I**

Conflict is, perhaps, the essence of humankind. Even if the end of days is coming, they are unwilling to give up their war..

**-Part 1**

*At the harbor in Never Isle.*
*Airship bridge...*
*Billy does maintenance on the airship while sadly thinking about Player's problems*
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Kitty**: !!
**Kitty**: Billy? What are you still doing here?
**Billy**: Oh... Hi, Kitty. I'm doing another check of the airship.
**Billy**: Weren't you supposed to be out with Yaen?
**Billy**: We've been busy lately, and haven't had many chances to come back to Never Isle. You should have fun while you can.
**Kitty**: Sigh... Yaen made Principal Vundo angry again.
**Kitty**: The Principal upgraded the Arcana Defense. Yaen can't come out to play right now.
**Kitty**: Don't blame me...
**Kitty**: Didn't you already finish checking the airship?
**Kitty**: We don't get many chances to come back to Never Isle. Shouldn't you go watch the Rupor Show?
**Kitty**: Today's Rupor Show is about to start. It looks like it's going to be a special program - they've invited a special guest of honor.
**Billy**: Ah... It's not time for the Rupor Show yet.
**Kitty**: ...
**Kitty**: So it's because...
**Billy**: The captain's never had such a serious look on his face before.
**Kitty**: He had important business to attend to, after all...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: The captain's got a heavy burden on his shoulders, and I can't bear it for him...
**Billy**: All I can do is to be on call on the airship. At least, when the captain needs me...
**Billy**: Then I can take him to whatever corner of the world he needs to visit.
**Kitty**: ...
**Kitty**: Oh, you... Player doesn't know how lucky he is.
**Billy**: Why do you say that?
**Kitty**: It's nothing.
*A few moments later...*
*Billy is checking the airship console when Player enters the bridge*
**Player**: Billy, you aren't going to watch the Rupor Show?
**Billy**: Captain! You're back!
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: Things didn't go well at the Order of Equality, Captain?
**Player**: ...
**Player**: There's no problem with the Order of Equality, but the supplier in Eversun broke the agreement.
**Player**: They're refusing to supply goods to Never Isle.
**Billy**: They're refusing to supply goods?
**Billy**: I heard Eddie say that agreements are frequently broken when dealing with new suppliers...
**Billy**: So don't worry about it, Captain...
**Player**: Yeah, I know...
**Billy**: Captain, we've helped the Order of Equality with a lot of errands lately. Lots of mundane merchants are willing to do business with us~
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Yeah, I know that, too...
**Player**: I just feel like, there's so much pressure, and still so much farther to go.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: I will always be by your side, Captain!
**Player**: (smiles)
**Player**: Billy, prepare the airship.
**Player**: We're going to the Shadow Sea!
**Player**: Perhaps we'll find some clues there!
**Billy**: Got it!
*Several weeks later.*
*Hottie Bar, Airship.*
**Billy**: Hottie, make me a drink.
**Billy**: Sigh...
**Hottie**: Command received. Please wait.
**Hottie**: Mr. Billy, the hormone test has determined that you are not in a good mood.
**Hottie**: I suggest that you drink in moderation, and do not use alcohol to drown your sorrows.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: You know the expression 'drown your sorrows,' Hottie?
**Hottie**: I have already been updated to the latest home robot configuration. This is a new feature.
**Hottie**: If you do not like it, Mr. Billy, I can shut it off.
**Billy**: No, no. It's good...
**Billy**: Home robots have come pretty far, huh?
**Billy**: How did you do that?
**Billy**: In that case...
**Billy**: Hottie, do you know what I'm upset about?
**Hottie**: Unknown command. Please use a command that I can understand.
**Billy**: So it's just a preset dialogue.
**Billy**: And preset responses to preset dialogues.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Maybe you do want to reply to me, but because of your limited abilities, you can't.
**Hottie**: Unknown command. Please use a command that I can understand.
**Billy**: I understand that feeling.
**Billy**: It's just like when the captain discovered the true history and the Shadow threat, but no one believed him.
**Billy**: And all I can do is stand by and watch. I can't help.
**Billy**: Just like the captain gives his all to improving the relationship between Gyees and mundanes, all in the name of averting the apocalypse.
**Billy**: However, convincing a mundane merchant requires going to great lengths. To resolve the gap between Gyees and mundanes in general requires even greater lengths.
**Billy**: We've been to the Shadow Sea several times, and have taken a bunch of water samples. We've also commissioned our friends at the Arcana Academy to help us perform investigations.
**Billy**: But we haven't found a shred of evidence that the Shadows are hiding in the Shadow Sea.
**Billy**: Without any evidence, we can't convince Luxium's organizations and alliances, and all we can do is stand by and watch the apocalypse come.
**Billy**: The captain's shouldering the whole burden all by himself.
**Billy**: And I... Can't do a thing about it.
**Billy**: (Drinks whole glass in one gulp)
**Hottie**: ...
**Billy**: Sigh... What am I doing here?
**Billy**: I'm talking to a robot about this stuff.
**Billy**: The captain should be on his way back by now. I should get ready...
**Hottie**: You are in love with the captain, Mr. Billy.
**Billy**: !!
**Billy**: W-what are you talking about?
**Hottie**: Reason 1: The concerns that Mr. Billy has voiced have a degree of similarity with those voiced by Captain Player several days ago.
**Hottie**: Reason 2: Mr. Billy's thinking has a high degree of similarity with that of Captain Player.
**Hottie**: Given this evidence, it is safe to assume that Mr. Billy has fallen in love with Player.
**Billy**: Hottie...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: (sad)
**Billy**: Love is a process by which two people mutually support and rush toward one another.
**Billy**: Player has been helping me for a long time already.
**Billy**: Player has helped me realize my dream of traveling around the world.
**Billy**: But I haven't done anything for Player...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Besides, the captain's got so many powerful friends.
**Billy**: And a lot of them...
**Billy**: Are more interesting to the captain.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Get it? They love each other!
**Hottie**: ...
**Hottie**: Unknown command. Please use a command that I can understand.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Forget it. Give me another glass!
**Hottie**: Command received. Please wait.
*A few moments later...*
*Player enters the bar and sits next to Billy*
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Judging by the captain's expression, Hottie, you're gonna need to make another drink.
**Hottie**: Command received...
**Player**: Thank you...
**Player**: Sigh...
**Billy**: Have the analysis results come out on the new batch of samples we collected?
**Player**: Yeah...
**Player**: They found nothing.
**Billy**: But Az clearly...
**Player**: When Az disappeared, a lot of the results of his arcana and techniques he researched disappeared along with him.
**Player**: Principal Vundo says that this set Luxium's arcana research back decades.
**Player**: This included a technique for backtracing flux.
**Billy**: So...is there nothing you can do?
**Player**: (Picks up glass of alcohol)
**Player**: I don't know.
**Player**: (Drinks whole glass in one gulp)
**Player**: ...
*The door to the bar opens*
**Billy**: Who could be coming to the Hottie Bar at this hour?
**Eddie**: Sigh...
**Eddie**: Gimme a drink, Hottie.
**Player**: What's wrong, Eddie?
**Eddie**: Ah, Player. Billy.
**Eddie**: Sorry, I was a little distracted just now.
**Billy**: Got something on your mind, Eddie?
**Eddie**: ...
**Eddie**: Sigh... Let me have a drink first.
*After getting his drink, Eddie begins to tell Billy and Player about his problem*
**Eddie**: In order to draw attention to the Order of Equality's contributions to improving relations between mundanes and Gyees...
**Eddie**: And to promote our efforts to tearing down the barriers between them...
**Eddie**: The Order of Equality is planning to organize a large event in Elysiann.
**Billy**: That's good.
**Eddie**: The original plan was that the Order of Equality would organize several programs.
**Eddie**: The local merchants guild organized several programs that both Gyees and mundanes could participate in, and the people of Elysiann also organized several.
**Eddie**: However, even though Elysiann's merchants are willing to do business with us, when it came time to work with the Gyees to prepare the programs...
**Eddie**: Most of the people involved were really lazy, and there weren't as many people willing to help organize the events as we expected.
**Player**: ...
**Eddie**: Now two-thirds of the available time slots are empty.
**Eddie**: If the Order of Equality were to organize all of the programs, then the event would be meaningless.
**Billy**: Indeed...
**Eddie**: Finding people to organize the programs and the event is now my responsibility.
**Eddie**: It might not be possible to fill out the whole schedule as originally planned, but it can't be too empty.
**Eddie**: In a bit, I'm going to visit the Oathblades and try my luck with Miles.
**Billy**: Don't worry! As popular as you are, Eddie, Elysiann's event is sure to be a blast!
**Eddie**: ...
**Eddie**: I hope you're right.
**Player**: Hey, Billy. Why don't we organize an event?
**Billy**: That's a good idea. We're not from the Order of Equality, and the ordinary people of Elysiann like you well enough.
**Billy**: And this event will be to promote efforts to tear down the barriers between mundanes and Gyees!
**Eddie**: !!
**Eddie**: I'm very grateful, but although this event is trying to tear down the barriers between mundanes and Gyees...
**Eddie**: But this is just a civilian event. You're usually so busy, Player...
**Eddie**: There must be a lot of important matters you need to attend to.
**Player**: Right now, there's nothing more important than tearing down barriers.
**Eddie**: Really?
**Eddie**: I'm so happy you're willing to help, Player!
**Player**: Things have been really busy lately, and everyone's been working hard.
**Player**: We'll take this opportunity to get some rest.
**Eddie**: On behalf of the Order of Equality, Player, thank you!
*The next day...*
*Hottie Bar, Airship.*
**Billy**: Captain, someone from the Order of Equality just brought an event plan...
**Billy**: Elysiann's event is going to be held in two months' time...
**Billy**: They've allotted us about 45 minutes for our program.
**Billy**: That's plenty of time. What kind of program should we prepare?
**Player**: Hmmm.
**Player**: I know I promised Eddie we'd help...
**Player**: But I have no idea what kind of performance we can put on.
**Billy**: Hmm... Let me think...
**Billy**: How about we sing a song?
**Kitty**: ...
**Kitty**: You want ordinary people to hate us even more, Billy?
**Billy**: What are you talking about?
**Player**: I think given our musical background, we'd better forget it.
**Billy**: All right. I still think I sing pretty good in the shower, though.
**Billy**: Hmm... Let me think some more...
**Billy**: What about... Some stage magic?
**Player**: Magic?
**Billy**: Kitty, could you go find Yaen and have her come help us?
**Billy**: The potion arcana she usually works with are pretty amazing.
**Billy**: She's probably got something that'd get everyone's attention!
**Player**: Uh... I'm afraid that Yaen's idea of 'getting attention'...
**Kitty**: ... is going to be something like a 'singularity trap' that'll mix everyone together.
**Player**: No, no. It's too dangerous to invite Yaen. We'd better think of something else!
**Billy**: Haha, all right.
**Kitty**: Otherwise, let's put on a play!
**Billy**: A play?
**Billy**: ...
**Kitty**: At the end of the year, around the time of the Ice Spirit Festival, the Arcana Academy always holds a celebration in the courtyard.
**Kitty**: My favorite part of the celebration is the play!
**Player**: Hmm, that's not a bad idea.
**Player**: 45 minutes is just about enough time to finish telling a story.
**Player**: Besides, the basic requirements needed to pull off a play shouldn't be too demanding. I think we ought to be able to do it!
**Player**: But if you want to put on a play...
**Player**: Just the three of us wouldn't be enough. We'd need at least six or seven people.
**Billy**: We just need to find three or four more helpers. There's enough time. We can do it!
**Player**: Besides the performers, the most important parts are the theme and the script.
**Player**: Since don't have a performance background...
**Player**: We'll need to put a lot of work into the theme and the script!
**Billy**: I don't think we have any screenwriting skills, either.
**Player**: ...
**Kitty**: Don't worry about that!
**Kitty**: There's a teacher at the Arcana Academy who's got some experience in plays.
**Kitty**: Let's have him write a play for us!
**Player**: Oh?
**Player**: That settles it - we're putting on a play.
**Player**: Let's confirm our performers first. In addition to the three of us, we still need at least three more people.
**Player**: I'll go ask some friends. You guys should ask some people you know, too.
**Billy**: Understood~
*A few moments later...*
*Never Isle...*
**Kitty**: Ahhhhh!!
**Kitty**: I'm doing my best!
**Kitty**: I asked my classmates at the Arcana Academy, but they're all too busy.
**Kitty**: Are you sure you don't want to invite Yaen?
**Billy**: Hahaha!
**Billy**: I know someone who will help us for sure!
**Kitty**: Oh?
**Billy**: (happy)
*A few moments later...*
*At the harbor in Never Isle.*
*A line of people wait for the next departing airship. At the end of the line is Creed*
**Harbor Guard**: The departing airship is currently experiencing some technical issues. We are repairing it as quickly as we can. Thank you for your patience, everyone!
**Creed**: ...
**Billy**: Creed, wait a minute!
**Kitty**: !!
*Billy and Kitty catch up to Creed*
**Creed**: Huh? Who are you?
**Billy**: Bandana Pliers. I work with Player.
**Creed**: Oh! I remember now.
**Creed**: What's wrong?
**Kitty**: (Whispers) Are you serious, Billy? This is the guy you're looking for?
**Kitty**: (Whispers) I thought you hated him...
**Billy**: (Whispers) That's not important anymore.
**Billy**: You promised Player that whenever he needed help, you'd be there for him!
**Creed**: That's right.
**Creed**: Tell me, what do you need me to do?
**Billy**: It's not too complicated...
**Billy**: We just need you to appear in our play!
**Creed**: Your play?
**Creed**: Don't make me laugh!
**Creed**: I promised to help Player when he wants to save the world.
**Creed**: I'm not going to be a stage clown to entertain a bunch of stupid humans!
**Billy**: The goal of the play is to promote the tearing down of the barriers between mundanes and Gyees!
**Billy**: It's an important step to save the world!
**Creed**: A play? Are you serious?
**Billy**: Player is serious!
**Billy**: And I know you made a solemn promise to him!
**Creed**: Uh...
**Creed**: All right, I understand.
**Creed**: I'm a man of my word!
**Billy**: That's great!
**Billy**: I'll let you know in a couple of days when we start rehearsing!
**Creed**: Okay...
**Creed**: Now, can you give me some peace and quiet?
**Billy**: Yep! We won't bother you anymore!
*Billy and Kitty run off*
**Creed**: ...
**Creed**: I just know I'm going to regret this...
*Back in the city...*
**Kitty**: We've found our first performer!
**Kitty**: You know anyone who might be willing to help us, Billy?
**Billy**: Hmmm...
**Billy**: I've got a candidate in mind...
**Billy**: But I don't know if they'll agree to it.
**Kitty**: Oh?
**Billy**: His laboratory is close to the harbor.
*A while later, in front of Turing's Lab.*
**Turing**: A play?
**Turing**: Billy...
**Turing**: I remember you used to hate plays.
**Billy**: That was before...
**Turing**: I personally have no interest in plays.
**Turing**: I'd prefer to use my time to go back to the lab and do some more experiments.
**Billy**: Boss...
**Turing**: Billy...
**Turing**: Don't waste your time doing things you don't want to do.
**Billy**: I know, but this play is different.
**Billy**: This is...
*Billy suddenly remembers the instructions you gave him:*
*That when it comes to the Shadow conspiracy, don't tell anyone who doesn't already know about it.*
**Billy**: I... I can't say.
**Turing**: What?
**Kitty**: I'll talk with Turing, Billy!
**Kitty**: (Whispers quietly in Turing's ear)
**Billy**: Why are you talking so quietly?
**Turing**: (surprised)
**Turing**: Really?
**Turing**: (Looks right at Billy)
**Turing**: (Smiles with joy and gratification)
**Billy**: Yes?
**Turing**: So that's why...
**Turing**: I understand. I'll help for sure!
**Billy**: Boss?
**Turing**: I'll help too, Billy!
**Kitty**: (smiles)
**Billy**: But you were against it just now...
**Turing**: I changed my mind.
**Billy**: Thank you, Boss!
**Turing**: You're welcome...
*Back in the city...*
**Billy**: How did you convince Boss Turing, Kitty?
**Kitty**: Heh, just one of my little tricks, that's all.
**Billy**: Don't forget the captain's instructions.
**Kitty**: Don't worry, I won't.
**Kitty**: I tempted him with some dried fish.
**Billy**: What?
**Kitty**: All right, just forget about it. We've already found two performers.
**Kitty**: Let's tell Player the good news!
*Kitty runs off to find Player*
**Billy**: Hold on! You didn't do something weird without telling me, did you?!
*The next day...*
*The Arcana Academy, Meeting Room Number Four.*
*Player, Billy and Kitty wait for Sebastian to arrive*
**Kitty**: Mr. Sebastian's on his way.
**Player**: Let's confirm our performers first.
**Billy**: We have Creed and Boss Turing. They've both agreed to help.
**Player**: The Shadowhunters have been busy with military affairs lately, we can't use anyone from the Order of Equality, and the Oathblades are already putting on a show at the Elysiann event.
**Player**: I only managed to get Duran. He's got time to help.
**Kitty**: Hold on, the Oathblades are also putting on a program?
**Kitty**: Are my ears deceiving me? Eddie finally managed to convince his arch-nemesis?
**Billy**: Don't say it like that. It may not look like Eddie and Miles get along on the surface, but actually...
**Billy**: When the need arises, they've got each other's backs.
**Player**: (smiles)
*Sebastian enters*
**Sebastian**: You guys are interested in the art of the play?
**Kitty**: Mr. Sebastian!
**Sebastian**: Long time no see, Kitty, Player.
**Sebastian**: So...you're going to put on a play?
**Player**: Yeah. We're going to perform it in two months at the Elysiann event.
**Player**: The goal of the event will be to promote efforts to tear down the barriers between mundanes and Gyees.
**Player**: We've been allotted about 45 minutes.
**Sebastian**: Hmm, so they're putting on an event to promote relations between mundanes and Gyees in Elysiann...
**Sebastian**: That's definitely the Order of Equality's style.
**Billy**: That's right. The event is being coordinated by the Order of Equality.
**Sebastian**: Seems pretty significant...
**Sebastian**: Well then, how many people do you have?
**Player**: Aside from the three of us, there's Creed, Turing, and Duran.
**Player**: Six people in total.
**Sebastian**: Six people, a duration of 45 minutes, two months to prepare, and an event of some political significance.
**Sebastian**: Hmm... The theme should be related to 'letting go of our differences and working together'.
**Sebastian**: The conflict in the story should be an allegory for the conflict between mundanes and Gyees.
**Sebastian**: Hmm... Let me give it some thought.
*While Sebastian thinks on the topic, the three whisper to themselves*
**Billy**: (Whispers) Is this going to be too difficult?
**Billy**: (Whispers) I don't have any ideas.
**Kitty**: (Whispers) Don't worry, you guys. That's just what Mr. Sebastian's like!
**Sebastian**: I've got an idea!
**Sebastian**: Listen and let me know what you think.
*After a few weeks, Sebastian prepares the play and Player's troupe begin rehersals*
*The stage is set with a simulation arcana of a company of ships in the middle of the Sea of Silence*
*The narrator begins to speak, setting the scene*
**Narration**: Legend has it that before the Second Shadow War, humanity tried to conquer the oceans.
**Narration**: They conquered the turbulent waves of the Sea of Storm, and broke through the deadly nights upon the Sea of Silence.
**Lively Shanty**: The ship breaks through the roiling seas, and the cannons pierce the skies of blue.
**Lively Shanty**: Our path is guided by the breeze, as the eagle soars true.
**Lively Shanty**: We brave warriors lift our hammers high, we conquer near and far!
**Lively Shanty**: With rum so strong and mugs drunk dry, our songs will reach the stars!
**Lively Shanty**: Death herself shan't halt our advance, and the north wind shall see us home.
**Lively Shanty**: Fearless warriors sing these chants, as the endless sea they roam.
**???**: Look alive, you scurvy dogs.
*Duran, as the Northern Privateer Captain and dressed in his lifeguard outfit, looks down at the deck as he shouts at his crew*
*Player, as the Northern Nations First Officer, stands behind him*
**Northern Privateer Captain**: You look like you're afraid to scare our enemies away!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: It's been a slow month. Our men are having a hard time rousing their spirits.
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Yes, it's been a long time since we've seen any of those Merchant Union scoundrels.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Captain, why don't we have a little wrestling match tonight, to lift the men's spirits!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: That's a fine idea. Tell the lads that anyone who participates gets a taste of my finest grog!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Yes, Captain!
**Crow's Nest Lookout**: Captain! Unknown warship off the port side!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Oh?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Captain! Look at the flag!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: It's one of those scoundrel Ironsides ship. Finally...
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Men! The scoundrels of the Merchant Union have finally come out of hiding!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Full sails! Full left rudder!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Let's sing our war shanty and kill 'em all!
**Crew**: Roar!!
*Meanwhile...*
*Turing, as the Merchant Union Captain and dressed as a pirate, talks to Billy, the Merchant Union First Officer and dressed in his new pirate costume, aboard the Merchant Union ship*
*Kitty, the Merchant Union Navigator, stands beside them*
**Merchant Union Captain**: Number one, have we notified the Merchant Union?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Yes, sir! The carrier pigeons have been released. They will reach our nearby ships in two days. It will take them a few months to reach Wonderland.
**Merchant Union Captain**: On behalf of the Merchant Union, we claim sovereignty over the new islands of the Sea of Silence. Every crew member has served with honor and distinction.
**Merchant Union Captain**: Once we return to port, everyone will receive the highest commendations!
**Merchant Union Navigator**: I've made enough money this trip to buy the latest mechanical ship available on the free market!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Your brother loves those mechanical models.
**Merchant Union Captain**: (smiles)
**Merchant Union Captain**: Soon, it will have been a full year.
**Merchant Union Captain**: This trip has all been thanks to you.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I was just doing my duty, Captain!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Take some time off when we get back to the homeport, and spend it with your family!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Thank you Captain!
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Huh?!
*Kitty quickly starts scanning the horizon*
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Captain! I think I heard something!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Huh?
**Merchant Union Navigator**: ...
**Merchant Union Navigator**: It's singing! It's a Northern Nations war shanty!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Ugh...
**Merchant Union Captain**: Those uncivilized savages!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: A privateer ship from the Northern Nations is attacking. Everyone, assume battle positions!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Prepare the repeating cannon! In the name of bronze and gold, annihilate those savages!
*The fact that mankind has built giant ships that can traverse the violent seas is testament to its power...*
*However, these men were totally unprepared for the threat that faced them...*
*A battle begins between the two ships*
**Angry Shouts**: Fire! Fire! Use every cannonball you've got!
**Angry Shouts**: Draw your blades! Kill them all!
*Billy and Turning face down Player and Duran on the Northern Nations ship*
*Fires rage all around them*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Captain! Enemies have come aboard!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: (angry)
**Merchant Union Captain**: This is the end!
**Merchant Union Captain**: I will give you and your crew a pleasant surprise, so long as you surrender.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Surrender?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Stop joking around!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: All of the people of the north have the utmost gratitude for everything you've done for them.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The men of the north never shrink from a fight!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Therefore, First Officer...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: In the name of bronze and gold, the Merchant Union sentences you to death!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Accept your deaths like men!
*Billy fires his cannon at Duran but Duran blocks the shot*
**Northern Privateer Captain**: You think boarding a ship is tantamount to victory?
**Northern Privateer Captain**: First Officer!
**Merchant Union Captain**: ...
*Player rushes at Billy*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Uh...
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Rrragh!
*Duran takes on Turing*
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Scoundrel! You have the nerve to fight me?
**Merchant Union Captain**: Now!
*As Duran chases after Turing, Kitty makes a surprise attack from behind*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Really...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You're going to use the captain as bait?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Whatever the case, making an enemy of our captain was a big mistake!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: You think you can hurt me with such a weak sneak attack?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: This isn't happening!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: North Wind! Howl for us!
*Suddenly, the sound of slaughter fills the air.*
*The warriors of the northern nations surround the Merchant Union sailors, who suddenly find themselves at a disadvantage.*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Agh! Where did these savages come from?
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Our warriors are in a fight for their lives.
**Merchant Union Captain**: Ugh... Retreat! Get off the boarding ropes!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: You want to run? Kill them all!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Protect the captain!
*A few moments later...*
*Duran and Player have manage to force the Merchant Union to flee*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Captain! The Merchant Union ship is abandoning their boarding ropes. They're trying to escape!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Give chase! Order the War Shaman up to the bow and summon thunder to sink them!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Yes, sir!
**Explosion from the Underside**: Boom!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: What was that?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Something's penetrated the armor on the underside!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Those Merchant Union scoundrels are playing tricks on us...
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Patch up the holes and get our boys out of the bilge!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Yes, sir!
*Just as Player is about to leave, a sea monster jumps onto the deck*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: !!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: What's this?
*Suddenly, everyone is surrounded by sea monsters*
**Privateer Sailor**: They jumped out of the sea!
**Privateer Sailor**: They're everywhere!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Get ready to fight!
**Northern Privateer Captain**: Anyone who stands in the way of the northern wind will die!
*Meanwhile...*
*Sea monsters have also invaded the Merchant Union ship*
*Turing, Billy and Kitty are surrounded*
**Merchant Union Navigator**: There's too many of them!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Don't panic! Heavies, press forward! Everyone else, man the light cannons and blow these creatures to hell!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Flesh and blood cannot break through our steel armor!
**???**: Oh yeah?
**Merchant Union Captain**: !!
*Creed, as the Messenger of the Sea and dressed in his shark pajamas, jumps on board*
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Fish men?!
**???**: Impudent fools!
**???**: I'm the Messenger of the Sea!
**Messenger of the Sea**: You are trespassing upon the sacred territory of our species!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Nonsense! We're the crew of a Merchant Union Iron Marines!
**Merchant Union Captain**: These waters belong to the Merchant Union!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Savages! Experience the power of bronze and gold!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Showdown Artillery, fire!
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Behold our power!
*Billy launches a shot from his cannon at Creed but Creed takes the blast without flinching*
**Messenger of the Sea**: Don't say we didn't warn you!
**Merchant Union Captain**: It didn't even make a scratch...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: How is that even possible?
**Merchant Union Captain**: It manipulated the water to block all of the shots!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: He stopped the fire with water... What a dastardly trick!
**Messenger of the Sea**: Foolish humans. Do you really believe that gunpowder and cannonballs are enough to defeat us?
**Messenger of the Sea**: Do you really believe that such brittle steel can save you?
**Messenger of the Sea**: For the crime of your arrogance, I sentence you to death!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Look out, everyone!
*A large tentacle extends out of the sea and smashes through the armor plating of the ship.*
*The two giant ships that were once proud achievements of human craftsmanship were capsized in an instant and swallowed by the sea.*
**Sebastian**: Good!
**Sebastian**: Let's take a rest and prepare for the next scene!
*Continue to Trifle - Reverie II*

**Reverie II**

Conflict is, perhaps, the essence of humankind. Even if the death approaches, they are unwilling to give up their war...

**-Part 1**

*A large tentacle extends out of the sea and smashes through the armor plating of the ship.*
*The two giant ships that were once proud achievements of human craftsmanship were capsized in an instant and swallowed by the sea.*
*Late at night, on a deserted island in the Sea of Silence...*
*...*
*Player lays on the ground, alone in the middle of a forest and far from shore*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: My head...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: This is...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Land?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: What am I doing on land?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I remember we were attacked by monsters left behind by the Merchant Union...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The hull took lots of damage and sank like a rock. As it was sinking, I grabbed onto an empty wine barrel, and then...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Captain! Captain!!
*Player looks around*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Uh...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Since I was brought here...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: There must be other survivors!
*Player begins to search the island for survivors*
*A few moments later...*
*Player finds the bodies of his crew*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Brothers, I'm sorry...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: May the northern wind carry your spirits home...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I took a walk around the island, but all I could find were the corpses of my compatriots...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Captain...
*Suddenly, Player hears a large splash behind him*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: What's that sound!
*Many of the same sea monsters that attacked his ship now prepare to attack him again*
**Sea Monster**: (Growls threateningly)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Whoa! They're here too...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: This is all because of you...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Gods, grant me strength!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: For my dead brothers!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: (Lifts weapon)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Rrragh!
*The warriors of the north are known for their strength and valor.*
*Even with his bare hands, he is able to smash the monster before him into pulp.*
*However...*
*More sea monsters attack Player*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: There are so many...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Bring it on!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: A northern warrior never retreats from a fight!
*Player starts to get overwhelmed by the monsters*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Damn!
**???**: Be careful!
*A cannon attacks the monster on Player's flank, taking it out*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: !!
*Billy runs to Player*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Hey! Are you okay?!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: A northern savage?!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: A merchant scoundrel!
*The two first officers begin to snarl at each other.*
**Sea Monster**: Rooaaarrr!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
*The roar of the sea monsters force the two to put their attention to their common enemy*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (angry)
*Player and Billy defeat all of the sea monsters and finally face each other*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You're the only one left...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I'm going to sacrifice your blood to my fallen brothers!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Since you didn't manipulate the sea monsters and use them to overwhelm me...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I won't use my gun to kill you!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Unsheathes blade affixed to waist)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Come on!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Manipulate the sea monsters? What are you talking about?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I thought these sea monsters were with the Merchant Union!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: What?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Clearly, it was your sorcery that created these monsters. And that strange fish man...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It sank our Ironsides ship!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Your ship sank, too?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: What do you mean, "too"?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Look out behind you!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Behind me? Huh? You're gonna wait for me to turn around then stab me in the back?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Fool!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: (A mysterious chanting...)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ?
*Billy turns around but it's too late - a sea monster gravely attacks him*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Ugh, careless!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: O God of Thunder, show us your power!
*Player summons lightning to kill the monster*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You saved my life just now. We're even!
*Player begins to leave*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Uh...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Looks at bleeding wound)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I didn't know these sea monsters were so strong. Just one strike and...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Huff, puff...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Looks like my journey ends here, Captain...
*Billy falls to the ground*
*Player notices and runs to Billy's aid*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Delirious Ironsides First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh...Gods...
**Northern Nations First Officer**:(Soft chanting...)
*Player begins to use his flux to heal Billy*
**Sea Monster**: Rooaaarrr!
*Player can hear the cries of more sea monsters in the distance*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: !!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: How many of them are here...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: (Leans over, places the unconscious first officer's hand on his shoulder)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Let us leave this place...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: My enemy.
*The next night...*
*Player tends to Billy's wounds in a small camp*
**Delirious Ironsides First Officer**: Uh...
*Billy wakes up*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Well!!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Don't move! I just treated your wounds.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Sees wound wrapped in tattered bandages)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You... You saved me?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Don't flatter yourself. I just didn't want your blood to attract more sea monsters!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Besides, you saved me, and I didn't want to owe you any favors!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (surprised)
*Player begins to leave*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Where are you going?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hunting...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: When sea monsters leave the water, their sense and strength are greatly weakened, but they are still sensitive to the smell of blood.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: As long as you don't bleed, this place is safe.
*Player leaves*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Shuts eyes and tries to sleep)
*A few moments later...*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hey! Hey, wake up!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Ugh...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (angry)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Don't worry. If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (surprised)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I hunted some fat birds and just finished cooking them.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I also boiled some soup.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (smiles)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Takes a piece of meat and throws it in mouth)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Well!!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Expression of happiness, contentment, and enjoyment)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Thank... Thank you...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Take care of your wounds, and leave here as soon as you can.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: This island isn't that big, but it's big enough for two people to survive.
*A couple days later, the first officer of the Ironsides ship has recovered from his injuries.*
*Although the warrior from the north always wore a serious and intimidating expression...*
*On this island, the man from the Northern Nations and the man from the Merchant Union were no longer enemies.*
*A month later, a heavy rain fell upon the island for three long days.*
*Player looks at his now extinguished fire*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Dammit...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: If I don't get a fire going, I'm going to get hypothermia.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: But everything on this island is soaked.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh...
*Billy enters Player's camp*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
*Player raises his weapon*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: What are you doing here?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Whoa, whoa. Calm down. I'm here to help!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I don't need any help!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Are you sure? Your whole body's shivering!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh...
*Billy starts to tend the fire at Player's camp*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (What is he up to...)
*The fire starts again*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: !!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It's rained for three whole days. Even if you get better, you won't have anything to eat.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Let's get a fire started!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: How...did you do that?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Some kind of Merchant Union Witchcraft?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We don't have Witchcraft. This is called fuel.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It is processed using combustible substances found deep underground. Even a small piece of it can burn all day long!
**Player**: Combustible substances found deep underground? Processed?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We use big machines to penetrate deep underground, then extract this from rock formations we find there. I'm honestly not clear on the specifics.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I've got a bunch on me. I'll give you a few pieces!
*Suddenly...*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Rumble, rumble)
*Someone's hungry.*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: S-sorry...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: It rained for three days, but the cured meat I made a few days ago should still be good. Here...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Then don't mind if I do!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Greedily wolfing down food)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Uh...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: How long has it been since you last ate?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I can't remember the last time I ate.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: The wild beasts here are too cunning to catch. I'm curious to know how you did it...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You're a first officer, but you don't know how to catch food?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: What are you talking about? I'm an excellent fisherman!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It's just that... There are sea monsters by the seaside. It's too dangerous...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Wait here. I'm going to go hunt some animals, then I'll trade you for your fuel.
*Three months later...*
*Billy wanders the forest alone*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It's been four months.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I wonder if the captain and the crew are okay...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I hope you all encountered a Merchant Union boat and were taken back to homeport...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
*Billy manages to dodge a water attack at the last second*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: This attack...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It's him!
**Messenger of the Sea**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You again...
**Messenger of the Sea**: Blasphemer, you cannot escape the wrath of the sea!
**Messenger of the Sea**: Prepare to meet your maker!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Our Showdown Artillery couldn't even hurt him, and now it's just me by myself...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: What should I do?
*A bolt of lightning suddenly strikes Creed*
**Messenger of the Sea**: ...
*Player arrives*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It's you!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Just as I expected - you're useless!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Run! You're no match for him!
**Messenger of the Sea**: Another blasphemer!
**Messenger of the Sea**: The sea has already swallowed your boat. Today, by the name of the sea, I will take your life!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You destroyed our boat. You killed my brothers. You killed...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: My captain...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: This is a debt you'll pay with your blood!
**Messenger of the Sea**: You overestimate yourself. Weaklings like you could never hurt me!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Damn. This guy's protected by a flux barrier...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: If I could break through this flux barrier, then I would be able to summon thunder and burn him to a crisp!
*Creed begins to launch an attack at Player but Billy fires his cannon at Creed*
**Messenger of the Sea**: Fool!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You! I told you to run away!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You're not this fish man's only enemy!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: My brothers also died by his hand.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: A bronze and gold warrior never runs from a fight!
*Billy attacks again*
**Messenger of the Sea**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: !!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: His cannon can destroy the monster's flux barrier!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Now's my chance...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: (Starts chanting)
*Player lands another bolt of lightning on Creed*
**Messenger of the Sea**: Like a stone hitting an egg! You can't hurt me!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ugh, his flux barrier has recovered.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The flux barrier was only down for a second.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hey! Use your cannon! I think I know a way to beat this guy!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I'll get this guy's attention. You prepare your most powerful shot!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I can only hold him for two minutes. After two minutes, blow him to smithereens!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: But our Showdown Artillery couldn't even...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Don't hesitate! Trust me!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
*Player begins to attack Creed*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Got it. We'll do it your way. You only live once!
*Billy begins to prep his cannon*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Remove everything that takes up space. Remove the barrel cover...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Pour in ten times the gunpowder...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: And then...
*Creed gains the upper hand against Player*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Whoa...
**Messenger of the Sea**: You're already beaten black and blue. You can hardly stand up straight. Why don't you just accept your fate?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I'll die only once I've spilled every drop of blood in your body!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Now!
**Messenger of the Sea**: !!
*Billy fires his cannon again*
**Messenger of the Sea**: Human power cannot harm me!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Really?
*At the same time, Player brings down multiple bolts of lightning on Creed*
**Messenger of the Sea**: Rrragh!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Ha!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Did it work?
**Messenger of the Sea**: I'm impressed...
**Messenger of the Sea**: You hit me...
**Messenger of the Sea**: But you're only delaying the inevitable.
**Messenger of the Sea**: You have already provoked the wrath of the sea. Your demise is coming!
*Creed teleports away*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: He ran away...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hmm... Ugh...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You're badly hurt!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I'm fine. It's just a flesh wound...
**Sea Monsters**: Rrragh!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: !!
*Once again, the two are surrounded by sea monsters*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: There're too many...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I'll deal with this side!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Your wounds are serious. Are you sure you can fight?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: It'll be a piece of cake.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Cover my back!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Of course!
**Sea Monsters**: Roar!
**Both Officers**: Die, you monsters!
*After the fierce battle...*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Huff, puff...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Ha... ha...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: This looks like everything.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hmmm.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hey.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Yes?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I thought you were going to stab me in the back when I wasn't looking.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Seems like you Merchant Union guys aren't all bad.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Ha! And you northerners aren't all barbarians.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hahaha!
*The scene ends*
**Sebastian**: Great! That's the end of the scene. Everyone, take a break!
*After the rehearsal, everyone gathers on the stage*
**Player**: The curtain officially opens tomorrow. Everyone's in pretty good shape!
**Creed**: Yes.
**Creed**: After tomorrow, I can finally get rid of this revolting outfit!
**Creed**: I've never looked forward to anything so much in my life.
**Duran**: That's too bad, it quite suits you.
**Kitty**: Hahahaha, he's right!
**Creed**: ...
**Creed**: Sigh... Another promise to Player regretted.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: ...
**Player**: Billy...
**Player**: What are you mumbling about all by yourself?
**Billy**: I'm reviewing my lines from the last few scenes, Captain.
**Player**: Wow, Billy, you're really giving this your all.
**Billy**: The performance is tomorrow, after all.
**Billy**: I feel so conflicted when I think about the ending of the story, Captain.
**Billy**: It's clear that if only the Northern Nations and the Merchant Union joined hands, they'd have a chance to defeat the Messenger of the Sea.
**Billy**: Humans could then conquer the oceans and the future would be wide open.
**Billy**: But in the end... Ugh...
**Billy**: The two first officers had already torn down the barriers between them and became friends.
**Player**: It's realistic.
**Player**: Even though the two first officers conquered their challenges and returned to their homelands, back to their people...
**Player**: The barrier between their people had deep roots.
**Player**: Even faced with the destructive power of the Messenger of the Sea, they were unwilling to unite...
**Player**: In the end, the navies of the two nations can only be wiped out, and humans will abandon the ocean.
**Billy**: Why?
**Player**: Because it was easier to keep hating each other.
**Player**: Looking to the future and letting go of the barriers of the past requires great courage and boldness!
**Player**: And this was too difficult for them.
**Player**: Mr. Sebastian really is incredible. He wrote a script that completely fits our current situation. Incredible!
**Player**: I hope that the tragic ending of the two first officers and the regret of humanity abandoning the oceans will move the audience.
**Player**: It could be an opportunity for courage to grow.
**Billy**: Everyone's working really hard on this play!
**Billy**: The audience will definitely understand its importance!
*A while later, the rehearsal has finished.*
*Turing and Kitty find Sebastian*
**Sebastian**: You guys want to change the final two scenes of the script?
**Sebastian**: Hmm... You make good points, but the performance is tomorrow.
**Sebastian**: It would be quite risky to change the script now.
**Turing**: I know this is asking a lot, but it's for one of our friends.
**Sebastian**: It's for a friend?
**Kitty**: It's true, Mr. Sebastian...
*Kitty tells Sebastian about Billy and Player*
**Sebastian**: Oh! No wonder I thought there was some history between the two of them!
**Sebastian**: Hahaha, I see!
**Sebastian**: I understand. Your wish is my command. To the final part of the script, I'll try adding some...
**Sebastian**: Sparks~
*The day of the Elysiann event, on the arcana-simulated stage.*
*Play: Reverie Upon the Sea*
*Player and Billy have just defeated the group of sea monsters summoned by a fleeing Creed*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Huff, puff...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Ha... ha...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: This looks like everything.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hmmm.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hey.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Yes?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I thought you were going to stab me in the back when I wasn't looking.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Seems like you Merchant Union guys aren't all bad.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Ha! And you northerners aren't all barbarians.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hahaha!
*The scene ends and the crew take a short break*
*A while later, while resting.*
**Billy**: The last act was changed?
**Sebastian**: Sorry. I'm so sorry. I changed a few things around. The new script is much more artistic and expressive.
**Sebastian**: I know it's sudden, but thank you for your patience~
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: The new script will impress the audience more?
**Sebastian**: Of course!
**Billy**: Got it! We'll just do the last act based on the new script then!
**Billy**: (Peruses script)
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: Oh!
**Billy**: Wait a sec, this scene...
**Sebastian**: There's no time! We're about to go on stage!
**Sebastian**: Remember your lines. Please don't make any mistakes!
**Billy**: But...
**Billy**: ...
*The play continues...*
*Three months after defeating the Messenger of the Sea.*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Is there enough wood on the island?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It took almost forty percent of it just to build the first boat.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: So there's still sixty percent left. Good!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: In another two months, we'll be able to leave this island!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Of course!
*Suddenly, they hear the sound of a horn in the distance.*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: This sound...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: It's a Northern Nations warship!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The warship seems to be headed toward this island...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: We're saved!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Uh...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: But you...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Congratulations.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: When the warriors see you, they'll kill you.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You need to hide!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hide on the other side of the island!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Follow me!
*The next day, late at night.*
*In the Merchant Union First Officer's hiding place.*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
*The two men look at each other.*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: My captain has landed on the island with our compatriots.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Your captain - he's still alive?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: That's great. I'm really happy for you.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Tomorrow at sun-up, we will leave this place.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Congratulations, you can finally leave this island.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Yeah...
*A short moment of silence passes between the two*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Thank you for all your help.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Without you, I never would've survived this long.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (smiles)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Before, I never could have imagined that I'd talk with someone from the Merchant Union like this...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We have a saying in the Merchant Union.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: 'This world is full of endless possibilities.'
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Haha, you're right.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The sea was terrifying and unknown to us decades ago. Look at it now!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We're on an island far from the mainland.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I'm leaving the small boat we built to you.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I've already turned all the beasts we hunted during our time here into jerky, which ought to last you a while. Remember to prepare clean water...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I'm not a child. I'm the first officer of a ship, too. These things...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Hey, it's your own fault you're such a crappy hunter. I'm worried about you!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (surprised)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Uh...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
*Player puts his stern face back on*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Well then, be careful...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: It's time I be heading back.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Okay. Safe travels.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
*Player leaves*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Am I...the only one left?
*Suddenly, Player comes back*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
*The two men hold onto each other tightly.*
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Come with me!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (surprised)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You're a strong guy. Just change your clothes, and I'll tell the captain you're someone from the north who found his way here by accident.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The captain wouldn't suspect a thing.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Then once we get to the Northern Nations, we'll think up another way to get you home!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (sad)
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You can't make it all the way back to the Merchant Union in a tiny rowboat!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Even if you had enough food and water, that little boat won't stand a chance against the waves!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Even if the weather is calm, there are still sea monsters and ships from the Northern Nations about...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You would not survive the trip back!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Are you going to make me say it?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I care about you!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: I can't leave you!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Do you understand?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (surprised)
*According to Sebastian's newest script, the first officer of the Merchant Union confesses his love to the first officer of the Northern Nations...*
*More silence passes between the two*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I'm sorry, I can't go with you.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: W... what?
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Why not?!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Do it for me!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: That's why I can't do it!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: If I went with you, I'd just be a burden to you!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: A burden?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I'm not as strong as you are.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I can't hunt, I almost starved to death on this island...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I don't know any northern arcana, and I can't summon thunder, so without my gun, I'm pretty useless.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: If I went with you, I would only hold you back!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: But we defeated the Messenger of the Sea together!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: That was because you found his weak spot, and devised an effective battle plan.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: All I did was go along with it.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: What are you talking about? Without you, I never would've had the chance to pull it off!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (smiles)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We come from different cultures, we have different faiths.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: For a long time, the Merchant Union used to enslave people from the north.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: And northern warriors have also slaughtered and raided many Merchant Union towns. It's true...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: But healing arcana is just as effective on you as it is on us. The same red blood runs through your body.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: The past is not important!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: But the past and our history determine who we are...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: As a warrior of the Merchant Union, my purpose is to secure profits for the Supreme Arbiter.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: And you warriors of the north, you conquer land and sea, you fight for your own glory and destiny.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We're from different worlds.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: We can never be together!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: The warriors of the north are strong and fearless.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Only they can give you an honorable and glorious future.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I can't...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: But I care about you more!
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: You don't want to go with me no matter what, do you?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Nods)
*Billy turns away from Player*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (Holds back tears)
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Go. Just go. Your captain and your brothers are waiting for you.
**Northern Nations First Officer**: ...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: May the north wind guide you home...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: My...
**Northern Nations First Officer**: Brother...
*Player leaves*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: ...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: (sad)
*"Good bye, my love..."*
*Four months later.*
*Billy is back on a Merchant Union ship, looking out to sea*
*Kitty approaches him*
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Ever since you got off that deserted island, you've been standing watch here...
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Did you forget something back on that island?
**Merchant Union First Officer**: You've always had a knack for reading my mind!
**Merchant Union Navigator**: You really forgot something back on the island?
**Merchant Union Navigator**: We left it three months ago. We can't go back to get it.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Haha, I'm joking. You're too gullible.
**Merchant Union Captain**: Ahem!
*Turing walks up to Billy*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: Report, Captain! Everything is ship-shape, sir. The waters are calm, and we have not spotted anything out of the ordinary!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Thank you...
**Merchant Union Captain**: Leave the monitoring of the sea conditions to the crew.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: It's very important - I want to do it myself!
**Merchant Union Captain**: I ordered you to rest, so rest!
**Merchant Union Captain**: For one, we're already on our way home. Nothing is going to happen. You just got off that island...
**Merchant Union Captain**: And two, we just received a carrier pigeon on its way back to the homeport.
**Merchant Union Captain**: There's no sign of the Northern Nations Privateer ships that made its way into Merchant Union waters. Its captain is confirmed dead.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: The Northern Nations Privateer ship?
**Merchant Union Captain**: The one we engaged in battle.
**Merchant Union Navigator**: Ah. Yes, that incredibly strong and ferocious captain made quite an impression on me.
**Merchant Union Captain**: Yes, that's the one.
**Merchant Union Captain**: Intelligence shows that three months ago, the ship's captain and crew suffered some kind of attack.
**Merchant Union Captain**: We have already confirmed that there were no survivors!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: N-no survivors?!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Yes. Another Merchant Union ship found the remains of the vessel.
**Merchant Union Captain**: They confirmed that the captain, the first officer, and all the crew were dead.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: No...No!
*Billy looks out over the ocean in despair*
**Merchant Union First Officer**: No...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I should have gone with him...
**Merchant Union Captain**: What's wrong? The northern savages are all dead. Don't you think this is an occasion worth celebrating?
**Merchant Union Navigator**: He's been looking in that direction ever since he got off that deserted island.
**Merchant Union Navigator**: I think he forgot something important back there.
**Merchant Union Captain**: Even if he forgot something, he can just buy a new one when we get back to the homeport.
**Merchant Union First Officer**: No. Some things... Money can't buy...
**Merchant Union First Officer**: I'll never get it back...
*Boom!*
**Merchant Union Captain**: An explosion? What the hell's going on?
**Ironsides Crewman**: Captain! We're under attack!
**Ironsides Crewman**: The enemy is attacking us from the water! They've evaded our sensors!
**Merchant Union First Officer**: !!
**Sea Monster**: Rrragh!
**Merchant Union Captain**: Ah! It's these monsters again! Everyone, battle positions!
**???**: We are Messengers of the Sea!
**???**: By the will of the sea, you will meet your end here today!
**Lively Shanty**: The ship breaks through the roiling seas, and the cannons pierce the skies of blue.
**Lively Shanty**: Our path is guided by the breeze, as the eagle soars true.
**Lively Shanty**: We brave warriors lift our hammers high, we conquer near and far!
**Lively Shanty**: With rum so strong and mugs drunk dry, our songs will reach the stars!
**Lively Shanty**: Death herself shan't halt our advance, and the north wind shall see us home.
**Lively Shanty**: Fearless warriors sing these chants, as the endless sea they roam.
**Narration**: The story of mankind challenging the sea has become legend...
**Narration**: The hope that mankind could conquer the sea, however, has become a reverie...
**Narration**: Even if it seems that conquest of the sea is close at hand...
**Narration**: Warriors who do not fear death, warriors who roar at destiny...
**Narration**: In the end...
**Narration**: They all succumbed to fate.
*...*
*...*
*As the stage simulation arcana dissipated...*
*The play came to an end.*
**Audience**: Bravo!
**Audience**: If only they'd worked together, they could've conquered the sea. But in the end...
**Audience**: Although it's just a legend, it's the same situation we're in now!
**Audience**: We must not surrender to fate!
*A while later, the event's performances came to an end.*
*And the event's banquet started.*
*Eddie catches up with Player*
**Eddie**: That was great, Player!
**Eddie**: Especially at the end, when the two first officers bid farewell to each other.
**Eddie**: The two of them obviously loved each other, but because of messy problems like who they were and the burden of history, they couldn't be together...
**Eddie**: Which led to lifelong regrets.
**Eddie**: My god, I was crying so hard!
**Player**: The script was all written by Mr. Sebastian, a teacher at the Arcana Academy.
**Player**: Eddie, have you seen Billy?
**Player**: I haven't seen him since the play ended.
**Eddie**: Sorry, I was so engrossed in your performances, I didn't see where he went.
**Player**: Alright...
*A sharp-dressed man sees them and comes over*
**Sharp-Dressed Man**: Hello, Mr. Player.
**Eddie**: Oh!
**Eddie**: Player, I'd like to introduce you to someone. This is the person in charge of the Elysiann branch of the Order of Equality.
**Player**: Oh! Hello! Nice to meet you!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: On behalf of the Order of Equality, I'd like to thank you and your friends for putting on a wonderful performance.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: At the same time, I would also like to express my gratitude and congratulations on the play's success!
*Farther away, Billy, still in his pirate costume, sees Player talking to the branch manager*
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: This play will become an important step toward unifying mundanes and Gyees!
**Player**: I just hope that it will plant the seeds of open-mindedness and acceptance in people's hearts.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: And I hope that with our join efforts, that seed will grow into a towering tree, and break through prejudice and barriers.
**Billy**: (smiles)
*Billy sneaks away*
*A while later, at the Elysiann harbor.*
*Billy looks out at the distance, alone*
**Billy**: (smiles)
**Billy**: (smiles)
**Billy**: (sad)
**Billy**: Sigh...
**Sebastian**: You don't like the Gourmet Festival?
*Billy turns around to see Sebastian*
**Billy**: Mr. Sebastian!
**Sebastian**: I don't like noisy environments, myself. I came here to get some fresh air.
**Billy**: Oh...
**Billy**: Oh!!
**Billy**: Sebastian, I'm sorry, I...
**Billy**: I didn't confess my love to Player, like your new script said I should.
**Sebastian**: There's no need to apologize...
**Sebastian**: If you had really expressed your feelings based on the script I gave you, it wouldn't have been as effective as it could be now, and it could have caused a lot of trouble!
**Billy**: Huh? Mr. Sebastian, I don't understand...
**Sebastian**: You like Player, and you've been hiding these feelings for several years now.
**Billy**: What are you talking about, Sebastian?
**Sebastian**: I understand...
**Sebastian**: Even if you were just acting, you wouldn't reveal your emotions on account of a play.
**Sebastian**: So, you kept your feelings inside, and as a result, the play was a great success.
**Billy**: (blushes)
**Sebastian**: But it's not good to keep your feelings repressed inside you!
**Billy**: (sad)
**Billy**: (serious)
**Billy**: Thank you, Mr. Sebastian...
**Billy**: The play was a big success, and the people in the audience were very moved. The captain is one step closer to his goal.
**Sebastian**: The people in the audience were very moved, but what about you?
**Billy**: The captain is going to change Luxium!
**Billy**: He's got Shadowhunter heroes, mercenary legends, and the leaders of major organizations by his side.
**Billy**: They're all important presences in Luxium.
**Billy**: And I...
**Billy**: I'm just a mechanic. Wrenches, screws, gears, and machines are my friends.
**Billy**: We're from different worlds.
**Billy**: I can't give Player the future he wants.
**Billy**: (sad)
**Sebastian**: You're right. Player is a hero that is going to change the world.
**Sebastian**: But even the strongest heroes still need someone who's going to watch their back.
**Sebastian**: And that person can only be you!
**Billy**: Hahaha!
**Billy**: That's right, Player does need someone who's going to watch his back.
**Billy**: But...
**Billy**: I...
*Billy pauses for a moment*
**Billy**: Am just a mechanic. I'm not cut out for protecting heroes.
**Sebastian**: ...
**Sebastian**: All right...
**Billy**: I've been busy all day and I haven't eaten a thing. I'm a little hungry.
**Billy**: I'm going to head out now, Mr. Sebastian!
**Sebastian**: Hey!
**Billy**: ...
**Sebastian**: Don't take the same road the first officer of the Merchant Union took!
**Billy**: (smiles)
*Billy begins to walk back to the banquet*
**Billy**: I'll be fine, just so long as I can protect him from afar.
**Billy**: Huh?
**Billy**: That's...
*Continue to Trifle - The Deepest Obsession*

**The Deepest Obsession**

I will protect your future with my life!

**-Part 1**

*Nighttime in Elysiann. The performances have all ended.*
*Billy walks through Elysiann's harbor by himself.*
**Billy**: Thank you, Mr. Sebastian...
**Billy**: The play was a big success, and the people in the audience were very moved. The captain is one step closer to his goal.
**Sebastian**: The people in the audience were very moved, but what about you?
**Billy**: The captain is going to change Luxium!
**Billy**: He's got Shadowhunter heroes, mercenary legends, and the leaders of major organizations by his side.
**Billy**: They're all important presences in Luxium.
**Billy**: And I...
**Billy**: I'm just a mechanic. Wrenches, screws, gears, and machines are my friends.
**Billy**: We're from different worlds.
**Billy**: I can't give Player the future he wants.
**Billy**: (sad)
**Sebastian**: You're right. Player is a hero that is going to change the world.
**Sebastian**: But even the strongest heroes still need someone who's going to watch their back.
**Sebastian**: And that person can only be you!
**Billy**: Hahaha!
**Billy**: That's right, Player does need someone who's going to watch his back.
**Billy**: But...
**Billy**: I...
*Billy pauses for a moment*
**Billy**: Am just a mechanic. I'm not cut out for protecting heroes.
**Sebastian**: ...
**Sebastian**: All right...
**Billy**: I've been busy all day and I haven't eaten a thing. I'm a little hungry.
**Billy**: I'm going to head out now, Mr. Sebastian!
**Sebastian**: Hey!
**Billy**: ...
**Sebastian**: Don't take the same road the first officer of the Merchant Union took!
**Billy**: (smiles)
*Billy begins to walk back to the banquet*
**Billy**: I'll be fine, just so long as I can protect him from afar.
**Billy**: Huh?
**Billy**: That's...
*Billy spots Player and the branch manager talking alone*
**Player**: You asked me out here alone because...?
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: You've been helping the Order of Equality for a while now. On behalf of the Order, I'd like to express our highest regards.
**Player**: Oh, you're very welcome. I'm also a member of Never Isle. Just trying to do the right thing.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Before, your focus was on the Oathblades. Now, you've turned your attention to us.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Is it because the Oathblades haven't been so busy lately?
**Player**: Uh, no...
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: It's because of the Shadows!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: During the Second Shadow War, the Shadows mysteriously withdrew.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: And now, millions of Shadows are hiding in the Shadow Sea, and they could strike Luxium at any time.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Have I guessed right, Player?
**Player**: Well!!
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Does the Order of Equality...know something?
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: That's the reason I called you out here alone.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: After all, it wouldn't be a good idea to discuss the end of the world at such a joyous Food Festival banquet.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Please come with me, Mr. Player!
**Player**: ...
*The branch manager leads Player out of the party*
**Billy**: Captain... Where is that man taking the captain?
*Billy follows*
*A while later, somewhere in Elysiann...*
**Player**: What does the Order of Equality know about the Shadow conspiracy?
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Not so fast. Information only has value if it is traded.
**Player**: Traded? What do you want to know from me?
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: The massive light flux explosion device.
**Player**: What?
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Don't play stupid, Player.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Several months ago, you triggered a massive light flux explosion that covered all of Luxium.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Light flux is a weapon used to deal with the Shadows.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: If you hand this technology over to me...
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: We'll be about to develop a powerful light flux weapon.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: Then, the annihilation of the Shadows will be more than just a pipe dream.
**Player**: A massive light flux explosion device?
**Player**: Ha!
**Player**: You're not from the Order of Equality!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager**: ...What are you talking about, Mr. Player?
**Player**: Come on. I never said anything about a massive flux explosion device at the arcana academic meeting!
**Player**: Also, I know that there are Shadows in the Shadow Sea, but no one knows how many there are!
**Player**: Yet you raise the figure of 'several million'...
*Player readies his weapon*
**Player**: Now, Mr. Manager, tell me everything you know!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: ...
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: So the jig is up...
**Player**: I'm warning you, don't resist. You're no match for me.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: I'm no match for you as I am now, but we are prepared!
*Shadow mages teleport and surround Player*
**Player**: !!
*The mages trap Player in an flux cage*
**Player**: Ugh... You've hidden your shadow flux?
**Player**: How would that even work?
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: We don't need to hide it. The Shadowlord has temporarily withdrawn our Shadow Gifts...
**Player**: What?! I got careless...
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Just a friendly reminder: under the effect of the flux cage...
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Don't even think about using a light flux explosion to attack us.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: If you try to use any flux, this arcana will tear your brain apart!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: It took some doing, boss, but we finally captured the target!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Initiating portal to bring target back with us...
*A portal opens in front of Player*
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Don't worry, Mr. Player...
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: We've got all kinds of ways to make you talk! You'll see!
*Player and the fake branch manager enter the portal*
**Shadow Mage**: Target has entered the portal array. We will now...
**Billy**: No! Captain! No!
*Billy rushes to the scene*
**Billy**: !!
**Billy**: Where are you taking the captain?!
**Billy**: Captain!
*Billy aims his cannon at the portal*
**Shadow Mage**: Hey, don't...
*Billy fires at the portal and it explodes in a bright light*
*Once the light subsides, Billy is nowhere to be seen*
**Shadow Mage**: ......
**Shadow Mage**: The explosion has rendered the portal array useless before we could use it.
**Shadow Mage**: How are we going to get back?
**Elysiann Police**: Did you hear that? There's something going on over there!
**Elysiann Police**: Let's go and have a look!
**Shadow Mage**: Ugh...damn!
*Somewhere in Luxium.*
*Player is transported alone, deep in a mysterious forest*
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: Hmm...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Ugh... my head...
**Player**: What kind of portal array was that...
**Player**: You Shadows can't even get a basic portal right?
**Player**: !!
*Player looks around*
**Player**: Where'd those Shadows go?
**Player**: What is this place?
**Player**: What happened?
**Player**: Argh!
**Player**: The cage those bastard Shadows set up actually worked. I only used a little bit of arcana, but it feels like my head is splitting open...
**Player**: I can't even use my arcana crystal right now...
**Player**: I'm going to take a look around and see if I can figure out where I am.
*Player wanders around*
**Player**: Hmm... I've been looking around for a while, and I can't find any trace of the Shadows.
**Player**: This doesn't seem to be a Shadow stronghold.
**Player**: That Shadow wouldn't go to the trouble to plan all this out, only to take me to a desolate place in the middle of nowhere.
**Player**: It looks like the portal array failed to take me to their original destination, for some reason.
**Player**: Maybe I got lucky?
*Player hears footsteps nearby*
**Player**: !!
*Player quickly raises his weapon*
**Player**: ...
*Shortly after, Billy walks out from the dense woods*
**Billy**: C...Captain!
**Player**: Billy!
**Player**: What are you doing here?
**Billy**: I saw you and that guy from the Order of Equality go down a dark alley.
**Billy**: I was a little worried, so I followed you.
**Billy**: Then I saw a bunch of strange mages standing next to him.
**Billy**: Immediately afterward, an array appeared, there was a flash of light, and you disappeared.
**Billy**: So I charged in without thinking...
**Billy**: I thought I'd never see you again, Captain...
**Player**: Hey! Billy! Calm down.
**Player**: Why wouldn't you ever see me again? I'm right here, aren't I?
**Billy**: Thank heavens you're all right.
**Player**: (smiles)
**Player**: Our top priority right now, Billy, is to figure out where we are and then leave this place.
**Player**: The arcana cage the Shadows just put on me still hasn't worn off. I can't manipulate flux...
**Player**: Are you able to contact Elysiann or Never Isle?
**Billy**: I just tried, but the arcana crystal isn't working. I don't think that this place is receiving flux radiation from any nexuses.
**Player**: It's not receiving flux radiation?
**Billy**: Why don't we try higher ground?
**Billy**: Maybe we can spot a town or village nearby.
**Player**: Good idea!
*The two hear a whooshing sound nearby*
**Billy**: Captain!
**Player**: Yeah! I heard it!
**Player**: Let's go and have a look!
*A few moments later...*
**Player**: Oh! That's...
**Billy**: Uh...
*Player and Billy look down from a tall hill and see the fake branch manager opening multiple portals*
*Multiple monsters start to come out*
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: After leaving the human city, we can use the Shadows' portal.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Also, Master, I humbly request that you restore my power. Then I can guarantee that we will recapture Player!
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Yes, Master. Do not worry. This place is far from any city. No one will ever know I was here.
**Order of Equality Branch Manager?**: Thank you for your trust and your confidence in me, Master! With my full power, I will bring Player to you for sure!
*The fake branch manager sheds his disguise and reveals his true form as a Giant Shadow Demon*
**Player**: !!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Servants of the Shadowlord!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Find Player and offer them to our master!
**Shadow Monster**: Rrragh!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Hm?
**Giant Shadow Demon**: I can smell fear...
**Billy**: They found us!
**Player**: Run!
*Player and Billy get some distance from the Shadow forces*
**Player**: Phew...
**Billy**: I think we lost them.
**Player**: Phew.
**Billy**: What should we do now, Captain?
**Player**: There are too many Shadows, and I can't use any arcana... We'll just have to avoid them.
**Player**: Based on what the Shadow said, I think they want to capture me without making a big scene.
**Player**: In that case, let's find the nearest village and try to contact Never Isle first, and go from there.
**Player**: I saw a mountain earlier, I think that's the highest point around here.
**Billy**: Sure!
*A short time later, at the peak...*
**Player**: The peak is just up there!
**Player**: !!
**Player**: No way...
**Billy**: What's wrong, Captain?
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: Um...
*This is an island, and we're surrounded by the ocean.*
**Player**: It's conspicuous. Let's find a place to hide first.
**Billy**: Sure.
*Player and Billy manage to find a hiding spot*
**Billy**: How did this happen...
**Billy**: What should we do?
**Player**: What should I do...
*Choice 1.1 - (Fight the shadow!)*
**Player**: (No!)
**Player**: (These Shadows are different from the once we usually encounter.)
**Player**: (Their Shadow Power is stronger...)
**Player**: (I suppose we can die with them at any time.)
**Player**: (But it would be great to survive.)
**Player**: (Even if... only one of us does...)
*Choice 1.1.1 - (Fight the shadow!)*
*Go to Choice 1.1*
*Choice 1.1.2 - (Use myself as bait to save Billy.)*
*Go to Choice 1.2*
*Choice 1.1.3 - (Use Billy as bait and save myself.)*
*Go to Choice 1.3*
*Choice 1.2 - (Use myself as bait to save Billy.)*
**Player**: ...
*Choice 1.3 - (Use Billy as bait and save myself.)*
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: (Why am I thinking like that?)
**Billy**: Are you alright, Captain?
**Player**: Nothing...
**Player**: (They're after me...)
*Choice 1.3.1 - (Fight the shadow!)*
*Go to Choice 1.1*
*Choice 1.3.2 - (Use myself as bait to save Billy.)*
*Go to Choice 1.2*
*Choice 1.3.3 - (Use Billy as bait and save myself.)*
*Go to Choice 1.3*
*Scene continues after choices*
*Player gets closer to Billy*
**Billy**: Captain...
**Player**: Listen, there's only one way out.
**Shadow Spider Queen**: Found them!
*Suddenly, the two are surrounded by the Shadow forces*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Stop struggling, Player.
**Billy**: I won't let you hurt the Captain!
**Player**: I surrender!
*Billy looks at Player*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Oh?
**Billy**: C-Captain?
**Player**: This is the only way!
**Player**: I will go with you. Take me wherever you want.
**Player**: But you have to promise me to let my companion go.
**Billy**: No, Captain...
**Player**: I tried just now. I still can't control my flux.
**Player**: I can't fight, and I'm only going to drag you down with me if we fight.
**Player**: This way, at least you will survive.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: ...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: As you wish.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: He's just a repairman, he can't even hurt anyone.
**Billy**: ...
**Player**: Lead the way!
*The Giant Shadow Demon opens a portal*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Go through this portal...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: And your repairman shall live.
**Player**: (smiles)
**Billy**: No!!!!
*Billy fires at the portal, destroying it*
**Billy**: Player is my Captain!
**Player**: Billy!
**Billy**: Captain, don't go anywhere. Just stand behind me.
**Player**: (surprised)
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Moving, but foolish.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Servants of the Shadow, kill him!
**Shadow Demon**: Yes, my lord!
*Billy begins to fight off the Shadow*
**Billy**: Don't even think about messing with my captain!
*A few moments later...*
**Billy**: Is that all you got?
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Not bad for a repairman...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: But you're still just a repairman!
**Billy**: Come on!
**Shadow Wolf**: Roar!
*The battle continues*
*Eventually, the Shadow gets the upper hand on Billy and he falls to the ground, exhausted*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Still alive?!
**Player**: Stop!
*Player uses his body to protect Billy*
**Player**: Please, I'll go with you. Just stop...
*Billy holds onto you desperately...*
*Player kneels down to Billy*
**Player**: Billy, please...
**Player**: Your wounds are grave. Please, just forget about me.
**Player**: You're going to die if you don't stop.
**Billy**: I know...
**Billy**: But I... I can't watch them take you away...
**Billy**: Ugh... We...
**Billy**: It was like this when... we first met...
**Billy**: I was hurt, and you... were with me...
**Billy**: Your... warmth...
**Billy**: I will never forget...
**Billy**: I've wanted to be with you since that day...
**Billy**: Never... apart...
**Player**: Billy...
**Billy**: When we first met... you... were close to me... healed me...
**Billy**: And we... traveled Luxium together...
**Billy**: You did... so much for me, but I... couldn't do anything... in return...
**Billy**: At least... let me do something for you... this time...
**Player**: No... Billy...
**Player**: You can't fight them. This makes no sense...
*Tears form in Player's eyes*
**Billy**: I know...
**Billy**: But I... must stand up... I must... defeat them...
*Billy stands up, trembling...*
**Giant Shadow Demon**: ...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Your valor is admirable...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: But, in front of absolute power, in front of true strength...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Your resistance and struggle are nothing.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: And this is the saddest thing about you humans...
**Billy**: You want to go? Over my dead body...
**Billy**: No. Even if I died, I'd come back as a ghost and stop you from going!
**Billy**: This time, I'm protecting the Captain!
*A pure white aura begins to radiate out of Billy*
*Billy suddenly explodes with power.*
*I... know this power...*
**Player**: !!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Oh! This is...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: No! Impossible! How?!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: This power belongs to Player! How does a repairman...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Shadows! Attack!
**Billy**: Ahhh!!
*Billy battles the Giant Shadow Demon with his new-found power and wins*
**Billy**: Phew...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Ughhhh!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: You think this will kill me?
**Giant Shadow Demon**: I'm the harbinger of death for my master!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: I carry his trust and the future of the Shadows on my shoulders!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Humans...
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Feel it with your fragile life!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: This awesome power called... death!
*Streams of Shadow Flux begin to pour out of the demon*
**Player**: His Shadow Flux suddenly jumped several levels.
**Player**: This power... is unprecedented.
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Now... repent for what you've done in the void!
**Player**: No!
*Player runs to get between Billy and the demon*
**Billy**: Captain!
*Billy holds onto you with the last of his strength.*
**Player**: No!
*Suddenly, the air feels heavier than ever. You can't breathe...*
*And a low voice speaks.*
**???**: Enough!
**Player**: !!
**Billy**: !!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: This voice... my lord!
**???**: Your mission is complete. Return at once!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: But, my lord, I haven't...
**???**: Return!
**Giant Shadow Demon**: Yes, my lord...
*The Giant Shadow Demon opens a portal and exits*
*The air returns to normal once the Giant Shadow Demon fades away.*
**Player**: ...
**Player**: I can't feel any Shadows!
**Player**: Billy, they're gone!
**Billy**: Phew...
**Billy**: Uh...
*Billy collapses*
**Billy**: ...
**Player**: Billy...
**Player**: Billy!
*Moments later...*
**Duran**: This is Duran. Creed's reverse tracking spell worked! I can see Player and Billy!
**Duran**: Get ready to land!
*Duran comes to the rescue*
**Duran**: Player, we're here!
**Player**: No, save Billy first. He....
**Duran**: Got it.
**Duran**: (surprised)
**Duran**: He's not breathing, and there's no pulse. Get ready to shock him!
**Duran**: Notify the Never Isle to get ready for Flux treatment!
**Player**: Billy... Don't leave me...
**Player**: Billy...
*A few moments later...*
*Outside of the Flux Treatment room, in the Arcana Academy...*
**Player**: Sir, how is Billy doing?
**Vundo**: ...
**Kitty**: Sir, please say something!
**Vundo**: Kitty, Player... I can promise that...
**Vundo**: The academy will do everything we can to save him.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: How bad is it?
**Vundo**: It was... grave.
**Vundo**: And he used way too much Flux.
**Vundo**: It's like his body had been squeezed dry.
**Vundo**: And the academy can't be certain...
**Vundo**: We're keeping his pulse with a Flux Artifact, to keep his blood circulating and to avoid organ failure.
**Vundo**: But... I don't know how long this can last.
**Voices coming from the treatment room**: Sir! Sir!
**Vundo**: Sorry, I must leave...
*Vundo leaves*
**Kitty**: Player, do you think Billy...
**Player**: Stop!
**Player**: We went through so much together. He will be fine!
*Two weeks later...*
*Player still waits outside of the treatment room*
**Player**: Billy...
**Vundo**: Player, you should get some rest.
**Vundo**: If you go down, too...
**Player**: Compared to what Billy is going through, this is nothing.
**Player**: I want to be as close to him as possible.
**Player**: Don't worry about me.
*One month later...*
**Player**: How is Billy doing, sir?
**Vundo**: (smiles)
**Vundo**: I have some good news. He has stabilized.
**Vundo**: He didn't want to leave this world, and the determination kept him alive.
**Player**: Phew.
**Player**: Great!
*One week later...*
**Billy**: Captain!
**Player**: Billy!
**Vundo**: He's doing well enough to go home.
**Vundo**: Make sure you don't work too hard, and get enough rest. You will be fully recovered soon.
**Player**: Thank you, sir.
**Player**: Thank Ka!
**Player**: Let's go home, Billy.
*Some time later, on the airship bridge...*
**Billy**: Finally, back on the airship!
**Billy**: Isn't this the most comfortable place?
**Billy**: Captain! I'm ready, let's...
*You hug Billy tightly.*
**Player**: ...
**Billy**: Something's wet...
**Billy**: Captain, are you... crying?
**Player**: Umm...
**Player**: I thought I'd never see you again.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: I'm right here, aren't I?
**Billy**: Tell me the destination, and we'll leave right away!
**Player**: We're not going anywhere.
**Player**: Vundo said you have to rest.
**Billy**: ...
**Billy**: But how about the threat of the Shadows and the relationship between ordinary humans and Gyees...
**Player**: We can forget about those for now.
**Billy**: But...
**Player**: If I don't take care of the man that loves me the most...
**Player**: Then how am I supposed to save the world?
**Billy**: !
**Billy**: No... I...
**Billy**: Captain... I...
**Player**: Since I came to Luxium, I've been to many places, experienced a lot of things, and accomplished a lot of great things...
**Player**: But I couldn't have done it without you.
**Billy**: I'm... just a repairman...
**Player**: You're the person that I can count on the most.
**Player**: You always get the airship ready before each trip...
**Player**: You always comforted me at the Hottie Bar when things weren't going my way.
**Player**: Even if the end comes, I know I can trust in you and rely on you.
**Player**: I... can't live without you.
**Billy**: Captain...
**Billy**: (No, the Captain and I come from different worlds...)
**Billy**: (He's a hero, and I'm just a repairman...)
**Billy**: (I... I...)
**Billy**: (I...)
**Billy**: I can't live without you, either!
**Billy**: Captain...
*Billy puts his right hand on the back of your head and kisses you on the lips.*
*His tongue touches yours. Gently at first, and then...*
**Player**: Mmm...
**Billy**: Captain, I love you!
*Later...*
**Internal communications**: Player, Player!
**Internal communications**: Principal Vundo is here. He's looking for you.
**Player**: Uh...
**Player**: This voice... Kitty?
**Player**: Vundo? What's going on?
**Billy**: Mmm... Captain?
*You gently caress Billy, who is lying in your arms.*
**Player**: Vundo is here. I'm going to talk to him, and I'll be back in a bit.
**Billy**: Okay. Mmm...
*Player meets Vundo on the bridge of the airship*
**Vundo**: Player, how's Billy?
**Player**: He's still asleep... in my bedroom.
**Player**: It's easier for me to take care of him that way.
**Vundo**: Looks like he's recovering well.
**Player**: Thanks to you, Vundo.
**Player**: By the way, I would have come to you immediately if you asked. You didn't have to come all this way...
**Vundo**: Something big has happened, and you were the first person I felt that I should talk to.
**Player**: What happened?
**Vundo**: Do you remember the Flux explosion from a few months ago?
**Player**: Of course...
**Vundo**: The Flux Explosion... A large amount of pure Light Flux covered the entire Luxium.
**Vundo**: And they disappeared after less than twenty minutes.
**Player**: I know that it takes the land two years to absorb Flux, so it was very unusual for the Light Flux to disappear so soon.
**Vundo**: Yes, and we detected the pure Light Flux again.
**Player**: Huh? Where?
**Vundo**: On Billy.
**Player**: What?!
**Vundo**: Don't worry. The Light Flux is harmless to the Gyees and humans.
**Vundo**: In fact, Billy owes his survival to the Light Flux.
**Vundo**: You did say Billy suddenly exploded with power when he was gravely injured, right?
**Vundo**: He destroyed the Shadows that surrounded you, and was able to hold his own against an extremely powerful Shadow without.
**Vundo**: I think that was also because of the Light Flux.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: On that day, the Shadows were after me because of the Light Flux.
**Player**: They thought that I triggered the Light Flux explosion, and were afraid that I could take them down with it.
**Vundo**: That means they are taking this very seriously, and even sent an elite to kidnap you.
**Player**: What's even stranger was that after the Giant Shadow Demon demonstrated its strength...
**Player**: An extremely oppressive and suffocating voice stopped him.
**Player**: Thanks to the intervention by the voice, we survived.
**Player**: They could have killed Billy and taken me away...
**Player**: But they abandoned their plan for some reason.
**Vundo**: Very suspicious.
**Vundo**: Maybe you were meaningless to them at that point, so they decided to leave.
**Vundo**: But it was clear that they trapped you and Billy there with the intention to capture you.
**Vundo**: Did something happen while Billy was fighting them and gave them the idea that you were no longer important to them?
**Player**: After his power awakened, he took out all the Shadows and held his own against the Giant Shadow Demon.
**Vundo**: They were after you because of the Light Flux explosion, but then it exploded from Billy, showing that it had nothing to do with you.
**Player**: I see...
**Player**: Buy how did the pure Light Flux end up on Billy?
**Player**: And why did he explode with light and power at that moment?
**Vundo**: Lightflow...
**Vundo**: If Billy can absorb the Light Flux, maybe all the Gyees in Luxium absorbed the Light Flux from the explosion.
**Player**: And that explains why the Flux disappeared so soon!
**Player**: If every Gyee can awaken the power of the Light Flux like Billy did...
**Vundo**: Unimaginable power...
**Vundo**: These are just speculations, and require further research.
**Vundo**: Player, be careful.
**Vundo**: The Shadow noticed the explosion, found out about you and Billy, and witnessed the Lightflow...
**Vundo**: They might do something soon!

## Audio

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

### Billy-Lightflow's Basic Skin

* **Butler Interactions**
	+ Before Intimacy Level 7
		- **Head**: *It is just costume. But I feel tougher when I get these on.*
		    ENG     CN     JP
		- **Torso**: *Chief Officer Billy, reporting in!*
		    ENG     CN     JP
		- **Waist**: *D-Don't do that, everyone's watching...*
		    ENG     CN     JP
	+ After reaching Intimacy Level 7
		- **Head**: *You like it? Then I'll wear it all the time!*
		    ENG     CN     JP
		- **Torso**: *I'll protect my Captain from the storm ahead!*
		    ENG     CN     JP
		- **Waist**: *Captain? I know... C-Coming right now...*
		    ENG     CN     JP
* **Skills**
	+ **Basic**: *Stay away from my Captain!*
	    ENG     CN     JP
	+ **Advanced**: *Boarding enemy ship!*
	    ENG     CN     JP
	+ **Ultimate**: *Get ready... Fire all cannons!*
	    ENG     CN     JP
* **Arrival**: *I am the vanguard of my Captain!*
    ENG     CN     JP
* **Display Voice 1**: *Safe sailing... Augh! Captain's huge face here?!*
    ENG     CN     JP
* **Display Voice 2**: *Ugh! This cannon can be more powerfull if I just- Wow!*
    ENG     CN     JP
* **Display Voice 3**: *Pieces of fish!*
    ENG     CN     JP
* **Hit**: *\*grunts\**
    ENG     CN     JP
* **Dying**: *Don't hurt... Captain...*
    ENG     CN     JP