Demon's Leaves

Hey, have you heard of a herb called Hustle Sage?

Yeah, I've heard of it. Heehee do you want some? But a kid as young as you, of course you'd want to try it. Yes, yes, it's good to be young.

I-I don't really understand, but it's not for me, it's for a friend.

A friend, you say... Okay, I'll take your word for it.

I imagine you know this, but the herb is a powerful stimulant so it can be dangerous.

A stimulant? Sounds dodgy...

Monsters nearby used to eat the herb and turn violent, so now it's illegal to grow it.

It's illegal?!

In this era, the only sage on the market is grown by those authorized. But it's all sold at a stupid price, so it's just a luxury good for the rich.

A stupid price? I don't want to use up the ROC I need to bid on the canon...

You said it's not allowed nowadays, so does that mean it used to grow in the wild? Do you know where?

Taking the herb can be deadly so I can't go telling half-hearted Seekers... But with Platinum certified abilities, you two should be fine. I'll talk.

According to literature, the herb grew in the wild as normal, about 800 years ago. Particularly by the waterfront, in humid areas.

800 years ago... Somewhere humid in my era. Karek Swampland, maybe?

If there's anywhere with the same environment as nearly a thousand years ago, there's hope.

But as I said before, there'll be violent monsters close by the herb. Don't be rash.

Got it. Thanks.

Why don't we head over to Karek Swampland then?

If it's a marsh plant, Grandpa should know about it. Let's ask just in case.

You're right. Let's head to Baruoki.

What are you doing here today?

Actually, we're looking for a plant called Hustle Sage. I thought you might know about it.

Hmph! Why are you looking for that, Aldo?!

Why are you so surprised?

The sage is beautiful, but it's dangerous. It lures in monsters. Very few know of it in the village. There's not many... Because it's so dangerous.

Once we find monsters grouping together like that, village elder volunteers go and harvest it.

It lures in monsters... That could be because the sage is a stimulant.

Come to think of it, that's what Mutsuro said... Hey, Grandpa. Is there any now?

Some was found in Karek Swampland a short while ago. The volunteers have just set off to harvest it.

If we run after them, we might make it. Let's get going.

Sounds good to me!

Thank you, Grandpa!

Yes. Do take care, Aldo...

I know that already!

Hmm?

They could be the people Grandpa was talking about. Let's go!

Hey!

Hmm, is that you Aldo? Why are you so flustered?

We want to get some Hustle Sage... Could you share what you harvested with us?

Y-You want Hustle Sage?!

You want the demon grass, the summoner of monsters?

We're purposely cutting it down for your own good. Why would you...

Someone wants to put it in a drink. They really need it.

They're putting it in a drink?! I've never heard of such a thing.

But the sage itself sure does smell good. And it's nice to look at, too...

Is it the smell that summons the monsters and makes them violent?

No, the monsters seem to have a real weakness for growing sage, but once it's harvested they're not interested. According to the village elders, it's the root that summons the monsters.

Once you get rid of the roots and you're left with just the leaves, there's no harm. I'll give you some.

Really?! That would be great!

Now we just need to harvest it... Huh...?! Th-That's!

What's wrong?

Shoot! We were talking to long! The monsters have come!

They've come for the Hustle Sage? I can't allow that!

Leave this to us! Stay back, it's not safe!

W-Wait! They're agitated and frenzied! Prepare yourselves before you fight!

Okay, got it. We'll be careful.

Sophia! We should get prepared before we face them!

Okay.

They're pretty worked up. You're sure you can fight them?

Maybe we should prepare a little more first...!

Don't push yourselves.

Yeah, we're ready!

You two, get back! Let's go, Sophia!

I'll show them no mercy!

That was pretty tough! But we should be fine now.

Unfortunately, you spoke too soon.

Hmm?

More monsters?!

Sophia! Can you keep going?!

Yeah, no problem.

Phew! That's got to be it!

Aaargh!

What was that?!

Even more?! This sage sure is effective!

This isn't the time to talk nonsense. We've got to beat them, now!

Yeah, you're right! Let's go, Sophia!

Haah... Haah... Please tell me that was it!

H-Hey! Over there!

Grr! They're still coming?!

Huh... Is that a cat?

Ha, haha! Ah! Must've been my mistake!

......

Oh... Is that cat going for the Hustle Sage?

Huh?! Is this okay?!

Looks like the stimulus is too strong for the cat.

Good. I'd have had no idea what to do if even the cat turned violent.

Well, it looks like we're okay now!

Indeed. Now we should harvest the Hustle Sage.

Here, this is Hustle Sage. Take some!

Thank you! This really helps!

Great, now we have the herbs and the drink. Let's go to the Iota tavern and talk to the man.

We should gather the drink next.

We should. Let's look for the Wicked Crane drink from Antiquity.

Yes, let's go back to Iota District and talk to Molly.