Until That Heart Burns to Ash

What just happened?

Is that a door?

Aren't we going in?

Huh?

We still haven't found those missing people. They might be inside.

Yeah... There's always a chance.

You aren't scared?

W-Well...I feel like this is related to that chamber I was in.

It's got the same air about it, so...I mean...

Rem's right. I get the same feeling.

I wonder if that water-coffin was made in this era. I also gotta wonder why an auric ritual made this door appear.

I think you might have it backwards. They were probably hiding this door behind the auric ritual...

I guess we have no choice but to go inside, huh?

(I should be able to get the info I want in there.)

So this is Dhaat.

It's quite dark.

It's a little different than I expected too. I thought it'd be a bit more...eerie. Some people say it's the land of the dead, after all.

The land of the dead...

It'd be easier to look around if we had some light.

But there is no telling how to do that... For now, we must simply push forward.

Whew. Now we can finally see where we are.

This floor's energy mode has been changed. Energy-saving mode is now off.

Wh-What?

Explain yourself, voice!

This floor is now operating on full power. There were no changes to security patrols.

Security patrols? Does that mean those monsters that attacked us were trying to protect this place?

They didn't sneak in from the outside, then.

Maybe they were made here.

Hah. Laughable... It would be impossible to make such creatures.

If you wish to enable energy-saving mode, please perform the necessary operations. Based on underground energy levels and durability of relevant equipment, operating at full power is not recommended. The operational years remaining for this facility is below four digits.

What?!

Recalculation is necessary to know the exact number of years.

None of that made any sense to me.

I think what that voice was saying is that...this facility has less than a thousand years left.

What?

It sounded like this place is almost out of the fuel that keeps it running. And the facilities are old, so they're breaking down.

Oh, maybe that's why it was dark earlier. It was trying to save energy to keep itself running longer.

So if we do nothing, this place will stop...

Should we return it to its original state?

Error. Energy-saving mode can only be enabled by an administrator.

You're from the future. Did you understand any of that?

Can I give it a try?

Do you know what you're doing, Spiri?

No. But ever since we got here, I've felt like I know this place...

It's no use. I don't know how it works...

What did you do, Spiri?!

I just pressed a couple of buttons!

Special...permission... Access... Activate...self-destruct...program?

What?!

SPIRI!

Seriously?! Why would I wanna self- destruct? Stop that right now!

Self-destruct...program...suspended...

What was that about?

It's probably because you were pressing buttons without knowing what they do. We should leave this thing alone for now. Besides, the lights are on, so we don't need to be taking any risks here.

Right. Let's keep going.

(It looked like that machine reacted after scanning Spiri.) (She might've been pushing random buttons, but still...it responded.)

(If she had her memories, we might've been able to work together. If we really are the same person, that is...) (Right now, she's way too close with Chelika and Aldo.)

Rem? You okay?

Oh, yeah... Just lost in thought.

Why don't we go back the way we came? We might find something new now that we can see the way.

Demi-humans!

Farsa! How dare you!

Lady Meryt?!

Explain yourself! Are those the missing people?! What have you been doing behind my back?!

How did you find this place?

We followed the trail of the missing people and it led us to you. They were all ill, and they all asked you to perform an auric ritual for them. Isn't that right?

And that ritual opens the door to this place. So don't try and play dumb with me!

...I see there's nowhere left for me to hide.

But you should understand that I am simply following orders. All I have been permitted to do is bring those with illnesses the doctors can't cure to this place... Then put them in these chambers and operate them as instructed.

And then, miraculously, they are cured.

So they're some sort of treatment chamber? Not a sleep-for-who-knows-how-long chamber?

As far as I have been told, yes.

And who told you this? Who gave you these orders?!

I don't know. I just hear the voice and obey.

Whose voice? You can't mean the same one we've been hearing this whole time?!

Are they being treated right now?

No, unfortunately. I have a bit of a problem on my hands...

Error. Please perform system maintenance. You may initiate maintenance from experiment room 0821.

Is it broken?

It seems to be in need of repairs. But until I can repair it and resume treatment, these people will continue to sleep. I tried to see if there was anything I could do from here, but I haven't found anything...

And what did the voice say?

Nothing, aside from the announcement you just heard.

I see. Tell me, Farsa...

You knew about the missing people this whole time, yet said nothing to me! I thought you worked for me! Or was I wrong?!

......

......

...In truth, I had hoped you'd find this place.

What did you say?

I wasn't allowed to tell anyone about this. But if you were to find it on your own, that's a different story.

Was it the voice that told you to keep quiet?

...Yes.

......

I believe you, for now.

I'm surprised no one's found about all this until now.

The people I bring here have all been put to sleep during the auric ritual I perform. And they stay asleep as I put them into these chambers, get them treated, and return them to my home. And if they happen to wake at any time, I feel as though the machine erases those moments from their memory.

It what?!

That's terrifying!

I-I don't know if that's true! It's just a feeling. Like they're under some kind of hypnosis.

It might erase their memories, you say...

(If this machine can really do that, then...)

Are you okay, Meryt? You look pale.

Is it your heart, Lady Meryt?!

I'm fine.

I just need a moment to get my thoughts straight.

Is something wrong with your heart?

I suppose the cat's out of the bag now. But I don't want you to fret over my condition.

......

In any case, we now know the truth about the missing people.

Let's head back. You'll be coming with us, Farsa. We need to explain the situation to Her Majesty.

I apologize for making you come this far, but only Farsa and I will be going inside.

I'd like everyone else to wait here. Including you, Lovinia.

No problem. By the way, Meryt... What do you think about taking a small break after you speak with the queen? We've figured out a lot of things already and you'll need time to sort it all out. I think a little breather wouldn't hurt!

I suppose you're right... I will do so as long as I have no pressing matters to attend to.

Great! Then it's decided.

Lady Meryt. Is it your heart?

No... I'm just nervous. I don't know if I can explain everything well enough to Her Majesty...

Farsa. Tell me the truth. Whenever I got sick and went to the doctor, you insisted on holding an auric ritual.

Did you put me to sleep with incense and place me in one of those chambers too?

...I did, yes. That is how I treated you.

Yet despite your best efforts, this heart continues to ail me... It seems I'll never be cured.

Lady Meryt...

How much longer do I have left? Does Her Majesty know about this?

No, she doesn't. I worried what it would do to her heart and did not want to place more stress on her body.

So the more stress I feel, the shorter my life becomes...

When Aldo and the others appeared in the Astrarium, you were holding your ritual without incense. Why?

I wanted you to be able to look into the missing people without having to worry about your illness. Even if I couldn't cure you, I wanted to give you peace of mind.

Peace of mind... Haha, I've heard those words before.

What do you mean?

When I was young, you brought a loaf of bread coated in gold leaf. You said the same thing then.

Ah, you speak of the time you got up to some mischief and hurt yourself.

At first, you tried to convince me that eating it would make me feel better.

I had little choice! It was just a small scrape, but you wouldn't stop crying. I thought you would be overjoyed to have the bread, seeing as it was quite popular among the children... But you insisted rather coldly that it would do little to heal your injury.

Haha! I still remember how shocked you were. But thanks to you, I...

...Never mind. Let's go.

Yes...

I have found the missing people in a mysterious facility beneath the city.

How curious...

Explain yourself!

The underworld of Dhaat truly does exist. Someone created it to heal those that doctors can't and has instructed Farsa to do their bidding. However, a part of it is broken and the treatment cannot be completed. That is why the patients have not returned yet.

I see... And who is it that gives Farsa orders?

Would you be willing to forgive him for what he's done?

If he was merely following orders, then yes. He did so in service to our people, regardless of the circumstances.

Thank you.

I have no right to judge you. You were being used without understanding what you were doing, just like I...

Your Majesty?

In any case, I want to know who made that facility.

And we intend to find out. But first, we must decide what to do with the people down there unable to receive treatment.

If we find the one behind all this, they should know to repair the facility. Then those people can be healed.

Have you any idea where we can find them?

I'm sorry to say I don't...

If we tell the guards of what's happened, we could launch a large-scale search of the facility. The more eyes we have looking, the faster we are likely to find our culprit.

There's also a chance that demi-humans are being held prisoner there.

And what makes you say that?

This city has not experienced famine or war, and yet we have countless orphans. Do you not think it strange? I once tried to investigate the matter myself, but couldn't find out where those children came from. So I had to wonder where their parents had gone.

You think they may be in Dhaat?

Yes. They may be trapped. And we must get the facility working again if they are to be freed.

What baseless conjecture! You have no proof that anyone is being held prisoner there! We must be discreet about this matter. Can you imagine what would happen to this city if others knew about that facility? It would fan the flames of people's uncertainty. It could unleash chaos.

......

You are to find a lead, Either on who runs the facility, how it works, or if people are being held prisoner there. Until you do, not a word of this is to be spoken to anyone.

Ungh...

Mother, er, Your Majesty!

Hah... I need to rest. You are dismissed...

I did not know you asked Lady Meryt to investigate the missing people.

If I had told you, you would have stopped me. You've always disliked me trying to learn more than I need to know. Alas, she has performed as I hoped, and now I am closer to the truth.

If only I were better, I could look into the matter myself... I wouldn't have to force her to work so hard.

If you wish to protect this city, you mustn't dig any deeper. If you had to choose between knowing the truth and ending your days in uncertainty... Or living out your life in ignorant bliss, anyone would choose the latter, wouldn't they?

What's this now? Do you feel like diving a little deeper today? Unfortunately, I can't answer that for you. Hah... I'm a poor excuse for a queen, aren't I? The world I know is far too small, for I am frail and have spent most of my time here. I exist only to play the role of queen here in this wonderful little garden...

What are you talking about?

I wonder... Are Meryt's real parents down there?

...We must first define what makes someone a parent before we can discuss that.

I was surprised to see you bend so easily.

You mean about having the guards investigate the facility with me? In truth, I wasn't sure it was the best idea. I wasn't sure whether exposing the truth about Dhaat would be good for the city.

And even if the children's parents really are down there, they might have their own reasons for staying. I thought it best we proceed with caution.

It seems you were raised to be even more prudent than I thought. You're nothing like the rascal you once were.

Don't tease me. There are just so many mysteries about that place...

That's right. There are mechanisms there that we can't even begin to understand.

Farsa. Is there a chance you aren't the only one receiving orders from that voice? Merchants rely on aurcanists for wares and guards rely on them for the city's safety. Even ordinary citizens speak to them when in a bind...and their problems are almost always solved, yes?

That is true...

Then what if the auric arts exist for that purpose? What if they're a mechanism to keep the city peaceful and prosperous?

What if other aurcanists are solving people's problems using the technology in Dhaat?!

C-Calm yourself, Lady Meryt!

But if we're really so reliant on it, then... we're in trouble. If Dhaat really stops working, our demi- human paradise will crumble along with it!

No... It's not just our city that will fall, but demi-humans themselves!

......

...Or perhaps I'm thinking too hard about it.

Farsa, why do you not deny the possibility of our people reaching their end?

Lady Meryt... What would you do if you knew destruction was inevitable? That the fall of the city was near at hand?

What?

It's just a question. What if you alone found out what a grim future awaited us? Would you let everyone know the truth and have them despair? Or would you keep it secret and let the end come peacefully?

A heavy question. One which I... (If I learned of a future I can do nothing to control...)

Lady Meryt!

I have a message from Lovinia. She says she awaits you near Remulia Cavern.

I expected us to have our little break somewhere in town, but... No matter. I will go to the cavern.

Hey, Meryt! How did the talk with the queen go?

We still have matters to attend to, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we took a small break. So, why are you here?

While we were waiting for you, we started talking about how Lovinia can sing and dance. She said she would show us here.

Hey there, Meryt!

I'd ask what you think, but you've seen this outfit plenty of times by now.

I don't recall giving you permission to show it off to Aldo and the others.

Whoops. Sorry about that! Hehe.

Watch carefully, Aldo. Lovinia's performances are so incredible, they can captivate a princess of the Golden City.

Allow yourself to be enchanted by her talents. But don't go falling in love, you hear?

D-Don't be absurd, Meryt!

That was amazing.

I'll bet that was right up your alley, Chelika.

It sure was! I can't believe I got to see an ancient performance with my own eyes!

Haha. You sure sound happy!

To hear you so casually call our time "ancient" really makes it clear that you come from the future.

Well, Rem and I don't really know which era we're from. But Chelika and Aldo are from the same... Hold on. Even if you started the same, this body's hundreds of years older now, sooo...

What do you mean "hundreds of years older"?

To put a really, reaaally long story short, Chelika basically sacrificed her body to save mankind.

I-It's more like...someone had to do it, and I just...happened to volunteer...

Sounds like a story worth hearing. Tell me more.

W-Well, uh... Something happened in an era several hundreds of years in the future from where Aldo and I are from. And it seemed that putting someone in one of those water-coffins was the only way to resolve the issue, so I went in... But even now when I think about it, I kind of regret volunteering to do it...

At the time, I felt like I had no choice though...

It was no easy feat.

Yeah. She was super-duper brave!

C-C'mon now! It's not like I did it alone. You were there with me, Spiri!

Interesting...

That sounds like something only people like yourselves, with the ability to transcend time, can do. But I do find it fascinating, to give of yourself for the sake of others like that. Might you have any other tales like that?

Hm...

(I wonder if I should just leave her be...)

Lovinia. I feel a bit better now, thanks to you.

Really? I'm so glad you enjoyed my performance!

I did, indeed. It lifted my spirits.

But it looks something's still troubling you. What's on your mind?

This city, as always. It's so isolated. Though it's not entirely closed off from the world, most of things are settled within our borders.

But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I think that's why we've been able to have such long-lasting peace. Don't you agree?

Yeah. Not everyone from the outside world is so kind. There are all sorts of people with their own desires out there, and the people here might end up being used by them.

Still, I believe this city needs change. It must take the next step forward. I felt like something powerful was watching over us, but... I do not think it wise for us to be so reliant on this unknown power.

I feel the same way.

Dhaat was the invisible hand protecting our city. And it might be easy to bring about change if it only meant breaking down our borders and never relying on Dhaat again.

But what would happen to our people once their paradise is lost? What would become of the happy lives they once led? That isn't the future that I want for them!

There's no point in rushing things. You can take it slow...

I don't have that kind of time!

Is it that bad?

Yes, even worse than I thought... Whenever I think about the future, I am reminded of how little time I have left. Even so, I keep telling myself that it won't happen yet. But...

I know there's not enough time to change things. This paradise as we know it will end. I...I can't...

Meryt!

What is it?

Farsa seems to know a password for Dhaat. If we use it, we should be able to reach a new area.

...Then let us resume our investigation. The queen is expecting results. At the very least, I would like to get those demi-humans treated.

(Meryt seems...dispirited.)

Then let us make for the lift that connects to the general treatment room in Dhaat. I should be able to open up a path to a different area from there.

Whoa, this is nothing like the place we were earlier.

In truth, I've been here before. But the path was blocked and I couldn't get through.

Let's see if we can't change that.

(It seems they all think of this as some kind of treatment facility.) (But they couldn't be more wrong. This place isn't so kind.)

(I have to find records of what my associates were up to...)

To add additional destinations, please enter the password.

Allow me.

You didn't feel like changing back, Lovinia?

I can still fight in these clothes! And besides, I didn't want to take up everyone's time by changing.

Do you mind if I stay in these clothes?

I don't see a problem.

Password: Correct. New route added.

Let's go.

Do you know what you're doing?

I can figure it out, from what I've seen in the treatment room.

System maintenance in progress... Follow the instructions and re-install the necessary programs.

Uhh... I'm glad I'm not the one in charge here.

Everything's gone as expected, but...

There is no treatment for the medical condition entered. Installation of an advanced medical program is required. Please check the results for the necessary data.

As I suspected... But at least now, there's hope.

Aldo, might I ask you a favor? It would require crossing through time.

Ooh, sounds juicy. What kind of favor?

I would need you to return to your era and bring back a cat living on this island.

A cat?

Yes. By scanning a cat who lives here thousands of years in the future, we may be able to fill in gaps in the information.

O-Okay... But why a cat?

Well...

I do not know. Would you be willing to help me regardless? That data should be enough to restart the treatment!

I don't really get it, but...sure. I don't mind.

If you are traveling into our future, then I will stay here.

Me too.

Then I'll be on my way...

Wait.

Erm... According to this device, there should be a door in at the end of the hallway that leads to the Golden City.

You mean like the one in your house?

I should be able to unlock it from here, so I'll give it a try.

Door unlocked.

Go down the hall in the other direction and you should see the door. It will take you back to the city.

Thanks. I'll be back with that cat.

I'll need a cat from Astra Island...

But now that I think of it, I've already got one with me. Guess I'll head back in.

I think I remember seeing a cat in the forest, just after we got to the island. And there was one in Resttin too. Which one should I bring back?

I think I remember seeing a cat in the forest, just after we got to the island.

I have to bring a cat from Astra Island. I think I remember seeing a cat in the forest, just after we got to the island. And there was one in Resttin too. Which one should I bring back?

I have to bring a cat from Astra Island. I think I remember seeing a cat in the forest, just after we got to the island.

I brought back that cat you asked for.

Thank you. Come with me, kitty. I'm going to scan you with a bright light. I hope you don't mind.

Hey, Meryt. Where'd you go?

Farsa asked us to gather materials with the elecuum. Do you remember how we used them to repair the tray that opened the door to this place? After hearing our story, Farsa thought he might be able to use them to fortify the treatment chambers as well.

He said your stories of the future also inspired him. Something about prisma, I believe.

Oh yeah, I told him about the prisma we use in my time. They're a kind of powerful crystal. But I don't see what that has to do with it.

I think he said something about...if he can crystalize the materials like prisma, then something something...

The details were lost on us.

Well, I'm just glad my story was of some use.

I thought you were mad at him for making us help out with his sketchy research. Did I miss the part where you forgave him? 'Cause it seems like you're fully on board with it now.

Spiri! Seriously?!

As if I could forgive him so easily. I am still very much upset! What I do now is for my people.

Speaking of his research, we got that tool from him, didn't we? Do we know where he got it?

He mentioned finding it here in Dhaat. He kept it, thinking it might be of some use later.

So it was just a coincidence?

I will press him on the details once the ill get treated. Would that satisfy you?

I never said anything about being unsatisfied... But you seem convinced that he can do something about the demi-humans in those machines. Despite all that's happened...you still believe in him.

You think I have faith in someone who hid all this from me? Well...all I can say is that he and I have a long history.

Thank you. I was able to gather this specimen's data without issue. However...it doesn't seem to be enough. Would you be able to bring back another cat from a different era? I would appreciate it if it were one with beautiful fur, just like this one.

A different era, huh... (Guess I'll try Aura Resort next. There should be a cat there.)

Alright. I'll be back with another cat soon.

Oh, Aldo. I didn't realize you were back. Did you manage to get the Astrolabos working?

Yeah, we did.

Sorry I wasn't able to tell you about it sooner. A lot's happened since then.

Did you learn anything about Rem?

No, not yet. We found a place we thought might have answers, but we're still looking.

What're you guys doing here?

The Chrono Clan members who were touched by those bubbles are being treated here. We came to see how they're doing.

And the future where humanity is wiped out still hasn't changed, so we came looking for clues.

Wait. Does that mean you know someone who can see the future?

Well... Yeah, Kamlanage can.

R-Really?!

But just because he saw it doesn't mean it's gonna happen.

Right. There's still a chance we can change it.

......

We'll keep looking into what we can do to save the future. But don't hesitate to call on us if you need our help.

Likewise. Thanks, Kamlanage.

(A future where humanity...is wiped out...)

Time's running out, and here they are dragging their feet. Guess I can't really talk, seeing as I've already failed to save the world.

C'mon. I'm gonna take you to see Farsa.

Hmm... This one's cute, but I don't think it's what Farsa is looking for. I should bring him a cat from Aura Resort.

I need to bring a cat from Aura Resort.

Why don't you want to go to the future, Lady Meryt?

The knowledge you gain there might be of use to us.

I was afraid, until not long ago. I thought I would lose my resolve, should a bright future await. On the other hand... I wasn't sure my heart could take it, should the future be bleak.

You underestimate your strength, Lady...

But now I know nothing would change regardless, so I refuse to go.

I do not have much time left.

If there is indeed a bleak future ahead of us, there wouldn't be enough time for me to change things. The same goes for a bright future. I could do nothing for my people...

That...may be true, yes. But even so...it is unlike you...

Welcome back, Aldo!

I brought you that cat you asked for.

You have my thanks. Now, if you would come this way...

I can't help but wonder why he needs cats in particular...

Perhaps because we have them in our city. It might make for an easier comparison.

(Now that I think about it, Meryt has cat ears too...)

Thank you for your help, Aldo.

I take it the scan went well.

It did, indeed. The analysis has shown that there isn't much data we can use with this cat, compared to the one from your time.

So it was all for nothing?!

No, not at all. There are vast amounts of energy in this island, which affect all life upon it. But the cat you just brought me shows almost no signs of that energy. Which is to say, it gave me something to compare the initial cat to, thus allowing me to analyze the information and...

W-Well, I'm glad I could help out...

Now all that's left is for the device here to process all the necessary information. I still have some work to do on that front, so you'll have to wait just a little longer. Why don't we meet up in the Astrarium afterward?

Hey... Wouldn't you say things are going a little too well here?

I mean, sure he worked with the treatment room before, but he seems way too familiar with the equipment in this room. You don't find that weird at all? Are you sure he doesn't know more than he's letting on?

I...

Rem...

I promised Aldo that I would question him once all was said and done. Isn't that right?

There was no "promise" involved, but we did have that conversation.

You head back to the city and wait in the Astrarium.

But...

Please, Rem!

...Fine.

We'll be waiting for you there.

I had planned on waiting until treatment had resumed to ask you, but no longer.

I must know about the work you do here, Farsa. Are you truly just following someone else's orders?

...I can't yet tell you that.

"Yet"? Does that mean you'll reveal all in time?!

...Yes.

......

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I'm asking you to accept it for now.

How dare you...!

But...I will grant you this one request out of respect. But there will not be a next time. Do you understand?

Now hurry up and fix those machines so our people can be healed. I have much to ask you after that.

But of course.

Was I too easy on him?

I think it's fine... I believe in whatever choice it is you make as the next queen, Meryt. I don't really understand much about politics, but... I'm just happy seeing you try your best. You should be allowed to have one follower like that, right?

I hope you'll keep saying things like that to me, even if it's just to give me peace of mind.

I feel uneasy far too quickly. I don't think I was made to be in a position of power. I just put everything I had into learning how to act like royalty. That's all. It wasn't just because of my weak constitution that I didn't want to see the future. It's because I truly am just weak...

Whatever happens, I'll be by your side, Meryt. And I'll say it as many times as you like!

Haha... Thank you, Lovinia. Now let us head to the Astrarium.

So you're gonna get some answers out of Farsa once he's finished healing all those sick people, right?

Yes. And I intend to know every last thing about his involvement in Dhaat.

I sure hope so.

You can do more than hope, you can be certain. Just know that I am not doing this for you, Rem, but for the Golden City.

I-I know that! I'm just worried is all...

No one likes being tricked. If you're trying to accomplish something, you can't let your guard down. Even for a second. Misjudge someone or make a wrong move and everyone's efforts will be wasted...

Speaking from experience?

N-No! I didn't say that...!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Will the machines work again?

There's just one thing left to do.

Aldo. You said you used the Astrolabos to come here from the future, yes?

Yeah, that's right.

Then you must be familiar with these.

A star map and an asterorb?

Use them in the future. They should open the doors... They will lead you to the cure.

I would ask you why you have such items, but I doubt I'd get an answer.

Lady Meryt, I want you to accompany them as well this time.

No. You know I don't want to see the future of this land.

I'm not asking you to do that. I'm just asking you to go to the Astrarium with them. Which is why...I'm giving these items to you.

You coward. How dare you say that to me!

Wait! Lady Meryt!

You know exactly why I don't want to go to the future. No matter what I find there, I won't have enough time to do anything about it!

Do you remember what I asked you? If you found out a grim future awaited us... Would you let everyone know the truth and have them despair? Or would you keep it secret and let the end come peacefully?

Of course I remember. I didn't have an answer for you then, but now I...

I was wrong. I realize there is a third option.

You could search for a way to avoid that grim future.

A fanciful thought, nothing more!

Even if it is, I want you to pursue it! Everything is as you suspected, Lady Meryt. Dhaat doesn't just help the sick.

It controls the food supply, public order, even the population itself.

And if it fails, it will take the Golden City and its people with it!

What?! Then...what do I do?

You must find a way for our people to survive without Dhaat. There is still time enough to do that. I can give you that time!

What are you saying, Farsa?

Thanks to Aldo and his companions, I realized I could buy you that time.

That is why I want you to go to the future with them, and take the asterorb and star map with you.

If you are so certain there is something that can be done...then I will do as you ask. I will go to the Astrarium, but no further.

You have my thanks.

Why?

Farsa... When I return, I want you to perform an auric ritual for me.

Whatever for?

There is mysterious man who has taken great care of me since I was young. But lately all we seem to do is argue...

And I want to change that!

Lady Meryt...!

Haha... I will definitely have to put some thought into finding the right incantation.

Take me to the Astrarium in your era, Aldo. But know that I won't go anywhere else. I will see only what I absolutely must.

(I guess we could manage that if we moved the Riftbreaker above the Astral Ruins.)

Alright. Leave it to me.

You don't have much time left. Others have already found out about what you're doing. At this rate, someone's going to stop you.

I had hoped to wait for their return, but it seems that won't be possible.

I need to set things into motion before it's too late. Maeah, I leave the rest to you.

Lady Meryt... I have come this far in pursuit of my own ideals. To me, your death would be our undoing. I pray you become a good queen to the people.

I never expected I could wish for such a thing...

The Astrarium looks...practically unchanged.

(We had no choice but to pass through the Astral Ruins to get here.) (So unfortunately, Meryt saw how much everything else changed...)

Are you worried because I'm upset?

Urk...

I could tell by your reactions when we first met that the Golden City was gone by your time.

But I suppose 20,000 years could do that to a civilization.

Now then, let's get the Astrolabos working.

So the Astrolabos still works in your era...

It sounded like a door opened somewhere, just like Farsa said it would.

Will you be coming to check it out, Meryt?

I've come this far.

Ah, Aldo.

Guildna! What're you guys doing here?

Patrolling the ruins. Who have you brought with you?

This is Meryt, Lovinia, and Rem.

Why, she looks like Spiri.

Guess a hood's not enough to fool you.

To put it simply, Rem's the Maiden of Remulia who woke up in the future. Meryt and Lovinia come from this island, but 20,000 years in the past.

And we all came to this era to investigate the ruins.

This is Guildna, Myrus, and Vares. We've explored these ruins together before.

(Maybe I should leave it at that. Meryt did say she didn't wanna know about the future...)

You seem to be a different species than these humans. What relation do you have to Aldo and his companions?

You needn't be so wary. We are friends of his, not unlike yourselves.

If you're from this island aaall the way in the past, do you know about the beastfolk? After all, this is...

Ahem! Cough cough! Umm... Let's not...get into the details here...

Your name is Guildna, yes? I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave this place now.

Is that so? Am I interrupting something?

If you are so curious, you can have Aldo explain everything later. But right now, there is something we must see for ourselves. So...please, if you would.

Hm...

(I feel like I should say something, but... they probably wouldn't like that.)

Hmph. Very well. But don't keep me waiting.

Let's go, Aldo. We need to find whatever door it is that opened.

R-Right. I'll fill you in on the details later, guys.

Are you sure we should let them go like that?

I am certain Aldo will keep an eye on them.

I am curious to know about those visitors from 20,000 years in the past, though...

It's Dhaat...

It hasn't changed much since we last saw it.

Relevant specimen confirmed. Opening door to experiment room 0821. Specimen should proceed to the room.

Specimen?

It sounds like we need to find this room.

Removing specimen from list of security threats... Error. Unable to remove specimen from list of security threats. System repair necessary.

Looks like we won't be getting around the monsters this time either...

Hah... I barely broke a sweat.

I wonder if this is the experiment room the voice spoke of. It's the same room Farsa used to examine those cats in my time.

Let's go check it out.

Stop!

That one seems...different than the others.

Maybe something changed in the past 20,000 years. What're we gonna do?

We need to get past it. So if it stands in our way, we must defeat it.

It noticed us! Get ready, everyone!

I wonder what awaits us inside...

Huh?

It can't be!

What is it?!

Oh, sorry... It looked like a friend of mine, so I got worried. But it looks like I was wrong.

What is that?

Relevant specimen has entered the room. Playing recorded message.

Ah...!

Is this the device?

Those words at the end kinda sounded like an aurcanic ritual, don'tcha think?

An auric...

Say, Meryt... Doesn't that robe look familiar to you? It reminds me of the one...Farsa wears.

No!

W-Wait a second! I don't get it. What's going on?

I don't think there's anything to explain. Everything's kinda as you see it. I...wasn't expecting this turn, though.

You mean that's what Farsa actually looks like? (I thought they were somehow connected, but...it turns out they are actually them!)

This...can't be...

Back to the Golden City! We must return to Farsa's home! And this time, he WILL explain everything!

Lady Meryt...

Where is Farsa?! I have questions for him and they cannot wait!

It seems like...you got the treatment device, then. The one Farsa gave his life to create...

What do you mean?

The voice told us to give it to you.

But there was something else in the room that we couldn't quite understand...

So you saw Farsa's husk. Did it look something like this?

What?!

But how? Until just a moment ago, you were...

A demi-human? Normally, we use a device to appear so to everyone else. Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I said it created an illusion. Do you remember how the entrance to Dhaat looked like an ordinary wall at first?

Are you the ones who created and manage Dhaat?

Not just that. We watch over the city, keep it safe and healthy.

But why?

Right now, I think it's more important to focus on the object Farsa left behind. It's a special device needed to update Dhaat's treatment system. We were finally able to complete it using the materials gathered with the elecuum and the data from the future cats.

All so we can heal you, Lady Meryt.

What...?

Where is Farsa?

In order to create this device, the materials you gathered needed to sit for a long, long time. We figured it out after hearing about the prisma from Aldo's time.

Just like how the elementals' power crystalized over many years... The unique energy on this island, combined with that same elemental power, also changes into a special crystal over time. We created a simulation in the system and found that, if we used that, even more advanced treatments would be possible...

I didn't ask for an explanation! Now tell me where Farsa is!

In the experiment room. He entered one of the chambers to stop time for himself and develop this device.

What do you mean he "stopped time"?

We've lived a long time, but we are nearing our limits. We can't survive a few more millennia. That is why he sealed off the laboratory to sleep until the day it is possible to develop the device.

He sealed off the lab...to sleep?

I don't think I quite got all that. Is it possible for us to speak with Farsa?

No... The experiment room only opens from the inside.

But I asked him to perform an auric ritual when I returned... To mend our...

Ungh...

Meryt!

So if I understood all that...we can use that device to get the treatment chambers working again, right?

Yes. And they'll work even better than before.

Well, that's good. But if I'm being completely honest...I'm still a little confused.

I know someone from the future who looks like you guys. Do you know anything about that?

You speak of a time tens of thousands of years from now... I doubt they could be our kin. How should I explain this? We are...spiritual beings with no physical form. So what you see now is just a vessel.

Perhaps the blueprints for our vessels survived until your time and someone created similar machines based off of them.

Ah, but it's possible some of them were swallowed by a vortex of light, just as you were...

What species are you exactly, if you don't mind my asking?

Does our appearance confuse you? How should I explain this? We are...spiritual beings with no physical form. So what you see now is just a vessel.

But perhaps the blueprints for our vessels survived until your time and someone created similar machines based off of them.

So even if I meet someone who looks like you guys in the future, they wouldn't be related?

That's right. Though it's possible they were swallowed by a vortex of light, just as you were...

So who exactly are you guys?

Ancient beings. I haven't the right to tell you more than that.

......

(I don't think I'll be getting any more answers.)

(This was unexpected.) (Demi-humans aren't just ordinary specimens to them?) (And that Farsa guy... I don't know him. He's not one of people I'm looking for.)

(Is it possible that this...is also "evolution"?)

Farsa was super interested in our story about staying in that water coffin for hundreds of years...

Did all this happen...because we told him about it?

Probably. I think what you did really had an impact on him.

Is that a bad thing?

It's not really about whether it's bad or not. But if you're asking, I don't think it is...

Me neither. 'Cause it lets you protect what's important to you...

Hngh...

How are you feeling? You collapsed so suddenly...

I'm fine. I apologize for the trouble.

I can't believe...I can't speak to Farsa anymore...

Yeah... He's resting now. For you.

Farsa said it would take time to change this city and its people so they are no longer dependent on Dhaat. He also said he would give me that time. Time enough to pursue that future. I thought he was only speaking of ideals...

But this is real. He really did give you time.

*sniffle*

*sob* Farsaaa!

Meryt...

Come on, Meryt. Let's use that device to get you fixed up.

Yes... And then...

I will become a queen who leads the Golden City into the future!