Fatum Argentauri

Are you ready?

Completely!

Oh... I'm so nervous. Those things we saw last time... It was like a dream.

I know. But it'll be okay. I'll be with you the whole time.

Heheh, that's such an adventurer thing to say!

But you're right. No looking back! This is my adventure.

I'm so nervous. Who knows what awaits us on the other side...

Aren't you scared, Aldo?

Not really. I'm kinda used to diving into things, not knowing where they lead. So it's going to be okay. Whatever world is through here, we'll just have to do what we can.

Whoa, you really sound like a seasoned adventurer!

Okay. It's possible that I could find my way home through here, and being scared won't help that happen. This is my adventure.

Right. I don't think it's a coincidence that this pillar appeared as soon as we arrived. I'm sure we'll find something connected to your home through here.

Okay! Let's go, Aldo!

Yeah!{lang-nuance}Aldo, in reaction to Nona{/lang-nuance}

Where are we?

I'm not sure. But it looks like we're in some sort of building.

Okay, why don't we take a look outside this room?

I don't see anybody around...

Yeah. And I don't recognize this place at all. Do you?

Nope, me neither. Looks like we're in yet another strange place.

Again, huh?

But there must be a reason it led us here this time. I mean, it's eerily quiet, isn't it? Mind if we take a look around?

Nope, it's not bringing back any memories. I don't think I know this place.

Oh...

But there must be a reason it led us here. I mean, it's eerily quiet, isn't it? Do you mind if we take a look around?

Sure. Let's investigate.

Hey, is that a journal? It's been left open...

"I got my first external alchemy job! I'm so excited! "I can finally stand on my own two feet as an alchemist. I hope I've made my mom pro..."

Huh? It cuts out there.

Weird. Why didn't they finish their sentence?

What's this huge pot thing?

Not a clue, I've never seen anything like it before. Maybe it's lab equipment of some kind?

It looks like someone was just using it. But where did they go?

Nobody's here.

No. But look! Is that a half-empty cup of tea on the desk?

Hey, yeah. And it's still warm.

Which means it must have been brewed recently.

Okay, so we've looked just about everywhere. And we haven't seen a single soul.

Well... There are signs that people have been here, but it's like they just vanished into thin air.

Why don't we look around a little more? Maybe we'll find someone who knows something.

Nobody on this floor, either. Is there really no one here?

......

Nona? You okay?

Oh, erm, yeah. I'm fine. I just felt a shiver down my spine... And...

What ARE those white heaps on the floor? They're all over this place.

Yeah, they are rather odd.

They look a bit like salt. But why would there be huge mounds of salt all over the floor?

Hey, look! Over there!

Excuse me, can we talk to you a minute?

......

Can't he hear us?

Hellooo? Anybody hooome?!

...ld...

Huh? What was that?

So cold... So c-c-cold...

You're cold? Oh dear. Are you sick or something?

Wait, Nona. He doesn't look right.

They've all...gone... It turned...so cold... And then...that noise...

That noise?

Hey, what was that?!

Aaahhh...

Aaahhh!

Eeek!

Wh-What just happened?!

Did he just turn to salt?!

P-People are turning into salt? Then all those salt piles we've seen, they're all...all...

Something very bad is definitely happening here. And what was that noise before? I know this could get dangerous, but I think we should check it out.

Y-Yeah. I agree. We can't just ignore this...

Hey, Aldo, look! There's something on the floor!

So there is. What is it?

Was it his, maybe? Perhaps we should hold on to it. It could be some kind of clue.

Huh? Nona?

Aldooo... Wait...

Are you okay? You look so pale!

Oh... I'm okay. But do you think we could walk a little slower?

Oh, sure. Of course.

It's that noise again!

Aldo! Over there!

Strange. I definitely saw a shadow here.

Aldo?

Hm? What is it?

Um. This is kinda hard to admit... But I scare REAL easy and I think I'm at my lim...

Eeeaaarghhh?!

Whoa there! Nona, take it easy!

It's just a cat, see? Huh? Where's it...

It's just a cat, see?

A-A cat? Phew, it near scared the life outta me!

Do you think it wants us to follow it?

Yeah, I think so.

It wants us to go in here?

I guess so. Well, here goes nothing.

Wh-Where are we now? It's s-sooo d-daaark...

Yeah, I can't see a thing in here.

I...

Eeek?!

Anyone...

Hey, mister! Are you okay?!

In the end, I...

Can't he hear us? Hey, excuse me!

It's that noise again!

Nona, up above!

Wh-What is that monster?!

Is that the thing whose shadow we saw?!

Ack! What the? My whole body's freezing up. Hey, mister! Get out of here, now!

...... In the end... I... Couldn't save anyone.

Aaah!

Oh no! What the heck is that thing?!

Nona, run! I'll buy you some time!

N-No way! We escape together or not at all!

It's...s-s-so c-c-cold...

M-My whole body is sh-shaking. I have n-n-no energy. We're doomed...

Nooo!!!

Ngh!

Huh?

Wh-What just happened?! I-I thought that monster... Wait? Where are we?

Isn't this where we first arrived?

Yeah, it is. So are we in a time loop, like last time?

Yeah, it is. What in the world is going on here?

Let's check outside again. Maybe we'll find something out.

Wait, look...

There are so many people... And they all look fine.

Hey, you there.

I haven't seen your faces before. Are you new alchemists?

Alchemists?

Are you one?

Well, what else would you expect in the Tower Argentauri, the alchemists' guild?

The Tower Argen...tauri? Never heard of it.

Okay, we've got the where, now let's find out the when.

Oh yeah, good point...

Hey, weird question I know, but what's the king called again? I've had a total memory blank.

The king? Why, King Palsifal of course...

Palsifal? Then that puts us in antiquity.

So you're not alchemists, then? I thought the guild was off-limits to outsiders.

Huh? It is?!

Yes. Orders from above. I don't know the details, but I think they're preparing for some big experiment in two days' time.

So, who are you exactly?

Umm. We're...erm...

Seems pretty sus, Hm?

Is that a Ferrum badge? So you ARE alchemists.

Badge? Oh you mean this emblem thingy we found?

You...found it?

N-No, not like that! All he means is, he dropped it earlier and only just found it again!

(Aldo! I think this badge is how they prove they're alchemists here!) (They'll be wary of us if they know we're outsiders, so we've gotta pretend to be alchemists, too!)

Oh, right! Um, this is our first day here, so we don't really know left from right yet.

Oh, I see. Honestly, don't you know how suspicious you were acting? Now, don't go wandering around, okay? Ferrum ranks can't go to any of the floors above.

We can't? So we can't just go wherever we like?

Each level of the Tower Argentauri is for a different rank.

The first floor, this floor, is for Ferrum alchemists.

The second floor is for Cuprum ones.

Then Argentum above that.

Uh-huh, got it. So the order of hierarchy goes Ferrum, then Cuprum, then Argentum?

That's right. And then we've got Aurum right at the top, but Paracelsus is its only member.

Paracelsus?

Look, all I'll say about him is, his genius literally towers above ours.

Now, do you mind if I get going? I'm quite busy with my own research.

Oh, sure... Just one more thing before you go. Have there been any incidents in the guild recently?

Incidents? No, I don't think so.

No? I see...

Thanks for all your help!

So we know that this building is an alchemists' guild.

Right, but we still don't know the first thing about whatever it is we experienced when we first got here.

Why don't we ask around a bit more?

So nobody knew anything about that monster or any of the things we saw.

Strange. You'd think they'd remember something like that...

Aldo, you don't think...

Yeah, I do. Time has rewound again, just like last time.

Oh no... But I don't ever want to see those things we saw again!

I know, why don't we go back to the pillar of light we came through? See if we can cut the point of contact between this world and the vortex.

Good idea. Let's go.

This is all so weird, Aldo! It's like time has just rewound!

Hm. I think maybe... This place is doing the same thing as Baruoki.

You mean it's repeating the same time, over and over again?!

Yes. I'm not certain yet, but it is strikingly similar. The time loop in Baruoki was caused by that vortex where I found you...

The conditions do sound the same.

Then everybody here's stuck repeating the same tragedy over and over again? And they don't even know it? That's terrible!

It really is. But if that is what's happening, we should do something before everything repeats itself again.

Ogre Rancorem was able to sense the flow of power before.

So why don't we go back to that pillar of light we came through? It's connected to the vortex, right? So maybe Ogre Rancorem can separate them and stop the time loop!

Good idea. Let's try it.

Okay, here we are! Wakey wakey, Ogre Rancorem!

Hey, careful! You don't want to put Ogre Rancorem in a bad mood!

Oops, sorry... You're right!

I'll speak nice and quietly so as not to anger him.

(Ogre Rancorem?) (I-It's morning... Rise and shine, sleepy head.)

Yeah, I'm not sure he'll like that either...

Hmph, you are most irritating. Surely you know already that I cannot sleep when placed before a distortion of that size.

So this spacetime really is repeating the same time over and over again?

Yes, just as before. Severing contact with the vortex will not stop the spacetime from powering itself.

Again, huh?

But either way, surely we've still got to sever it from the vortex?

Nona's right. How about it, Ogre Rancorem?

As you wish.

Okay, here we go.

All right, we've disconnected it from the vortex!

Thanks, Ogre Rancorem!

......

Huh? Is he asleep already?

Okay, now I guess we've got to find the distortion causing this time loop.

Right. Though no one we asked mentioned anything that sounded remotely incident-like...

Okay, here we are! Wakey wakey, Ogre Rancorem!

Hey, careful! You don't want to put Ogre Rancorem in a bad mood!

Oh, sorry. You're right! Ogre Rancorem bears all the hatred and resentment of the ogres, right? I bet he's scary when he's angry.

He sure is.

Then I'll speak nice and quietly so as not to anger him.

(Ogre Rancorem?) (I-It's morning... Rise and shine, sleepy head.)

Yeah, I'm not sure he'll like that either...

Urgh, you are most irritating. I am already wide awake. Do you think I can sleep with that distortion right there?

Listen, this world is also stuck repeating the same thing. We were wondering if you could sever the connection between this world and the vortex, like you did with Baruoki?

Hmm. It is not impossible...

Great! Then give me your power!

Do you think time will stop repeating itself now?

No, this time loop will not stop by simply cutting the connection with the vortex.

It won't?!

The time loop is powering itself now. Unless you correct the distortion of power in this world, it will not stop.

What, so time in this world just resets on its own?

And what do you mean by distortion of power?

Well, you know about distortions. The power needs to be strong to distort logic without outside meddling. This force will be far too strong for you two to go up against it. That I know for sure. You would be far better off just leaving this world behind and going back to the vortex.

We can't do that! We can't doom these people to repeat the same tragedy over and over again!

'Tis no concern of ours. Do not go feeling sorry for them.

......

Hey!

Rats! Pretty sure that's the last we'll be hearing from him! So what do we do? I've got no clue what this distortion he mentioned could be.

Looks like we're at a dead end.

Aha! There was one thing, actually! Something the first alchemist said.

There was?

Oh, do you mean the experiment? The thing happening two days from now?

Yes! I don't know if that's what's causing the time loop, but it's certainly worth looking into. If the experiment has any connection to that future, then maybe it'll give us some clue how to resolve this!

You're right. But we'll start rousing suspicion if we keep asking questions around here.

Oh, I know! Why don't we go to Palsifal Palace and pay Ratchett a visit?

Ratchett? Another acquaintance of yours?

Yes, she's a palace mage, and she knows just about everything. If anyone's to know about this incident, it's Ratchett.

Okay! I guess we should go speak to her then!

And we get to go to a palace? Ooh, I'm so excited! I bet it's sooo pretty there!

Thank you, Lele. And sorry for always calling on you to help in the magic classroom.

Don't mention it! I loved playing with the children! Call on me any time!

Thank you... Oh?

Hello, Ratchett. Huh? Is that you, Lele?

Hi, Aldo!

Hello, Ratchett. And, um...who's this?

I'm Lele! Nice to meet you!

Pleased to meet you. I'm Aldo.

Lele's been helping me out in the magic classroom.

Really? Wow, I bet you've gotta be an incredible mage to do that!

Teehee. Stop, you're making me blush!

So what can I do for you, Aldo? Is there something you would like to ask me?

There is. You see...

The Tower Argentauri? That's the building you can see from Lake Tiilen.

Lake Tiilen?

Oh! I remember Garam mentioning that before. So that was the Tower Argentauri, huh?

Miss Ratchett, what exactly is an alchemist?

Lake Tiilen? Huh. I never realized that before.

Miss Ratchett, what exactly is an alchemist?

Now, I'm no expert, but... It's the art of decoding a material's structure, then reconstructing it into matter of even better quality.

Um... What... Okay, so it's a tricky-sounding practice, we know that at least.

Right...

Once, it was all anyone could talk about. But not anymore. Not since the great alchemist Paracelsus disappeared, at least.

Paracelsus? Isn't that...

Yeah, we heard that name back in the guild.

I feel like I've heard that name before...

He was a genius, and the only Aurum rank alchemist of his time. He developed a great many formulas, helping bring about the dawn of the age of alchemy. Truly a great man.

Wow, he sounds incredible!

But he hasn't disappeared in the other world, right? He's still in the guild.

When did this Paracelsus guy disappear?

About 20 years ago. No one really knows why... But some speculate it had something to do with his research project failing.

Oh!

Aldo, do you think this could be related to the experiment about to take place?

Maybe! Which would put the other spacetime 20 years behind this one. So what was he researching?

That much I don't know, I'm afraid.

Oh...

Then, do you know if there was ever a big incident up in the tower? Something involving a monster, or a load of people disappearing?

No, I've never heard anything like that. If it had happened, it would be in the archives. The guild had always been an insular place. Not much information ever makes it out of there.

I'm sorry, that's all I know.

No, you've really helped us out. Thanks, Ratchett.

Okay, let's go back to the guild and do some digging.

Alchemy? Paracelsus?

Teehee. This sounds like fun!

Lele? Are you...

Honestly! She certainly inherited her grandfather's wild side.

According to Ratchett, the incident we saw didn't happen in my spacetime.

Sounds like we have another case of history changing.

Could this be Phantom's doing again? Trying to create another recurrent spacetime? Whatever the case, we've got to find out when history starts to change.

I guess this is another case of history changing?

Yeah, it sounds that way. So we've got to find out when history starts to change.

Sounds like history ended up changing, doesn't it?

Maybe it has something to do with the distortion that Ogre Rancorem mentioned. Whatever the case, we've got to find out when history starts to change.

I'll help you!

Huh?

Lele?! What are you doing here?!

Teehee, I followed you here, of course! It looked like fun.

Fun?! No wait a minute, HOW did you follow us here?

How? I just walked behind you. How else do you think?

Oh, but I did use magic to make sure you wouldn't see me.

M-Magic? Ah, so that's why I didn't notice you.

Wow, magic sure is incredible! So even though you're a mage, you're interested in alchemy?

Yeah! I've been fascinated by it ever since my gramps first told me about it. And he's mentioned this Paracelsus guy before. He's an old acquaintance of his, I think.

Really? That's an amazing coincidence!

So I really wanna meet him! Please let me come with you? Pleeease?

Fine by me! Besides, an amazing mage like you is sure to come in useful.

Right, we'd be happy to ha...

Did you just say "mage"?!

Yep, you're a mage all right. I can tell by that ridiculous outfit you're wearing. What are you doing in our guild? It's off-limits to people like you.

Huh? You don't like my outfit?

Fine! Then I'll get changed!

Huh?

Whoa?! How did you do that?!

Ooh, that's such a cute outfit!

Wait, that costume...

L-Lele? What is that costume?

My gramps made it for me! He said they're formal mage robes! Formal robes've gotta be allowed, surely?

The formality of your robes wasn't the problem! The problem is that you look like a stupid magic user!

Oh... So this is no good, either?

Anyway, I wish to see Paracelsus! He is a friend of my gramps!

Pfft! A friend, huh? That's a lie if ever I heard one. If you really are telling the truth, I suppose you'll have no problem telling me his name?

Gramps? He's called Simon.

Simon? No... You don't mean... The Grand Sage Simon?

Yep, that's the one! Everyone calls him that 'cause he's just the best!

Nonsense! The man whose genius rivals that of Paracelsus?

But you know, I did hear that despite their rivalry, they've always been good friends...

I didn't think he was old enough to be a "gramps"...

Uh-oh. Looks like they're getting suspicious...

Look! It's that cat from before!

Ooh! So cute!

You're a curious-looking kitty, aren't you? Yes you are! Where'd you come from, little cutie?

Huh? Strange.

Oh, yeah... You can talk to cats, right?

No way! I'm so jealous!

You're speaking to the cat?

Yeah, I can talk to cats.

No way! I'm so jealous!

But I don't think this one can understand me. Weird.

Well, of course it doesn't.

Huh?

Cats can't talk. And besides, Hom's...

Is that you, Alma?

Aldo? What a coincidence, or not, seeing you here. What's all the commotion?

Well, whatever. What's all the commotion about?

Alma, this mage has being saying the strangest things!

Mage?

I'm guessing that's you? What are you doing in the guild?

Is this cat yours? It's so nice to meet you! Cat lovers are always the sweetest people!

Tch... Forget about the cat and answer my question!

There you are, Alma!

M-Master!

Look! It's Paracelsus!

But he never comes down to the lower levels!

Paracelsus?! So this is the genius alchemist Ratchett was telling us about?

But...isn't he the one we saw in that dark room just before time rewound?

Yeah, he is. He died right before our very eyes...

Go back inside, Alma. And keep your voice down.

I-I'm so sorry! Please for...

I'm not chiding you, I'm just telling you not to overexert yourself. You're not yet fully recovered.

And who are you?

Oh, um, we're... We're new alchemist recruits!

Well, I'm a mage. Nice to meet ya!

A mage?

Yes. She's been insisting that she's related to the Grand Sage Simon.

Simon? Judging from your age, what are you, his daughter? Strange, I don't recall hearing of any daughter.

N-No, I'm not his daughter! I'm his gra...

Lele! Just leave it be, it's far too complicated to explain right now!

Well, I don't care who you are, or who you're related to. The Tower Argentauri is off-limits to outsiders. Leave, now.

Everyone else, get back to work. Now if you will excuse me.

Hey, wait a minute! We need to speak to y...

And he's gone. When we came all this way to see him, too.

And there's no point following him. He didn't seem at all inclined to listen to us.

......

You heard him. This is a no mage zone. Hurry up and go.

But I wanna stay!

You sure have some nerve. If you won't listen to my master's orders...

I'll just have to play with you instead.

You want to know what this is? Fine, I'll tell you.

Huh? But we didn't say anything...

This is a weapon of my own creation that shoots formula-infused bullets. It won't lose to your puny magic.

A-Alchemy rituals? I don't know what that means...

But it sounds amazing! YOU'RE amazing, being able to use such a cool weapon!

Cool? Wait...what?

Hmph. Flattery will get you nowhere! Now away with you!

So you don't want to play now? But we were making such good friends...

What?! That's not what I meant at all!

Anyway, why would you even think I would be YOUR friend?! You mages aren't even interested in alchemy!

What makes you say that? I think alchemy's the coolest! You should teach me ALL about it! Imagine how fun it would be if I could use both magic AND alchemy!

B-Both?

Lele sure is incredible.

Yeah. She's totally overwhelming her.

Ooh...

No! Never! My master told me to keep away from mages at all costs!

My lab is in the third floor Argentum area, so you people can't get to me there.

Unless you get promoted, of course. Not that that's going to happen!

So um... Was that her way of saying we need to get promoted and visit her in her lab?

Teehee, it did sound that way. And she may well be our lucky break! If she's his pupil, then maybe we could get her to act as a go-between with Paracelsus?

At any rate, we need to get to the top floor somehow.

So this floor was for Ferrum rank, right? And the next one up is Cuprum?

Right. First, we need to find a way to get promoted from Ferrum to Cuprum.

Okay, now we can go to the next floor up, the Cuprum area.

Next up, the Argentum area where we'll find Alma!

And Paracelsus is on the next floor above that, right? In the Aurum area?

Right. But we need to see Alma first if we want to speak to Paracelsus.

Hey! Where are you going, Munc? Wait up!

Come on, Aldo! Let's get going!

......

Munc! Wait!

Aha! I found Alma!

You're still here, are you?

Yup. As are you. But I thought your floor was the next one up?

I-I can go wherever I please!

Anyway, looks like you managed to enlist another alchemist to help you get promoted to Cuprum.

But the next climb won't be so easy. Argentum's as far from Cuprum as, well, silver is from copper.

Wait, how did you know we got help from another alchemist?

Oh...

A-Argentum alchemists can just tell that kind of thing!

R-Really? Well, whatever the case, I'm glad we ran into you again.

You are?

You see, we actually had a favor we wanted to ask you.

A favor? Hmph. And why would you come to me of all people for a favor?

It's something only you can do. Please will you hear us out?

......

Fine, I'll hear what you have to say. But that's it! I'm not making any promises!

You will? Oh, thank you so much!

Don't get your hopes up yet, Aldo.

We really need to see Paracelsus, before his experiment in two days.

You want to see my master?

Strange thing to want. But that's why you came to me? Because I'm his disciple?

I mean, I would be able to take you to his room...

But he's another rank above mine. He's Aurum, the highest in the Tower Argentauri! Newly promoted Cuprum folks like you can't just waltz in there and...

I don't care about any of that. I just came here to chat with you!

B-But I thought you came to see my mas...

I wanna know more about alchemy! And I wanna see you at work! Ooh, and I wanna see that weapon of yours again! It was sooo cool!

You think?

Well, if you REALLY want to know about alchemy... Then I guess I'll just have to take you all on as my disciples!

Your disciples?!

Yes. The guild has an apprentice system. The same system that makes me Paracelsus's disciple. As my disciples, you would be allowed to enter the Argentum area... And I would then be able to take you to the Aurum area to see my master.

So you'll take us to Paracelsus?

Well, it's perfectly reasonable that my master meets the disciples of his disciple, surely? And I suppose I'll have to teach my disciples the basics of alchemy, too...

So you'll teach us? Yaaay, this is so exciting!

But on one condition! I'll only take you on as my disciples if you agree to help me with my research.

We get help out with your work, too?! Ooo, that sounds like so much fun!

This isn't for fun, okay?! You'll be there to help get my research done, not mess around!

Sure, we can help you. But what would you like us to do?

I'll tell you the details over in my room. But first thing's first... You're gonna need some experience here in the Cuprum area before I can officially mentor you.

But uh... We're not really up to anything that requires, well, any real skill.

Relax, it's just a formality. I'll give you a task, all you need to do is complete it. Let's see now... How about you bring me three elixirs from the alchemists on this level?

What's an elixir?

It's a special potion used to enhance homunculi, and the main focus of alchemists on the Cuprum level. Just tell them Alma sent you and I'm sure they'll help you out.

Three elixirs, got it. Let's go speak to the alchemists on this floor then.

Did you get them all? That was a lot faster than I expected! Though, I guess you wouldn't really be fit to be my disciples if you did it any slower.

So are you sure it's okay for you to be standing around here?

What do you mean?

Well, you said you were busy, yet you've done nothing but watch over us this whole time!

Oh? Uh...

Were you worried about us? Awww, you're so sweet, Alma!

Sweet?!

No, no, no, I wasn't watching over you! I was just taking a little rest! Now, did you get my elixirs or not?

Yeah, here they are. Will these do?

Yes, most definitely. These will be more than enough for you to prove your worth! Oh, and you can use one of these to enhance your homunculus if you like.

So Munc will get stronger?

Yes. But each elixir will have a different effect on its appearance or characteristics, so choose wisely.

Use which elixir?

The Soul Resonance Elixir, then? This will make your homunculus more powerful.

Use this elixir?

The Elemental Rejection Elixir, then? This will give your homunculus better endurance.

Use this elixir?

The Elixir of Insight, then? This will make your homunculus more intelligent.

Use this elixir?

Okay, let's get started. Munc, was it? Come with me then, Munc.

You're doing it here? Don't you need a furnace?

For something this simple? Nah. I can just use this instead.

Oh yeah, didn't you say there were formulas in its bullets or something?

That's right. This is my own personal alchemical tool.

And this is how it works. Just set the formula... Put the material into the chamber...

And...fire!

Whoa! Munc's gotten so big!

Coo coo!

It looks kind of happy...

So, did it work? Was that a success?

Of course it was! It was a perfect success! With a homunculus this strong, nobody could possibly complain about you being my disciples.

Then we get to be your disciples now?

You do! Now pass me your badge so that I can handle the formalities.

Aaand...done. There you go. Now you can get onto the Argentum floor as my disciples.

So you're a Argentum alchemist, right? Do you usually study on your floor, then?

Yes, that's right. On my level and above, we're all assigned our own private laboratories. Come on, I'll show you around.

Yay! I can't wait to see your lab!

Alma seems a little happier now.

Yeah. I doubt she gets many chances to talk to anyone her own age, like Lele. It's all just adults here.

I guess that would explain it.

Okay, let's go help out Alma so that she can take us to Paracelsus.

Right. If anyone's going to be able to explain that incident we saw, it's him.

Then let's go to Alma's room.

Just let me know once you've decided which elixir you'd like.

Bring me three elixirs from the alchemists on this floor. Just tell them it's for me and they'll be sure to share with you.

So this is your lab? Wow, it's cool! You've got the best stuff here!

You think? But don't touch anything. In fact, try not to move at all. There's a lot of valuable tools in here.

All right, what can we do to help?

You sure are keen, aren't you? You really want to know what I'm making?

I mean, if we don't know, how can we help?

Okay, if you're really that interested, I guess I'll tell you. I'm researching the most difficult aspect of alchemy possible for someone at my level.

And collecting materials for... The ultimate homunculus!

The ultimate homunculus?!

Whoa, that sounds incredible!

I know, right?

What makes it the "ultimate" homunculus?

Well, in simple terms, it's almost human.

Y-You can do that?

It's known as corporeal alchemy, and it's ultra-advanced technology. Theoretically, if we can completely replicate the body's composition, we should be able to reproduce a human. But the formulas are so complicated, the only one who can actually do it is my master. For now, at least.

So basically, um... The idea is to make something completely identical to a human?

It's giving me the chills just thinking about it.

But to be able to do such a thing, Paracelsus must be a truly incredible alchemist.

Well, yeah! He IS the only Aurum rank alchemist in the whole world, after all!

So why are you studying this homunculus, Alma?

To help with my master's research. There's nobody else of my master's rank in the guild, so nobody who can aid his work.

Ah, so you want to support him.

Of course I do! He took me in as his disciple when I was but an orphan girl. I owe him my life, and my support. So I want to get promoted to Aurum rank to help him out. And for that, I need to have achieved more. Not that my master even acknowledges me anyway...

I know exactly how you feel!

Oh?

I want Gramps to acknowledge me, but he won't teach me magic. He says I'm too young. He says I'm not ready yet, that I should travel and experience more first...

And your grandfather is a master of magic? Strange. I thought you were meant to be young when you begin training?

But his insistence on me traveling means I get to have the time of my life instead! I'm learning about alchemy, and I made friends with you! So I'm all good!

Friends? C'mon! I thought we already went over this!

So anyway, do you know how to make this ultimate homunculus? Isn't it Paracelsus's formula?

That's not an issue. I snuck into his room while he was out and copied his formula.

That sorta sounds like an issue to me!

So where do we find the materials? I'm guessing we're not looking for run-of-the-mill things here.

The Disposal Sector.

The Disposal Sector? What's that, a garbage dump?

It's probably faster if I just show you. The entrance is on the next floor up. Follow me.

Wow! Now that's what I call a window!

It's so high up here, I can see way off into the distance!

Come to think of it, I haven't seen any other windows in the guild.

Great view, right? It's my favorite spot. I love to come here at night and bathe in the moonlight.

You bathe in the moonlight?

Yes, it's the most wonderful feeling, the moonlight flooding in from the window washing over your body.

Oooh! I wanna try it! Tonight! Let's do it together! Let's bathe in the moonlight together!

Together? I mean, all you do is stand here?

I want to look at the view with you! Pleeease!

Ugh...

Fine. I'll be here as I am every night. If you want to come along, feel free to do so.

I'll be waiting.

Yay! I'll be there! I promise!

Teehee. Lele and Alma seem to be getting along great now!

Yeah. I really didn't think that would happen earlier on.

Here we are. The Disposal Sector is through here.

I never would have guessed the entrance would be this far in.

Come to think of it, the Tower Argentauri seems to have a pretty strange layout. Wasn't that sealed door we just passed the entrance to the Aurum area?

Yeah, is there some special reason why the Aurum area is in a separate building?

This building used to be the guild headquarters. The other building, where we were before, was built more recently, after this one stopped being usable.

And why did it stop being usable? Did something happen?

There was an accident during an experiment, and a load of battle homunculi got loose. The Disposal Sector is crawling with them still, which is why the entrance is sealed with a special formula. But it's not so strong. Even Argentum badge holders like you can remove the seal.

There I was thinking this would be a nice, safe outing for a change... And these materials you're after can only be found through here?

Yes, the more advanced the alchemy, the more unique and rare the materials required. And the ones I need come second- hand. By which I mean, we've got to take them off the homunculi...

Oh, so that's why you wanted our help.

Hey! They're just homunculi! I could manage by myself, thank you very much!

But I haven't been well recently. Apparently I passed out and collapsed the other day, though I don't actually remember it myself.

Oh no! Are you okay?!

Oh, I remember Paracelsus saying something about you not being recovered yet?

No need to worry, I'm all better now. Besides, that's why you're here to help.

You can count on me! I'll protect you if the going gets tough!

Ohh... Honestly, you're so...

Thank you. I'll do my best not to be a burden.

Okay, let's get these materials.

Alma! Watch out!

Huh?!

Don't you dare!

We've got your back, Alma!

Phew! That was close!

That was quite the fright! Alma, are you hurt?

No, I'm fine. But how was it still working?

And...without your magic, I dread to think what would have happened...

Don't mention it! Anyway, I did promise to protect you!

Oh...

You did. Thank you.

Great. It's in good condition.

Brief panic aside, I'm glad we found the materials.

Me too. Okay, let's go back to my room.

Found it! This homunculus should give us the materials we need!

We're gonna need to calm it down! Let's go!

Okay, we've got the materials! Now I can finally get started on forging this thing!

I'm glad we could help.

And little kitty's pleased, too!

Hom.

Hom? Is that its name?

It's a homunculus cat, so Hom. Nice and easy to remember, plus it's pretty cute, right?

Wait, the cat's a homunculus too?!

Yep. So no, it doesn't feel pleased. It doesn't feel anything. And yet, it's so very precious to me. You see, Hom...

Um... Mr. Paracelsus? What's with the cat?

Refer to me as "Master." It's yours, if you want it. It's just a little homunculus I whipped up in my spare time.

I-I can have it?

Thank you so much Mr., Master! I love cats! I'll cherish this little kitty!

I'm glad to hear that.

Ooh, Master! I know! You should name it!

N-Name it? Hm. Let's see... A name for a cat. Homunculus...Homun...

Hom.

Hom! What a cute name!

Nice to meet you, Hom!

(Paracelsus is just as bad at making up names as Lele.)

My parents died in an accident. The shock caused me to lose all memories from before the event.

......

I'm so sorry to hear that.

I think he made Hom for me, so that I wouldn't have to feel so alone.

Paracelsus sounds much kinder than I expected.

I know, he really doesn't come across that way, does he? But he's actually so earnest and thoughtful.

And that's why Hom is absolutely irreplaceable to me... Someday, I want to make it so that he can feel, just like a real cat.

That's a great thing to wish for! I'd love to be able to talk to this kitty as well!

But can you really do that? Can homunculi have wills of their own?

Theoretically, yes, but it's incredibly difficult. I'd need to master spiritual alchemy first.

Spiritual alchemy? What's that?

There are two types of alchemy: physical and spiritual. Physical alchemy's what most alchemy is. It's based on the four elements and focuses on visible, tangible things. But spiritual alchemy, as the name suggests, focuses on spiritual matter. It's a higher art.

And spiritual matter means?

In simple terms, things like souls, consciousness, and even magic. Things you can't see. My master calls it "the fifth element."

But can you really create souls or consciousness through alchemy?

Well, no alchemist has managed it yet. It's the most theoretical of theories...

But my master's researching it, so I'm sure we won't have to wait much longer.

Paracelsus is studying it? Then the experiment in two days' time...

Yes, it's probably on spiritual alchemy. Not that he'll tell me anything about it...

......

Speaking of which, it's high time you met my master. A promise is a promise, after all.

Thanks, we really appreciate it.

But be warned, I can't guarantee that he'll actually be willing to see you. He's especially wary around mages.

Yeah, he certainly gave that impression when we first met.

Why, though? Doesn't he like magic?

Magic is thriving right now, which puts alchemy in a lower standing. Many of the mages employed at the palace are conniving to stop alchemy from growing any further. So it's not just my master. A lot of alchemists see mages as the enemy.

Actually, the alchemist before did say something like that. So that's what it was about.

That's such a shame. Just imagine what could be achieved if the forces of magic and alchemy joined together.

Maybe. I've always kept away from them on my master's orders... But thanks to you, Lele, I've realized now that they're not so bad.

Really?!

That's amazing! I'm so happy!

Okay, enough of this chit-chat! Time to go!

Okay, let's head to the Aurum area then.

So this is the Aurum area? I'm kinda nervous.

Heheh. Let's go.

Master! There's some visitors here to see you! Can we come in?

No answer. Maybe he's out?

Maybe. But he's always in his room at this time...

Perhaps he's preparing for his experiment in the basement laboratory?

He has a lab in the basement?

Yes, it's in the lowest level of the Disposal Sector. He's always used it for his research.

Then that's where we've gotta go!

I'm sorry, but no. He told me to never, ever go there.

Really?! That seems unusual...

Wait, didn't you say you snuck into his room before?

Oh, erm, yeah, I did do that... You're not suggesting we break into his room while he's out, are you?

Let me be frank with you. We absolutely have to find out about his experiment, no matter what.

W-We really do! We're pretty sure it's going to go horribly, horribly wrong!

You think his experiment will fail? Is that what you're telling me?!

We don't know for sure, but it seems more than likely. If talking to him isn't an option, we at least need to find out something. Can't you help us?

I know this is a lot to take in, and it must be hard for you to believe...

......

Huh?!

Teehee. We're in this together now.

I know we're the ones pushing for this, but are you sure this is okay?

Well of course it's not! Outsiders would normally never, ever be allowed in there. I really did want to introduce you to him, you know. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

And besides, he's been acting a little strange recently.

Strange? In what way?

His brow is always furrowed, and he seems so tense, then out of nowhere he'll start acting weirdly kind. I'm sure it's because of his experiment. But he refuses to tell me anything about it. To tell the truth, I've been really worried about him.

Oh...

If his experiment really is going to fail and put everyone in danger, then I must do all I can to stop it. So please, find out what he's up to.

We will. I promise.

It's strange. I've only just met you, and yet I feel like I can trust you. But is that why you came here in the first place? To find out about this?

......

I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner.

Don't be. If you'd told me you were investigating my master right from the start, I'd have sent you packing.

Here's the key to his room. Don't forget to lock up when you're done.

I'll be in my laboratory. I want to get my homunculus done as soon as possible.

You're going? But how do we get back?

You'll be fine. When we unsealed the door, that enabled your badge to go in and out of the Aurum area.

Alma! Wait!

What do you mean?

You know, I only followed Aldo here because I wanted to learn about alchemy.

But now, I've got a new reason to be here! I wanna be even better friends with you!

Teehee. Thanks. Same here. I really enjoy talking to you.

Yay!

I can't wait to go moonlight bathing with you! I'll see you later, right? You promise?

Of course. And I'll show you my finished homunculus! It's going to be great!

Thanks, Lele. You've really helped us out.

I have? How? I didn't do anything.

Teehee. That's so like you, Lele.

Heheh? I'm kinda confused, but thanks, I guess?

Okay, shall we go take a look inside, then?

Let's do it. We've gotta find some kind of clue about this experiment!

There's a big stack of papers here, but I haven't a clue what any of them mean.

Oh, thank goodness I'm not the only one struggling. I don't understand a single thing written here.

Hm? What's that?

Did you find something, Lele?

Yeah. It looks like this box is sealed with magic.

A magic seal? That's strange. Why would an alchemist use magic? Do you think you can open it, Lele?

Piece of cake!

I do feel bad about invading his privacy like this...

I know, but what choice do we have? The fate of everyone in this guild depends on it.

There! Open!

Are these...notes? There's pages and pages of them.

The one at the top looks the most recent. Let's read.

There's a record under each date. It must be Paracelsus's journal. Let's see now. Maybe this part has something to do with his experiment?

Will you read it for us?

Sure.

"Alma collapsed the other day. The doctor checked her, but she had no illness or injury. "I examined her, fearing the worst, and alas, my fears were proven right. "Just as last time, Alma's body is starting to fall apart."

What the?

She's falling apart? That doesn't sound good...

Shall I keep reading?

"Her body won't last much longer. I must take measures as soon as possible. "First, I will transfer this Alma to the next vessel. This task will be simple enough. "The issue is the philosopher's stone. It must be completed with haste, yet I know not how. "But I must give Alma an undying life. I must complete it."

Vessel? Undying life? No...

No way!{lang-nuance}Nona, learning about Alma's identity{/lang-nuance} But this means...

Alma is a homunculus? And she's Paracelsus's daughter?! You've got to be joking! She never mentioned any of that!

I doubt she knows herself.

Alma...

I knew I should have kicked you out.

Paracelsus!

So you got through my seal, did you, mage? I purposely sealed it with magic so that Alma could never open it, but it would appear that plan backfired.

So you can use magic?!

No. A simple magic seal can be reproduced with a formula. Mercury and I discovered that together.

Mercury? That was the name in the journal!

That is of no consequence. Now, how did you trick Alma into letting you sniff around my things?

We didn't trick her! She's worried about you.

She is? Well, I suppose she always has been perceptive.

Is what you've written here true, Paracelsus?

And what gives you the right to know?

Please tell us! Alma's my friend!

Your friend?

Pfft. She's friends with a mage of all people? Though perhaps I should thank you. There's no one else in the guild with whom she can talk as an equal. It's no wonder she's been so restless.

Yes, it's all true. Alma was originally my daughter... And now, she is a homunculus of my own creation.

Why would you do that?!

Because she died.

Huh?!

It was three years ago now. She tried to rescue a cat from a monster, but was gravely injured herself.

That's awful...

I knew as soon as her saw her, those wounds could never be treated. So I made her a new body, a new vessel, and transferred her into it.

Then the original Alma is...is...

When you transferred her, did you use spiritual alchemy?

Oh, did Alma tell you about that? But yes, I did.

Though I thought Alma said no one had ever managed it before.

Well, I did. But I could hardly publicize the fact, could I? She regained consciousness, but for some inexplicable reason, she lost all memory of her life before. Luckily, no one in the guild knew of Alma's existence, so I claimed she was an orphan I had taken in.

But why don't you tell her the truth? Why don't you tell her that you're her father?

How can I? There's only one thing I can do for her, and that's give her a life and body that can never die.

Wait, didn't you say that Alma's body was falling apart? What did you mean by that?

She's at her limit. Not her body itself, but her power source, the energy embedded within her.

Energy? What energy?

So that's why you're trying to make the philosopher's stone?

Yes. I imagine you think I'm delusional, chasing after this stone, don't you?

Wait a minute. What even is this philosopher's stone thing?

It's a legendary stone considered to be the very height of alchemy. It has unlimited energy, can cure all illness, bring the dead back to life, and grant immortal life. People laugh it off as mere fantasy, but I will show them wrong the day after tomorrow. I will complete it.

So that's what your experiment is? You're planning to make a philosopher's stone?

Now, I only told you the truth as I believe it would be better for you to understand the situation fully. But please keep this quiet. For Alma's sake if nothing else.

Just one more thing. If your experiment works, what happens to this Alma?

Once she has a new body and a full life, her original memories will return to her. But she will lose all memory of her current life in return.

Are you really okay with that?

That's all I have to say on the matter. If you truly care about Alma, then walk away.

We can't do that! You can't go ahead with this experiment! It's going to...

It's going to what? Fail? What would amateurs like you know? It will be successful, you mark my words.

Aldo, maybe we should go back? No way will we be thinking calmly right now.

Yeah, you're right.

I still can't quite believe that Alma is a homunculus! But it looks like Paracelsus really is going to attempt to make a philosopher's stone for her.

And this stone can bring his dead daughter back to life? A stone that powerful has to be what caused that tragedy before!

If it is, we need to stop him.

Right. But if we do, then Alma...

......

Lele? What's wrong?

It's nothing. I was just thinking.

Cheer up, you two! If we put our heads together, I just know we'll come up with something! But we've gotta get back to Alma, like now. I have the most terrible feeling about her.

You do? I guess she'll be finishing up her experiment by no...

Oh!

So anyway, do you know how to make this ultimate homunculus? Isn't it Paracelsus's formula?

That's not an issue. I snuck into his room while he was out and copied his formula.

The homunculus formula she copied!

Not good! We have to hurry!

Alma, we're back! How's your research go...

Phew! Looks like she's not finished yet!

But... Why's she just standing there like that?

We were too late.

What do you mean?

Whoa?!

Sh-She turned into salt?!

Shocking, isn't it?

I followed the formula exactly, and ended up making a homunculus that's...well, me.

......!

But a human-like homunculus clearly needs a vast amount of energy to maintain its form. My experiment failed, after you all did so much to help me.

Alma...

......

I'm guessing my master told you everything?

Tell me. Am I human? Or am I...

Well...

Never mind. I'll just ask him myself.

A-Alma!

After her, Aldo.

Alma...

You worried too, Hom?

It's gonna be okay. We'll keep Alma safe, I promise.

Alma!

She's going to the Disposal Sector! She must be heading for Paracelsus's laboratory!

Then that's where we're going, too!

We're pretty far in here. But where's Alma?

Ah! Over there!

Let's go!

So this is Paracelsus's laboratory?

Wha?!

What...are they?

They're vessels to be used in the philosopher's stone experiment.

You shouldn't be here, Alma. I've told you this time and time again.

Master... Was I...one of them?

Gah, I suppose it's too late to try keeping it from you now. Yes, Alma, you were. You are a homunculus.

Ngh!

And while we're at it, you are no orphan. You... You are my daughter, born to me by your mother, Mercury.

I-I'm your daughter?

Well, the human you was.

Hey! That's a terrible thing to say!

And what do you think you're playing at? I thought I told you to stay out of this, yet here we all are.

N-No, they're not to blame. I made a homunculus using your formula...and it was me.

You used my corporeal alchemy formula? You were able to decipher such a complex procedure?

I see.

Let me tell you a story.

My wife, Mercury, your mother, she was a mage from a foreign land. She could use a strange form of magic that could amplify another's energy. When her rare skill was discovered, she was appointed palace mage. But she was shunned as an outsider, a wielder of dubious power. We bonded, both being social outcasts. We got married, then we had Alma. However, neither of us were in a position to live together.

Why not?

With so many power struggles at the palace, her marrying an alchemist put her position and safety at risk. But when mages are so despised at the guild, I could hardly invite her here, either.

So we lived separately, with me here, and my wife and Alma at the palace. We only met on occasion, when she would come here to help me with my work.

Your work?

She was a model for my research at the time, into corporeal and spiritual alchemy. Though, when I actually did complete my corporeal formula, it was Alma who served as the model.

And I used Mercury's magic in my spiritual alchemy research.

But they were your family... And you used them as research subjects?

Whatever others may think, this was how we chose to live as a family. They cooperated willingly. We were happy, more than happy. Until that day, three years ago.

As our daughter lay there, her life slowly slipping away, my wife said to me... "I want you to crystallize me using spiritual alchemy, and embed my crystal within Alma."

What? But wouldn't that...

I refused, of course. But she wouldn't give in. Chances of success were good. We'd already seen promising results in our spiritual alchemy research.

It was an agonizing decision. But my wife pleaded and pleaded with me, and in the end, I...

The spiritual alchemy worked without a hitch.

So the energy embedded in Alma is actually her mother?

But there was one problem. Her body was badly damaged. So I decided to create an Alma homunculus using corporeal alchemy. I made a vessel identical to my Alma, transferred her consciousness into it, and embedded Mercury's crystal...

This was the only way to bring "Alma" to life.

......

But it was my first time embedding a crystal made from spiritual alchemy into a homunculus. So I tested it out on the cat first.

The cat? You mean Hom?

Hom is modeled on the cat Alma tried to save. The real one has long since passed.

So Mercury's crystal is within Hom as well?

With Hom successfully brought to life, I was ready to try it for real. I thought it had worked. But a year ago, Alma collapsed.

A year ago? I thought her collapsing was a recent thing.

Yes, but I'm talking about the first Alma homunculus here.

Yay!

What?! Then this Alma...

She is a second generation homunculus, yes. And her vessel is coming to its limit. The first generation only lasted two years. The next, just one year. Her life span is slowly decreasing. Mercury's crystal is starting to run dry. Continuous use over the years has worn it out.

Oh...

So do you understand, Alma? You're like a cracked glass. You no longer serve your purpose.

Hey! Don't talk to her like that!

Be quiet!

These vessels are but the tip of the iceberg! Do you know how it feels to fail that experiment over and over? Do you know how it feels to watch your child wither away again and again? Can you imagine how I felt when I realized I couldn't make the stone, when I realized it was all in vain?

......

Wait, what do you mean you can't make the philosopher's stone? I thought it was almost done!

Each time I had to dispose of Alma's broken body, a little piece of my soul got thrown out with it. I had reached my limit. I grew so desperate, I considered giving everything up, leaving the guild.

But that very day, a new collaborator came to me.

Collaborator? What collaborator?

They provided me with a vast amount of energy, enough to rival to that of the philosopher's stone.

Yay!

Is that the philosopher's stone?

I have a REALLY bad feeling about this...

The philosopher's stone is a pure energy crystal of the four elements, ultra-refined and condensed. But this stone is not formed from fire, earth, air, or water. It is formed from an unknown element.

Basically, it is a fake. A stone of madness, if you will.

A stone of madness?

But if it can keep Alma alive, what do I care where its power comes from?

The stone of madness will be complete by morning of the day after tomorrow. You're the last piece of the puzzle. I will move the real Alma's consciousness into a new vessel and embed the stone of madness. You'll lose your current consciousness and memories, but will return your original self.

......

It all adds up now. That's why you said you took me in as an orphan. And that's why I have no memories of the past.

I'm a homunculus.

Alma...

I'm just a vessel. I'm fake. I'm not the Alma you want me to be. But to me, you're the one who looked after me, who taught me alchemy. If this can in any way repay your kindness, then I don't mind if "I" disappear.

Alma, you can't mean that!

Lele...

And I sense such danger from that thing!

You irksome mage.

How did he do that so quick?

Master! Stop it!

I warned them not to get in my way. If they won't listen, then they must pay. Even if they are your friends.

I guess we have no choice.

I can fight, too!

Okay, let's do this!

All right! We destroyed them all!

I don't think so!

You've got to be kidding me!

I can keep creating these things all day. If it's a war of attrition, you won't win.

Th-That's cheating!

Guh!

Stop it, Master! Leave them alone!

Go, you guys.

But...

I don't want to have to watch him hurt you anymore. So please. Just go.

Rats! Okay, let's withdraw for now.

Alma! I haven't forgotten about our promise. I'll be waiting!

......

That stone of madness gave me the same sense of foreboding as when everything went cold before. I'm sure this plan of his is connected to the tragedy we witnessed!

I agree. At this rate, time is bound to repeat itself again. We have to find a way to stop him... Hm?

Ah! What the!

I sensed a strange distortion. What happened here?

Phantom!

Ah. It's the impurities again.

I knew you'd have something to do with this!

You lured Paracelsus into making the stone of madness, didn't you?

Naturally. The stone of madness is a crystal of condensed dark power. It can consume all power around it. If embedded in the girl, she'll turn into a grotesque monster, consuming the life force of all around her.

That's your objective? You want to sacrifice everyone in the guild?! Just to create a time loop?

That's right, little bird. The White Night Time Layer has the unique ability to prioritize the future over the past and revise history. Add in a distortion too great for it to correct, and it will create this recurrent spacetime.

And the distortion you're talking about...is all those people dying?

A time layer without its intended future will wander for eternity within the same flow of time. And I need this for my plan to come to fruition.

You'd go that far, just for some plan? What IS this plan, exactly?

Tell us! What is the significance behind the three day loop?

Now is not the time for that, sweet little bird.

......

Once the stone of madness is created, this recurrent spacetime will hold. There's nothing you can do now. There's no point in trying to stop it. The stone is almost complete.

Not if we can help it! We'll lead this world back to the future it was meant to have!

Heheh. Good luck with that.

What the?!

Huh? That's...

I sensed a strange distortion. What happened here?

Hey! What are you doing here, Phantom?! Wait, are you even called Phantom? You look like the one I know, but something's different about you...

Phantom? How do you know my name? Oh. I see. You must be the impurities causing this fluctuation. You are beings from another time layer... So perhaps you know me, but not I you.

Wait, did you just say "time layer"?! Are you saying I'm not in my own time layer right now?

What's a time layer?

You've caused such upset without even realizing this fact? Interesting. I don't care to know how you came to this closed-off cycle, nor what your intentions are. My only concern is that you are upsetting my own plans.

You've caused such upset without even knowing of this concept? Interesting. I don't care to know how you came to this closed-off cycle, nor what your intentions are. My only concern is that you are upsetting my own plans.

Your plans? You mean to create that monster?

Is that why you got Paracelsus to make the stone of madness?!

Hm? You...

So I still have to explain, do I?

Yes. The stone of madness is a crystal of condensed dark power. It can consume all power around it. If embedded in the girl, she'll turn into a grotesque monster, consuming the life force of all around her. However, that is not where my objectives lie.

Then why are you trying to create that monster? If this place is stuck in a time loop, then what's it matter what happens? Time's just going to rewind anyway!

But that's precisely why it does matter.

Huh?

You wouldn't understand what we're trying to do here. So let me just say this... The stone of madness is necessary to create this recurrent spacetime.

Recurrent spacetime?

Indeed. A closed-off space and time in which the same period is repeated ad infinitum. A phenomenon that can only occur in this time layer of homeostasis. We cannot fulfill our plans without it.

Homeostasis? What's that?

It's an equilibrium within a living system. The time layer is trying to get its damaged history back to how it was meant to be. Here, the future is prioritized. The altered past converges with the original, for the sake of the all- important future.

History where the future is more important than the past? How does that make sense? You once told me that seemingly insignificant changes in the past have the power to totally alter the future. I've seen towns in the future falling to ruins as a result of a change in the past. But what you're saying is...

In your example, yes, it's this future town that matters. We change the past to align with how we want the town to be.

But this is the complete opposite of our world! Why would you want this?

The history of this time layer has been damaged over and over again. This repeated altering of history... Created a complex distortion that shook the very existence of the time layer itself. Then, when the time layer was on the verge of disappearing, a miracle occurred. It started repairing contradictions in history, as if it had a will of its own. It kept itself alive.

Oh!

Rejecting such contradictions... The time layer thus lost flexibility in order to get an image of its "correct" history. The future can't change, even if the past does. It will always force itself back in line with its predetermined course. These are the basic principles of the White Night Time Layer, a permanent and unchanging time layer.

Okay, so this world exists within a strange set of rules. Still, what's that got to do with time repeating itself?

The time loop is caused by one thing, but perpetuated by another. The three day loop in this time layer was created by an interfering power from outside this world.

But if nature were left to take its course, that power would weaken in time, and the time loop would end.

Then why...

Which is we decided to use the homeostasis of this time layer to our own advantage. Because, you see, the time layer can only correct so much distortion in history. Let's say many people die, when they're officially supposed to be alive. It'll take a huge event modification to correct this. When distortions exceed the time layer's ability to correct, the past and future will disconnect. The flow of time gets off course.

Disconnect?

That is, today cannot reach tomorrow. In this recurrent spacetime, last night can't connect to tomorrow morning... So it can only to be pushed back into the flow.

I don't completely understand... But maybe when Ogre Rancorem said the time loop was powering itself, this was what he meant?

What do you mean?

Basically, the fourth day that is meant to come involves a future in which the philosopher's stone transmutation fails. But since Phantom is distorting history, days three and four are inconsistent with each other... So it returns to day one instead.

Oh... How clever you are.

So that's what Ogre Rancorem meant. When he said that cutting the connection to the vortex wouldn't stop the time loop.

But there's something you've yet to explain. Why are you triggering this three day loop? The history of this world has already suffered enough, why destroy it further?

......

Tell me what you want!

There's no need to rush. You'll come to understand soon enough... You sweet little bird.

Huh?

Once the stone of madness is created and embedded in the girl, this recurrent spacetime will hold.

Not on my watch! However you distort history, we will restore it! We will get this world's future back!

Heheh. Good luck with that.

At least this clears up what we saw before time looped back. If the loop is dependent on the monster created by the stone of madness killing all those people...

Then we have to destroy either the stone of madness or the monster to break the loop!

Right. We have to stop that future from repeating again, no matter what!

But Paracelsus and Alma both want to transmute this stone of madness in order to help the other. If we stop him from forging it, we won't be able to save Alma...

Aldo, Lele, what do we do? Is there any chance of us preventing that tragedy, but saving Alma?

I don't know. We just have to do what we can.

You're right. Our first priority has to be to stop everyone in the guild from turning into salt.

What can I do?

Why don't we go back to Paracelsus's room? We never finished his journal, maybe we'll find some kind of clue there.

Good idea. It's not like he'll be there at the moment.

Is this the journal?

It is. Okay, let's continue. Where were we?

"The amount of energy supplied will make it a perfect power source to keep Alma alive."

So Paracelsus knows the stone of madness is dangerous, yet he still wants to transmute it.

He must be so desperate...

He said he threw his research papers out in the Disposal Sector, right? That could be a good place to start.

You're right. I'm sure it'll all be gobbledygook to us... But it might be helpful. Let's go look for those papers.

To the Disposal Sector we go!

Look, you two! Could they be the research materials?

Let's see... Hmmm... "Record of Philosopher's Stone Forging Formula"? Yep, that's got to be it.

Hurray! We found them!

Hey, I have an idea. If we transmute the philosopher's stone, surely he wouldn't need the stone of madness anymore?

No, I guess not... But if Paracelsus couldn't do it, there's no way we could...

But it's worth a try! With a bit of luck, and maybe a miracle or two, you never know, we might just do it!

So we're leaving it entirely to fate?

Let's see now... Materials, materials... ......

I don't understand a single word on this page.

Don't let that get you down, Nona! We'll just have to ask someone about it!

Good point. Maybe we should show it to the alchemists around the guild?

Right.

We talked to so many people, but no one could decipher the formula.

Yes. And it's already night now...

......

Aldo, Nona. I wanna try talking to Alma again.

You do?

Yeah. If anyone can understand that formula, it's Alma!

But I doubt she'll leave his laboratory now...

No, I think she will, now that it's night time.

Why would that...

Oh! You mean the moonlight bathing?!

Oh yeah, she did say she did it every day. But today? I can't imagine Paracelsus is going to release her...

She'll come. She promised she would.

Lele...

Okay. Let's go back to that corridor with the windows.

......

So moonlight bathing was actually a function my master gave me? For whatever reason, bathing in the moonlight seems to help restore the crystal inside me.

So you haven't gone after all?

Of course not! It's good to see you again, Alma.

We're so glad you made it here.

I knew you'd keep your word, Alma!

Well, a promise is a promise. I did tell you I'd wait for you.

And my master told me to come see you, to say goodbye.

Paracelsus did?

I guess he knows I won't run away. Teehee, he sure is acting strange.

He speaks to me so differently now. He's so gentle, so doting, like he's talking to his child. He simply doesn't see me as his disciple anymore. But to me, he's still just my teacher. Nothing has changed.

Alma...

If he goes through with this, you'll lose both your body and your memories. This you standing before us will no longer exist.

I know this is a selfish thing to say, but... I don't want to say goodbye. Not like this.

...... I know. Today was the first day in a long time that I actually enjoyed myself. The thought of losing these memories fills me with sadness. Even so, I want him to be happy. I want to make his wish come true.

I see.

Oh, don't look at me like that! What choice do I have? My master doesn't want me, he doesn't want a disciple. What he wants...

Is his daughter.

That's not true!

Huh?

Lele, my gramps always used to say to me... If you want to get close to someone, you have to care about their feelings. So that's what I've been doing. I've been thinking about your feelings.

Lele...

But I don't know. I can't find the right words to say. I'm sorry, I've failed you as a friend...

Not at all!

My parents died when I was young, and I barely remember them. I thought we had that in common, but I guess not... So I can't really understand the sadness you're feeling like I thought I did.

But I remembered something. The look in Paracelsus's eyes.

What about it?

Paracelsus always has this firm, cold expression on his face... But when he looks at you, he has such a kind look in his eyes. It's the same way Gramps looks at me. I've noticed it ever since the first time we met.

Ngh!

So he cares about you, definitely. If you weren't here anymore, he'd miss you.

Yeah, she's right. He's been watching over you all this time. Even if you're just student and master, he still cares about you.

If he didn't, he wouldn't have worried about your health and come looking for you.

But!

Alma, there's something we really need to tell you. It's going to be quite hard for you to hear...

The experiment fails? And me, everyone here... Even my master... We all... This has got to be some kind of joke!

I'm afraid it's not. We saw this future with our own eyes.

Y-You saw the future? What are you talking about?

We'll explain later. Right now, you'll have to trust us. Everyone will die unless we do something.

Okay, I'll trust you. But what can I even do?

We haven't worked that out yet. So we'll have to put our heads together!

Together?

You're a brilliant alchemist, right? Well, Aldo is a great adventurer, and Lele's an amazing mage! If we work together, I'm sure we'll come up with something!

I'm just a nobody, though...

That's not true! You're my friend, and I know I can always rely on you when the going gets tough!

Yeah! And you're SO kind to everyone you meet! Honestly, I think you're amazing!

Y-You really think so?

Okay! We can't give up yet, not while there's still time on the clock!

Right. With you on our side, Alma, we'll be unstoppable. And we'll find a way to save you too, I'm sure of it.

......

Okay, fine. You really are strange people.

It's almost dawn.

Let's go to my room. I want to hear everything you know.

Yeah!{lang-nuance}Aldo agreeing to Alma's plan{/lang-nuance}

A three day loop?

Do you believe us?

Since everything else hinges on this, I guess I'll have to. Any ideas what to do next?

Well, we did find Paracelsus's philosopher's stone formula in the Disposal Sector.

You're kidding!

We thought maybe we could make a philosopher's stone to take on the stone of madness. But his paper was waaay too complicated for us. It went completely over our heads.

But I bet you'll understand it! You just need to make the stone and everything'll be okay!

Easier said than done! If my master couldn't even do it, how do you expect me to?! But I guess it couldn't hurt to take a look. You never know, I might find some sort of clue.

Okay, here's the formula.

So? Can you understand any of it?

It's just what I'd expect from my master. It's a perfect formula, in painstakingly minute detail. No flaws as far as I can see.

It's perfect? So if you just follow it to the letter...

No, it's not that simple. If I could do it, why couldn't he? There must be some other reason why it failed.

Oh... And unless you know that reason, it's never going to work?

Hmm... Any ideas?

Let's ask Gramps! An incredible mage like him is bound to know something!

Your grandfather? But... This is alchemy, not magic.

Actually, that might not be a bad idea. Maybe he'll spot something we missed.

Right. We've only one day left now, so if there's any chance he knows something, it's worth the gamble. All right, where will we find your grandfather, Lele?

Where, I'm not sure. But if we go back to my time, we'll find him.

You don't know where he is, yet you know you'll find him? How does that make any sense?

I'm not sure either. Still, why don't we try our luck in Palsifal Palace?

Ooh, so many pretty flowers!

You like flowers, Nona?

I love them!

Oh? I felt like I almost remembered something...

Really?

Hmm...

Nope. Must've been my imagination. Nothing's coming back to me.

Ooh look, a kitty...

So Lele, now that we're back in your time, where will we find your grandfather?

I think that's him over there.

Where? I don't see anybody.

Heehee. I guess the cat's out of the bag now.

Eek?! Whoa, that near scared the life outta me! So real cats can talk, can they?

Erm, no?! Wait, that gruff voice... That wasn't...

Indeed. I am Lele's grandfather, Simon. Nice to meet you, young'uns.

Y-Your grandfather...is a cat?!

Don't be absurd!

Gramps is always worrying about me, and sometimes he possesses a cat so that he can follow me around.

That's one way to do it...

So that's what you meant about not knowing where he was, yet finding him anyway!

Are you friends of Lele's? And you were looking for m...

Hm? You there. What's your name?

Me? I-It's Alma...

Well I never! What are the chances...

Do you know her?

Yes. But she looks... Never mind. What did you want to see me about?

Well, we wanted your advice on something.

I see. That would explain why I stopped sensing Lele's magic signature before. So he made his daughter into a homunculus? And this stone of madness...

We heard that you and Paracelsus knew each other once?

That must have been a good 20 years ago now. Being of the same age, we were considered rivals in our genius... But in actuality, he was like a brother to me. I often saw his wife and daughter about the palace.

You're talking about Mercury and Alma, right?

That's right. I used to help train Alma back in those days.

Y-You did? I-In magic?

I suppose it was her mother's influence, but Alma had a natural talent for magic. But as you know, Alma was killed by a monster. It would never have happened if she didn't know magic.

Paracelsus changed after that. He devoted himself to his philosopher's stone research... He was wasting away by the day, but there was nothing I could do for him. His research ultimately failed, and one day, he disappeared entirely. I still don't know where he's living, or if he's even alive...

Oh... So in this world, he never made the stone of madness.

I have a question.

Is there any way to fight the stone of madness?

How did you, But yeah, that was the question...

Hmm... If the stone of madness is of dark power, then it should be possible to offset it with the philosopher's stone. If you can do that, you can win against it.

Okay, my turn. My master's formula was perfect, yet he failed to make the philosopher's stone.

But for the life of me, I can't work out why not!

I see... I'm afraid I'm no expert on the philosopher's stone either. But if a genius like him failed, then I imagine the problem wasn't in the formula, it was in his process.

So he did it wrong?

No, there's no way! He'd never mess up something like that!

He may be a genius, but only when it comes to alchemy. If the philosopher's stone really is this crystal of great power, then there are two key factors to consider. One, the elementals must be the purest of pure. How much you'd need, I really couldn't say. And two, the elementals must be in perfect harmony.

Perfect harmony?

Different elementals must be made to coexist within the stone. There cannot be the slightest discord. A near-impossible feat for someone who cannot sense elementals, like Paracelsus.

Oh! That explains it!

I knew we were right to come to you, Gramps!

No wonder they call you the Grand Sage!

Oh, there's nothing like praise from a fair maiden to make a man feel young inside!

And then he goes and says something like that...

B-But... If you knew that, why didn't you tell him? I thought you were his friend?

Oh, I did. I warned him over and over. I told him it would never work. But he didn't want to hear it. So he kept me away, never realizing why I warned him as I did.

Wait, are you saying...

Alma, dear... Though there is a clear difference between you and Paracelsus regarding this task... Try to keep in mind, there is no wall that you must surmount alone.

......!

I apologize. I'm sure a young girl like you doesn't want to be lectured by an old man like me.

No, I appreciate the advice. Thank you.

It's me who should be thanking you. You've put a smile on my dear granddaughter's face.

Huh? He's gone.

But now it's clear what must be done.

So we've gotta collect some elementals and put them in perfect harmony somehow?

Yes. I know it won't be easy to collect all the elementals we need... But if we can get them in harmony, maybe we can make something to rival the philosopher's stone.

What could we name it? Ooh! Since it just uses base metals, how about philosopher's ore?

Philosopher's ore? And you think this will work against the stone of madness?

Yes. Even if it can't destroy it, it should at least be able to offset its power. The moment the stone of madness loses its power and my master cannot go through with his plan, we've won.

But isn't it going to be hard to harmonize the elementals?

It'll be fine. The Grand Sage gave me an idea.

Really?!

Okay! Time to get some elementals!

Yes, but that's going to be our biggest challenge. We don't have time to both collect elementals and then refine them. If only there was a way to get our hands on pure elementals...

How about the prisma from my time?

Prisma?

Oh yeah, you've definitely mentioned that before!

Long story short, crystallized elementals can be found on the ground in my time.

Elemental crystals? Yes, that should work!

Yay! Let's go to Aldo's time!

We should go to Moonlight Forest. We should find plenty there.

Heehee.

Wow! I never knew a forest could be so glittery!

We'll be able to get a lot of prisma here. If the four of us get searching...

This isn't exactly easy work. I've got to differentiate four full elementals over here, you know?

Really? But we're running out of time, how are we...

Don't you worry about a thing! I'll just transmute a homunculus that reacts to each of the different elements and...

Hm? I can sense elemental energy all around this forest.

Come on! This way!

Lele?!

She can tell where the prisma is? Come on you two, after her!

B-But! What about my homunculus?!

That was incredible! You found all the elementals in next to no time!

Heheh. Well sensing elementals is like second nature to a mage like me.

Wow, you mages sure are something.

So, how do you feel about magic, Alma? Because I get the feeling Paracelsus is hardly its biggest fan.

I thought I hated it. Partly because of my master... But in all honestly, it was partly because I was jealous of it.

Jealous?

Mages seemed so dazzling to me, wielding their staves, manipulating the elements... I guess I tried to force myself to hate them in order to push back these feelings.

I'm sorry, Lele. I shouldn't have been so mean to you when we first met.

You were mean to me? When?

Looks like it flew right over her head!

I guess she'd already sensed that deep down inside, Alma doesn't hate mages.

But I still have to make this right!

Ooh, I know! I'll be mean to you! Boom!

H-Hey! Don't you use your magic on me!

Anyway. Now that we have the materials, let's go back to Alma's lab!

Finally!

Now Alma can transmute the philosopher's ore we need to fight the stone of madness!

Good luck, Alma!

No, I can't do this alone.

Huh?

Like my master, I can't sense the elementals. So I need your help, Lele.

I need your power.

My power?

Tell me what you see, tell me how much I'm using, and I'll do the forging.

If the two of us work together, I know we can do this!

Absolutely! Of course I'll help!

Just warning you, this is going to take the whole night. Don't give out on me, okay?

I'll do my best! But if I do fall asleep, just give me a little nudge and I'll wake right up!

Teehee. Got it.

So that's what this was all about.

Right. Magic and alchemy. Simon and Paracelsus may not have done it... But I just know that Lele and Alma can!

You've finished the philosopher's ore!

We should be able to fight the stone of madness now. Now we've just got to work out what to do about Alma...

Don't worry about me, I can hold out a little longer. Stopping my master should be our only concern now. If the two stones clash, we'll be able to offset its power. But we'll only get one shot at this.

You can count on us! We'll distract him for you.

We'll make this work, somehow!

Even Hom says it's going to be okay!

Then let's go see my master.

Wait? How come I knew what Hom was thinking just now?

What do you think, Alma?

We gave it a try, but...

I hardly sense any power from it. It feels like the elementals are fighting with each other...

But our time's up! The stone of madness will be done by now, and he'll get suspicious if I'm away any longer.

We'll just have to take our chances and bring this to Paracelsus.

And the next process...

Is it just me, or is it getting colder in here?

Hey yeah, now that you mention it...

Bad news! Very bad news!

All alchemists up in the White Silver area just disintegrated into heaps of salt!

Eeek?!

What's going on?!

How strange. It feels like it's getting colder...

Brrr... S-So c-c-cold... I think I'm going to f-freeze to death.

Aaargh!

And thus, the tragedy repeated itself yet again. In the deathly silence of the guild, we vowed. Next time, we would stop this.

Time rewinds back to the day we arrived at the Tower Argentauri...

And we were once more carried back to the moment that decided our fates, the confrontation with Paracelsus.

This time, we have to save them. There must be something we can do. Let's try and think.

Right!

Okay, we should have all the materials now!

Right. Now, we just need to make the philosopher's ore. Let's start as soon as we're ready.

You want to make philosopher's ore? Don't be stupid. It will never work if I don't have pure elementals.

And these pure elementals can be found in Moonlight Forest in Aldo's time, right?

Right. Let's go to Moonlight Forest and collect some prisma!

Hmm... We've got to make something that can fight the stone of madness, right?

Right. And the only thing I can think of is the philosopher's stone... With the materials we have on hand, there's no way it will work, even if we follow my master's formula. And it will take all night to transmute. Plus, we have a deadline of tomorrow, when the stone of madness will be done.

So we only have one chance.

I do feel like there's more we could be doing. Should we still transmute it anyway?

We can't face what tomorrow brings like this, but what should we do? It doesn't look like Alma can make the philosopher's stone...

Hm... Didn't Lele say her grandfather might know something?

Why don't we go and talk to him?

Good thinking. She said we'd find him if we went back to her time. So let's head to Palsifal Palace.

Alma said she'd try to make philosopher's ore. She said that would be able to weaken the stone of madness's power...

Yes, but first we have to collect the pure elementals needed to make it.

Maybe we could use prisma from my era. Let's head to Moonlight Forest!

Okay, we've collected the materials for the philosopher's ore! Now we just need to ask Alma to make it for us!

So they're the reason you're late. I might have known. I thought I told you to say your goodbyes there. Have they come to see you off, too?

No, we came to stop you.

You're too late. I've already finished the stone of madness.

Listen to me, Paracelsus! Your experiment will fail! The stone of madness is the exact opposite of the philosopher's stone! It will take lives, not save them!

Enough! Do you really think the likes of you can explain such advanced alchemy to ME? And are you really happy to just let Alma die? Because that's what will happen unless...

Alma's already dead, Master.

Wh-What?! What are you talking about, Alma? You're right here. You're speaking to me right now...

What are YOU talking about, Master? I'm just a homunculus. I'm not your Alma. I'm not your daughter, I'm not who she was anymore.

Stop it.

The only memories I have of you are those from within this tower. I don't even know what my mom looks like. But of course I don't. Because the real Alma is dead. She died a long time ago.

......

Alma...

Don't... Don't say these things. Not with her face, her voice...

When a homunculus breaks, it ceases to be. Just as a human ceases to be when they die. The girl you see before you is just someone who loves alchemy, the guild, and you, Master.

I am Alma, the Argentum alchemist.

......

So please, snap out of this! Wake up!

Thank you, Alma. You have helped me see the light.

The stone of madness!

A homunculus may look human, but it's a mere fake... It can't understand feelings. It's nothing more than a puppet!

He's transmuting with just the stone of madness?!

There's no going back now.

It all depends on you now, Alma. If we let this chance go to waste, you really will die here.

...... The stone of madness? So you're serious? I never thought you'd really do this, Master...

So I will break the stone for you!

What the? Is that... You were able to transmute a pseudo- philosopher's stone?!

I wasn't alone. I couldn't have done it without Lele, Aldo, and Nona.

That truly is incredible. But it is far too weak to fight against the stone of madness.

You think? Well, let's put that...

To the test!

It repelled it?!

That was a magic barrier! And it's several layers thick!

Paracelsus used magic?!

Why are you so surprised? You saw the magic seal on my journal. Mercury once helped me turn barrier magic into a formula. You'll find it's not so easily broken.

Darn it! We have to find a way to get through that barrier!

You won't. Now, Alma, unless you want to lose your new friends...

Hm?

The stone of madness is acting up?! This is impossible! I constructed the most perfect formula to control its power!

Phantom!

That's close enough, Paracelsus.

Are you to blame for this? What did you do?!

Absolutely nothing. This is the true nature of the stone of madness.

Then they were telling me the truth?! It was all a lie that I could save Alma?!

It's no lie, you have saved her. You wanted her to live, and that's what you'll get. She will live on, she will prosper, absorbing life from other creatures. You cannot stop the mutation. The constraints on spacetime hold. My plan has been achieved.

What the?! They're turning to salt!

This is bad, very bad! That's...

That's the monster we saw before! Did we fail?

No, not yet! We just have to defeat this thing!

Everyone, I need your help once more! We will succeed! So attack this monster and distract it!

I'm on it!

Yes! I think that did something!

Huh? Why didn't it work this time?

It must have a defensive barrier that updates after it's attacked! But that's such advanced technology!

We'll have to all do this together!

Okay! Never give up, never give in!

Let's do this!

All right! I think it's distracted!

Now's your chance, Alma! Use the philosopher's ore!

All right then. Lele! Tell me when to go!

Will do!

NOW!

Gaaahhh!

Yaaargh!

It stopped moving... Did you do it? Did you embed the philosopher's ore in it?

Alma! Alma!

Step aside, Master. I have to finish it off.

...... The truth is...I knew. I knew that you were you...

Oh no! Alma! Paracelsus! Get away from there!

Huh?

Run, Alma. I will deal with her. That pseudo-philosopher's stone should keep you alive a little longer.

You have to live.

Master!

Why?! Why was the stone of madness's energy restored?!

You didn't think this through, little bird.

Phantom! Did you do this?

The future was decided the moment the stone of madness was completed. All I need to do is pour in dark energy, and the stone of madness can be revived again and again.

Alma! We'll take on Phantom! In the meantime, you...

......

A-Alma? What are you...

I've thought about it. And this is the only way.

Alma?

Farewell. I'm sorry.

Where am I?

Ah, I think I understand. I was brought within you using alchemy. So this is the world of the fifth element. The vessel of Alma's spirit and soul. Mercury, my love. Are you still within Alma, too?

Alma? Alma, is that you?!

Ngh?!

Do you hate me? You wish to consume what little of my self remains?

What else could I expect? I gave you neither the joy of living nor the peace of death. Very well. Let us go together.

Alma?! What are you doing here?!

I came to save you, of course. As I share a body with her, I figured I could use spiritual alchemy to transfer my consciousness here.

You succeeded in spiritual alchemy at a time like this?! You're...

No, this is the wrong way round! I'm supposed to be saving you.

No, this is how it should be. You'll be able to save a great number of people with your alchemy.

So... I'm going to send you back to the outside world.

Alma, as your master, I'm ordering you to stop.

Nope. I refuse.

Why are you always like this?

I'm sorry, Master. I'm sorry I never listen to you, I'm sorry I always cause you trouble. I'm too immature, even at the end.

Now, time to do my final task.

If this is the world of the fifth element, then the stone of madness must be here somewhere. I have to smash it to pieces.

Found it.

Is that...my voice?

That voice I'm hearing must be the real Alma, the one dormant within me while I got to live my life. So she was imprisoned this whole time, in eternal pain and torment.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for stealing your body and your life. And... I'm so sorry I couldn't reunite you with your mom and dad.

Huh?{lang-nuance}Aldo, shocked by Paracelsus's words{/lang-nuance} Is that a magic barrier again? How?

Alma.

Lele?! And Hom?! What are you two doing here?!

Paracelsus sent us here through spiritual alchemy.

H-He did?

Ugh... Where am I now?

Oh no! We've got to hold it back!

It is pointless to resist. I could do this all day.

I-It's s-so cold! What's going on?

It's like my blood is freezing solid...

Ugh. Everything's going fuzzy...

No! I don't want to die!

Ugh!

Why do I feel so cold?!

It's happening again!

My plan may have taken a slight detour, but my life-sucking monster is near ready. Leave while you still can, little bird. I don't wish for you to die here.

Don't be ridiculous! I can't leave! Not while Alma is still holding out! I will never, ever, EVER give up!

Exactly! Do you really think we'll let you get away with this?!

Alma! Can you hear me?! Come back to us! I don't wanna have to say goodbye! I can't say goodbye to you! Not yet!

......

What the?! You're...

Yes. I understand.

Paracelsus?! You came back?!

Yes. My ever-talented disciple saved me.

Paracelsus, you have served your purpose. What are you...

Be quiet, you brainless ghost. You're nothing but a waste of your own power.

What did you just say to me?

Lele, was it? I have a favor to ask.

O-Of me?

Yes. You're an exceptional mage. And you're also her friend. You're the only one who can do this.

You idiot! Why did you come?! You can't be here! Go back, go back!

And how am I gonna do that?

Bah! I guess I'll just have to send you back again!

Oh no you don't! I go back with you, or not at all!

Lele...

That night, when you came to see me... I'd been struggling since finding out I was a homunculus. Wondering if everything I'd ever felt was a lie. What you said to me back then really helped pull me out of it.

But this time, it's different. You've got to listen to me. If I destroy the stone of madness, then this space will vanish, and take us along with it. You still have a family, Lele. There are people who love you out there.

So please. Go back.

No way!

Come on, this is no time to be self...

There are people waiting for you too, Alma!

Huh?

I know you say you're a fake, but to me, you're just you! And the only you there is!

You're my friend! So don't go saying goodbye! Come back with me!

Oh...

And it's gonna be okay! I'll use my magic to make a barrier!

A barrier?

Paracelsus told me that magic barriers work in this fifth element world thingy!

M-Master said that?

Yeah! So this world may collapse, but it won't take us with it!

Lele...

Honestly, why are you always... Oh! Heheh...

What is it?

Nothing. It's just my master said the same thing to me before.

Fine. Let's do this together.

Yay!

I am Alma, the Argentum alchemist.

And I am Lele the mage!

Alchemy and magic hand in hand...

Let's cut open this closed-off world!

*huff* *puff* You doing okay, Nona?

Of course! I can hold out until Alma and Lele get back! And I just know they will!

......

I simply don't understand it. How are you still clinging to hope? Do you not see the situation you're in? You too, Paracelsus. What were you thinking, feeding that mage to the monst...

Hm?

What in the?! The stone of madness has been destroyed?

They did it?!

Alma!

It's starting! You're sure this barrier's going to hold, right?

I'm doing my best!

But... Ugh. Maybe it's too much for me...

You were so confident before, though!

......

Hom, no! Stay, boy!

You're there, aren't you? Come out.

Huh?!

Are you...me?

Yes. I am Alma's consciousness from when she was alive. I have been asleep for so very long. But I was finally able to awaken when you came here. It's a strange place we're in, isn't it?

You're...the old Alma?

I think so. Our hearts are as one. We can read each other's thoughts as if they were our own.

And...her memories are pouring into my head.

{lang-nuance}Alma seeing her parents{/lang-nuance}Mom! Dad!

I feel it, too. I see your memories, of alchemy, of Dad. And I see Mom's consciousness in this little cutie.

Huh?{lang-nuance}Alma, surprised by Alma's Will{/lang-nuance}

Teehee. Looks like there's another mage in there with her.

When you go back, tell Dad. Alchemy is incredible. As is magic.

It can do things like this.

Alma! Alma! Can you hear me?!

Ugh...

Mmhmm?

Master! Guys!

Oh, the monster! What happened with the monster?!

Don't worry. She's gone back to normal. Look!

And all because the two of you destroyed the stone of madness!

I'm just glad you make it back safe.

Master... But...

What is it, Alma?

Her... The real me's consciousness is still inside me!

What? Her dormant consciousness woke up?!

Yeah. She's the one who returned us to this world.

But now she's going to disappear! And right after she finally woke up, too!

It's fine, Alma.

Huh?{lang-nuance}Alma, surprised by Paracelsus{/lang-nuance}

I'm sure this was what she wanted. You should be the one who gets to live.

Master...

The distortion is no more? This recurrent spacetime will now be free from its constraints. But that is no matter. I've already achieved what I set out to do.

Phantom!

Lay down your arms, I am not here to fight. History won't change by my presence alone. I am just someone here to observe. To make sure that this spacetime is freed from its constraints.

Then... Tomorrow will truly come to this place?

Yes. Oh, and one more thing, little bird. I have something to give to you.

Huh?

What is this? A gem?

By rights, this belongs to you. It shattered at the advent of the vortex of time, and is now flowing into all time. It should help you find your memories.

My memories...

Hey! Why are you being so kind to me? And why do you keep calling me little bird? Where do I come from?

All will come to light if you collect the jewels. Keep walking through this White Night...

Wait!

......

Do you recognize that gem, Nona?

No. But holding it is making me feel kinda warm inside.

Huh?

I have no wish to fight with you further. You know that, don't you?

Is this spacetime free from the time loop now?

Yes. Now, little bird. This is for you.

Another gem?

What is this thing?! Why do you keep giving them to me?! And what's it got to do with my memories?!

All will come to light if you collect the jewels. Just keep walking through this White Night...

Wait!

......

He's gone?

But what is this jewel? Why would Phantom give it to you?

Your guess is as good as mine. But it's making me feel strangely warm inside, just like last time...

Huh?

Why? Why do they look like that?!

No, my first priority must be to call the guards before anyone gets hurt!

......!{lang-nuance}The Queen, noticing danger{/lang-nuance}

Guagh!

Don't get in my way.

Who... Who are you? Why do you...look like me?

You've no need to know that. I must be getting rusty, making mistakes like that.

What are you talking about?

I thought I'd be used to it by now.

Ngh?! Guaaagh!

I won't apologize to you. But I will remember this. The warmth of your blood, the pain in your voice, the feel of my blade as it plunged into your flesh.

*huff* *puff*

Hate, curse, die. The watchful eyes of tens of thousands of dead will keep me walking on.

...na...

You have no right to say that name. There can be no saving you.

......

Nona? What's wrong? You were staring off into space...

I don't really know myself.

I think I was feeling incredibly scared and wretched... But my mind is so foggy, I can't remember why.

Nona...

Oh!

......

Are you really fine just looking at her?

I am. I don't think I have the right to hold my daughter anymore...

Ngh!

Alma, what's wrong?!

Could your body be at its limit?!

B-But she said she could hold out a little longer!

...... I think...I pushed myself... Too hard...

M-Master?

The spiritual alchemy you did before must have used up what little remained of your life force. You risked your life just to save me. Honestly, you've never been one to think about consequences... Just like her.

......!{lang-nuance}Alma, shocked by Paracelsus{/lang-nuance}

Well what was I supposed to do? You're my whole world, the only person I have!

As are you. You are my disciple, my only disciple. And I am so proud of you.