Monster of the Man-eating Marsh

Anyway, Cyrus. Why was it you were turned into a frog again?

I was actually very intrigued by this happening!

You know it's not like I like being like this. It's just... It's a long story.

What about you? You have an unusual appearance yourself. You must have come from overseas.

I guess you could say that. Though less of a sea, more of a river of time.

River of thyme? I've never heard of such a river. Is it far from here?

It matters not. Aldo. This is my first time back in the world in some time, I need to become immersed in it.

Immersed?

Yes. Fret not, I mean no harm. I just mean to get involved in society and learn from it. I think if I take on an easy job, it should get me back to my old self.

Uh, sure, if you want.

Then we shall visit the blacksmith's here in Acteul. I have an acquaintance there.

Acquaintance? Okay. Let's go.

Wow, long time no see, Cyrus. How are you doing?

Hmm...I think it's fair to say I've been better. As you can see, I'm in a spot of bother.

That straw dummy, it just spoke!

Aldo. This is no ordinary straw dummy. He's quite the informant. He is a good luck omen from the east, bringing news, love, and luck.

If you say so.

Even using my database, I would not be able to attribute any credibility to such information.

Cyrus. These may be your friends, but they offend me! The holy needle stuck within me, none shall take out! It is the stuff of legend!

Never mind these two, they can't see what's right under their noses.

Hmph... Cyrus. What brings you here today?

What brings you here today?

As always, I am here looking for any news on my dear home country.

Hmm, news from the East... I'm afraid there is none. Nor is there news of your disciple. Oh, but I have received word of a terrifying green monster in the Man-eating Marsh.

A green monster in the Man-eating Marsh?

Yes, and it seems to be causing trouble for the people of Acteul. How about you check that out?

Hmm? So there has been a great beast on my doorstep all this time?

Hey, Cyrus. Now that I think about it...

According to my calculations, there is a 74% chance that this monster...

Hmm? What's that? Is there a problem?

No... Well, I guess the best thing to do is check it out ourselves.

After all, seeing is believing!

What are you trying to say? Though now you mention it, perhaps we should investigate.

If you're all so afraid, then this monster must really be a terrifying beast.

......

You know... I'm getting a really bad feeling about taking on this job... It's like it's cursed, or something...

What are you talking about, Aldo? It is because the job is dangerous that we are lucky to take it.

Riica, you agree, don't you? Riica?

...Powering down.

Whatever your feelings, we will take this job.

If that is the case, then you should talk to the traveling merchant staying at the inn. It seems he was attacked by the monster and is in need of some help.

The traveling merchant at the inn. Okay, let us go.

Okay, okay. I guess we're heading out.

Y-You! It's you! The frogman!

Huh? What is going on here?

Don't you play dumb, you thief! How dare you walk in here, after you've stolen everything from me!

What? Are you talking to me? This is most unusual.

So you're the infamous "monster of the marsh." I've been receiving reports about you for a while now.

Reports? I believe you're mistaken. I have done nothing wrong.

Liar! Unless you're telling me there are two frogmen in the world! It's definitely you!

Just as I feared... Cyrus, I think you had better just apologize to them.

Aldo, something isn't right. Cyrus has been with us the whole time. It is a physical impossibility that he could have done these things without our knowledge.

Hmph. You, are you friends of this frogman? I have to say, you both look suspicious too.

Aha! You are here to join this frog in his nefarious goings on. Is that it?

What? Don't be silly. We'd never do anything like that.

Right. I remember clearly, I was only attacked by the frog.

Well they might have been committing crimes somewhere else.

Listen. What if I were to investigate this case, and bring the other frogman to justice?

Right. That's what we came to do anyway. Just let us get on with it.

I'm with them.

Hmph. You're not just saying this so you can run away, are you? Reports say the frogman lives in the Man-eating Marsh. You should go into the depths of the marsh. That's where we'll discover whether you're telling the truth.

Okay. Let's head out. To the Man-eating Marsh! Cyrus, let's get this imposter!

We're too late. I fear he may have run away.

Who may have run away?

Where could my imposter be hiding? I see no trace of him...

If you're looking for me, I'm right here.

Wargh! It's here! There really is another one!

Th-This is the green monster of the Man-eating Marsh?!

Arrrgh!

H-Help!

You!

So it's you. You are the one making me look bad?

Yes, I'm pulling out all the stops. You should thank me.

It's useless bandying words with a fool. Who are you? Why are you impersonating me? I dislike killing when not necessary, but in this case, I may just enjoy it a little.

Hmph... Little frogman, you're every bit as annoying as she said you'd be. You're no frog, you're all chicken. I'll enjoy cutting you down to size.

It's a giant plum goblin.

What did you just say? She...you don't mean Reptires?

So what if I do, chick frog? Reptires used to tell me about having fun around here. So I thought I'd give it a go myself.

Very well. If you really are an acquaintance of hers, then I have no problem killing you. You big plum goblin, green monster of the Man-eating Marsh! Prepare yourself, I won't hold back!

Tch. You talk big, frogman, but let's see if you have what it takes!

Guegh! I'm defeated!

Reptires... Where is she?

Come now, even if I knew, do you think I'd tell you? Don't worry, you will die at her hands even without going out looking for her. She's looking forward to seeing you again... Mwahahaha!

......

Hey, Cyrus?

Hmph. It's nothing. Just an old acquaintance.

A person...of fate? It would be reasonable to assume that she means something to you.

I suppose you could say that. Okay, let us return. That sentinel who ran away will let the merchant at the inn know the truth of this matter. As for us, we should head back to the blacksmith's.

Oh, okay. Let's go back.

Roger.

So, one of Reptires' underlings... This is bad. Well, I knew the time would come when she'd return. Anyway, I'm glad that you've cleared your name.

Cleared my name? What do you mean by that?

Oh, don't worry about that. You don't need to worry, Cyrus. Just a little thing. Yes...

Ignorance is bliss!

What's going on with you two?

We achieved our objective, and all got back safe and sound! That's all that matters, right Cyrus?

That was an excellent workout!

Hmm, well I guess it did get me out in the world a little. I suppose you're right.

Okay, then I guess it's time to go. Let us depart, Aldo.