More Valuable than Gold...

Hm? A message?

It's from a friend. They have something they need my help with.

I've been thinking this for a while, it's so nice that you have those instant letters here in the future.

Instant letters? Heheh, Aldo, you always have the strangest turn of phrase.

The person who messaged me is a fellow researcher.

So we're going to see them, right? Where to?

The Elzion bar.

Curious. I never thought I'd see you outside of Laula Dome.

Oh, right back at you. Even more surprising to see you working with someone.

I can stay calm no matter what I come across, human or otherwise.

I can't help it if other people choose to avoid me...

Right, that's why you have so few friends. He's only ever interested in his research, but don't give up on him, OK?

Erm... Wait, aren't you two friends?

We're just fellow researchers. We're part of a research group called Natural.

We're a group of scientists trying to research how to bring back and preserve nature.

So what did you want from me?

Well... I finally found "the treasure"!

Treasure... You're talking about "that" project?

Exactly. It came from the airport.

I'm surprised. I thought you were running low on funds, so the project was on hold.

That was the case...when we were depending on just you. We grouped together and found a sponsor.

That's good news. So now that you have the treasure, you'll be able to continue with your research.

So Krervo, if we give you access to it, will you be able to help us?

Of course I'll help. Heheheh! This should be fun. This object is more valuable than gold.

Okay then, let's go get it. It's in a container in Terminal 2 at the airport.

Hey, Krervo. Just what is this "treasure"?

Oh...well...

It's a valuable and nigh irreplaceable sample which is vital to Natural's research. A collection of plants, soil, and water collected from all over the world.

Let's go to the airport.

This is the container. Can you wait here?

So, the surface, it's all polluted, right? How valuable can samples from there be?

By studying samples of the polluted ground we can fine tune our plans in the future. For example, we can analyze the polluted plants to aid in the development of water purification techniques.

I see. So to fight your enemy, first you need to know more about it.

I guess so. It's not quite that simple though. We're doing calculations on an astronomical scale, taking into account a geological timeframe.

I see. That must be tough. I think I get now why these "treasures" are worth more to you than gold.

...O-Oh no!

They're gone! The samples are gone!

It looks like the container's been forced open!

Someone's run off with them? But the samples would be worthless to anyone outside our specific field of research.

Whoever took them may still be nearby. Let's look for them!

We should split up. You check out Elzion!

Okay! If I see anything suspicious, I'll message you!

We'll check out this area. The thief may be hiding here.

Understood. Krervo, let's go!

You got a minute?

Wh-What do you want?!

There's something I want to ask you. We're looking for something.

Sorry, can't help you.

That was an odd response. To say you can't help before we've told you what we're looking for...

Shut up. I'm just busy, that's all.

Weren't you in the tavern earlier? I only noticed because you left just as we were talking.

So what if I did? That's hardly proof that I stole whatever treasure it is you're looking for!

Hmph! That's as good as a confession. Do you want to start again?

You should know that our treasure has no value to you. It's just a bunch of rocks, water, and plants.

Don't lie to me! If you do I'll dump the whole lot!

That would be idiotic. Dumping all of that exactly where it came from. I guess we have no choice. We'll have to take it back by force!

Interesting! Just try and get it from me! You think you're stronger than me?!

N-No way! O-Okay. I'll give them back. P-Please just leave me alone!

The samples seem unharmed. The containers are all undamaged.

Good. Let's get them back to your friend.

Right...

We were lucky we caught up to that man before he checked what he had.

I know. He probably would have just thrown it all away.

Probably. These samples would look like garbage to the average person.

Let's get back to my friend.

Send her an instant letter, I'm sure she'll want to know.

I'll do it as we head back. Now, let's go! She should still be searching on the Elzion side of the airport.

Quick! Show me the samples!

There's no doubt, these are the samples. Oh, thank goodness!

I've taken a small amount for my own research. The rest is yours.

Okay, that's fine. I need to call a general meeting of the Natural members.

So now you'll be able to carry on with your research?

Yes, this should be very helpful. The final goal of Natural is to make the surface livable again. Thank you for today. Let's meet again some time, in Laula Dome.

Right. All the best to the other members.

Nature...

We take it for granted in my time. But I can see it's something we never want to lose.

These days the only things that can survive down there are molds, mosses and ferns.

One day, I'll find a way to curb this pollution and help the environment recover. We just have to believe in ourselves and see where our research leads.

I see...

I hope it goes well for you... For all of us.

Don't worry, we'll find a way. One day, for sure.