Ultimate Speed

Looks like someone dropped something.

An arrowhead? What's this doing here?

The blacksmith...in Ratle has a partnership with...artisans...who make things like this. It's...really well made... Not a scratch on it...

Yeah, it looks good as new. Has it ever been used before?

I...don't know. We should...take it back.

Yeah, we can ask the blacksmith in Ratle about it. Maybe he can tell us who made it or who it belongs to.

Good morrow. What can I do for you?

We found this arrowhead on the plains. Have you seen it before?

Hm...splendid craftsmanship. Yes, this...

Boy!

Yes, sir?

This handiwork, is it one of yours?

Let me see... Oh, yes sir. This is one of ours, all right.

It's a fine arrowhead... You must be...very good at your job.

Oh no, not me, madam. I only live and work at one of the workshops round these parts.

You're...still an apprentice?

This was made by my mentor. It's one of the examples he made while teaching me about the forging process.

It must mean a lot to you. I'm glad we found its owner. I've got to ask, though, how did it end up so far from town?

I got attacked by monsters while out collecting ore. I must have dropped it then.

Maybe you shouldn't do that alone.

But the master always handles those jobs on his own. He even ventures as far as Nadara Volcano sometimes.

Wow, he must be really dedicated to his craft.

Without a doubt. I wish I could do something to take some of the strain off him. But I'm not great at making arrowheads or gathering materials... I owe him so much for taking me in, I have to repay him somehow.

If you want... We could...help.

Really? You'd do that for me? We only just met.

No problem. If Parisa wants to help, I'm in too.

Thank you...

How about...we get you some...ore?

Yes, of course! That would be great. Thank you. You should be able to find some quality ore over on Vasu Mountain. I'll stay here and start firing up the forge!

Okay. We'll see what we can find in the mountains.

This is...probably...the kind of ore he needs.

This should be enough for that guy to test his skills with.

Why'd you suddenly get the idea to help him out, Parisa?

I think...because he reminded me...of myself. I was...an orphan, but I got taken in...by the troupe.

One of the minstrels... was like a father to me... He's the one...who taught me how to play the lute.

With things as they are now... I don't know...if I can ever repay him. It's...not a great feeling to live with.

Oh, I get it now. I thought it was a little strange at first. I've never seen you as assertive as you were back there. But it makes sense you'd want to help someone in a situation like that. You've got a real kind heart, Parisa.

Not really...I just dragged you into doing this...to make myself feel better.

Don't be so hard on yourself. This is a nice thing you're doing.

C'mon, we'd better get this stuff back to Ratle.

Can you do something with this?

Oh! Yes, indeed. I'm sure I can make something good with this. Thank you!

I'm glad...we could help.

I'll start work right away!

I hope...it turns out all right.

Why the long face, buddy? Something go wrong?

I'm afraid so... I'm sorry, after you went to all that trouble...

What...happened?

I was sure the ore you brought me was exactly what I needed. But right at the last moment, when I tried to infuse it with spiritual protection, the whole thing fell apart.

Can't you just try again?

I did. More than once, too. Perhaps I just don't have the talent for this job.

Are you...giving up?

I don't want to, but... I've tried so hard, and I never seem to improve!

I...was really bad at the lute, too...at first. But...I didn't want to let down my teacher... so I kept at it. If you quit now...all the work your mentor put in...it'll all be for nothing.

B-But!

Huh? What was that noise?

Oops, sorry. That's one of my earlier attempts.

That sound... You made this?

It didn't turn out like I wanted...

I have an idea... Try dropping one of your mentor's arrowheads...like that.

Huh? A-All right...

It sounds...a little different to yours.

It does? I couldn't really tell.

That reminds me of something the master often says. He can tell the quality of a product by sound alone. How he does that is beyond me.

I think I know... If we use this as an example... We might get somewhere...

Wow, really? I don't suppose you could compare it with my other work?

Like, how about this one?

This one's... too high...

High? Maybe it's too light? I should have made it denser. What about this one here?

This one...is better, but... There's not so much...harmony...in the sound.

Harmony? I must have messed up the melding. But what was I missing?

Wait, it must be the temperature! If I fired this combination at a higher heat... Eureka, I've got it! The Nadara Volcano, that's the answer!

It...is?

This time, I KNOW I can make something the master will be proud of.

This spot right here should be perfect.

Hey, you mind telling us what we're doing here?

I finally understand why the master ventures into the volcano alone. The magma provides higher temperatures that can't be reached with a regular forge.

Oh, so he wasn't coming here just for the ore? Working here is risky, though, with all the monsters running around.

We can... protect you...until you finish.

Here they come!

That takes care of them. How's it going back there?

I'm done! How does this sound?

It's good... Maybe...even better than your mentor's one...

Ha ha, you flatter me.

No, I mean it... All that practice and effort... It's paid off.

Really? ...Thank you. Miss Parisa, I'd be honored if you would accept this arrowhead.

Are you...sure?

I couldn't have made it this far without your help. I'll take what I've learned today and raise my skills even higher. Farewell!

Aldo... Thank you, too...

What are you thanking me for? I didn't do anything.

You...didn't have to help him... You could have left me to do it alone... This has reminded me...how important it is not to give up...to stay determined...

Hey, no problem. What are friends for, right?

Right! This arrowhead...will be a great reminder for me... Someday...I'll make my dream a reality, too...

Oh? What's your dream, Parisa?

It's...a little embarrassing, but... I'd like to sing...and make everyone in the world happy!

Nothing to be embarrassed about. That sounds like a great dream. We'll find a way to break your curse and bring you closer to making it come true.