Melina's Job

What could be making him behave like this? It really is suspicious.

Blipple-blep!

Blup?

Oh, aren't you cute! What are you, I wonder?

It's Noah, my trusted ally. It must have sensed that something's troubling you, madam.

Thank you, Noah. It's nice to know someone cares.

Bleep.

What was that about suspicious behavior just now?

Well, it's my husband, you see. Something about him's been off, lately. He stumbles around outside and then, at home, he's constantly staring off into space, barely capable of conversation. And just when I think he's returning to normal, he snaps back to old, or, well, new, habits again!

Could be that he's just tired.

I would put it down to that, except other people in town have been acting the same. It can't be a coincidence.

Something could have triggered it. Does anything come to mind?

Well, we all went on a group trip to Lake Tiilen. I guess it's since then that everyone's been weird.

Lake Tiilen? Okay, please allow me to take care of this.

Do you know what's going on then?

More or less. We must meet with this lady's husband first. Until then I won't say any more.

That's fine. He's in the tavern right now. There's already someone attending to him, another priest, actually.

I gave them a room together upstairs. They're both still there, as far as I know.

Come along.

I hope the priest has made some progress...

Take that!

Ack...

Hmm, still nothing? Well, that's me stumped.

Well now, this is unexpected. Good day, Prai the Zealous.

Gosh! It's you, Sister Melina!

I'm dumbfounded...

What kind of greeting is that for your former superior officer?

Haha, looks like nothing's changed even though Melina's left the church.

That's right, you two know each other.

Through the congregation, of course. We belong to different sub-sects though, so we don't meet much, fortunately perhaps.

Prai, please don't ever say "Gosh!" in my presence again. You know what it's a substitute for, and it's very inappropriate.

How come you two know each other?

Through the congregation, of course. We belong to different sub-sects though, so we don't meet much, fortunately perhaps.

Prai, please don't ever say "Gosh!" in my presence again. You know what it's a substitute for, and it's very inappropriate.

Well now, this is unexpected. Good day, Prai the Zealous.

Really?! It's you, Sister Melina!

So this is a friend of yours, Melina?

Through the congregation, of course. We belong to different sub-sects though, so we don't meet much, fortunately perhaps.

Prai, please don't ever say "Gosh!" in my presence again. You know what it's a substitute for, and it's very inappropriate.

It is...indeed, not language becoming of a holy man.

While I appreciate your zealousness, you have to find the right outlets for it. Otherwise your chance of being promoted to bishop are next to none.

Melina, you were fairly high up in the church, right?

As you know, it is only right that Sister Melina is the rank that she is, given all she's done for the promotion of our faith. We never stop talking about how prodigious she is. Though, some might consider her sternness a little much at times...

I see... So Melina really does hold a high position.

As you know, it is only right that Sister Melina is the rank that she is, given all she's done for the promotion of our faith. We never stop talking about how prodigious she is. Though, some might consider her sternness a little much at times...

Huh?! Does this mean that Melina is higher-ranked in the congregation?

Why are you so surprised?

Oh...I didn't mean anything. It's just a little odd that Thillelille is also your superior...

Indeed, it is only right that Sister Melina is the rank that she is, given all she's done for the promotion of our faith. We never stop talking about how prodigious she is. Though, some might consider her sternness a little much at times...

Huh?! Does this mean that Melina is higher-ranked in the congregation?

Why are you so surprised?

Indeed, it is only right that Sister Melina is the rank that she is, given all she's done for the promotion of our faith. We never stop talking about how prodigious she is. Though, some might consider her sternness a little much at times...

Oh? Perhaps you yourself would like another round of divine intervention to remind you of why that is certainly not the case.

Erm... Do you have any positive updates for us, Father?

No. He's still witless, as you can see. Nothing I've tried works! This leads me to conclude that his condition is beyond curability.

Ack... Ack... Ack...

This is too much. Just what could the cause of this be? If all the others end up like this, it'll spell the end of Acteul.

Bleeeeep!

You sense it too, don't you, Noah?

You haven't lit any incenses here have you, madam?

I haven't, no.

Well, I can smell something sweet. Just faintly.

*sniff* Nope, can't smell anything.

Don't worry. You'd either need training, or the nose of a cat or dog to inadvertently notice this smell. This on top of everything else makes it clear to me what's going on. Prai, can you check his neck? Look for a small emblem.

Yes, Sister.

It'll be faint. Check carefully.

...Gosh! There is an emblem!

What kind of emblem is it?

The kind that the soul-sucking monster known as the Hohle Fels employs to mark its prey. Oh, I mean its victims. No, wait, maybe "food" would be a better description.

Food?! It eats people's souls? That's weird as it is, but why would it need to mark them with a symbol too?

To suck out the life-force they so covet. They draw it out through these emblems. Hohle Fels are parasitic creatures that prey on settlements and villages, stalking the inhabitants after sundown. They drain their souls little by little, night after night, so as not to be discovered. Gone unnoticed and given enough time, they can leave entire communities as nothing but a collection of living husks. It's quite terrible to witness.

Then surely we have to track down the Hohle Fels and kill it?

I concur with your murderous proposition. Imagine if all of Acteul were to become like this, it doesn't bear thinking about.

The Hohle Fels, while problematic, is not a fiend of any great ferocity. It marks only those it deems unthreatening, and keeps its distance from inhabited areas. It will be wary of any unmarked person, and flee if threatened in any way.

How do we catch it then? Could we try trapping it?

There's a more sure-fire way: we fool it into thinking we're not a threat, by pretending to be its prey.

We'd need to be marked with an emblem, wouldn't we?

Obviously I wouldn't ask you to give up any of your life-force. We merely need to look, act, and smell similar to its actual prey.

Okay, let's get to it. What's the first step?

We have to go to Palsifal Palace, to borrow something from their magic supplies store. So we should go to the Magic Classroom and find a teacher who can access it for us.

Good day. We're after supplies. Do you have some Zol Saffrons and Charol Halcyons?

We do indeed! Would you like some?

We would indeed. They're for a monster-purging mission.

Indeed. Just a moment while I get some.

Here you are.

I guess if there's one thing a monster wouldn't expect to be its downfall, it's a flower.

A surprisingly simple solution, isn't it? We simply need to make something similar to the emblem's particular sweet scent. And luckily, we'll be able to make do with these common flowers.

Okay, I can definitely smell it this time. That's one sickly-sweet smell.

Blip-blepple-blep!

Sorry, Noah, this smell must be too strong for your little nose, huh?

That's the first step. Now for the emblem.

That looked painful...

It'll be a shame if the mark doesn't come off completely after, but what can you do.

Uh, are you sure? I don't mind being marked too, if it helps.

No need. With the fragrance being this strong, the Hohle Fels will be totally occupied with me. You need but remain in range, readied for the right moment to strike. We're down to the penultimate step. Let's return to Acteul.

Sister Melina never changes.

You say that like it's a bad thing?

Not for those who benefit from her tireless charity, but for her herself. She sacrifices so much.

That's just her personality I guess. Come to think of it, what brought you and Prai together?

That's just her personality I guess. Hm, how come you know her so well? I thought you were in different sects.

We served on the same mission once, awhile back. A joint operation between my sub-sect, and the one she leads...

I cannot say it is a time in my life I desperately wish to recall. Let us speak no more of it.

...?

Sister Melina is not one to compromise when it comes to duty. She does not shirk even when personally in danger.

I'm sure that's what's gotten her this far. I really admire her.

As do I, in truth. However, our admiration must be converted to deeds. Let us go to her aid.

Yeah, let's go.

This is an appropriate moment for us to part. May the Light support you in your struggles to come. I trust that you will put an end to this pernicious soul-plundering.

Everyone, it's terrible! My husband is acting even stranger than before!

Yo-ho, woah-ho...don't need no soul no mo'♪

Bleep!

Yo-ho, woah-ho...don't need no soul no mo'♪

Yes, you do! Get a hold of yourself!

Dearest! Darling! Please don't throw away your soul so carelessly! Please, stop him! If he shambles off in this state, there's no telling what will happen!

If we try and hold him back, he may well turn on us. The Hohle Fels is gathering its prey for a feast. The others will be on their way too.

They're on the road to Lake Tiilen. Let's get among them and have them guide us to the Hohle Fels.

Your husband's soul won't be getting eaten on my watch, madam, don't worry.

Bleeeeep!

That's a feast it's got lined up all right!

Not another word. It's coming.

It's here! Melina, let's destroy this thing!

I told you Aldo, this fiend is a scaredy-cat. If it gets the slightest whiff of your desire to kill it, it'll be out of here in a flash. You must suppress your aggression, or else all our preparation will have been for naught.

So we just wait?

Wait for my signal.

Hoooooooooargyferrrrgh!

Now!

Yah!

Feeerrrrgh!

Nice one!

Stunning as my technique may be, that was no more than a quick blow. Now it's your turn, Aldo!

May your soul find peace in its next life.

Those blue flames you rain down on the enemy sure do look amazing. How do you control those?

The same way any mage controls their magic. You might forget that I'm fairly physically weak at times, when my magic makes me so imposing.

...Somehow, I'm extra glad I'm not a monster on the receiving end of that hammer of yours...

Bleeep!

What's all this then? I don't remember seeing any tea parties scheduled the last time I checked my diary.

Phew. Looks like everyone has returned to their senses.

Bleep.

Are you implying that our actions were senseless at some point, young sir? Why, we were merely holding a harmless tea party by the lake.

Actually, the only one having a tea party would have been a Hohle Fels. With your souls as the tea. Looks like those soul-draining emblems have gone though, so you can all rest easy.

My soul was about to be made into tea?! Outrageous! Who would have the nerve?!

Your wife was clearly worried you'd never say anything except "ack" again. Please go and put her fears to rest.

I'll be sure to do that. Right after we've finished this tea party.

But you don't have anything to make tea with, right? Come on, let us take you back to Acteul for now.

Oh, dearest darling! Tell me he's back to normal! Is his soul back in his body and everything?

You were waiting here the whole time we were fighting the Hohle Fels?

Where else would I be! I love my dearest darling so much, I couldn't stand to have our reunion delayed by a minute! ...He has stopped it with the "ack" now, right?

Never again. Those days of being slumped in a chair and having strange hallucinations are like a distant dream to me now. Now then, how about we brew up a pot of tea, to calm all our nerves?

It's going to take more than just tea. One doesn't get back up from a drop in soul-energy quite so easily. Return home ASAP, tuck yourself into bed, and remain there until you start to feel better.

Bleep.

Well, if it'll help him get better it's all right, of course.

It ain't just any old hunters who can take down a Hoary Ferf or whatever it was called. Who are you guys?

I was originally working in the church in the West.

I'm a missionary from the West. You can call me Sister Melina.

Oh, you mean like those missionaries I see from time to time.

Oh yes, I've seen some priests in these parts lately. There are quite a few of you preachy folk travelling around, I take it?

Distant though our homeland may be, many of us have braved the journey across the Crimson Vastsea.

We came to spread the values of our faith. Our scriptures teach compassion, so we dedicate ourselves to charitable works. That included fiend-slaying.

We came to spread the values of our faith. Our scriptures teach compassion, so we dedicate ourselves to charitable works. That includes fiend-slaying.

Well, I suppose I can thank the heavens, and whoever dwells within them, that you were around to save us, then!

Precisely. In any case, I'm just glad this incident with the Hohle Fels was resolved before it was too late. Should you notice any further strange occurrences, please do not hesitate to request my aid again.

Will do. Thanks again, lil' lady. The whole town of Acteul owes you their lives.

So this is the sort of thing you do as a missionary? It doesn't seem like an easy job at all. Being forced to leave your homeland as well...

It was my own decision to come here. I find it fulfilling to help people, so I can cope with the hardships.

What prompted you to make the journey over here then?

"The master of man resides not beneath the vast seas, but in the Sea Within."

As I told you before... I'm trying to understand the meaning of the Core Creed, a teaching central to my faith, but its interpretation is shrouded in mystery.

As you have learned, the land from which I came is nothing like here. This place is an oasis by comparison. A utopia. Our society was riddled by violence. The citizens looked to the heavens to deliver them from their lives of misery.

From one fateful day, their prayers were met with silence. Our savior disappeared from existence.

Or so it was written.

That's why I am searching for our savior...

Some tell me my efforts will be in vain; there are radicals who wish to solve the problem of godlessness with unorthodox means.

Our savior is located in "Sea Within..." Not the western continent, but on this central continent...

If anyone can find him, it's you. Keep at it.

So this is the sort of thing you do as a missionary? It doesn't seem like an easy job at all. Being forced to leave your homeland as well...

It was my own decision to come here. I find it fulfilling to help people, so I can cope with the hardships.

What prompted you to make the journey over here then?

"The master of man resides not beneath the vast seas, but in the Sea Within."

As I told you before... I'm trying to understand the meaning of the Core Creed, a teaching central to my faith, but its interpretation is shrouded in mystery.

The land from which I came is nothing like here. This place is an oasis by comparison. A utopia. Our society was riddled by violence. The citizens looked to the heavens to deliver them from their lives of misery.

From one fateful day, their prayers were met with silence. Our savior disappeared from existence.

Or so it was written.

That's why I am searching for our savior...

Some tell me my efforts will be in vain; there are radicals who wish to solve the problem of godlessness with unorthodox means.

Our savior is located in "Sea Within..." Not the western continent, but on this central continent...

If anyone can find him, it's you. Keep at it.

So this is the sort of thing you do as a missionary? It doesn't seem like an easy job at all. Being forced to leave your homeland as well...

It was my own decision to come here. I find it fulfilling to help people, so I can cope with the hardships.

What prompted you to make the journey over here then?

"The master of man resides not beneath the vast seas, but in the Sea Within."

I'm trying to understand the meaning of the Core Creed, a teaching central to my faith, but its interpretation is shrouded in mystery.

The land from which I came is nothing like here. This place is an oasis by comparison. A utopia. Our society was riddled by violence. The citizens looked to the heavens to deliver them from their lives of misery.

From one fateful day, their prayers were met with silence. Our savior disappeared from existence. Or so it was written.

......

But I'm convinced our savior couldn't have just vanished. So I'm searching... Some tell me my efforts will be in vain; there are radicals who wish to solve the problem of godlessness with unorthodox means.

One interpretation of the creed is that it's literally directing us to the physical location of our savior: the "Sea Within."

So it's a case of working out where that refers to. The "vast sea" mentioned is clearly the Crimson Vastsea to the east. So it's logical to think this continent, abundant with spiritual energy, might be the "Sea Within."

So you think your savior might be somewhere on this continent?

If anyone can find him, it's you. Keep at it.

Like always, everyone still relies on Melina.

So this is what you do, Melina...

It doesn't seem like an easy job at all. Being forced to leave your homeland as well...

It doesn't seem like an easy job at all. Being forced to leave your homeland as well...

It was my own decision to come here. I find it fulfilling to help people, so I can cope with the hardships.

What prompted you to make the journey over here then?

"The master of man resides not beneath the vast seas, but in the Sea Within." I told you this before. It's a passage from the church's scripture.

Follow the truth of this passage... Someone once told me this.

As you have learned, the land from which I came is nothing like here. This place is an oasis by comparison. A utopia. Our society was riddled by violence. The citizens looked to the heavens to deliver them from their lives of misery. And so, in search of our god, who disappeared long ago, I arrived here.

Our savior is located in the "Sea Within..." Not the western continent, but on this central continent... That's what I believed.

......

But now that the blessing have returned to the West, my role has changed. I must continue my search... What else can I do for the world?

You'll be fine, Melina. You've worked so hard to make it this far.

Well, I'm doing my best. There's nothing special about me really though.

Isn't there?

Never mind.

Somewhere there'll be someone in need. We should see to it that they're not neglected for want of industriousness on our part.

Bleep.