Defender of the Future!

Excuse me, but aren't you the mercenary, Bertrand...

I am Bertrand, who's asking?

I am the emissary of a certain individual who has a request to make of you...

But we are too conspicuous here... I will await you on the Serena Coast.

Do you think this is another request from that anonymous sender?

That thrice-damned Lakhesis... There's no reason for him to use such roundabout methods anymore.

Something tells me that things are going to be different this time, though.

He wouldn't be hiding his face, if he was just bringing a request from Lakhesis.

Well, there might be an explanation. Let's go to Serena Coast and see.

You came! Thank you.

I used to conduct research into magic at Miglance Castle. I am sorry but I cannot show you my face.

Well, it looks like you have your reasons. Did Lakhesis send you to deliver yet another request?

Lakhesis send me?

No, Lakhesis told me about you and your special skillset... But I am the originator of the requests.

You are?

My position is a little...delicate at present. But Lakhesis kindly listened to my problems.

I don't get it. I'm not normally one to pry, but I need to know the context for these requests.

With the knowledge and support of the Castle, I was researching a certain technology...

When, one day, my research papers - all of my findings - were stolen!

And you want me to get them back? Surely the Order would be better and quicker than me at that?

The thief was the same functionary who approved the funding for my research.

Now that I think about it, this was probably his plan from the outset. He has twisted the truth and has said that he took it to prevent me selling it to a foreign power.

I see, so you are the one who is being pursued.

Yes. I went into hiding, and waited for an opportunity to meet with Lakhesis. Then...

So Lakhesis told you to see me. Being Knight Commander comes with its share of restrictions. He probably thought he couldn't act openly.

But...you haven't done anything wrong, have you?

Of course not. I have staked everything on this research. And that man stole it!

That research is my child! The child of my inspiration and perspiration. That wretch will not have it! But he has already fled Unigan, and I do not know how...

I will accept your request.

You will?! I am so grateful!

You got any idea where this thief might have fled to?

I believe he really does intend to sell my research abroad. And then point the finger of blame at me, so that I have to flee.

Abroad? If he intends to board a ship, then he'll have to go to Rinde.

Okay, let's head there and see if we can't track his movements.

There doesn't appear to be anyone matching his description in town.

And asking around didn't get us many leads either...

He's probably already taken a ship. We'll have to follow him.

Hey! You over there!

There's a kingdom-wide alert out for a wanted criminal. Are you travelers?

Yes, we are...

And you, at the back there! What are you covering your face for?

U-Uh, he's a bit shy...

Shy? This stinks! Hurry up, show us your face!

Bertrand, do something, please!

Bertrand? Wait, look at that cape...

Are you the real Bertrand, the mercenary captain?

Please, forgive our impertinence! We will look elsewhere!

Are we safe now, do you think?

I was right to put my trust in you, Bertrand!

I'd never set much store by the tales of my heroism. Seems they're good for something, after all!

So what do we do? We've got to know where we're going before we board a ship.

He did talk about his hometown, just the once, in passing. If he was telling the truth, going through the Rucyana Sands should be a shortcut to his homeland.

The Rucyana Sands, huh?

A desert, is it? We might be able to get there, if we ask the Synth Hydra.

Well, if we don't get there, this quest is gonna come to an abrupt end.

Okay, then let's go to the Rucyana Sands!

There! That person there!

Pursuers?! Wait, is that...?

Haha! I didn't expect to be caught up with quite so soon. But I'm even more surprised to see you here!

I'll have it back from you now! Give me my research!

Fool, did you think I wouldn't be prepared for this? I have already finished your work.

Come forth, mighty Golem!

Wait, that golem is your research?

Yes! Yes, it is! I've poured my very lifeblood into the study of this ancient magic!

I doubt this'll work, but it can't hurt to try: Can we have our Golem back?

I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer. Golem, ready for battle!

Golem, stop, I command you!

Fool. The golem responds only to my commands now!

Ha, defense? Not going to attack, then?

My job is to get the golem back. Destroying it was not part of the bargain.

Wait, stop! Please no more! The golem was never intended for this purpose!

I thought you were mad when I heard you were researching ancient magicks just for the purpose of rebuilding the Castle. But I made a good choice with golem. It is the perfect tool for destruction and war!

No! This golem was just meant to assist with heavy-lifting and construction! It's purpose was to help build a nation, not destroy it!

What a load of fanciful idealism. It's about time someone brought you back to reality!

But I, this just isn't right! At this rate, she'll never see the future that she had envisioned!

Personal element? Care to explain?

I once snuck into the Castle when I was much younger. And on my adventures inside, I ran into the Princess. She was just so innocent, and naive. I knew that her reign would, one day, create the ideal kingdom. All I want to do is help her achieve that.

......

Again with this idealistic pipe dream? You have the right sentiment, but I'm afraid it would never last.

But it would. All I want is for everyone living in this land to be happy!

It'd be too late to want to protect the land once it's become perfect, we have to start now!

Yes, very good. If there ever is such a time, you have my unwavering lance.

I saw the twinkle in her eyes, and it spurred me to do whatever I could to make her ideal into a reality!

I'm getting rather tired of all this nonsense. Golem you're up! Go for that prattling daydreamer in the hood first!

Looks like there finally something for my unwavering lance to protect.

Bertrand, just do it. Destroy my golem, please.

Are you sure? You worked so hard giving it life.

Yes. All that golem represents now is destruction. I can't have anything threatening the Princess' ideal.

If you say so. Aldo, looks like we have a new request. Time to destroy a golem!

Right beside you!

Wh-Wha-What are you people?! Fine, fine! I won't meddle in this country's affairs anymore! Just, just let me go, okay?

A man as cowardly as he was devious.

But what are you going to do now that the golem is destroyed?

It's fine. I still have the papers from my research, I can just build another one.

Oh, but I'm a wanted criminal now. I should probably be more concerned whether I can get back into town safely. My research will have to wait.

Don't worry about the false accusations, kid. We'll testify to your innocence.

Really! You'd do that for me? But you've already helped me with so much.

I want you to bring this country to the greatness it deserves. This is something only you, and your generation can do. I'm already stuck in my ways, kid. The best that I can do is protect what's already there.

I'll do it! You have my word!

Okay, if that's all sorted, let's get back to Unigan. It's probably best we prove your innocence sooner rather than later.

Well I'll be. I never would expected that official to have been behind all this. I reckon he must have snuck into this land some time ago and was just biding his time.

Don't worry about you're friend here, I'll make sure his face is taken of the wanted list for good.

Well that's the end of that.

Bertrand, Aldo, I can't thank you two enough. I promise I'll make the best golem you've ever seen and help bring this land to its full potential.

I'll look forward to that day, kid.

It's time for us to get going.

You're not going to go see Lakhesis?

I don't think that'll be necessary. As a mercenary, I am sure to cross paths with him again, somewhere.

So you're not thinking of joining the Order again then?

I doubt it. I can protect what's precious to me whether I'm part of the Order or not.

Makes sense. You know, you've changed since I met you. How to put it, it's like a demon's been exorcised from you...

I don't know exactly what it is, but, yes, I've felt it within myself, too. People like us will have our futures shaped by those two. And I predict we will meet again sooner than later.

And that oh-so fragile future she intends on building... That which is most precious, will be brought to reality not just by her toil, nor by ours, but by everybody in this land.