Collecting Collaborators

I see the village hasn't changed one bit.

So, I take it this isn't your first time visiting Baruoki?

I've been here many times before. Just not the one on...this side.

What do you mean by "this side"?

Oh I get it, you mean the Baruoki from the parallel time layer. What's it like over there?

My words wouldn't do it justice. You really need to see it for yourself.

Putting it like that makes me want to see it even more.

This side? What's that supposed to mean?

In time, you too will understand.

...?

Hm? Look over there, Aldo.

Over there...?

Zeviro, is that what I think it is?

It's a soul that wanders the present world. This one looks like it was a beast that passed away recently.

That's the soul of a beast?

But why can I see a soul?!

Well, you see...

Probably because you're with a Purgatorian. We are the ones who wield scythes of Purgatory.

You mean the same kind of scythe Ilulu uses. So, that's why I can see them too.

Oh? So you've met one of the others like me already.

A Purgatorian... Zeviro is also one of them, right?

What do you mean by you too?

Well, one thing led to another and... I got helped out by this scythe user in Purgatory.

You've caught my interest. Give me the details later.

Haha... You got it.

A Purgatorian?

We are the ones tasked with finding wandering souls and guiding them to their proper place.

Umm... Sorry. I didn't understand a word of that.

To put it simply, we reincarnate souls. It's our job to see that they are reborn.

So that's what you meant.

Hah, that makes sense.

If you want to know more, ask Dunarith. Let him put something on your tab and he'll gladly tell you everything.

...Just one something, I hope.

So I suppose you'll be wanting to reincarnate that soul, too?

No, not really.

What?! But isn't this part of your job?

It's a matter of efficiency. Like I'd ever waste my time and energy on a single soul.

Efficiency? That's your reason?

Ah! It's gone...

But you're really okay just letting it go?

If a soul harbors strong, negative emotions, it may reincarnate into a monster...

Did you say a monster?!

But there's nothing to worry about. I didn't sense any of that in the soul we just saw.

That's not right, Zeviro. I think we should go after it. I don't feel comfortable with the idea of just leaving it to its lonesome.

As I said this is an inefficient use of my time.

But it sounds like trying to change your mind will be harder work than simply doing the job.

Ugh... Fine. We have to catch up with him first, so let's get going.

Thanks, Zeviro!

The soul we saw earlier appeared to be heading to Karek Swampland. Shall we go?

There it is! The soul from earlier!

Hold on, Aldo. Someone beat us to the punch.

Who?

Lucky I found a beast soul here of all places.

It must be my day. I've yet to reap anything, so I'll take what I can get.

There, there. Just relax. This will be over before you know it.

He's got a scythe of Purgatory like you, Zeviro.

Look!

Huh? You know him?

Uh, not really. He's more of...an acquaintance.

You're not making much sense. Forget I asked.

But he appears to have reincarnated that soul for us.

It sure looks like that way. I guess that's that.

Yeah, this case is officially closed...

Or at least... I wish I could say it was...

Huh? Zeviro?

Ho humm... A single soul is a pretty meek harvest, but I think it's time to call it a day.

He seems satisfied with only reincarnating a single soul.

This guy doesn't seem to understand his job.

Wh-What is it? By the looks of it, you're one of us, but I'm not looking for a fight, so could you please step aside?

I'm not here to pick a fight.

I saw how inefficiently you were gathering souls, and felt I had to say something.

What the heck? You seriously think that?

Hold on a second! What happened just now? Why so angry all of a sudden?

A human... Though this one looks like he understands what is going on.

A human...

Huh... Hold on. Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

What? Me? Umm, I don't think we've ever met before.

I see... If you say so...

But it seems that you're friends. Hurry up and do something about him.

Do something, he says...

Sorry for flying off the handle like that, Aldo.

It's just for some reason, the very sight of him made my skin crawl...

Skin crawl? What a rude thing to say...

But it's fine. I get it. You're one of those, aren't you?

One of those what?

You want to be reborn yourself, don't you? Isn't that why you said the horrible things you said?

Reborn? What do you mean?

A human like you doesn't need to know this... But I guess I'll tell you anyway. Purgatorians don't simply reincarnate souls because it's their job to do so.

Is that right?

We accumulate a bit of power with each and every soul we reincarnate. When that power reaches a certain level, we gain the ability to be reborn. In a way, it resembles your human concepts of "growth" and "lifespan."

So that's why he's so obsessed with efficiency...

But it's not like all of us are seeking to be reborn, you know.

Huh? Hold on. Seeking to be reborn... Are you by chance implying that you're no different from the souls that you're tasked with reincarnating?

Yes, that's right. Just like the souls, we've already died once and...

That's irrelevant to the situation at hand.

Uh...

Hmm. Looks like you're not one to talk about the past, either. Well, it's not as though I don't know what it's like to want to be reborn.

So, you wanted to be reborn. It sure doesn't seem that way by the looks of it.

You... What's with the comments?

Ugh... I'm telling you. Stop fighting already.

I've had a collaborator all along, and if you ask me, we've collected more efficiently than most.

Huh... A collaborator, you say? I'd be thrilled to meet them.

Not a problem. My collaborator is heading this way as we speak, so I'd be more than happy to oblige.

Sorry, Aldo. But do you mind hanging around with me for a while?

No, not a problem.

So it's settled, then. We can all meet on the Serena Coast.

Unless my intuition is failing me, it should be right around here.

Oh, there they are. They're both here.

I thought I felt a sense of despair in the air...

What a stroke of luck is this? You paying me a visit without having any business here.

So your collaborator is a beast.

Oh? It's rare to see one of us paired up with a human.

Dunarith! When I heard about a collaborator, I had a feeling it might be you.

Hey, Aldo. Looks like you've crossed paths with a whole lot of trouble.

Huh? Your collaborator is Dunarith?

I'm sorry, have we met before? I don't seem to recall your face.

Huh?! Oh...sorry. Do I have the wrong person? (It's true, he has horns... He doesn't look much like the Dunarith I know, actually.)

Huh? Your collaborator is Dunarith?

I'm sorry, have we met before? I don't seem to recall your face.

Huh?! S-sorry. You just remind me of a friend. (Whoops, that was close. It's this time layer's Dunarith!)

There's nothing in the contract that says I can't come here when we're not working, is there?

No, but I rather we meet as little as possible when we're not.

Urgh, that was harsh.

Your so-called collaborator is pretty nasty to you.

I agree. Are you sure you're not completely despised by him?

Grrr... Quiet, you. When it comes to work, he never lets me down.

I appreciate it, but whether you can consider me a collaborator or not is another matter.

Which means?

......

Anyway, there's little doubt you have a discerning eye when it comes to people.

Huh?

I never would have thought Dunarith to be the collaborator.

Huh? By the sound of it, this isn't the first you've heard of Dunarith.

That's strange. I don't think we've met before.

We certainly have not. But I know you well enough to know that you're extremely good at what you do.

It feels strange being so highly regarded by someone who barely knows me.

Well... Anyway, I've proven my point, haven't I? My way of doing things is far from inefficient.

Forceful, much?!

You have forced me to reevaluate my opinion of you.

Only reevaluate? I was hoping you'd apologize for what you said about...

Anyway, could you introduce me to your other collaborators?

Huh? Umm... Dunarith is the only collaborator I have.

Ugh... Looks like I need to retract that reevaluation.

Huh?! But why?!

Even if you have a collaborator, it doesn't say much about you. If you're good at gathering souls, you should have dozens of collaborators.

Truth be told, I was collecting souls with over a hundred collaborators.

A hundred? That's incredible...

No way... You're exaggerating.

Whether or not you believe me is up to you.

Ngh! Cut out the high and mighty attitude!

It's rare to see this, actually.

Seeing Zeviro get wound up like that... It's kind of interesting.

Huh? What was that just now?

Did you just call that man Zeviro?

What's wrong? Is it something I said?

Well, uh...

So, that's it. That's why the simple sight of him annoys me so much.

What's going on here? Why does he have the same name as you, Zeviro?

It's simple, really. He's the me from this time layer.

Huh?! But you don't look anything alike!

The difference in appearance is because I've reincarnated more souls than he has. I've grown physically...

Tch... And to think that I didn't realize it earlier....

So, that's why your names are the same...

Long story short, he's basically me in the past.

Wh-What?!

The difference in appearance is because I've reincarnated more souls than he has. I've grown physically.

Tch... And to think that I didn't realize it earlier....

So, that's why your names are the same...

What's wrong? Why are you talking amongst yourselves?

Umm, sorry. It's just that your name is similar to that of someone we know.

Hmm... Well, if you say so...

But anyway... The circumstances have changed.

Huh? What do you mean by that?

I've decided that I'm going to teach you how I managed to gather together so many collaborators.

Whaaa?! Where did that come from?!

And we REALLY need to start with that low awareness of yours.

I won't be able to live with myself if I don't.

What the heck do you mean by that?

Hahaha. Sounds good to me. And interesting, too.

Dunarith... You must be enjoying this, because it has nothing to do with you.

I won't take "no" for an answer. And I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing for you.

You can use what you learn to increase the number of collaborators you work with from here on out.

Ugh, fine. I'll let you teach me if you're that adamant about it.

Then it's settled.

Well then, I'd appreciate it if you could be on your way.

Sure, no problem. Take good care of him.

Well, I'll stick with him until our contract ends.

See you, Aldo. Call whenever you need me.

Sure... I will. Umm, sorry about this, Dunarith...

Well, I think it'll be tough, but best of luck to you.

Sure... I will. Umm, sorry about this...

So, shall we start by looking for collaborators around here? There are four things you need to know. I will cover them thoroughly.

Er... This is bad, gra-wuh...

What's troubling you? Mind talking about it?

Look at that, gra-wuh.

That's one of the monsters that inhabits this area.

It's infringing on goblin territory, gra-wuh!

I see. So it's a territorial dispute...

If I can solve this problem, I'd like to ask you a favor, but what do you think?

I'll do anything if you can get rid of it, gra-wuh!

It's settled, then.

Okay, so how would you solve this problem?

Huh? How, you ask? Killing it is the only option, right?

Normally, you'd think that to be the case. But that's an inefficient means to an end.

The monster will be onto us for sure if we go that way!

No, it's fine.

Okay, Aldo. Ready your weapon.

What?! We're gonna fight?

You sounded so clever earlier, but in the end, we're just gonna kill it, aren't we?

No, we just want to draw its attention to us. Can you do that, Aldo?

Draw its attention? I'm on it!

Then let's do this!

Gra-wuh-wuh-wuh... It's really angry, gra-wuh!

What do we do now?!

All right. Let's withdraw.

Withdraw?!

What the heck are you thinking?!

Doesn't matter. Let's go.

All right... Right around here.

Grah-wuh-wuh-wuh! It's no use, gra-wuh!

No, this ends here.

Look!

They're fighting... Was this your intent all along?

That's right. Many different monsters roam this area. Isn't having them fight each other far more efficient?

Gra-wuh! Whoa, gra-wuh! Those foul monsters are really going at it, gra-wuh!

All right, then, problem solved. How about that favor?

Gra-wuh! I can't believe they took each other out, gra-wuh! Beast friend! I'll have your back forever, gra-wuh!

He's taking a liking to you...

This is the first knowledge to be imparted.

This is the first knowledge to be imparted.

This is the second knowledge to be imparted.

This is the third knowledge to be imparted.

Get the best result without dirtying your own hands whenever possible... That's one efficient way to get collaborators.

Hmm... I see.

So, Goblin. As we agreed, we would like you to hear our request now.

First, I'd like you to take this. It's proof that you're our collaborator. I'll explain in more detail later, so please wait for us near Rinde for the time being.

Got it, gra-wuh! And I'll gladly take this pretty jewel off your hands, gra-wuh!

All right, let's get back to looking for collaborators.

I give up...

Something bothering you? Mind filling us in?

Well, I'm just a simple peddler, but...

Aren't you a beast?! D-Don't kill me! Please!

Relax. We have no intention of harming you. We want to help people, not hurt them.

H-Help them? A strange beast, you are...

But, at this point, even a beast's help would be welcome...

Well? Will you talk to us?

The truth is that I sell Mitarashi Dango near here. But recently, I've had trouble with this samurai girl who's been ordering a ton of them.

A samurai girl. No... It couldn't be, could it?

So there's a girl that orders that much, huh.

Aren't more orders a good thing?

The problem is the volume she buys! She buys so many that I'm at risk of running out of the mitarashi sauce I use to make them.

The sauce is an Eastern specialty, so it's really hard to get!

You can't do business without ingredients... It's a dire situation.

Okay, so how would you solve this problem?

Travel to the East, get what I need, and bring it back?

That would solve all of my troubles!

He's not wrong. But in this case...

Would you mind letting me try one of your Mitarashi Dango?

Huh? A dango?

I know you're worried about supply, but don't worry. We'll solve this problem in no time.

Well... I'm at a loss at this point, so I suppose I'll leave it up to you.

Thanks. Then let's get to it.

That monster is the key to solving the problem this time around.

How in the world can a monster be the key to solving...well...anything?

The Mitarashi Dango we received earlier...

We're going to make it eat it.

Whaaa?! But why?!

This should do it.

Huh? It's moving slower?

I think the time is right. Try some of that gentia honey, Aldo.

Huh? Are you sure it's okay?

Whaaa?! This is great! This fragrant honey has a sweet saltiness to it!

Wh-What?! Could it be...?

No doubt about it! This is mitarashi!

Huh? How could that be?

This monster makes its honey taste like flavors it's become fond of and habitually accumulates it.

The amount you'll be able to get from this should be enough, right?

Should be enough?! If only I'd known, I could've gotten this much sooner!

Glad to hear it.

As I mentioned before, will you listen to what we want in return for what we've just done?

Sure! I'm happy to help in any way I can!

Then it's settled. I'll explain in more detail later, so please wait for us near Rinde.

And take this jewel, too. It's proof that we're collaborators.

Oh... It's so pretty. I'm honored to receive it.

This is the second knowledge to be imparted.

This is the first knowledge to be imparted.

This is the second knowledge to be imparted.

This is the third knowledge to be imparted.

When asked for 1, give them 100 in return. It's the shortcut to earning unyielding trust.

Hmm... I see.

All right, let's get back to looking for collaborators.

Ugh... I don't know. Is the time right?

Something seems to be bothering you. Want to get it off your chest?

Do I seem bothered?

I love to stay active, but lately, likely on account of my age and all, my joints have been killing me. I wish I could move like before.

Basically, you want to be young again.

Okay, so how would you solve this problem?

I mean, it's impossible, right? We don't have the power to make people young again.

You're absolutely right. But where there's a will, there's a way.

Huh? There is?

Listen. Leave this to me. I can definitely give you the energy you had back when you were younger.

Hohoho... I can hardly wait.

Okay. I need to prepare, so please await my return.

Watch over her while I'm gone, Aldo.

Sure. No problem.

Apologies for the wait. Preparations are now complete.

Oh, welcome back. So what are you gonna do?

There you are, you filthy beast!

Unigan soldiers?!

Eeeeeeek! What's the meaning of this?

You're the beast that's been running amok around here, aren't you?!

This must be a huge misunderstanding! Zeviro! What did you say to them?!

I have nothing to do with this!

Ah, no, I wasn't talking to you...

All right, lady. It's your turn. Assume your combat form. It's the only way you'll survive.

You can't be serious! You want her to fight?!

H-H-Heeeeeelp meeeeee!

Help? I've got none to give. And that's because...

I'm a Purgatorian. I harvest the souls of the dead. If you die, I'll harvest your soul. There's no salvation from that.

The choice is yours. You can die by a soldier's lance... Or refuse that fate and resist.

R-Resist...fate... Fight...and survive... I... I...

What are you saying?! Don't do anything stupid!

Ah... Ahhhh! I don't want to die yet!

Whoa, what's going on here?!

Wh-What?!

Wohhhhh! I feel power welling up inside of me!

Ngh... It's no use! Let's withdraw for now!

All right. Mission accomplished.

But that was sooo strange! What the heck happened?!

Her survival instinct was stimulated, reviving her weakened beast powers.

Kind of...excessive... Don't you think?

Phew! That transformation really brought the best out of me!

So you feel young again?!

I'll never be surprised again after that...

But what if she wasn't able to awaken? What would you have done then?

I did have a measure in mind, but...

Knowledge No. 3. Opportunities are always rolling down steep roads... Sometimes you have to be prepared for danger if you're to achieve great results.

Knowledge No. 1. Opportunities are always rolling down steep roads... Sometimes you have to be prepared for danger if you're to achieve great results.

Knowledge No. 2. Opportunities are always rolling down steep roads... Sometimes you have to be prepared for danger if you're to achieve great results.

Knowledge No. 3. Opportunities are always rolling down steep roads... Sometimes you have to be prepared for danger if you're to achieve great results.

Ugh... That's knowledge I could do without...

Thank you so much. Thanks to you, I can move my body like I could before.

Lady... Or should I say, young lady? I have a favor to ask... I was wondering if you'd use your new-found powers to help us out.

Sure! I'd be happy to help! I really owe you one!

Then it's settled. I'll explain in more detail later, so wait for us near Rinde.

And take this, too. It's proof that we're collaborators.

Oh... Such a lovely jewel. I'm honored to receive it.

All right, let's get back to looking for collaborators.

Well, what do you think? About my knowledge, that is...

Your methods are reckless, but they're definitely effective.

With reckless methods like that, I can see how you were able to get over 100 collaborators.

That's good enough for me. It makes imparting this knowledge worth my while.

To be frank, I'm not sure I want to follow your lead though.

Oh, I almost forgot. I'm leaving this collaborator and all of the others to you.

Huh? Are you sure? But you worked so hard to earn their trust...

I... I don't need them right now.

So you've got enough already? Well, in that case, I'll gladly take them.

Well then, I should probably introduce you to them.

Let's head to the rendezvous point.

At a glance, we got a human, a beast, and a monster...

Great, this should lead to more connections and help me collect more souls than ever before.

Yeah. I think they'll all make great collaborators.

Listen up, everyone. From now on, I want you to help him out with his work.

That's fine by me, but what exactly do you want us to do for him?

So, it's like this...

You're going to help collect the souls that wander the world.

Gra-wuht?! You want us to collect the souls of the dead, gra-wuh?!

N-No way... That's...horrifying...

Hmm. It looks like they're having serious doubts about this...

But we can't even see them! How are we supposed to collect them?!

Oh, I'm confident you can already see them. Go ahead. Look around you.

Around us?

Gra-wuh?! That's...

Eeeeeeeeek?! Is this a soul?!

Those jewels I gave you aren't just ordinary jewels. They're special jewels that allow you to see the souls that wander this world.

Being able to see souls... There's nothing special about that!

Yeah, gra-wuh! This is an accursed jewel, gra-wuh!

I didn't sign up for this! I'm sorry to say this, but you can count me out! Collecting the souls of the dead! Never in a million years could I do such a thing!

I'm out, too, gra-wuh!

I know I owe you one, but there's a limit to what one can do!

Huh?! Whaaa?! What are we gonna do?!

All of my collaborators abandoned me?!

......

Nah, it's fine. I thought this might happen.

You're not bluffing, are you? You really knew this was going to happen?

I told you, didn't I? Four pieces of knowledge. And this... is the very last one of them...

Relationships of mutual trust can easily be broken by the slightest bit of antipathy.

No! I mean, we can't just give up on collaborators we worked so hard to get, can we?!

No... These failures were necessary. You can't normally find people who will help you collect souls so easily.

That certainly makes sense...

I had my fair share of failures early on, too.

Ugh... Seriously? Like that makes me feel any better... I've had it... No need to bother with me any longer. I'll be on my way now.

Oh, he's gone... You okay with that, Zeviro?

No matter how he feels, I've already taught him everything he needs to know. What he chooses to do with that knowledge is entirely up to him.

Though I wish that he'd use it to come up to my level...

Haha... I wonder if he will...