The Wilds of Sarupa

......

What exactly is hunting to you?

Ya just look bored. So I just was wonderin'... What does hunting mean to you?

Why...do I hunt?

Maybe if I meet him again, I might finally find my answer.

What's wrong? You're going to give yourself wrinkles always scowling like that.

Wryz... Aldo...

I can't imagine you'd ask me to come out here for nothin'. So what is it?

Can't imagine you want my help. Right? That can't be it.

Given how you clean up everything on your own the rest of the time.

Well, if you're still spittin' out dubious proverbs then you must be fine.

So? What do you want?

There's something I need to tell you, Wryz, as our leader.

Then quit beatin' around the bush and say it.

...Very well.

I'm returning to the mainland for a while.

Huh? Just like that?

You better not be plannin' to turn tail and run after everythin' that's happened.

Of course not. It's just that there's an important hunt I must undertake. I'll return as soon as the deed is done.

It'll also allow me to bring back much needed supplies and manpower from the mainland. Arcadia will be stronger for it.

Hmm, I can't deny the need for fresh supplies...

Fine. I'll allow it. But only if you take me with you.

This is my responsibility. I won't drag anyone else into it.

Well helping my subordinates is MY responsibility. You aren't draggin' me into anything.

I'd imagine you feel the same, Aldo?

Of course. If there's anything I can do to help, then count me in.

Flaudia never hesitated to help a member in need, so neither will I.

......

And it's not like I haven't asked plenty of you in return. You're puttin' your life on the line for my operation.

I'd say I owe you far more than a single favor.

So there it is. You wanna go, then you're takin' me with you. What's it gonna be?

...Alright. I can't deny that your lance would lend strength to my cause.

Good. Now tell us more about the mark. Must be pretty tough if it's got you lookin' like this.

Aye. It's unlike anything I've hunted before.

How strong we talkin'? Worse than the dragons of Wyrmrest?

...We're hunting a man.

What?

I've been trying to track them down for some time now.

And you're plannin' to kill this person?!

Of course not. What kind of man do you take me for? I merely have something I want to return to them.

Oh! The bracer we found back then, yeah.

Then can you just say THAT next time please?! You almost gave me a heart attack!

We're tracking down a target whose location is unknown to us. What would you have me call that, if not a hunt?

I have no clues as to the man's whereabouts, This is a journey without a destination. That's why I didn't want to force anyone else to come with me.

You're not forcin' anyone, okay?

Very well. I plan to begin my journey in Sarupa.

Sarupa, huh? Never been there. You know the way?

It's an island village on the eastern side of the continent surrounded by vibrant grasslands.

An island to the east huh? Come to think of it there's an island around there in my own era, too, but it's a desert.

We can probably learn more about it in Zarbo. Let's head over on the Synth Hydra.

Sounds good to me. I'm ready when you are.

Then let's be off. We shouldn't waste any more time.

Travelin' is so easy with you around, Aldo!

It'd normally take a long and arduous journey across the sea for us to get here.

Oh yeah, you get seasick easily, don't you, Wryz?

Hey! Where are YOU going? Were you plannin' to just leave us here?

My apologies, it's just that I remembered something. Retracing our steps that day might offer some clues.

What day? You haven't even told us who we're looking for yet.

I told you once before that I traveled with another hunter in the past, did I not? That's who we're searching for. Take a look at this.

This is the lost bracer? Pretty odd design...

Aye. It's a rare type of hunting bracer from our era, and yet I found it in Aldo's.

At first, I thought the techniques for making them had been passed down through the ages, but it's starting to look like that's not the case.

Take a closer look at it. See that scratch?

Yeah. I see it.

Well, I was there when it happened.

Meaning?

We'll talk more after making camp.

Wait! Where are you going?

To hunt. I've buried my father. There's nothing left for me here.

How can you be so okay with all of this?! Your father is dead! Don't you feel anything?!

My father may be dead, but his work remains unfinished. Sarupa continues to suffer every day that beast is left to roam free. Someone has to take it down, and right now I'm the only one skilled enough to do it.

Don't you feel anything? It's like you don't even care...

I don't need feelings.

This is the place.

Well, well. We meet again.

You...

Yer the kid from before... Don't tell me ya went and took on that request yerself.

So what if I did?

I knew it! Well that's fine by me. Good to have ya on board, kid.

I don't need your help.

Well, I'm afraid yer stuck with me, 'cause our guest has already arrived.

Then I'll make this quick.

Yer pretty stubborn, ya know that?

Well, I guess we can consider this a little test of yer resolve, then.

......

Just one more hit...

Wha, ?!

Oi! Watch yerself!

That's not like ya, kid. You alright?

Your bracer...it's...

Oh this? Must've happened just now.

It went right through... You're wounded.

What, this? It's just a flesh wound. It'll heal.

If you've got time to worry about me, then you've got time to worry about yerself. Be more careful next time.

I don't need you to tell me that.

Phew... We got it done.

......

But yer moves are nothing like before. What happened?

It doesn't concern you.

Heh. Well, at least that stubborn streak didn't change.

Days like today happen. As long as ya can learn to take it all in stride, it's not a problem. You're still young after all. You've got plenty of time to find your path.

"Find your path..." That's how he put it back then.

In any case it was a pleasure fightin' alongside ya one last time. Have a good life, kid. Don't get yerself killed before you've had a chance to live it.

......

So that's the story...

"Why do you hunt?" His question caught me completely off guard back then.

It's been many years, and I've come a long way in escaping the dark cloud that hung over me. But despite that...his question still weighs heavily on my mind. I felt like meeting him one more time might help me finally find the answer.

I figured there had to be more to this than returnin' some lost property. Looks like even a cold calculatin' guy like you worries sometimes.

I haven't seen him again since we parted ways in Sarupa. There were even rumors that he went missing. That's why we're starting our search here.

I-It's you!

You're practically a hero around these parts after all you did for us! If we'd known you were coming, we would have prepared a feast!

There's really no need. You don't have to go out of your way for me.

I would like to ask you something, though. Back then I was traveling with another hunter, The rough looking sort. I was hoping to find information about his whereabouts.

Aye, I remember him. But we haven't seen heads or tails of him since back then.

I see...

He did stick around the village a little longer than you, though.

He was moaning about how much better the tavern was in Acteul. Said where there's clean water there's clean eating.

I took a bit of offense to that, I'll have you know. Our water's every bit as clean as the next village, and the trees keep our air fresher still!

I'm guessing that's not the kind of information you came here looking for, though.

To the contrary, you've actually been quite helpful.

That so? Well I'm glad to be of service.

Send us a word next time you're in the area. We'll throw you a feast that'll put Acteul's finest cooks to shame.

The Acteul tavern, huh?

Wouldn't hurt to check it out.

"The vermeralds shine brighter amongst the wastes." Sometimes the best clues are where you least expect them.

Acteul it is then.

The Acteul tavern. This place really takes me back.

How so?

Me and Cerius have been here before.

Before we came to Arcadia.

Oh yeah? I didn't realize you'd known each other for so long.

We didn't know each other so much as we were two people who just happened to be headed in the same direction.

We were both looking for a way onto Wyrmrest Isle.

Yep. We both went to the tavern to gather information, and that's when...

Heheh...hahahah!

What's so funny, Wryz?

Ahahah! Sorry! Just thinkin' about something that happened back then.

See, as soon as we get in the tavern this haughty bastard sittin' at the bar says, "You want info, then defeat me in chili oil chuggin' contest." Like, who challenges a girl they've never met to such an idiotic game?! Must've thought the two of us looked like a couple of pushovers.

Then without a word, Cerius here just grabs the bottle off the counter and downs it in one go like it's a frickin' glass of water. The poor sod that challenged us was frothin' at the mouth by the time that contest was over, believe you me.

I was merely engaging in standard negotiation practices.

Negotiation?! It's masochism is what it is! But thanks to that we got all the info we needed on Wyrmrest Isle, and we even met Flaudia.

I guess that iron stomach of yours has its uses every now and then.

That was actually my first time trying chili oil.

What?! What kinda rock were you livin' under?!

It's true. But thanks to that I learned that having a strong stomach is a useful trait for one who walks the path of the hunter.

I feel like we've had this conversation before...

Well you're certainly full of surprises, that's for sure.

As are you.

Hahahah! Even when I first met you two, I could tell you were perfect for each other.

Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!

Nothin' beats a hot meal after a hard day's work. Time to prep for tomorrow's hunt and hit the...

, Hay! I remember you!

Well would ya speak of the devil! The haughty old bastard's still around! Hope you've been layin' off the chili oil, friend.

Grr! Don't go thinking I've forgotten about how you humiliated me!

I've got a bottle of the stuff right here! I'll show you this time!

Now now, there's no need to get heated. Your face looks red enough already. You just finished eating, right? Our rematch can wait until we're both on equal footing.

G-Gulp...

We just want to ask you something. You're a regular here, correct?

Have you ever seen a hunter wearing a bracer like this come through here?

Let's see here...

Hey! Ain't this, ?!

Guess it's safe to say he has.

Why do you have that?!

We found it. We just want to return it to its rightful owner. Care to tell us what you know?

...So you lot are looking for him too.

You know him, then?

Yep. He ain't just a talented hunter, he's an all around good guy. Never fails to buy everyone a round when he drops in on the tavern.

"What's the point of havin' cash if ya can't enjoy it?" he says. Seems he took up hunting just to enjoy the post-hunt revelry.

......

Oh yeah? Sounds like my kinda guy.

Is he around?

No, and that's the thing. He said he heard talk of treasure in the Vasu Mountains and went out to have a look for himself. No one's heard from him since.

Right. Then we have our destination.

Some of the guys were saying he probly bit the dust, but I've got a hard time believing that.

I won't ask you to bring me along or anything, but...just make sure he's alright for me, okay?

...I will.

Sounds like your mark is a pretty popular guy.

So it would seem.

......

Wryz? Is something wrong? You've been quiet.

No, I was just thinkin'...we knew someone a lot like that. Someone who was always the life of the party. Flaudia...

Wryz.

Sorry. Forget I said anything.

You're our leader now. Always remember the vow you made at the cliffs of Wyrmrest that day.

I haven't forgotten anything!

"A Corinda Rose steals even the gaze of kings," and you, Wryz, are a rose like no other.

...Huh?

You've never failed us. There's a reason so many people put their faith in you.

You can count me among them, so chin up.

...Thanks.

Sorry you had to see me falter like that.

As long as you see it for what it is then it's fine. The others only tease you because they care about you.

Grr...are you complimentin' me or not?

We're just glad you seem to have cheered up.

So? We off to the Vasu Mountains, then?

Aye. Our search continues.

So what exactly are we searching for out here?

I guess we've just gotta be on the lookout for someone who might know somethin'.

We should start with the local hunters. Come to think of it we first met right around here, didn't we, Wryz? You invited me to the isle after we took down a dragon together.

Yeah. I wasn't expectin' you to say yes though.

You're the one who scouted Cerius then, Wryz?

How exactly did you meet?

I didn't scout him, exactly. We worked together to save a mother and child who'd come from Ratle.

We were on a hunt when we encountered them being attacked.

Can you stand? You need to leave here immediately.

I...I can't... My leg is...

Mommy...

(If it were just me this wouldn't be a problem, but with someone who's been wounded...)

Grr! Get back!

Hurry up! There aren't so many monsters over here!

Th-Thank you!

I've got a legend to write, and there won't be any bards singin' my praises if I can't even save some kid and their mum. I'm gettin' them out of here. You just make sure we don't have any monsters on our arses!

You have my word.

(I wonder if they got away...)

Somebody...please!

What?!

Kh... It's endless...

(She's at a disadvantage against flying enemies...)

You look like you could use some support. I'll buy you some time, so get back and treat those wounds.

This is...nothin'...

Hunting is all about fighting at the optimal range.

This is a perfect example. A bow is the most efficient weapon to take down a flying enemy like that.

Heh. You're pretty good.

And THIS is the perfect range to skewer it on my lance!

Impressive technique. However...

You're putting in more strength than is necessary. You should calm your mind.

Thanks for the commentary, but you're a little TOO calm for all this if you ask me.

Hunting does not require emotion. Let's get them back to the village.

Haha! Yep! Absolutely perfect for one another.

Hey! I told you, it's not like that!

No, no. It's just something I've been thinking about since Wyrmrest Isle. The two of you perfectly cover for each other's weaknesses.

Such an outcome is to be expected when your party fights in a logical manner.

You and your logic... Well, I can't deny that side of your personality has saved my arse quite a few times.

But I still think fightin' comes down to emotion at the end of the day. That burnin' feelin', like, "I've gotta save them! No matter what!"

I'm aware. I always keep that side of your personality in mind when making my decisions.

That bracer...

You seen this before, old timer?

Aye. There aren't many others like it.

I've only ever seen one man use a bracer like that.

Oh? Care to tell us more about him?

He was an archer without equal. That bracer required immaculate form with a bow, and he rose to the challenge admirably. He was an interesting fellow in general. He didn't hunt for personal gain. He only hunted to help other people in need.

Sounds pretty familiar...

Do you know if he's still in the area?

No, unfortunately I haven't seen him around lately. I have no idea where he's gone off to.

Sigh... Yet again, we come up empty handed.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help, young lady. I'd have loved to speak with him again myself.

In any case I'm sure you have places to be. Forgive me for taking so much of your time.

I wouldn't recommend going that way, sir. There are reports of a new species of dragon lurking about.

Aye, son. And that's exactly what I've come out here searching for.

I might not look it, but I'm still an active hunter. Don't worry, I don't intend to lose my life to a measly dragon or two.

Ah, that explains it, then. I can sense a certain level of hunting expertise in the way you carry yourself.

Nonetheless, that experience on the path of the hunter is surely telling you that this is beyond someone your age. Leave this one to us. We have experience with dragons.

He's right. I can't allow you to put yourself in harm's way for nothing.

I appreciate you youngsters worrying for my sake, but I'm going all the same.

This is something I have to do.

Then can you at least tell me the reason? What would push an old hunter to such lengths?

Pride. Maybe you're right. Maybe I am just a senile old man walking to his grave. But if the march of time is coming to take me either way, then I'd at least like to die a hunter.

And that's more valuable to you than life itself?

Aye. It's about dignity, son. And if you're really a hunter yourself, then I'm sure you can respect that.

......

I've got no relatives left to mourn my passing. I just want to rest here on the mountain in the same way that I lived.

H-Hey! Wait a second!

If he values his dignity and pride as a hunter above all else, then I have no right to stop him.

Cerius!

Wryz?

Be reasonable about this. If the dragons of Wyrmrest have spread this far, then it's our job to stop them. This is as much our path as it is his.

Wh-What's that look for? Did I say somethin' strange?

"The feathers of the Xen shine brightly in the moonlight."

Ugh. Again with the proverbs... Care to explain?

It means I never know what to expect when I'm with you.

You don't?

You're absolutely right. As hunters, this is our duty. Let's hurry on.

It's close. I can feel the darkness in the air.

...There.

Worthy prey indeed. I couldn't have asked for a stronger final opponent.

It's you...but why?

Earlier you spoke of a hunter's dignity. For a long time, I didn't know what that was, or what I was even hunting for.

...I was blind to it.

No matter how much you want it to be the case, not every decision in life comes down to logic. Your obsession with the "path of reason" is itself a mad, illogical sort of pride.

But then I met someone who, like a lance piercing the heart of its prey, saw exactly where my pride resides.

Logic. Reason. That is the source of my dignity.

......

I follow the path, without pause for emotion, and hunt the prey before me.

Now is no different. This dragon is my prey, and I will hunt it.

You displayed great valor standing against such a treacherous foe alone. Now I would lend you my strength.

Yeah. We're not telling you to quit hunting, but there's no reason to just throw your life away.

I'll take the vanguard! Cover me, Cerius!

No. Hold steady, Wryz. Something's wrong here.

The air stirs...

That's...a rift in spacetime!

The dragon! It went into the rift!

Then we must give chase.

We don't even know where it leads!

That we don't. But hunting dragons is our duty, and if that rift leads to a populated area, who knows how many lives will be lost? Our path is clear.

What he said. I'm jumping!

Grr... Fine!

They're gone... What was that light just now?

Follow the path, huh? Reminds me of someone I used to know. Maybe he's right. Maybe facing my twilight years with dignity is the path I'm meant to walk.

Where are we?

The Serena Coast?!

This is MY era...

Well, "Even a single thread of twine offers hope in the Man-eating Marsh." Let's just be happy we know where we are at all.

What's wrong?

D-DRAGON! We're under attack!

Aldo, can you lead the way?

Of course! Let's hurry!

Dammit! Where are our reinforcements?!

Stand your ground! We can't let this thing reach the capital!

Over there!

How could a beast this powerful have been hiding under our noses all this time?

Yaaahhh!

Get out of here, civilian! Reinforcements are en route! Leave this to the knights!

...No. We don't have time to wait. I can't allow this thing to reach the town. I swore...no one else would die on my watch...

We've gotta do something!

We won't make it in time!

Where's Cerius?!

It's you...

I knew from the moment we met there was a burning fire inside of you...a madness of sorts. It was a constant reminder of the flame that blazed in my own heart.

HEY! Don't just run ahead! That's my job!

Are you hurt?!

...A-Aldo? Yeah...I'm still breathing. But that dragon....where did it come from?

We can worry about that AFTER it's dead!

Can you stand, Laclair?

Who do you think you're talking to? I've seen worse than this.

Two vanguard and two rear guard. A perfectly balanced unit.

Let's put it down quickly. The four of us can make short work of this.

H-How did they, ?!

Thank you. We're in your debt.

Think nothing of it. We're just happy the town is safe.

Yes, we were very lucky this time. In any case we need to go and report what happened here. We take our leave.

You saved me yet again...

No, we needed you just as much as you needed us. I commend your strength and courage in the face of an unknown enemy.

Want to tell me what exactly that dragon was? I've never seen anything like it.

Yeeeahhh... Sorry about that.

We were hunting that dragon when it got away from us. You're an acquaintance of Cerius and Aldo, I take it? The name's Wryz.

Laclair. And yes, I've known Aldo for a while now. Cerius I met hunting a beast in the desert.

Laclair. I met these two once before hunting a beast in the desert.

Laclair, huh? I'll remember that.

Your skill with a bow, your movements in battle...I can tell you're no ordinary hunter. What pushed you to such heights?

I could ask you the same. I've never seen lance technique like that before.

Heheh! You noticed? You've got a good eye!

You're all working together as a hunting party, then?

Aye. We hunt dragons, and such beasts are best hunted in groups.

Dragon hunters... I see...

And you, Laclair? Do you always hunt alone?

Yes, I generally hunt on my own. When I was younger, I hunted alongside my father, but...

Speaking of which, Cerius, there's something I needed to tell you.

Oh?

I finally realized where I saw that bracer. It seems my father had one just like it.

Really? Your father is an archer?

Yes, he taught me everything I know. On a hunch, I sent him a letter about the bracer you found.

In his reply he informed me that he has indeed been searching for a bracer he lost in the Rucyana Sands.

......

Now it all makes sense...

I think I already have some idea of the answer, but would you mind telling me where your father is from?

Since you're hunting alongside Aldo, I'll assume this won't come as a shock to you. My father is a time traveler who came from the distant past. Aldo and I witnessed him get pulled into this era before our very eyes as he was hunting on a volcano.

So that's what happened... He was lost in time.

I don't know all of the details, as I was very young when I first met him. He rescued me after I lost my family. He's an unusual person. In all my days I've never met another hunter quite like him.

Has he never spoken with you of his past?

Now that you mention it, he did tell me a story once during my training. He spoke of a dragon that lived inside of a volcano, which I found odd, since there are no volcanos on our continent.

I'm sure it was nothing but a tall tale.

No, it was quite enlightening, I assure you.

Can you tell me more about his work as a hunter?

He was...heroic. His heart was as calm as a still lake, and yet there was a deep passion in every action he took... He was quite the opposite of me.

That confirms it, then. I would have never imagined he settled in Aldo's era.

So where is he now?

I don't know. He lives a nomadic life. But I have ways to contact my father if you have business with him.

That's incredible! Mission accomplished! How soon can we...

No. Our hunt ends here.

I would ask a favor of you. When you next meet your father, please pass him this bracer.

Wait, what?! After all that searchin'?!

I apologize for bringing you two on such an arduous journey only to end it so suddenly, but...

...Right now, this is the path I need to walk.

......

I don't mind, but...are you sure?

Yes. I've done what I set out to do.

Well if that's what makes you happy then it's no skin off my back.

Understood. I'll see that he gets it.

Thank you, Laclair. You fought well today.

As did you. May we meet and hunt together again.

You sure this is how you want to end things, Cerius?

It's fine. I found what I was looking for, so there's no longer any need to meet him. I was just looking for someone else to give me all the answers, when it was an answer only I could know. And I do know. To me, hunting is...

, Staying true to the path, placing my faith in reason and logic as I defend Arcadia one arrow at a time. It took me far too long to get there, but as they say, "sometimes you can only see the fires of Ratle from the wilds of Sarupa."

NOBODY says that.

...But yeah, I get what you're sayin'.

Come. Let us return to the isle.

Phew! Home, sweet home! My feet are killin' me.

Ah! There you are, Wryz! We've been looking all over for you!

You're so mean! I can't believe you pushed all your chore duties on me while you were away!

Haha, sorry about that. Cerius here needed a little help with somethin'.

Oh yeah? Where did you two go?

We traveled all over the continent...and even through time.

Through TIME?! And you just left me here while you went and had all the fun?!

We weren't sightseein', okay? Cerius was searchin' for somethin' very important to him.

Still sounds pretty fun to me... Anyhow, did you find what you were looking for?

I did, yes. I learned what hunting meant to me, and in doing so ensured that my heart would never waver in battle.

Wow, that sounds pretty deep...

Sazancaaaaaa! Can I get you to gather up the cooking ingredients?!

Comiiing!

W-Wait a second! That's Wryz's job!!!

Ehhh? But I just got back. Lemme at least catch my breath...

No can do! You don't work, you don't eat!

Fiiine, I'm goin', I'm goin'.

......

Well fought. You have my thanks.

...What are you...thankin' me for? ...It's not like...you even needed me...

I admit that you do need to work on your technique a little. Always rushing in like that is going to get you killed one of these days.

Shut...your mouth! Who do you...think you are...talkin' to someone...you just met...like that?!

...Are you all right?

You look a little pale.

...Poisoned it would seem. She must have been stung by the hornet earlier.

Welcome back.

Huh? What happened?

You passed out. But don't worry, the antidote is working its way through your system.

You saved me...

I couldn't see the logic in leaving you to die by the roadside.

Thank...you...

I'm heading out now.

To where?

To a certain island, said to be home to great wyrm, a beast so monstrous that its form blots out the very landscape. There, shrouded in a dark aura, it gives birth to countless lesser dragons.

A great wyrm?!

You've heard the rumors, then?

Oh, I've heard them alright. I'm headed there, too.

Is that so? And what is it you're after there?

I intend to take the wyrm's head. Nothing less.

There's a blazing fire hidden deep within your eyes. I know not what fuels it, but I would lend you my strength, if you would have me. Considering the prey we seek, working together is our most logical path of action.

...Don't think I've forgotten how you criticized my technique earlier.

Ah, that advice only applies to when you're fighting solo. That aggressive style of yours would synergize perfectly with my archery.

...You're a weird guy, you know that?

I find that assessment...regrettable.

Seriously. For someone who looks like they've got a lot to hide you're actually pretty straightforward.

"Even in the darkest corners of Acteul, the water that flows is clear." I really do believe that we have a lot to offer each other as hunters.

What's that supposed to mean? I knew you were a weirdo...

But whatever, I'm in. I can't argue with what you said about our optimal ranges complimentin' one another. You take the back and I'll take the front, As long as we cover each other we'll be totally unstoppable, right?

Aye.

Why do I hunt?

I said it was to defend Arcadia one arrow at a time, and that was no lie, but there's more than just that. Hunting is the very thing that binds Wryz and I together.

Leaving the island and hunting alongside one another again finally made me realize it...

, I already have a reason to hunt. I hunt to make your dream a reality, and maybe that's enough.

The road is still long, and I don't have all the answers yet. But nevertheless, I will walk the path with dignity and conviction.