Tempering of Time

Sigh... The daily grind here sure is tiring.

But I can't let that get me down. I'm the successor to the Aurum Alchemist, after all, and I have to do my best...

W-Wait... What's going on? Everything's getting blurry...

Phew, glad to see you're awake. I was real worried when they told me you'd collapsed!

Are you okay, Alma? You sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?

I'm sure. I'm just a little exhausted with everything going on these days.

You've gotta be more than "a little" exhausted to faint like that. Things must be really busy around here.

...To be perfectly honest, I underestimated the job. Being the Aurum Alchemist is a lot of responsibility. You need to help the other alchemists, manage the guild, and everything else in-between...

Ugh, I can't take it! My head is going to explode at this rate. I haven't even had time for my own research these days!

Wow. That sounds really stressful...

If it's too much on your lonesome, we can always lend a hand or four!

I appreciate the thought, really.

But it's like Jan said... This is a perilous path I'm on, and I can't tread it half-heartedly. I have to be able to stand on my own two feet and handle these tasks like a leader should. As soon as possible.

I get how you feel, but still... All that effort won't mean a thing if your body gives out in the end.

So why not take it easy? At least for the day.

Even Hom wants you to take a break! He said, and I quote, "purr-tty please!"

Huh? I thought you said you couldn't understand Hom...

Teehee...

You two are blowing this way out of proportion. I'm eating all my meals and getting sufficient rest, so I won't faint again.

Besides, I don't have a moment to waste now that I finally have time for my own research.

Now where was that document? Ah, I think it was on the top shelf...

Want me to get that for you?

N-No! Don't bother. I can get it myself!

Ahh!

Alma! You okay?!

Are you alright? That thing didn't hurt you, did it?

I'm fine.

But I've never seen this box before... I wonder what's inside.

Looks like...a girl's outfit?

Oh my! How absolutely adorable!

There's some other stuff, too. Looks like a letter, and...some kind of tool? I'm not really sure what this is.

Wait... Is that a Sophia Glass?!

A what?

Let's see what the letter says first...

"Dearest Alma, I hope this gift finds you well. Please take this Sophia Glass with you when you leave the tower. Love, Mom."

A letter from Alma's mom... Her name was Mercury, right?

That's right! This must be a present from her!

A gift from Mom...to me?

Or rather...to the me who passed away. But what's it doing here?

Hey, Alma. Why don't you do what the letter says and take it with you out of the tower?

I couldn't agree more! After all, I think it's your mind that's tired, not your body. And this'll be a great pace of change!

You mean "change of pace"...

Okay, fine. It's obvious there's no changing your mind now that it's made up.

Woohoo! This is gonna be so much fun!

Great. Then let's head back to our world.

Is there anywhere you wanna go, Alma?

Well, I'd love to visit Lake Tiilen. I just ran out of transmutation materials and wanted to gather more.

Uh... I don't know if that counts as a break.

But I won't be at the guild, which is a change of pace, and I can get what I need at the same time. Two birds, one stone!

You'll be doing two things at once, sure, but one of them sounds a lot like work...

Now we're just arguing semantics. Come on, there's not a moment to lose!

Teehee. It's so nice being outside! Just feel that sunshine!

Yeah, and the lake is beautiful as always. Perfect for a stroll.

Right, Alma? ...Uh, Alma? What're you doing?

Gathering materials, of course. Specifically from the special shellfish at the bottom of this lake. You can scoop them up from the bank like this.

Sorry, but this is going to take a while. I hope you two don't mind waiting.

Uh, I guess not...

This should do.

Now that that's settled, I just need to have a look at the transmutation plans and figure out how many can be used...

Uh...

What is it, Aldo? You look like you have something to say.

Well, yeah. I don't think you've taken a single break since we left the tower.

That's not true! She was having a blast playing in the water!

I wasn't playing! I was working!

A-ha! So you admit it!

Hmph. Fine, then tell me: what would you consider "taking a break," Aldo?

Well, for starters, you can't think about work. At all. Then you just take a stroll, enjoy the scenery, and let your mind wander...

No, that doesn't sit well with me. It's a waste of time and will do nothing but create unnecessary stress.

Seriously?

But don't worry. This may be work, but it's simple. It doesn't require any critical thinking, so it is a nice change of pace.

There is, however, one thing I need to be careful of when collecting these shells...

What?! A monster?!

It's a coelus, and these shells are its favorite food. This is what happens if I let my guard down.

Oh, Alma! You're soaking wet!

It looks like you jumped in the water with all your clothes on.

I'm fine. My clothes will dry soon enough and...

Ah...ah...

Ah-choo!

Yeah, let's not wait. You need to dry your clothes now or change. We wouldn't want you catching a cold...

Then let's give this a try! Hii-yah!

Huh...?

W-Wait. What is this?!

What happened to Alma's clothes?

Teehee. Sure is! I used magic to change her clothes!

H-Hold on! These are the clothes that were in the box earlier, aren't they? What were you doing with them?!

Holding onto them for you, of course! They're sooo cute, I just couldn't resist!

I'm surprised it took this long for you to put them on. It was a gift for you, after all.

But I shouldn't be the one wearing them... They're not meant for me.

Of course they are. Your name's Alma, isn't it?

It is. But the present was meant for the original Alma...

Huh?

A-Anyway, why did you have to change too, Lele?! Your clothes were perfectly fine!

They were, but it's way more fun this way! We can dress up and show off our new outfits together, like two pods in a pea!

I think you mean "two peas in a pod." But... I can see what you mean. There is something similar about our outfits...

Oh, look! Hom loves your new outfit too!

...Fine. I'll wear it, but only until we return to the guild.

Hooray!

Oh, by the way, I brought this too. Here you go!

The Sophia Glass...

That was in the box, too, wasn't it? What is it exactly?

A high-performance recording device. We were researching it in the guild until just recently. It was too difficult to transmute, so it was never more than an idea, but...it looks like Master managed to complete one.

That sounds incredible. How do you use it?

You look through the lens like this. And if the coordinates match, the recorded data plays back...

Hello, Alma. Are you surprised to see me?

Mom?

This is a message we recorded for when you're all grown up. Consider it a little gift to you in the future.

A gift...for me?

We left recordings just like this one in different places, so go out there and find them all.

Wow... It was almost like the real Mercury was standing right here with us!

Yeah. That caught me by surprise. And judging by what she said, it was recorded a long time ago...

Looks like as long as the coordinates match up the messages will play even in this world.

Let's go look for the others, Alma! Mercury's messages are out there waiting to be found!

......

What's the matter, Alma?

It's nothing.

You're right. Mom went through all the trouble of recording these, so we need to find them all!

I'll help. Why don't we start in Acteul? That's not too far from here.

Boats always bring back memories of my days before coming to this continent.

I needed a lot of courage to come to an unknown land all on my own.

But I'm so glad I did, because I was able to meet someone very special.

And that someone is you, Alma.

......

Palsifal Palace, the Tower Argentauri, and even this continent are just a small part of a much wider world.

So don't be afraid to venture to new places. See the world with your own eyes and live your own life, Alma.

"Live your own life"... Hm... Y'know, I almost forgot that Mercury came here from another land.

It's kinda funny, 'cause Gramps told me the same thing. He said I should get out and see the whole world!

I remember now... Mom used to read me my favorite fairy tale at night.

It was a story about an ordinary girl who embarked on a journey around the world with a swordsman and a mage. I dreamt about it almost every night... Of going on a great big adventure just like her.

Come to think of it, you did say you wanted to go somewhere once everything settled down.

But things never settled down. I got so busy I barely had time to leave the tower at all.

I wanna go on an adventure with you, Alma! So calm things down already!

That's easier said than done!

But...you're right. I hope that day comes soon.

It will. I'm sure of it.

That water jug works by magic. It generates and circulates clean water made from elemental energy. Magic plays a very important role in preserving Acteul's beauty and environment.

Isn't that fascinating? I have a feeling it will pique your curiosity.

......

I wonder if you still dream of becoming a great mage.

Or maybe you've found a new dream to pursue. Perhaps you want to be an alchemist instead.

Hehe. I'm sure that whatever it is, you're doing your very best to make it come true.

But I know you can be like your dad, never knowing when to stop once you've set your mind to something. So please, don't push yourself too hard, dear.

Oh, that's right. You used to wanna be a mage.

Yes. Just like Mom and Simon.

Back then, I didn't understand alchemy. I was afraid of it and thought I'd never want to pursue it. And I was always nervous about participating in my father's experiments...

Hah, and look at you now. You're the Aurum Alchemist.

Mercury was right. You found a new dream and are doing your very best to make it come true!

Of course I am. I won't accomplish anything unless I try. The same goes for magic and the sword, right?

Yeah, but still... I think what you've done is amazing.

Hmph. Flattery will get you nowhere!

Do you remember? We ate here once, a long time ago.

We decided to take you here to try their famous Mesaiomato salad.

I remember it, but it's a little fuzzy. All those bottles lined up. I'd never seen anything like it.

You wouldn't stop crying about wanting to hold "all the pretty bottles." We were at our wits' end.

...Could you two just forget you ever heard that?

Haha! Why? It sounds like something you'd do.

Gramps sure liked his bottles too! I bet you'd get along just fine.

What are you talking about?! He and I are nothing alike! It's not like I even understood what I was asking for!

Not that I'd be interested either way.

Water is the optimal choice for an alchemist's drink. It's hydrating, easily refillable, and cool. It's perfect.

I would have loved something a bit more exotic myself, but I couldn't really go as wild as I would have liked to.

...Not that I ever do go wild. Do I make myself clear?

I...guess so?

Hehe. When you grow up, it would be nice if we could all share a drink together. But with something a bit lighter, maybe. Your father is a bit of a lightweight.

...That works for me.

Alright. That does it for Acteul.

Yippie! That was so exciting. We found so many hidden messages here!

Yeah. Being able to record things like that is some very futuristic technology.

That Sophia Glass is incredible, and so is Paracelsus for making it.

...Yeah.

Are you okay, Alma?

Huh? Why do you ask?

You seem distracted. Is there something on your mind?

Yeah, I was wondering that myself. Not feeling too good?

I-It's just your imagination. Nothing's wrong!

Come on, let's get going. Where are we heading to next?

Uh...

Right. How about the Corinda Plains?

What's wrong, Alma?

I recognize this plant... It was one of Mom's favorites.

This shining one? Well, maybe we'll find a message here.

Yeah... Maybe.

You sure you're okay, Alma?

...Sorry. I should be honest with you two.

I don't want to see any more messages.

Wh-What?! Why not?

I know that Mom and Dad love me as their own daughter.

But this is different. These messages aren't meant for me, but for the real Alma.

I shouldn't be the one to see them, or wear these clothes...

That's not true...

I don't want you to say you're not the real Alma ever again!

Lele...

Because to me, you'll always be Alma. And I'm sure your parents thought the same at the end, too.

So don't say things like that about yourself.

It makes me wanna cry...

I'm sorry, Lele. It's not like I think I'm a fake or anything.

After all, I can never forget what my parents said before they disappeared.

Right. They said they saw you as their daughter.

And that they loved me. So, so much.

But even so... This gift isn't meant for me. It's meant for the original Alma.

And whenever I see these messages or think of the past...that's just how I feel.

So please...let this be the last message.

Oh, Alma...

This shimmering plant is beautiful, isn't it?

It's made up of layers of hyphae that grew using the elemental energy in the air as nutrients.

That's why this glow is so magical.

With a little bit of love and magic, it can grow in different ways. It can increase in number or even change its form.

...I remember we had one in our room at the palace. When it was dark at night and I couldn't sleep, its colorful lights gave me peace of mind.

This memory, too, is...

Our hands give life to many things. It's a little like your father's research into homunculi.

It is?

But even if you make the same thing twice, the outcome is different. No matter how similar they look, each one is unique.

There's no such thing as real and fake. Everyone is equal and special in their own way. And worthy of love just the same.

......

Say, Alma... About what Mercury just said...

Move, Alma!

Huh?

Ahh!

Are you okay, Alma?! You're not hurt, are you?

I'm fine. But the Sophia Glass...

Did that monster take it?!

Yeah. It loves to collect shiny things, so it was probably attracted to the refraction of the lens.

Oh no! We need to get it back, and quick! I really hope that creature doesn't break it.

I won't let that happen!

I won't let it take away the messages Mom left behind!

C'mon, Aldo! Let's go!

Yeah. After it!

Where'd that monster go?

Ah! There it is!

And there's the Sophia Glass!

Looks like it brought it back to its friends. It'll be hard to get it back without being seen. What do you wanna do?

Isn't it obvious? To make sure it never gets taken again...

We'll have to teach them a lesson!

Hey, you! Give that back right now!

Wh-What? Another recording?

This is bad. It's riling them up!

No!

I'll save you, Mom!

She needs our help, Aldo!

Right. Let's do this!

Whew. Looks like we did it... Where's the Sophia Glass?

It's over there. It looks like they left without it.

I guess it's safer indoors. I'll take better care of it from now on...

Hey, Alma?

Yeah?

You know...Mercury was just an image. She wasn't in any real danger.

I...

I know that! There was no need to for me to get worked up like that, but...

That's not what I meant. What I was trying to say was...you really love your mom.

And I think that's super-duper cool of you.

I'm not so sure about that...

Oh? Why not?

I don't think I deserve any praise, especially after what happened back then... Trying to do spiritual alchemy to save my father just caused everyone trouble. I know I've still got a long way to go...

I don't think you're a pain.

Besides, if you had a chance to do it all over again, you'd do the same thing, wouldn't you?

Without question! No matter how many times I had to do it, I wouldn't change a thing!

I'd do whatever it takes to make sure things end up that way!

And thanks to that, you are where you are today. Keeping your memories and Mercury's messages safe is something only the current you can do, right?

Well, I...

If it's too painful, you don't need to force yourself to do anything.

But I think...

Mercury would be happy knowing that her messages reached you.

Aldo...

Um... I'm not really good at complicated things, but...

...I do know this.

That outfit really does suit you, Alma!

Lele...

I...

Huh? What's happening? It just started glowing on its own!

Well it did show us Mercury's hologram before. Maybe it's reacting to something around here?

I don't think so. Just look at it.

The lens is facing Alma now.

"To our treasure, Alma." You're such a bright child, studying hard every day to become a mage. You're full of life and have a heart of gold.

What...?

I'm sorry if I surprised you again. This Sophia Glass and those clothes are a gift from us, to the future Alma.

We know there will come a day when you leave our sides, and we couldn't send you off empty-handed.

You might think it's a bit premature, though, considering you're still a child right now.

I guess that means this was recorded a really long time ago.

After your father finished the Sophia Glass, we decided to leave this message for you. I'm sure our family will undergo many changes from this day forth, but that's why we want to leave this for you here and now.

Mom...

Oh, by the way, I designed the clothes and your father crafted them with alchemy. I know it'd be faster to make them the usual way, but he insisted and wouldn't listen to a thing I said.

...That's just like him.

...Thank you. Even my friends say it suits me...

Come now... You promised you wouldn't bring that up.

If you wanted to make sure I didn't, you should've been the one to give our little girl the message. But that's beside the point. Don't you have something to say to her before she sets off on her own?

No, I...I shouldn't.

Oh, don't tell me you're still worried about that. She's a child. It's only natural to be afraid of alchemy.

But it's awkward now... You even tied my research into that story about your favorite plant in order to...

Oh, enough already! Just say what you want to say!

It's Paracelsus!

I...I'm sorry if I scared you the other day. I just wanted you to know that corporeal alchemy will one day save many lives.

I believe that by the time you're old enough to see this message, you will understand that, but...

I do. Don't worry.

The only thing I can do for you before you set off on your journey is make those clothes. I hope...you like them.

Thank you. I do. And I appreciate you both doing all this for me...

...... Every time I see you, you've grown so much. More than I ever could imagine. I can't help but wonder what path you will pursue and what kind of adult you'll become.

But imagining that is even more difficult than constructing the most complex formulae. I suppose that's what makes it so fun.

Go at your own pace, Alma. I know you're a clever girl, but you push yourself too hard at times.

Take your time growing up, and choose a life that will make you happy.

That is our only wish for you. Take care of yourself, dear.

...That should do it.

You did well, honey. I'm proud of you.

Hmph... I just said what I felt.

What should we do now? Where should we hide the Sophia Glass and the clothes?

Hmm... Good question.

How about on the shelf in your room? She'll finally be able to reach it when she grows up.

Alright.

H-Hold on a second.

You didn't stop the recording!

I-I didn't?! Forgive me. I thought you'd already done it...

Goodness... What am I going to do with you?

...I definitely wasn't expecting that. I never thought I'd see Paracelsus being so mild-mannered.

Oh really? I guess I'm just used to mom always taking the lead.

But we were all so close... And home was always such a warm place.

Lele. Aldo. Would you stick around a little longer? There's something I want to do back at the guild.

Of course. Let's head back to your room, then.

It's gotten pretty late, huh.

It has. It's been a long time since I've been out for so long. I'm exhausted...

Now then, time to finish up the day and get changed.

What? You're gonna get changed? But we look so good together!

This is a precious gift, so I don't want it to get damaged. I only want to put it on when I need to.

But...I guess it wouldn't hurt to wear it from time to time with you.

Yippie! It's a promise!

So, Alma, what do you need us to do?

Need us to find something in the Disposal Sector again?

No. It's a lot easier than that. Follow me.

Alright. I've set the Sophia Glass down... I guess this angle should be okay.

Good. We're all set.

Now, let's begin. Make sure to smile.

We will.

Uh... Ahem. I guess I'll introduce myself first.

I'm the all-um all-chemist All-ma!

...Cut.

All-ma-goodness...

Ah, I'm sorry! I can't believe I just said that...

A-Anyway, you seem a little nervous. Are you okay?

W-Well, anyone would be nervous doing this for the first time... B-But not me!

Just be yourself, Alma. Relax, take a deep breath, and give it another try!

But my rank...

No. You're right. That's not important...

Okay. Take two!

...Hi. It's Alma. It's been a while.

I'm sorry. I may not be as grown-up as you hoped for, but...I saw your messages.

Thank you. They made me really happy.

And I love the outfit you made. What do you think? Does it look good on me?

...In any case, I decided to record my own messages just the way you did.

I've been pretty busy these days. There're so many things I have to learn. I push myself too hard and cause trouble for everyone, so you can see I've still got a long way to go.

But...I'm enjoying my life.

To be perfectly honest, I've always thought that I'm not the real Alma.

Even so...I tried my hardest to be your daughter.

But I decided not to think so hard about it. No matter how much I worry, I'll always just be me... And now there are plenty of people around me who say that's just fine.

That's why I'm going to take your advice to heart. I'll take my time and won't push myself too hard. I'll wear these clothes and take the Sophia Glass out from time to time, too.

And last but not least, I'd like to show you my own treasures.

This is Lele and Aldo! They're my friends, and they're very precious to me. They helped me realize a lot of really important things.

This is Lele and Aldo! There's another one, Nona, but she isn't here today. They're my friends, and they're very precious to me. They helped me realize a lot of really important things.

So please...don't worry about me. I'm going to be alright.

I'll grow up to be someone incredible and make you both proud. I promise!