Follow Your Passion

Hm? Hey, isn't that Velette and Gunce? Looks like they're arguing with that guy.

I don't know what to tell you. This old scrap of metal just isn't worth much I'm afraid.

Listen here, muppet. I know you're lyin', this used to fetch a real pretty price.

That's why we went out to dig up plenty more to meet demand!

Even though they're not of any use to me or my research!

But having more supply than the market demands isn't a good thing.

Collectors are willing to pay more for rare items. So the more common those items get, the less they're worth.

To put it bluntly, you created a surplus and drove down the value!

W-Well...will we at least recover our investment?

We needed to use an awful lot of blastin' powder to excavate all this metal.

Sorry, but I don't think so.

What a bloody bust... If I can't sell these relics or use 'em for research, what the hell am I supposed to do with 'em?!

Don't ask me! It's not my problem!

Why not try selling them in Elzion?

I do not think the markets there ever see metals of that shape, color, and texture.

I surmise that collectors would be willing to pay a large sum to purchase them as works of art.

Really?!

I mean...it's definitely possible.

I heard that there is a merchant in the Theta District who deals in wares like these!

That's great news for us, Miss!

Let's go, Aldo. I'm right stoked and ready to get rid of these relics!

Here's hoping they sell for a good price...

Hmm... Ahh...

So? Are they worth much?

They don't have much archaeological value, but their aesthetic is remarkable. These could sell as works of art.

However, avant-garde pieces like these became quite popular not too long ago, so there are lots of similar items out there.

So the market is choka of 'em?

Then that means...

There's a surplus here too. So they won't sell for much...

My apologies. It appears my information was somewhat outdated.

...Hm? Hold on a minute. Let me take a closer look.

The sheen and texture of these metals...

They're similar to the items on the market, but definitely not the same! In fact...

These are magnificent!

I apologize for my previous assessment! These are in a league of their own.

I'm embarrassed I didn't see it sooner. You should have plenty of willing buyers! Just where did you get your hands on this metal? And in such volume!

Afraid I can't give specifics. Trade secret and all that.

But there's more where that came from, and we could get it for you, with enough funds.

Sadly, we're a bit short at the moment. If we only had the means...

In that case, you might want to find yourself a wealthy patron who'd be interested in pieces like these.

There are people like that?

Yes, of course. They provide funding to scholars who do excavations.

Sweet as. Where can I find myself one of these patrons?

If you do a presentation at the local archaeology society's conference, you should be able to find someone right away!

Y-You don't say...

In fact, the conference is often visited by an affluent individual who enjoys providing generous funds to scholars.

If he takes an interest in you, you'll be able to do all the excavations you like.

And once you have the goods in hand, you can leave them to me! I'll sell them to the highest bidder at auction.

Now then, we need to hurry. I believe there's to be a conference in Nilva soon. I need to get your registration sorted and contact the necessary parties and...

I will gladly help you with contacting anyone necessary.

Thank you. Now then, please come with me.

Wait a sec! Velette hasn't decided anything yet.

Presentation... Funds... Society... Funds...

It seems she's onboard and already planning her presentation!

You sure about that...?

I look forward to it!

Society... Presentation...

Society... Presentation...

(Is Velette really gonna present her research?)

(I'm having a hard time imagining that...)

Are you really okay with this, Velette? I mean, going to that conference and everything...

Hmph. I don't have much choice if I want the money, do I?

Gunce. We need to get ourselves a hotel room in Elzion. We've got a presentation to prepare for!

I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you succeed, Miss!

A hotel in Elzion, huh? I think there was one in the Gamma District. I should go check on them later.

So Velette's staying here to work on her presentation?

Yeah. Apparently the conference is tomorrow. The merchant we met earlier is helping us make arrangements for the presentation.

So if all goes well, she'll get herself a wealthy patron to fund all her excavation work... Is that right?

Hmm...

Is something the matter, Ashtear?

I think the fact that he was so eager to get Velette into the conference means he's pretty confident she'll succeed. Which is to say, it's almost guaranteed she'll get a patron, so long as she doesn't make a mess of her presentation, that is.

I guess that means all of Velette's financial troubles will be resolved and she can finally focus on her work.

And we don't even have to lift a finger...

Ready, Gunce?

Whenever you are, Miss!

W-Was that an explosion?!

Is everything okay?! We heard an explosion and...

Huh? Everything's...fine?

Sure is. Why're you so flustered?

Because we heard an explosion!

Yeah, well, we were practicin' our performance for tomorrow.

Nothin' you need to worry about, though. Just some flashy sound effects. We made sure we wouldn't do any real damage.

I helped make it happen, for Miss's presentation!

I...didn't know that was a thing. That's incredible.

But still! Why would you make something like that?!

Told you, didn't I? We're puttin' on a performance.

Miss is gonna show everyone just how she works!

Yeah, I want 'em to see just how bold and cuttin'-edge, and expensive, my techniques are! I'm goin' big so I don't go home empty-handed. Not bad, ey?

Are you sure "going big" like that is the right choice here?

I already got permission from the hotel staff. See how no one else is causin' a fuss but you?

You really thought this through!

Hehe. That's right, I couldn't be more ready for this. I'm even dressin' the part!

Yeah, you're looking pretty scholarly! Even have a pair of glasses!

She looks every bit the intellectual, doesn't she?

Your outfit looks good too, Gunce.

Thank you, Aldo!

By the way...I see you're here too.

I couldn't help myself when I heard you were giving a presentation.

Huh...

So what's your presentation gonna be about? Please don't tell me that explosion is all you've got...

Ah, well... You don't need to worry about that. Got it all figured out.

You DID prepare an actual presentation, right?

...Yeah, a long time ago!

What?!

Remember that slate Gunce found beneath your village? I'm gonna present on that.

The day's finally come where my work can be of use to Miss... I'm so happy I could cry!

I'd already put together a simple document about it. I just adjusted it for the occasion.

You sounded pretty nervous when that guy told you about the presentation. I didn't expect you'd be so...prepared.

A presentation requires a lot of things, like in my case, explosives and clothes. I just couldn't get the words out 'cause I was thinkin' about all the things I'd have to do.

Yeah, and you need to practice at least a hundred times to get the explosions right!

You guys sure like your explosions...

And why'd you decide to present on the slate from Baruoki? I thought you would've preferred talking about what you found in the Sakoritas Ruins.

Yeah-nah. Talkin' about relics from a different time layer would negatively affect my research. And honestly, givin' a presentation about somethin' from your time isn't ideal, but... Better a different age than a different time layer.

......

Somethin' wrong?

It's just...I'm surprised you're so serious about this.

'Course I am! Just who do you think you're dealin' with here?

My bad...

Hehe. You've always given it your all when it comes to research.

Hmm... Ashtear. You're welcome to come to my presentation tomorrow.

Thank you. I'll make myself available.

......

Gunce, let's run it one more time.

I'd gladly do it a thousand more times for you, Miss! You'll be the star of the show tomorrow! No patron will be able to resist fundin' your research...

Miss Velette! A moment, please.

Oh, it's you guys.

I know we spoke a little yesterday, but I'd like to hear more of your thoughts on subterraneans' dietary culture.

More importantly, I'd like to get your opinion on my thoughts about the similarities in ancient script.

And I'D like to hear more about your generous use of explosives in excavations.

H-Hold on a sec. What's all this about?

They're scholars who heard about me from that merchant. Apparently, they're interested in my work.

Yeah. He told us there was a scholar we didn't want to miss staying in Elzion, and he was right. Velette's stories are fascinating. I could listen to her talk all day!

And hearin' your thoughts on 'em is refreshin' too.

Guess that settles it. Time to take a little break from my presentation.

Don't worry, Miss. I'll get this all cleaned up!

Looks like everything's coming along.

Indeed. It seems she's ready for her presentation and she'll likely find a patron. She's even getting along with her peers. It's all going quite well, I'd say.

I'm really happy for her.

Honestly, though, it might be going a little TOO well. I feel like we're waiting for the other shoe to drop...

Don't say that. Let's try to stay positive!

......

...Gunce.

I know, Miss. Leave it to me.

Ungh...

Huh? When did I fall asleep?!

Ashtear! Velette!

Oh, dear... Was I sleeping? How did that happen?

Could you keep it down? I'm knackered...

Um...I remember Velette's guests leaving... And then eating the sweets they brought over...

Oh, no! No, no, no!

Ahhh!

What's wrong, Velette?!

It's gone! My documents and the slate are GONE!

This is bad. I can't do my presentation without 'em... This is the bloody worst...

Could they have been stolen while we were sleeping?

W-Well, why don't we search the room?

I knew this would happen...

Let's review what happened. We all partook of the sweets that Velette received from her guests, then fell asleep. When we woke, Velette's documents and slate were gone.

That's all we know right now.

We searched the room, but didn't find anything. Which means...

They were stolen.

Gunce is missing too.

Yeah, but don't worry about her. I asked her to go out and do somethin' for me.

You did?

Anyway, like I said, I can't do my presentation without the slate or those documents.

And if I can't present, I can't get myself a patron and do all the excavatin' I want. So we got our work cut out for us.

So who do you think stole your stuff?

You're not seriously askin', are you? It's gotta be one of those scholars. They put somethin' in the sweets to knock us right out.

But didn't they come over to talk to you about archaeology? You guys sounded like you were having so much fun. Are you really suspicious of them?

It's true we were all havin' a good time.

But that doesn't rule 'em out. Sometimes when people're pursuin' the same dream, they steal to get ahead. That's just how it is, ey.

You sure are calm about this. I thought you might be upset after getting betrayed by your fellow scholars.

Oh, enough with the long faces. It's really nothin' to worry yourselves about.

I mean, this sorta stuff happens. I'm used to it.

After my grandfather died and my friends disappeared, I was left diggin' all on my own. Sometimes I'd meet other people lookin' for relics at the excavation sites, and we'd do some diggin' together, but...

It wasn't rare to be tricked, betrayed, or robbed of treasure.

After a while, I decided to accept that as part of the job.

Doesn't that make you sad?

If I let myself wallow in despair, I wouldn't get much diggin' done!

This kinda thing doesn't dampen my spirits in the slightest.

It does piss me off though!

Miss! Miss!

Hmph. Sure took your sweet time, Gunce.

You were right. That suspicious woman really did steal your things!

I saw her enterin' a vacant house and came right back to tell you. It's probably her hideout.

I heard her talkin' about makin' the sale tomorrow.

I knew it.

Knew what?

There was somethin' in her eyes that made me suspicious. I had Gunce keep an eye on her and asked her to give chase if anythin' happened.

So you suspected something from the beginning.

(Even though she looked like she was having so much fun...)

I told you, it's not the first time I've had treasure stolen from me. I know what to look for.

Now then, let's go get it back.

I'm ready for action, Miss! Just say the word!

Velette's been betrayed so many times that it doesn't even faze her.

Apparently not. It doesn't make her sad either. But maybe that's why she's always able to be so cheerful and optimistic.

Is that...a good thing?

I don't know. But I think there are people out there she can save with that cheerful spirit of hers.

Oi, what're you two just standin' around for? We've got things to do!

Yes, and we can use all the help we can get. If anything happens, you can testify that it was all self-defense!

Please...promise not to overdo it.

No time for that. Let's get movin'. She should be somewhere in this here Gamma District!

The money should be coming in tomorrow morning. Then I can forget all about what happened today and focus on my research.

Everything's going to be fine. Velette will have another chance to get a patron, unlike me...

Let's go, Gunce!

You got it, Miss!

Ahh! Was that an explosion?!

What're you doing here?! And what did you just do?!

I blew up the door 'cause it was in our way.

What?!

I told you not to overdo it...

And why should I hold back when I'm dealin' with a dirty thief?

So you figured it out.

Yeah. Now give back what you stole.

And if I refuse?

How cute. You think you've got a choice?

Grr...

Don't be stubborn!

Let's go after her!

You've got nowhere left to run.

I wouldn't be so sure!

I promise to just knock you out, so please... give up already!

Yeah-nah! I'm not throwin' away my chance to get me a patron!

I dug that slate up just for Miss! So give it back!

...You win.

Why'd you steal Velette's stuff?

I met someone at an auction who said he was willing to pay a fortune for items even if they were stolen. So when I laid eyes on her slate, I knew this was my chance to get rich.

Were you going to sell her presentation materials as well?

Yes. I heard that would make them worth even more.

So you stole because you needed the money. Still doesn't make it right.

But I needed it for my dream!

No one sees any potential in my studies, so I can't get any funding. But I refuse to give up!

You know just how much it costs to keep doing research, don't you?!

I had no other choice! Haven't you ever done something reckless for your dream?!

W-Well...can't say I haven't...

I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't stop myself. I know I shouldn't have drugged you or stolen your precious research. I'm the worst kind of person... You must hate me!

Uh... Well... Listen, I...um...

(That reminds me of time Velette put us to sleep and stole Guilty Hades.) (She wanted to sell it off to fund her research...)

(To think she'd find herself in the same situation she put others in...)

A-Anyway, what you did was wrong.

I know because I've done somethin' just like it before!

You have?

Yeah. And my actions put people in danger. That's why I...regret it.

Velette...

(She must be talking about the Labyrinth of Thanatos.) (I guess she was really worried about us.)

I know how you feel.

After my grandfather died and my friends left me, I thought...I had to look out for me, and me alone.

Maybe that's why I did what I did...

Then you're in no position to lecture me about my actions!

But I changed. I started thinkin' there was somethin' wrong with the way I was livin'.

I don't have all the answers, but I know we gotta draw the line somewhere. And what you did crossed that line, so you better stop now before you do something else that you'll regret.

Think of it as some friendly advice from someone who's been where you are.

But if I don't do this, it'll be all over for me.

That's not true!

No matter how bad somethin' seems, there's always hope so long as you keep tryin'!

Trying WHAT?!

Well...

Just don't lose sight of what you love! Keep chasin' after it, so long as it doesn't cause trouble for others! That burnin' passion inside you will solve everything!

It will?

(I don't know about that...)

(They're just words of encouragement. It's not a real solution.)

Brilliant, Miss! You truly are a genius! I can tell your passion burns red-hot!

Hah... Ahaha... Ahahahahaha!

Huh? Have you gone crazy?

It's just...you said something so ridiculous with such a straight face, I couldn't help myself. I give up. Just hand me over to the police or whoever. I promise I'll go quietly.

Yeah-nah, that's a lot of trouble, and I've got a presentation to prepare for. Wait, I've got it. Come to the conference tomorrow. I'll forgive you if you praise my work and help me get a patron.

That's all it'll take to earn your forgiveness?

This is the first time you've done anythin' like this, right?

Yes...

Aldo and the others forgave me the first time I did somethin' like this too.

Besides, what matters most is gettin' a backer for my excavations. So you better work on your compliments!

I'm gonna be cheerin' Miss on tomorrow, too! You'll have to try real hard to be louder than me!

It's tomorrow at Macminal Museum in Nilva. Don't be late!

Good. You're here.

I wouldn't dare be late.

By the way, I heard my buyer was arrested this morning.

Apparently, the police had been keeping an eye on him for a while. If you hadn't stopped me, I'd be in jail right now.

Hehe. You're welcome to thank me at any time, ey.

Thank you, Velette. Isn't it almost time for your presentation? Good luck out there.

We'll be watching too. You've got this, Velette.

Yes. I look forward to it.

As you should! I'm gonna make that patron open up his big fat wallet to me, just you wait 'n' see!

Oi, Ashtear.

Yes?

I forgot the cleaning cloth for my glasses. Can I borrow yours?

Of course. But aren't those lenses just for show? It shouldn't be a problem if they're a little dirty.

Yeah-nah. I got 'em just for this, so I gotta keep 'em clean. They're kinda like a lucky charm.

Are they now? Hold on... Those glasses look oddly familiar...

Thanks for the cleaning cloth!

Wait for me, Miss!

Haha. Best of luck, Velette.

Thank you for coming to my presentation on the subterraneans of Migleina.

Judging by these excavated items, we can surmise that the level of development their civilization has likely reached is...

...And delicate blasting techniques are used to excavate the artifacts. Just like this.

Fire in the hole!

What a fascinating presentation. I never thought to approach subterranean civilization in such a fashion...

Why don't you visit my laboratory? I have a slate that I'd like you to have a look at.

That's certainly a temptin' offer. Don't mind if I do!

I can't help but wonder, though...just what could research like that be used for? I came to watch you present out of pure curiosity, but an average Joe like me just can't comprehend it. Haha!

Hmph...

What could it be used for, you ask? Well, I've never thought about that.

I do this 'cause I wanna know things, and you never know what you're gonna dig up. And honestly, that's reason enough for me!

Ah...

Hah... Haha... Velette is such an interesting person. She's so focused when it comes to the things she likes.

That's just the problem, though. Once she sets her eyes on something, everything else ceases to exist.

But seeing someone who's so dedicated to something is refreshing and kind of inspiring.

She's certain to get funding for her excavations. She's even getting along with her peers. It's all going quite well.

In fact, it's going so well it's scary. I feel like we're waiting for the other shoe to drop...

Like I said, let's try to stay positive, huh?

So where's that wealthy patron anyway? I have to make sure Velette looks good in front of him.

Ah, there you are!

I'm afraid I have terrible news! The wealthy man I thought would help fund Velette's excavations, well... He was arrested this morning on suspicion of dealing stolen goods!

What?! Does that mean Velette's potential patron was my buyer?

I had nothing to do with it, but I was interrogated by the police anyway. Ah, what a day...

Hold on. So that means...

We're back to square one, yes!

No... If Velette finds out...

Too late for that! Is my patron really behind bars?!

Yes. It came as a great shock to me too.

But then this presentation...and my funding...

I truly am sorry.

I can't believe this...

That foreboding feeling turned out to be right.

I really thought things were gonna go well too...

I don't know if this will make up for it, but... If you need money that badly, would you be willing to sell that android bear?

Huh? What're you talkin' about?

I was approached by someone, a very rich someone, actually, regarding that android. I said it might not be for sale, but that I would ask anyway.

Hmph. You merchants are a shrewd lot. ...She's not for sale.

I see. That is unfortunate. They were willing to pay quite the sum.

If you sell me, will you be able to dig all you like, Miss?

Gunce.

I'm willin' to do anythin' for you, Miss!

Enough. I said I'm not sellin', and that's final. I don't care how bad I need the money!

Miss!

I see... So that's where you draw the line.

I'm sorry, but I don't know any other way for you to get the funds you need.

And your presentation went so well...

Yes, you worked so hard on it too.

What do we do now?

C'mon, enough with the doom and gloom. Since this patron didn't work out, I just gotta find another one. I don't intend to stop my excavations, which means I have to keep lookin' for ways to fund 'em.

In fact, I'm gonna keep promotin' my research to every wealthy person who's willin' to listen!

Wait for me, Miss! I'll help you!

She wasn't as disappointed as I thought she'd be.

In fact, I think we might be more disappointed.

Yes. But seeing just how gung-ho she is...

It makes me think it's all gonna work out.