Can I Keep It?

Lately, quite a few Phoxhunters have reported spotting a little girl wandering outside the city with an unusually large pig. If I remember correctly, didn't you mention something about a giant pig not too long ago? You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you?

Yeah, her name is Truffle. And the "giant pig" is her best friend, Filbert.

Truffle and Filbert... Mmm, I see. I've heard she's been going after a group of Geniemon poachers. Calls herself something like... "Geniemon Hunter Hunter" or something along those lines.

Yep, I gave her that name. Since meeting her, my Little Minion and I have made so many Geniemon friends! But it's been a little while... how come she's still out there? Little Minion, let's go check on her!

Truffle, Truffle!

Oh! Hi, Snow! And you, Miss! Long time no see!

Yeah, it's been a while! We thought you'd be back home already, but then we heard you were still hanging around outside Icelake, so we came to see you.

Aww, thank you for worrying about me! Actually, I found out that the Geniemon hunters' hideout is probably in Icelake, so I was trying to get in.

But the guards at the city gate are so mean. The moment I get close, they freak out and start yipping "travel permit" like startled puppies.

So I've just been hanging around here, keeping watch on those bad guys. But I can't stay here forever...

Sounds like if they don't learn their lesson completely, they'll surely go back to their old tricks once you leave.

I've got an idea to get you into the city, but it'll require a little bit of acting on your part...

Ooooh! That was fast, Vita! What is it?

So, you want me to get a highly conspicuous little girl and an even more conspicuous oversized pig, who doesn't have a travel permit, into Icelake, so you can go after some Geniemon poachers?

Yes... I believe in you, Ms Camilla. This should be easy for someone of your calibre.

I run a business, not a charity. Technically, I shouldn't agree to your absurd request. That said, you mentioned her name is Truffle, her friend is called Filbert, and they came from a faraway place...

That reminds me of something I've heard before. I suppose I could do her a favour, but once she's in the city, I can't vouch for her safety.

Thank you, Ms Camilla! I was a little nervous back there and ended up calling Vivar Winery "Wawa Winery"... Sorry...

It's okay. They were too busy drowning themselves in the wine I gave them to care.

Alright, hope you track down those Geniemon poachers soon, little commissary.

You made it, Truffle! Welcome to Icelake!

Hehe, who would've thought those big, scary guards would turn into meek little kittens in front of Ms Camilla? Just like Geniemons when you've got treats.

Oh! Speaking of which, we've got bad guys to catch! Icelake is WAY bigger than I expected, we need to hurry!

Do you have any idea?

I have my dear, Filbert! Filbert's nose is incredible, she can sniff out Geniemons from miles away! And those bad hunters must be around!

Truffle, Truffle!

Oh! Hi, Snow! And you, Miss! Long time no see!

Yeah, it's been a while! We thought you'd be back home already, but then we heard you were still hanging around outside Icelake, so we came to see you.

Aww, thank you for worrying about me! Actually, I found out that the Geniemon hunters' hideout is probably in Icelake, so I was trying to get in.

But the guards at the city gate are so mean. The moment I get close, they freak out and start yipping "travel permit" like startled puppies.

So I've just been hanging around here, keeping watch on those bad guys. But I can't stay here forever...

Sounds like if they don't learn their lesson completely, they'll surely go back to their old tricks once you leave.

I've got an idea to get you into the city, but it'll require a little bit of acting on your part...

Ooooh! That was fast, Vita! What is it?

So, you want me to get a highly conspicuous little girl and an even more conspicuous oversized pig, who doesn't have a travel permit, into Icelake, so you can go after some Geniemon poachers?

Yes... I believe in you, Ms Camilla. This should be easy for someone of your calibre.

I run a business, not a charity. Technically, I shouldn't agree to your absurd request. That said, you mentioned her name is Truffle, her friend is called Filbert, and they came from a faraway place...

That reminds me of something I've heard before. I suppose I could do her a favour, but once she's in the city, I can't vouch for her safety.

Thank you, Ms Camilla! I was a little nervous back there and ended up calling Vivar Winery "Wawa Winery"... Sorry...

It's okay. They were too busy drowning themselves in the wine I gave them to care.

Alright, hope you track down those Geniemon poachers soon, little commissary.

You made it, Truffle! Welcome to Icelake!

Hehe, who would've thought those big, scary guards would turn into meek little kittens in front of Ms Camilla? Just like Geniemons when you've got treats.

Oh! Speaking of which, we've got bad guys to catch! Icelake is WAY bigger than I expected, we need to hurry!

Do you have any idea?

I have my dear, Filbert! Filbert's nose is incredible, she can sniff out Geniemons from miles away! And those bad hunters must be around!

...

...

Alright, let's go higher. The scent spreads farther up there.

Oh! Filbert's onto something, over there!

This should be the place. Strange, I don't see any Geniemons but...

The trap they set up! Those baddies must have been here moments ago.

Alright, let's try somewhere quieter. The scent will stand out more where there are fewer people.

This way! Careful, Miss, it's slippery here.

Ugh... Another trap here.

It's okay, Filbert. Let's try another spot.

Is this... the entrance to the sewers?

Yes. The water vapor and quietness here make this a perfect spot for Geniemons.

But... the two previous spots were already wiped clean. I've got a bad feeling about this one too...

Look! They haven't taken this trap yet, and there's a Geniemon inside!

Finally! We made it in time for once. Let's get it out first, then wait for those baddies to show up.

Don't be scared, little one~ The great Demon King and my loyal Little Minion, and the Geniemon Hunter Hunter, are here to save you! Now, off you go, get out of here and take care!

Yip...!

You're welcome. We're happy to help... Wait, this one looks kind of familiar. Did we save it once outside the city?

Now go home, and stay safe! Don't let those mean hunters catch you again. Until I'm a true, capable Geniemon Hunter Hunter, you'd better be extra careful.

I think we did.

Yiiiip...!

Alright, alright, enough yipping. Just go! You might not be this lucky next time.

Hmm... I don't think this one is very bright. We explained everything, but it just won't leave.

Wait... Did it just slip back into the trap!? Is it so scared of us that it thinks the trap is safer?

That doesn't make sense... We rescued it, and we didn't do anything bad to it. Geniemons might not talk, but they can tell good from bad.

Hmm... let me think, has Filbert ever done something that didn't make sense to me at first...?

There was that one time she insisted on going into a valley that looked barren, turns out she'd sniffed out a hidden patch of berries deep inside. Then there was the time she wouldn't budge from a flower shop until I bought some flowers, just so she could eat them in one bite.

And that other time, when she suddenly took off, sprinting straight up a hill without looking back at me for once. Then I realised there was a snake in the grass, and she was leading it away.

Every time she acted strange, it was because of something really important to her... What's important to a Geniemon? Food? And perhaps... their friends!

Friends... That's it! If I'm right, those Geniemon hunters must be hiding in the sewers.

This Geniemon can smell the scent of its captured friends from here, that's why it won't leave.

That makes so much sense! In that case, we can wait right here. And as long as those bad hunters show up, we can follow them and teach them a good lesson!

Yiip...!

So, is this Geniemon smart or dumb? I mean, it's got the brains to want us to save its friends, but it also just walked right back into a trap...

Maybe it did that on purpose? That way we can just follow the bad guys who come to collect the trapped Geniemon to their hideout.

Oh, really? That's...

Oh? Not bad. Looks like we caught another one.

It's the Geniemon hunters! Quick, hide!

Got it!

Ugh, I really want to punch 'em... Let's just take notes for now and settle the score with them later!

I thought we'd already captured all the Geniemons in Icelake, but looks like we scored another one.

We still need to head out of the city, that's where the real haul is. But that pig-riding brat is always out there messing with us.

Don't worry, she'll leave. No way she's gonna camp out there forever.

Right. With the cold and the Filthoids, I'd bet she'll be crying her way home in a day or two.

Yeah! She better be!

They're slipping back into the sewers! Come on, let's go!

Shh, keep it down. If we give ourselves away, that Geniemon we just saved would probably call you an idiot in its Geniemon language.

Hmph! No way. I was so nice to it, I must have made a good impression.

Haha... You two really are something. I've met plenty of people travelling with Filbert, but few people genuinely care about what Geniemons think.

If more people understood that Geniemons have their own thoughts and feelings, just like you do, we wouldn't have Geniemon hunters in the first place!

Let's go. This time, I'll make sure they learn their lesson once and for all!

I didn't realise there would be so many tunnels in the sewers... Filbert, can you pick up a Geniemon's scent?

Too many overlapping smells? Hmm... Let's just keep moving then.

Just follow me. I know my way around here.

Huh? Why? Is this where you live?

O...Of course not. But as the great Demon King, I've inspected these tunnels many times. Now, keep up, foreign Geniemon Hunter Hunter!

Okay~

Ah, this mark wasn't here last time I checked.

Looks like something the Geniemon we just saved might have left behind. Let's follow it.

The marks are getting fresher... It shouldn't be far.

Wait, I think I hear voices...

We hit the jackpot, you know, this one's special! It's called Paniemon, and they say it's the smartest, rarest, and the original form of all Geniemon.

The smartest? Seriously? If it's so smart, how'd it end up in our trap?

What do you mean? Are you saying we're too dumb to catch the smartest Geniemon?

O...Of course not, Boss! You're a genius! If it weren't for your traps, we wouldn't have caught half as many.

It's true. Now, with all the Geniemons we've rounded up, it's only a matter of time before I crack the secret to extracting Phoxene from them. And once I finish my thesis on it...

I'd like to see who dares laugh at me for dropping out of the Alchemy Academy again!

Boss, I don't care much about all that thesis stuff. I just want to get my share of the silver coins.

Sure, easy.

It won't be that easy from now on.

Who are you...?

I am the Pure-White Redeemer ☆ Demon King of Light!

I... I am the Geniemon Hunter Hunter, Commissary Truffle! And Filbert, the Special Commissary!

Oh, I get it. You're performers from the Galea Theatre.

That's not it...! Let the Geniemons go, or Filbert will knock you flying!

Wasn't it you and that Demon King of something or other who ruined our hunt outside the city?

It's the Demon King of Light! It's very rude to get someone's name wrong! You'll get rammed by Filbert for that!

In, your, dreams!

If that's how you want it... Filbert, charge!

Pfft, what's the holdup? You think I'd be scared of a few kids and their walking pile of bacon?

You take that back! Apologize to Filbert now!

Oh yeah? Make me!

Yip...!

B, Boss! That Geniemon, it released all the other ones!

Chirp...!

Baa...!

Ding-dong...!

Aghhh...! Too hot, Too tingly, No, too cold...!

I'm sorry! I SURRENDER! PLEASE!

Lord Vita, Great Geniemon Hunter Hunter, and mighty Demon King of Light, have mercy! We're sorry! We'll leave the Geniemons alone!

Well, no need to be so terrified. As long as you promise you'll never lay a hand on Geniemons again, Filbert and I won't hurt you.

I promise... I swear...

Same here! And I'll keep an eye on Boss, if he so much as thinks about catching another Geniemon, I'll turn him in myself!

Alright, then. But you also owe them an apology.

I, I'm truly sorry! I let greed get the best of me. I wanted to study Geniemons, but I couldn't even write a proper research paper, that's why I turned to this... Go ahead. Take your revenge, hunt me like how I did to you...

I was such a fool to question Lord Paniemon's intelligence, Lord Paniemon is smarter than me... smarter than my boss even! From today onward, I pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Paniemon!

Yip.

Well, you do seem genuinely sorry. We'll believe you for now. Alright, Miss, Snow, what should we do with the Geniemons?

There are so many of them, it'd be impossible to sneak them out of Icelake. But we can't just release them here, there's no steady source of Phoxene energy for them to survive...

How can this be...? Are you saying, that even though we saved them from the poachers, we still can't make sure they all survive?

That's right. Unless we can get enough Phoxene for all of them... That would require every household in Icelake to chip in at least one piece. But most people are afraid of Geniemons. There's no way they'd agree to help...

Hmm... We need a plan...

I haven't seen it yet, but just thinking about it, ooh, I'm getting goosebumps already!

Truffle, back in your hometown, are people scared of Filbert?

Well, at first, yeah. No one had ever seen a pig this big before, so they were a little scared. But once they saw how she helped me find food, how smart and hardworking she is, they weren't scared anymore.

Right. Fear comes from not knowing. But if people see what Geniemons are capable of, how they can help, then maybe that fear will disappear.

Truffle, Snow, let's take them to The Asphodel.

Alright! Filbert, sit down, let's load them onto your back and take them all in one trip!

Huh? We're going to Camilla again? She's totally going to wear a big frown and act like she doesn't want to get involved... then come up with a perfect idea to help us.

I'll help too!

Me too!

Yip.

Huh? You're not coming with us?

Paniemon usually keeps its distance from people. It probably just showed up to get you to help free the other Geniemons.

I see. Alright, take care, Paniemon.

Yiiiip~

Lord Vita, Great Geniemon Hunter Hunter, and mighty Demon King of Light, have mercy! We're sorry! We'll leave the Geniemons alone!

Well, no need to be so terrified. As long as you promise you'll never lay a hand on Geniemons again, Filbert and I won't hurt you.

I promise... I swear...

Same here! And I'll keep an eye on Boss, if he so much as thinks about catching another Geniemon, I'll turn him in myself!

Alright, then. But you also owe them an apology.

I, I'm truly sorry! I let greed get the best of me. I wanted to study Geniemons, but I couldn't even write a proper research paper, that's why I turned to this... Go ahead. Take your revenge, hunt me like how I did to you...

I was such a fool to question Lord Paniemon's intelligence, Lord Paniemon is smarter than me... smarter than my boss even! From today onward, I pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Paniemon!

Yip.

Well, you do seem genuinely sorry. We'll believe you for now. Alright, Miss, Snow, what should we do with the Geniemons?

There are so many of them, it'd be impossible to sneak them out of Icelake. But we can't just release them here, there's no steady source of Phoxene energy for them to survive...

How can this be...? Are you saying, that even though we saved them from the poachers, we still can't make sure they all survive?

That's right. Unless we can get enough Phoxene for all of them... That would require every household in Icelake to chip in at least one piece. But most people are afraid of Geniemons. There's no way they'd agree to help...

Hmm... We need a plan...

I haven't seen it yet, but just thinking about it, ooh, I'm getting goosebumps already!

Truffle, back in your hometown, are people scared of Filbert?

Well, at first, yeah. No one had ever seen a pig this big before, so they were a little scared. But once they saw how she helped me find food, how smart and hardworking she is, they weren't scared anymore.

Right. Fear comes from not knowing. But if people see what Geniemons are capable of, how they can help, then maybe that fear will disappear.

Truffle, Snow, let's take them to The Asphodel.

Alright! Filbert, sit down, let's load them onto your back and take them all in one trip!

Huh? We're going to Camilla again? She's totally going to wear a big frown and act like she doesn't want to get involved... then come up with a perfect idea to help us.

I'll help too!

Me too!

Yip.

Huh? You're not coming with us?

Paniemon usually keeps its distance from people. It probably just showed up to get you to help free the other Geniemons.

I see. Alright, take care, Paniemon.

Yiiiip~

Camilla, I'll have a Zippyro Special. Nothing beats a drink warmed by real flames on a freezing day like this.

Gotta admit, when I first saw this little thing, I thought it was evil with that weird flame. But turns out that flame's perfect for heating a nice drink. Hah, who'd have thought!

Oh, the folly, Wells! The wretched, wretched folly!

You see only the fleeting comfort of a warm drink! But Zippyro's flame, it doesn't merely warm the body! It carves through the abyss! It ignites the eternal night! It is the fire of my muse!

Zippyro! Three syllables of pure poetry! The spark of my words, the pyre of my soul, my sin, and my salvation!

Some people use Dripplet to water their plants. Others rely on Mr Goodnight for sleep. And now, even my business depends on a Zippyro.

Funny how things turn around. Not long ago, people were all about extracting Phoxene from Geniemons, now they're buying it just to keep them around.

That all thanks to Truffle and Filbert. If Filbert can live peacefully with humans, then so can Geniemons.

And if Geniemons and humans can get along, maybe one day Charons and Solarians will too.

Haha, I can't decide if you're just naive or a true visionary. Either way, I'll be looking forward to that day. But for now... it's time to say goodbye to a certain little traveller.

Boohoo... Truffle, can't you just stay? As the Demon King of Light, I finally found someone who would chant the title I gave them aloud with me, and now you're leaving so soon... Waaah!

Aww, don't cry, Snow. I've been away for so long, it's time for me to go home. Besides, those ex-poachers are now Geniemon researchers. You can always ask them to chant with you.

Nah-uh, it's not the same. They're not as sweet as you... And they definitely can't carry me on Filbert for a ride! Vita, don't just stand there, help me convince Truffle to stay!

Hehe, I'll be back to visit, I promise. And let me secretly tell you something, the faraway place I'm returning to is actually the Elysian Church.

When Filbert and I forage for food, we sometimes cross the unguarded mountain border to reach Hyperborea. At first, I was a little scared, after all, the Church and the Empire have always been at war...

But after meeting you, I'm not scared anymore.

Because if you can find a way for Geniemons and humans to become friends, then I believe one day, you'll also figure out how to make Charons and Solas friends, and maybe even the Empire and the Church too!

And once the war stops, there will be no more hunger!

When that day comes, please come and visit me in the South with Snow and Ms Camilla. I'll treat you to our pink-red mushroom called Russula, and we'll go to the beach and feel the warmth of the sea breeze, and look up at stars you can't see from here. You'll have a great time, just like I did here!

That sounds wonderful. I'll try my best to make that happen.

Pinky swear~

And Filbert too!

Uh, her hooves seem a little too big for a pinky swear.

Then just hold onto her hoof, it still counts! Okay, together, cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye!

I am Icelake's foremost Geniemon scholar! If you have any questions about them, feel free to, Oh, it's you. Uh, is, is there anything I can help you with?

You mean that incredibly intelligent Geniemon?

There's very little documented about it. I've only ever seen it once myself. They say it doesn't reveal itself to just anyone. Only those it deems worthy ever get to meet it.

But you might be able to track it down by following the traces it leaves behind.

Much better than being a Geniemon hunter, that's for sure. People actually come to me for advice now. I almost feel like a real academic.

Speaking of which, I really appreciate that you and Truffle went easy on me back then.