The Art of Survival

The Asphodel is just to the south.

Come on! Snow will be waiting for you in the square!

Your travel permit...

Are you deaf? Show me your... travel permit!

Sorry, sir, I'm a bit slow at this age, please bear with me for a moment...

Ah, here it is!

Huh...? Oh, is this you in the photo... you old codger?

Yes, sir...

How come it looks more like a mongrel to me, haha, hahaha!

Oi, why don't you give us a bark, huh?

No... Don't...

What are you looking at, you little twerp?

Stay out of trouble for me, alright?

F...Father...

You bastards!

What do you think you're doing?!

...Let's leave.

There's something important you should know.

If you're from somewhere afar... Remember, whatever you do, never anger the Solarians.

The "Solarians"...? You mean the ones without horns...? What's so special about them?

Or is it that, WE are the special ones?

Yes. Here in Hyperborea, we, the Charons, with our unique appearance, are different from the Solas. They even call us...

"demon's children."

Ugh, speaking of which, Snow is super mad!

Whenever those humans talk about stuff like "demon's children" and "magic," they always give such dirty looks... just like when Camilla sees a drunken brawl in The Asphodel. But it's actually the "demon's children" who are being bullied by them!

...

Thank you, Snow.

But the fact remains, we are unwelcome here. So, be extra careful when dealing with Solas.

That soldier back there... Even after committing such a brutal act, the only consequence he will face is merely a demotion labeled as an "accidental mistake."

We've seen stuff like this many, many times... until everyone gets so used to it. Such things are commonplace in this place...

They are just as ordinary as the fact that Charons aren't allowed to enter the inner city of Icelake or leave the Empire. As ordinary as flowers withering, lakes freezing over, and snow melting in the hearth.

(...This makes returning to Purgatorio Island even more challenging.)

Why is it like this?

The Solas of Hyperborea believe that Charons who wield "magic" are evil sorcerers, the greatest threat to their peaceful lives.

But you can't always just suck it! Why not use your magic on them, and BOOM! Make them cry like babies! ...Ugh, seriously, it makes me so mad!

Around 18 or 19 years ago, Charons in the Empire once waged a war. I wasn't born then, and people rarely talk about it. All I know is that the war ended in a crushing defeat for Charons.

There're people like you who're still struggling to fight back, such as "The Forsakens", but...

Those fully skilled in magic remain a minority. Most Charons are but tillers of soil, labourers with caloused hands, street vendors hawking their wares, the profoundly common, the unsung ordinary.

For most, fighting back is too costly. Keeping themselves and those they love alive already demands every ounce of their strength.

I apologise for stopping you just now. I just... don't want a friend I just met to encounter any danger.

It's okay. I get it now. Just unclench your fist, Psyche. You'll break the skin if you grip any tighter.

Ah, I...

Don't worry, I'll act rationally. After all, Ms Camilla vouched for me so I could get into the city. I can't get her into trouble at least.

...Right.

The Asphodel is just up ahead, let's go.

...And then, out of nowhere, he ambushed me and pinched the cash I'd just gotten. That rotter, doesn't even spare us scavengers! That money was for several families' upkeep in the slums!

Without that bag of coins, all the young and old will have to tighten their belts even more next month. Ugh... I have no idea where the thief has run off to, I need someone to help me nab him.

Shouldn't this be something for the Security Bureau to handle?

Well, by the time the Security Bureau bothers with us Charons, the ice in Lamenting Lake would've melted away!

Please, Ms Camilla, the kindest and most beautiful lady in Icelake, could you maybe ask some of the Phoxhunters here to lend a hand... Just one tiny favour! Pretty please!

Save it. You should know that nothing asked for here comes without a price.

Well then, can you maybe... give me a discount... or I could offer you something else! How does it go again...

"Information is as good as gold", right? I deal with all the rubbish bins in Icelake, so how about this, if I stumble upon any useful info, you'll be the first to know.

It's you. And you're... the little girl from the Frey's? Psyche, isn't it?

Yes, Ms Camilla. I'm staying at the Hypnos' House for now.

...I see.

...I'm here with a friend. She is looking for a job and wants to become a Phoxhunter.

Then you came to the right place! There's a commission for Phoxhunters right now...

Not now, Margie.

...Okay.

Already made friends... You're quite a charmer, aren't you? As for Phoxhunters...

Let's get one thing straight, this isn't child's play, nor an easy gig. It's TRUE that in this place, no one would probe into your past or background, but the rewards always come with risks.

You don't look tough, though your courage is admirable.

You're indeed stronger than the average Charon, I've seen you in a fight. But brute strength isn't enough to qualify you to be a Phoxhunter. You need to prove that you're capable of dealing with all possible contingencies and a very mixed group of clients.

It just so happens that a chance for that came in just now.

Oh... right!

Snow heard that someone swiped this lady's money.

She seems quite distressed; I can lend a hand too so we can get it back sooner.

No, this is a simple test just for a prospective Phoxhunter. If you don't have the chops for it, becoming a Phoxhunter would kill you.

Okay...

You'd really help me out? Aww... thank you!

That scoundrel headed west. But you know, Icelake is a maze of streets, so I can't be sure where he might have gone. Let's look for some clues first!

Let's start by searching to the west.

The thief had dark hair, and was wearing... a blue top, I think.

Oh look! It's Mr Badi from the slums! Maybe he saw something.

Hello, Mr Badi, out for a walk?

Oh, it's our little Princess Rubbish Bin! How's today's haul? I see you've got two little sidekicks to help you.

I'm not a sidekick! I'm the Demon King!

Okay, so... you are the "Demon King of Rubbish Bin" then?

Nuh-uh! It's the "Demon King of Light"!

Hahaha... let's not get hung up on titles for now... Mr Badi, did you happen to see a Charon man in a blue shirt with dark hair just now?

I think so... A young man just came barreling down the street, clumsy kid, wasn't even watching where he was going, headed straight for the rubbish bin in the Mist Aken! Wait, was he trying to poach on your turf?

Um, in a way! Thanks, I'm going after him.

So "Reticent Detective"... that's your title, Margie? Sounds cool... A bit short though, could use more punch!

Makes sense! Any suggestions, Demon King?

That old man back there called you "Princess Rubbish Bin"... That's a good one!

"Reticent Detective ☆ Princess Rubbish Bin", has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Argh...! Noooo way! Can we please drop that nickname? It's embarrassing!

...The rubbish bin in the Mist Aken.

He meant Big Bin No. 3! Now come with me!

Go get 'em! As the old saying goes, "Strike while the rubbish is hot!"

It's quiet around here.

...No worries! My detective instincts are telling me there's a clue nearby!

Check this out, two layers of crates against the wall. The bottom one is skewed, and there are messy footprints all over it, busted!

Ahem, according to the statement of Margie the Witness, she just straightened these crates when she did her "shopping" at Big Bin No. 3 this morning.

Thus, Margie the Reticent Detective deduces, that desperate thief must have stacked these crates to climb the wall! He's likely hiding on the rooftop right now!

Huh! Smart thinking! Let's get up there and check it out.

So "Reticent Detective"... that's your title, Margie? Sounds cool... A bit short though, could use more punch!

Makes sense! Any suggestions, Demon King?

That old man back there called you "Princess Rubbish Bin"... That's a good one!

"Reticent Detective ☆ Princess Rubbish Bin", has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Argh...! Noooo way! Can we please drop that nickname? It's embarrassing!

What, something in the bin?

Just making sure he wasn't hiding in...

Whoooa! Is that... half a bottle of wine and an antique pin!? Wow, aren't you the chosen one blessed by the gods of rubbish bins!?

But this really isn't the best time… just a sec!

There, all set! I'll come back for these later. Finders keepers, I'll share this wine with you once we've caught the thief!

Um... I think I'll pass, thanks.

So "Reticent Detective"... that's your title, Margie? Sounds cool... A bit short though, could use more punch!

Makes sense! Any suggestions, Demon King?

That old man back there called you "Princess Rubbish Bin"... That's a good one!

"Reticent Detective ☆ Princess Rubbish Bin", has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Argh...! Noooo way! Can we please drop that nickname? It's embarrassing!

Is Icelake having a parkour race or something? With prizes for the fastest runner?

Hmm... you know what, I heard that a Luno elder did once set up a race like that...

Well then, you better hurry! The other contestant's been gone a good while.

Ah, there he is! On that roof!

Wha... Did you really have to chase me all the way up here? You said you were going to share the money with the poor anyway, so why can't I get a piece of it?

If you're hard up, I can help you. But you can't just grab money of people, that'll earn you a whack on the head with my shovel!

He's disappeared again!? What is he, a ghost?

No... look, this manhole cover's been shifted.

He must've ducked into the sewers!

Over here, all the commissions for Phoxhunters are listed on this board!

Ah, hi Snow! Lending a hand to Phoxhunters again? What is it this time, Nabbed a few hundred bandits, thwarted a dozen dastardly schemes?

Today I'm keeping it low-key, just nabbed a petty thief.

Just one? That sounds almost believable, I've got to see this.

I've never fibbed before! Come here, my little minion. This is Mr Wells, the most hard-working Phoxhunter around here.

Hello, Mr Wells.

So it was you? Looking all neat and tidy, who'd have thought you had it in you?

Thanks, it was just a small thing.

A small thing? Let me tell you, it's all these small things that have turned Icelake into what it is now. If it was something big, Icelake would be turned upside down.

Then I should try harder, learn from professionals like you...

Learn from me? Give me a break! Take a good long think and figure out why you ended up on this path, this is what you should do.

I need money.

Who doesn't? I've got folks owing me a fortune! Being short's one thing, but I've never stooped to thieving or robbing.

Vita, you're back! Everything okay? Did you catch that thief?

It was a piece of cake! My little minion and I gave that bad thief a good thrashing, he ended up crying and begging for mercy!

Huh, so you're the one who nabbed the thief? I thought Snow called you "minion" because you got caught by her... But then again, who in their right mind would get caught by Snow... What was I thinking!?

She was the witness of my deeds! You had it all wrong! You've made a fool of yourself this time, haven't you? Serves you right for being so preachy all the time!

Sorry for what I've just said... Care for a drink? Just let Camilla know, it's on me. Consider it an apology.

That's great! Your first commission went smoother than I expected.

Go tell Camilla what drink you want, it's on me.

Your first gig was quite slick, and you got on with Wells. Your career as a Phoxhunter is off to a good start.

Here, a hot drink to warm you up. I was going to treat you to one, but since Wells has offered, we'll put it on his tab.

Right, I did mistake this lass for a thief, it's the least I can do.

Oh, and I can also catch her up on our line of work. To be honest, it's been pretty tough lately, any commission worth a jot has to be fought for.

I just had a gander at today's jobs, and they're all thankless. Except for that hot potato...

A right bother of a job, finding some daft stone, eh, no point in telling you, even us old hands don't dare touch it, let alone a newbie like you.

It's looking for a rare mineral called Crystallo of Stella in the old Glevum Pit. The client is Henrik Ethelred, Yes, the very same Henrik you know.

Glevum Pit is now a den for Filthoids. A few Phoxhunters tried their luck, hoping to find some Phoxene scraps there, but not a soul came back.

So, even with Henrik dangling 5,000 silver coins, no Phoxhunter's taken the bite.

Phoxhunters are born adventurers, but we're not reckless fools! The stone's very existence aside... Who knows if Henrik can even cough up the cash?

Everyone knows he's recently gone bankrupt, even looking to sell off the family house. Is he planning to gamble it all on trading Crystallo? ...Wait a minute, Crystallo trading's been banned for years, how's he planning to unload it?

...

Ms Camilla, how much did you say it would cost to go to the South earlier?

About the same price. Interested in taking on the commission?

...You...

You serious? Kid, I'm not joking, this is no child's play!

Thank you, I get it. But Ms Camilla...

You once told me, if I can't even handle this, how will I ever find my... lost treasure?

The Asphodel doesn't interfere with the choices of clients or Phoxhunters. If you're set on it, I won't stand in your way.

Here's your payment for retrieving Margie's money bag. Take this with you as well.

Make it back in one piece.

Crystallo of Stella is a blue-violet crystal that appears as if nebulae are swirling within it. In the dim mine pit, it is particularly eye-catching, you won't miss it.

...Crystallo of Stella... Mr Henrik...

Don't try to be a hero, kid. Run for your life if things get dicey.

The Asphodel offer more than just libations... much more. All for a price, naturally.

Where to begin... Well, it's got a long history. Built by the Empire's first ruler after the Great Migration 800 years ago, it's among the first few cities of the empire.

It's also the northernmost major city of the Empire. Just over a hundred kilometres further north, past the Vidofnir Mountains, and you're on Askard's turf.

Icelake used to be known for its Phoxene veins. Take Glevum Pit for example, one of Hyperborea's largest Phoxene mines back in the day. But now, the veins are spent, only the old factories are barely chugging along.

But then, this is all stuff you can read about in books, things anyone could tell you. I'd suggest you look with your own eyes and listen with your heart, to find out what truly lurks beneath this city's snow and ice.

A bunch of cheap, noisy blighters keen on spinning yarns. Some of them became Phoxhunters to eke a living, some just fancy a bit of ruckus and adventure. One thing they have in common is they often end up more battered and bruised than not.

Truth be told, I've often wanted to give them the boot, let them munch on dirty snow and gulp the north wind outside.

But then, they do manage a fair bit that ought to be the Security Bureau's job. Without them, likely not many in this city would have the luxury to kick back in my tavern.

So I let them gather and natter here, a bit of quid pro quo. Still, I do wish they'd keep it down a little and get into fewer brawls.

Hasn't anyone told you it's rather rude to pry into a lady's secrets for no reason?

Of course, I can share my stories with you, provided you can pay the right price... hehe.

Everything alright?

...!!

I suddenly couldn't see clearly back there and ended up startling that monster... I'm so sorry!

Are you feeling better now?

Yeah, I think I'm fine now.

Great. If you're in the condition to fight, let's take on this monster together.

Sure! I'll do my best to support you.

They say even the fiercest beasts can be brought down by targeting their weaknesses...

It must be the same with this Filthoid! Let's take a breath and find its weakness.

It's slowing down. Looks like those shoulder-looking parts are its weakness!

Crystallo of Stella... Look at its beauty! No wonder everyone wants a piece of it.

What a commotion I just heard. So it was you guys that took out that giant thing? Impressive.

Looks like there's a path over there! Let's get out of here, this place gives me the creeps...

...Wait, when he said "anyone unrelated," he wasn't talking about me, was he?

This trail feels different from the one we passed through earlier, almost as if it's been hand-dug by someone.

Yeah, there are even pickaxes lying around here... Looks like other adventurers have been here before us!

You okay, Psyche? You look pale, and you've been awfully quiet for a while.

Ah, h-have I?

Guess I still reelling from that monster. I keep wondering if it could have once been...

Relax! We're right here with you!

That Outsider said that my little minion is a strong "Daimon," right? So even if ten more Filthoids came at us, they'd be no match for her.

Cut it out. I'm nearly spent, and Psyche was just bluffing.

I'm just relieved you're both safe... Maybe I shouldn't have involved you two in such a dangerous event.

No, not at all! I'm really happy that I took part in such an adventure.

I never thought I'd get out of town with friends, explore unknown places, get in trouble, and fight evil enemies together.

Now that I think about it, it all feels so unreal, like living a daydream.

See? Psyche agrees with me!

...

It sounds like a steam whistle. Is there a train passing by?

...

That's nice. Do the passengers have lights on? Are the windows looking pretty and warm, like tiny flames in a fireplace?

...Oh, I see.

Psyche... when did your eyesight start to fade?

When was it...

I don't really know. I thought it'd be the same as before, just blurry for a while, and then it'd go away. But now it just...

Let's not talk about that. There's a place I'd like to visit; could you come with me?

It's by the Lamenting Lake, near an old tree stump. My dad once took me there when I was little.

...It's been so long.

Here we are.

There should be a small box buried near the roots. Vita, could you help me find it?

Could you open it?

This is a...

It's called a "camera," an amazing treasure.

Dad gave it to me when I was four. That year, he had managed to grow beautiful Lamenting Lake Bellflowers. A wealthy man from the inner city loved the flowers and gave this camera to Dad, which he then gave to me as a birthday gift.

But I cherished it too much to actually play with it. I thought, if I buried this precious treasure in the ground, it would sprout many more cameras by harvest time. Then our family would become rich, and my parents wouldn't have to work so hard.

So I came here alone and "sowed" it. I was quite silly back then.

When Mum and Dad found out about this later, they didn't get mad at me. Instead, they said, "Let's dig it up on your coming of age, as a gift to your future self."

Vita, thank you for keeping me company these past days, but I don't have anything valuable to give you. Please take this camera as a gift from me.

I no longer need it because of my eyes, but your journey is still long.

Please see the world for me with your eyes.

...

Since we're already here, how about a little stroll around the lake?

When I was little, Dad would sometimes bring me here for walks.

Despite the occasional hide-and-seek with the Filthoids, I always looked forward to coming here.

Because I loved the floating ice and mountains here, and more so, I loved watching the trains roar by.

You like trains?

Yeah. I'm fascinated by their destination... the "South."

I've read that it's nothing like Icelake.

The sun's warmer there, and you get to see seasons change.

When spring comes, the ice and snow melt away, and there are flowers everywhere, even in the wilds.

I always dreamed that if I could catch a train, I could actually get there.

But Dad told me, it was not a dream we could afford.

Because... you're Charons?

Yes. And also because Mum and Dad are just ordinary gardeners. We were poor and didn't have the means to board that train.

So, the day you showed up at the door of the Hypnos' House, I was thrilled... I'd never met anyone outside Icelake.

I've always secretly wondered what your homeland is like. Have you seen the ocean with your own eyes? Is it as large as a hundred lakes put together?

If only I could also see it for myself...

...Look at me, almost eighteen and still daydreaming like a child.

Listen, Psyche. It can be more than just a dream.

Besides Berry, you were the first one to be so kind to me. I've always wanted to do something for you.

There's no one else here, so tell me, have you been under threat? You can trust me. No matter how scary the enemy may be, I'll protect you.

I'm a stranger here, I can take you away, just like the day we went to the pit together.

Once I find Berry, we can go to my hometown in the South, build little houses by the sea, and grow flowers around our homes. When spring comes and the flowers bloom, your eyes will heal.

Every day, the sun will shine so brightly that you might even find yourself missing Icelake's snow... Oh, it might be a slight damper on your dream, but are you scared of bugs? The ones in the South are bigger and noisier.

Thank you. I'm not under threat, it's just that...

I just can't leave Icelake, no matter what.

Psyche.

...!

Henrik...!

It's not safe outside the city. You've been out too long.

Sorry! I'll head back now.

Psyche, keep in mind what I said. If you decide to trust me...

Meet me by the ticket booth south of the Hypnos' House at 2 AM.

...Goodbye, Vita.

...

Stop right there, you rotter!

Damn it, they're like glue!

That's for underestimating Snow's minion! Now you know what we've got!

*cough*, *cough*...

Alright, alright, here's your money bag! I haven't had a decent meal in days, so I got desperate... I'm sorry!

Oh, you're starving? Guess what, so is everyone in the slums! And you didn't seem so sorry when you snatched the money bag from me!

Mm... How about this: You threw a few punches at me, so now I'm gonna hit you with my shovel a few times! Then we call it even, and you can leave.

...

O...Okay...

Watch out, Margie! He's got something in his hand!

...!

(Something just knocked the dagger away... is that a dinner knife?)

Remember, sometimes a beast baring its belly isn't showing weakness, it might be baiting a trap. Drop your guard, and you'll get bitten.

Like the wild, the city's teeming with beasts like that. Margie, be wary of undue mercy or trust. You too, Vita.

I, I'll remember that...

Ms Camilla? Did you come all this way to back us up?

Since you've come all this way to Icelake, it'd be a shame to meet your maker in this sorry spot on your first day, wouldn't it?

Tsk, I thought some big shot came, turns out it's just a tavern-keeping old hen. What are you gonna do about it? Call the guards? Do you really think those high-ups give a d*mn about Charons...

This water's too deep... How did he get across?

Don't worry, this is where the Reticent Detective's intel network shines!

According to the "Sewer Maintenance Manual" from Bin No. 8, the water level here is controllable! There's gotta be a switch nearby.

Wow, it worked! Princess Rubbish Bin ☆ Reticent Detective, you're incredible!

Please, remove the "Princess Rubbish Bin" part... I'm begging you...

The water level has dropped a bit. Let's see if there are more switches.

Hey, look! There's really a path down there!

Oh, right, the Manual says sewers sometimes attract Filthoids that like warm, damp environments.

They're usually small, no bigger than cats or dogs, but a swarm could be trouble…

Let's make sure we're prepared before we go any further.

It's surprisingly roomy down here! And much warmer than above ground, like a secret little kingdom.

Chase away those critters and get rid of the smell, then you could pitch a tent and practically live here!

Right! Whoo, Vita, you should live here, it's rent-free!

Let's turf these critters out, seize their land, and I'll crown myself the Demon King! I'd appoint you as...

"The Valiant Cyclopean Warrior, the Cold Lord of Icelake, the Inaugural Duke of the Sewers"!

(That title's a bit of a mouthful and could use a polish...)

(Hold on, why am I even considering this?)

Hold it right there!

Huff... Huff... Wait up... Not everyone is blessed with long legs, you know...

*cough* *cough* I can't breathe... That is a low blow...

He's up there! Hmph, you won't hit me this time, ow!

Ugh... What are you, a monkey? Always throwing rocks...

I can't run any further... I surrender...

Hmph, not so fast now, are you?

Vita, come on, let's pin him down!

The thief's up ahead! Oh no... he's in a fight with Filthoids!

Let's drive away the Filthoids and get him.

We'll handle you "our way" teach you a few life lessons your presumably absent mother never did.

Don't bring my mum into this...! Let go of me! You nasty hag!

...!

Take him to the Security Bureau, straight to Chief Damian. This is out of our hands now.

Wha... N...No!

No! Please, I...I surrender, p...please don't take me there! I'll do anything!

I...I'll leave Icelake for good! Please let me go, I'm begging you!

Ms Camilla, what's wrong with him?

Stay back!

He's much more dangerous than he looks.

...Anyway, Margie got her money back, and you've proved yourself, Vita.

If you're still set on becoming a Phoxhunter, meet me at The Asphodel.

Please, just let me go! Please!

Hmm, that was weird... Why did Ms Camilla suddenly freak out like that? She's usually so cool-headed.

And that thief too, shaking like a leaf all of a sudden. Is the Security Bureau really that scary?

Looks like he's in for a tough time. All I wanted was to get my money bag back and maybe teach him a lesson, I didn't expect all this.

Oh, I almost forgot, here's your reward!

Thank you so much! You're a lifesaver, my sister from another mister!

Well, I gotta go divvy up these coins. I usually do my "shopping" all over Icelake. If you need me, just drop my name in the slums, and they'll help you find me.

Alright, let's go find Camilla, little minion!

I hear footsteps, this way!

Did something just whizz by?

Ow... That was a rock!

These footprints are fresh, it must be him! Let's follow them.

Is that... blood? Did he get hurt?

Something might have attacked him... We should be extra careful.

Stop right there, you rotter!

Damn it, they're like glue!

Stop right there, you rotter!

Damn it, they're like glue!

Wow, it worked! Princess Rubbish Bin ☆ Reticent Detective, you're incredible!

Please, remove the "Princess Rubbish Bin" part... I'm begging you...

The water level has dropped a bit. Let's see if there are more switches.

Whoa! Now we're stuck!? Even the sewer's giving us trouble...

Let this Reticent Detective take a look... Huh, there's a water valve here! He must've done something to it!

So the water level here is controlled by these valves...

I see another valve up ahead!

That sneaky thief just slipped through this hole, come on, we're not letting him get away!

Wait... "Sewers tend to attract Filthoids that love warm, damp places" I read about this in the Sewer Maintenance Manual from Bin No. 8.

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.