Reputation: Memory Chain

Hi. Hello. Nice to see you again. It's been so long since you were last here!

Welcome back to the Memory Chain, where only the most special of people can enter! Aha!

My name is Famous! I work with the Reputation Admin Board! You know what we do, right? Right? Oh, you forgot?

Well then! Drum roll! Please come out, Huche!

I'm Huche! The self-styled Peerless Merchant. With my unrivalled skills, I'm able to sell things so quickly they simply disappear!

Hehe. I'm always selling a bit of everything, so if we ever meet, don't hesitate to say hi!

Ahem. Anyway, Famous wishes for me to give you an explanation, to which I will happily oblige.

Reputation is something that measures a person's connections with a certain area, group, or person. Improving your reputation makes your connections deeper and stronger.

You can't erase the past! It simply keeps growing. That's what I weigh on my Scales.

Grudges, gratitude, love, I'll weigh them all!

Since this is your first visit, I'll stop here, but expect a deeper explanation next time.

May you continue to make deeper connections and happy memories!

The Memory Chain is the closest place one can get to our Goddess Diche.

All of the world's memories, you may have heard them called Eternal Knowledge, are recorded and accumulated here.

Hmm, and through that process "reputation" is gained...

Famous, the person over there, holds the Scales of Reputation. I'll show you!

Oh, what? You want to see how the Scales are used? Hmm. I can show you, but you might not understand.

Love is the weight of a dewdrop from early autumn. Yearning is the weight of a magnolia petal bathed in moonlight. Trust is...

...The Scale take into consideration these tiny differences and the effect of temperature and color on reputation, and calculate.

I've been wondering, what's on the other side of the Scale?

The other side holds the cherished memories of the previous worlds. This is what we are comparing to when using the Scale.

All history is measured as such, and then that history too becomes a part of the measurement of future histories!

And so, even current events will be stored and eventually become the measure for the future. Ours is a fastidious and noble calling.

In the spare time I have while roaming the world and selling my wares I've been performing an important task.

I verify and make records of reputation, and then pass the results to Famous.

I am then able to record everything that happens, and after verifying it again, measures it on the Scales. The end result turns back into reputation and accumulates!

That transformation into reputation is also recorded, and then...

It's all recorded and stored in the Infinite Library! However, entry is not permitted to everyone.

Hmm. Of course, not anyone can go there. Okay, next time we'll introduce the twins!

Though... If you're someone special in this world, you may have already met them.

This is where all the memories and knowledge of Orbis's world are being kept! It's none other than the Infinite Library. And its caretakers are...

...Oh? Where are the twin librarians? This place is too wide and deep. Ugh...

Biblica! Biblio! Where are you?

Oh, Famous? What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

Gooooood moooooorning Librarians! I've come to bring you new reputation records!

Oh! And after thy field trip thou shalt bequeath upon us a score on our reputation? We shalt prepare a pleasant time for thee.

A pleasant time for thee.

Hmm... Thy connection with us is as yet shallow. Curious... But we shalt yet be brought closer...

We will be inseparable. We will be stacked neatly together and experience a love-hate relationship. How exciting.

Hmm? Lica, I don't think it'll be a love-hate relationship...

Ha! Lio, your sister's knowledge is deeper than yours. Don't you know a love-hate describes a deep emotional connection?

...Strange. Why do I keep thinking it's love?

Ah...Haha... A-Anyways, they're pretty unique, right? Sorry they were talking so weirdly.

Look at this, Lio. "One Hundred Noodle Recipes to Die For." Truly spectacular.

Ooh... Amazing. Who are you planning on killing with noodles? Is this like that "death by poison" you found in the records? How exciting.

...The library is amazing, isn't it?

...Hmm. Hmm. That's it, Lio!

Oo. Indeed, Lica! What a profound world!

Very profound! I wonder what color a slime would become if you put another slime in its belly!

According to the Eternal Knowledge, there are 52,641 known cases of "mixing things," and the case that's most similar is...

Adding alcohol to alcohol or water to water.

But I think that mixing and adding aren't completely the same. Adding seems to be similar to giving... *Muttering*

...They call this cause and effect. What a very profound and difficult subject.

Depending on the variables and magnitude, cause and effect can change as well... Ah! Lica! I've had a genius idea.

There's a special profession known as being an "adventurer" in the world, right? Mercenaries, bounty hunters, and soldiers are all considered adventurers.

I already knew that. Aren't they the ones who accidentally save the world?

Yes. They accept requests, so we just need to ask them to capture some slimes for us!

And then, we can actually test our theories ourselves. We can turn our hypotheses into real conclusions.

Hmm... Hmm... You want to capture some slimes and observe if a change in color occurs? An interesting idea. You deserve praise, Lio! You've grown.

We should create our own bounty posters and offer a reward. The reward can be... Why don't we promise to influence Famous's Scale?

Lio! You've done it again!, ...Did you think I would say something like that?

You're still immature. Listen to me, Lio.

...?

Only a chosen few can enter the Infinite Library. So even if we did make such requests, those adventurers wouldn't be able to come here.

They can't bring us the slimes!

N-No way! Wah! Our hypotheses are theoretically perfect, but they can't be tested...?

Knowing too much can be a burden. We can only hope someone else will test our genius theories in our stead.

I know, Lica. *sulking*...

Greetings everyone! The world's greatest merchant, Huche, has arrived!

Welcome, Huche. Is the report I asked for ready?

Of course! I travelled all over Ritania and prepared a 1,000,022 page report!

Thanks! You really are a valued member of the Reputation Admin Board!

We're the only two members.

That's right! I'm the Reputation Admin and you're the valued member of the Reputation Admin Board!

One, two... Hmm. The reputation records for the Conclave from last time...

...Are all done!

I'll be taking that reward we agreed on.

Ah, of course. I'll let you know a place with a treasure worthy of the wandering merchant, Huche.

Hmm. Look at that, Lio. Famous has officially added a new reputation record.

Let's quickly update the Infinite Library's record list.

Let's verify all the new records and explore the subject we've been thinking about...

"The existence of a special point where a grudge turns into friendship."

Lio, don't you think that "how to quantify the amount of emotion required to turn a grudge into love" is a more elegant and appropriate subject?

Uh... Perhaps?

Let's research both. You're still immature, so verifying two hypotheses may be difficult, but I'm smart, and I'm here to help.

You're so cool, Lica! I'll do my best!

*sneaking*

*sneaking*

Lica, Famous has left her position. Just like you said!

Aha! I knew it. I'm amazed by my judgment sometimes.

You're amazing. Just as you predicted, we waited about twenty days in Ritanian time, and Famous has left her seat.

So wise. I knew Famous often goes to investigate on-site, but I could never have guessed exactly when she might go.

How did you know?

It's all thanks to my powers of insight.*chuckling* Listen carefully, Lio. Simply gathering knowledge without using it is meaningless.

If you keep that in mind, I'm sure that even if you can't compare to me, you'll be able to gain the insight of at least a Windrat's front teeth. *chuckling*

Lica... You're so cool. I'll do my best!

More importantly, let's examine Famous's Scale. That's what we've been waiting for after all.

Of course. In order to verify our last subject, we must check the calibration of the Scale.

Let's put everything we can get our hands on in the Library onto the Scale.

...

...

...This is what is known as a "shameful accident."

Is that what this is? I'd have thought it would be called "breaking Famous's Scale."

Calm down. We didn't break it. The Scale...broke on its own!

Of course!

That's right. But since we are so intelligent and generous, lets try to fix it.

Famous is not on our level. Once she sees the broken Scale, she'll fall into despair.

Likely even die from heartache... Existence is so fragile. Except for us.

Yes, fragile. Lio, let's find a way to fix the Scale quickly.

...I knew there was something wrong with the Scales, Lio.

Yes, there truly is something wrong with them, Lica.

Yes. I thought they were fixed so I lightly sat on them yet they don't move an inch.

They ought to move from even the slightest weight. Everything in the world has mass.

You're right, Lica.

So the only conclusion we can come to is that the Eternal Scales are broken, Lio.

You're so smart, Lica! Is this what they call being "a stute"?

No it's "astute", Lio.

Hmm... In any case, we are in a bit of a troublesome situation.

Lica, Lica, I read in a book that you have to overcome a trial in order to escape troublesome situations!

Do you think we'll need to overcome a trial soon too?

That's a bright observation, Lio. I thought the same thing just a bit earlier than you. If this is a trial...

Let's try to resolve it together. Alright, Lio, how do we resolve a problem?

It's simple. We need to honestly apologize, or remove the problem. If apologizing won't solve anything then...

...We need to destroy the problem.

Yes. We should remove Famous as she's the main problem here. Hehehe.

But how do we remove her, Lica?

We will simply lock the doors and stop her from returning to Memory Chain. Hehe.

You're so smart, Lica! Hehehe.

Lica, Lica, I thought of something while looking at the Eternal Knowledge... I'm curious.

If you put salt in water, the salt melts. But where does the salt go?

So similarly, if something melts inside a slime, does it become a part of it? And then...

Hmmmm. I'm not sure, Lio. I think you should ask Famous about this.

Right? I knew you'd think that way, Lica. Let's go see Famous.

...Huh? Why is the entrance locked?

Famous must be waiting impatiently outside. Let's open it quickly. One, two...

One, two...

Three!

It's open, Lica!

Hi! I'm back!

Hooray! I've gathered so much reputation to be weighed on my Scales!

Ah! Speaking of which...

*whispering* ...Lica, what do we do? *whispering*... We broke the Scales, remember.

*whispering* ...Lio, that's not true. *whispering* ...The Scales broke all by themselves.

Oh, right! But really, what do we do? If Famous puts that reputation on her Scales, she'll figure out that the Scale is broken...

...Lio, prepare yourself. Now that it's come to this we have no other choice.

...What choice?

Sneak sneak...

Sneak sneak...

Lalala. Reputation carries the weight of responsibility with it. Protect your reputation and you'll be rewarded accordingly.

...We're going to protect our reputations as well...

Protect them!

Huh?

We'll fix the Eternal Scales and be right back...!

Fixing the Eternal Scales will be as easy as giving candy to an Arky for us...!

Ahhh?!

*gulping* ...N-No way... I've made a huge mistake!

The librarians... they've left the Memory Chain through the Eternal Door... No way.

I can't believe it.

Uhh... What do I do? Those two aren't allowed to leave here...

They don't know enough about the outside world... Will they be alright?

Do you think they know that to get something, they need to give something of equal value in return?

I'm so worried... And I can't leave because the conditions aren't right... *sulking*

I'll have to hope that Huche decides to drop by.

...But isn't this strange?

Is it possible for something to break within the Infinite Library?

And this place is different to the outside world where time flows freely. Hmm.

Hmm, we have to go to the harsh mathematician's castle that I saw in the Eternal Knowledge but... where is it?

Where is it...?

*coughing* ...What are all these tiny grains that are flying about?

Ah! Lica, isn't this that thing called snow that the Eternal Knowledge talked about?

Hmph, you still don't know enough. Lio, snow is something that even body heat can melt. If this is snow, it should be disappearing instantly.

This doesn't disappear and instead gets stuck in my throat, and doesn't it look yellow to you? This must be...!

Be...?

Gold dust!

I-I see... I've heard gold is a valuable mineral, so to see it just flying around like this is...

Where are we?

Huh? Who are those kids? And why are they holding all that sand and yelling?

Heh... They seem young and foolish. Perfect to scam. Heh.

Excuse me, children.

Hmm? We are not children...

Not!

I am called Biblica.

I am called Biblio. We are the great librarians in charge of taking care of the Eternal Knowledge...

How pitiful. They're living in a fantasy world.

Now, now. I'm busy so come here quickly.

You may be great librarians, but it's your first time here, no?

How could you tell? You're very astute!

Tsk tsk. I knew it. So that's why your doing this?

Doing what?

This! This is a big problem! Didn't you just look at my goods? My valuable products?

We were just looking. Why is that a problem?

Don't you know that something's value drops the moment someone looks at it? You should buy everything you looked at.

What? Value drops when they're looked at?

W-What do we do, Lica?

Though this displeases me, we do not have any money... We will make this up to you in some other way.

...Hmm, really? Well, since it was an honest mistake... I'm feeling generous! I'll let you repay me some other way.

I need to organize all the goods stacked here. If you clean them up for me, I'll consider your debt paid.

Uh, but there's so much. The entire building is filled to the ceiling. But since it was our mistake, we'll do it...

Gladly do it!

Mwahaha! Fools! Free labor!

It must have been tough working until sundown... Agh! What!?

You still haven't finished?! You kids are really bad workers, huh?

If you take this long, it's going to cause problems for me. *sighing* If I had done it myself, I'd already be finished.

R-Really?

Really?

Hmm. So I think you'll have to help me some more...

If I coax them on gently like this, then maybe I'll be able to sell them as slaves and make some money? Hehe...

Or maybe if I just keep telling them they have to work, I can use them as free labor forever. Hehe.

...Oh, but what's that?

Hmm. What's that valuable...antique that you're holding?

It looks like one of mine!

This isn't yours. This is something we brought from Memory Chain, the Eternal Scales...

The Eternal Scales...

Huh? Really? I don't know what it does but it looks expensive... I mean, it looks strange... Hmm...

Shall I take a look at it for you?

Take a look at it? Are you saying you can fix the Eternal Scales?

Oh, you truly are a wielder of great knowledge. Quickly, fix the Eternal Scales.

Of course. I'll fix them right away.

Hmm, oh I see! This should be simple! You just take the broken Scale and...

...Run for it!

...Lio, as I thought, fixing the Scales is truly an extraordinary deed.

I thought the same thing, Lica. I never would have guessed one needed to hold the Scales and run so quickly in order to do so...

We never could have thought of that, Lica. We truly did well asking for that man's help.

Yes, Lio. We need simply wait for that man to return with the repaired Scales now.

...That man doesn't seem to be coming back, Lio.

That seems the case, Lica. It would appear you must run for a very long time in order to fix the Eternal Scales.

A likely hypothesis, Lio. The Eternal Scales may require a special method and a long time to fix.

Then let's wait a bit longer, Lica.

Let's do so.

I'm Huche! The self-styled Peerless Merchant, unrivalled in my skills, able to sell things so quickly they simply disappear!

...Ah, how fortunate. So you were here, Biblio, Biblica?!

Oh, it's Huche.

Huche. Hello.

I looked everywhere for you. I knew the Eternal Door opened near Savara but I couldn't see a thing because of the sandstorms.

I searched deep into the desert, you know?

It's lucky you didn't go any further. Phew, why in the world did you come out here?

You're the librarians of the Infinite Library! Don't you realize you don't have any connections to the outside world?

There's a deep, complex reason to all of this, Huche.

A deep, complex reason, Huche.

W-What?! You gave away the Eternal Scales? Uwah!

That man is a scammer whichever way I think about it! You were scammed!

W-What?! We were scammed?

Lica! We were scammed! Us! ...I'm so angry!

...Lio, we were scammed just like in our books. This world is truly a formidable place.

A scam refers to using one's guile to trick another person. It's not something we would have been able to experience within the Infinite Library.

Yes, yes. We have been truly and thoroughly scammed for the first time, Lica. This is how we grow through our experiences.

I'm almost moved to tears, Lio.

I feel like I'm going to cry, Lica!

Excuse...me... Getting excited over a new experience is all well and good...but we have to get the Eternal Scales back.

We need to track down that merchant. Do you remember which way he went?

...Ugh. Of course you don't.

I've had a good idea, Huche.

A good idea!

I saw in the Eternal Knowledge that there exists six large merchant guilds in Savara.

I know that! I'm a merchant myself.

There's also a secret marketplace in Savara... It's called the Shadow Market.

I know that too... Oh! Do you think?!

Did you realize? Hehe. Yes, that's what I mean. All we need to do its go to the Shadow Market and buy the Eternal Scales back.

Yes. I read in the Eternal Knowledge that all stolen goods eventually find their way to the Shadow Market.

I don't think it'll be that easy...

Hmm...but there does seem to be a chance. If a small fry merchant wants to offload something they suddenly got their hands on...

The chance that they would run to the Shadow Market seems high.

Alright! We don't have a lot of time. Let's move before someone else buys the Eternal Scales!

How exciting... Lio, we'll finally be able to see the Shadow Market.

How exciting... Lica! Our adventure just keeps getting bigger!

Now that things have come to this, I would be nice if this turned into a great heroic adventure where we end up saving the world, Lio.

You're so cool, Lica. Then I take the role of the annoying prince whose story ends in misfortune!

...? Lio, You're a librarian of the Infinite Library and my brother, not a prince. You can't be something you aren't.

R-really? I can't...? *sulking*

...So that's what happened. We want both Afih Merchant Guild and Basar Merchant Guild to help us out a bit.

Hmm? That's an interesting story.

Memory Chain... The Infinite Library... This is most certainly an extraordinary tale.

Though unqualified outsiders won't be able to remember anything about Memory Chain for very long...

But there's no need to tell them that much.

Once the librarians return to their library, anyone who saw them should slowly start forgetting about them.

We can't help you for free. An item related to the Eternal Knowledge would be a suitable fee.

Oh, I'd pay very well for something connected to the Eternal Knowledge for it. Right now, even.

That's not possible. I'm sorry, but the librarians of the Infinite Library do not belong here.

And something not of this world can't be left here either. That's one of the Eternal Knowledge's rules.

A shame.

Instead I'll let you borrow some special items that I have. They're not things that are easy to acquire so I'm sure it will be worth your time.

If you say so... We'll let you borrow our wisdom in return.

How exciting... It really is crowded, Lio. And they're all such suspicious, strange people...

It truly is amazing, Lica. This seems like a place where they would sell poison that doesn't work or a dagger without an edge.

There's some normal looking people too.

A handmade doll in the shape of the Heir of the Covenant! Please let me buy this! Please!

A statue of the Heir of the Covenant's back... So cool... My heart is racing!

I feel like I've seen them somewhere before but seeing that they are trying to buy some strange items, I'm sure it's my mistake, Lio.

The statue of the Heir of the Covenant looks somewhat like a hedgehog to me but I'm sure it's my mistake, Lica.

You should be able to feel the special energy that the Eternal Scales give off. I'm sure you'll be able to sense it better than I can.

Alright, Huche.

Wait, I'm searching for it now. I'm not sure it will be easy when the Shadow Market is so... Oh?

Lio! There's that scammer!

Agh! You followed me all the way here?!

Stop right there! Scammer!

They found me. Ugh... I could have sold the Scales if I just had a little more time... Damn it.

I better run!

Hmm... I can't have scammers ruining Savara's reputation. I'll help catch that man.

And if we help them, maybe they'll agree to tell us more about the Eternal Knowledge. *chuckling*

Agh! Even guild leaders of the Emporium are after me... Ugh...

Alright. If you don't want to experience any more rough treatment, give up quietly now.

Scammer! Hand over the Eternal Scales.

Hand them over!

We'll hold onto your bag so you can't run away...

If you want it back give us the Eternal Scales.

N-No! These Scales are mine now! I have no idea how to use them but if they're valuable, they're mine!

Ahaha! I'm going to become rich with these things!

*sighing* Foolish man. How will you become rich with the Scales?

The Eternal Scales are already broken. And since they're broken they're of no use to you...

No use to you...

...Huh?

Ah, it must be time.

Huche, everything is shaking!

The Infinite Library is calling its librarians back. You're both going to have to return soon.

It's time to go back. I'll see you later!

But our adventure isn't over! Why?!

Lica! If we go back now, we can't become heroes who save the world. *sobbing*

You're right, Lio. This is all a big mistake.

Phew... it's all over. The Eternal Scales have gone back to where they belong too.

Hmm. I had hoped to acquire some new information... What a shame.

Truly. The Eternal Knowledge... The Infinite Library... I haven't been so excited in so long... But it was all for nothing.

But we still have this scammer to deal with!

Perhaps we should take out our disappointment on him, and make him confess to every crime he's committed since birth.

That sounds like a splendid plan, Leader Basar. I will be glad to help.

Ahh! You've returned! Librarians of the Infinite Library!

Phew... That took ten years off my life. I was breaking out in a cold sweat.

We're back...

We're back, Lica...

Goodbye...adventure... Goodbye...hero's path...

I-It's not over yet, Lio! We still haven't fixed the Eternal Scales, so let's open the Eternal Door again and...!

The door is closed. Don't try anything crazy, both of you!

You were able to escape because I left the door slightly ajar while I was out on a survey, so I'll make sure that won't ever happen again.

It's all over, Lio.

We're doomed, Lica.

Not to mention, the Eternal Scale can't be broken. Since it's a product of the Eternal Knowledge.

Why in the world did you think that the Scale was broken?

It's simple, Famous. Lio and I took turns sitting on the Scales but they didn't move one bit.

If something is on it, the Scale should move at least a tiny bit, but it didn't react at all.

Ugh...

You made a big mistake, Biblio, Biblica.

A big mistake.

The librarians of the Infinite Library are beings completely removed from the causality of the world.

Yes. You aren't connected to the world.

So reputation, as a product of the causality of the world, doesn't apply to you two.

And since the Eternal Scales weigh reputation, of course it can't weigh either of you.

It can't weigh me either!

You're right...

It really can't weigh Famous...

No matter what either of you do in that world, what harm or benefits you cause, you aren't part of that causality.

It is neither recorded or stored.

That scammer may have caused you trouble by taking the Scales, but you also took his bag. So that's why it ended.

All causality has returned to normal and you two have been left behind.

So you mean that we can't affect the world in any way.

And our adventure won't be remembered by anyone.

But special people like us two and yourselves will remember.

Huche and I will both remember. So don't be so sad.

Yes, Lio. It was a fun adventure, just remembering it ourselves is enough.

And we brought back this nice bag too.

There's just a bunch of useless rocks inside it, Lica. Maybe these are what they call gems?

I see. The Eternal Knowledge is filled with information about gems so let's just leave them over there.

And this...huh? "How to Make Friends Through Humor"...? It's a book.

I'll try reading it, Lica.

What is the shortest food in the world?

Answer: Shortbread

What do you call a tenacious Suin?

Answer: Dogged

Lio! That's an incredibly interesting book! I've never heard such interesting and fresh information!

I think the same way, Lica. This sort of book must be popular in the outside world!

Let's study this book and we can enjoy feeling popular, Lio!

Yes! Let's do that, Lica!

...I'm glad they won't be able to test that sort of humor outside of here.

Y-yes. Huche, I'm truly glad they don't have any reason to leave here...