Specialty Change: Doris

Hmm... I just can't wrap my head around this part. Maybe I should call it a day...

There you are, my lady.

Arowell...? What brings you here? Did something happen?

N-No, not exactly... But you didn't show up where we agreed to meet, so I thought something was wrong.

Oh, I'm sorry... I got so caught up in this that I lost track of time. How did you know I was here, though?

Well...b-because you always come here when you have free time. I see you're reading your family book. Have you been studying it?

Yes... You know, this is the only keepsake I have of my father. Oh, and thanks to Carrot and the others, I found something.

Here, look at this. There are weird symbols and phrases hidden on every page my father took research notes on.

They must have some sort of hidden meaning. Of course, I have no idea what it could be...

You have plenty of time to figure it out. Anyway... I'm glad you've gotten used to life in Reingar.

What do you mean? Were you worried I would have trouble fitting in?

...Only because you went through a lot in Taranor.

It's true I had a hard time trusting people at first...but I'm all right now.

The people here are kind and honest. They're different from the people I met in the past.

And for that, I thank you, Arowell. You put your life at risk to save me... If it hadn't been for you, I would never have been able to start a new life.

Don't mention it. What I've done for you doesn't even begin to compare to what you've done for me.

Hehe, this conversation is a little embarrassing. Oh, by the way, didn't you say you were going to help Katis?

Yes, I'm going to help him collect Selenite for the Full Moon Festival, so I'll be away for a while.

Sure, just be careful. And don't push yourself too...

Oh no, I completely forgot!

Carrot asked me to organize some documents, but I haven't even started.

Is it those documents on your desk? I've got some time before I leave, let me help you.

Hehe, thanks! Wow, it really is a lot of documents.

This looks like a document about failed experiments from last year...

...There's also one of the student council's account books.

And this... Huh? A request from Taranor?

Well, if it isn't Doris and Arowell!

Serila, you're back! What kind of request did you take care of this time?

It was a tricky one... I had to go out to this manor. But thanks to my unparalleled magical talent, it was a breeze.

Hmm... Is Carrot not here? We don't have much time.

You sound like you're in a hurry.

Yeah, we're handling a request on behalf of the Magic Research Department. And we need to head out soon...

But we need to bring the request document with us. This request came from the army, so we need to follow the proper procedures.

Oh, what luck! We were just sorting through these documents and saw some request papers among them.

Really? The one I'm looking for has Taranor's seal on it. Did you see anything like that?

Isn't that the document Lady Doris is holding right now?

Oh, you're right. Doris, do you mind if I take a look?

Hmm, an investigation of a laboratory that was shut down due to monsters... This request won't be easy either.

You know, this seal looks so familiar for some reason... Oh, and the answer is right in front of me.

That's Lady Doris's family crest.

What? M-May I see that document?

Arowell, look... My father's name is on the list of researchers.

So...are you saying you want to go with Serila to the laboratory in Taranor?

I object. I can't let you go to such a dangerous place.

I'll be with the Taranor army, so I should be safe. And Serila will be there too...

It's not just the monsters I'm worried about. What if the threat to your family is still out there?

We were lucky back then, but if the same thing happens again...

But once the investigation is over, they're going to shut the lab down completely. And if that happens...

My father's research would have been in vain.

...That may be. But to me, your safety comes first.

So please promise me that you won't go back to Taranor.

All right. If you say so...

Thank you. Well then, I should get going. Katis is waiting for me.

...Please keep your word.

I know... I know you're worried about me, Arowell.

But I have to know what kind of research my father devoted his entire life to...

...

I'm sorry, Arowell. I'll have to break our promise just this once.

I was pretty scared when I heard this place was shut down because of monsters. But I guess there was nothing to worry about after all! Haha!

We shouldn't let our guard down, though. We're going to be in big trouble if anything happens to the people who came to help.

Come on, don't worry. What could go wrong?

Hmm... It looks like this laboratory was used to research crossbreeding. They seem to have used Pherus as a test subject...

Then...could they have documents on ancient monsters and mutants?!

That's the crossbreeding researcher who came with us. He looks...exhausted.

I know, he's a gloomy guy. I heard he's been studying for his doctorate for 10 years...

Anyway, I'm pretty surprised Arowell let you come with me by yourself.

Oh... Is it really that surprising?

Of course. You two are like a package deal. Just like me and Chatty.

Not that I have a say in that...

Have I been too nice to you lately? Do I need to teach you a lesson?

...

I am a little worried, but I don't regret it. Because...I was able to find my father's research.

Well, I'm glad you feel that way. What kind of research is this, anyway? What's that tree-like drawing?

According to his journal, he was studying a tree that gives off magical waves that monsters hate.

Magical waves... Hmm, I guess I am picking up some weak waves, now that you mention it.

I think he wanted to use those to make a device that can keep monsters away.

Hmm... So that red circle on the map is where the device is located?

If he had been able to finish making that device, it would have allowed many people to live safely.

Yes, but...it says that the wave amplifier caused an accident, so they had to shut down the laboratory.

An accident? Is anyone else getting goosebumps? ...Does it say what kind of accident?

Ah, well... The device was supposed to generate waves that keep monsters away, but it ended up doing the exact opposite...

Wait, something's coming this way...

M-Monsters!

*growling*...!

Th-Those are...Pherus?! They must have been used as test subjects... They still live in this area?

...Boss, more and more are showing up.

And our escape route is completely blocked off as well. If what Doris said is true, they'll just keep flocking in...

Hmph, I guess that leaves me with only one option.

Doris, the Taranor soldiers and I will hold them off. You go find the device and disable it.

B-But it doesn't say how to disable it...

Well, figure it out. Or we're all dead.

...All right. I'll do my best. Please stay safe!

S-Serila, I think I can be of some help here, so...I'll go with her.

Phew... Great. Now that we don't need to worry about protecting anyone, are you ready to have some fun?

Listen up, soldiers! Make sure you don't get in our way, or it's gonna hurt like hell!

Phew... What did I tell you? Now keep your guard up, or you'll be dead in no time.

Dammit... I won't die in a place like this! Come at me, you monsters!

Hey, why are you just standing there? Do something!

I don't know what to do... It won't stop...

Dammit... I had no idea the device was this huge. If we mess this up, we'll end up destroying the entire laboratory...

What are the weird symbols written on the device? What do they mean...?

*roaring*

H-How did this get past Serila and the soldiers...? Hey, watch out!

Kyaaaaa...!

My lady, get back!

Krrrrr...

A-Arowell? What are you...

I'll explain later. For now...

*growling*

Th-There are more coming!

...I'll focus on stopping them. So...

No, you won't be able to do this alone. Let's work together. I'll provide support.

...Okay. Be careful!

I can handle the rest, my lady. So please...do what you have to do!

This might be the last opening Arowell is able to make for me... I absolutely must figure out how to stop the device...

Not this... Maybe...? No, this is wrong too. I can't...

Hey, think carefully! Researchers always leave clues behind. Maybe you'll find an answer somewhere unexpected!

Somewhere unexpected? Could it be...?!

These symbols... They look identical to the ones I saw in my family's book.

If I combine them in the right order...

*buzzing*

The light on the device is turning off! W-We're saved, we're saved!

I can't believe I knew the spell to stop the device the entire time...

It was my family's motto... "Inherited knowledge will save us all."

I'm sorry, that took longer than it should have. Are you hurt?

Nope! It was a little tough, but my incredible magical talents were...

NOT enough to stop them all, so we gave up and ran away...

A-Ahaha... Chatty, what are you saying? He's still shaken up, obviously.

S-Stop it...! I'm sorry, Boss!

Don't worry. Now that the device is off, the area around the laboratory should be all clear.

That's the best news I've heard all day.

But I've got to say, seeing the look on Arowell's face... I get the feeling you lied about having her permission to come here.

Yes, you're right...

I hope you two are able to patch things up. Being betrayed by someone you trust... It's not a pleasant feeling.

Arowell... I'm sorry I broke my promise. I shouldn't have lied to you... You must be disappointed in me.

...There's no need to apologize. To be honest, I knew this would happen.

Huh...? You knew?

Yes. You've always just done whatever you please.

But...you're just that kind of person, my lady. That's what makes you, you. So...no, I wasn't disappointed at all.

I'm just glad I made it in time. I was this close to...

...To losing you. So thank you for staying safe.

I'm so sorry, Arowell. I'll be more careful... And thanks...

...

...What's wrong?

Well... Since you've apologized, I suppose I should come clean too.

You asked me how I knew you were here, right?

Oh, right. How did you find me?

I'm sorry. To tell the truth, I asked Carrot for a favor...

Hey, you! What are you doing over there? We're leaving!

Oh, this is... Why is something like this here...?

Huh? What is it? Did you find something good?

N-No, it's nothing! Ahaha...

An Acolyte summoning spell...? This sounds dangerous, but I'll take it for now.

Maybe I could even test it out and see if it works during the Full Moon Festival! This could be the perfect subject for my thesis...

My lady, what are you doing here? Everyone's enjoying the festival.

Hmm? Oh, I just wanted some time alone...

Anyway, how did you know I was here? You don't still have a tracking spell cast on my ribbon, do you...?

O-Of course not! Judith told me...

I know, you dispelled the magic as soon as we got back. I was just kidding.

...What is that letter you're holding?

It's a letter from Taranor.

Apparently, after we departed, they ran a thorough investigation of the laboratory. And they figured why the device had been turned on.

My father, who was in charge of the project, knew that the device was unstable. So he called it off and left...

But apparently, not everyone agreed with him. So...they started the device.

And it went exactly the way your father predicted it would.

But now that you know what happened...why do you look so sad?

Read the last part of the letter.

...They've decided to continue with the project. And they want you to join as a researcher...

...

Are you going to do it?

Yes, I'd like to. But if you're against it...

No, I won't stop you. I already told you this. You...

...Should do as I please. Because that's just who I am.

Yes, so...you're going. You'll be a part of the army, so I'm sure it will be safe. And I'll be by your side, as always.

Well, actually... You won't be. They don't let anyone who isn't a researcher or a guard stay.

I see... Still, don't worry. I will keep my oath, no matter what.

So wait for me there. I'll follow you soon.

Phew... Let's wrap up for today. I'll see you tomorrow, Doris.

Okay, see you!

*sighing* I thought continuing Father's research would make me so happy.

But I feel like I've hit a wall. This is exhausting...

...And lonely, too. I mean, my colleagues are nice...

But it's hard to open up to them completely.

Doris! Are you done for today?

Oh, yes... What are you doing here? I thought it was your day off.

Wow, I can't believe you remembered that! Yes, on an ordinary day, I would be taking a nap right about now...

But today, we have a newly recruited guard who got a perfect score on their exam.

And apparently, it's someone you know...

Huh? Someone I know?

Nice to meet you. I'm Arowell. As of today, I'll be a guard for the Taranor Magic Laboratory.

Arowell...!

I told you I'd follow you.

Yes... Thank you for keeping your word. But there's a tiny problem...

Huh? What is it...?

Well, now that we're going to be working together, I thought that maybe it's time for you to call me something else.

No more "Lady Doris" and "my lady." From now on...

Just call me Doris. Like friends do.