Section 13: Seaside Singing, Invitation to Eternity

Once we solved the Con housing problem, we decided to move on to the fourth area.

The Con, finally outfitted with quality weapons, durable armor, and vehicles that kept them in high spirits...

...seemed confident in their ability to tackle whatever came next.

Even with the reports of yet another unfamiliar water monster in the next area, we couldn't let our fears get the better of us.

And so, they set out to execute the plan, keeping vigilant and trusting their experience up to this point. However...

...

(Sigh) I do hate turning tail and running away.

Still, at least we did not suffer too many casualties, which makes this more of a strategic retreat!

...It's not about the casualty count, Empress.

The fact that there were casualties at all is something we need to reflect on.

Was it that bad?

We couldn't do anything except run for it. Unfortunately, this next enemy's bad news, too.

I had this same thought when we faced the kelpie...but it looks like psychological attacks are the Con's weakness.

True, it does seem like they're too trusting for their own good sometimes.

Yes, I think so too.

The Con were instantly trapped in the enemy's tempo and helpless to break free...

Those must be the new water monsters. They really do look like human women.

They've spotted us. Watch out forHuh?

...

...!

Are they...singing?

That's not all. Look!

They're dancingmaking their water bodies ripple and sway...

That isn't just random movements that look like a dance. They're doing it on purpose; I can tell.

They're keeping to a rhythm and are conscious of every move they make, all the way down to the tips of their fingers.

They're using their bodies' undefined form to move about freely...calculating every move, even any droplets they may splash.

Waha? That's beautiful.

Pretty voice...

Huh? Not again! Get back here!

Weee. I don't know what's going on here, but I'm loving the show. I'm going to go watch up close.

Now Vritra's been sucked into the water, too! And after she came here to help...without being asked!

She calls THAT helping!?

They got some of the Con, too!

This is just like what happened with the kelpie! ...Looks like we've got no choice but to retreat!

Hmm. I can't believe they managed to lure even me in with their singing and dancing. Those creatures are as cunning as Indra.

(I think it's more that you're just really, really vulnerable to that kind of temptation...)

Looks like it's up to me to fill you in again.

Those monsters you saw today were probably rusalki.

Their legend says they use singing and dancing to lure people in and pull them underwater.

Some people think a rusalka is a vodyanoy's wife, but nobody knows for sure. I honestly don't care.

Rusalka!

(So they're from the same Eastern European region as the vodyanoy. I wonder if that means anything... Nah, probably not.)

Helldyste.

Oh. Hehe, you're all right. That's a relief.

It was close. I was almost lunch.

But I've already seen Lam-Lam! You're better than any monster!

Is that so? ...I'm flattered.

Wait. Hold on. Does this mean if the Con know about other kinds of art and entertainment...

...they wouldn't be drawn to the rusalki's singing and dancing anymore?

Sounds like it. We just got a great hint.

We're going to have to bolster the Con's resistance to the rusalki's singing and dancing, just like we did with the kelpie's cool factor.

And to do that...I think we'll have to give them a little culture.

Like my water-top ballet.

That's a good idea and all, but there are too many Con here for even me to give them a solid cultural education alone.

And even if I could, I don't want to cheapen my art with too many repeat performances. My rule is one show a day.

Well then... I think we'll have to build some kind of cultural arts center.

That sounds fine to me, but exactly what sort of facility should we build?

Haaahahaha!

So you wish to create a building to teach ignorant masses the glory of true entertainment?

In a sense, that is exactly what I dedicated my entire reign to achieving!

I speak, of course, of

An arcade, yes? I am certain that must be it.

For what better represents modern entertainment than a center for games of the video!?

Don't forget about VR and MMORPGs. You can forget everything in those worlds. Reality... Your weight...

Deadlines...

No, no, no! I am speaking of the theater, of course! Now do not interrupt me again!

Only in the theater can patrons enjoy singing, poetry, stage plays, concerts, and so much more.

That is why a Golden Theater made by and for me is the only possible choice!

Oh gosh, oh gosh.

U-um, it may be presumptuous of me to suggest this...

...but I don't think any discussion of entertainment or culture would be complete without books and reading.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is...it might be really nice to have a library...

Games, books, song, and dance, huh? I can tell those all sound like fun.

I think the Con would probably enjoy any of those. They've always loved playing.

So just choose whichever one you'd prefer.

？！