Episode 7, Chapter 1: To the Gaba Archipelago

Hello, friends who are looking for someone. I am Wilson, barkeep of this humble establishment and a pillar of New Nirvan community. I know the history of the rise and fall of the realm of Nirvan, and above all...

Alright, should we get to the main topic?

Let's see if there's anything we can help with, Verna.

Branch Master.

Oh, it's you two.

Can we do anything to help?

We should find a ship as soon as possible, right?

Ah, yeah, about that... Finding a ship'll be no easy task, but finding a captain's gonna be even harder.

The seas are rough, it's far, and the place has a terrible reputation... Nobody wants to go there.

Then, what about Mina...? If we can't get to the Gaba Archipelago...

Verna. Mina should be okay.

That Eleanor person won't harm her... At least until we catch up to them.

Cloud...

That's right. If she just wanted to harm the Divine Maiden, there's no need to spirit her away to a second location.

Ah! If you want to help, you can go post these flyers.

Captain wanted for passage to the Gaba Archipelago... Compensation offered... Wow.

I know, right? At that price, we might actually get a bite.

Post 'em in places with a lot of foot traffic, like at the city gates.

Hm... Naksan and Wolha should be a wide enough net.

Okay. Leave it to us. We'll be back before you know it!

Alright. Everybody will be able to see it here.

All done. Let's go check in with the branch master.

We put up all the flyers you gave us.

Good work. Now, all we have to do is wait at the docks for someone to come.

So, uh, just how dangerous is the Gaba Archipelago...?

Well, no one knows exactly what goes on there.

But people tell all sorts of tall tales, like... iron dust storms and mysterious blinking lights from far ashore.

Someone claimed they fished up a machine shaped just like a human leg.

I hope we find a captain... Just hearing these stories is giving me chills.

Hahaha! Like I said, nobody knows what the hell's going on there.

But you can't fear the unknown just because it's unknown! That's not the adventurer way.

Some sea captain's gotta be brave enough to take us, so let's sit tight.

Right. Because Divine Maiden Mina's counting on us.

Mmm... I can't wait any longer!

Do we still not have a ship yet, Branch Master?

Oh, you're here. I was just about to go looking for you.

The ship's ready, and we've got a willing captain, too!

Oh, finally! That's great news!

Yep. By now, Headmistress Jiwon should be ready to set sail.

Alright! Let's get going!

Welcome. I see the branch master was able to find you two.

Umm... Well, sort of. I see Sangun's here.

Have you finally found a suitable ship?

I assume you're not expecting us to take your fishing boat after all this.

Don't worry. The ship was the easy part, it was finding a brave enough captain that was the problem.

Anyway, I finally found someone to steer us.

It seems those from Centralia don't scare too easily.

I'd like to get underway immediately if you're ready. Does everyone have everything?

Yup. We've waited long enough. Let's go save Mina!

Alright, let's get to it then. Everybody, please meet at the dock.

Hey! You bunch.

Huh? Why are you here, Lord Sanhae?

Branch Master Leeho didn't tell you?

We're going to be your security detail for this mission.

Our... security detail? Does that mean you're coming with us?

That's right. Someone of great importance is in trouble, so it's only right for the government to take action.

If you're ever in danger, we're going to help make sure you can turn your ship straight back this way.

Thank you. That's really reassuring.

Since you're sailing into the Maleficent Sea...

It's better to be safe than sorry.

Let's go, Cloud.

Sir, this is the limit. We-we can't get through the storm!

Gah! Damn it! We just need to go a bit further!

No... Turn the fleet around! We head back to Silverwood Harbor!

Cloud, Verna!

That ship... It's not stopping!

Stop! Didn't you hear, we need to turn back!

This is just a light breeze. We're almost there. C'mon! Hahaha!

Why are you doing this to us?!

You're the only ones I invited.

Are you... Eleanor?!

Ahahahahaha!

This is it! The storm is too strong!

No!

Ugh...

Huh? Are you guys alive?

Stop... the ship....

Hey, wake up!

Ahh! Wh-what?!

You're awake! Haha! I thought you were dead!

I really... thought I was going to die... Where are we?

Who are you? If you wanna fight, I... *Gag...*

What...?

Wait, no way! Are you guys from this world? Whoa! This is my first time meeting actual natives!

Nice to meet you! I'm Chloe.

Chloe...?

I'm Verna. This is Cloud.

*Gag...* H-hi. But, uh, what is that smell?

Umm... *Sniff Sniff Sniff* Oh, sorry! I shouldn't have escaped through the sewers...

But you guys really look exactly like Nirvanians.

Oh, hahaha... Sorry. Um. I've really never met people from this world before.

Nirvanians? Ah! Is this place called... Nirvan?

Oh... No! This is the Scrap Metal Barrier. But you might know it as the outermost island of the Gaba Archipelago.

What? This is the Gaba Archipelago? Cloud. We're in the Gaba Archipelago!

Oh, wait. How did those jerks catch up to me so quickly?

Huh? Who?

I found the intruder! Get her!

Why are there three of them now?!

They're accomplices, obviously! Get them all!

Hiss!

They're coming this way...

Can't get away with anything. Oh well, guess I've got to give them a taste of my knuckle sandwich.

Help a girl out?

We can keep making friends after.

How long are they gonna chase us for?!

Whoa...! You guys are super strong! They never stood a chance.

But who were those people? Why were they chasing you.

Umm, well... They're, um... They're members of Ortus... which is... uhh...

I...I was visiting a friend, but those guys are just really... they're intense. Yeah. Yeah. Intense is a good word for it.

It's hard to explain.

You went to see a friend and ended up getting chased?

Yep, that's about it! I'm not a bad person, I promise!

Anyway, how did you get here?! I heard it was impossible to get through the magnetic force field from outside.

I don't know... All I remember is a storm... and a shipwreck...

Oh! Eleanor! Do you know an Eleanor?

El... Who? No, sorry, I've never met anyone by that name.

But if you go to New Nirvan, someone there might know.

New Nirvan? What happened to old Nirvan...?

Yeah.... So we didn't used to live here, we moved here...

The place we used to live is waaaaay far away from here. It was called Nirvan.

We can't go back there, so we settled here, but...

Hahaha! Anyway, if you go to New Nirvan, there'll be someone who can explain it way better than me, I promise!

I don't really know what you're talking about, but... okay. I get the idea.

I thought this was a completely deserted island, but there are people here. That's a relief.

We need to enter the barrier to get to New Nirvan.

C'mon! Trust me, and follow my lead!

What the?! They're all attacking us! Are you sure this is the right way?

P-probably...? There are a lot of broken robots on the way. Hehe.

There! Ha! See, I told you. I knew we'd find the barrier if we went this way!

Ah! There's more coming!

Ugh! Why are they attacking us?!

This is weird... I heard there were only worker bots near the barrier...

Hey, over here!

Huh? Who are you?

Shh. Be quiet. Hurry and follow me.

Argh, c'mon!

Ya'll can't just keep bein' noisy over there!

Mm, even though they're old models, they can still identify serial numbers.

But who are you, gramps?

Me? Hmm... Suppose I could introduce myself. I was on the robot development team at KrypTiiK... And, ah... No.

Anyway, it doesn't seem like you're from here by the looks of it. So just what're y'all doing?

Actually, we're trying to get inside the barrier...

Ah... Do you live in that anthill?

What do you mean, anthill?! It's called New Nirvan!

Hahaha! Oh, so I'm right. That name is such a joke. I was there the day before yesterday for a drink, though.

Anyway, there's hazardous waste around, so this whole area's for authorized personnel only.

I'm sure you've noticed, but the bots don't take kindly to trespassers.

Is there any other way? I don't think we'll even make it near the barrier at this rate...

Well, this kid named Miadrin built a signal jammer a while back... but it's on the fritz at the moment.

Last I heard, that MA-001 unit over there was tryin' to get it working again, so you could see if he needs any help. It'd do the smugglers we deal with a big favor, too.

Oh yeah, *ahem* and pray that you don't run into the Scrap Horde out here.

Huh? You mean the roving mass of restless spirits of abandoned machines? C'mon, who would believe in that urban legend?

Well, it's your funeral, kid. Now, hurry on.

Hey, the old dude over there said you're fixing the signal jammer?

**Jake** has provided unsecured data again.

Signal jammer. Generates interference waves to induce a reduction in ability to identify objects within the range of application.

Repair targets detected. C17, C20, and C31 repeater. Requesting repairs of damaged parts. D11 controller. Requesting replacement of power supply.

You're talking kinda... weird.

**Reason.** Language module outdated due to suspension of updates. Don't make me angry!!!

Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to offend you! Anyway, you mean there are four parts that need repairs, right?

Travel along the main path. Sequential confirmation of C17, C20, and C31 is possible. Confirmation of D11 is possible in area most proximal to barrier.

So... we basically just need to follow the path. Let's go!

MA-001. End of conversation. Layout diagram, repair kit, and power supply transmitted. Best of luck. **Intruder.**

Ugh, again? Well... we'll just have to brute force it.

I don't think this'll work. It's completely destroyed.

Chloe, look over there!

I-is... that a ghost?

A g-ghost?!

Ahhh! The Scrap Horde is really real?!

.-- .... --- / .- .-. . / -.-- --- ..-

Ahhhh! Not now, not yet! No, I can't die here!

There's still so much I want to do with my life!

Stand up, Chloe. Nothing's even happened.

*Deep breaths...* Huh? We have no choice... We have to put everything on the line.

Right! Let's- let's- let's get ready! Hit it with full power!

.... . .-.. .-.. ---

Wh-what the...? You're pretty cute.

Huh? Oh, phew, nothing scary...

*Exhale* All good then! Let's keep moving!

-.. --- -. .----. - / --. ---

Huh? Do you have something to say to us?

.. .----. -- / -. ....-

Now that I look, you're an N4 unit, aren't you? You're so worn out that I hardly recognized you.

N4?

It's a really old nanny bot model. We had an N4 unit like this when I was a kid.

You mean... a robot like this... babysat you?

Yeah! Virtually everyone on Nirvan had nanny bots and teacher bots for their kids.

-.-. .-.. --- . ..--..

This one's language module seems to be completely broken, though.

Anyway, it was nice to meet you, N4, but we're a bit busy right now.

-.-. .-.. --- . -.-.--

-.. --- -. .----. - / .-.. . .- ...- . / -- . / .- .-.. --- -. .

Hm... What should we do? I think it wants to come with us.

How about we take it with us to... uh, New Nirvan? I think it'll be better for it there than here.

Really? Are you sure? I would worry about this little one all alone out here.

Okay, stick with us, N4! It's our first time here, too, so let's work together.

- .... .- -. -.- / -.-- --- ..-

Okay, let's look for the next part of the signal jammer.

That's it... right?

Yeah, and it's surrounded. Oh well, let's crush them all at once!

Oh, I think this one is actually fixed!

Good. We just need to find the controller now.

It's this way on the map. Let's go!

It's that!

There, now we've replaced the power supply!

Did it work? I don't really see a big difference.

Uh-huh.. Y-you're right... Let's head towards the barrier anyway.

Not a single robot in sight so far. Wooow! We definitely did it!

**Gasp** We're here!

Wow. I can barely see the top!

Open up! Bang! Hmm?

Bang! Argh!

Bang, bang, bang... Wh-what...? It won't open!

.. / -.-. .- -. / -.. --- / .. -

N4? What are you doing?

Whoa!! It's opening!

Ack! What's that?!

It looks like a... a giant...

The restless spirits of abandoned machines, like the legend...

It's real... the Scrap Horde.

...But if it has an actual form, that means I can take it down with my own two hands!

Right! Let's do this!

Behold! You are looking at a legendary fighter!

Whoa, you opened it!

N4! You're really amazing!

.... . .... .

The entrance to the elevator should be right ahead.

It's my first time coming in this way, so...

What? Are you serious?

Access to this elevator is restricted. Turn back.

Hey, you all. Where are you going?

What do you mean? Obviously, New Nirvan... I mean, we're going home!

Wow. Never heard that one before. You live in New Nirvan?

You don't look like Ortus bums, so... Are you from KrypTiiK?

If you're from KrypTiiK, then this won't come cheap.

What are you talking about?! I'm Chloe! Isabella and I go way back.

A Chloe? What's that? Anyway, show me proof that you live in New Nirvan.

No proof, no entry. Registration number!

Oh! Registration number. It's, umm... N35... uh... ugh! How am I supposed to remember all that?!

Uh... Chloe? Can't we just knock him out and get past that way?

Oh? So that's how it's going to be.

Comms are restricted in this zone. However, I'm equipped with a military-grade communication module.

That means I can report you as intruders, but you have no way to call for help.

Furthermore, only the duty officer has the access code to call the elevator, the only way in or out. I'm the only one on duty.

Urgh. That's a threat!

So prove it! Prove your identity!

Or, you know, I might be persuaded to look the other way if you bring me something I like. Hahaha.

Wait, come over here.

So. I don't think we're getting in the regular way.

What do you mean? Do you not have anything like an ID... or registration number?

C'mon, who carries stuff like that around? It's obviously at home.

In that case, do you have anybody you can call? You know, like that Isabella person you namedropped earlier?

He said this is a communication dead zone. And... I'm not sure I'd be able to reach Isabella anyway...

More importantly... did you hear him? It might just be faster to bring that robot something he likes.

Hmm... What do robots like?

I spotted a scrap pile with some useful salvage on our way here.

I'm sure we'll be able to find something there. Let's go!

Check this out! It's high-quality lubricant! Let's see if he wants it.

Ugh, there's nothin' much here.

What the...? This is really just trash.

Yuck, it stinks! Why would you pick that up?! Get rid of it! Hurry!

This is empty. Let's look for somethin' else.

Nope. This is just trash.

Alright. Did you bring proof?

Th-this is...!

What do you think? You won't need to worry about high-voltage cable wear for a while.

I thought this stuff was extinct! Wow, such high quality... Alright. I like it.

Good. Okay then, hurry up and call the elevator.

The elevator...?

That's a no! Your identities still haven't been verified.

Plus, judging by their getup, your companions aren't even Nirvanian!

What? Give that back then!

Oh dear, you're a bit of a dim bulb, aren't you? You don't want to get on my bad side.

Chloe, stop. Let's go look for another gift.

Let's ask the other robots around here for ideas.

Discussing your corruption right in front of me? Still, good to know at least one of you has some synapses firing!

Alright. Wait here, and we'll be right back!

Agh! What kind of robot demands bribes?! He should totally be reported!

What? He asked for proof?

He probably has a screw loose again.

If he keeps this up, he'll be scrapped soon. That fool.

Anyway! Do you know what that tin can could want?

No idea. T-200 has the shift right after his, though, so she might know something.

So basically, you have no idea.

No, so please give me some privacy! I'm charging right now!

Indeed! You must navigate life like T-13!

The wisdom that allowed him to survive with such old modules. I need to learn that.

So what does the old piece of junk want?!

Oh, yes. There was a chest that he really wanted to open!

He never told me what was inside it, but it's clear he really wants it.

Where is that chest?

Do you see that antenna there? It should be near there.

But it'll be useless. I heard that it's impossible to open.

A chest that's impossible to open...? Hm... Thanks anyway.

Chloe. That must be the chest!

Urgh... It won't budge.

And we don't know how to open it...

Hehe. I guess we have no choice then. Let's smash it in one go!

Ch-Chloe? You can't break what's inside. You got that, right?

A high-performance motion sensor? Whoa! This is brand new!

Alright, did you find a way to actually prove you're from New Nirvan this time?

Ah! This is...!

Where did you get this?

Oh, clearly we've found something you really need.

Well, lately... I've been told my reaction time isn't what it used to be.

Anyway, to prove that you are from New Nirvan...

Huh? No way! What more do you expect from us?!

These results are more than sufficient.

A city of people who find a way no matter what! That's New Nirvan.

I'll unlock the elevator for you. Pile in before I send it up without you!

Yesss! Alright!

C'mon, let's go! Everyone will be so happy to see you!

-.-- .. .--. .--. . .